Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and an apparatus for curing a polymeric form. The method includes arranging an uncured polymeric form within a curing chamber (60) formed by a base member (20) and a constraining member (40). A thermal expansion member (30) is additionally positioned within the curing chamber (60) with the uncured polymeric form (70) such that the thermal expansion member and the uncured polymeric form are positioned between the base member (20) and the constraining member (40). The thermal expansion member (30) is heated to expand in size into an expanded state. In the expanded state the thermal expansion member (30) applies pressure to the uncured polymeric form (70) within the curing chamber. The expansion of the thermal expansion member (30) is maintained to maintain the application of pressure to the uncured polymeric form while the uncured polymeric form is being cured to form a cured polymeric form.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for spreading beads in a tire. Particular embodiments of such methods include securing at least a portion of a first bead of the tire and positioning a tire spreader within the central opening of the tire, the tire spreader having a bead engaging portion for engaging a portion of a second bead generally opposite the secured portion of the first bead. Such methods may further include automatically translating the bead engaging portion of the tire spreader generally in an axial direction of the tire to displace the engaged portion of the second bead a desired distance to increase the distance between the opposing beads to form a widened interior cavity opening.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and an apparatus for curing a polymeric form. The method includes arranging an uncured polymeric form within a curing chamber (60) formed by a base member (20) and a constraining member (40). A thermal expansion member (30) is additionally positioned within the curing chamber (60) with the uncured polymeric form (70) such that the thermal expansion member and the uncured polymeric form are positioned between the base member (20) and the constraining member (40). The thermal expansion member (30) is heated to expand in size into an expanded state. In the expanded state the thermal expansion member (30) applies pressure to the uncured polymeric form (70) within the curing chamber. The expansion of the thermal expansion member (30) is maintained to maintain the application of pressure to the uncured polymeric form while the uncured polymeric form is being cured to form a cured polymeric form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a section from a tire is disclosed. The method and apparatus are configured so that one side of a saw blade used to cut a section from a tire is treated by dulling. The treatment allows for the removal of a section of a tire so cords embedded in various layers of the tire are protected from damage and the surface texture surrounding the removed section of the tire is adequate for repair.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for deforming a tire sidewall. Such methods include the step of providing a tire having at least one sidewall connected to a corresponding bead. A further step includes constraining at least one of the sidewall and bead from moving laterally toward the other. Yet another step of such methods includes engaging the sidewall with an inclined member. Another step of such methods includes moving at lest one of the sidewall and bead in a lateral direction away from the other until the sidewall is laterally deformed into a laterally deformed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for spreading beads in a tire. Particular embodiments of such methods include securing at least a portion of a first bead of the tire and positioning a tire spreader within the central opening of the tire, the tire spreader having a bead engaging portion for engaging a portion of a second bead generally opposite the secured portion of the first bead. Such methods may further include automatically translating the bead engaging portion of the tire spreader generally in an axial direction of the tire to displace the engaged portion of the second bead a desired distance to increase the distance between the opposing beads to form a widened interior cavity opening.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for spreading beads in a tire. Particular embodiments of such methods include positioning a tire adjacent an automated material abrading tool, the tire having: a central opening bounded radially by an inner bead diameter; an interior tire cavity extending radially outward from the inner bead diameter; and an interior tire cavity opening extending between opposing an annular beads of the tire, the cavity being positioned between the central cavity and the interior tire cavity. Such methods may also include securing at least a portion of the first bead of the tire and positioning a tire spreader within the central opening of the tire, the tire spreader having a bead engaging portion for engaging a portion of the second bead generally opposite the secured portion of the first bead.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and apparatus for stitching the interior surface of a tire, the steps of the method including rotating the tire about a central rotational axis, applying a force to maintain the tire in a substantially radial fixed position relative to a stitching wheel; applying a predetermined force to the interior surface of the tire with the stitching wheel, the stitching wheel contacting the interior surface of the tire while the tire is rotating; and, mechanically translating the stitching wheel laterally across the interior of the tire during tire rotation.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for deforming a tire sidewall. Such methods include the step of providing a tire having at least one sidewall connected to a corresponding bead. A further step includes constraining at least one of the sidewall and bead from moving laterally toward the other. Yet another step of such methods includes engaging the sidewall with an inclined member. Another step of such methods includes moving at lest one of the sidewall and bead in a lateral direction away from the other until the sidewall is laterally deformed into a laterally deformed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for spreading beads in a tire. Particular embodiments of such methods include positioning a tire adjacent an automated material abrading tool, the tire having: a central opening bounded radially by an inner bead diameter; an interior tire cavity extending radially outward from the inner bead diameter; and an interior tire cavity opening extending between opposing an annular beads of the tire, the cavity being positioned between the central cavity and the interior tire cavity. Such methods may also include securing at least a portion of the first bead of the tire and positioning a tire spreader within the central opening of the tire, the tire spreader having a bead engaging portion for engaging a portion of the second bead generally opposite the secured portion of the first bead.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing a section from a tire is disclosed. The improved method and apparatus are configured so that one side of a saw blade used to cut a section from a tire is treated by dulling. The treatment allows for the removal of a section of a tire so cords embedded in various layers of the tire are protected from damage and the surface texture surrounding the removed section of the tire is adequate for repair.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and apparatus for stitching the interior surface of a tire, the steps of the method including rotating the tire about a central rotational axis, applying a force to maintain the tire in a substantially radial fixed position relative to a stitching wheel; applying a predetermined force to the interior surface of the tire with the stitching wheel, the stitching wheel contacting the interior surface of the tire while the tire is rotating; and, mechanically translating the stitching wheel laterally across the interior of the tire during tire rotation.