Abstract: Particular embodiments of the invention concerns methods of forming a retreaded tire with improved tread edge area bonding, and re-treaded tires formed thereby. One embodiment of such methods includes forming an unbonded retreaded tire by arranging a pre-cured tread annularly around an annular tire carcass with a bonding layer arranged there between. The pre-cured tread includes a pair of opposing tread edges laterally-spaced to define a width of the pre-cured tread. The method also includes bonding the tread of the unbonded tire to the tire carcass to form a bonded retreaded tire by sufficiently pressurizing and heating the curing chamber to cure the bonding layer of the unbonded tire, which includes at least partially bonding a pair of laterally-spaced tread edge areas of the pre-cured tread to the tire carcass prior to an intermediate portion of the pre-cured tread located between the pair of laterally-spaced tread edge areas.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention include method of forming a retreaded tire. The method includes providing an unbonded retreaded tire, forming a degassing assembly by arranging a flexible degassing membrane around an outer circumference of the unbonded retreaded tire, placing the each of the one or more vacuum chambers under at least partial vacuum pressure, and performing a degassing operation by pressurizing a degassing chamber while each of the one or more vacuum chambers in the degassing assembly are at least under partial vacuum pressure. The method further includes disassembling the degassing assembly by separating the unbonded degassed tire from the flexible degassing membrane, and bonding the unbonded degassed tire to form a bonded retreaded tire by pressurizing a curing chamber and sufficiently heating the curing chamber to cure the bonding layer of the unbonded degassed tire. A tire made by a similar process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the subject invention comprise methods and apparatus concerning balanced abrading of a tire surface by an abrading tool. Such an abrading tool may comprise a pair of counter-rotating, driven abrading members, each of the abrading members having a rotational axis generally extending laterally across the tool, the abrading members being spaced apart in a lateral direction of the tool by a desired distance, each of the abrading members having an abrading surface defined by at least one outer diameter, the abrading surface extending axially relative to the rotational axis of the abrading member, wherein each of the abrading has a shaft upon which each abrading member is arranged, each of the shafts being adapted to be driven by a driving source. The tool further includes a body to which each shaft and abrading member is attached.

Abstract: A cable depth gauge and method for determining the depth of a cable embedded in a sidewall of a tire, the cable depth gauge comprising an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having an indicator point set to reference a surface of the tire, the elongate body having a width to determine eligibility if the repair hole being examined meets the minimum size for the repair process and a first measuring region and a second measuring region located at the proximal end of the elongate body, the first measuring region and the second measuring region being at a known distance from the indicator point.

Abstract: A tire work station and system for selectively holding a tire having work performed thereon in a side orientation or a front orientation. The tire work station comprises a work platform mounted to a vertically adjustable pedestal having a first support system and a second support system. The first support system comprising a pair of tread rollers inclined at a first inclined angle A1 and further forming a second angle A2 with a pair of sidewall rollers. The sidewall rollers spaced apart to define a passageway for the tire in its front orientation. The second support system mounted between the pair of tread rollers, comprising a tread support surface at a first distance from a top surface of the work platform lower than a support surface of the pair of tread rollers at a second distance from the top surface of the work platform.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the subject invention comprise methods and apparatus concerning balanced abrading of a tire surface by an abrading tool. Such an abrading tool may comprise a pair of counter-rotating, driven abrading members, each of the abrading members having a rotational axis generally extending laterally across the tool, the abrading members being spaced apart in a lateral direction of the tool by a desired distance, each of the abrading members having an abrading surface defined by at least one outer diameter, the abrading surface extending axially relative to the rotational axis of the abrading member, wherein each of the abrading has a shaft upon which each abrading member is arranged, each of the shafts being adapted to be driven by a driving source. The tool further includes a body to which each shaft and abrading member is attached.

Abstract: A tire work station and system for selectively holding a tire having work performed thereon in a side orientation or a front orientation. The tire work station comprises a work platform mounted to a vertically adjustable pedestal having a first support system and a second support system. The first support system comprising a pair of tread rollers inclined at a first inclined angle A1 and further forming a second angle A2 with a pair of sidewall rollers. The sidewall rollers spaced apart to define a passageway for the tire in its front orientation. The second support system mounted between the pair of tread rollers, comprising a tread support surface at a first distance from a top surface of the work platform lower than a support surface of the pair of tread rollers at a second distance from the top surface of the work platform.

Abstract: A cable depth gauge and method for determining the depth of a cable embedded in a sidewall of a tire, the cable depth gauge comprising an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having an indicator point set to reference a surface of the tire, the elongate body having a width to determine eligibility if the repair hole being examined meets the minimum size for the repair process and a first measuring region and a second measuring region located at the proximal end of the elongate body, the first measuring region and the second measuring region being at a known distance from the indicator point.