Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire includes: at least one carcass layer suspended across left and right bead parts; a belt layer arranged on an outer circumferential side of the carcass layer; and a tread arranged on an outer circumferential side of the belt layer. The tread has a laminated structure in which a thermoplastic film layer of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer composition is interposed between a tread-side rubber layer and a belt layer-side rubber layer. The thermoplastic elastomer composition is obtained by blending an elastomer in a thermoplastic resin. A process for producing a retreaded tire includes the steps of: forming a base tire from the pneumatic radial tire by softening the thermoplastic film layer through heating so as to separate and remove the tread-side rubber layer, the pneumatic radial tire having the tread worn away; and subsequently bonding a new tread-side rubber layer onto the base tire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retreading a heavy duty tire with a polyurethane tread where, after a tire carcass is inspected for utility and is cleaned, the worn tire tread is removed and the carcass is reinspected to insure its suitability for retreading.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tire tread strip and method of preparation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of retreading a pneumatic tire, comprising the steps of: A) mixing a tire retread cushion laminate of to form a cushion compound, the tire retread cushion laminate comprising a first rubber layer, a second rubber layer, and an intermediate rubber layer disposed between the first and second rubber layers such that the first and second rubber layers do not meet; the first rubber layer comprising a sulfur donor and substantially devoid of vulcanization accelerators; the second rubber layer comprising a vulcanization accelerator and substantially devoid of sulfur donors; the intermediate rubber layer being substantially devoid of sulfur donors or vulcanization accelerators; B) applying the cushion compound to a tire carcass; and C) applying a tread portion to the cushion compound.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a method of forming a retreaded tire includes the steps of: applying a tread to a tread-engaging portion of a tire carcass, the tread having an initial width and a layer of cushion gum interposed between the tread and tire carcass; placing a curing membrane about the tread to form a tire curing assembly having a compartment between the membrane and tread; placing the tire curing assembly in a vessel chamber; pressurizing the chamber to a predetermined pressure; heating the chamber to a predetermined temperature; pressurizing the compartment to a pressure greater than 14.7 psia and less than the chamber pressure to provide a pressure differential, the step initializing after the step of pressurizing the chamber initializes and whereby a final tread width is provided that is equal to 98.0% or more of the initial tread width when the initial tread width is approximately 290-500 mm.

Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a method that includes coupling portions of one or more members using at least one impact driven fastener. At least one impact driven fastener includes at least one penetrating portion formed of plastic, and at least one head portion having a heat deformation temperature less than about 250° F. Plastic of the penetrating portion provides the penetrating portion with a flexural strength greater than about 9500 psi. The method also includes applying heat to at least partially deform the head portion of at least one fastener.

Abstract: A retreaded tire capable of improving unbalance of the tire is efficiently produced. Retread rubber has the largest thickness in a joint part F on the circumference. Such a joint part F is arranged in a minimal location S (corresponding to a light location of static unbalance), in which a rubber gauge G as measured in a radial direction of the tire from a buffed surface K of a base tire D to an outer surface of an outermost belt cord L embedded in an outermost belt layer disposed in a radially outermost side among belt layers constituting a belt is minimal on the circumference in an equatorial plane of the tire in attaching so that the total rubber gauge of the retread rubber T at the joint part F surely approaches total rubber gauges at other locations on the circumference to effectively reduce unbalance.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tire includes forming a carcass structure, forming a tread band, placing the tire in a curing mold, and molding and curing the tire. The carcass structure includes a crown portion defined between two axially opposed sidewalls that extend radially toward an axis of rotation of the tire and terminate in a circumferential portion comprising an annular reinforcing structure for mounting the tire on a rim. The tread band extends circumferentially around the carcass structure and includes a molded relief pattern. Forming the tread band includes producing a strip of elastomeric material and winding it onto the crown portion. The strip includes an elongated right cross-section that is asymmetrical in a transverse direction. The strip is wound in a plurality of axially consecutive turns until the tread band is formed. At least one turn is at least partly overlapped onto a previously deposited, axially consecutive turn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for balancing a tire during a retreading operation includes measuring the radial runout the buffed tire casing and applying the gum layer and tread strip to compensate for variances in runout. The gum layer is applied so that an overlap or smear is formed at the relative low portion of the casing. The tread strip is applied with the joint at the same low portion in cases where the low portion has a relatively large variance, or at another location if the variance is small or other low portions exist. In addition, the thickness of the gum layer and tread strip may be controlled for further compensation of the runout variance.

