Abstract: The repair of a reinforced elastomer article having a hollow therein relates to utilizing an amine curable polymer or prepolymer and a cured elastomer patch. The hollow in the elastomer, which can extend either partially or completely through the article, is filled with a gum rubber which is thereafter cured by conventional means, such as with spotters. The area beneath the now filled hollow is coated with a treating agent, followed by the amine curable polymer or prepolymer and a cured patch. The polymer is then cured at room temperature. One area of use is in the repair of tires.

Abstract: An unvulcanized rubber composition, whose rubber component consists of polybutadiene rubber as an essential component and at least one of styrene-butadiene rubber and a rubber of natural rubber and/or polyisoprene rubber, has a high adhesion to a vulcanized rubber composition, whose rubber component consists mainly of at least one rubber selected from natural rubber, polyisoprene rubber, polybutadiene rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber, and can be easily adhered to the vulcanized rubber composition through vulcanization without carrying out particular surface treatment of the vulcanized rubber composition.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuously-developing multi-layer tubing from plural ribbons of wrapping material of indefinite length layered in seriatim upon a continuously-formed mandrel serving as a temporary supportive base for the tubing. A driven cylindrical winding mandrel is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and has a plurality of longitudinally-extending serrations on its exterior periphery. A stationary driving helix is operatively associated with the winding mandrel means for feeding a workpiece in ribbon form through the driving helix. Initial pressure means proximate the driving helix allows the continuous curling of the workpiece radially inwardly into adjacent helical convolutions about the winding mandrel. This impresses serrations on the convolutions mating with the winding mandrel serrations in the generation of the helical coil configuration and the definition of a developing formed mandrel as a supportive base.

Abstract: For use in repairing or retreading tires, particularly large tires for earth-moving equipment and the like, the portion to be repaired or retreaded is covered and surrounded by a flexible enclosure attached to the tire in gas-sealing relationship by an adhesive. The adhesive will remain effective even at the temperatures necessary for vulcanization. The enclosure has a gas connection so that it can be evacuated or pressurized to remove air and gas occlusions. A gasket can be used in conjuction with the adhesive.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for recapping tires, particularly of the type used on off-the-road vehicles. Rubber strips are applied to the prepared tread surface of the tire to "smooth" the tire, after which the tire is disposed on a roller assembly to cut i.e., "groove" a tread design in the tire. The roller assembly is hydraulically displaced to dispose the tire in a pit and is rotated for indexing the tire to groove the circumference thereof. A grooving blade is heated to a controlled temperature and is hydraulically pulled across the tread surface to cut the tread grooves.

Abstract: A method for repairing or retreading a vehicle tire comprising the steps of filling a repair region with vulcanisable rubber, covering the repair region with a flexible cover attached around its edges to the tire with an adhesive, piercing the cover with a suction needle at points where air or other gases have accumulated, sealing of the openings made by the needle, and heating the repair region to vulcanize the repair rubber.

Abstract: A portable holding clamp for applying patches for the repair of tire sidewalls comprises a rigid beam member adjustable telescopically to accommodate tires having various chord widths, integrally attached rim coupling means, manually actuated patch pressurizing means located midway of the beam and a quick attaching and holding means for attaching the clamp to a track or tread belt of the tire. The quick attaching and holding means includes a key-shaped slot formed on the beam, opposite the rim coupling means, for facilitating rapid adjustment of a holding chain on which either a key-shaped latching member or a barbed latching member is used for quick attachment to the tire, depending on whether the tire has a track belt or tread belt mounted therearound. Thus, the clamp can be quickly and conveniently positioned to effect tire sidewall patch repairs. A method of repairing such tire sidewalls is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for retreading tires using a resilient mold or matrix ring which is normally smaller than a tire body. On its inner side, this ring has an embossing pattern which applies a tread design to a vulcanizable rubber band previously attached to a tire body. The matrix ring is first expanded and then fitted over the tire body with its vulcanizable band in place. Thereafter, the matrix ring is allowed to contract responsive to its inherent tension. The matrix ring thus attached over the tread band is centered on the body while the tire rotates. This whole unit is then heated to a temperature which converts the tread band into a plastic form and embosses the tread design from the matrix ring onto the tread band, which is vulcanized and bonded to the tire body.