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.

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 method of retreading a tire. The method includes the steps of applying a primer to an inner surface of a circumferential tread and applying the primer to an outer surface of a tire casing; applying an adhesive to the primer disposed on the inner surface and the primer disposed on the outer surface; applying the circumferential tread to the tire casing so the inner surface contacts the outer surface and a bondline edge forms circumferentially about the tire casing proximate to a shoulder area of the tire casing; and coupling a moisture reservoir to the circumferential tread proximate to the bondline edge.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, a tire tread cutting apparatus for cutting a length of a tire tread is described. The tire tread cutting apparatus includes a track having a first track end and a second track end downstream of the first track end. The track includes a plurality of rollers positioned between the first track end and the second track end. The plurality of rollers is configured to facilitate the tire tread along the track. A tire hub is positioned downstream of and adjacent to the second track end. The tire hub is configured to receive a tire casing. The tire casing defines a tire casing circumference along an outer surface of the tire casing. A tread dispenser is positioned upstream of the track and configured to dispense tire tread. The tread dispenser includes a drive roller configured to drive tire tread downstream toward the second track end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, a pneumatic tire having a tread portion is described. The tread portion includes a generally circumferentially extending groove defined therein. The groove has a groove cross-section defined by a groove bottom, a first groove sidewall, hand a second groove sidewall. The second groove sidewall is opposite and substantially parallel to the first groove sidewall. The groove has a groove width defined between the first groove sidewall and the second groove sidewall. A plurality of stone rejectors extend between the first groove sidewall and the second groove sidewall. Each stone rejector in the plurality of stone rejectors is circumferentially spaced from an adjacent stone rejector. Each stone rejector includes a raised platform and a protrusion. The raised platform extends axially from the first groove sidewall to the second groove sidewall. The protrusion extends from a top surface of the raised platform.

Abstract: A tire tread extractor used in the manufacture of treads includes a frame, a first nip roller rotatably associated with the frame, and a second nip roller rotatably associated with the frame. The first and second nip rollers are adapted to engage a tire tread at least partially resident in a mold. A driving mechanism associated with the first and/or second nip rollers operates to impart rotational motion thereto. The frame is configured for longitudinal movement along a substantial portion of a longitudinal length of the mold while maintaining the first and second nip rollers in a spaced relation to the mold.

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 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 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 precured tread assembly for mounting on a tire casing is provided. The precured tread assembly includes a tread portion having a mounting surface and an opposing ground-engaging surface with a plurality of grooves therein. A reinforcing fabric layer is attached to the mounting surface of the tread portion.

Abstract: A carbon black pellet comprising a plurality of agglomerates, aggregates, or primary carbon black particles and a binder including a functional polymer.