Abstract: To recap a tire, hot rubber mix is applied under pressure to a receiving surface of the tire from a collecting b block disposed thereagainst while relative rotation occurs between the block and the tire. The block is configured to cause the hot mix to be pressurized as it approaches an exit orifice of the block which forms the hot mix into strip form, whereby the strip has a width less than one-tenth of the width of the receiving surface that is to be covered by hot mix.

Abstract: A tire tread comprising a rubber composition based on at least: (i) a diene elastomer; (ii) more than 60 phr of a reinforcing inorganic filler; (iii) between 2 and 15 phr of a coupling agent; and (iv) between 4 and 12 phr of a bismaleimide compound. This tread has, after mechanical running-in of the tire comprising it, a rigidity gradient which increases radially from the surface towards the inside of the tread, imparting to the tire an improved compromise of grip/behavior properties. Use of such a tread for the manufacturing or recapping of tires. Tires comprising such a tread.

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: The invention is a method for retreading a tire comprising the step of using a supercritical fluid as a carrier to spray a gum cushion layer on the outer surface (radially outermost) of the carcass of a tire. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supercritical fluid is carbon dioxide. In one embodiment of the invention, the supercritical fluid is a mixture of a rubber product, a solvent, and a supercritical fluid carrier. In another embodiment of the invention, the gum cushion rubber delivered by the supercritical fluid forms a layer less than 300 microns thick between the new tread and the upper surface of the carcass of the tire after curing. In another embodiment of the invention, the gum cushion layer is delivered to the carcass by means of a supercritical fluid as a dual solution system, composed of one solution without sulfur, and one solution without accelerator.

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: A retreading method wherein a base composition and a cap composition are applied to a carcass (10) as two ribbons (14) and (16) extruded from separate extruders (18) and (20). The ribbons (14) and (16) can be layered and applied to a ready-to-retread carcass (10) simultaneously or, alternatively, the base ribbon (14) can be applied to the ready-to-retread carcass (10) first and the cap ribbon (16) applied thereafter. The carcass (10), with ribbons (14/16) applied thereto, is then inserted into an enclosed heated mold (22) and cured to complete the retread.

Abstract: A method for bonding a material to a first substrate surface that includes providing a catalyst at the first substrate surface and then contacting that surface with a material that undergoes a metathesis reaction to bond the material to the first substrate surface. There are two embodiments of this method—a coating process and an adhesive process. In the coating embodiment, the metathesizable material is contacted with the catalyst on the substrate surface so that it undergoes metathesis polymerization to form the coating. The adhesive process includes (a) providing a catalyst at the first substrate surface, (b) providing a metathesizable material between the first substrate surface and the second substrate surface, and (c) contacting the catalyst on the first substrate surface with the metathesizable material so that the metathesizable material undergoes a metathesis reaction and bonds the first substrate surface to the second substrate surface.

Abstract: A method for bonding a material to a first substrate surface that includes providing a catalyst at the first substrate surface and then contacting that surface with a material that undergoes a metathesis reaction to bond the material to the first substrate surface. There are two embodiments of this method—a coating process and an adhesive process. In the coating embodiment, the metathesizable material is contacted with the catalyst on the substrate surface so that it undergoes metathesis polymerization to form the coating. The adhesive process includes (a) providing a catalyst at the first substrate surface, (b) providing a metathesizable material between the first substrate surface and the second substrate surface, and (c) contacting the catalyst on the first substrate surface with the metathesizable material so that the metathesizable material undergoes a metathesis reaction and bonds the first substrate surface to the second substrate surface.

Abstract: An improved means for retreading a solid tire is disclosed. The retreading means comprises wrapping uncured rubber around the periphery of the tire, clamping the tire body and uncured rubber assembly in a C mold comprising a tread ring and a sidewall ring and curing the tire.

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: The present invention relates to preparation an article of manufacture, such as of a tire, via application of at least one partially pre-cured component. Tires are often prepared with pre-cured, pre-shaped components such as for example, application of pre-cured tread strips to a cured carcass as in the case of re-treaded tires. Thus precured tread and cured carcass are joined together using a cushion gum followed by heating the resulting assembly at an elevated temperature to cure the cushion gum. Such pre-cured component may also be, for example, a sidewall apex. In such cases, the pre-cured component is subjected to more heat than is necessary which may be detrimental for the component. This invention is directed to the use of a partially pre-cured component to prepare a tire assembly prior to the curing of the entire components of the tire assembly.

