Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing endless reinforced belts is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of laying up on a flat build table at least one sheet of curable material and at least one sheet of reinforcement material forming a carcass, curing a central portion of the carcass, and then splicing and curing the uncured ends of the carcass to form the endless lugged track. The manufacturing system has three cells: a building cell, a flat cure press cell, and a splice cure press cell. Each cell is operated in series.

Abstract: A building unit for constructing a multi-layered, finite length structure, and a method of building such a structure is disclosed. Rolls of stock material are stored in cartridge stations adjacent to a build table. Mounted on the build table and capable of traveling the length of the build table is a build shuttle. The stock material is moved onto the build shuttle and as the shuttle travels the length of the table, the material is dispensed and laid onto the table. The shear assembly on the build shuttle cuts the material to a specified length. In this manner, a plurality of layers are laid onto the table until a structure containing a desired number of layers is achieved.

Abstract: An unloader is used to remove a lugged strip from a press. The unloader has a pair of spaced, adjacent horizontal tines for pulling the lugged strip out of the press and the press lug molds and onto the unloader. To assist in removing the lugged strip from the press, at least one tine has a conveyor belt mounted on its upper surface. The conveyor belt is run in one direction to pull the strip onto the unloader and in the opposing direction to assist with removing the cured strip from the unloader.

Abstract: A tire mold has radially inner surfaces for forming a tread and a pair of sidewalls, the tire mold having at least one sidewall forming portion having a surface finish of less than 15 micro inches, preferably less than 10 micro inches. A tire produced in a tire mold has at least one sidewall having a surface gloss greater than 10 as measured using a 60-degree gloss reading per ASTM Designation D523-89.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for inverting a lugged strip to a desired orientation without the necessity of manhandling the strip and potentially damaging the strip or any of the lugs. The apparatus has a semi-circular tube through which the strip travels. Within the tube, to assist the strip, is a conveyor. The conveyor is mounted on the larger diameter side of the semi-circular tube. The strip is moved from an unloader and into an opening of the inverter with the lugs. The strip makes contact with the far wall of the tube and then is forced to travel along the semi-circular path of the tube. Due to the forced curve and turning of the strip, the strip is inverted.

Abstract: An unloader is used to remove a lugged strip from a press. The unloader has a pair of spaced, adjacent horizontal tines for pulling the lugged strip out of the press and the press lug molds and onto the unloader. To assist in removing the lugged strip from the press, at least one tine has a conveyor belt mounted on its upper surface. The conveyor belt is run in one direction to pull the strip onto the unloader and in the opposing direction to assist with removing the cured strip from the unloader.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for inverting a lugged strip to a desired orientation without the necessity of manhandling the strip and potentially damaging the strip or any of the lugs. The apparatus has a semi-circular tube through which the strip travels. Within the tube, to assist the strip, is a conveyor. The conveyor is mounted on the larger diameter side of the semi-circular tube. The strip is moved from an unloader and into an opening of the inverter with the lugs. The strip makes contact with the far wall of the tube and then is forced to travel along the semi-circular path of the tube. Due to the forced curve and turning of the strip, the strip is inverted.

Abstract: A building unit for constructing a multi-layered, finite length structure, and a method of building such a structure is disclosed. Rolls of stock material are stored in cartridge stations adjacent to a build table. Mounted on the build table and capable of traveling the length of the build table is a build shuttle. The stock material is moved onto the build shuttle and as the shuttle travels the length of the table, the material is dispensed and laid onto the table. The shear assembly on the build shuttle cuts the material to a specified length. In this manner, a plurality of layers are laid onto the table until a structure containing a desired number of layers is achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing endless reinforced belts is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of laying up on a flat build table at least one sheet of curable material and at least one sheet of reinforcement material forming a carcass, curing a central portion of the carcass, and then splicing and curing the uncured ends of the carcass to form the endless lugged track. The manufacturing system has three cells: a building cell, a flat cure press cell, and a splice cure press cell. Each cell is operated in series.