Abstract: A modular flooring assembly for heavy-duty applications is presented. It is made of a plurality of interlockable mat units, each mat having a plurality of edges with at least one edge having a connector in the plane of the mat unit. Each connector is made of a plurality of alternating teeth and grooves respectively adapted to engage the grooves and the teeth of another mat unit. Each groove has a first bevel with respect to the plane extending along its back wall and a rear portion of its corresponding side walls. Each tooth has a second bevel with respect to the plane extending along its front wall and a front portion of its corresponding side walls. The first and the second bevels are complementary and each side wall form a twist transition between the first and second bevels.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating out the economic components of scrap rubber tires, wherein the rubber tires are passed through a first shredder, a rotary screen, and a magnetic separator. The non-magnetic fraction is then passed through successive second and third rotary screens for separating out fine sand and debris and then for separating out fine particles of rubber and fabric fiber. The fine charge and the coarse charge are directed to respective defibrators which include a rotor in the form of a blade cage through which an airstream is passed carrying rubber particles and fabric fibers. The gate deflects the rubber particles which are then discharged in the the bottom of the defibrator while the lighter fabric fibers pass through the gate in the airstream and are separated out in a cyclone. The coarse rubber particles when discharged from its respective defibrator are recirculated through a second shredder and back to the third rotary screen.