Continental Tire North America, Inc.

Gary Paul Zolton

George E Gast, Jr

Kenneth J Gormish

Henry Buel Edwards, Ii

A method for directional force correction of pneumatic tires that simultaneously corrects radial and tangential force exerted by the tire. The method allows for the correction of tangential force regardless of the rotational direction of the tire. This invention accomplishes this end through an improved force correction technique, wherein at least two rotary grinders are employed. In the inventive method, the rotational direction of one grinder is reversed in relation to the rotational direction of the other grinder(s). Therefore, at least one grinder will engage the tire in an 'up-grinding' manner, and at least one grinder will engage the tire in a 'down-grinding' manner. The result is that across the width of the tire's tread surface, some tread blocks will have a &#x201c;heel-to-toe&#x201d; appearance, while others will appear &#x201c;toe-to-heel.&#x201d; The effect is that, no matter what direction the tire is rotating while in use on an automobile, tangential force variation has been reduced.

Method for force correction

A method for directional force correction of pneumatic tires that simultaneously corrects radial and tangential force exerted by the tire. The method allows for the correction of tangential force regardless of the rotational direction of the tire. This invention accomplishes this end through an improved force correction technique, wherein at least two rotary grinders are employed. In the inventive method, the rotational direction of one grinder is reversed in relation to the rotational direction of the other grinder(s). Therefore, at least one grinder will engage the tire in an &ldquo;up-grinding&rdquo; manner, and at least one grinder will engage the tire in a &ldquo;down-grinding&rdquo; manner. The result is that across the width of the tire's tread surface, some tread blocks will have a &ldquo;heel-to-toe&rdquo; appearance, while others will appear &ldquo;toe-to-heel.&rdquo; The effect is that, no matter what direction the tire is rotating while in use on an automobile, tangential force variation has been reduced.

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Cornelius, NC, United States of America

Gary Paul Zolton