Patent Description:
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.

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.

Patent document <CIT> discloses similar features to that of the preamble of independent claim <NUM>.

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 <NUM>/<NUM> of an inch. Additionally, the forward lower preparation rollers and the rearward lower splicer rollers each have a diameter of no greater than <NUM>/<NUM> 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.

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.

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 <FIG>, a tire building drum <NUM> is shown. The tire building drum <NUM> includes a working surface <NUM> and a rotational axis <NUM>. The rotational axis <NUM> defines a longitudinal direction <NUM>. The working surface <NUM> of the tire building drum <NUM> is an outer circumferential surface configured to receive various tire building materials thereon.

As can best be seen in <FIG>, a first sheet of tire material <NUM> is received by the working surface <NUM> of the tire building drum <NUM> and a second sheet of tire material <NUM> is received on the first sheet of tire material <NUM>. The first sheet of tire material <NUM> may also be referred to herein as a carcass <NUM> or a tire carcass <NUM>. The second sheet of tire material <NUM> may also be referred to herein as a body ply <NUM>. The first sheet of tire material <NUM> may include at least an inner liner, sidewalls, and/or a wire reinforcement layer.

The first sheet of tire material <NUM> may be wrapped around the working surface <NUM> by rotating the tire building drum <NUM> about the rotational axis <NUM>. The second sheet of tire material <NUM> may proceed to be wrapped around the first sheet of tire material <NUM> also by rotating the tire building drum <NUM> about the rotation axis <NUM>. The second sheet of tire material <NUM> includes two ends <NUM> (e.g., a first end 122A and a second end 122B) which may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction <NUM>.

As can best be seen in <FIG>, the second sheet of tire material <NUM> is fully received on the working surface <NUM> of the tire building drum <NUM>. The second sheet of tire material <NUM> is wrapped on the tire building drum <NUM> and the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of material <NUM> may be abutting and face each other. The second sheet of tire material <NUM> 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 <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> 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 <NUM>. A hump in the spliced second sheet of tire material <NUM> may be defined as a space between the first sheet of tire material <NUM> and a rearward side <NUM> (<FIG>) of the second sheet of tire material <NUM>. Any hump in the spliced second sheet of tire material <NUM> 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>, the tire building drum <NUM> and the first and second sheets of tire material <NUM>, <NUM> are shown in conjunction with an automatic spicing apparatus <NUM>. The automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> is configured to efficiently and securely splice (or "stitch") the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> together while positioned above the tire building drum <NUM>. The automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> configured to support the apparatus relative to the tire building drum <NUM>.

The automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> further includes a splicer foot assembly <NUM> and a splicer roller assembly <NUM>. The splicer foot assembly <NUM> is longitudinally translatable relative to the frame <NUM> in a forward direction <NUM> and a rearward direction <NUM>. The forward direction <NUM> may also be referred to herein as a forward longitudinal direction <NUM>. The forward and rearward directions <NUM>, <NUM> may be parallel to the longitudinal direction <NUM>. The splicer roller assembly <NUM> is longitudinally translatable relative to the frame <NUM> in the forward and rearward directions <NUM>, <NUM> independently of the splicer foot assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, the splicer roller and the splicer roller assembly <NUM> may be translated either in unison or independently of one another relative to the working surface <NUM> of the tire building drum <NUM>.

The independent movement of the splicer foot assembly <NUM> and the splicer roller assembly <NUM> allow for greater versatility of the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM>. The splicer foot assembly <NUM> and the splicer roller assembly <NUM> may function in unison according to an automatic operational mode to automatically splice the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> together without the assistance of an operator. Alternatively, the splicer roller assembly <NUM> may be manually manipulated by an operator, without the splicer foot assembly <NUM>, in accordance with an optional manual operational mode to manually splice the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> together. Typically, the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> 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 <NUM> may reduce the number of scrapped or reworked tires, thus increasing efficiency and profits.

