CA1116395A

CA1116395A - System for producing self-healing tires

Info

Publication number: CA1116395A
Application number: CA000291620A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Kenneth L. Tacke; Lyle D. Galbraith; Hudson Stewart; Jon M. Congdon
Original assignee: Rockcor Inc
Current assignee: Rockcor Inc
Priority date: 1976-11-26
Filing date: 1977-11-24
Publication date: 1982-01-19
Also published as: GB1598797A; IT1090702B; JPS53111378A; FR2372020B1; FR2372020A1

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A system for producing self-healing tires is described wherein the tire is positioned at a tire sealant application station and rotated during application of the sealant. A sealant applica-tion means is positioned inside the tire by a pendulum arm and carriage assembly. After sealant application is complete, the tire is moved axially away from the station and rotation thereof is continued to prevent running or pooling of the sealant.

Description

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SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING SELF-E~EALING TIRES

Background of the Invention This invention relates to systems and methods for producing self-healing tires and to tire cleaners and seal-ant applicators suited for use therewith.
Tire cleaners are used in the production of self-healing tires to remove mold release compounds and contamin-ants from the interior surfaces of the tire in preparation for application of an air barrier coating or sealant. Self-healing tires typically include a sealant or air barrier com-position which is applied to the tire interior by spray appli-cation to the interior tire surfaces underlying the tread area, usually with gradual feathering into the sidewalls.
Until this invention, however, tires of this type were fabri-cated using uneconomical application techniques which did not afford automatic or mass production treatment of a large number of tires.

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_ mmary of the Invention The cleaner of this invention affords highly effective, yet economical tire cleaning by moving tires with respect to stationary or fixed position tire clean-ing means whlch are insertable within the tire casing by appropriate movement of the tire while simultaneously spreading the tire beads, if necessary, to admit the cleaning means into the tire interior. The applicator includes two elongated conveyor rollers arranged in parallel alignment and inclined from a sealant applica-tion station toward a tire unloading station. The rol-lers simultaneously rotate a series of tires about a common axis with one end tire adjacent a tire sealant application station and the other end tire adjacent a tire unloading station. Following unloading of the latter end tire, the rollers advance each tire toward the unloading station while maintaining coaxial rotation thereof so that, upon arrival at a predetermined posi tion of advancement, preferably the unloading station, sealant applied to each tire is properly cured and dis-tributed. After each tlre advan~ement, a fresh tire may be positioned at the application station and the application and advancement steps repeated. According to further aspects of the invention, the tires are ro-tated coaxially in side-by-side engagement with one another and, in this way, form a coaxial passageway through which air flow can be established in order to extract evaporating solvent produced during the sealant curing process.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, a tire is movable vertically with respect to the cleaning means by an elevator which supports and rotates the tire adjacent -the cleaning means during the cleaning process. At the beginning of each clean-ing cycle, a horizontal conveyor receives a fresh tire and moves it into position to be lifted by the elevator.
At the termination of each cleaning cycle, the conveyor receives- a cleaned tire from the elevator and discharges it prior to receiving a fresh tire for a subsequent cleaning cycle.
~ According to further aspects of the invention, `` the cleaning means includes a powered brush which is mounted from a fixed position support frame for trans-verse movement within the tire at a selected contact pressure with an interior tire surface, together with ~,, .
fluid application and removal apparatus. Movable spreader rollers engage and spread the tire beads to admit the brush into the tire interior during elevation of the tire by the elevator. Fixed guide rollers engage the tire when completely elevated and assist the spreader rollers in maintaining the tire vertical and in proper alignment with the brush during rotation by the elevator.
The elevator further provides a flat tire support sur-face corresponding in width to the width of the tire tread and underlying the brush contact area. The sup-port surface preferably is movable and is constituted by the outer surface of an endless belt which, when ro-tated, imparts rotational motion to the tire with re-spect to the brush. In this instance, the spreader and guide rollers maintain the tire in fixed transla-tional position with respect to the belt, while simul-taneously therewith permitting the tire to rotate with respect to the brush during cleaning.
The applicator further includes a movable sealant applicator for effec-ting airless spray appli-cation of sealant to a tire, together with a control system for controlling the position thereof. While preferably the tires are unloaded automatically by a kicker a-ssembly and fresh tires are positioned manu-ally at the application station, either or both oper-ations could be effected automatically or manually, as the case may be, for use in a fully or partially automated fabrication of self-healing tires.
In system for producing self-healing tires, this invention utilizes the aforementioned tire cleaner in combination with the tire sealant applicator. The system may further include appropriate heating means for heating a tire after cleaning and before sealant application, after sealant application, or both, de-pending upon the type of cleaning agent used, sealant used, temperature conditions and other factors.

Brief Description oE the Drawings Fig. 1 is a rear side perspective view of the system for producing self-healing tires according to this invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tire cleaner with parts broken away;
Fig. 3 is a front end elevation of the Fig.

2 cleaner;

Fig. 4 is a rear side perspective view in enlarged scale of the cleaning head of the Fig. 2 cleaner;

Fig. 5 is a rear side elevation of the Fig. 4 cleaning head, depicting a tire in position for cleaning;
Fig. 6 is a schema~ic outline of the Fig. 2 cleaner, depicting the tire drawer open and supporting a fresh tire, with the elevator lowered;
Fig. 7 is a schematic outline generally similar to Fig. 6, depicting the tire drawer closed, and supporting a fresh tire in coaxial alignment with the cleaning head, with the elevator lowered;
Fig. 8 is a schematic outline generally similar to Fig. 6, depicting the tire drawer closed, with the ele-vator raised and supporting a tire in position for clean-ing with the cleaning head admitted into the tire between spread apart tire beads.
Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram of the con-trol system of the Fig. 2 cleaner;
Fig. lO is a timing diagram depicting operation of the Fig. 2 cleaner.
Fig. ll is a perspective view of the tire sealant applicator of this invention with parts broken away, together with a block diagram representation of the system for pro-ducing self-healing tires according to this invention;
Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the Fig. ll appli-cator, with parts broken away;
Fig. 13 is a fragmentary side elevation generally similar to Fig. 12 but partially in section and on enlarged scale;
Fig.14A is a fragmentary perspective on an enlarged scale of the spray applicator of the Fig. ll applicator, depicting the spray applicator in its lowered advanced appli-cation position;
Fig. 14B is a fragmentary perspective generally ~;5.

