Patent Publication Number: US-11654646-B2

Title: Apparatus and method for automatic tire ply stitching

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     The present invention relates generally to the building of vehicle tires. More particularly, the present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for stitching ends of a sheet of tire material together along a splice line. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     A problem encountered in automated tire material stitching equipment of the prior art is the need to create sufficient space under the abutted edges of the sheet of tire material for receipt of the lower portion of the stitching device, often referred to as the stitcher foot. The stitcher foot is generally positioned between the tire building drum and the sheet of tire material which is wrapped around the tire building drum. The stitcher foot may be positioned on the tire building drum before the sheet of tire material is wrapped around the tire building drum or after. 
     The space required for the stitcher foot under the abutted edges of the sheet of tire material may cause the sheet of tire material to be relatively loose on the tire building drum or on a previously disposed layer of tire material on the tire building drum. This is because an excess length of the sheet of tire material is necessary to reach over the stitcher foot. After the abutting edges of the sheet of tire material are stitched together and the stitcher foot is removed, a hump (e.g., space) may remain under the abutting edges. The hump can affect the strength, integrity, and quality of the finished tire. 
     Another problem encountered in automated tire material stitching equipment is the detection and correction of bad or open splices. A bad splice is currently re-zipped by an operator if the operator notices the bad splice. If not, the bad splice may be detected during later stages of the tire building process using an x-ray or the like and result in the tire being scrapped. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a need exists for improved automated tire material stitching equipment and in particular the stitcher foot. The present disclosure provides solutions and advancements to the issues and problems presented by prior automated tire material stitching equipment. 
     The present disclosure provides an automatic tire ply stitching apparatus and methods for at least minimizing the thickness of the stitcher foot, increasing the strength of splices, improving the consistency of splices, reducing bad splices, and alerting an operator when a bad splice is present. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an automatic splicing apparatus for splicing together two ends of a sheet of tire material on a tire building drum. The tire building drum includes a rotational axis that defines a longitudinal direction relative to the tire building drum. The automatic splicing apparatus comprises a frame, a splicer foot assembly, and a splicer roller assembly. The frame is configured to support the apparatus relative to the tire building drum. The splicer foot assembly is longitudinally translatable relative to the frame and includes a splicer foot and a plurality of upper preparation rollers. The splicer foot includes a plurality of forward lower preparation rollers and a plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers. The plurality of upper preparation rollers are configured to operate in coordination with the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers to pull the two ends of the sheet of tire material toward each other over the splicer foot as the splicer foot assembly advances in a forward longitudinal direction. The splicer roller assembly is longitudinally translatable relative to the frame independently of the splicer foot assembly and includes a pair of truncated conical upper splicer rollers that are configured to operate in coordination with the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers to splice together the two ends of the sheet of tire material as the splicer roller assembly and the splicer foot assembly advance together in the forward longitudinal direction. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the plurality of upper preparation rollers are powered rollers and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers are non-powered rollers. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the splicer foot assembly includes a preparation roller actuator that is configured to translate the plurality of upper preparation rollers up and down relative to the splicer foot. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the splicer foot assembly includes a plurality of magnetic rollers that are located forward of the splicer foot and are configured to lift the ends of the sheet of tire material as the splicer foot advances in the forward longitudinal direction under the sheet of tire material. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the automatic splicing apparatus further includes a first longitudinal drive and a second longitudinal drive. The first longitudinal drive is configured to longitudinally translate the splicer foot assembly relative to the frame. The second longitudinal drive is configured to longitudinally translate the splicer roller assembly relative to the frame. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the automatic splicing apparatus further includes a controller that is configured to coordinate the first and second longitudinal drives for coordinating longitudinal translation of the splicer foot assembly and the splicer roller assembly. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the plurality of upper preparation rollers are powered rollers and the upper splicer rollers are powered rollers. Further in accordance with this aspect, the controller is configured to coordinate operation of the upper preparation rollers and the upper splicer rollers such that initially upon engagement of the upper preparation rollers with the ends of the sheet of tire material the upper preparation rollers are powered to aid in drawing the sheet of tire material between the upper preparation rollers and the forward lower preparation rollers toward the upper splicer rollers, and after the sheet of tire material is received between the upper splicer rollers and the rearward lower splicer rollers power is disconnected from the upper preparation rollers. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the upper splicer rollers are powered rollers and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers are non-powered rollers. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the splicer roller assembly includes a splicer roller actuator that is configured to translate the upper splicer rollers up and down relative to the splicer foot. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the splicer roller assembly includes a press roller and a press roller actuator. The press roller is located rearward of the upper splicer rollers. The press roller actuator is configured to translate the press roller downward to engage the spliced ends of the sheet of tire material. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the splicer foot includes a splicer foot frame having a forward opening and a rearward opening defined therein with each of the openings having opposing sides. In accordance with this aspect, the forward lower preparation rollers are received in the forward opening. The forward lower preparation rollers are arranged as a plurality of V-shaped pairs of forward lower preparation rollers. Each of the V-shaped pairs of forward lower preparation rollers includes a continuous unitary V-shape axle having two arms attached to the opposing sides of the first opening with the V-shaped pair of forward preparation rollers being mounted on the two arms. Further in accordance with this aspect, the rearward lower splicer rollers are received in the rearward opening. The rearward lower splicer rollers are arranged as a plurality of V-shaped pairs of rearward lower splicer rollers. Each of the V-shaped pairs of rearward lower splicer rollers includes a continuous unitary V-shape axle having two arms attached to the opposing sides of the second opening with the V-shaped pair of rearward lower splicer rollers being mounted on the two arms. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the splicer foot frame includes a toe, a heel, a center frame portion, and two side rails. Each of the toe, the heel and the center frame portion extend between the two side rails. The forward opening is defined between the toe, the center frame portion and the two side rails. The rearward opening is defined between the heel, the center frame portion and the two side rails. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the side rails of the splicer foot frame have opposed pairs of non-circular recesses defined therein. Each of the continuous unitary V-shape axles has non-circular ends that are closely received in one of the opposed pairs of the non-circular recesses of the side rails so that the continuous unitary V-shape axles are fixedly held between the side rails. 
