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US 7,029,544 B2Granted
Conductive pathways in tire treads for reduced static charge buildup
AssigneeBridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC
InventorsJoseph M. Lanzarotta, William J. O'Briskie, John F. Pawlikowski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pneumatic tire having improved conductivity is disclosed herein whereby the tire is provided with at least one conductive pathway extending through the tread surface and contacting the tread cushion. Conductive pathways are created by introducing small volumes of high carbon black concentration. Such pathways provide low electrical resistance and dissipation of static charge accumulation on a motor vehicle.
Claims10
A method of decreasing an electrical static charge of a tire comprising the steps:
- a) incorporating into a tread of a tire at least one pathway extending through the tread and contacting a conductive internal component of the tire;
- and
- b) depositing a sufficient amount of conductive material without rubber into said pathway to allow dissipation of static charge, wherein said conductive material consists of carbon black and optionally water or oil.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.