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: Device for applying a strip (B) of a viscoelastic material to a receiving surface (S) in relative motion (R) relative to said device, comprising a feed means and an application nozzle (1) having a body (11), into which said feed means (2) emerges, and a head (12) at the end of which there is an outlet orifice (122) of elongate shape in the transverse direction to the direction of the relative motion when the device is operating. The head (12) of the application nozzle (1) is linked to the body (11) of the application nozzle (1) via an articulation (10) which can be deformed along an axis (AA?) perpendicular to the direction of application of the strip (B).

Abstract: A computer based detecting system that detects a defective tire assembly during the curing process is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of temperature sensors connected to a processor of the computer system and further connected to each hose that is connected between a tire assembly inside an autoclave, and an external manifold of the autoclave. The processor receives data input from each of the temperature sensors and decodes the data to determine the current temperature of each sensor and simultaneously calculates the average temperature of all the temperature sensors connected. The processor compares the temperature reading of each station with the average temperature and notifies should the difference between the temperature average and temperature sensor reading equal or is greater than a selected temperature deviation.

Abstract: An improved autoclave for curing retread tires includes a chamber with circulating air flow having turbulence generating devices located in a middle length-wise portion of the chamber. The turbulence generating devices include apertures to guide air from a supply duct into the chamber, and/or wedge-shaped elements or fins mounted on the interior wall of the chamber to disrupt the air flow and cause turbulence.

Abstract: A re-treading method and an apparatus therefor can detect a deviation amount of the position distant by a required tread length from the leading edge of the tread material from a predetermined pattern position near that position planned to be cut, cut the tread material at the at the predetermined position, wind the cut-out tread material on the outer circumference of the base tire while adjusting the length of the tread material by applying thereto a substantially uniform tensile or compressive force, and unite the leading and trailing edges of the tread material wound on the base tire.

Abstract: An improved autoclave for curing retread tires includes a chamber with circulating air flow having turbulence generating devices located in a middle length-wise portion of the chamber. The turbulence generating devices include apertures to guide air from a supply duct into the chamber, and/or wedge-shaped elements or fins mounted on the interior wall of the chamber to disrupt the air flow and cause turbulence.

Abstract: The present invention provides for proper air bleed without using air wicking fabric strips and/or the perforated polyethylene material or the like. Instead, an inside surface of a curing envelope is molded with a unique embossed pattern which is designed to channel to a vacuum valve, expeditiously, all the air being evacuated from between the outer surface of a tire and an inner surface of the envelope. Additionally, a valve base area is recessed so as to allow the air channels to open directly into the valve base area during evacuation. The envelope is also designed to accept various styles and designs of air valves. Another unique feature is the creation of a decorative pattern on the inside shoulder area of a tire by transfer of a surface feature from the envelope interior. This pattern provides a significant improvement in the appearance of the finished tire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treading a vulcanized tire carcass using an uncured tread comprising a rim (6) for mounting the carcass, an elastic annular mold (7) whose circumferential outer surface is covered with an elastic sleeve (16), the mold being intended to mold the uncured tread (3), the device comprising two disc-shaped elastic flanges (8, 9) intended to cover, respectively, one sidewall of the assembly composed of the constituted tire covered with the mold (7), the larger-diameter peripheral end (82, 92) of each flange (8, 9) bearing a rigid annular member (33) for connection with the sleeve (16) covering the mold (7).

Abstract: An apparatus for recapping tires which includes a frame made up of two associated support structures, a first support structure including a mandrel for support of the tire, which mandrel rotates on a shaft, the mandrel being mounted for translation on the first support structure, and a second support structure to support tools for recapping of the tire, which tools are mounted for translation on the second support structure in a direction approximately perpendicular to the translation of the mandrel, characterized in that the direction of translation of the mandrel is parallel to the rotational shaft of the said mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for retreading tires is disclosed. The apparatus has a rotatable hub for the mounting of a buffed tire casing. The apparatus also has a cushion gum applicator that is configured to stretch a length of cushion gum onto a tire casing. Further, the apparatus has a tread dispenser that is configured to automatically dispense a length of tire tread based on the circumference of at least one of the tire casing and the tire casing plus the cushion gum. Further still, the apparatus includes a tread applicator that is configured to stretch the length of tire tread onto the cushion gum. The entire apparatus including the cushion gum applicator, the tread dispenser, and the tread applicator are integrated into a single tire bench machine.