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: An improved method of bonding at least two cured or uncured elastomeric layers is disclosed. The method comprising placing an uncured elastomeric component (22) between the two elastomeric layers, and curing the elastomeric component to bond the elastomeric layers together. The improvement is characterized by forming the uncured elastomeric component (22) by preparing two non-productive elastomer compounds (10, 12), wherein each non-productive compound (10 or 12) is prepared with a co-reacting agent of a co-reacting cure package not added to the other non-productive compound (12 or 10), and layering the non-productive elastomer compounds (10, 12) in alternating layers with a thickness relative to the diffusion rate of the co-reacting agents in each non-productive elastomeric layer (10, 12) to effect diffusion of the co-reacting cure agents through the adjacent layers.

Abstract: The present invention is a tire comprising a tread and layers radially interior to said tread, wherein at least one layer comprises a dye or pigment that fluoresces when exposed to ultraviolet light. The fluorescent dye may be on the surface of the layer, or dispersed throughout the layer. The present invention also comprises a method of inspecting a tire for proper placement of components comprising shining an ultraviolet light onto a cut section of the aforesaid layer. The invention also includes a method of re-treading a tire where the fluorescent layer is interior to the tread, and detecting the fluorescence of the layer is a signal to cease tread removal operations. In one to embodiment of the invention, the tire has at least one steel belt, and the fluorescent layer is a tape covering the edge of the belt. In another embodiment of the invention, the tire is a non-pneumatic tire.

Abstract: The invention is a method for retreading a tire comprising the step of using a supercritical fluid as a carrier to spray a gum cushion layer on the outer surface (radially outermost) of the carcass of a tire. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supercritical fluid is carbon dioxide. In one embodiment of the invention, the supercritical fluid is a mixture of a rubber product, a solvent, and a supercritical fluid carrier. In another embodiment of the invention, the gum cushion rubber delivered by the supercritical fluid forms a layer less than 300 microns thick between the new tread and the upper surface of the carcass of the tire after curing. In another embodiment of the invention, the gum cushion layer is delivered to the carcass by means of a supercritical fluid as a dual solution system, composed of one solution without sulfur, and one solution without accelerator.

Abstract: A retreading method wherein a base composition and a cap composition are applied to a carcass (10) as two ribbons (14) and (16) extruded from separate extruders (18) and (20). The ribbons (14) and (16) can be layered and applied to a ready-to-retread carcass (10) simultaneously or, alternatively, the base ribbon (14) can be applied to the ready-to-retread carcass (10) first and the cap ribbon (16) applied thereafter. The carcass (10), with ribbons (14/16) applied thereto, is then inserted into an enclosed heated mold (22) and cured to complete the retread.

Abstract: Plastic impact driven fasteners having relatively high flexural strength and relatively low heat deformation temperature are provided. Additional embodiments relate to methods of using the fasteners. For example, the fasteners may be used in a tire retreading process. In such a case, one or more fasteners may be used to secure new tread to a tire core before and/or during a curing process. The curing process may also cause deformation of the fastener, thereby eliminating the need to remove the fasteners after the curing process.

Abstract: A tread for retreading tires, having an external face (21) provided with the usual grooves (23) and an internal face (22) to be seated and adhered, usually by vulcanization, to the convex external face (11) of a tire carcass (10), from which the compound of the original tread has been totally abraded, said tread (20) presenting a thickness that varies throughout the width thereof, having its internal face (22) defined in a concave arc, with the radius of curvature corresponding to that of the external face (11) of the tire carcass (10) and with its external face (21) being flat or slightly convex, with the radius of curvature substantially larger than that of its internal face (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparation an article of manufacture, such as of a tire, via application of at least one partially pre-cured component. Tires are often prepared with pre-cured, pre-shaped components such as for example, application of pre-cured tread strips to a cured carcass as in the case of re-treaded tires. Thus precured tread and cured carcass are joined together using a cushion gum followed by heating the resulting assembly at an elevated temperature to cure the cushion gum. Such pre-cured component may also be, for example, a sidewall apex. In such cases, the pre-cured component is subjected to more heat than is necessary which may be detrimental for the component. This invention is directed to the use of a partially pre-cured component to prepare a tire assembly prior to the curing of the entire components of the tire assembly.