     According to another aspect of the automatic splicing apparatus of the present disclosure, the splicer foot frame has a thickness of no greater than ⅜ of an inch. Additionally, the forward lower preparation rollers and the rearward lower splicer rollers each have a diameter of no greater than ⅜ of an inch. 
     According to further aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of automatically splicing together two ends of a sheet of tire material on a tire building drum. The tire building drum includes a rotational axis that defines a longitudinal direction relative to the tire building drum. The method comprises a step (a) of providing a splicer foot assembly that includes a splicer foot and a plurality of upper preparation rollers. The splicer foot includes a plurality of forward lower preparation rollers and a plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers. The method further comprises a step (b) of providing a splicer roller assembly that includes a plurality of upper splicer rollers. The method further comprises the step (c) of wrapping the sheet of tire material on the tire building drum so that the ends of the sheet of tire material face each other. The method further comprises the step (d) of inserting the splicer foot under the ends of the sheet of tire material at a rearward side of the sheet of tire material. The method further comprises the step (e) of gripping the ends of the sheet of tire material between the upper preparation rollers and the forward lower preparation rollers. The method further comprises the step (f) of advancing the splicer foot assembly in a forward longitudinal direction relative to the tire building drum while simultaneously power rotating the upper preparation rollers and thereby pulling the two ends of the sheet of tire material toward each other over the splicer foot as the splicer foot assembly advances in the forward longitudinal direction. The method further includes the step (g) of gripping the ends of the sheet of tire material between the upper splicer rollers and the rearward lower splicer rollers. The method further includes the step (h) of splicing together the two ends of the sheet of tire material as the splicer roller assembly and the splicer foot assembly advance together in the forward longitudinal direction. 
     According to another aspect of the method of the present disclosure, in step (h) the upper splicer rollers are power rotated as the splicer roller assembly advances in the forward longitudinal direction. 
     According to another aspect of the method of the present disclosure, after step (g) the power rotating of the upper preparation rollers is terminated, while the power rotation of the upper splicer rollers is continued. 
     According to another aspect of the method of the present disclosure, step (e) includes moving the upper preparation rollers toward the drum relative to the splicer foot. 
     According to another aspect of the method of the present disclosure, step (g) includes moving the upper splicer rollers toward the drum relative to the splicer foot. 
     According to another aspect of the method of the present disclosure, prior to step (d), lifting the two ends of the sheet of tire material with a plurality of magnetic rollers located forward of the plurality of upper preparation rollers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram of a sheet of tire material (or body ply) being applied to a tire building drum. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic diagram of the sheet of tire material and the tire building drum of  FIG.  1    in combination with an automatic splicing apparatus. 
         FIG.  3    is a front elevation view of the automatic splicing apparatus in of  FIG.  2    in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is a plan view of the automatic splicing apparatus of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is a left elevation view of the automatic splicing apparatus of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  6    is a right elevation view of the automatic splicing apparatus of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a splicer foot assembly of the automatic splicing apparatus of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  8    is a front elevation view of the splicer foot assembly of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    is a left elevation view of the upper preparation rollers of the splicer foot assembly of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  10    is a plan view of the upper preparation rollers of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  11    is a front elevation view of a splicer foot of the splicer foot assembly of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  12    is a plan view of the splicer foot of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  13    is a right elevation view of the splicer foot of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of the splicer foot of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  15 A  is a perspective view of a V-shaped axle of the splicer foot of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  15 B  is a plan view of the V-shaped axle of  FIG.  15 A . 
         FIG.  15 C  is a front elevation view of the V-shaped axle of  FIG.  15 A . 
         FIG.  16    is a control schematic of a control system of the automatic splicing apparatus of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  17 A  is a front cross-sectional elevation view of the automatic splicing apparatus and the sheet of tire material prior to the sheet of tire material being engaged by the automatic splicing apparatus. 
         FIG.  17 B  is a plan view of the automatic splicing apparatus and the sheet of tire material of  FIG.  17 A . 
         FIG.  18 A  is a front cross-sectional elevation view of the automatic splicing apparatus and the sheet of tire material wherein the splicer foot assembly is engaged the sheet of tire material. 
         FIG.  18 B  is a plan view of the automatic splicing apparatus and the sheet of tire material of  FIG.  18 A . 
         FIG.  19 A  is a front cross-sectional elevation view of the automatic splicing apparatus and the sheet of tire material wherein the splicer roller assembly is engaged the sheet of tire material. 
         FIG.  19 B  is a plan view of the automatic splicing apparatus and the sheet of tire material of  FIG.  19 A . 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more drawings of which are set forth herein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. 
     Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in, or are obvious from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure. 