similar to Fiy. 14A, depicting the spray applica-tor in its raised advanced position;
Fig. 14C is a fragmentary perspective generally similar to Fig. 14A, depicting the spray applicator in its raised retracted rest posi-tion;
Fi~. 14D is a fragmentary perspective generally similar to Fig. 14~, depicting the spray applicator in its lowered retracted purge position;
Fig. 15 is a section taken along the line 5-5 in Fig. 12;
Fig. 16 is a schematic block diagram of the con-trol system of the Fig. 11 applicator;
Fig. 17 is a timing diagram depicting operation of thè Fig. 11 applicator.
Detailed Description of the Drawings The system and method for producing self-healing tires according to this invention, together with the tire cleaner for use therewith, are illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The Fig. 1 cleaner removes mold release agents, band ply lubricants and other contaminants from the interior surface or surfaces of a tire in preparation for subsequent sealant application. In the illustrated example, tires are manually loaded into a horizontally mov-able tire drawer (generally referenced by numeral 10) in which a tire is supported vertically between opposed ver-tical support plates 12, 14 and rests upon fixed horizon-tal support member 16 and retractable horizontal stop 18.
(The tire drawer is illustrated in Fig. 1 in its open or retracted position, and is illustrated in Fig. 2 with parts broken away in its closed or advanced position.) In the open position of drawer 10, the tire is spaced from but aligned coaxially with a stationary cleaning head ~gener-ally referenced by numeral 20) as depicted schematically in Fig. 6; in the closed position of drawer 10, the clean-ing head is inserted wi-thin the tire wheel opening in coax-ial alignment therewith and is spaced radially from the tire beads and adjacent interior surfaces. Although the drawer is movable manually between its open and closed posltions, it could be moved correspondingly by suitable automatic drive means if desired.
Following loading of a fresh tire and closure of the tire drawer as illustrated schematically in Figs. 6 and 7, an elevator (generally referenced by numeral 22) lifts the tire from the tire drawer and moves it vertically toward the stationary cleaning head, as depicted schemati-cally in Fig. 8. The cleaniny head 20 is mounted in fixed vertical alignment with elevator 22. It includes two mov-able spreader rollers 24, 26 (Fig. 4~ for engaging and spreading the tire beads a distance sufficient to admit a powered cleaning brush 28, along with cleaning fluid appli-cation and removal apparatus, into the tire interior dur-ing such vertical movement of the tire by the elevator.
(The spreader rollers are illustrated in Fig. 4 in position ready for engagement with a tire and are illustrated in Fig.
5 in their spread apart position.) The elevator further supports and rotates the tire with respect to the brush during cleaning while the spreader rollers, together with four additional fixed guide rollers, 30, 32, 34, 36, main-tain the tire vertical and in alignment with the brush while preventing translational movement of the tire along the elevator. Following tire cleaning, the elevator lowers the cleaned tire and repositions it upon the tire drawer which thereupon may be moved back toward its open or retracted position of Fig. 1. The tire then may be discharged bv retracting stop 18 manually and allowing the tire to drop upon an inclined discharge ramp 38 (partially shown in Fig.
2) along which the tire rolls downward (to the right as illus-trated in Fig. 2) and out the rear discharge end of -the cleaner. To accommodate tires of different sizes, the posi-tion of stop 3~ may be varied along elongated slot 39. The stop 18, of course, could be retracted automatically, or appropri-ately automated tire unloading apparatus substituted for stop 18, or ramp 38, or both.
In a system for producing self-healing tires, the Fig. l cleaner may be combined with appropriate sealant application apparatus 40. If required by the type of clean-ing agent used, sealant used, temperature conditions and other factors, of course, appropriate heating apparatus 41 may be provided for hea-ting the tires subsequent to cleaning and prior to sealant application. Likewise, addi-tional heating apparatus 43 may be provided for heating the tire subsequent to sealant application. The applicator pro-vides a sealant application station adjacent one end thereof, a tire unloading station adjacent the other end thereof, and an intervening sealant cure station. The applicator includes two elongated conveyor rollers 210, 212 arranged in parallel alignment and inclined from the application station toward the unloading station. These rollers simultaneously rotate a series of tires (referenced Tl-T10 in Figs. 11, 12) in the same direction about a common axis in side-by-side engagement with one end tire adjacent the application station and the other end tire adjacent the unloading station. A movable sealant applicator (generally referenced by numeral 214) is located adjacent the application station for effecting air-less spray application of a suitable tire sealant to end tire Tl during rotation thereof. A movable tire unloader or kicker assembly (generally referenced by numeral 216~ is located adjacent the unloading station for unloading end tire T10 by engaging and movingit transversely to the com-mon tire axis out of coa~.ial alignment with remaining tires Tl-T9. Following unloading of tire T10, tires Tl-T9 advance in series toward the position previously occupied by tire T10 and in this way make room along side now-advanced tire T1 for ]oading of a fresh tire adjacen-t the application station in the position formerly occupied by ti.re Tl. In the example, fresh tires are positioned or loaded manually at the application station, although automatic loading appar-atus could be used, if desired.
Thus, it will be appreciated that the sealant applied to the respective tires Tl-T10 will be in various stagesofset-up or cure, depending upon the position of a certain tire between the sealant application station and the unloading station during passage thereof through the sealant cure station. It is possible, therefore, by unload-ing tires Tl-T10 at predetermined time intervals, to effec-tively control the time during which each tire is advanced from the sealant application station to the unloading sta-tion through the sealant cure station. In the illustrated example, the tires are conveyed from the application station to the unloading station for a time period which is suffi-cient to allow the sealant applied to set-up or substan-tially cure and which preferably represents a certain mul-tiple of the time required to effect sealant application and advancement with respect to each tire. In the example, ten tires are treated simultaneously for a period of about ten (10) minutes -- sealant application and tire advance-ment each consuming about thirty (30) seconds elapsed time.
In other instances, of course, these time periods could vary, depending upon tire size, sealant application time required, type of sealant and other factors.
In a system for producing self-healing tires, the applicator may be combined with the tire cleaning apparatus and, if required by the type of cleaning apparatus or seal-ant used, appropriate pre-heat apparatus 41. In this in-stance, each tire may be maintained under coaxial rotation-al conditions therein with respect to a series of tires us-ing conveyor rollers 210', 212' generally similar to rollers 210, 212. For use with liquid cleaning apparatus, the ap-paratus 40 effects removal oE residual water and cleansers from the now cleaned tire in preparation for sealant appli-cation. The preheated cleaned tire is thereupon delivered by suitable means to the sealant application station. Upon completion of the aforementioned sealant application, cure and unloading operations, each tire may be delivered to an additional heating apparatus 43, depending upon the condi-tion of the sealant upon completion of the aforementioned operations and maintained under coaxial rotational condi-tions therein with respect to a series of tires using con-veyor rollers 210, l'212" generally similar to rollers 210, 212.
In the illustrated example, the applicator ad-ditionally maintains the tires in side-by-side engagement, as shown (Figs. 11, 12), except during the advancement following unloading of end tire T10. During such advance-ment, the remaining tires Tl-T9 undulate transversely and, in effect, "walk" down the inclined rollers 210, 212 toward _g_ the unloading station. At other times, therefore, the tires define a coaxial gas passage for axial alignment with duct 222 through which evaporated solvent, if any ; may be extracted, discharged and/or recovered by suit-able solvent recovery appara-tus 226 (Fig. 11). Such solvent recovery additionally may be efEected with respect to heating apparatus 41, as indicated schema-tically.
In the illustrated example, the tire sealant or fluid air barrier is formed by a two component cata-lyzed sealant, the components being referenced generally in Fig. 11 as sealant A and sealant B. These components are routed via separate control valves 228, 230 and màni-fold 232 to a mixing chamber 234 in which they are mixed immediately prior to spray application. The now mixed sealant components are then fed by a high pressure hose ~ 235 via spray valve 236 (Fig. 14A) to applicator 214 ; which effects airless spray application thereof. Follow-ing application to the tire interior, the sealant is main-tained in position until it gels by centrifugal force pro-duced b~ tire rotation~ thereby yielding a uniform coating inside the tire which does not tend to alter tire balance.
The rotational velocity of the tire during such sealant application, of course should be selected to maintain the sealant in position until it gels and, in the illus-trated example, the tire is therefore rotated through mul-6 tip`le revolutions during each spray cycle. Conse~uently, multiple thin coats of sealant are applied to the tire interior surfaces. Although a two component or two-part sealant is depicted in the illustrated example, it will be recogni~ed that other appropriate sealants or liquid air barriers may be used in this invention, if desired.
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~ gs In those applications in which one or both com-ponents of the sealant utilized require application of heat thereto prior to mixing or application thereof to a tire, a heat exchanger or other appropriate heating means may be provided. In the illustrated example, a tubular heat ex-changer 237 of conventional design and construction is positioned adjacent the Fig. ll.applicator with its output end adjacent the application station. The illustrated heat exchanger causes heat to be transferred from input steam to sealant component A in conventional fashion. Sealant component A first is delivered under pressure to the heat exchanger input indicated and, following passage through the heat exchanger, is in turn routed to valve 228, as shown (Fig. 12). In those applications requiring solvent and/or air purge, an additional input valve 239 may be pro-vided in communicatlon with manifold 232 for receipt of solvent and/or air for purging the sealant system made up of the manifold 232, mixer 234, hose 234, and applicator 214, as will be described presently.
Referring now in particular to Figs. 2 and 3, the cleaner includes a base structure made up of two re-duced height vertical corner members 40, 42; two full-height vertical corner members 44, 46; and horizontal transverse brace members 47 therebetween. Upper and lower horizontal mounting members 49, 51 are secured between corner members 44, 46 and support a mount 48 which mounts the cleaning head 20 1n the fixed position illustrated.
The upper end of ramp 38 is mounted from L-shaped member 49 secured to the base structure, as shown (Figs. 2, 3). The lower end of ramp 38 (not shown) is similar~y supported.
Still referring to Figs. 2 and 3, tire drawer 10 includes a tire supporting frame made up of vertical mem-bers 52, 54, 56, 58; upper and lower horizontal side members60, 62; member 16; and upper horizontal end members 64, 66 respectively projecting -toward one another from the upper ends oE members 54 and 56, as shown (Fig. 2). End members 64, 66 terminate at sufficient transverse spacing that a tire may pass therebetween as it rolls down and off the ramp 38. The tire support frame is mounted upon lower hori-zontal drawer slide members 68, 70 secured to the lower ends of members 52, 54, 56 and 58, as shown (Fig. 2). Horizon-tal V-guides 72, 74 are respectively secured by bolt con-nectors 76 or other appropriate means to members 68, 70.
Horizontal roller mounting members 78, 80 project trans-versely from the aforementioned base structure and mount opposed pairs of V-type guide rollers 82 which engage and rotatively support the guide rails for horizontal recipro-cative movement of the drawer.
Still referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the elevator is constituted by a movable endless belt 84, the upper run of which forms a horizontal tire support surface corres-ponding in width approximately to the width of the tire tread, as shown (Fig. 5). The belt is mounted by and is movable rotatively by two horizontally spaced guide rollers 86, 88. The guide rollers 86, 88 are supported rotatively for rotational movement about respective transverse hori-zontal axes by mounting shafts 90, 92, the ends of which are mounted between two transversely spaced apart horizon-tal elevator support members 94 (one member not shown) by opposed pairs of pillow blocks 96. The belt 84 is driven about rollers 86, 88 by drive motor 97 which is connected with roller 86 by a drive belt 99, as shown (Fig. 2). A
suitable pneumatic clutch controls the driving effor-t ap-plied by motor 97 to belt 84.

