Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.a.

Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin

Adib Tony Chebli

Metodi Lubenov Ikonomov

Cesar Enrique Zarak

Metodi L Ikonomov

Michael Collins Chandler

Timothy Brett Rhyne

Steven M Cron

Brian Douglas Wilson

E Bruce Colby

John E Hommerson

The present invention is related to a method and an apparatus for curing a polymeric form. The method includes arranging an uncured polymeric form within a curing chamber () formed by a base member () and a constraining member (). A thermal expansion member () is additionally positioned within the curing chamber () with the uncured polymeric form () such that the thermal expansion member and the uncured polymeric form are positioned between the base member () and the constraining member (). The thermal expansion member () is heated to expand in size into an expanded state. In the expanded state the thermal expansion member () applies pressure to the uncured polymeric form () within the curing chamber. The expansion of the thermal expansion member () is maintained to maintain the application of pressure to the uncured polymeric form while the uncured polymeric form is being cured to form a cured polymeric form.

Method of curing a polymeric form and curing device for polymeric materials using thermal expansion

The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for spreading beads in a tire. Particular embodiments of such methods include securing at least a portion of a first bead of the tire and positioning a tire spreader within the central opening of the tire, the tire spreader having a bead engaging portion for engaging a portion of a second bead generally opposite the secured portion of the first bead. Such methods may further include automatically translating the bead engaging portion of the tire spreader generally in an axial direction of the tire to displace the engaged portion of the second bead a desired distance to increase the distance between the opposing beads to form a widened interior cavity opening.

Tire spreader for tire repair

A method and apparatus for removing a section from a tire is disclosed. The method and apparatus are configured so that one side of a saw blade used to cut a section from a tire is treated by dulling. The treatment allows for the removal of a section of a tire so cords embedded in various layers of the tire are protected from damage and the surface texture surrounding the removed section of the tire is adequate for repair.

Method for removing a section from a tire using a saw blade

Particular embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for deforming a tire sidewall. Such methods include the step of providing a tire having at least one sidewall connected to a corresponding bead. A further step includes constraining at least one of the sidewall and bead from moving laterally toward the other. Yet another step of such methods includes engaging the sidewall with an inclined member. Another step of such methods includes moving at lest one of the sidewall and bead in a lateral direction away from the other until the sidewall is laterally deformed into a laterally deformed configuration.

Methods and apparatus for deflecting and supporting a tire sidewall

Exemplary embodiments of the subject invention comprise methods and apparatus concerning balanced abrading of a tire surface by an abrading tool. Such an abrading tool may comprise a pair of counter-rotating, driven abrading members, each of the abrading members having a rotational axis generally extending laterally across the tool, the abrading members being spaced apart in a lateral direction of the tool by a desired distance, each of the abrading members having an abrading surface defined by at least one outer diameter, the abrading surface extending axially relative to the rotational axis of the abrading member, wherein each of the abrading has a shaft upon which each abrading member is arranged, each of the shafts being adapted to be driven by a driving source. The tool further includes a body to which each shaft and abrading member is attached.

Balanced abrading tool and methods for abrading

The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for spreading beads in a tire. Particular embodiments of such methods include positioning a tire adjacent an automated material abrading tool, the tire having: a central opening bounded radially by an inner bead diameter; an interior tire cavity extending radially outward from the inner bead diameter; and an interior tire cavity opening extending between opposing an annular beads of the tire, the cavity being positioned between the central cavity and the interior tire cavity. Such methods may also include securing at least a portion of the first bead of the tire and positioning a tire spreader within the central opening of the tire, the tire spreader having a bead engaging portion for engaging a portion of the second bead generally opposite the secured portion of the first bead.

A cable depth gauge and method for determining the depth of a cable embedded in a sidewall of a tire, the cable depth gauge comprising an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having an indicator point set to reference a surface of the tire, the elongate body having a width to determine eligibility if the repair hole being examined meets the minimum size for the repair process and a first measuring region and a second measuring region located at the proximal end of the elongate body, the first measuring region and the second measuring region being at a known distance from the indicator point.

Tire carcass cable depth gauge and method of use

Methods, computer program products, and apparatus for stitching the interior surface of a tire, the steps of the method including rotating the tire about a central rotational axis, applying a force to maintain the tire in a substantially radial fixed position relative to a stitching wheel; applying a predetermined force to the interior surface of the tire with the stitching wheel, the stitching wheel contacting the interior surface of the tire while the tire is rotating; and, mechanically translating the stitching wheel laterally across the interior of the tire during tire rotation.

Methods and apparatus for stitching tire patches

A method and apparatus for determining the depth of a metal feature in a rubber or elastomeric material is provided. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the depth of e.g., a metal cable in a tire. A sensor that changes state within range of the metal feature is used to determine the depth of such feature in the material without the necessity of deconstructing the material.

Method and apparatus for determining the depth of a metal feature in a rubber or elastomeric material

A tire work station and system for selectively holding a tire having work performed thereon in a side orientation or a front orientation. The tire work station comprises a work platform mounted to a vertically adjustable pedestal having a first support system and a second support system. The first support system comprising a pair of tread rollers inclined at a first inclined angle Aand further forming a second angle Awith a pair of sidewall rollers. The sidewall rollers spaced apart to define a passageway for the tire in its front orientation. The second support system mounted between the pair of tread rollers, comprising a tread support surface at a first distance from a top surface of the work platform lower than a support surface of the pair of tread rollers at a second distance from the top surface of the work platform.

Fast transfer tire work station

Automated treatment operations for preparing the inner surface of a tire for patch application is provided. One exemplary method includes the steps of locating the tire on a tire support, identifying a target area for preparing that is located on the inner surface of the tire, scanning the target area so as to acquire data regarding the inner surface of the tire at the target area, determining a treatment path using the data regarding the inner surface of the tire, treating the inside of the tire by removing material using a treatment tool, and positioning the treatment tool along the treatment path during the treating step.

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Greer, SC, United States of America

Adib Tony Chebli