     The words “connected”, “attached”, “joined”, “mounted”, “fastened”, and the like should be interpreted to mean any manner of joining two objects including, but not limited to, the use of any fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pin and clevis, and the like allowing for a stationary, translatable, or pivotable relationship; welding of any kind such as traditional MIG welding, TIG welding, friction welding, brazing, soldering, ultrasonic welding, torch welding, inductive welding, and the like; using any resin, glue, epoxy, and the like; being integrally formed as a single part together; any mechanical fit such as a friction fit, interference fit, slidable fit, rotatable fit, pivotable fit, and the like; any combination thereof; and the like. 
     Unless specifically stated otherwise, any part of the apparatus of the present disclosure may be made of any appropriate or suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination thereof. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 2   , a tire building drum  100  is shown. The tire building drum  100  includes a working surface  102  and a rotational axis  104 . The rotational axis  104  defines a longitudinal direction  110 . The working surface  102  of the tire building drum  100  is an outer circumferential surface configured to receive various tire building materials thereon. 
     As can best be seen in  FIG.  1   , a first sheet of tire material  116  is received by the working surface  102  of the tire building drum  100  and a second sheet of tire material  120  is received on the first sheet of tire material  116 . The first sheet of tire material  116  may also be referred to herein as a carcass  116  or a tire carcass  116 . The second sheet of tire material  120  may also be referred to herein as a body ply  120 . The first sheet of tire material  116  may include at least an inner liner, sidewalls, and/or a wire reinforcement layer. 
     The first sheet of tire material  116  may be wrapped around the working surface  102  by rotating the tire building drum  100  about the rotational axis  104 . The second sheet of tire material  120  may proceed to be wrapped around the first sheet of tire material  116  also by rotating the tire building drum  110  about the rotation axis  104 . The second sheet of tire material  120  includes two ends  122  (e.g., a first end  122 A and a second end  122 B) which may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction  110 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIG.  2   , the second sheet of tire material  120  is fully received on the working surface  102  of the tire building drum  100 . The second sheet of tire material  120  is wrapped on the tire building drum  100  and the two ends  122  of the second sheet of material  120  may be abutting and face each other. The second sheet of tire material  120  may be a tire body ply which contains reinforcement wires arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction. 
     The strength and integrity of the finished tire depends on the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  abutting and not overlapping, and being securely bound together (e.g., stitched or spliced). Another factor that potentially affects the strength and integrity of the finished tire is a hump in the spliced second sheet of tire material  120 . A hump in the spliced second sheet of tire material  120  may be defined as a space between the first sheet of tire material  116  and a rearward side  124  ( FIG.  1   ) of the second sheet of tire material  120 . Any hump in the spliced second sheet of tire material  120  should be minimized. The larger the hump, the greater chance that the hump will negatively affect the strength, integrity, and quality of the finished tire. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the tire building drum  100  and the first and second sheets of tire material  116 ,  120  are shown in conjunction with an automatic spicing apparatus  200 . The automatic splicing apparatus  200  is configured to efficiently and securely splice (or “stitch”) the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  together while positioned above the tire building drum  100 . The automatic splicing apparatus  100  includes a frame  202  configured to support the apparatus relative to the tire building drum  100 . 
     The automatic splicing apparatus  200  further includes a splicer foot assembly  210  and a splicer roller assembly  250 . The splicer foot assembly  210  is longitudinally translatable relative to the frame  202  in a forward direction  204  and a rearward direction  206 . The forward direction  204  may also be referred to herein as a forward longitudinal direction  204 . The forward and rearward directions  204 ,  206  may be parallel to the longitudinal direction  110 . The splicer roller assembly  250  is longitudinally translatable relative to the frame  202  in the forward and rearward directions  204 ,  206  independently of the splicer foot assembly  210 . Accordingly, the splicer roller and the splicer roller assembly  250  may be translated either in unison or independently of one another relative to the working surface  102  of the tire building drum  100 . 
     The independent movement of the splicer foot assembly  210  and the splicer roller assembly  250  allow for greater versatility of the automatic splicing apparatus  200 . The splicer foot assembly  210  and the splicer roller assembly  250  may function in unison according to an automatic operational mode to automatically splice the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  together without the assistance of an operator. Alternatively, the splicer roller assembly  250  may be manually manipulated by an operator, without the splicer foot assembly  210 , in accordance with an optional manual operational mode to manually splice the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  together. Typically, the automatic splicing apparatus  200  operates exclusively in the automatic operational mode, however, an operator may switch the automatic splicing apparatus into the manual operational mode, for example, when fixing a bad splice. Accordingly, the automatic splicing apparatus  200  may reduce the number of scrapped or reworked tires, thus increasing efficiency and profits. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 - 6   , the splicer foot assembly  210  and the splicer roller assembly  250  of the automatic splicing apparatus  200  are shown in greater detail. The splicer roller assembly  250  may be positioned rearwardly relative to the splicer foot assembly  210 . The splicer foot assembly  210  includes a splicer foot  212  and a plurality of upper preparation rollers  220 . The splicer foot  212  may also be referred to herein as a splicer foot frame  212 . The plurality of upper preparation rollers  220  may also be referred to herein as upper preparation rollers  220 . As can best be seen in  FIGS.  3 ,  7 ,  8 ,  11 - 14   , the splicer foot  212  includes a plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  and a plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216 . 
     The upper preparation rollers  220  are configured to operate in coordination with the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  to pull the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  towards each other over the splicer foot  212  as the splicer foot assembly  210  advances in the forward direction  204  relative to the second sheet of tire material  120 . The act of pulling the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  together using upper preparation rollers  220  and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  may increase the strength of the splice because the two ends  122  are pressed tightly together immediately prior to being spliced. The upper preparation rolls  220  in coordination with the forward lower preparation rollers  214  also provide holding and stretching of the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  together to allow the splicer roller assembly  250  to complete the splice. 