The elevator belt and attendant support members are movable vertically between a lowered position (Fig. 7) and an elevated position (Fig. 8). The support members 94 are mounted by intermediate inclined connector structure 95 from a movable carriage made up of vertical members 98, 100, 102, 104; lower horizontal members lOS, 107; upper inclined members 106, 108; and connecting brace member 110 secured to structure 95. Members 105, 106, 107, 108 rotatively support appropriate V-type guide rollers 112. These rollers ride up and down along respective vertical V-type guide rails 114, 116 which are mounted by vertical elevator slide members 118, 120 upstanding from members 78 and 80. The upper ends of members 118, 120 are secured to members 44, 46 by braces 122, 124. The belt and its attendant support members are movable vertically along guide rails 114, 116 by a double acting reciprocative actuator 126 (Fig. 3) mounted vertically by the base frame underneath and connected to member 110. At the elevated position of Fig. 8, the upper surface of member 110 engages and is positioned by a stationary stop 128 (Fig. 2) threadably mounted by member 122, as shown (Fig. 2). Stop 128 limits and, hence, effec-tively determines the elevated position of the elevator.
In order to accommodate tires of varying sizes, this stop is adjustable vertically in order to adjust the elevated position of the elevator accordingly.
During cleaning, the tire is rotated by the drive belt at a selected rotational velocity, depending upon the type and size of the tire being cleaned. The spreader rol-lers, in combination with the guide rollers, maintain the tire vertical and in pxoper alignment with the brush during cleaning. These rollers further maintain the tire in a fixed translational position with respect to the cleaning head i~