Referring to <FIG>, the splicer foot assembly <NUM> and the splicer roller assembly <NUM> of the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> are shown in greater detail. The splicer roller assembly <NUM> may be positioned rearwardly relative to the splicer foot assembly <NUM>. The splicer foot assembly <NUM> includes a splicer foot <NUM> and a plurality of upper preparation rollers <NUM>. The splicer foot <NUM> may also be referred to herein as a splicer foot frame <NUM>. The plurality of upper preparation rollers <NUM> may also be referred to herein as upper preparation rollers <NUM>. As can best be seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the splicer foot <NUM> includes a plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> and a plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM>.

The upper preparation rollers <NUM> are configured to operate in coordination with the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> to pull the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> towards each other over the splicer foot <NUM> as the splicer foot assembly <NUM> advances in the forward direction <NUM> relative to the second sheet of tire material <NUM>. The act of pulling the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> together using upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> may increase the strength of the splice because the two ends <NUM> are pressed tightly together immediately prior to being spliced. The upper preparation rolls <NUM> in coordination with the forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> also provide holding and stretching of the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> together to allow the splicer roller assembly <NUM> to complete the splice.

To further aid in the pulling together of the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> together, the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> may include external ridges (e.g., helical ridges or sequential separate ridges) to help grip and manipulate a position of the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM>. The external ridges may be a continuous helical ridge configured in such a manner that as the second sheet of tire material <NUM> causes the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> to spin, the external ridges cause the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> to be pulled together. Alternatively, the external ridges may be separate sequential ridges. The plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM> may include similar external ridges.

As can best be seen in <FIG>, the upper preparation rollers <NUM> may include two cylindrical rollers arranged in a V-shaped pattern. The upper preparation rollers <NUM> may include ends <NUM> configured in meshed engagement with each other so that the two cylindrical rollers rotate together, one driving the other. Alternatively, the upper preparation rollers <NUM> may be driven separately and synchronized together using timing belts. The V-shaped pattern forces the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> together when received between the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> during a forward movement of the splicer foot assembly <NUM>.

The upper preparation rollers <NUM> may be powered rollers and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> may be non-powered rollers. As can best be seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the upper preparation rollers <NUM> may be powered by a preparation roller motor <NUM>. As illustrated, the preparation roller motor <NUM> may be an electrically powered motor such as for example a servo motor. In other embodiments (not shown), the preparation roller motor <NUM> may be a pneumatic powered motor or the like.

The splicer foot assembly <NUM> may further include a preparation roller actuator <NUM> configured to translate the upper preparation rollers <NUM> up and down relative to the splicer foot <NUM> (e.g., towards and away from the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM>). The preparation roller actuator <NUM> may be a pneumatic cylinder or the like. The preparation roller actuator <NUM> enables the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> to manipulate (e.g., pull together) the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> when received therebetween. The preparation roller actuator <NUM> may apply a specific and consistent amount of pressure to the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> such that the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> effectively pull the two ends of the second sheet of tire material together over the splicer foot <NUM>. The specific and consistent amount of pressure applied to the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> over the course of a given splice may at least partially contribute to generally more consistent splices.

As can best be seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the splicer foot assembly <NUM> may include a plurality of magnetic rollers <NUM> located forward of the splicer foot <NUM>. The plurality of magnetic rollers <NUM> are configured to lift the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> proximate to the plurality of magnetic rollers <NUM> as the splicer foot <NUM> advances in the forward direction <NUM> under the second sheet of tire material <NUM>. The plurality of magnetic rollers <NUM> reduce any potential friction which may be caused by the splicer foot <NUM> attempting to lift the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> manually as it advances in the forward direction. For example, by lifting the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material proximate to the splicer foot <NUM>, the magnetic rollers <NUM> reduce the friction and any potential jam which could be caused by the splicer foot <NUM> attempting to wedge under the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> that lay on at least one of the first sheet of tire material <NUM> or the working surface <NUM> of the tire building drum <NUM>.

As can best be seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> may include a splicer foot actuator <NUM> coupled between the frame <NUM> and the splicer foot assembly <NUM>. The splicer foot actuator <NUM> may be a linear motion (LM) guide and a pneumatic cylinder or the like for controlling movement of the splicer foot assembly <NUM>. The splicer foot actuator <NUM> may be configured to translate the splicer foot assembly <NUM> up and down relative to the frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the splicer foot actuator <NUM> translates the splicer foot assembly <NUM> towards and away from the tire building drum <NUM>. The splicer foot actuator <NUM> may precisely position the splicer foot assembly <NUM> at the correct height above the first sheet of tire material <NUM>.

