Abstract: A blade for use in a tire mold, a combination of the blade with the tire mold, and a method of attaching the blade to the tire mold. An edge portion of the blade is received in a slot in the tire mold, and a body portion extends therefrom to form a sipe in a tire. One or a pair of tab portions attached to the edge portion is received in an indent in the slot, and a wedge forces the tab portion or portions into a locked position as the blade is driven into the slot. A break-away tendon or tendons attach the wedge to the tab portion or portions and break to allow wedge movement for achieving the locked position when the blade is driven into the slot. Alternatively, a wedge is pre-positioned in an housing in the indent whereby blade tab portions move into a locked position upon contact with the wedge. The mold is engraved, and the blade is formed by laser or water jet cutting.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a selected surface portion of the interior liner of a tire includes a frame; three cooperative fingers adapted to be spread apart to engage the beads of a tire and to spread such beads proximate the portion of the liner to be cleaned; a brush; actuators arranged to move the brush into engagement with the liner portion; a rotary actuator arranged to spray solvent on to the liner portion; and a drain insertable into the tire to withdraw dirty solvent therefrom.