brush 28; yet permit the tire to rotate with respect to the brush during cleaning. The tire support surface for-med by the illustrated belt constuction further affords stable support ~or the tire in underlying relation to the point of contact of brush 28 with the tire interior sur-face being cleaned.
The cleaning head of this invention will now be described in Eurther detail with reference to Fi~s. 4 and 5. Referring first to Fig. 4, the movable spreader rollers 24, 26 are supported by a scissors linkage made up of sup-port arms 130, 132 respectively secured rotatively thereto.
The upper ends of these arms are pivotally mounted adjacent the rear interior face of mount 48 by respective pins 134 and associated pivot blocks 135 secured to mount 48 by bolts 137 through slots 144 (mount associated with arm 132 not shown). Arms 130, 132 are thus movable relatively about spaced apart pivot points along respective substan-tially coincident vertical planes. The intermediate por-tions of these arms include elongated slots 136, 138. A
pin connector 140 extends through these slots and maintains them in adjacent registry so that, when rollers 24, 26 are subjected to respective vertical forces in response to engagement with respective opposed tire beads during ele-vation o~ a tire, the rollers and their respective support arms will swing oppositely about connector 140 along respec-tive arcuate paths, thereby spreading the tire beads toward the fully spread position illustrated in Fig. 5. At this position, the guide rollers 30, 32, 34, 36 engage the upper edges of the tire beads and positively position the tire adjacent the cleaning head. These rollers are supported in pairs from the end faces of mount 48 by fixed double arm supports 142 secured to mount 48 by bolts 143 (Fig. 5).

To accommodate tires of varyiny sizes, the spreader roller support pins 134 may be secured at selected positions by adjustment of blocks 135 and bolts 137 along slots 144 (one slot not shown) in order -to vary the arcuate paths travelled by rollers 24, 26, or the guide rollers may be secured at selected vert.icalpositions along vertical slots 146 by adjustment of supports 142 and bolts 143.
- The brush 2~ is suspended pivotally below mount 48 to swing with respect thereto about a horizontal pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a tire adjacent the cleaning head. A motor 148 drives the brush about a rotational axis below and parallel to this pivot axis. In the illustrated example, the brush is so suspended by a double acting reciprocative actuator 150.
The upper end of actuator 150 is pivotally supported from the top surface of mount 48 by a horizontal pivot shaft 152, the ends of which are supported rotatively by pillow blocks 154, 156. The actuator 150 extends vertically down-ward through an appropriate opening (not shown) in mount 48 and is secured to the brush motor 148. This actuator applies a downward force to the brush for selectively con-trolling the brush scrubbing or contact pressure applied to the interior tire surface being cleaned. The brush is moved arcuately about the pivot axis of shaft 152 by a double acting reciprocative actuator 158 mounted underneath mount 48 in transverse alignment with and connected to actuator 150. In the illustrated example, actuators 150 and 158 are constituted by double acting reciprocative air cylinders, and motor 148 is constituted by a reversible air motor. Actuators 150 and 158 and motor 148 are sup-plied with pressurized air by lines 159 (Fig. l).
Referring now to ~'ig~ 5 in particular, the brush as thus supported can be swung transversely by actuator 158 within a tire along the aforementioned arcuate path in con-tact with the tire interior surface at a contact pressure which is selectively controllable by appropriate operation of ac-tuator 150. The brush is swung back and forth within the tire as depicted in Fig. 5. To this end, actuator 158 is extended and contracted in alternate sequence. A piston rod posi-tion indicator 160 (Fig. 3) is mounted for conjoint movement by arm 162 with the actuator piston rod. Spaced apart sensors 164, 166 depend from mount 48 and sense the position of the indicator 160 and, in combination with the Fig. ~ control system, cause the aforementioned operation of actuator 158. To control or adjust the extent of such arcuate movement of the brush, the positions of sensors, 164, 166 may be adjustable with respect to actuator 158 by securing them to mount 48 at selected positions using slot-ted bolt attachments 168, as shown (Fig. 3) -- the greater the spacing between sensors 164, 166, the greater the arc travelled by the brush/ and vice versa.
In the illustrated example, the brush further is driven alternately in opposite directions of rotation, depending upon the direction in which the brush is moving within the tire. Preferably, the brush is driven in a di-rection of rotation which corresponds to the direction of movement of the brush within the tire so that the brush in effect "walks" along the interior tire surface. Upon com-pletion of each ~ransverse brush path, the limits of which are depicted in broken lines in Fig. 5, the direction of brush rotation is reversed and the brush is "walked" in a reverse direction towards the opposite side of the tire.
The cleaning fluid application and removal appar-atus first applies a detergent-water solution to the inter-ior tire surface prior to initiation of the scrubbing pro-cess by brush 28. This solution suspends the material be-ing removed from the tire in-terior and at the same time provides brush lubrication. The apparatus further, upon completion of the scrubbing process, removes the now dirty solution and then automatically rinses the tire interior with fresh water. Both fluids are removed Erom the tire interior by vacuum application.
Referring now in partiuclar to Figs. 4 and 5, the detergent~water solution is delivered to the tire interior via a detergent addition line 170. Rinse water is deliv-ered to the tire interior via line 172 and is applied there-to by spaced apart nozzles 174, 176 adjacent the brush.
The aforementioned detergent-water solution and rinse water are stored in appropriate containers (not shown) which are connected with lines 170 and 172, respectively.
As illustrated in Fig. 4, the detergent-water solution or rinse water, as the case may be, is evacuated from the tire interior via a vacuum nozzle 178 and four vacuum lines 180 ~two lines not shown) which are attached to motor 148 by support 182 and mounting bolts 184 for con-joint movement with the brushes. The vacuum nozzle is posi-tionable at appropriate vertical spacing with the tire in-terior surface and preferably is positioned at close clear-ance therewith by appropriate adjustment of the vacuum line support 182 along vertical adjustment slots 186 with respect to mounting bolts 184. In the illustrated example, there-fore, the vacuum nozzle can sweep transversely inside the tire along an arcuate path generally parallel to the path of the brush 28 described previously by operating actuator 158 in a generally similar manner. During such movement of the vacuum nozzle, tire rotation is continued so that the ~$~S