As can best be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the splicer roller assembly <NUM> of the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> includes a pair of truncated conical upper splicer rollers <NUM>. The pair of truncated conical upper splicer rollers <NUM> may also be referred to herein as the upper splicer rollers <NUM>. As can best be seen in <FIG>, the pair of truncated conical upper splicer rollers <NUM> include roller teeth <NUM> meshed with each other. The pair of truncated conical upper splicer rollers <NUM> may rotate together, one driving the other. The upper splicer rollers <NUM> are configured to operate in coordination with the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM> to splice together the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> using the roller teeth <NUM> as the splicer roller assembly <NUM> and the splicer foot assembly <NUM> advance together in the forward direction <NUM>.

The upper splicer rollers <NUM> may be powered rollers and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM> may be non-powered rollers. As can best been seen in <FIG>, the upper splicer rollers <NUM> may be powered by a splicer roller motor <NUM>. As illustrated, the splicer roller motor <NUM> may be an electrically powered motor such as for example a servo motor. In other embodiments (not shown), the splicer roller motor <NUM> may be a pneumatic powered motor or the like.

The splicer roller assembly <NUM> may further include a splicer roller actuator <NUM> configured to translate the upper splicer rollers <NUM> up and down relative to the splicer foot <NUM> (e.g., towards and away from the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM>). The splicer roller actuator <NUM> may be a LM guide and a pneumatic cylinder or the like for controlling movement of the splicer roller assembly <NUM>. The splicer roller actuator <NUM> enables the upper splicer rollers <NUM> and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM> to manipulate (e.g., splice together) the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> when positioned therebetween. The splicer roller actuator <NUM> may apply a specific and consistent amount of pressure to the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> 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>, the splicer roller assembly <NUM> may include a press roller <NUM> located rearward of the upper splicer rollers <NUM>. The splicer roller assembly <NUM> may further include a press roller actuator <NUM> configured to translate the press roller <NUM> downward (e.g., toward the tire building drum <NUM> and the first and second sheets of tire material <NUM>, <NUM>) to engage the spliced ends of the second sheet of tire material <NUM>. The press roller actuator <NUM> may be a pneumatic cylinder or the like. The press roller <NUM> may help reduce or remove any potential hump in the spliced ends of the second sheet of tire material <NUM>, while also providing additional strength by sticking the two spliced ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> to the first sheet of tire material <NUM>.

The splicer roller assembly <NUM> may further include a splice sensor <NUM>. The splice sensor <NUM> may be connected to the splicer roller assembly <NUM> and may be positioned rearward of the splicer roller assembly <NUM> such that there is line of sight from the splice sensor <NUM> to the spliced ends of the second sheet of tire material <NUM>. The splice sensor <NUM> may be configured to monitor the consistency of the splice and to detect if a gap between the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>, independent from the splicer foot assembly <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the splice sensor <NUM> or an additional sensor (not shown) may be positioned such that the sensor has line of sight to the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> just prior to being spliced (e.g., the portion spanning between the preparation rollers <NUM>, <NUM> and the splicer rollers <NUM>, <NUM>). The sensor may be configured to sense whether the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> are properly positioned as they move into the splicer roller assembly <NUM>. For example, the sensor may be configured to detect whether a gap between the two ends <NUM> of the sheet of material <NUM> is within an acceptable range (e.g., not greater than <NUM>). The sensor may enable more consistent splicing by detecting jam-ups and other issues with the second sheet of tire material <NUM>. The sensor may further enable the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> to compensate or alert an operator if said issues are present.

