Abstract: Tire grooving knives (122) are moved on a frame (28) into a grooving position adjacent the curved tire tread surface (130) of an inflated tire (12) of a predetermined diameter mounted for rotation on a supporting stand (14). The knives (122) are then individually moved by separate actuating assemblies (60) into engagement with the tire tread surface (130) so that as the (12) tire is rotated circumferential (128,156,160) grooves will be cut. The (122) knives and actuating assemblies (60) are adjustable to cut grooves (128,156,160) having sides (158) perpendicular to the tread surface (130) and to cut grooves (128,156,160) in different diameter tires. The knives (122,122',122") may also be positioned on the frame (28) at circumferentially spaced locations (172,174,176) around the tire tread surface (130) to provide space for the actuating assemblies (60) to cut closely spaced grooves (128,156,160).

Abstract: A cutting head member for rigidly retaining the substantially U-shaped cutting blade of a resistance-heated tire groover is disclosed. The preferred embodiment enables the rapid and efficient adjustment or replacement of the substantially U-shaped cutting blade without the use of a wrench, screwdriver, or other working tool. A resistance-heated tire groover using the described cutting head member also is disclosed. The preferred embodiment provides precise control and regulation of the generation of heat in the substantially U-shaped cutting blade without interrupting or altering a grooving operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grooving a tire tread in which a computerized numerical controller regulates the positional relationships between the tire and a hot cutting knife. The controller, through a plurality of servo motors, causes the tire to rotate in a vertical plane while effecting lateral and rotational movement of the cutter knife in each of two planes. During the cutting operation, the controller regulates the temperature of the cutting knife in accordance with the contour of the cut and the rate at which it is being made. Additionally, the computerized numerical controller is operator-programmable, providing for the generation of a program while the knife is caused to trace a tread design. The method and apparatus achieves simultaneous five-axis control of the tire grooving operation with concurrent regulation of the knife temperature.

Abstract: A device for removing the beads from scrap tires is disclosed and includes a pair of chain-and-sprocket driven spindles which are relatively expandable to engage the inner periphery of a tire and drive the tire in a somewhat rotary manner past a pair of cutting knives which sever the beads from the rest of the tire. After severing, the spindles are retracted toward one another to allow removal of the remaining tire casing and the two severed beads, and the placement of another scrap tire over the spindles. In a preferred form, one spindle pivots about the axis of its own driving sprocket so that the tension in the chain entrained about that driving sprocket and the driven sprocket coaxial with that spindle remains constant. A unique tire casing support near the cutting knives is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus used as an aid in the removal of tires from wheels of all-terrain vehicles (ATV'S) functioning as a "bead-breaker" by collapsing the tire bead from the wheel flange and forcing the bead toward the center of the wheel rim preliminary to actual removal of the tire from the wheel by use of conventional tire tools. All-Terrain vehicles using either three or four wheels may use wheels of various diameter and tires of various widths, requiring the apparatus to be adjustable to service the several wheel sizes. The apparatus consists of steel, plastic, and/or aluminum components of dimensions, weights, and sizes that are assembled into a portable device for use at home, shop, or in the field as needed. The assembled components permits convenient collapsing of the tire bead with minimum effort by the operator.

Abstract: Tubeless tire curing rim apparatus having rim bodies which telescope together under spring pressure to form an initial seal between a tire bead and sealing rim flanges on the rim bodies and which telescope apart as the tire is inflated to form the conventional bead rim seal. The bead-to-bead spacing for the tire is adjustable by means of calibrated threaded rings on the rim bodies or by a means of calibrated threaded central column.

Abstract: A device for mounting and demounting tubeless tires with respect to wheel assemblies includes a wheel support structure upon which a tubeless tire and wheel assembly is positioned. An elongate vertically disposed mounting member is releasably locked to the wheel support structure and projects vertically upwardly therefrom through the tire and wheel assembly. A wheel clamping member projects through openings in the mounting member and is urged into clamping relation with the wheel by an adjustable threaded clamping bolt. An elongate lever has a tire removing member at one end thereof, which is insertable between the tire bead and the wheel rim so that, when the lever is maintained in engaging relation with the mounting member and is moved through an arc of 360 degrees, each tire bead will be successively removed from the wheel.