vacuum nozzle removes fluid as it collects at the bottom of the tire by gravity. In this instance, the brush is sta-tionary but may rub along the interior tire surface as the vacuum nozzle sweeps back and forth inside the tire, al-though additional retraction means could be provided for lifting the brush out of contact with the interior tire surface during operation of the vacuum nozzle.
; - The automaticcontrolsystem of the FigO 2 clea~-ner will now be described with reference to Figs. 6-10 of the drawings. Appropriate position sensors sense the position of the tire drawer, and presence of a tire adja-cent the cleaning head, while additional sensors monitor other system conditions and produce appropriate fault in-dications, if necessary. The control system depicted schematically in Fig. 9 is made up of conventional pneu-matic and electrical components. Certain of the sensors depicted in Fig. 6 are further illustrated in further de-tail in Figs. 2 and 4, with the remaining sensors and other schematically represented control system components being illustrated generally in schematic block diagram form and described hereinafter.
The Fig. 9 control system includes a sequence control logic circuit which provides sequential multiple channel output signals at appropriate time intervals dur-ing the cleaning cycle, as depicted in Fig. 10. In the illustrated example, the sequence control logic circuit accomplishes one operational control cycle on a thirty ; (30~ second basis, although the actual cycle time is some-what longer than thirty (30) seconds due to a dwell time period during -~ certain steps. In the illustrated ex-ample, the control system is semi-automatic in nature, al-though the system could be fully automated if desired. In the example, therefore, the tire drawer is first withdrawn manually to its Fig. 6 position and a tire is loaded there-on. The tire drawer then is advanced to its Fig. 7 closed position, at which an appropriate drawer position or fault sensor produces a signal indicative that the tire drawer is closed. Following is a brief description of the channel out-put signal logic functions effected by the sequence control logic circuit which will be further understood with refer-ence to Fig. 10 of drawings.
Channel 1 - Fault Check: A sequence control logic circuit 190 now receives signals from the drawer position sensor, together with signals from additional system condi-tion or fault sensors 192. Among these additional signals are signals indicative of detergent solution and rinse water supply. The tire drawer position sensor is illustrated sche-matically at 192 and is illustrated in further detail in Fig. 2 in which it is referenced by numeral 194. Sensor 194 responds to the proximity of probe 196 which projects from the end of the mounted drawer slide. If any of the aforementioned sensors present a fault indication, a fault logic circuit 193 is actuated in response to delivery of an appropriate logic signal from the sequence control logic circuit. The fault logic circuit in turn operates an ap-propriate fault indicator 200, or causes the logic circuit to proceed through a fault loop and return to channel 1 without actuation of any system components. The circuit will remain in this fault loop until the fault condition is corrected. If the fault sensors all provide a no-fault indication, the sequence control logic circuit proceeds automatically through remaining channels 2-8 in sequence.
Channel 2 - Elevator: The sequence control logic circuit now causes the elevator to be raised to its Fig. 8 position by appropriate actuation of cyllnder 126.
Channel 3 - Tire Position Check: The sequence control logic circuit repeats the aforementioned fault test with respect to sensor 202 (Fig. 4) to determine whether a tire is in position adjacent the cleaning head. This sen-sor responds to the position of arm 130 and produces a sig-nal indicative of the presence of a tire when that arm has been swung -to its elevated position during spreading of the tire beads. A fault indication at this point, indicative that a tire is not in the proper position, will produce an appropriate fault indication and again cause the sequence control logic circuit to enter into its fault loop. In this instance, circuit 190 further causes the elevator to be lowered to its Fig. 7 position.
Channel 4 - Belt Drive: The circuit 190 causes the drive belt to begin rotational movement by appropriate actuation of motor 97 and clutch 101.
Channel 5 - Soap: The circuit 190 causes the detergent-water solution to be applied to the tire inter-ior surface via inlet line 172 by opening valve 204. This valve controls flow of the detergent-water solution through line 172.
Channel 6 - A~ply Scrub Pressure: The circuit 190 causes the brush to be engaged with the tire interior ~ surface at a selected contact pressure by appropriate actu-;- ation of cylinder 150 and simultaneously causes the brush to begin rotating by appropriate actuation of motor 148.
Channel 7 - Scrub Cycle Start: The circuit 190 now causes the brush to begin to sweep arcuately wlthin the tire by appropriate actuation of cylinder 158.
Channel 8 - Automatic Sequence Stop: Circuit 190 ~ thereupon stops the automatic control sequence as indicated ,, .

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in Fig. 10. A timing control circuit 206 (Fig. 9) controls the time duration of the ensuing scrub, vacuum, rinse and vacuum operations as follows. Circuit 206 causes the brush motor 97 to shut down at the end of the desired scrub time period. Thereupon, vacuum is applied to the tire interior via nozzle 178 by opening valve 208 associated therewith for a second time period in order to remove the now dirty deter-gent solution while cylinder 158 continues to sweep nozzle 178 transversely within the still rotating tire. At the end of the second time period, rinse water is applied to the tire interior surface via nozzles 174, 176 by opening valve 210 associated therewith for a third time period. At the end of the third time period, the vacuum procedure is repeated in order to remove rinse water.
Channel 9 - Fault Reset: Circuit 190 resumes sequencing upon completion of the aforementioned time opera-tions and routes an appropriate reset logic signal to the fault logic circuit 198. The faul~ logic circuit alter-nately may be reset by curing the fault condition, or manual reset by means is now shown.
Channel 10 - Manual Sequence Stop: The circuit 190 causes the elevator and the now clean tire to be lowered to the Fig. 7 position.
To adjust the Fig. 9 control system for tires which require varying cleaning time, circuit 206 may be adjusted so that the four time periods determined thereby afford the desired scrub time, irst vacuum time, rinse time, and second vacuum time, as the case may be.
The applicator of this invention will now be des-cribed in additional detail, first with reference to Figs.

11 and 12. The applicator includes an applicator end sec-tion constituted by a supporting end frame structure made -up of four vertical corner support members 238, 240, 242, 244; upper, immediate and lower transverse side members 246, 247, 248; upper, immedia-te and lower transverse end members 250, 251, 252; vertical end panels 254, 256; and horizontal end panel 258, as shown (Fig. 11). The appli-cator further includes an unloading end section constituted by a second supporting end frame made up of vertical inver-ted U-shaped members 260, 262; and transverse side and end members 264 and 266. Longitudinal side rails 268, 270 (side rail 270 shown in Fig. 15) connect the aforementioned end frame structures.
The conveyor rollers 210 and 212 are supported rotatively at their ends by respective journal blocks 272 mounted by the aforementioned end frame structures, as shown (Figs. 11, 15). A variable speed drive motor 273 (Fig. 11) is operatively connected by means not shown to drive roller 210 while roller 212 acts as an idler. The rollers are of sufficient lengths to support and simultan-eously rotate a predetermined number of tires, the number depending upon sealant cure or set-up time, sealant appli-cation time, tire size, type of the kicker assembly used, and other factors. In a specific practical example, the conveyor rollers are of sufficient length to support and simultaneously rotate ten automotive tires in side-by-side contact in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 11. In this example, the conveyor rollers are dri-ven at sufficient rotational velocity that the tires are rotated simultaneously at about 30-40 ~PM. For use with a specific sealant which has a gel time of about three to four minutes and which requires the application of about sixteen coats to achieve desirable results, the spray appli-cation process with respect to a tire Tl consumes approxi--22~