As discussed above, the splicer foot assembly <NUM> and the splicer roller assembly <NUM> are both independently longitudinally translatable relative to the frame <NUM>. As can best be seen in <FIG>, the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> may further include a first longitudinal drive <NUM> and a second longitudinal drive <NUM>. The first longitudinal drive <NUM> is configured to longitudinally translate the splicer foot assembly <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> in the forward and rearward directions <NUM>, <NUM>. The second longitudinal drive <NUM> is configured to longitudinally translate the splicer roller assembly <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> in the forward and rearward directions <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the first and second longitudinal drives <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM> and the splicer roller assembly <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the splicer foot <NUM> of the splicer foot assembly <NUM> is shown in greater detail. As can best be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the splicer foot <NUM> may include at least one opening <NUM> defined therein. The at least one opening <NUM> includes first and second opposing sides <NUM>, <NUM>.

The at least one opening <NUM> may include a first opening <NUM> having first and second opposing sides 304A, 306A. The first opening <NUM> may also be referred to herein as a first frame opening <NUM> or forward opening <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may be configured to receive the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM>.

The plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> are arranged as a plurality of V-shaped pairs of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM>. The plurality of pairs of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> may be non-powered rollers. As can best be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the V-shaped pairs of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> include a continuous unitary V-shaped axle <NUM> having a first arm <NUM> and a second arm <NUM>. As illustrated, the first arm <NUM> may be attached to the first side 304A of the first opening <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> may be attached to the second side 306A of the first opening <NUM>. The V-shaped pair of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> may be mounted on the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, of the continuous unitary V-shaped axle <NUM>.

The at least one opening <NUM> may further include a second opening <NUM> having first and second opposing sides 304B, 306B. The second opening <NUM> may also be referred to herein as a second frame opening <NUM> or rearward opening <NUM>. The second opening may be configured to receive the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM>. The plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM> are arranged as a plurality of V-shaped pairs of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM>. The plurality of V-shaped pairs of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM> may be non-powered rollers. As can best be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the V-shaped pairs of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM> include a continuous unitary V-shaped axle <NUM> having a first arm <NUM> and a second arm <NUM>. As illustrated, the first arm <NUM> may be attached to the first side 304B of the second opening <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> may be attached to the second side 306B of the second opening <NUM>. The V-shaped pair of forward preparation rollers <NUM> may be mounted on the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

The continuous unitary V-shaped axles <NUM>, <NUM> are designed to minimize the requisite height of the splicer foot <NUM> necessary to rigidly support and maintain the V-shaped axles <NUM>, <NUM> in a fixed position as attached to the sides of the openings. The unitary shape of the V-shaped axles <NUM>, <NUM> is designed for increased strength and to minimize the height of the splicer foot <NUM>. The strength provided by the unitary shape of the V-shaped axles <NUM>, <NUM> enables the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM> to be able to support and interact with the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the upper splicer rollers <NUM>, respectively, without breaking or flexing.

As can best be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the splicer foot <NUM> may include a toe <NUM>, a heel <NUM>, a center frame portion <NUM>, a first side rail <NUM>, and a second side rail <NUM>. The first and second side rails <NUM>, <NUM> may also be referred to herein as a pair of side rails. Each of the toe <NUM>, the heel <NUM>, and the center frame portion <NUM> extend between the first and second side rails <NUM>, <NUM>. The toe <NUM> may define a forward end <NUM> of the splicer foot <NUM>. The forward direction <NUM> may be defined from the heel <NUM> toward the toe <NUM>. Each continuous unitary V-shaped axle <NUM>, <NUM> may be pointed in the forward direction <NUM>.

The first opening <NUM> may be defined between the toe <NUM>, the center frame portion <NUM>, and the first and second side rails <NUM>, <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may be defined between the heel <NUM>, the center frame portion <NUM>, and the first and second side rails <NUM>, <NUM>.

The toe <NUM> may further include an upwardly extending flange <NUM> configured to connect the splicer foot <NUM> to the remainder of the splicer foot assembly <NUM>. As the splicer foot assembly <NUM> advances in the forward direction <NUM>, the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> are configured to split around the upwardly extending flange <NUM> before being engaged by the plurality of lower preparation rollers <NUM> and the upper preparation rollers <NUM>.