Abstract: A tread band applicator device is provided for building a tread band on a tire carcass and includes a press applicator head for applying a tread band raw material mass onto the tire carcass as the tire carcass is rotated. The press applicator head is movable along the direction of the axis of rotation of the tire carcass in correspondence with the curvature of the outer surface of the tire carcass and is operable to apply the tread band raw material in a width which is less than the width of the tire carcass. The press applicator head is a component of an extruder which is mounted for movement about a plurality of axes.

Abstract: A method of applying a tread (3) to a tire casing (1) wherein a prevulcanized tread (3) is applied to the tire casing (1) via an intermediate layer of non-vulcanized rubber binder (2), and wherein the layer of rubber binder (2) is heated by supplying current to the layer through an electrically conductive wire (4). The wire used in accordance with the invention comprises a multiple of wires or strands (4a). The invention also relates specifically to such a multiwire element.

Abstract: An improved means for retreading a solid tire is disclosed. The retreading means comprises wrapping uncured rubber around the periphery of the tire, clamping the tire body and uncured rubber assembly in a C mold comprising a tread ring and a sidewall ring and curing the tire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparation an article of manufacture, such as of a tire, via application of at least one partially pre-cured component. Tires are often prepared with pre-cured, pre-shaped components such as for example, application of pre-cured tread strips to a cured carcass as in the case of re-treaded tires. Thus precured tread and cured carcass are joined together using a cushion gum followed by heating the resulting assembly at an elevated temperature to cure the cushion gum. Such pre-cured component may also be, for example, a sidewall apex. In such cases, the pre-cured component is subjected to more heat than is necessary which may be detrimental for the component. This invention is directed to the use of a partially pre-cured component to prepare a tire assembly prior to the curing of the entire components of the tire assembly.

Abstract: An improved method for applying an annular tread (10) to a pneumatic tire casing (20) which has the steps of mounting the tread (10) on a tread expander assembly (200) wherein the tread (10) pass over a mount wheel (300) prior to the casing (20) being mounted onto the mount wheel. The improved apparatus (100) has all the mechanisms for supporting the casing (20) and the tread (10) extended from one end (405) allowing the operator to work entirely in front of the apparatus.

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: A low rolling resistance tire (1) for vehicles is described which comprises at least one belt layer (7) coaxially extending around at least one carcass ply (3), a composite tread (10) coaxially extending around the belt layer (7) and comprising a radially outer layer (12) and a radially inner layer (11), wherein the ratio between the modulus of elasticity E' at 70° C. of the radially inner layer (11) and the modulus of elasticity E' at 70° C. of the radially outer layer (12) is comprised between 1.1 and 3, and the ratio between the value of tang&dgr; at 70° C of the radially inner layer (11) and the value of tang&dgr; at 70° C. of the radially outer layer (12) is lower than 0.8. Advantageously, the tire (1) achieves a better compromise between the characteristics of rolling resistance, handling and comfort with respect to what is obtainable from known tires for the same type of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving the cured adhesion of at least two rubber components which contact each other in a pneumatic tire. The process involves the steps of assembling and vulcanizing a pneumatic tire wherein prior to vulcanization of the pneumatic tire, one of the components is a precured rubber compound and the other is an uncured rubber compound. The process involves using a precured rubber compound comprising from 40 to 100 parts by weight of natural rubber or emulsion-polymerized styrene-butadiene copolymer rubber containing 0.5 to 3 phr of a fatty acid, precipitated silica and no fatty acid other than contained in the natural rubber or emulsion-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber.

Abstract: There are provided a rubber composition having a high modulus of elasticity and a good workability, and a pneumatic tire. A rubber composition comprising at least one of natural rubber and synthetic diene rubbers as a rubber ingredient, at least one maleimide compound, and at least one nitrogen-containing compound selected from the group consisting of polyaniline, hydrazide, and amine compound is used in a tread.

Abstract: A retreaded tire assembly and method for making the same is disclosed. The method and assembly provide for the application of new tread to a buffed tire casing with only a layer of cushion gum disposed therebetween. The cushion gum is applied directly to the buffed circumference of a tire casing without the use of conventional spray cement normally applied to the buffed surface of the entire casing.