Abstract: The present process allows recycling used tires which are at present considered to be no longer suitable for restructuring according to known processes.According to the invention a preliminary control is carried out, also by scanning by means of a laser, to assess the seriousness of the internal ruptures and deformations due to impacts or other causes, discarding tires which are too damaged, while the thread and the metallic belts of the remaining tires which can be used are removed therefrom by scraping, the entire tire assembly being reconstructed, by vulcanizing before mounting the tread, and checking again with the laser to detect bubbles or other defects correcting the defects, obtaining a perfect assembly (FIG. 25) on which the tread which is vulcanized again, is lastly mounted.

Abstract: A machine for automatically engraving the groove in tire treads provided with a first rotary tire-carrying shaft and with a second tool-holding shaft axially movable in a reciprocating manner parallelly to the first shaft, by way of an appropriate motion transmitting gear cascade. The motion transmitting gear cascade is interchangeable, and actuates a cam. A cam follower is driven by the cam and is fastened to a rack. A gear wheel engages the rack and carries as rocker along one of its diameters. A connecting rod pivots on the second shaft and on a slider, which is engageable along the rocker in an adjustable manner.

Abstract: A system of manufacturing a high-lug tire, wherein a portion of the tread of an unvulcanized tire is cut off to form quasi pattern grooves in substantially complementary relation to the shaping surface of a vulcanizing mold. Thereafter the unvulcanized tire is vulcanized in vulcanizing mold with the quasi pattern grooves matching the shaping surface of the vulcanizing mold. This reduces any flow of rubber during vulcanization of the tire.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for applying a tread to a tire, whereby around a toroidal tire a layer of non-vulcanized rubber is applied, which will form the tread area of the tire after vulcanization in the vulcanization press; and whereby the thus prepared tire is vulcanized in vulcanization press. According to the invention, before the vulcanization of the thus prepared tire in a vulcanization press, portions of the layer of non-vulcanized rubber are removed by peeling or by forming peels of non-vulcanized rubber, so that the shape of the peeled tire is adapted to the shape of the vulcanization press. The invention also relates to a machine for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effectuating a blowout of a tire of a vehicle is provided. A power ram is used to press a cutting member against the tire as the tire rotates relative thereto in order to circularly slice the tire open. A control valve is utilized to activate the ram.

Abstract: An automatic sipe forming machine for forming sipes on a tread face of a tire, including a tire supporting apparatus and a sipe forming apparatus. The tire supporting apparatus further includes a tire bearing mechanism and an intermittent rotary mechanism for intermittently rotating the tire. The sipe forming apparatus further includes at least one disc cutter, a sliding beam, a cutter holder, a carriage for reciprocatingly guiding the cutter holder, and a guide member for reciprocatingly guiding the carriage. The sipe forming apparatus can further include an angle changing mechanism for changing a sipe forming angle of the disc cutter.

Abstract: Apparatus for trimming vents from the tread of tires including at least one trimmer (42). Each trimmer includes a pair of tire engageable rollers (84, 86) and a cooperating knife (88). The apparatus may include a plurality of sets of trimmers (42, 42A, 42B), a bead trimmer (42) may be mounted for limited rocking movement about an axis extending parallel to the axis of the rollers, and one set may include a pair of bead trimmers (88A, 88B) the rollers (84A, 86A, 84B, 86B) of which are inclined or inclinable to the axis about which the trimmer rocks.