     To further aid in the pulling together of the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  together, the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  may include external ridges (e.g., helical ridges or sequential separate ridges) to help grip and manipulate a position of the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120 . The external ridges may be a continuous helical ridge configured in such a manner that as the second sheet of tire material  120  causes the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  to spin, the external ridges cause the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  to be pulled together. Alternatively, the external ridges may be separate sequential ridges. The plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216  may include similar external ridges. 
     As can best be seen in  FIG.  9 - 10   , the upper preparation rollers  220  may include two cylindrical rollers arranged in a V-shaped pattern. The upper preparation rollers  220  may include ends  224  configured in meshed engagement with each other so that the two cylindrical rollers rotate together, one driving the other. Alternatively, the upper preparation rollers  220  may be driven separately and synchronized together using timing belts. The V-shaped pattern forces the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  together when received between the upper preparation rollers  220  and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  during a forward movement of the splicer foot assembly  210 . 
     The upper preparation rollers  220  may be powered rollers and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  may be non-powered rollers. As can best be seen in  FIGS.  3 ,  4 , and  7   , the upper preparation rollers  220  may be powered by a preparation roller motor  226 . As illustrated, the preparation roller motor  226  may be an electrically powered motor such as for example a servo motor. In other embodiments (not shown), the preparation roller motor  226  may be a pneumatic powered motor or the like. 
     The splicer foot assembly  210  may further include a preparation roller actuator  228  configured to translate the upper preparation rollers  220  up and down relative to the splicer foot  212  (e.g., towards and away from the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214 ). The preparation roller actuator  228  may be a pneumatic cylinder or the like. The preparation roller actuator  228  enables the upper preparation rollers  220  and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  to manipulate (e.g., pull together) the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  when received therebetween. The preparation roller actuator  228  may apply a specific and consistent amount of pressure to the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  such that the upper preparation rollers  220  and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  effectively pull the two ends of the second sheet of tire material together over the splicer foot  212 . The specific and consistent amount of pressure applied to the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  over the course of a given splice may at least partially contribute to generally more consistent splices. 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS.  3 ,  6 , and  8   , the splicer foot assembly  210  may include a plurality of magnetic rollers  230  located forward of the splicer foot  212 . The plurality of magnetic rollers  230  are configured to lift the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  proximate to the plurality of magnetic rollers  230  as the splicer foot  212  advances in the forward direction  204  under the second sheet of tire material  120 . The plurality of magnetic rollers  230  reduce any potential friction which may be caused by the splicer foot  212  attempting to lift the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  manually as it advances in the forward direction. For example, by lifting the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material proximate to the splicer foot  212 , the magnetic rollers  230  reduce the friction and any potential jam which could be caused by the splicer foot  212  attempting to wedge under the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  that lay on at least one of the first sheet of tire material  116  or the working surface  102  of the tire building drum  100 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS.  3 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8   , the automatic splicing apparatus  200  may include a splicer foot actuator  234  coupled between the frame  202  and the splicer foot assembly  210 . The splicer foot actuator  234  may be a linear motion (LM) guide and a pneumatic cylinder or the like for controlling movement of the splicer foot assembly  210 . The splicer foot actuator  234  may be configured to translate the splicer foot assembly  210  up and down relative to the frame  202 . Accordingly, the splicer foot actuator  234  translates the splicer foot assembly  210  towards and away from the tire building drum  100 . The splicer foot actuator  234  may precisely position the splicer foot assembly  210  at the correct height above the first sheet of tire material  116 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS.  3  and  5   , the splicer roller assembly  250  of the automatic splicing apparatus  200  includes a pair of truncated conical upper splicer rollers  252 . The pair of truncated conical upper splicer rollers  252  may also be referred to herein as the upper splicer rollers  252 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  5   , the pair of truncated conical upper splicer rollers  252  include roller teeth  254  meshed with each other. The pair of truncated conical upper splicer rollers  252  may rotate together, one driving the other. The upper splicer rollers  252  are configured to operate in coordination with the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216  to splice together the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  using the roller teeth  254  as the splicer roller assembly  250  and the splicer foot assembly  210  advance together in the forward direction  204 . 
     The upper splicer rollers  252  may be powered rollers and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216  may be non-powered rollers. As can best been seen in  FIGS.  3 - 6   , the upper splicer rollers  252  may be powered by a splicer roller motor  256 . As illustrated, the splicer roller motor  256  may be an electrically powered motor such as for example a servo motor. In other embodiments (not shown), the splicer roller motor  256  may be a pneumatic powered motor or the like. 
     The splicer roller assembly  250  may further include a splicer roller actuator  258  configured to translate the upper splicer rollers  252  up and down relative to the splicer foot  212  (e.g., towards and away from the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216 ). The splicer roller actuator  258  may be a LM guide and a pneumatic cylinder or the like for controlling movement of the splicer roller assembly  250 . The splicer roller actuator  258  enables the upper splicer rollers  252  and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216  to manipulate (e.g., splice together) the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  when positioned therebetween. The splicer roller actuator  258  may apply a specific and consistent amount of pressure to the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  during a given splice. The specific and consistent amount of pressure may result in more consistent and higher strength splices. 
