Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments of the subject invention comprise methods and apparatus for mounting a tread ring onto a tire carcass. Such methods may include the step of providing a tire tread ring having opposing side edges; arranging the tread ring in an initial ring arrangement in communication with a pressure source, the pressure source being in communication with an outer side of the tread ring; expanding the tread ring radially outward from the initial ring arrangement to an expanded arrangement, the tread ring being expanded by applying vacuum pressure along the outer side of the tread ring supplied by the pressure source; inserting a tire carcass within a central opening of the tread ring while in the expanded arrangement; contracting the tread ring into an installed arrangement about an outer surface of the tire carcass; and, releasing the vacuum along the outer side of the tread ring.
Abstract:
A fairing for a back end of a trailer is provided that has a leading airflow surface oriented within an angular range from 5 degrees to 14 degrees to a surface of the trailer to which the fairing is attached. The angular range is oriented so that its arms extend rearward from a vertex of the angular range in a longitudinal direction of the trailer. A tailing airflow surface is present that engages the leading airflow surface at meeting location. The tailing airflow surface is curved, and a common tangent line of the tailing airflow surface and the leading airflow surface is at the meeting location. A frame engages the surface of the trailer to which the fairing is configured to be attached.
Abstract:
The subject invention includes methods and apparatus for joining treads. Such methods include the step of providing a first tread portion and a second tread portion for forming a joined tread, each tread portion comprising a section of tire tread extending lengthwise from a terminal end. Additional steps include providing a first fixture configured to retain the first tread portion and a second fixture configured to retain the second tread portion and securing the first tread portion into the first fixture and securing the second tread portion into the second fixture, each of the first and second fixtures being arranged within the first and second fixtures such that the terminal end of each tread portion is in communication with a joining side of each fixture. The methods further include directing the terminal ends towards each other and into forceful engagement with an elastomeric joining material arranged between the terminal ends.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for tread de-molding is provided and, more particularly, a method and apparatus for removing a tread element such as e.g., a tread belt from a mold is provided. The apparatus may be inserted between upper and lower mold elements to allow for removal of a tread element from a mold. The apparatus may be adjustable for height.
Abstract:
A device (10) for supporting a tread (12) during a retread process is provided that has a plurality of plates (16) that support the tread when the tread is supported by the device. A plurality of actuation members (18) are also provided, and a first one (16) of the plates is acted upon by a first one (22) of the actuation members (18). A second one of the plates is acted upon by a second one (28) of the actuation members. The first (22) and second (28) actuation members move in directions towards and away from the tread (12). The first actuation member (22) actuates independently from the second actuation member (28).
Abstract:
A method of forming a retreaded tire is provided that includes providing a tread (12) with a bottom surface, an under-tread (14), and a groove (16). A tire carcass with an upper surface is provided and bonding material is applied and is located between the bottom surface and upper surface. A support member (26) is inserted into the groove (16). Heat and pressure are applied to the bonding material in order to cure the bonding material to create attachment between the tread and the tire carcass. The method also includes the removal of the support member (26) from the groove (16) of the tread.
Abstract:
A system for the continuous extrusion, molding, and curing of tread rubber is provided. A plurality of discrete mold sectors are arranged adjacent to each other along a longitudinal axis between an in-feed and an out-feed of a mold sector transport mechanism that extends through a heated press. As the mold sectors are continuously advanced along a process direction in steps, rubber material is extruded and placed onto at least one of the mold sectors near the in-feed end such that an elongated strip of rubber material extends over multiple mold sectors along the longitudinal axis. As the strip of rubber material exits the press, the mold sectors are sequentially removed from the rubber material and returned to the in-feed. An extruder outlet positioned near the in-feed can be moved towards or away from the mold sectors to supply rubber material and prevent backflow.
Abstract:
The invention include methods and apparatus for demolding a tread. The methods include arranging one or more rollers to extend across a transverse extent of a tread molding cavity and across an outer, exposed side of a tread. The one or more rollers are freely-rotatable and arranged to define a demolding path of the tread extending from the mold. The tread is demolded from the tread molding cavity along the demolding path such that the tread is initially directed outwardly from a molded position within the tread molding cavity at an initial angle less than 90 degrees from the molded position, the tread continuing along the demolding path until the tread is directed away from the molding cavity in a direction 90 degrees from the molded position at a perpendicular position located a distance from the molding cavity at least equal to approximately 80% of the tread thickness.
Abstract:
The present invention is a process for making an entire truck tire tread comprising the steps of securing tread mold segments comprising plates to a flat backing, placing a blank tread on the mold segments, and pressing the blank tread against the mold segments. The invention also comprises this process wherein the tread mold segments comprising plates are formed by the steps of machining at least one side of a plate so that the peak to peak variation of the plate surface is less than 5 microns, securing the plates to a flat backing; and machining a reverse tread pattern onto the secured plates. The present invention also comprises a process for making a mold for a tire tread comprising the steps of securing tread mold segments comprising plates of at least two different thicknesses to a flat backing, and machining a reverse tread pattern comprising ridges onto the secured plates, where the thickness of the plate under the ridge is chosen so that the width to height ratio of a ridge on a plate is not less than 1:10.
Abstract:
An adjustable form is provided for building tire components of different sizes. The form includes a series of fixed length form elements intermittently disposed between a series of adjustable length form elements about the circumference of the form. The elements are movable to a first radius to form a first form surface that features first, second and third build regions onto which a tire could be constructed. Gaps, if any are present, in the first and second build regions are smaller than those in the axially intermediate second build region. The elements are movable to a second radius to form a second form surface with fourth, fifth, and sixth build regions for the construction of a tire of a different diameter. Gaps, if any are present, in the fourth and fifth build regions are smaller than those in the axially intermediate sixth build region.