Abstract: A tire tool for facilitating the removal of a tire from a wheel rim and particularly a large diameter tire from its associated wheel rim, the tool having a substantially flat main body portion provided with an aperture in the proximity of one end and an arcuate flange at the opposite end, an arm member extending outwardly from the body in a direction away from the flange and at a planar angle with respect to the body, a plurality of first roller members journalled at the outer end of the arcuate flange for engagement with the inner wall of the tire during a tire removal operation, and a plurality of second roller members journalled at the outer end of the arm member for engagement with the wheel rim and moving axially therealong during the tire removal operation, the bore being adapted for engagement by an elongated lever member for pivoting the tire tool in a direction for moving the second roller members axially along the wheel rim as the first roller members deform the tire for disengagement of the tire fr

Abstract: A method of cutting grooves and whitewalling vehicle tires in a series of functional steps, employing an apparatus which comprises a tire buffing assembly swively mounted upon an arm assembly allowing adjustment of the buffing assembly. There is further provided speed control means for controlling the variable speed of the drive means for rotating a reversible wheel drive member for rotating the tire during the buffing steps. The buffing assembly would have a plurality of buffing blades depending on the size of the strip to be buffed, and would be electrically driven. There is further provided means for maneuvering the apparatus via a handle and wheel members and a seating means for affording comfort during the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A tire casing preparation system including a transfer machine and associated with a plurality of work stations for performing a variety of operations on worn tire casings such as de-treading, contouring, surface conditioning, dimensional gauging, defect detection and adhesive treatment. The transfer machine includes a turntable having a plurality of chucking and rotating mechanisms for mounting and processing tire casings as they are moved from one work station to another. A tire casing is first transported to a de-treading station where it undergoes a rough machining or de-treading operation for forming a curvilinear surface on the upper outer periphery of the tire casing. The tire casing is then transported to a contouring work station where a semi-rough machining operation is performed to form an arcuate outer peripheral surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and machine for removing at least one layer of reinforcing elements from a breaker or belt of a rubber tire.According to the method of the invention for removing at least one layer of reinforcing elements, such as steel cords, etc. from a breaker or belt located between the tread area and the carcass of a rubber tire; the tread area of the tire is first removed down to the layer of reinforcing elements by rasping off this tread area, and afterwards each reinforcing element, for example each steel cord, of the layer to be removed is cut through in at least one place and the so cut reinforcing elements are removed by further rasping.This invention further relates to a machine for carrying out this method.

Abstract: An improved tire changing hand tool intended for use with rim mounted tubed or tubeless tires, and adapted for mounting to a suitable base. Apparatus includes a center post; a tubular bracket with rim-engaging flange; a rotatable arm; an extended foot; and an elongated handle adapted for attachment to the arm and foot. The centerpost is secured to a suitable base, the tire rim positioned over the center post in a manner to center and secure the tire rim against the base in preparation for tire repair or replacement. With arm and foot attached to the handle, the arm is slidably engaged about the tubular bracket, the foot is positioned against the tire side in close proximity to the rim circumference, and the handle is forced downward to break the seal between the tire bead and the inner lip of the rim.

Abstract: A tire splitting apparatus including a frame, a powered drive roll mounted on the frame for rotating a tire, a pressure roll for engaging the tire with the drive roll, and a knife for insertion into the casing while it is rotating for cutting it into halves. A guide is clampable for contact with both side walls of the tire to align and steady the tire so that the knife will cut repeatedly in the same track. A bead support carries substantially all of the weight of the tire during the splitting operation to allow repeated revolutions of the tire as necessary to complete the splitting process.

