A dual tire buffing apparatus includes a turntable having a first end and an opposite second end. The turntable is rotatable about a central axis between first and second positions. A first expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the first end. The first expandable hub is configured to receive a first tire casing. A second expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the second end. The second expandable hub is configured to receive a second tire casing. A rasp head is positioned to operatively engage the first tire casing on the first expandable hub when the turntable is in the first position to perform a buffing operation on the first tire casing, and to operatively engage the second tire casing on the second expandable hub when the turntable is in the second position to perform a buffing operation on the second tire casing.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a buffer brush. When rotating, the buffer brush acts as a centrifugal pump. The buffer brush contains a core having a first side and a second side and the brush extends racially from the surface of the core. The first and second sides have at least one opening configured to allow air to flow laterally through the core. Vents on the surface of the cure are configured to allow air flowing laterally through the core to also flow radially through the vents into the brush.

A dual tire buffing apparatus includes a turntable having a first end and an opposite second end. The turntable is rotatable about a central axis between first and second positions. A first expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the first end. The first expandable hub is configured to receive a first tire casing. A second expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the second end. The second expandable hub is configured to receive a second tire casing. A rasp head is positioned to operatively engage the first tire casing on the first expandable hub when the turntable is in the first position to perform a buffing operation on the first tire casing, and to operatively engage the second tire casing on the second expandable hub when the turntable is in the second position to perform a buffing operation on the second tire casing.

A dual tire buffing apparatus includes a turntable having a first end and an opposite second end. The turntable is rotatable about a central axis between first and second positions. A first expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the first end. The first expandable hub is configured to receive a first tire casing. A second expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the second end. The second expandable hub is configured to receive a second tire casing. A rasp head is positioned to operatively engage the first tire casing on the first expandable hub when the turntable is in the first position to perform a buffing operation on the first tire casing, and to operatively engage the second tire casing on the second expandable hub when the turntable is in the second position to perform a buffing operation on the second tire casing.

Method and station for the skiving of the equatorial surface of the casing of a pneumatic tire during a retreading process of the same pneumatic tire; the old worn tread is removed from the pneumatic tire in order to expose the equatorial surface of the casing of the pneumatic tire; the presence of any damage on the equatorial surface of the casing is identified by capturing a three-dimensional profile of the equatorial surface of the casing by means of a laser type profilometer and by analyzing the same three-dimensional profile; and the equatorial surface of the casing is skived where there is damage resulting from the formation of craters on the equatorial surface.

The invention includes methods of forming a retreaded tire, and treads there for. Particular embodiments of such methods provide a tire carcass configured to receive the tire tread along an annular tread-receiving area and a pre-cured tire tread including a tread body and a detachable connector. The connector is arranged within a thickness of the tread between a top void portion and a bottom void portion and extending across a width of the top void portion and of the bottom void portion. The detachable connector is configured to separate from the tread upon application of a separation force. Further steps include assembling a retreaded tire by arranging the tire tread atop a bonding layer arranged between the tire tread and the tire carcass, bonding the tire tread to the tire carcass, and removing the detachable connector from the top void portion after the step of bonding.

A machine for retreading tires includes a rotatable hub and an expandable rim disposed around the moveable hub. The expandable rim includes a plurality of shoes, each shoe having a flange segment on either side of a rim segment of the plurality of shoes. An adapter is attached to each of the flange segments such that an expandable rim width is decreased. A method for modifying a width of an expandable rim for use in a tire retreading machine comprising is also disclosed.

Systems and methods of buffing tire casings are provided. A tire buffing machine includes a tire hub assembly selectively rotating a mounted casing, a buffer configured to buff the casing, a tire belt detection apparatus having two or more sensors to detect a first belt depth of one or more belts at a first lateral position in a tire casing and a second belt depth of the one or more belts at a second lateral position within the tire casing, and an electronic controller. The controller determines the first belt depth and the second belt depth using a belt detection apparatus having two or more sensors of the belt detection apparatus and adjusts the operation of the buffer based on the first belt depth or the second belt depth.

A method for increasing effective skid depth on a retreaded tire is provided along with a retreaded tire assembly. A kit for increasing effective skid depth of a retreaded tire is also provided.

Retread rim assemblies (122, 600, 700, 800) include a plurality of rim segments (124, 602, 702, 802) disposed in a generally circular arrangement about a central axis (AX). A retread band (126, 300, 400, 604, 704, 804) extends around the plurality of rim segments such that the retread band is circumferentially tensioned to bias the plurality of rim segments radially inward. The retread band is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material. The retread band can include at least one reinforcing ply (318, 426, 428, 636, 638, 744, 746, 844, 846) embedded in the elastomeric material. Additionally, or in the alternative, the retread band can include an annular rib portion (412, 412, 630, 734, 834) projecting radially inward and/or outward from along a base portion (410, 410, 628, 732, 8320. Retread bands (126, 300, 400, 604, 704, 804) and methods of manufacturing retread rim assemblies are also included.