Abstract: A method for automatically filling skived areas on a tire carcass is provided. The method including analyzing, by a computer system, a surface of a tire carcass with a sensor, identifying, by the computer system, a first skived area of the tire carcass, determining, by the computer system, whether to perform a filling operation to fill the first skived area, communicating, by the computer system, the location of the first skived area to a filling device responsive to a determination to perform the filling operation, and filling, by the filling device, the first skived area.

Abstract: An envelope spreader system includes a chassis having an opening, a linkage assembly comprising a plurality of links rotatably coupled to the chassis and extending into the opening, and an actuator operably coupled to the linkage assembly and configured to operate the linkage assembly between a first position and a second position. The plurality of links includes a primary link having a primary link first end rotatably coupled to the chassis at a first fixed pivot point and a primary link second end configured to operably engage a portion of a tire envelope and a secondary link having a secondary link first end rotatably coupled to the chassis at a second fixed pivot point and a secondary link second end configured to engage a portion the tire envelope.

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: 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 forming system is provided. The system includes a tire tread mold configured to receive uncured rubber, and a tab system coupled to the tire tread mold. The tab system includes a tab mold contiguous with the tire tread mold and including a tab recess therein, an actuator, and a tab ejector operably coupled to the actuator, the actuator being configured to cause the tab ejector to move so as to eject a pull-out tab from the tab recess of the tab mold.

Abstract: A method of forming a retreaded tire is provided. The method includes coupling a retread element to a tire casing to form a retreaded tire having a tread surface and machining a sidewall of the retreaded tire. The sidewall of the retreaded tire is then machined, where machining the sidewall of the retreaded tire includes removing a portion of the sidewall to form a concave fillet in the sidewall. The concave fillet is positioned radially inward from the tread surface.

Abstract: A grinding bit is provided. The grinding bit includes a shank having a central axis and a cutting body. The shank further includes a first shank end and a second shank end opposite to the first shank end. The first shank end is configured for operably coupling to a rotary tool. The cutting body is coupled to the second shank end and extends axially away from the shank along the central axis. The grinding bit may include a shoulder surface extending radially from the shank in between the first shank end and the second shank end.

Abstract: A sipe forming system is provided. The sipe forming system includes a cutting base including a pivot plate having an aperture, a cutting drum extending at least partially through the aperture, a blade coupled to the surface of the cutting drum, and a mechanical power source operably coupled to the cutting base and configured to rotate the cutting drum. The sipe forming system further includes a positioning assembly pivotally coupled to the cutting base and configured to receive a tire tread. The positioning assembly includes a housing, the housing being selectively positionable relative to the pivot plate, and at least one positioning device configured to position the tire tread received by the positioning assembly with respect to the cutting drum.

Abstract: A tire can include a three-dimensional sipe formed into a tire tread. The three-dimensional sipe can be formed in a tread element of the tire tread and can include a three-dimensional pattern. The three-dimensional sipe can have a first frequency of oscillation at a top end of the three-dimensional sipe and a second frequency of oscillation at a bottom end of the three-dimensional sipe with the first frequency of oscillation being different from the second frequency of oscillation.

Abstract: A method of cutting a sipe pattern into a tire tread includes feeding the tire tread through a leading roller assembly and toward a plunge cutting assembly along a tread plane, actuating the plunge cutting assembly to cut a first sipe at a first angle and a first depth using a blade, the blade operably coupled to the plunge cutting assembly, and actuating the plunge cutting assembly to cut a second sipe at a second angle and a second depth using the blade.

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.