Abstract: A tire tool for facilitating the removal of a tire from a wheel rim, and particularly a large diameter tire from its associated wheel rim, the tool having a substantially flat main body portion provided with an aperture in the proximity of one end and an arcuate flange at the opposite end, an arm member extending outwardly from the body in a direction away from the flange and at a planar angle with respect to the body, a plurality of first roller members journalled at the outer end of the arcuate flange for engagement with the inner wall of the tire during a tire removal operation, and a plurality of second roller members journalled at the outer end of the arm member for engagement with the wheel rim and moving axially there along during the tire removal operation, the bore being adapted for engagement by an elongated lever member for pivoting the tire tool in a direction for moving the second roller members axially along the wheel rim as the first roller members deform the tire for disengagement of the tire

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a tire debeading machine (10). A tire is supported on a guide apparatus (15) and raised to an operative position by the action of a support arm (21). A cutting blade (33) is moved against the sidewall of the tire, cutting off the bead. After the initial cut is made, the tire is raised slightly further by the combined action of an initially interlocking vertical arm (75), which extends from said support arm (21), and a roller (71) on an L-shaped arm (69). The further cut by blade (33) is closer to the bead. Another aspect of the invention is a granulating machine which includes three feed rollers (93) (95) (97) which feed the debeaded tires into a cylindrical cutting chamber (106). Inside the cutting chamber (106) are a plurality of rotary cutting blades (127) mounted on mounting plates (130), which cooperate with stationary cutting blades to produce granulated rubber particles and fiber particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting tires is disclosed that employs: a base on which there is disposed two upstanding shafts (one rotatable), and first and second plates to sandwich therebetween the tire casing. Both plates have upstanding teeth members, an off-center hole and a center hole. The rotatable shaft is disposed in the center hole of both plates and the other shaft is disposed in the off-center hole of the first plate. On the same side of the first plate on which the upstanding teeth means are disposed, there is affixed an upstanding member which is received in the off-center hole of the second plate. A cutter bar is provided that has a cutting means and a rotatable handle on one terminal portion. The cutting bar also has a handle and it contains an elongated rectangular shaped slot. The terminal portion of the rotatable shaft is rectalinear in cross section and is disposed in the cutter bar slot so that upon rotation of the shaft, the cutter bar also rotates.

Abstract: An automatic or manually operated tire mounting tool adapted primarily for mounting flexible tires on rims of various sizes and configurations. Such device is comprised of an elongated longitudinally extending working arm with two working ends for mounting and demounting purposes respectively, one end of which supports a vertically disposed rotatably mounted working roller, which roller assists in and facilitates the mounting process, and wherein said mounting arm is equipped on its mounting end with a hooked shaped positioning tong to assist in the mounting process.

Abstract: A pulsed through-transmission ultrasonic non-destructive inspection of the internal structure in a tire wall is effected. The ultrasonic inspection is preferably carried out through the walls of a rotating inflated tire with the ultrasonic transducers being automatically moved toward the inner and outer tire wall surfaces to optimum relative distances of separation during an inspection cycle. The transducers disposed inside the inflated tire are preferably mounted for automatic retraction into a protected space during tire mounting and demounting operations. Such ultrasonic inspection techniques may be combined with conventional tire buffing methods and apparatus as practiced in tire retreading operations.

Abstract: A portable tire tool adapted for removing and installing tires. The tool includes a lever arm, tire pry arm, and J-shaped hook arm which may be connected in different configurations to provide various tools for removing and installing tires. The tool is conveniently shaped to allow assembly in a compact configuration for transportation and storage.

Abstract: A curing rim for a vehicle tire is shown. A flanged first sleeve (13) is adapted to seal the bottom bead of a large tubeless tire (10). A flanged sealing sleeve (14), having a cylindrical inner surface (24) with an O-ring seal (26) carried thereby, is adapted to seal the opposite bead of the tire. A cylindrical locking sleeve (15) is telescoped through the sealing sleeve (14) and is sealingly engaged at its bottom end to the first sleeve (13). The upper end of locking sleeve (15) is provided with a stop flange (31). The sealing sleeve (14) maintains an air-tight seal with the bead of the tire and also seals against the locking sleeve (15) as the tire is inflated and moves upwardly along the locking sleeve (15) until blocked by the stop flange (31).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for grooving tires which is particularly useful for renewing previously used over-the-road tires and which removes a portion of a layer of rubber applied to a tread face of a carcass so as to form on the tread face a predetermined grooved tread design. Relative motion between a heated knife and a tire carcass is controlled and coordinated in such a manner as to form a particular selected tread pattern, while one of a plurality of knives of varying configurations is selected to form particular portions of the grooved design. As described more fully hereinafter, a programmable memory preferably in the form of a digital, electronic central processor unit controls the operation of components of the apparatus and is programmed to follow particular functional sequences.

