Bridgestone Bandag, LLC

Christopher J A Ferrell

Eric M Henriksen

Todd R Frisbie

Troy Allen Kost

A machine for retreading tires includes a rotatable hub that includes a moveable conical element, and an expandable rim disposed around the rotatable hub. The expandable rim includes a plurality of shoes. Each shoe of the plurality of shoes may have a base portion and a rim portion. The base portion may have a two-piece construction that allows for replacement of a worn interface that may include a channel and a ramp. A method for assembling an expandable rim for use in a tire retreading machine, and a method for servicing a machine having an expandable rim are also disclosed.

Expandable rim for tire tread buffing apparatus and method

A tire inspecting apparatus for a tire is provided. The apparatus includes a test stand for supporting and rotating a tire. The test stand is configured such that a tire supported thereon defines a center axis. The apparatus includes a testing probe configured as a high voltage electrode for generating an electric field and a grounding element. A positioning assembly includes a support bracket and a positioning arm supporting the testing probe. The positioning arm is operable to move the testing probe into a working position between the sidewalls of a tire supported on the test stand and in proximity to the grounding element. The positioning arm is connected to the support bracket for pivoting movement relative to the support bracket about a pivot axis. The pivot axis extends at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the center axis of a tire supported on the test stand.

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Bettendorf, IA, United States of America

Christopher J A Ferrell