     As can best be seen in  FIG.  3   , the splicer roller assembly  250  may include a press roller  260  located rearward of the upper splicer rollers  252 . The splicer roller assembly  250  may further include a press roller actuator  262  configured to translate the press roller  260  downward (e.g., toward the tire building drum  100  and the first and second sheets of tire material  116 ,  120 ) to engage the spliced ends of the second sheet of tire material  120 . The press roller actuator  262  may be a pneumatic cylinder or the like. The press roller  260  may help reduce or remove any potential hump in the spliced ends of the second sheet of tire material  120 , while also providing additional strength by sticking the two spliced ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  to the first sheet of tire material  116 . 
     The splicer roller assembly  250  may further include a splice sensor  264 . The splice sensor  264  may be connected to the splicer roller assembly  250  and may be positioned rearward of the splicer roller assembly  250  such that there is line of sight from the splice sensor  264  to the spliced ends of the second sheet of tire material  120 . The splice sensor  264  may be configured to monitor the consistency of the splice and to detect if a gap between the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  is properly closed so as to identify any bad splices (e.g., open splices or otherwise). Bad splices may result in a tire being scrapped due to an open splice detected during later stages of the tire building process using an x-ray or the like. The automatic splicing apparatus  200  includes the versatility of the manual operational mode, discussed above, which allows the operator to manually re-zip the open splice using only the splicer roller assembly  250 , independent from the splicer foot assembly  210 . 
     In other embodiments, the splice sensor  264  or an additional sensor (not shown) may be positioned such that the sensor has line of sight to the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  just prior to being spliced (e.g., the portion spanning between the preparation rollers  214 ,  220  and the splicer rollers  216 ,  252 ). The sensor may be configured to sense whether the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  are properly positioned as they move into the splicer roller assembly  250 . For example, the sensor may be configured to detect whether a gap between the two ends  122  of the sheet of material  120  is within an acceptable range (e.g., not greater than 5 mm). The sensor may enable more consistent splicing by detecting jam-ups and other issues with the second sheet of tire material  120 . The sensor may further enable the automatic splicing apparatus  200  to compensate or alert an operator if said issues are present. 
     As discussed above, the splicer foot assembly  210  and the splicer roller assembly  250  are both independently longitudinally translatable relative to the frame  202 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  4   , the automatic splicing apparatus  200  may further include a first longitudinal drive  270  and a second longitudinal drive  272 . The first longitudinal drive  270  is configured to longitudinally translate the splicer foot assembly  210  relative to the frame  202  in the forward and rearward directions  204 ,  206 . The second longitudinal drive  272  is configured to longitudinally translate the splicer roller assembly  250  relative to the frame  202  in the forward and rearward directions  204 ,  206 . Each of the first and second longitudinal drives  270 ,  272  may include ball screws, drive belts, pulleys, servo motors, LM guides, rack and pinions and the like necessary to enable independent longitudinal translation of the splicer foot assembly  210  and the splicer roller assembly  250  relative to the frame  202 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  11 - 15 C , the splicer foot  212  of the splicer foot assembly  210  is shown in greater detail. As can best be seen in  FIGS.  12  and  14   , the splicer foot  212  may include at least one opening  302  defined therein. The at least one opening  302  includes first and second opposing sides  304 ,  306 . 
     The at least one opening  302  may include a first opening  310  having first and second opposing sides  304 A,  306 A. The first opening  310  may also be referred to herein as a first frame opening  310  or forward opening  310 . The first opening  310  may be configured to receive the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214 . 
     The plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  are arranged as a plurality of V-shaped pairs of forward lower preparation rollers  320 . The plurality of pairs of forward lower preparation rollers  320  may be non-powered rollers. As can best be seen in  FIGS.  12  and  15 A- 15 C , each of the V-shaped pairs of forward lower preparation rollers  320  include a continuous unitary V-shaped axle  322  having a first arm  324  and a second arm  326 . As illustrated, the first arm  324  may be attached to the first side  304 A of the first opening  310  and the second arm  326  may be attached to the second side  306 A of the first opening  310 . The V-shaped pair of forward lower preparation rollers  320  may be mounted on the first and second arms  324 ,  326 , respectively, of the continuous unitary V-shaped axle  322 . 
     The at least one opening  302  may further include a second opening  312  having first and second opposing sides  304 B,  306 B. The second opening  312  may also be referred to herein as a second frame opening  312  or rearward opening  312 . The second opening may be configured to receive the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216 . The plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216  are arranged as a plurality of V-shaped pairs of rearward lower splicer rollers  330 . The plurality of V-shaped pairs of rearward lower splicer rollers  330  may be non-powered rollers. As can best be seen in  FIGS.  12  and  15 A- 15 C , each of the V-shaped pairs of rearward lower splicer rollers  330  include a continuous unitary V-shaped axle  332  having a first arm  334  and a second arm  336 . As illustrated, the first arm  334  may be attached to the first side  304 B of the second opening  312  and the second arm  336  may be attached to the second side  306 B of the second opening  312 . The V-shaped pair of rearward lower splicer rollers  330  may be mounted on the first and second arms  334 ,  336 , respectively. 