Abstract: A tire cutting machine can rotatably support a wheel mounted and inflated tire with the tread thereof facing one or the other, or both, of a groove cutter, and a rotatable siping blade assembled with a lead screw. The tire can be driven by a spiked roller for cutting circumferential grooves, or can be driven by the siping cutter and a lead screw when siping. The siping cutter can be shifted axially of the tire by a motor-driven feed screw with adjustable automatic shut-off.

Abstract: A bidirectional buffing blade for tire rasps with cutting and dragging teeth of the same configuration with reduced drag, improved heat transfer and cutting teeth with a substantially constant radial rake angle and land width which does not change with wear.

Abstract: A tool for use in wood lathes which comprises a blade formed into a U shape with one edge of the closed end of the U forming the cutting edge. The tool includes suitable depth guards and a chip reflector to provide for safe and depth regulated cutting that leaves a smooth surface on the wood.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inverting a torroidal article such as a tractor tire, comprising: a base assembly; a first frame assembly pivotably rearwardly attached to the base assembly; a second frame assembly pivotably attached to a forward portion of the first frame assembly; a tire holder attached to the second frame assembly; and grappling means for holding an edge portion of a tire to be inverted relative to the base assembly. The tire holder is rotatable to permit the removal of a rim portion of the tire on the tire holder by a cutting blade fixed on a boom attached to the apparatus. Rotation of the tire holder is actuated by a hydraulic motor, and hydraulic cylinders are used to pivot the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly. The apparatus is made portable, with a minimum of necessary external support systems, such as a hydraulic fluid pump. The article thus produced has a generally cylindrical shape, smoothed by clamping means, making it useful as a feed bunk for livestock.

Abstract: A tool for rasping comprising a cylindrical drum rotatable in both directions around an axis, the drum being equipped with cutting elements which protrude exteriorly and are able to act in the two directions of rotation. The cutting elements are mounted on a series of movable bars disposed on the exterior surface of the drum parallel to the axis, each one of these bars having at least one transverse row of cutting elements. Each cutting element of a same row displays two parallel cutting edges provided at opposite acute angles with respect to the axis of the drum. The cutting elements of each of the rows present cutting edges which are essentially equal to those of adjacent rows but oppositely directed. The bars possess means for quick assembly onto the drum. The tool is used in preparing the exterior surface of a tire for retreading.

Abstract: A retreaded belted tire and a method and apparatus for use in preparing same. The tire is prepared for retreading by removing a portion of the existing crown area rubber material so as to leave not greater than a predetermined amount of rubber material lying radially outward of the belt structure. New tread rubber material of uniform thickness throughout its length and width is added to the prepared tire and the assembly is cured under heat and pressure. When the newly added tread material is unvulcanized rubber, the assembly is cured in a mold having a crown area profile complementary to that of the prepared tire.

Abstract: The present tire cutting machine can rotatably support a wheel mounted and inflated tire with the tread thereof facing one or the other of a groove cutter, and a rotatable siping blade assembled with a feeler. The tire can be driven from the wheel for cutting circumferential grooves, or can be driven by the siping cutter and/or a lead screw when siping. When the feeler and siping blade engage the tire, the feeler maintains the siping blade in proper relation to the tire tread for said siping blade to cut and move around the tire tread to effect minute lateral cuts or sipes in a section of the tire tread.

