Abstract: A sipe forming assembly is provided. The sipe forming assembly includes a plunge cutting assembly, a leading roller assembly positioned upstream of the plunge cutting assembly, and a trailing roller assembly positioned downstream of the plunge cutting assembly. The plunge cutting assembly includes a blade and a linear actuator configured to actuate the blade to cut a sipe in a tire tread. The leading roller assembly includes a first leading roller and a second leading roller positionable relative to the first leading roller. The second leading roller and the first leading roller are configured to cooperate to clamp the tire tread between the first leading roller and the second leading roller. The trailing roller assembly includes a first trailing roller and a second trailing roller configured to cooperate to clamp the tire tread between the first trailing roller and the second trailing roller.

Abstract: A tread extraction assembly is provided. The tread extraction assembly includes a base frame, a first clamping assembly, and a second clamping assembly. The base frame defines a leading edge. The first clamping assembly includes a first clamp movable relative to the base frame. The second clamping assembly is coupled to the base frame and includes a second clamp positioned proximate to the leading edge. The tread extraction assembly also includes a linear rail and a linear bearing. The first clamping assembly is coupled to the linear bearing and movable along the linear rail by a linear actuator.

Abstract: A system including a rail assembly and a tread extraction assembly coupled to the rail assembly is provided. The tread extraction assembly includes a base frame and a first clamping assembly. The first clamping assembly has a first clamp movable relative to the base frame. The first clamp is configured to clamp a portion of a tire tread in a tread mold. Further, a system for removing a tire tread from a tread mold is provided. The system includes a tread extraction assembly coupled to a rail assembly. The rail assembly is configured to translate along a rail positioned adjacent the tread mold. The rail assembly is pivotably coupled to the base frame by a first linkage arm and a second linkage arm and configured to pivot the tread extractor assembly from a position adjacent the tread mold to a position over the tread mold.

Abstract: A method of forming a gum roll is provided. The method includes providing a strip stock having a first end, a first surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first end of the strip stock is coupled to a core fixture so the first surface interfaces with the core fixture. The strip stock is rotated to wind the strip stock onto the core fixture such that the first surface interfaces with the second surface to form the gum roll. The method further includes cutting the strip stock to form the second end when the gum roll is wound to an outer roll diameter, the outer roll diameter being greater than a diameter of the core fixture.

Abstract: A machine for retreading tires includes a rotatable hub that includes a moveable conical element, and an expandable rim disposed around the rotatable hub. The expandable rim includes a plurality of shoes. Each shoe of the plurality of shoes may have a base portion and a rim portion. The base portion may have a two-piece construction that allows for replacement of a worn interface that may include a channel and a ramp. A method for assembling an expandable rim for use in a tire retreading machine, and a method for servicing a machine having an expandable rim are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mold for molding a tire tread comprises a plurality of mold segments. Each of the plurality of mold segments includes an integer number of tread pitch repetitions. The plurality of mold segments are structured to be coupled to each other end-to-end so as to form the mold such that the mold includes an integer number of tread pitches. The mold also includes at least one mold end segment positioned on at least one end of the mold and has a mold end segment length shorter than a length of each of the plurality of mold segments.

Abstract: A mold for molding a tire tread comprises a plurality of mold segments. Each of the plurality of mold segments includes an integer number of tread pitch repetitions. The plurality of mold segments are structured to be coupled to each other end-to-end so as to form the mold such that the mold includes an integer number of tread pitches. The mold also includes at least one mold end segment positioned on at least one end of the mold and has a mold end segment length shorter than a length of each of the plurality of mold segments.

Abstract: A skid assembly including a skid having a stacking surface and four gum rolls is provided. The gum rolls include a first gum roll positioned on the stacking surface and a second gum roll positioned on the stacking surface and abutting the first gum roll. The first and second gum rolls cooperate to define a first skid layer. The gum rolls further include third and fourth gum rolls each positioned on one of the first or second gum rolls. The fourth gum roll abuts the third gum roll, and the third and fourth gum rolls both cooperate to form a second skid layer. The gum rolls are formed of a strip stock wound onto a core fixture. The strip stock is coated to prevent the strip stock from adhering to itself while being wound into the gum roll.

Abstract: A machine for retreading tires includes a rotatable hub that includes a moveable conical element, and an expandable rim disposed around the rotatable hub. The expandable rim includes a plurality of shoes. Each shoe of the plurality of shoes may have a base portion and a rim portion. The base portion may have a two-piece construction that allows for replacement of a worn interface that may include a channel and a ramp. A method for assembling an expandable rim for use in a tire retreading machine, and a method for servicing a machine having an expandable rim are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tire tread is provided. The tire tread includes a plurality of tread elements positioned on a tire tread surface so as to comprise a tread pattern. The tire tread also includes a plurality of grooves provided between the plurality of tread elements. A first set of sipes is provided to the tire tread, the first set of sipes extending from a longitudinal axis of the tire tread and toward a first edge of the tire tread at a first non-zero angle with respect to a lateral axis of the tire tread. A second set of sipes is also provided to the tire tread, the second set of sipes extending from the longitudinal axis and toward the first edge of the tire tread at a second non-zero angle with respect to the lateral axis, the second set of sipes intersecting the first set of sipes.

Abstract: A sipe forming assembly is provided. The sipe forming assembly includes a plunge cutting assembly, a leading roller assembly positioned upstream of the plunge cutting assembly, and a trailing roller assembly positioned downstream of the plunge cutting assembly. The plunge cutting assembly includes a blade and a linear actuator configured to actuate the blade to cut a sipe in a tire tread. The leading roller assembly includes a first leading roller and a second leading roller positionable relative to the first leading roller. The second leading roller and the first leading roller are configured to cooperate to clamp the tire tread between the first leading roller and the second leading roller. The trailing roller assembly includes a first trailing roller and a second trailing roller configured to cooperate to clamp the tire tread between the first trailing roller and the second trailing roller.

Abstract: A dual tire buffing apparatus includes a turntable having a first end and an opposite second end. The turntable is rotatable about a central axis between first and second positions. A first expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the first end. The first expandable hub is configured to receive a first tire casing. A second expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the second end. The second expandable hub is configured to receive a second tire casing. A rasp head is positioned to operatively engage the first tire casing on the first expandable hub when the turntable is in the first position to perform a buffing operation on the first tire casing, and to operatively engage the second tire casing on the second expandable hub when the turntable is in the second position to perform a buffing operation on the second tire casing.

Abstract: Systems and methods of buffing tire casings are provided. A tire buffing machine includes a tire hub assembly selectively rotating a mounted casing, a buffer configured to buff the casing, a tire belt detection apparatus having two or more sensors to detect a first belt depth of one or more belts at a first lateral position in a tire casing and a second belt depth of the one or more belts at a second lateral position within the tire casing, and an electronic controller. The controller determines the first belt depth and the second belt depth using a belt detection apparatus having two or more sensors of the belt detection apparatus and adjusts the operation of the buffer based on the first belt depth or the second belt depth.