Abstract: A re-treading method and an apparatus. An image of a zone of the tread material including its cut position is compared with a stored tread pattern image to detect a deviation amount. The tread material or the cut position are moved relative to each other by the deviation amount. The tread material is cut at the cut position after the relative movement. The tread material is wound on a base tire, and the leading and trailing edges of the tread material are united. The tread material or cut position may not be moved relative to each other if the deviation amount is within an allowable range.

Abstract: An apparatus for retreading tires is disclosed. The apparatus has a rotatable hub for the mounting of a buffed tire casing. The apparatus also has a cushion gum applicator that is configured to stretch a length of cushion gum onto a tire casing. Further, the apparatus has a tread dispenser that is configured to automatically dispense a length of tire tread based on the circumference of at least one of the tire casing and the tire casing plus the cushion gum. Further still, the apparatus includes a tread applicator that is configured to stretch the length of tire tread onto the cushion gum. The entire apparatus including the cushion gum applicator, the tread dispenser, and the tread applicator are integrated into a single tire bench machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treading a tire carcass in which a crude rubber tread is deposited on a tire carcass to be treaded, the tire carcass thus covered having been mounted on a rim and inflated, a resilient ring-shaped mold possessing an inner annular surface ensuring molding of the tread is positioned on the tread, a resilient flange is placed between each bead and each peripheral edge of the mold and covers the outer surface of the tire casing lying between the bead and the edge, and the assembly is placed in a pressurized and heated enclosure.

Abstract: A retread autoclave envelope for a vehicle tire casing is a two-part vacuum envelope. A first part has a generally J-shaped cross-section which provides an annular cavity for receiving a first sidewall and the peripheral tread of the tire assembly. A second portion of the envelope forms a closure along a sealed joint against the first envelope portion and lies along the tire casing sidewall. The joint has a contact surface area on the inside surface of a lip of the first part of the envelope and a surface on an outer rim of the closure formed by the second part of the envelope. The closure portion has a generally Z-shaped cross-section. The envelope parts are dimensioned such that the outer diameter of the tire assembly is greater than the inner diameter of the first part of the envelope in the crown area. The first part extends from a near side of the tread across and beyond the far shoulder of the tire assembly to the annular lip in the sealing area of the joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying tread material onto a tire is provided and applies uncured tread material to the carcass of a tire having a tread surface and a flank. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a selected one of a rubber and a synthetic material mixture and a first applicator device orientable toward the tread surface of the carcass. The apparatus also includes a second applicator device disposed adjacent the first applicator device and orientable toward the flank of the carcass. The apparatus further includes an extrusion nozzle extending between the first applicator device and the second applicator device for passage therethrough of the mixture extruded by the extruder.

Abstract: A recapping shop concluding a plurality of work stations for preparing tires to be recapped, an autoclave having a horizontal axis for vulcanizing the new treads, a first transport system for transferring the tires between the various stations and for storing them and a second transport system for transferring the tires into the autoclave, out of it and for storing them, characterized in that the first and second transport systems have a common transfer and storage structure.

Abstract: A method and equipment for mixing hard granules into tire tread bodies and into sundry rubber strips and tread stock. Rubber stock is extruded into tread bands of a suitable shape which are rolled under control, in a suitable thickness and number of layers, in a circular process over a pre-treated tire, or other object. The tire is subsequently patterned and vulcanized. The hard granules are distributed according to a predetermined configuration onto at least part of the surface of the extruded rubber tread band before the next layer is rolled in a circular process onto the pre-treated tire, using dedicated equipment so that the granules will be mixed into the patterned wearing surface of the tire after profiling and vulcanization.

Abstract: An inner curing envelope for use during a tire retreading process. The inner curing envelope is placed within the inside of a tire casing and cooperates with an outer sealing envelope for encasing a tire. A plurality of grooves are molded in a tire confronting face of the inner curing envelope to provide passageways to ensure that air/gas located adjacent the interior surface of the tire casing is completely evacuated when a vacuum is drawn within the envelopes.