     The continuous unitary V-shaped axles  322 ,  332  are designed to minimize the requisite height of the splicer foot  212  necessary to rigidly support and maintain the V-shaped axles  322 ,  332  in a fixed position as attached to the sides of the openings. The unitary shape of the V-shaped axles  322 ,  332  is designed for increased strength and to minimize the height of the splicer foot  212 . The strength provided by the unitary shape of the V-shaped axles  322 ,  332  enables the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216  to be able to support and interact with the upper preparation rollers  220  and the upper splicer rollers  252 , respectively, without breaking or flexing. 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS.  12  and  14   , the splicer foot  212  may include a toe  340 , a heel  342 , a center frame portion  344 , a first side rail  346 , and a second side rail  348 . The first and second side rails  346 ,  348  may also be referred to herein as a pair of side rails. Each of the toe  340 , the heel  342 , and the center frame portion  344  extend between the first and second side rails  346 ,  348 . The toe  340  may define a forward end  350  of the splicer foot  212 . The forward direction  204  may be defined from the heel  342  toward the toe  340 . Each continuous unitary V-shaped axle  322 ,  332  may be pointed in the forward direction  204 . 
     The first opening  310  may be defined between the toe  340 , the center frame portion  344 , and the first and second side rails  346 ,  348 . The second opening  312  may be defined between the heel  342 , the center frame portion  344 , and the first and second side rails  346 ,  348 . 
     The toe  340  may further include an upwardly extending flange  341  configured to connect the splicer foot  212  to the remainder of the splicer foot assembly  210 . As the splicer foot assembly  210  advances in the forward direction  204 , the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  are configured to split around the upwardly extending flange  341  before being engaged by the plurality of lower preparation rollers  214  and the upper preparation rollers  220 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS.  11  and  14   , the first and second side rails  346 ,  348  have opposed pairs of non-circular recesses  352  defined therein. Each of the continuous unitary V-shaped axles  322  may include non-circular ends  328  configured to be closely received in one of the opposed pairs of non-circular recesses  352  of the first and second side rails  346 ,  348  that are aligned with the first opening  310 . Each of the continuous unitary V-shaped axles  332  may also include non-circular ends  338  configured to be closely received in one of the opposed pairs of non-circular recesses  352  of the first and second side rails  346 ,  348  that are aligned with the second opening  312 . The opposed pairs of non-circular recesses  352  fixedly hold the continuous unitary V-shaped axles  322 ,  332  between the first and second side rails  346 ,  348 . The opposed pairs of non-circular recesses  352  maintain the continuous unitary V-shaped axles  322 ,  332  pointing in the forward direction  204 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS.  11 - 14   , the splicer foot  212  may include a plurality of lower rollers  370  designed to reduce any potential friction between a bottom surface of the splicer foot  212  and at least one of the first sheet of tire material  116  or the working surface  102  of the tire building drum  100  when the splicer foot  212  advances in the forward or rearward directions  214 ,  206  along the working surface  102  of the tire building drum  100 . The plurality of lower rollers  370  may include a special coating to further reduce friction. The plurality of lower rollers  370  may also be referred to herein as a plurality of anti-friction rollers  370 . 
     The splicer foot  212  has a thickness  354  of no greater than ⅜ of an inch. The plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216  each have a diameter  356  of no greater than ⅜ of an inch. The plurality of lower rollers  370  each have a diameter of approximately 5 mm. The diameter  356  is minimized based on the design of the continuous unitary V-shaped axles  322 ,  332 . The minimal diameter  356  enables the thickness  354  of the splicer foot  212  to be minimized. An overall thickness of the splicer foot  212  including the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214 , the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216 , and the lower rollers  370  is approximately 0.5 inches. The minimal overall thickness of the splicer foot  212  including the rollers help reduce and/or eliminate any potential hump caused by the splicer foot  212  being positioned between the second sheet of tire material  120  and at least one of the first sheet of tire material  116  or the tire building drum  100  when splicing the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  together. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  16   , a control system for the automatic splicing apparatus  200  is schematically illustrated. A controller  380  is operably associated with all of the preparation roller motor  226 , the preparation roller actuator  228 , the splicer foot actuator  234 , the splicer roller motor  256 , the splicer roller actuator  258 , the press roller actuator  262 , the splice sensor  264 , the first longitudinal drive  270 , the second longitudinal driver  272 , and various other components of the automatic splicing apparatus  200 . 
     The controller  380  includes a processor  382 , a computer readable memory medium  384 , a database  386 , and an input/output module or control panel  388  having a display  390 . 
     The terms “controller,” “control circuit” and “control circuitry” as used herein may refer to, be embodied by or otherwise included within a machine, such as a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed and programmed to perform or cause the performance of the functions described herein. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. 
     The term “computer-readable memory medium” as used herein may refer to any non-transitory medium  384  alone or as one of a plurality of non-transitory memory media  384  within which is embodied in a computer program product  392  that includes processor-executable software, instructions or program modules which upon execution may provide data or otherwise cause a computer system to implement subject matter or otherwise operate in a specific manner as further defined herein. It may further be understood that more than one type of memory media may be used in combination to conduct processor-executable software, instructions or program modules from a first memory medium upon which the software, instructions or program modules initially reside to a processor for execution. 
     “Memory media” as generally used herein may further include without limitation transmission media and/or storage media. “Storage media” may refer in an equivalent manner to volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media, including at least dynamic memory, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), chip memory devices, optical or magnetic disk memory devices, flash memory devices, or any other medium which may be used to stored data in a processor-accessible manner, and may unless otherwise stated either reside on a single computing platform or be distributed across a plurality of such platforms. “Transmission media” may include any tangible media effective to permit processor-executable software, instructions or program modules residing on the media to be read and executed by a processor, including without limitation wire, cable, fiber-optic and wireless media such as is known in the art. 
