(19)

(11)

EP 1 089 931 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 11.04.2001 Bulletin 2001/15 (21) Application number: 98928960.8 (22) Date of filing: 10.06.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B65H 18/22, B65H 18/26 (86) International application number: PCT/US9811/983 (87) International publication number: WO 9964/335 (16.12.1999 Gazette 1999/50)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT (71) Applicant: THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY Akron,Ohio 44316-0001 (US)	(72) Inventors: VARGO, Richard, David Stow, OH 44224 (US) HUFFSTETLER, Charles, Terry Union City, TN 38261 (US) SENTMANAT, Martin, Lamar Akron, OH 44303 (US) (74) Representative: Leitz, Paul  Goodyear Technical Center,Patent Department,Avenue Gordon Smith 7750 Colmar-Berg 7750 Colmar-Berg (LU)