Abstract: A machine for retreading tires, including a rotary chuck on which the tire to be treated is mounted and buffing tools, in which the chuck is mounted on a first carriage guided in rails and moved by a first motor, the buffing tools are carried by a second carriage guided in rails oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the chuck and moved by a second motor, and in which provision is made for precisely positioning the first carriage relative to the second carriage and any relative displacement between the axis of rotation of the chuck and the center of the buffing tools is contained in a single plane passing through the axis of rotation of said chuck.

Abstract: A wick for use in forming a vacuum between a curing envelope and a tire during a tire retreading process, and a method for the manufacture of the wick. The wick is provided by a pad of rubber reinforced with a stretchable fabric material and engagable with a valve which extends through the curing envelope. The wick has a face with a pattern of grooves forming a network of gas passageways to the valve to ensure complete evacuation of all gases when the vacuum is drawn between the curing envelope and tire. The method of manufacture of the wick includes locating unvulcanized rubber and fabric material between a pair of mold dies, and closing the mold dies to form the pad and simultaneously embed the fabric within the rubber. In addition, one of the mold dies form a network of grooves in one of the faces of the pad.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and article of manufacture for tires in order to salvage used tire casings of tires and recap them with a better mechanical and chemical bond involving the use of hot water to accelerate the cure rate and uncured tire compound placed on the tire casing subjected subsequently to heat and pressure.

Abstract: An envelope for retreading tires includes a valve which does not require the use of wicking material or other additions between the valve and the tire tread. This is accomplished by providing grooves in the bottom surface of the base of the valve, providing a flat ring surrounding the central hole on the bottom surface of the base of the valve, and providing internal passages from the grooves to the central hole. The valve base and stem are preferably made from two pieces which are joined together.

Abstract: An autoclave for retreading and/or repairing pneumatic tires by vulcanization, including a cylindrical container with an opening located at one end provided with a closure element, and a plurality of individual units carrying tires for vulcanization, to each unit there being connected a compressed air source and a vacuum-generating air evacuation source by a series of respective pipes extending between cover portions enclosing each tire and the compressed air and vacuum-generating evacuation sources. The tire-carrying units are movable between a position external to and a position within the container along a runway suspended from the container roof. The pipes being flexible hoses and are connectable to a fixed first connector-half positioned in proximity to a closed end wall of the container, using a movable second connector-half positioned at one of their ends when all the tire-carrying units have been completely inserted into the container.

Abstract: An adjustable recapping ring includes a pivoted handle mounted to one end of a split ring. A rigid link is releasably connected between the handle and the remaining end section. The rigid link includes a rod pivotally mounted to the handle and an adjustable clevis releasably interconnected to a receiving slotted bracket on the remaining end section of the split ring. The clevis can be manually freed from the slotted bracket to effectively facilitate length such adjustments of ring diameter as required to accommodate specific tire bead dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a recapped tire includes: a vulcanizer in which is filled a fluid for vulcanization for adhering by vulcanization a base tire and a tread; a rim to which the base tire is mounted; an envelope which is annular and covers an outer periphery of the base tire; suction means for sucking air from between the base tire and the envelope; a tube which is annular and expandable and contractible, the tube being provided at a portion of the rim corresponding to an outer side of the base tire along a tire axial direction, and pushing the envelope against a bead portion of the base tire; a stopper provided at a portion of the rim corresponding to an inner side of the base tire along the tire axial direction, and preventing movement of the bead portion toward the inner side of the base tire along the tire axial direction; and internal pressure providing means for providing internal pressure to the tube so as to inflate the tube.

Abstract: An Apparatus for applying cushion gum to a periphery of a tire casing without cement includes a conveyor having a forward roller near the tire casing. The conveyor is mounted on a carriage that is movable relative to its base so that the conveyor can be moved to contact the tire casing. The conveyor moves the cushion gum below an infrared heater to heat an interface side of the cushion gum to increase its tack and then moves the heated cushion gum between the forward roller and the tire casing. The forward roller of the conveyor applies the cushion gum to the periphery of the tire as the cushion gum exits the conveyor and first contacts the tire casing. A supply roller is provided to move the cushion gum from a supply roll to the rear end of the conveyor. A cutting mechanism is provided between the supply roller and the conveyor to selectively cut the cushion gum.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a tread pattern on a retread tire casing includes a plurality of rigid matrix segments each having a contoured tread pattern thereon. Each matrix segment is removably secured to a respective matrix segment holder. Each matrix segment holder includes guide blocks at the ends thereof, and the matrix segments are arranged in circumferential side-by-side relation. Guide shafts extend through aligned guide bores in adjacent guide blocks of adjacent matrix segment holders for guiding movement of matrix segment between a closed position wherein the matrix segments are in side-by-side abutting relation, and an open position wherein adjacent matrix segments are separated. A spring is received over each end of each guide shaft and captured between a recessed shoulder in the guide block and a threaded nut received over the end of the guide shaft. The springs normally bias the matrix segment into the closed position.

