The Goodyear & Tire Rubber Company

Phillip Andrew Hynes

George W Eisenzimmer

Larry Wayne Burner

An apparatus and method for removing an unvulcanized tire tread from a storage device ( ) includes the step of inverting the tread ( ) and transporting it to a roller conveyor in a single step. The tread ( ) is picked up by a vacuum bar ( ) fitted with a series of suction cups ( ). Individual suction cups ( ) can be selectively supplied with vacuum depending on the length of the tread ( ). After the suction cups ( ) have engaged the tread, the tread is raised from the storage device ( ), inverted through 180 degrees, and then set onto a special slotted roller conveyor ( ). The slotted roller conveyor ( ) has a center slot ( ) to receive the vacuum bar ( ) as it passes therethrough. Side slots ( ) in the conveyor receive arms ( ) attached to the vacuum bar ( ).

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Danville, VA, United States of America

Phillip Andrew Hynes