Robert E Cronin

US Patent:

53913426, Feb 21, 1995

Filed:

Feb 17, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/018650

Inventors:

Dale R. Moody - Dana Point CA
Robert A. Cronin - Irvine CA

Assignee:

Heico Aluminum Products, Inc. - Akron OH

International Classification:

B29C 4340
B29C 4708

US Classification:

2642102

Abstract:

A method is provided for forming an apex filler including extruding a substantially linear elastomeric strip having a base and a pair of sidewalls converging from the base to an apex. The sidewalls of the elastomeric strip are then engaged with a nip presented by a pair of opposed frusto-conical rollers and a base support. The rollers are rotated to work the elastomeric strip whereby the base of the strip is rotated at a first linear speed, the apex is rotated at a second, greater speed and the sidewalls are rotated at linear speeds substantially proportional to the distance from the base to the apex, thereby forming an apex filler.

US Patent:

52039382, Apr 20, 1993

Filed:

Nov 12, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/791043

Inventors:

Dale R. Moody - Dana Point CA
Robert A. Cronin - Irvine CA

Assignee:

Heico Aluminum Products, Inc. - Akron OH

International Classification:

B29D 3050

US Classification:

156136

Abstract:

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming an apex filler (13). The invention also provides a method and apparatus that is uniquely adapted for applying an apex filler (13) onto a bead ring sub-assembly (14) without the introduction of stresses at the outer edge (50) of the apex filler (13). The apex filler forming apparatus (10) works in conjunction with an extruder (43) which presents a linear strip (42) of elastomeric material having a pre-determined cross-section. A pair of opposed, forming rollers (33) present a nip (35) therebetween. Means (36) are provided to rotate the rollers (33). Rotation of the forming rollers (33) causes the nip (35) frictionally to engage the elastomeric strip (42). The interaction between the elastomeric strip (42) and the nip (35) effects rotary motion of the elastomeric strip (42) and increases the circumferential length of the elastomeric strip (42) proportionally to the radial distance outwardly from the base (49) thereof. The apex forming mechanism (10) is operative in conjunction with an apex filler applying apparatus (11) to apply the apex filler (13) formed from the elastomeric strip (42) onto the radially outer surface (46) of a bead ring sub-assembly (14).

US Patent:

49575759, Sep 18, 1990

Filed:

Mar 31, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/332252

Inventors:

Robert A. Cronin - Irvine CA

Assignee:

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company - Akron OH

International Classification:

B29D 3058

US Classification:

156126

Abstract:

A method of clamping an annular tread to a pneumatic tire casing comprises mounting the casing on a wheel, mounting the annular tread on a tread expander assembly. The assembly expands radially and stretches the tread to a size allowing the tread to circumferentially surround the casing. The stretched annular tread then is moved axially toward the casing to a position where it circumferentially surrounds and is centered on the casing. The casing and stretched tread is encircled with a clamping assembly and, with use of such assembly and without rotating the casing or tread relative to such clamping assembly, the stretched, annular tread is clamped to the casing at a number of points. Pads in the clamping assembly then are retracted, and the annular tread is transferred from the supporting device onto the casing by moving the supporting device axially away from the casing.

US Patent:

51004976, Mar 31, 1992

Filed:

Jan 31, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/648898

Inventors:

Dale R. Moody - Dana Point CA
Robert A. Cronin - Irvine CA

Assignee:

Steelastic West, Inc. - Buena Park CA

International Classification:

B29D 3048

US Classification:

156460

Abstract:

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming an apex filler (13). The invention also provides a method and apparatus that is uniquely adapted for applying an apex filler (13) onto a bead ring sub-assembly (14) without the introduction of stresses at the outer edge (50) of the apex filler (13). The apex filler forming apparatus (10) works in conjunction with an extruder (43) which presents a linear strip (42) of elastomeric material having a pre-determined cross-section. A pair of opposed, forming rollers (33) present a nip (35) therebetween. Means (36) are provided to rotate the rollers (33). Rotation of the forming rollers (33) causes the nip (35) frictionally to engage the elastomeric strip (42). The interaction between the elastomeric strip (42) and the nip (35) effects rotary motion of the elastomeric strip (42) and increases the circumferential length of the elastomeric strip (42) proportionally to the radial distance outwardly from the base (49) thereof. The apex forming mechanism (10) is operative in conjunction with an apex filler applying apparatus (11) to apply the apex filler (13) formed from the elastomeric strip (42) onto the radially outer surface (46) of a bead ring sub-assembly (14).