Abstract: Process and device for assembly of a tire casing (2) and a prevulcanized ular tread member (1), in view of recapping tires whose tread member is worn or production of new tires, to which the annular tread member (1) is extended by centrifugation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a precured retreaded tire, etc., and the purpose of the invention is to produce the tire with saving space and power. Here, a precured retreated tire means a tire made by linking a plate rubber member, which has been vulcanized and molded so as to form tire grooves in advance, to a circumferential surface of a buffed abraded tire without vulcanizing said plate rubber member. A producing method according to the present invention comprises a step to insert a bladder (30) into a tire (T), a step to closely connect a plate of once vulcanized rubber member (T1) to a circumferential face of a buffed tire with an unvulcanized linking rubber (R) placed therebetween by attaching an envelope (48) to an outer circumferential face of the tire with fluid pressure, and a step to vulcanize the linking rubber by a heating device (46) and integrally combine the plate rubber member to the circumferential face of the tire, in order.

Abstract: A tire retreading device has a tread feeding device for feeding the tread to a tire casing and an extruder for extruding a cushion gum layer onto the tire casing. The extruder has a first and a second lip defining the extrusion die. The first lip, positioned behind the second lip in the direction of rotation of the tire casing, projects in a direction toward the tire casing relative to the second lip. The first lip is an applicator shoe that is pressed under prestress against the tire casing so as to deform the tire casing. With the retreading device a cushion gum layer is applied to the tire casing and during the application the applicator shoe is pressed against the tire casing with such a pressing force that a radius of curvature of the tire casing conforms to a radius of curvature of the applicator shoe. With this measure, depressions in the surface of the tire casing are filled with excess cushion gum.

Abstract: A process for recapping tires with a pre-molded, pre-vulcanized tread (2) uses a device for measurement of the travelling length of the tread (2). This device includes a stop (5) which moves on a guide track (6) connected to an endless notched belt (7) held in place by two pulleys (8) and (9), a motor (10), and an optical coder (11). During the entire installation phase of the tread (2) on the casing (21), the stop (5) generates a slight force on the free end of the tread placed on a preparation table (3) incorporating rollers (4).

Abstract: An improved method for mounting an annular tread 1 onto a tire casing 2 is described. The improved method comprises the steps of expanding the tread 1 radially and encircling the expanded tread with a transfer mechanism 30. The transfer mechanism 30 has a means 90 for holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 in the expanded condition independent of the center 6 of the tread 1. The means 90 for holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 is accomplished without contacting the radially inner surface 7 of the tread 1. The transfer mechanism 30 has a means 92 for circumferentially clamping the central portion of the tread 1 to the casing 2. The transfer mechanism 30 with expanded tread 1 is centered over the casing 2. The means 92 for clamping the central portion 6 of the tread 1 is actuated while holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 in the transfer mechanism 30.

Abstract: A retreading device for tires in which a tread strip is applied to a carcass includes a tread strip feeding device for feeding the tread strip to the carcass and an extruder for the extrusion of a rubber binding layer. The device includes also an inclined lifting device for a pivotably supporting the carcass relative to the extruder and/or the tread strip feeding device.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for applying hot cushion gum (E) in a strip (12) of predetermined thickness and width to the crown surface (14) of a tire carcass (16) having a sagittal plane (68). The apparatus (10) includes a motor (M) for rotating the tire carcass (16), and extrusion means (18) for dispensing hot cushion gum through a die means (26). The angular disposition of the die means (26) may be selected relative to the sagittal plane (68) of the tire carcass (16) to determine the effective width of the strip (12) applied to the crown surface (14). rotational control mechanism (64) is also provided selectively to control the angular velocity of the rotating tire carcass (16) which determines the thickness of the strip (12). According to the present method a tire carcass (16) is mounted for rotation. The die head (26) is positionable at a selected angle (.beta.) within its angular range (.alpha.) measured transversely of the sagittal plane ( 68) of the tire carcass (16) to establish a selected, effective width (W.sub.

