Abstract: A method and apparatus for buffing tread from a tire carcass, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a sensor at a first lateral location along a width of the tread; receiving a first signal from the sensor, the first signal generated as a function of a distance between the sensor and a belt in the tire and a tire characteristic; selecting a first signal response curve from a plurality of signal response curves based upon the first lateral location of the sensor, the selected signal response curve representing the function of the distance between the sensor and the tire belt and the tire characteristic; determining from the response curve the distance between the sensor and the belt for the signal response received; buffing tread from the tire until the distance between the sensor and the belt reaches a final distance. The steps are repeated at a second lateral location.

Abstract: Methods, computer programs, and apparatus for applying a layer of cushion gum to a tire casing in preparation for the retreading of the tire casing, the steps of the methods including selecting one of a plurality recipes for applying cushion gum based on one of a size, model and shape of the tire casing; pressurizing the tire casing to a predetermined pressure based on the recipe; crushing the tire casing by an extruder head a predetermined percentage of the tire casing radius or a predetermined distance, the predetermined percentage based on the recipe; and extruding the cushion gum from the extruder head. The extruder head may be translatable by way of a screw drive.

Abstract: Methods, computer programs, and apparatus for applying a layer of cushion gum to a tire casing in preparation for the retreading of the tire casing, the steps of the methods including selecting one of a plurality recipes for applying cushion gum based on one of a size, model and shape of the tire casing; pressurizing the tire casing to a predetermined pressure based on the recipe; crushing the tire casing by an extruder head a predetermined percentage of the tire casing radius or a predetermined distance, the predetermined percentage based on the recipe; and extruding the cushion gum from the extruder head. The extruder head may be translatable by way of a screw drive.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for collecting debris generated during a tire buffing operation on a tire buffing machine, the tire buffing machine having a cutting head cutting surface rotatable about a cutting head axis. The system includes a rotatable shroud being rotatable about a shroud axis, the shroud comprising a side member surrounding a majority of the cutting head cutting surface, a cutting head access window to expose the cutting head for buffing the tire casing, and a vacuum suction port that is adjacent to the cutting head access window. The system may further include a driver to rotate the shroud during buffing, wherein rotating the shroud during buffing aligns the vacuum suction port with the projected path of debris being discharged from the cutting head cutting surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for buffing tread from a tire carcass, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a sensor at a first lateral location along a width of the tread; receiving a first signal from the sensor, the first signal generated as a function of a distance between the sensor and a belt in the tire and a tire characteristic; selecting a first signal response curve from a plurality of signal response curves based upon the first lateral location of the sensor, the selected signal response curve representing the function of the distance between the sensor and the tire belt and the tire characteristic; determining from the response curve the distance between the sensor and the belt for the signal response received; buffing tread from the tire until the distance between the sensor and the belt reaches a final distance. The steps are repeated at a second lateral location.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer programs for correcting a buff of tread from a crown of a tire, the steps of the method including measuring the distance between the tire crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of locations; calculating a projected distance between the crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of transverse locations across the crown using proposed buff radii, choosing a new position of the buffing radius origin from the one or more proposed origin positions on the centerline of the tire; and buffing the tread from the tire crown along the arc described by the buff radius having the buffing radius origin at the new position.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for curing retread tires, which includes detecting and controlling a leak in a tire-membrane assembly during such curing operations. The steps of the method include placing a plurality of tire-membrane assemblies within a tire curing chamber; connecting a membrane fluid passage to each curing membrane of each tire-membrane assembly where each passage extends in fluid communication between one of the curing membranes and a pressure source and/or a vacuum source, each membrane fluid passage including a transducer for measuring pressure within the passage and a flow restrictor, in particular embodiments; initiating a curing process; receiving a one or more signal responses from each transducer generated as a function of the fluid pressure within the membrane fluid passages; and determining through a controller whether the signal responses received in the prior step indicate an undesired change in pressure in each curing membrane.

Abstract: A method for curing a rubber article including maintaining a measured curing temperature between a high temperature limit (TH) and a low temperature limit (TL). The TH TL are derived from high and low temperature curing curves respectively. Other steps may include obtaining a curing target A1 or A2, wherein A1 and A2 are areas between the high temperature curing curve and a base temperature (TB) and the low temperature curing curve respectively wherein TB is selected to make A1 and A2 within at least 10% of each other and determining an area under a measured curing curve, the area under the measured curing curve being between the measured curing curve and the TB, wherein the measured curing curve is defined as a plot of the measured curing temperature over time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for buffing tread from a tire carcass, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a signal from a sensor, the signal generated as a function of a distance between the sensor and a belt in the tire and a tire characteristic; selecting a signal response curve from a plurality of signal response curves, the selected signal response curve representing the function of the distance between the sensor and the tire belt and the tire characteristic; determining from the response curve the distance between the sensor and the belt for the signal response received; buffing tread from the tire until the distance between the sensor and the belt reaches a final distance.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer programs for correcting a crown layer variance of a buffed tire carcass, the steps of the method including measuring a distance through a buffed crown layer at a plurality of locations around a tire carcass; identifying a maximum distance location from the distances determined at the plurality of locations around the tire carcass; inflating the tire carcass with the maximum distance location orientated at the 270 degree polar angle position; and, buffing the tire carcass.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer programs for correcting a buff of tread from a crown of a tire, the steps of the method including measuring the distance between the tire crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of locations; calculating a projected distance between the crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of transverse locations across the crown using proposed buff radii, choosing a new position of the buffing radius origin from the one or more proposed origin positions; and buffing the tread from the tire crown along the arc described by the buff radius having the buffing radius origin at the new position.