Abstract: A system for reducing undue vibrations transmitted to a vehicle by a tire assembly including a tire buffing or grinding machine, a tire balancing machine, and a mounting adapter for alternatively mounting the tire assembly on the tire buffing machine and the tire balancing machine. The tire buffing machine includes a drive unit for rotating the tire assembly about its rotational axis, a loading unit for radially loading the tire assembly, a buffing unit for selectively grinding away portions of the tire tread, and a control unit interconnecting the loading unit and the buffing unit to cause the buffing unit to reduce the loaded radial runout of the tire assembly.

Abstract: An electronic circuit with an output that may be used, for example, to control a servo system which positions grinders of a tire grinding machine to correct tires with large cleats is disclosed. The electronic circuit is responsive to an analog electrical signal to detect whether or not the rate of change in amplitude of the analog electrical signal equals or exceeds a preselected limit. If the rate of change in amplitude of the analog electrical signal does not equal or exceed the preselected limit, the output of the electronic circuit has a characteristic that is similar to the analog electrical signal. If the rate of change in amplitude of the analog electrical signal equals or exceeds the preselected limit, the output of the electronic circuit preferably remains constant at an amplitude which the analog electrical signal attained prior to the change in amplitude at a rate equal to or in excess of the preselected limit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for grooving tires which is particularly useful for renewing previously used off-the-road tires and which removes a portion of a layer of rubber applied to a tread face of a carcass so as to form on the tread face a pattern of lugs. Relative motion between a heated knife and a tire carcass is controlled and coordinated in such a manner as to form a particular selected tread pattern, while controlling the number and spacing of the lugs and the curvature, angularity, and depth of the incisions which form the lugs. As described more fully hereinafter, a digital, electronic central processor unit controls the operation of components of the apparatus and may be programed to follow particular functional sequences.

Abstract: A tire is placed upon an infeed support which initiates movement of a spindle to extend longitudinally through the tire, then expand radially to engage the tire beads and then retract longitudinally to clamp the beads together. One of a pair of power driven rolls having roughened, wear resistant surfaces, then is moved toward the fixed roll of a pair to grip the tire between them and rotate the tire and spindle assembly. The spindle and drive roll assembly, together with the rotating tire, then is moved by a common support carriage toward a rotary flywheel type cutter assembly which operates on the tire in the radial direction inward from the tread area to an area closely adjacent the metal beads, reducing the tire to small pieces. An air fan is integrated with the flywheel of the cutter assembly to minimize heating of the flywheel and cutter mechanism. A metal sensor on the infeed support prevents operation of the apparatus if the tire contains steel belts.

Abstract: An apparatus having a grooving tool for carving grooves in a tire tread drives the tool transversely of the tread while varying the elevation of the tool so as to carve curvate, chevron, herringbone, lazy-S, or other non-linear grooves. Means for orienting the cutting edge of the tool normal to the actual direction of traversing movement is disclosed. The elevation of the tool is controlled by a sensor which follows the template profile or contour as the tool travels. The orientation of the tool is also controlled by a sensor cooperating with a template. The apparatus includes a base adapted for movement to grooving relation with a tire mounted on a rotatable chuck or away from the tire. The foregoing abstract is not to be taken as limiting the invention of this application, and in order to understand the full nature and extent of the technical disclosure of this application, reference must be made to the accompanying drawing and the following detailed description.

Abstract: Apparatus 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: An apparatus for cutting circumferential grooves in the tread of a pneumatic tire comprising at least one assembly formed of a knife whose cutting edge has the shape of the radial profile of the grooves to be created and a support to which the knife is connected and which guides the knife with respect to the pneumatic tire to be treated, the support being connected to a frame for bearing the pneumatic tire, is improved by having the support furthermore comprise a feeler. The depth of cut of the knife is controlled by the feeler which is connected to the support and arranged at a short distance from the knife.

