The invention relates to a multiple extrusion press head for producing tread profiles of tyres, comprising: a base body (12) having a first supply opening (22) for connecting a first extruder, a second supply opening (24) for connecting a second extruder, a third supply opening (26) for connecting a third extruder, and a fourth supply opening for connecting a fourth extruder; a first head part (14) which is mounted such that it can swivel in relation to the base body, and which has a receiving means (32) that is open in the direction of the base body (12); a second head part that is mounted such that it can swivel in relation to the base body (12); at least one flow channel insert (18, 20) that is mounted such that it can swivel in relation to the base body (12), wherein the first head part (14) and the second head part (16) can be brought into a closed state, in which the head parts (14, 16) are connected to one another in a pressure-tight manner, and a first flow channel (34), a second flow channel (36), a third flow channel (38) and a fourth flow channel (40) are formed in the multiple extrusion press head (10), wherein every flow channel is connected to a supply opening. According to the invention, the base body (12) has a fifth supply opening (30) for connecting a fifth extruder, and the multiple extrusion press head (10) has a second flow channel insert (20), which, independently of the first flow channel insert (18), is mounted such that it can swivel in relation to the base body (12), and borders a fifth flow channel (42) that is connected to the fifth supply opening (30).

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.

A process for manufacturing an article made of recovered rubber crumb is provided. According to the process:

a) crumb particles are mixed with particles of a solute;

b) a molded article is produced by molding the mixture from step a) in a closed mold under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions; and

c) the molded article is brought into contact with a solvent so as to dissolve at least one portion of the particles of said solute.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for applying a mixture of a first compound and a second compound, the apparatus comprising a first extruder for processing a first compound and a second extruder for processing a second compound, wherein the outlet from the first extruder is in fluid communication with a first channel of a housing, and the outlet from the second extruder is in fluid communication with a second channel of the housing, wherein a gear pump is positioned in each channel, wherein a nozzle is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first channel and an outlet of the second channel, and a coextruded continuous strip is produced. The ratio of the first compound to the second compound may be adjusted instantaneously.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for applying a mixture of a first compound and a second compound, the apparatus comprising a first extruder for processing a first compound and a second extruder for processing a second compound, wherein the outlet from the first extruder is in fluid communication with a first channel of a housing, and the outlet from the second extruder is in fluid communication with a second channel of the housing, wherein a gear pump is positioned in each channel, wherein a nozzle is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first channel and an outlet of the second channel, and a coextruded continuous strip is produced. The ratio of the first compound to the second compound may be adjusted instantaneously.

A tread support device (10) for a retread process is provided that has a first support roller (12) that rotates about a first support roller axis. A second support roller (16) is present that rotates about a second support roller axis. A third support roller (20) is also included that rotates about a third support roller axis. The first support roller (10), the second support roller (12), and the third support roller (20) all support a tread (24). Also in the tread support device (10), the first support roller axis, the second support roller axis, and the third support roller axis are arranged with respect to one another so as to be located on a circumference of a circle (32).

A tread support device (10) for a retread process is provided that has a first support roller (12) that rotates about a first support roller axis. A second support roller (16) is present that rotates about a second support roller axis. A third support roller (20) is also included that rotates about a third support roller axis. The first support roller (10), the second support roller (12), and the third support roller (20) all support a tread (24). Also in the tread support device (10), the first support roller axis, the second support roller axis, and the third support roller axis are arranged with respect to one another so as to be located on a circumference of a circle (32).

A method for forming a composite tread, the method comprising the steps of: forming a coextruded strip of a first compound and a second compound, wherein the first compound is a tread compound, and the second compound is formed from a second compound, wherein the tread is formed from winding the coextruded strip onto the tire building drum while varying the ratio of the first compound to the second compound

Disclosed is an extruder and a method for extruding cord reinforced tire components, wherein the extruder includes an extruder head with a die and a cord guide, wherein the die is provided with a cross sectional profile that defines a first cross section of the extrusion material in the die, wherein the cross sectional profile has a profile height, wherein the cord guide is arranged for guiding the cords into the die at a cord entry height, wherein the extruder head is provided with first heating elements, wherein the extruder comprises a control unit that is operationally connected to the first heating elements for generating an adjustable height temperature gradient in the extrusion material across the profile height to control swelling of the extrusion material relative to the cord entry height from the first cross section to a second cross section after the extrusion material leaves the die.

Disclosed is an extruder and a method for extruding cord reinforced tire components, wherein the extruder includes an extruder head with a die and a cord guide, wherein the die is provided with a cross sectional profile that defines a first cross section of the extrusion material in the die, wherein the cross sectional profile has a profile height, wherein the cord guide is arranged for guiding the cords into the die at a cord entry height, wherein the extruder head is provided with first heating elements, wherein the extruder comprises a control unit that is operationally connected to the first heating elements for generating an adjustable height temperature gradient in the extrusion material across the profile height to control swelling of the extrusion material relative to the cord entry height from the first cross section to a second cross section after the extrusion material leaves the die.