Abstract: A tire recapping and retreading method and apparatus that includes a rigid, segmented tread mold. The mold is retained in place over the tire carcass and uncured tread material by a resilient elastic tension band or prestressed metal tension springs. Further retaining force is provided by a resilient envelope to complete the formation of the retread when the tire and apparatus is placed in a hot air oven. The use of the rigid segmented mold described eliminates the distortion of the tire carcass by the mold.

Abstract: An improved curing envelope is provided for use in a retreading or recapping process. The improved curing envelope includes integrally formed gas passageways in the inner circumferential wall thereof which permits the ingress and egress of gas into the interior of the curing envelope and retains pre-cured tread material in position for properly forming or securing the new tread to the carcass during the bonding process.

Abstract: A vulcanized rubber device to envelop a tire being recapped or retreaded, when place in an autoclave to vulcanize the rubber strip cemented between the new tread and the treated tire. This device, has an annular form, with a "U" section, whose lateral surfaces (5), are provided with a hole (2) and (4), and surrounding a circular opening (3), but has a new feature; a ring with grooves (1), on the inside of each internal lateral surface (4) and (5), forming radiating furrows.

Abstract: A binding rubber extruder for retreading tires is provided with an extruder head, an axis of which extends essentially vertically to a surface of a carcass. The revolving speed of the rotatably drivable carcass and the extrusion speed are adjusted relative to one another. The extruder head is provided with a nozzle, that has a radius of curvature that corresponds at least to a greatest radius of the carcass whereby the nozzle is pressable against the carcass surface with a gentle, elastic force.

Abstract: An envelope expander for mounting an annular envelope of a flexible resilient material upon a tire supported upon a tire support with the tire axis in a horizontal position includes a vertically disposed rigid gate-like frame having a central opening of a diameter exceeding that of a tire. A plurality of expander members adapted to grip the envelope at spaced locations along the edge of a circular opening in one side of the envelope are mounted on the frame for coordinated power driven movement radially of the frame opening between radially inner and outer end limits. With the expander members at their radially inner end limits, the envelope opening is slightly stretched and manually mounted on the members. The expanding members are then driven to their radially outer end limits, expanding the envelope opening to a diameter greater than that of the tire.

Abstract: A method and system for retreading tire carcasses (10) with precured treads utilizing time and temperature in conjunction with an envelope pressure system. A precured rubber tread (12), is applied to tire carcass (10) having a cushion gum (16) disposed therebetween. An envelope system is placed over the tread/carcass and this assembly is placed within a pressure chamber. Heat and fluid pressure are then supplied to the chamber. Fluid pressure is then supplied to the chamber after both a predetermined length of time and after a predetermined temperature of the chamber has been reached.

Abstract: A split ring assembly for sealing an envelope against a bead of a tire to be retreaded includes a one-piece split metal ring having aligned overlapping end portions in the form of an interfitting fork and tongue. Laterally offset circumferentially overlapping arcuate slide bars welded side-by-side to the inner peripheral surface of the split ring, respective overlapping ends, and surrounded by a metal U-strap guide maintaining alignments of the contraction of the split ring.

Abstract: An expandable annular envelope sealing device for manually sealing a curing envelope between an outer annular portion and the bead of a tire to be retreaded in an autoclave. This envelope sealing device includes two opposed, expandable semicircular half-rings and either a toggle-actuated sealing lever or, preferably, a turnbuckle sealing lever for fine tuning adjustment of the expansion of the half-rings.

Abstract: A retread curing ring assembly that includes a conical frustum seat insertable within an opening of a tire carcass to be cured. The retread curing ring captures the edge portions of an elastomeric envelope draped over the tire carcass and a tread strip between the conical seat and the inner edge of the circumferential bead formed along the interior edge of the sidewalls of the tire carcass. A plurality of clamping assemblies are circumferentially disposed around a circular body member to which the conical seat is attached. Each clamping assembly has a clamping arm movable between an open and closed position. When the curing ring is positioned within the tire carcass, the clamping arms are moved to their closed positions, thereby drawing the curing ring further within the tire carcass to form a seal between the inner edge of the circumferential bead and the conical seat.