As can best be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second side rails <NUM>, <NUM> have opposed pairs of non-circular recesses <NUM> defined therein. Each of the continuous unitary V-shaped axles <NUM> may include non-circular ends <NUM> configured to be closely received in one of the opposed pairs of non-circular recesses <NUM> of the first and second side rails <NUM>, <NUM> that are aligned with the first opening <NUM>. Each of the continuous unitary V-shaped axles <NUM> may also include non-circular ends <NUM> configured to be closely received in one of the opposed pairs of non-circular recesses <NUM> of the first and second side rails <NUM>, <NUM> that are aligned with the second opening <NUM>. The opposed pairs of non-circular recesses <NUM> fixedly hold the continuous unitary V-shaped axles <NUM>, <NUM> between the first and second side rails <NUM>, <NUM>. The opposed pairs of non-circular recesses <NUM> maintain the continuous unitary V-shaped axles <NUM>, <NUM> pointing in the forward direction <NUM>.

As can best be seen in <FIG>, the splicer foot <NUM> may include a plurality of lower rollers <NUM> designed to reduce any potential friction between a bottom surface of the splicer foot <NUM> and at least one of the first sheet of tire material <NUM> or the working surface <NUM> of the tire building drum <NUM> when the splicer foot <NUM> advances in the forward or rearward directions <NUM>, <NUM> along the working surface <NUM> of the tire building drum <NUM>. The plurality of lower rollers <NUM> may include a special coating to further reduce friction. The plurality of lower rollers <NUM> may also be referred to herein as a plurality of antifriction rollers <NUM>.

The splicer foot <NUM> has a thickness <NUM> of no greater than <NUM>/<NUM> of an inch. The plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM> each have a diameter <NUM> of no greater than <NUM>/<NUM> of an inch. The plurality of lower rollers <NUM> each have a diameter of approximately <NUM>. The diameter <NUM> is minimized based on the design of the continuous unitary V-shaped axles <NUM>, <NUM>. The minimal diameter <NUM> enables the thickness <NUM> of the splicer foot <NUM> to be minimized. An overall thickness of the splicer foot <NUM> including the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM>, the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM>, and the lower rollers <NUM> is approximately <NUM> inches. The minimal overall thickness of the splicer foot <NUM> including the rollers help reduce and/or eliminate any potential hump caused by the splicer foot <NUM> being positioned between the second sheet of tire material <NUM> and at least one of the first sheet of tire material <NUM> or the tire building drum <NUM> when splicing the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> together.

Referring now to <FIG>, a control system for the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> is schematically illustrated. A controller <NUM> is operably associated with all of the preparation roller motor <NUM>, the preparation roller actuator <NUM>, the splicer foot actuator <NUM>, the splicer roller motor <NUM>, the splicer roller actuator <NUM>, the press roller actuator <NUM>, the splice sensor <NUM>, the first longitudinal drive <NUM>, the second longitudinal driver <NUM>, and various other components of the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a computer readable memory medium <NUM>, a database <NUM>, and an input/output module or control panel <NUM> having a display <NUM>.

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 <NUM> alone or as one of a plurality of non-transitory memory media <NUM> within which is embodied in a computer program product <NUM> 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 nonvolatile, 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 <NUM> receives input data from various sensors such as the splice sensor <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may receive various other inputs from internal and external sources regarding other operating parameters of the tire building drum <NUM> and the associated second sheet of tire material <NUM>.