Abstract: The present tire siping machine can rotatably support a wheel mounted and inflated tire with the tread thereof facing a driven and adjustably mounted siping blade and feeler adjustably connected to the siping blade for permitting the feeler and siping blade to engage the tire whereupon the feeler maintains the siping blade in proper relation to the tire tread for said siping blade to cut and move around the tire tread to effect minute lateral cuts or sipes in a section of the tire tread to be followed by repositioning of said blade to other sections of the tread and repetitions of the siping operation until the entire tire tread is siped.

Abstract: A system for reducing undue vibrations transmitted to a vehicle by a tire assembly including a tire buffing or grinding machine, a tire balancing machine, and a mounting adapter for alternatively mounting the tire assembly on the tire buffing machine and the tire balancing machine. The tire buffing machine includes a drive unit for rotating the tire assembly about its rotational axis, a loading unit for radially loading the tire assembly, a buffing unit for selectively grinding away portions of the tire tread, and a control unit interconnecting the loading unit and the buffing unit to cause the buffing unit to reduce the loaded radial runout of the tire assembly.

Abstract: To remove a solid tire from a wheel over which that tire has been pressed, a transverse groove is cut in the tread of the tire with a cutting apparatus so as to expose the underlying rim. Then the exposed portion of the rim is cut with a flame that is passed through the groove. Once the rim is severed, the tire is easily dislodged from the rim. The cutting apparatus includes a base on which the wheel is positioned and slideways extended away from the base generally parallel to the axis of rotation for the wheel on the base. A slide is located along the slideways. The slide carries a knife that is elongated in the direction of slide movement. The knife has a free end provided with a point and cutting edges diverging from the point. A threaded screw when turned down moves the slide and the knife thereon, and the path of the knife is such that its point enters the tire at one side of its tread and after passing axially through the tread emerges from the other side.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing tire carcasses of any diameter through the tread portion to reduce the carcass to a plurality of annular disposable rings. The apparatus further provides a support for the tire carcass as well as a driving means therefor with the tire support urging the tread portion up into a knife that is disposed tangentially of the tread portion and counter to the rotation of the tire carcass.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture useful in mounting/demounting tires on custom automobile wheels made from magnesium, aluminum and other similar metals or alloys thereof. One article is a wheel hub interface element, a first portion of which is configured to fit over and around a portion of the hub of a custom wheel and a second portion of which is configured to receive the mounting cone of a conventional tire changer apparatus. The interface element permits the wheel to be secured in position in a conventional tire changer for tire mounting/demounting, without damage to the wheel hub. The other article is an improved combination tool for mounting/demounting tires on custom wheels, specifically, seating/breaking a tire bead on/from the wheel rim. The tool includes a base portion, a mounting portion and a demounting portion. The base portion receives a combination tool handle.

Abstract: A machine is shown for conditioning a tire carcass for recapping wherein the tire is rotated while the crown is rasped to size and then a feeler is dropped onto the rasped crown surface while the tire continues to rotate. The feeler rides on this rasped surface to control the application of power driven shoulder rasping means to the carcass, the shoulder rasping means being operative on the opposite sides of the feeler to condition the shoulders for further processing. Adjustable guide means are shown for directing the paths of movement of shoulder rasping means to cause them to move in a desired pattern over the respective shoulders with which each shoulder rasper is made to cooperate.

Abstract: .[.Method and apparatus.]. .Iadd.Apparatus .Iaddend.for inverting a torroidal article such as a tractor tire, comprising: a base assembly; a first frame assembly pivotably rearwardly attached to the base assembly; a second frame assembly pivotably attached to a forward portion of the first frame assembly; a tire holder attached to the second frame assembly; and grappling means for holding an edge portion of a tire to be inverted relative to the base assembly. The tire holder is rotatable to permit the removal of a rim portion of the tire on the tire holder by a cutting blade fixed on a boom attached to the apparatus. Rotation of the tire holder is actuated by a hydraulic motor, and hydraulic cylinders are used to pivot the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly. The apparatus is made portable, with a minimum of necessary external support systems, such as a hydraulic fluid pump.