mately thirty (30) seconds of time. Consequently, upon advancement oE the Tl to the position occupied by tire T5 in the drawings, the sealant applied to tire Tl should be set-up or gelled. With con-tinued advancemen-t toward the unloading station, the sealant, of course, will continue to cure and should be substantially or completely cured upon arrival at the unloading station, depending upon tem-perature, sealant used and other factors. It will be under-stood, of course, that the Fig. 11 applicator may be util-ized with a fewer number of tires while achieving the desired result. The total number of tires which are treated simul-taneously by the Fig. 11 applicator, of course, should not cause an excessive force to be applied to the end tire T10 which could tend to overload the kicker assembly.
Still referring to the Fig. 11 and 12, conveyor rollers 210, 212 -- in the illustrated example -- are in-clined about 3 toward the unloading station with respect to horizontal, although this angle may be varied, depending upon the tire size and other factors. For example, if this angle is too small, tire Tl tends to fall backwards against the spray applicator. If this angle is too large, proper alignment and positioning of the applicator 214 could be a-ffected adversely. The roller angle further should be selected to encourage tire undulation during advancement.
It will be recognized, of course, that other conveyor means could be utilized to convey the tires from the application station toward the unloading station in order to achieve desired results. For example, the conveyor rollers could be horizontal and utilized in combination with a ram device for applying a force parallel to the common tire axis in a ; direction toward the unloading station, or one or both rollers ~ could be formed with appropriate auger threads for applying '~
~ -23-a force to -the tires in a direction toward the unloading station, or the rollers could be positioned in divergent relationship to one another proceeding toward the unload-ing station. The illustrated parallel and inclined roller construction, however, is preferred in many practical appli~
cations because that construction prevents or substantially minimizes relative movement between the tires during inter-vals between tire unloading cycles; yet allows the tires to undulate transversely during tire advancement while pre-venting or substantially minimizing the likelihood that tire Tl will fall backward against the applicator.
Referring now to Figs. 11 and 15, the kicker assembly includes a kicker arm 278, one end of which is supported pivotally by transverse members 277, 279 mounted between rails 268, 270 by opposed pairs of mounting members 285, 287 as shown (Fig. 15). A double acting reciprocative actuator 280, preferably a double acting air cylinder, is mounted by members 281, 283 below members 277, 279 for sel-ectively moving the kicker arm. Members 285, 287 are secured to end frame members 260, 262, by slot and pin adjustment 289 (Fig. 12) which permit the kicker assembly to be secured at selected positions along the common tire axis with the kicker arm in underlying relation to tire T10. Members 285, 287 further mount a vertical backplate 274 which includes a central aperature in coaxial communication with duct 224.
Duct 224 is supported by end frame members 260, 262, as shown (Fig. 12). The backplate 276 rotatively mounts a plur-ality of support rollers 276 which are adapted to bear against the face of the adjacent end tire T10. Consequently, the backplate, in combination with the support rollers 276, serves to fix the position of the end tire T10 with respect to the common tire axis, while permitting rotational move-ment thereof, in order to maintain the tires in their illus-trated side-by-side engagement when rotated by rollers 210, 212. To accommodate varying numbers of tires, or tires of varying widths, or both, the positions of the kicker assem-bly and backplate are adjustable conjointly along the tire axis by adjus-tment 289 (Fig. 12).
Still referring to Fig. 15, the kicker arm 278 is rotatable by actuator 280 between a horizontal retracted position (depicted in solid lines) and an upright advanced position (depicted in broken lines) at which it engages and is positioned by L-shaped stop 291 mounted by members 277, ~79. During movement from its retracted position toward its advanced position, arm 278 engages and lifts the T10 toward roller 212. Tire T10 thereupon rolls over roller 212 and is unloaded. If the direction of rotation of rollers 210, 212 is reversed, of course, the kicker arm should be mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot point adjacent roller 210.
The sealant applicator of this invention will now be described in detail with reference to Figs. 11, 13 and 14A-14D. Referring first to Fig.ll, the applicator includes-a spray arm 282, the upper end of which depends from a trans-verse pivot member 284, the ends of which are pivotally mounted by frame members 238 and 242, respectively. A carr-iage assembly 286 is mounted for reciprocative movement with respect to the arm by opposed rollers 287, as shown (Fig. 13~.
~he carriage mounts a transverse roller support arm 288 and a perpendicular nozzle support arm 290. Arm 288 mounts in-clined tire positioning rollers 292 (Fig. 14A). Arm 290 mounts a spray applicator 293, together with inclined spreader rollers 294, 295. The carriage assembly is movable reciprocativel~ with respect to arm 282 by a double acting reciprocative actuator 296 attached between member 284 and assembly 286. The arm 282 is movable pivotally in a verti-cal plane with respect to the supporting frame (sometimes referred to hereinafter as "sweep" movement) by a double acting reciprocative actuator 298 attached between -trans-verse member 250 and arm 282, as shown (Fig. 11). The act-uators 296, 298 are generally similar and preferably are constituted by double acting air cylinders. The applica-tor assembly is thereby movable between a lowered advanced application position (Fig. 14A), a raised advanced position (Fig. 14B), a raised retracted rest position (Fig. 14C), and a lowered retracted purge position ~Fig. 14D). In the Fig. 14A, 14B positions, a U-shaped stop 299 mounted by panel 258 engages and positions the lower end of arm 282.
In the Fig. 14D position, the applicator 293 registers with the upper end of an inclined purge tube 300 for purposes of purging the sealant system, as will be described presently.
The lower end of tube 300 is insertable within an appropri-ate receptacle 302 for receiving the purge and contents~of ~ the applicator via tube 300.
- The spray applicator is illustrated in Fig. 13 in its lowered advanced application position. In this position, the spreader rollers 294, 295 engage and spread respective sidewalls of the tire Tl. The nozzle 293 is adjustably positionable by adjustable connector 304 at sufficient height from the lower interior surface of the tire in order to obtain the desired sealant distribution. In most practi-cal applications, the nozzle is so positioned that sealant is applied heaviest adjacent the tread area with gradual feathering into the sidewalls of the tire. In the illustra-ted example, the nozzle effects airless spray application of liquid sealant by ejecting the sealant composition at high pressure against a deflector plate 306. The nozzle height with respect to -the tire surface is therefore selected with respect to the spray pattern obtained and may be varied, depending UpOIl tire size, in order to obtain desired seal-ant distribution. If the nozzle is positioned too high, for example, it tends to spray the tire sidewalls exces-sively so that, in order to obtain the desired sealant thickness adjacent the tread area, it is necessary to apply uneconomical amounts of sealant. Conversely, if the nozzle is positioned too low, sealant tends to build up adjacent the center of the tread area. It will be recognized, of course, that instead of adjusting the nozzle to accommodate various tire sizes, specific nozzles could be correlated for each tire size and these nozzles substituted for one another and mounted at a corresponding fixed position with respect to the tire surface.
Referring now to Figs. 14A-14D, 16 and 17, the Fig. ll spray applicator is automatically moved between the position illustrated in Figs. 14A-14D by the automatic control system depicted schematically in Figs. 16 and 17.
Appropriate position sensors sense the position of the arm , .
and carriaye while additonal sensors monitor other system conditions and produce appropriate fault indications, if necessary. The control system additionally effects auto-matic purge of the sealant system if a sealant application is not effected within a predetermined time period corres-ponding to the sealant gel time period. The control system depicted schematically in Fig. 16 is made up of conventional pneumatic and electrical components. Certain of the sensors depicted in Fig. 16 are illustrated in further detail in Figs. 14A-14D, with the remaininy sensors and other schem-atically represented control system components being illus-trated generally in schematic block diagram form and des cribed hereinafter.
The Fig. 16 control system includes a sequence control logic circuit which provides sequential multiple channel output signals a-t appropriate time intervals dur-ing the application and curinq cycles, as depicted in Fig.
17. In the illustrated example, the sequence control logic circuit accomplishes one operational control cycle on a thirty (30) second basis, although the actual cycle time is somewhat longer than thirty (30) seconds due to a dwell time period during sealant application~ Following is a brief description of the channel output signal logic func-tions effected by the sequence control logic circuit which will be further understood with reference to Fig. 17 of the drawings.
Channel l-Fault Test: The sequence control logic _ circuit 306 receives signals from appropriate systèm~condi-tion or fault sensors 308 during the time interval 0.0-1.5 seconds of the aforementioned sequence or cycle. In the example, circuit 306 receives and processes signals from sensors responsive to steam temperature, sealant temperature, sealant supply, spray applicator carriage position, spray applicator arm position, sealant B supply, solvent recovery air flow, and tire presence. Sensors responsive to carri-age position and arm position are illustrated in further detail in Fig. 14A-14D and are referenced respectively by numerals 310, 312. An additional sensor 315 (Fig. 14A-14D) detects the presence of a fresh tire at the application sta-tion. If any of the aforementioned sensors present a fault indication, a fault logic circuit 314 is actuated in response to delivery of an appropriate logic signal from the sequence control logic circuit. The fault logic circuit in turn operates an appropriate fault indicator 316, or causes the Fig. 11 sealant valves 223, 230 and actuators to be de-energized, or both. At the same time, the sequence con-trol logic circuit initiates an idle mode whereby no fur-ther control functions are effected until the fault con-dition is corrected. If the fault sensors all provide a no fault indication, the sequence control logic circuit proceeds to the remaining channels in sequence.
- Channel 2-Arm In and Down: The sequence con-trol circult, during the time period 6.35-9.0 seconds, repeats the aforementioned fault test wi-th respect to sen-sor 310 to determine whether the spray applicator is in its lowered advanced application position of Fig. 14A. A
fault indication at this point, indicative that the spray applicator is at some other posi-tion, will produce an ap-propriate fault indication and again cause the sequence control logic circuit to assume its idle mode.
Channel 3-Oven Position Clear: The sequence con-trol logic circuit, during the time 9.75-11.25 seconds, re-ceives logic signals from an appropriate sensor operatively associated with the post dry oven or heat apparatus (refer-enced 43 in Fig. 1) in order to determine whether the oven is clear to accept a tire for completion of sealant cure.
If the logic signals from that sensor indicate that the oven is not clear to accept a fresh tire, the sequence con-trol logic circuit will repeat the aforementioned fault in-dication and idle functions until the fault condition is corrected.
Channel 4-Start Sealant Spray: The sequence con-trol logic circuit 306 automatically assumes its idle mode at time 7.75 seconds and will remain in its idle mode until the sealant application process is completed, in the illus-trated example after about thirty (30) seconds elapsed time ", ~$~

