Abstract: A process for manufacturing an article made of recovered rubber crumb is provided. According to the process: a) crumb particles are mixed with particles of a solute; b) a molded article is produced by molding the mixture from step a) in a closed mold under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions; and c) the molded article is brought into contact with a solvent so as to dissolve at least one portion of the particles of said solute.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing technology for manufacturing seepage irrigation pipe with alternating effluent sections and non-effluent sections, and in particular, to the field of underground seepage irrigation in agriculture and forestry. The processing technology combines the production unit for water-effluent pipes with the production unit for non-effluent pipes, and produces the seepage irrigation pipeline by adjusting the raw material ratios, controlling the spindle speed, spindle acceleration time, and spindle deceleration time of the two pipeline production units, to generate a seepage irrigation pipe with alternating effluent sections and non-effluent sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for molding rubber blocks by combining rubber chips and a urethane binder, and more specifically to a molding method for rubber blocks whereby it is possible to improve the processing time and the physical properties of the product by introducing high-temperature steam during molding. The present invention has advantageous effects in that the molding can take place in a short time without affecting the physical properties of the product even in situations involving heavy molded products, and in that there is no risk of ignition due to self-heating even if the finished products are kept stacked.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are disclosed for correcting one or more uniformity characteristics in a tire and particularly to correction in a low profile tire or a tire having a projection along the sidewall. The uniformity characteristic may be a radial force variation, conicity, or both. Correction is accomplished by stretching portions of the tire architecture to create permanent deformation.

Abstract: A tire, and an apparatus and method for forming a tire. The tire may either be a tubed or tubeless tire, and is filled with a mixture of virgin rubber and small rubber pieces. Preferably, a machine grinds the core of used flatproofed tires, or pieces thereof, into a finely communicated pulverulent. The pulverent is mixed with liquid virgin flatproofing material, such as a polyurethane. An injector introduces this mixture, into the core of a tire, typically through a valve. The core of the tire is preferably substantially filled with this mixture. The injector may take the form of one or more elongated screws and the mixing may occur as the ground rubber is being conveyed by the screw.

Abstract: A method for recycling wasted tires comprises the steps of: A. Mixing pellets of the wasted tires and natural rubber and pressing the mixture repeatedly till the mixture is heating. B. Stirring the mixture to make it well mixed. C. Rolling the mixture to a piece-like element. D. Adding some sulfur into the mixture and foaming the mixture to a foamed pad, whereby an air pressure is produced in the foaming procedure to force the pellets of the wasted tires fixedly fastening to the foamed rubber. E. Cooling the foamed pad.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an article (10) by forming different portions of the article from different materials including using filler materials that are incorporated into a molten resin prior to forming the article. The selection of the resin and the filler materials impart differing properties to the article in the location where the materials were directed. The filler materials may include ceramic powders, clays, polymeric resins selected for their material properties, recycled materials, whisker materials and the like. The article may be subjected to an adhesion fluid, such as a gas or liquid, after formation in order to adhere all filler particles to the surrounding resin. If the adhesion treatment is acidic in nature, an optional step of neutralizing the article with hydroxides, carbonates or the like may be useful.

Abstract: A resilient article and method of manufacturing the same using recycled materials are described. Predetermined amounts of thermoset material and thermoplastic binder are mixed and extruded into a die, from which the mixture emerges in the form of a sheet having the approximate thickness of the finished article. The mixture then enters a calibrator, which more precisely shapes the sheet to the desired thickness. The sheet is then cooled and cut to the desired dimensions to provide the finished article. The thermoset material used in the mixture is preferably ground vehicle tire rubber with the fabric and metal removed and the thermoplastic binder is preferably waste polyethylene. The apparatus and method according to the present invention is particularly well suited for manufacturing resilient articles for use as expansion joint material.

Abstract: An automated process for manufacturing rubber paving blocks uses crumb rubber recovered from used automotive tires. A production line in which the molds are emptied of the formed rubber paving block and then filled with a fresh crumb rubber mixture is balanced with an oven line in which the compressed crumb rubber mixture is heated, cured and cooled before being returned to the production line for further processing. The mold includes a lid having latching mechanisms that are actuated by compressed air. The formed rubber paving block is removed from the cooled mold through a compressed air extraction mechanism so that the formed block is not damaged during the extraction process. The rubber paving block is formed with a textured bottom surface having a central depressed disk and a plurality of grooves forming interconnected passageways for water to pass beneath the blocks when installed.