     The term “processor” as used herein may refer to at least general-purpose or specific-purpose processing devices and/or logic as may be understood by one of skill in the art, including but not limited to single- or multithreading processors, central processors, parent processors, graphical processors, media processors, and the like. 
     The controller  380  receives input data from various sensors such as the splice sensor  264 . The controller  380  may receive various other inputs from internal and external sources regarding other operating parameters of the tire building drum  100  and the associated second sheet of tire material  120 . 
     Based upon various operational parameters which may be defined by the computer programming product  392  the controller  380  generates various control signals which may be communicated to the tire building drum  100 , the preparation roller motor  226 , the preparation roller actuator  228 , the splicer foot actuator  234 , the splicer roller motor  256 , the splicer roller actuator  258 , the press roller actuator  262 , the first longitudinal drive  270 , and the second longitudinal driver  272  as schematically illustrated via the dashed communication lines  393   a - i  in  FIG.  16   . Any of the communication lines  393 - a - i  may be hardwired or may be wireless. The controller  380  may also be communicatively linked to various other peripheral systems associated with the tire building drum  100  and any other related equipment. 
     The controller  380  may be configured to control positions of the various actuators  228 ,  234 ,  258 ,  262  via the respective control signals transmitted by the controller  380 . The controller  380  may further be configured to control a pressure being applied by the various actuators  228 ,  234 ,  258 ,  262 . 
     The controller  380  may be configured to coordinate the first and second longitudinal drives  270 ,  272  for coordinating longitudinal translation of the splicer foot assembly  210  and the splicer roller assembly  250 . Coordination of the longitudinal translation associated with the splicer foot assembly  210  and the splicer roller assembly  250  is necessary in order for the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  to be engaged between the upper splicer rollers  252  and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216  as the automatic splicing apparatus  200  advances in the forward direction  204  along the tire building drum  100 . 
     The controller  380  may be configured to coordinate the operation of the upper preparation rollers  220  and the upper splicer rollers  252 . Initially upon engagement by the upper preparation rollers  220  with leading edges of the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  the upper preparation rollers  220  are powered. The upper preparation rollers  220  are powered initially to aid in advancing the second sheet of tire material  120  between the upper preparation rollers  220  and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  toward the upper splicer rollers  252 . After the leading edges of the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  are received between the upper splicer rollers  252  and the plurality of rearward splicer rollers  216  the controller may cause power to be disconnected from the upper preparation rollers  220 . The power to the upper preparation rollers  220  may be terminated using a clutch or the like to allow free rotational movement of the upper preparation rollers  220  when power is disconnected thereto. 
     The controller  380  may be configured to analyze the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  after being spliced together by the pair of truncated conical upper splicer roller  252  and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216  based upon inputs from the splice sensor  264 . The controller  380  may automatically analyze the splice and determine whether it is good (e.g., there is no gap between the spliced ends of the second sheet of tire material) or bad (e.g., there is a gap between the spliced ends of the second sheet of tire material). In certain embodiments, the controller may also display the spliced ends of the second sheet of tire material  120  to the operator via the display  390 . Should the controller  380  or the operator detect a bad splice, then the automatic operation of the automatic splicer assembly  210  may be contemporaneously terminated and the splice may be completed in accordance with the previously outlined manual protocol. Alternatively, the controller may cause the automatic splicing apparatus to complete the entire splice before prompting the operator via the display  390  to manually repair the portion of the splice tagged as “bad.” 
     In certain embodiments, the controller  380  may be configured to analyze the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  after being pulled together by the upper preparation rollers  220  and the plurality of lower preparation rollers  214  based upon inputs from the splice sensor  264  or another sensor (not shown). Once the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  have been positioned on the splicer foot  212  and have been pulled together by the upper and lower preparation rollers  220 ,  214  there should be little to no gap (e.g., roughly less than 5 mm) between the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120 . If the sensor senses too large of a gap between the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120 , then the controller  380  may either continue or terminate the automatic operation of the automatic splicing apparatus  200  depending upon a size of the gap. The controller  380  may alert an operator of the termination of the automatic operation via at least the display  390 . Upon appropriate inputs by the operator, the controller  380  may remove the splicer foot assembly  210  and the remainder of the splice will have to be completed manually by the operator. 
     In other embodiments, the controller  380  may be configured to provide proper alignment between the automatic splicing apparatus  200  and the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  disposed on the tire building drum  100 . In order to provide proper alignment, a positional sensor (not shown) may continually sense or pre-scan a position of the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  and the controller  380  may transmit a control signal via the communication line  393   a  to the tire building drum  100  in order to change a position of the tire building drum  100  about its rotational axis  104 . 
     In certain embodiments (not shown), the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  may include only a single continuous unitary V-shaped axle and a pair of non-powered lower rollers positioned thereupon. Likewise, in certain embodiments (not shown), the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216  may include only a single continuous unitary V-shaped axle and a pair of non-powered lower rollers positioned thereupon 
     In other embodiments (not shown), the pluralities of forward lower preparation rollers  214  and the rearward lower splicer rollers  216  may comprise a single plurality of lower rollers spanning continuously from the toe  340  to the heel  342 . 
     A method of automatically splicing together the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  is also provided herein. The method comprises a step of providing the splicer foot assembly  210 . The splicer foot assembly includes the splicer foot  212  and the plurality of upper preparation rollers  220 . The splicer foot  212  includes the plurality of forward lower preparation roller  214  and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers  216 . 
     The method further comprises a step of providing the splicer roller assembly  250  which includes the plurality of upper splicer rollers  252 . 