The circuit 306 now routes appropriate logic signals to valves 228, 230 which thereupon are opened to admit seal-ant components A and B into the chamber 234 (Fig. 11).
Simultaneously therewith circuit 306 routes an appropri-ate logic signal to 236 which, when opened, allows the now-mixed sealant components A and B to be applied in spray form to the tire, as described previously.
- Channel 5-Vertical Actuation: Upon comple-tion of the spray application cycle, circuit 306 resumes sequencing and causes the carriage to be moved from its Fig. 14A position to its Fig. 14B position by appropriate actuation of cylinder 296.
Channel 6-Sweep Actuation: The circuit 306 now -causes the spray applicator arm to swing from its 14B to 14C position by appropriate actuation of the swee-p cylinder 298.
Channel 7~Tire Eject: During the time period 15-16 seconds, circuit 306 causes the eject cylinder 280 to move the Fig. 15 kicker arm to its upright position in order to eject tire T10.

Channel 8-Fault Circuit Reset: The circuit 306 -- .
now routes an appropriate reset logic signal to the fault logic circuit 314. The fault logic circuit alternatively may be reset by curing the fault condition, or manual reset by means not shown.
Channels 9-12--Purge: The circuit 306 further effects automatic purging of the sealant system by forcing solvent and then air through the sealant fluid system men-tioned previously if sealant application i5 not effected within a predetermined time period after completion of the previous spraying cycle. In the e~ample, this time period is less than the sealant gel time. Consequently, the chan-nels 9-12 effect a purge operation only at machine shutdown or in the event of a mishap. A purge timer 318 is started each time sealant valves 228, 230 are opened and presents logic signals indicative of elapsed time from initiation of sealant application to a purge control logic circuit 320.
This circuit in turn delivers appropriate lo-~ic signals to the sequerlce control logic circuit to effect operation of channels-9-12, as follows.
Channel 9 controls operation of the spray valve 236 (Fig. 14A) by opening that valve from time period 15-24.~ seconds.
Channel 10 controls operation of the Fig. 11 sol-vent valve 239 (Fig. 11) to allow solvent flushing of the system from an appropriate supply of solvent (not shown).
Channel 11 controls operation of an air valve which delivers dry air for purging solvent from the system.
Channel 12 resets the Fig. 16 control system fol-lowing purge after it has been established that all system faults are corrected and that the next operational step of the process will be that of sealant application. Operation of Channel 12 further causes an appropriate reset signal to be routed to the purge timer.

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3~

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are as follows:

1. A system for producing a self-healing tire with a self-healing sealant composition bonded to the in-terior of the tire characterized by means providing a seal-ant application station and tire conveyor means associated with the sealant application station for carrying a plur-ality of tires in side-to-side adjacency with their axes essentially coaxial.