Based upon various operational parameters which may be defined by the computer programming product <NUM> the controller <NUM> generates various control signals which may be communicated to the tire building drum <NUM>, the preparation roller motor <NUM>, the preparation roller actuator <NUM>, the splicer foot actuator <NUM>, the splicer roller motor <NUM>, the splicer roller actuator <NUM>, the press roller actuator <NUM>, the first longitudinal drive <NUM>, and the second longitudinal driver <NUM> as schematically illustrated via the dashed communication lines 393a-i in <FIG>. Any of the communication lines <NUM>-a-i may be hardwired or may be wireless. The controller <NUM> may also be communicatively linked to various other peripheral systems associated with the tire building drum <NUM> and any other related equipment.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to control positions of the various actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> via the respective control signals transmitted by the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may further be configured to control a pressure being applied by the various actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to coordinate the first and second longitudinal drives <NUM>, <NUM> for coordinating longitudinal translation of the splicer foot assembly <NUM> and the splicer roller assembly <NUM>. Coordination of the longitudinal translation associated with the splicer foot assembly <NUM> and the splicer roller assembly <NUM> is necessary in order for the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> to be engaged between the upper splicer rollers <NUM> and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM> as the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> advances in the forward direction <NUM> along the tire building drum <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to coordinate the operation of the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the upper splicer rollers <NUM>. Initially upon engagement by the upper preparation rollers <NUM> with leading edges of the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> the upper preparation rollers <NUM> are powered. The upper preparation rollers <NUM> are powered initially to aid in advancing the second sheet of tire material <NUM> between the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> toward the upper splicer rollers <NUM>. After the leading edges of the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> are received between the upper splicer rollers <NUM> and the plurality of rearward splicer rollers <NUM> the controller may cause power to be disconnected from the upper preparation rollers <NUM>. The power to the upper preparation rollers <NUM> may be terminated using a clutch or the like to allow free rotational movement of the upper preparation rollers <NUM> when power is disconnected thereto.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to analyze the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> after being spliced together by the pair of truncated conical upper splicer roller <NUM> and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM> based upon inputs from the splice sensor <NUM>. The controller <NUM> 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 <NUM> to the operator via the display <NUM>. Should the controller <NUM> or the operator detect a bad splice, then the automatic operation of the automatic splicer assembly <NUM> 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 <NUM> to manually repair the portion of the splice tagged as "bad.

In certain embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be configured to analyze the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> after being pulled together by the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the plurality of lower preparation rollers <NUM> based upon inputs from the splice sensor <NUM> or another sensor (not shown). Once the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> have been positioned on the splicer foot <NUM> and have been pulled together by the upper and lower preparation rollers <NUM>, <NUM> there should be little to no gap (e.g., roughly less than <NUM>) between the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM>. If the sensor senses too large of a gap between the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM>, then the controller <NUM> may either continue or terminate the automatic operation of the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> depending upon a size of the gap. The controller <NUM> may alert an operator of the termination of the automatic operation via at least the display <NUM>. Upon appropriate inputs by the operator, the controller <NUM> may remove the splicer foot assembly <NUM> and the remainder of the splice will have to be completed manually by the operator.

In other embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be configured to provide proper alignment between the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> and the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> disposed on the tire building drum <NUM>. In order to provide proper alignment, a positional sensor (not shown) may continually sense or pre-scan a position of the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> and the controller <NUM> may transmit a control signal via the communication line 393a to the tire building drum <NUM> in order to change a position of the tire building drum <NUM> about its rotational axis <NUM>.

In certain embodiments (not shown), the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> and the rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM> may comprise a single plurality of lower rollers spanning continuously from the toe <NUM> to the heel <NUM>.

A method of automatically splicing together the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> is also provided herein. The method comprises a step of providing the splicer foot assembly <NUM>. The splicer foot assembly includes the splicer foot <NUM> and the plurality of upper preparation rollers <NUM>. The splicer foot <NUM> includes the plurality of forward lower preparation roller <NUM> and the plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM>.

The method further comprises a step of providing the splicer roller assembly <NUM> which includes the plurality of upper splicer rollers <NUM>.

The method further includes a step of wrapping the second sheet of tire material <NUM> on the tire building drum <NUM> so that the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> face each other. The second sheet of tire material <NUM> may or may not be wrapped onto the first sheet of tire material <NUM>.

The method further includes a step of inserting the splicer foot <NUM> under the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> at a rearward side <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM>. The rearward side <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> faces the working surface <NUM> of the tire building drum <NUM> and may rest upon the first sheet of tire material <NUM> when present. Accordingly, the splicer foot <NUM> is positioned between the second sheet of tire material <NUM> and at least one of the first sheet of tire material <NUM> or the tire building drum <NUM>.

The method further includes a step of gripping the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> between the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the forward lower preparation rollers <NUM>.

The method further includes a step of advancing the splicer foot assembly <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM> relative to the tire building drum <NUM> while simultaneously power rotating the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and thereby pulling the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> toward each other over the splicer foot <NUM> as the splicer foot assembly <NUM> advances in the forward direction <NUM>. The V-shaped pattern of the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the plurality of forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> are optimally configured to pull the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> flush together and hold them in place for the upper splicer rollers <NUM>.