Abstract: Roofing tiles, sheet rubber, and other rubber-based articles are formed from devulcanized crumb rubber by compounding the rubber with sulfur, a compound containing bound water, and a flame retardant. The articles have a high rubber content and are moldable and formable without the need for added polymeric binders, and are self-extinguishing upon exposure to flame.

Abstract: The breakdown of crosslinked elastomers, including the devulcanization of crumb rubber, is achieved by exposing the elastomers to ultrasonic vibrations induced by magnetostriction transducers. The transducers are capable of a higher power output than ultrasound produced by piezoelectric transducers, and are able to withstand high temperatures and high-frequency vibrations to a significantly better degree.

Abstract: The present invention is a molding material made from a combination of recycled scrap tire particles and recycled plastic flake. In one embodiment, the molding material comprises a plurality of recycled scrap tire particles having different surface areas, a plurality of recycled plastic flake having different surface areas, and a binding agent coated about substantially all of the surfaces of the recycled scrap tire particles and the recycled plastic flakes. The combination of the recycled scrap tire particles having different surface areas, the recycled plastic flake having different surface areas, and the bonding agent results in a molding material that can be used to make a strong, substantially rigid, and durable product.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for devulcanizing the surface of reclaimed rubber crumb into surface devulcanized reclaimed rubber crumb that is suitable for being recompounded and recurred into high performance rubber products, said process comprising the steps of (1) heating the reclaimed rubber crumb to a temperature within the range of about 150° C. to about 300° C. under pressure of at least about 3.4×106 Pascals in the presence of 2-butanol to devulcanized the surface of the rubber crumb thereby producing a slurry of the surface devulcanized reclaimed rubber crumb in the 2-butanol, wherein the reclaimed rubber crumb has a particles size which is within the range of about 325 mesh to about 20 mesh, and (2) separating the surface devulcanized reclaimed rubber crumb from 2-butanol.

Abstract: The invention provides new methods for recycling thermoset materials such as natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, silicone rubbers, and other elastomers and cross-linked polymers (e.g., isoprene rubbers; butyl rubbers; ethylene-propylene-diene rubbers, “EPDM”; nitrile, or acrylonitrile butadiene rubbers, “NBR”; styrene-butadiene rubbers, “SBR”; hard rubbers such as EBONITE®; mixtures of vulcanized rubbers from discarded tires). The invention is based on the discovery that by combining powdered or particulate thermoset materials with lubricants such as aromatic or paraffinic rubber processing oils or volatile solvents, the thermoset materials can be recycled under moderate temperature and pressure conditions to rapidly produce materials having physical properties comparable to those of virgin thermoset materials. The resulting materials can, for example, be extruded or compaction molded into new shapes such as panels.

Abstract: The present invention is a pallet made from a combination of recycled tire shreds and recycled plastic particles. In one embodiment, the pallet comprises a plurality of recycled tire shreds having different surface areas, a plurality of recycled plastic flakes having different surface areas, and a bonding agent coated about substantially all of the surfaces of the recycled tire shreds and the recycled plastic flakes. The combination of the recycled tire shreds having different surface areas, the recycled plastic particles having different surface and the bonding agent results in a stronger and durable pallet.

Abstract: The present invention is a pallet made from a combination of recycled tire shreds and recycled plastic particles. In one embodiment, the pallet comprises a plurality of recycled tire shreds having different surface areas, a plurality of recycled plastic flakes having different surface areas, and a bonding agent coated about substantially all of the surfaces of the recycled tire shreds and the recycled plastic flakes. The combination of the recycled tire shreds having different surface areas, the recycled plastic particles having different surface and the bonding agent results in a stronger and durable pallet.