2. The system of claim 1 including means for providing a clean tire in which a sealant is to be applied comprising means for advancing a tire into juxtaposition with tire cleaning means by elevating the tire and admit-ting the tire cleaning means into the tire interior during elevation thereof, and means for rotating the elevated tire during operation of the tire cleaning means to effect clean-ing of the inner periphery of the tire.

3. The system of claim 1 including sealant ap-plication means at the sealant application station for ap-plying sealant to the interior of a tire, and said tire conveyor means including means for transporting the tire from the sealant application station to a tire unloading station while continuously rotating the tire about its axis from the time that sealant is applied to the tire interior until the tire reaches the unloading station.
at a tire cleaning station

4. The system of claim 1 including means/for providing a clean tire in which a sealant is to be applied comprising means for advancing a tire into juxtaposition with tire cleaning means by elevating the tire and admit-ting the tire cleaning means into the tire interior during elevation thereof, and means for rotating the elevated tire during operation of the tire cleaning means to effect clean-ing of the inner periphery of the tire; including sealant application means at the sealant application station for applying sealant to the interior of a tire, and said tire conveyor means including means for transporting the tire from the sealant application station to a tire unloading station while continuously rotating the tire about its axis from the time that sealant is applied to the tire interior until the tire reaches the unloading station;
and including conveyor means for transporting the tire from the tire cleaning station to the sealant application and for preheating and drying the tire during such trans-port.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the tire con-veyor means includes means for transporting the tire to the sealant application station and for preheating the tire during such transport, and includes means for trans-porting the tire from the sealant application station and for heating the tire during such transport.

6. A tire sealant applicator for applying a sealant composition to the interior of a tire and transporting the tire from a loading station to an unloading station while continuously rotating the tire about its axis from the time that a sealant composition is applied to the tire interior until the tire reaches the unloading station, which appli-cator comprises, tire conveyor means for carrying a plurality of tires in side-to-side adjacency with their axes essentially coaxial from the loading sta-tion to the unloading station and for simultaneously rotating the tires about their axes; and sealant application means for applying a sealant composition to the interior of a tire when the tire is positioned at the loading station and rotated about its axis by said tire conveyor means.

7. The applicator of claim 6, wherein said tire conveyor means includes a conveyor assembly extending from the loading station to the unloading station for supporting the plurality of tires in side-by-side engagement when a tire is positioned at the loading station.

8. The applicator of claim 7, further comprising means located adjacent said unloading sta-tion for effecting gas flow along a coaxial passage formed by said tires.

9. The applicator of claim 6, wherein said tire conveyor means includes tire support means located adjacent said unloading station for engaging and supporting a tire positioned at the unloading station during rotational movement thereof.

10. The applicator of claim 9, further comprising means for adjusting the position of said support means along said axis.

11. The applicator of claim 6, further comprising tire unloading means for engaging a tire positioned at the unloading station and unloading the tire from the tire conveyor means.

12. The applicator of claim 11, wherein said tire conveyor means includes a conveyor assembly opera-tive upon said unloading means unloading a tire from the tire conveyor means to advance the tires to free the loading station to accept another tire while simultaneously maintaining rotation of the tires.

13. The applicator of claim 6, wherein said tire conveyor means includes a conveyor assembly com-prising two spaced apart elongated rollers extending between said loading station and said unloading sta-tion for supporting the plurality of tires in side-by-side engagement when a tire is positioned at the loading station, and drive means for rotating at least one of the rollers to effect tire rotation.

14. The applicator of claim 6, wherein said tire conveyor means includes a conveyor assembly extending from the loading station to the unloading station for supporting the plurality of tires, said conveyor assembly being adapted to support the plu-rality of tires in side-by-side engagement with one another, and to rotate them in unison when a tire is positioned at the loading station.

15. The applicator of claim 6, wherein said sealant application means includes a sealant dispensing nozzle, sealant feed means for feeding sealant to said sealant dispensing nozzle, and means for causing said sealant dispensing nozzle and said sealant feed means to be purged of sealant upon expiration of a predeter-mined time period during which no sealant application is effected.

16. The applicator of claim 6, where said sealant application means includes sealant dispensing means and support means for supporting said sealant dispensing means to locate the sealant dispensing means into a sealant dispensing position after a tire has been positioned at the loading station and commenced rotation about its axis.

17. The applicator of claim 16, wherein said sealant application means further includes first sensor means for sensing the position of said support means, second sensor means for sensing whether a tire has been positioned at the loading station, and control logic means operatively associated with said first sensor means and said second sensor means for causing said support means to locate the sealant dispensing means at its sealant dispensing position when a tire is positioned at the loading station.

18. The applicator of claim 16, wherein said support means includes a frame, arm means pivotally mounted by the frame, carriage means mounted recipro-catively by said arm means for mounting said sealant dispensing means, means for pivotally moving said arm means with respect to the frame, and means for reciprocatively moving said carriage means with respect to said arm means.

19. The applicator of claim 16, further com-prising means operatively associated with said sealant dispensing means for heating the sealant composition prior to application thereof.

20. A tire sealant application method which comprises: positioning a tire at a loading station;
continuously rotating the tire about its axis; applying a sealant composition to the interior of the tire when positioned at the loading station during rotation thereof; and moving the tire in an axial direction from the loading station toward an unloading station while continuing to rotate the tire about its axis from the time that said sealant applying step is com-pleted until the tire reaches the unloading station.

21. The sealant application method of claim 20, including moving the tire axially upon completion of said sealant applying step a distance sufficient to clear the loading station to accept a fresh tire;
positioning a fresh tire at the loading station following such axial tire movement; and continuously rotating the tires, including the fresh tire, and applying a sealant composition to the interior of the fresh tire when positioned at the loading station during rotation of the tires.

22. The sealant application method of claim 21, including supporting said tires in side-by-side engagement when a tire is positioned at the loading station.

23. The method of claim 22, further com-prising the step of effecting gas flow along a coaxial passage formed by said tires.

24. A method for producing a tire having a sealant composition applied to the interior surface comprising the steps of:
Applying a fluid sealant composition to the interior surface of a tire while rotating said tire to insure even application of sealant; and Conveying the tire during a subsequent pro-cessing step in an axial direction while simultaneously rotating said tire about its axis during a portion of the processing of the sealant composition to minimize the flow of said sealant composition.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein conveying the tire in an axial direction includes moving the tire in side-to-side adjacency with at least one other tire while simultaneously rotating said other tire about its axis.

26. The method of claim 25, comprising the further step of passing a stream of gas axially through said tires while rotating them about their axes.