Abstract: A method and system for retreading tire carcasses (10) with precured treads utilizing time and temperature in conjunction with an envelope pressure system. A precured rubber tread (12), is applied to tire carcass (10) having a cushion gum (16) disposed therebetween. An envelope system is placed over the tread/carcass and this assembly is placed within a pressure chamber. Heat and fluid pressure are then supplied to the chamber. Fluid pressure is then supplied to the chamber after both a predetermined length of time and after a predetermined temperature of the chamber has been reached.

Abstract: A method of retreading a stitched tire having a cushion layer of uncured rubber between its buffed surface and the undersurface of it uncured rubber curable at temperatures above 200.degree. F. utilizes tensioned bands including its margins of the tread material. The bands are of a prestressed, long chain synthetic polymer which becomes elastic with reduced tensile strength at temperatures above 200.degree. F. The bands are tensioned to an extent such that the underlying margins of the cushion layer are forced into such intimate contact with the buffed surface of the tire and the undersurface of the tread material as to form temporary gas impermeable seals at the interfaces and at the same time insure that, while the cushion layer is being cured at tempeatures above 200.degree. F., the tread material is held in place by the bands with a compressive force inadequate to cause extrusion of the cushion layer rubber in excess of a bead which is approximately one half the thickness of the cushion layer.

Abstract: Outer and inner elastomeric envelopes are compression-molded to contiguously encase the interior and exterior surfaces of a tire to prevent any air or steam present during a retreading process from penetrating the cushion gum between the retread and tire casing. The outer envelope of outwardly opening U-shape radial cross-section covers the tire periphery and a portion of the outer walls. The inner envelope includes a member of inwardly opening U-shape radial cross-section which covers the inside wall of the casing; and a pair of flanges outwardly opening U-shape radial cross-section, secured to opposite sides of the member, which cover the tire beads and a portion of the outer walls of the tire and underlap the outer envelope.

Abstract: A curing ring device for a precured tread rubber recapping apparatus of the type wherein a tire assembly with a strip of tread rubber in place on a tire carcass is surrounded by a flexible envelope. The curing ring device which seals the envelope around the tire in its bead area comprises an annular pressure ring that engages the envelope around the tire bead area and has a plurality of backup pads that engage the inside of the tire bead at spaced apart locations. A single handle controls a linkage system that interconnects the pressure ring and the backup pads and closes them together so that sealing pressure is supplied by the ring against the envelope. The linkage system includes elements enabling the distance between the pressure ring and the backup pads in their closed, clamping position to be adjusted so that tires with different bead thicknesses can be accommodated by the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering an annular tread on a pneumatic tire-casing is described. The method, preferably put into use with the apparatus, comprises mounting a casing on a wheel, locating the equatorial plane of the casing or wheel, mounting the annular tread on an axially-moveable tread expander assembly, and positioning the tread on the tread expander assembly such that its circumferential center line is located a fixed distance from and parallel to the equatorial plane of the casing or wheel. The distance between the annular tread and the casing or wheel is reduced by an amount equal to the fixed distance so that the annular tread encircles the casing and the circumferential centerline of the tread becomes coincident with the equatorial plane of the casing or wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retreading a tire includes a mold segment (14) having open ends (16) and (18). A tire carcass (10) has a layer of uncured rubber (12) built up on the surface thereof. The mold (14) is disposed therearound with ribs (20) resting on the surface thereof. A semi-flexible cap (24) is disposed over the ends (16) and (18) which are separated by a gap (20). An elastic strap (26) is then wrapped about the assembly to secure the mold (14) to the built up tire carcass (10). An envelope (28) is then wrapped about the assembled tire carcass (10) to provide a radially inward force thereto. The whole assembly is then cured in a curing oven.

Abstract: A process of bonding two bodies of rubber by vulcanization of a connecting layer of vulcanizable rubber provides essentially a new manner of organizing the drainage of gaseous inclusions imprisoned between the bodies and/or resulting from the subsequent vulcanization reaction and of collecting these gases; the gaseous inclusions travel towards at least one conduit which passes through at least one of the two bodies, or else towards dead-end holes provided in one of the faces intended to be bonded.