SYSTEM FOR BALANCING A TIRE

The present invention is directed to a machine for balancing a pneumatic tire/wheel assembly and the balanced pneumatic tire. The pneumatic tire comprises an axis of rotation, a belt structure, an innerliner disposed radially inward of the belt structure, and two annular beads for securing the tire to a wheel. The tire includes an annular spacer structure and a thixotropic gel. The annular spacer structure is attached to the innerliner and is disposed radially inward of the belt structure. The annular spacer structure defines two interior circumferential grooves between axially outer sides of the annular spacer structure and portions of the innerliner extending radially inward toward the corresponding beads of the tire. The thixotropic gel is disposed within the circumferential grooves thereby defining two circumferential gel rings. The gel of each circumferential gel ring automatically, upon rotation of the tire, flows until no more forces, except direct centripedal forces, act on the gel such that the tire is rotationally balanced.