Abstract: A method for utilizing discarded tires is disclosed which creates strong, durable, posts, beams, mats, blocks or other structures. Used tires are cut and flattened and the sidewalls are removed. The tread sections of the tires are cleaned. Vulcanizing compound is then applied to adjacent inner surfaces of the tread sections to form a flat essential building element. These building elements may be vulcanized together in alternating horizontal and perpendicular layers to form flat blocks, mats, noise or safety barriers, or other structures. The essential building elements are flat and form structures which have flat upper and lower surfaces and a rectangular cross-section. Beams may be formed by securing a number of the essential building elements together to form structures that are approximately 8 feet high and have a rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: A resilient article and method of manufacturing the same using recycled materials are described. Predetermined amounts of thermoset material and thermoplastic binder are mixed and extruded into a die, from which the mixture emerges in the form of a sheet having the approximate thickness of the finished article. The mixture then enters a calibrator, which more precisely shapes the sheet to the desired thickness. The sheet is then cooled and cut to the desired dimensions to provide the finished article. The thermoset material used in the mixture is preferably ground vehicle tire rubber with the fabric and metal removed and the thermoplastic binder is preferably waste polyethylene. The apparatus and method according to the present invention is particularly well suited for manufacturing resilient articles for use as expansion joint material.

Abstract: A method for producing sound absorbing, vibration-damping and/or heat/cold insulating units (1) of rubber waste from for example tyres. The material is decomposed and mixed with a binding agent and is solidified in a mould. The units can be used as noise protecting screens along roads. Holder means (2) and lifting means (4) can be imbedded in the material before the solidification.

Abstract: A composite article including a hollow form filled with a mixture of thermoplastic, a thermoset including ground whole tire waste and a processing aid. Also disclosed is a process for extruding a mixture of thermoplastic, thermoset including ground whole tire waste and a processing aid, in which the mixture is extruded through a die into a hollow form to form a filled article.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of a material compositions where recycled vulcanized rubber constitutes the main component. By using expandable microspheres, an internal pressure is generated when a powder-like mixture of recycled particles of rubber are heated in a sealed mold.

Abstract: A new method of forming products out of vehicle tires for utilizing used vehicle tires in forming useful products. The inventive device includes the following steps: provide a supply of used vehicle tires. Freeze the tires. Remove steel belts from the tires. Shred the tires into a mixture. Add about twenty percent of new rubber to the mixture. Heat the mixture into a slurry form. Pour the slurry into a mold. Allow the slurry to dry within the mold into a form. Remove the form.

Abstract: A process for recycling rubber, elastomers, and thermoset materials in which the material to be recycled is pulverized in a manner which maintains the chemical composition of the material, producing a powder. The powder is introduced into a mold which is heated to a temperature of at least about 200.degree. C. and a compression force of at least about 10 tons is applied to the powder for a period of at least one hour, resulting in formation of a single piece of the rubber, elastomeric, or thermoset material, with no change in chemical structure.

Abstract: A new rubber expansion joint for preventing distortions, cracks, and breaks in building materials normally caused by thermal movement. The invention includes a method of making an expansion joint member from used tires and using the resulting expansion joint member by installing it into a structure to create an expansion joint.

Abstract: A novel polyurethane foam is shown which uses ground vehicle tires as a filler material. A method of manufacturing a carpet pad using the novel polyurethane composition is also shown. A frame is provided to which is mounted a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt feeds a first liner having an exposed surface of the polyurethane foam along a conveyor path from a forward end to a rearward end. A foam spray assembly is connected to a conventional uncured polymeric foam supply having a spray nozzle mounted adjacent to the forward end of the conveyor path. The spray nozzle dispenses uncured, resilient polymeric foam as a generally uniform layer on a surface of the first liner of previously cured polyurethane. A second conveyor belt, parallel to the first conveyor belt, feeds a second liner sheet along the conveyor path so that the second liner sheet is positioned over the layers of foam laminate.

Abstract: A process for forming a building unit from ground motor vehicle tires. The process includes the steps of grinding a number of tires to create a ground tire mixture which includes ground rubber metal strands and fiber pieces. Between 15% and 20% of adhesive comprising asphalt is added to the mixture. The asphalt containing mixture is then placed into a heated mold and subjected to heat and pressure to form a building unit such as a block. The metal may be removed after the grinding step by passing the ground material under a magnet. The thinnest block is strong enough to form a structure and yet pliable enough to permit an insertion or nails or screws.