     The method further includes a step of wrapping the second sheet of tire material  120  on the tire building drum  100  so that the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  face each other. The second sheet of tire material  120  may or may not be wrapped onto the first sheet of tire material  116 . 
     The method further includes a step of inserting the splicer foot  212  under the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  at a rearward side  124  of the second sheet of tire material  120 . The rearward side  124  of the second sheet of tire material  120  faces the working surface  102  of the tire building drum  100  and may rest upon the first sheet of tire material  116  when present. Accordingly, the splicer foot  212  is positioned between the second sheet of tire material  120  and at least one of the first sheet of tire material  116  or the tire building drum  100 . 
     The method further includes a step of gripping the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  between the upper preparation rollers  220  and the forward lower preparation rollers  214 . 
     The method further includes a step of advancing the splicer foot assembly  210  in the forward direction  204  relative to the tire building drum  100  while simultaneously power rotating the upper preparation rollers  220  and thereby pulling the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  toward each other over the splicer foot  212  as the splicer foot assembly  210  advances in the forward direction  204 . The V-shaped pattern of the upper preparation rollers  200  and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers  214  are optimally configured to pull the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  flush together and hold them in place for the upper splicer rollers  252 . 
     The method further comprises a step of gripping the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  between the upper splicer rollers  252  and the plurality of rearward lower splicer roller  216 . 
     The method further includes a step of splicing the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  as the splicer roller assembly  250  and the splicer foot assembly  210  advance together in the forward direction  204 . 
     In certain embodiments, the method may further include, after the step of gripping the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  between the upper splicer rollers  252  and the plurality of rearward lower splicer roller  216 , a step of terminating the power rotation of the upper preparation rollers  220  while the power rotation of the upper splicer rollers is continued. 
     In certain embodiments, the method may further include, during the step of gripping the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  between the upper preparation rollers  220  and the forward lower preparation rollers  214 , a step of moving the upper preparation rollers  220  toward the tire building drum  100  relative to the splicer foot  212 . 
     In certain embodiments, the method may further include, during the step of gripping the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  between the upper splicer rollers  252  and the plurality of rearward lower splicer roller  216 , a step of moving the upper splicer rollers  252  toward the tire building drum  100  relative to the splicer foot  212 . 
     In certain embodiments, the method may further include, prior to the step of inserting the splicer foot  212  under the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120 , a step of lifting the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  with the plurality of magnetic rollers  230 . The plurality of magnetic rollers  230  may be located forward of the plurality of upper preparation rollers  220 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  17 A- 19 B , various steps of the method are illustrated and discussed in greater detail.  FIG.  17 A  illustrates a front cross-sectional elevation view of the automatic splicing apparatus  200  just prior to inserting the splicer foot  212  under the ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  above the first sheet of tire material  116 .  FIG.  17 B  illustrates a plan view of the automatic splicing apparatus  200  and the second sheet of tire material  120  of  FIG.  17 A .  FIG.  18 A  illustrates a front cross-sectional elevation view of the automatic splicing apparatus  200  gripping the ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  between the upper preparation rollers  220  and the forward lower preparation rollers  214 .  FIG.  18 B  illustrates a plan view of the automatic splicing apparatus  200  and the second sheet of tire material  120  of  FIG.  18 A .  FIG.  19 A  illustrates a front cross-sectional elevation view of the automatic splicing apparatus  200  gripping the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  between the upper splicer rollers  252  and the rearward lower splicer rollers  216 .  FIG.  19 B  illustrates a plan view of the automatic splicing apparatus  200  and the second sheet of tire material  120  of  FIG.  19 A . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  17 A and  17 B , the automatic splicing apparatus  200  is shown advancing in the forward direction  204  along at least one of the first sheet of tier material or the working surface  102  of the tire building drum  100  toward the second sheet of tire material  120 . The plurality of magnetic rollers  230  are shown lifting up the leading edges of the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120 . The splicer foot  212  may thus easily be inserted between the first sheet of tire material  116  and the reward side  124  of the second sheet of tire material  120  as the splicer foot  212  advances in the forward direction  204 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  18 A and  18 B , the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  are gripped between the upper preparation rollers  220  and the forward lower preparation rollers  214 . The splicer foot  212  advances in the forward direction  204  at least partially by power rotating the upper preparation rollers  220 . As the splicer foot  212  advances in the forward direction  204  the upper preparation rollers  220  and the forward lower preparation rollers  214  pull the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  toward each other over the splicer foot  212 . The plurality of magnetic rollers  230  continue to assist in picking up the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  as the splicer foot  212  advances in the forward direction  204 . As can be seen in  FIG.  18 B , after the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  have advanced through upper preparation rollers  220  and the forward lower preparation rollers  214 , the two ends  122  are positioned closely together and are held in said position ready to be spliced together by the upper splicer rollers  252  and the rearward lower splicer rollers  216 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  19 A and  19 B , the two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  are gripped between the upper splicer rollers  252  and the rearward lower splicer rollers  216 . The two ends  122  of the second sheet of tire material  120  are spliced together (e.g., the portion of the second sheet of tire material  120  positioned rearward of the splicer roller assembly  250 ) as the splicer roller assembly  250  and the splicer foot assembly  210  advance together in the forward direction  204 . 
     To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments described herein, a number of terms have been defined above. The terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but rather include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as set forth in the claims. The phrase “in one embodiment,” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. 
     Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. 
     The previous detailed description has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of a new and useful apparatus and method for automatic tire ply splicing, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this disclosure except as set forth in the following claims.