Abstract: A comminution device having replaceable blade assemblies which are used, preferably, as stators. The blade assemblies can be replaceably affixed to the housing of the machine when used as stators or may be replaceably affixed to a rotating arm when used as rotors. The blade assemblies are comprised of a plug member that may have threads on part of its outer periphery in order to be threadedly connected to a stationary housing or rotatable member of a machine. A slotted portion is formed in the plug member and one end of a cemented hard metal carbide blade is disposed in said slotted portion. A collar is shrunk fit over the periphery of the slotted portion and provides the clamping force necessary to hold the blade in assembled relation to the plug member. Tapering cooperating elements of abutment are provided between the walls of the slot and the sides of the blade in order to urge one end of the blade into firm contact with the bottom of the slotted portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing tread material from a pneumatic tire preparatory to recapping comprising a machine with a reversibly rotatable cutting disc with hardened cutting inserts located on the disc to take discrete elongate rubber chips from the pneumatic tire, thereby eliminating the usual dirt and smoke attributed to tire de-treaders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing tread material from a pneumatic tire preparatory to recapping comprising a machine with a reversibly rotatable cutting disc with hardened cutting inserts located on the disc to take discrete elongate rubber chips from the pneumatic tire, thereby eliminating the usual dirt and smoke attributed to tire de-treaders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing tread from tires preparatory to retreading of the tires in which a tire is mounted on a support and inflated and rotated on the axis of the tire. The tread is removed from the tire by a cutter disc which has cutting elements mounted thereon in an annular path with the annular path being presented to the periphery of the tire. The cutter disc and tire are moved relatively to cause the annular path of the cutter disc in which the cutting elements are mounted to traverse the tire from side to side and in a single pass across the tire the tread is removed therefrom. The relative movements between the tire and the cutter disc are under the control of a cam so that the proper contour is imparted to the periphery of the tire.