Abstract: Methods, computer programs, and apparatus for applying a layer of cushion gum to a tire casing in preparation for the retreading of the tire casing, the steps of the methods including selecting one of a plurality recipes for applying cushion gum based on one of a size, model and shape of the tire casing; pressurizing the tire casing to a predetermined pressure based on the recipe; crushing the tire casing by an extruder head a predetermined percentage of the tire casing radius or a predetermined distance, the predetermined percentage based on the recipe; and extruding the cushion gum from the extruder head. The extruder head may be translatable by way of a screw drive.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer programs for correcting a buff of tread from a crown of a tire, the steps of the method including measuring the distance between the tire crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of locations; calculating a projected distance between the crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of transverse locations across the crown using proposed buff radii, choosing a new position of the buffing radius origin from the one or more proposed origin positions; and buffing the tread from the tire crown along the arc described by the buff radius having the buffing radius origin at the new position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer programs for correcting a buff of tread from a crown of a tire, the steps of the method including measuring the distance between the tire crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of locations; calculating a projected distance between the crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of transverse locations across the crown using proposed buff radii, choosing a new position of the buffing radius origin from the one or more proposed origin positions on the centerline of the tire; and buffing the tread from the tire crown along the arc described by the buff radius having the buffing radius origin at the new position.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for collecting debris generated during a tire buffing operation on a tire buffing machine, the tire buffing machine having a cutting head cutting surface rotatable about a cutting head axis. The system includes a rotatable shroud being rotatable about a shroud axis, the shroud comprising a side member surrounding a majority of the cutting head cutting surface, a cutting head access window to expose the cutting head for buffing the tire casing, and a vacuum suction port that is adjacent to the cutting head access window. The system may further include a driver to rotate the shroud during buffing, wherein rotating the shroud during buffing aligns the vacuum suction port with the projected path of debris being discharged from the cutting head cutting surface.

Abstract: A method for curing a rubber article including maintaining a measured curing temperature between a high temperature limit (TH) and a low temperature limit (TL). The TH TL are derived from high and low temperature curing curves respectively. Other steps may include obtaining a curing target A1 or A2, wherein A1 and A2 are areas between the high temperature curing curve and a base temperature (TB) and the low temperature curing curve respectively wherein TB is selected to make A1 and A2 within at least 10% of each other and determining an area under a measured curing curve, the area under the measured curing curve being between the measured curing curve and the TB, wherein the measured curing curve is defined as a plot of the measured curing temperature over time.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer programs for correcting a crown layer variance of a buffed tire carcass, the steps of the method including measuring a distance through a buffed crown layer at a plurality of locations around a tire carcass; identifying a maximum distance location from the distances determined at the plurality of locations around the tire carcass; inflating the tire carcass with the maximum distance location orientated at the 270 degree polar angle position; and, buffing the tire carcass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for buffing tread from a tire carcass, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a signal from a sensor, the signal generated as a function of a distance between the sensor and a belt in the tire and a tire characteristic; selecting a signal response curve from a plurality of signal response curves, the selected signal response curve representing the function of the distance between the sensor and the tire belt and the tire characteristic; determining from the response curve the distance between the sensor and the belt for the signal response received; buffing tread from the tire until the distance between the sensor and the belt reaches a final distance.

Abstract: An automatic pressure and temperature control apparatus and method for use in curing tire assemblies including retread tire assemblies is provided. Using water as a heating medium, a new process control method and apparatus is described that allows a more precise control of process variables during steady state conditions such that heat transfer is improved and the undesirable formation of steam is eliminated. Existing processes and equipment for curing tire assemblies can be modified, using the teaching disclosed herein, to implement and achieve the benefits of the present invention.

Abstract: An automatic pressure and temperature control apparatus and method for use in curing tire assemblies including retread tire assemblies is provided. Using water as a heating medium, a new process control method and apparatus is described that allows a more precise control of process variables during steady state conditions such that heat transfer is improved and the undesirable formation of steam is eliminated. Existing processes and equipment for curing tire assemblies can be modified, using the teaching disclosed herein, to implement and achieve the benefits of the present invention.