The method further comprises a step of gripping the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> between the upper splicer rollers <NUM> and the plurality of rearward lower splicer roller <NUM>.

The method further includes a step of splicing the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> as the splicer roller assembly <NUM> and the splicer foot assembly <NUM> advance together in the forward direction <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the method may further include, after the step of gripping the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> between the upper splicer rollers <NUM> and the plurality of rearward lower splicer roller <NUM>, a step of terminating the power rotation of the upper preparation rollers <NUM> 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 <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> between the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the forward lower preparation rollers <NUM>, a step of moving the upper preparation rollers <NUM> toward the tire building drum <NUM> relative to the splicer foot <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the method may further include, during the step of gripping the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> between the upper splicer rollers <NUM> and the plurality of rearward lower splicer roller <NUM>, a step of moving the upper splicer rollers <NUM> toward the tire building drum <NUM> relative to the splicer foot <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the method may further include, prior to the step of inserting the splicer foot <NUM> under the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM>, a step of lifting the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> with the plurality of magnetic rollers <NUM>. The plurality of magnetic rollers <NUM> may be located forward of the plurality of upper preparation rollers <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, various steps of the method are illustrated and discussed in greater detail. <FIG> illustrates a front cross-sectional elevation view of the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> just prior to inserting the splicer foot <NUM> under the ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> above the first sheet of tire material <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a plan view of the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> and the second sheet of tire material <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a front cross-sectional elevation view of the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> gripping the ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> between the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the forward lower preparation rollers <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a plan view of the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> and the second sheet of tire material <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a front cross-sectional elevation view of the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> gripping the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> between the upper splicer rollers <NUM> and the rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a plan view of the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> and the second sheet of tire material <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the automatic splicing apparatus <NUM> is shown advancing in the forward direction <NUM> along at least one of the first sheet of tier material or the working surface <NUM> of the tire building drum <NUM> toward the second sheet of tire material <NUM>. The plurality of magnetic rollers <NUM> are shown lifting up the leading edges of the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM>. The splicer foot <NUM> may thus easily be inserted between the first sheet of tire material <NUM> and the reward side <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> as the splicer foot <NUM> advances in the forward direction <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> are gripped between the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the forward lower preparation rollers <NUM>. The splicer foot <NUM> advances in the forward direction <NUM> at least partially by power rotating the upper preparation rollers <NUM>. As the splicer foot <NUM> advances in the forward direction <NUM> the upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the forward lower preparation rollers <NUM> pull the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> toward each other over the splicer foot <NUM>. The plurality of magnetic rollers <NUM> continue to assist in picking up the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> as the splicer foot <NUM> advances in the forward direction <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, after the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> have advanced through upper preparation rollers <NUM> and the forward lower preparation rollers <NUM>, the two ends <NUM> are positioned closely together and are held in said position ready to be spliced together by the upper splicer rollers <NUM> and the rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> are gripped between the upper splicer rollers <NUM> and the rearward lower splicer rollers <NUM>. The two ends <NUM> of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> are spliced together (e.g., the portion of the second sheet of tire material <NUM> positioned rearward of the splicer roller assembly <NUM>) as the splicer roller assembly <NUM> and the splicer foot assembly <NUM> advance together in the forward direction <NUM>.

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.

Claim 1:
: An automatic splicing apparatus for splicing together two ends of a sheet of tire material on a tire building drum, the drum having a rotational axis defining a longitudinal direction relative to the drum, the apparatus comprising:
a frame configured to support the apparatus relative to the tire building drum;
a splicer foot assembly longitudinally translatable relative to the frame, the splicer foot assembly including:
a splicer foot including a plurality of forward lower preparation rollers and a plurality of rearward lower splicer rollers; and
a plurality of upper preparation rollers 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; and
a splicer roller assembly longitudinally translatable relative to the frame independently of the splicer foot assembly, the splicer roller assembly being characterised by including:
a pair of truncated conical upper splicer rollers 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.