Abstract: A sealing ring and rim assembly for use with an outer curing envelope to retread a tire casing. The assembly includes a rigid annular rim having a fixed diameter and a resiliently expandable elastomeric annular sealing rim captured on the rim. An inflatable bladder is located between the rim and the sealing ring so that, when the bladder is inflated, the sealing ring expands into uniform sealing engagement with an inner peripheral bead of the tire casing. The use of an inflatable bladder ensures that sealing pressure will be uniformly exerted so that an endless band of seal is created about the entire circumference of the tire bead. In addition, one particular size of the assembly is capable of use on a variety of tires having a tire bead circumference within a range of circumferences.

Abstract: Process for producing a pneumatic tire that includes an inner liner of a layer that is as air-impermeable as possible, at least one carcass ply provided with strength supports, horn profiles, bead cores, sidewalls, a belt assembly, and a tread. The process includes building-up a partial tire in a production part A, where the partial tire includes at least a carcass body that includes the at least one carcass ply provided with the strength supports, bead reinforcements and cores, core fillers and horn profiles, and an undertread, and shaping and at least partially vulcanizing the partial tire under an internal pressure in a vulcanization mold in a first vulcanization procedure. The process also includes determining a cross-sectional contour for a completed tire and an amount of surface and strength supports to be added to the partial tire prior to a production part B, and building-up the partial tire in the production part B by adding remaining tire components to produce a complete tire.

Abstract: A retreaded tire comprised of a tread and carcass with an intervening rubber layer, conventionally referred to as a cushion, wherein the tread has an oil rich rubber-based adhesive on its inner surface at the interface between said tread and cushion. Said oil rich rubber based adhesive is free, or substantially free, of volatile organic compounds, particularly volatile organic solvents. Alternately, the oil-rich rubber-based adhesive may contain oil and volatile organic solvent wherein oil is the major component insofar as the oil and solvent is concerned.

Abstract: A retreaded tire assembly and method for making the same is disclosed. The method and assembly provide for the application of new tread to a buffed tire casing with only a layer of cushion gum disposed therebetween. The cushion gum is applied directly to the buffed circumference of a tire casing without the use of conventional spray cement normally applied to the buffed surface of the entire casing.

Abstract: A tread band applicator device is provided for building a tread band on a tire carcass and includes a press applicator head for applying a tread band raw material mass onto the tire carcass as the tire carcass is rotated. The press applicator head is movable along the direction of the axis of rotation of the tire carcass in correspondence with the curvature of the outer surface of the tire carcass and is operable to apply the tread band raw material in a width which is less than the width of the tire carcass.

Abstract: A method of renewing worn tread portions of reinforced rubber tracks which is particularly applicable to the heavy reinforced tracks used on mechanical diggers, mobile cranes and other vehicles, such method involving placing a previously buffed track circumferentially around a correspondingly dimensioned holding ring (4) so that the metal lugs (3) of the track are supported by the holding ring (4); inserting two correspondingly shaped rings (8), one on each side of the row of lugs (3), so as to conform to the space between the track and the holding ring; applying pre-vulcanized tread (5) to the track with a layer of unvulcanized rubber between the tread and the track; surrounding the thus-formed assembly with a generally airtight envelope; creating a vacuum within the envelope (9)and vulcanizing the said unvulcanized rubber so as to bond the tread (5)to the track (1).

Abstract: An air removal and fastener extraction system for use in retreading tires is disclosed. The system includes a strap that is disposed over a splice region of the tread during precure retreading. A plurality of fasteners are inserted through the strap and across the splice. This securely holds the splice region intact, allows air to be vented during curing, and permits removal of all fasteners in a single pulling motion exerted on the strap after the curing process is completed.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing retread tire assemblies includes an autoclave in which retread assemblies are placed and a heated water system for heating the autoclave. The heated water system provides heated water under pressure to the autoclave to achieve heat transfer at a rate and capacity sufficient for curing the retread assemblies. A control valve controls the flow of heated water according the heating demand of the autoclave. The system is adaptable for use in curing presses for retread assemblies.

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 silica reinforced solventless adhesive composition or cushion comprises a blend of rubber, silica, a silica coupling agent, an optional tackifier, and low or nil amounts of carbon black. The elastomeric adhesive composition can be utilized with various other rubber layers to adhere a cured or uncured tire tread to a cured tire casing. The elastomeric adhesive composition has good blowout resistance and a very low, final blowout test temperature.