System and method of constructing a tire

Description

44 SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION OF A FIELD TIRE

[001] The present disclosure relates generally to tire manufacturing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to retreaded tires. BACKGROUND

[002] The tread of a tire, the portion of a tire on a vehicle that comes into contact with the road, can become worn or damaged in service. Various customers and / or users of vehicle tires may wish that vehicle tires maintain a minimum tread depth. Thus, a tire may be removed from a vehicle if the tread depth of a tire falls below a minimum tread depth. SUMMARY

[003] To ensure proper vehicle performance, worn tires must be replaced or repaired. Tire replacement can generally be more expensive than tire repair (e.g., retreading). In addition, tire repair can be more environmentally friendly and sustainable than simply replacing tires. As a result, repairing worn or damaged tires instead of replacing them may be desirable.

[004] According to various embodiments, a system is revealed. The system includes a structure configured to support a carcass and couple a tread to the carcass to create a tire assembly, a sensor configured to measure at least one attribute of the tire assembly, an alarm system configured to provide an alert, and a processing circuit including a processor coupled to non-transient memory, wherein the processing circuit is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor, the sensor data being indicative of at least one Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 6 / 62 / 44 attribute of the tire assembly; compare the sensor data with a specification dataset, the specification dataset including a desired attribute of the tire assembly; determine whether the sensor data conforms to the specification dataset; and cause the alarm system to provide the alert in response to the determination that the sensor data does not conform to the specification dataset.

[005] According to various embodiments, at least one attribute includes a tire assembly mass and the desired attribute includes a range of desired tire assembly masses. According to various embodiments, the tread includes at least one pre-cured rubber or mold-cured rubber. According to various embodiments, the alert is provided while the tire assembly is supported by the tire assembly building station. According to various embodiments, the alert is provided after the tread is coupled to the casing. According to various embodiments, the processing circuit is additionally configured to receive the specification data set from a remote computing system.According to various embodiments, the system includes a user interface coupled to the processing circuit and configured to receive information entered by the user, with the specification data set being determined by the processing circuit in response to receiving the information entered by the user. According to various embodiments, the information entered by the user is indicative of at least one of the customer's identities, a tire assembly brand, a tire assembly size, or a series of casings.

[006] According to another embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method includes attaching a carcass to a structure, the structure including at least one sensor, attaching a tread to the carcass to form a tire assembly, measuring, through at least one sensor, at least one Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 7 / 62 / 44 attribute of the tire assembly, receive, through a processing circuit comprising a processor coupled to non-transient memory, sensor data from at least one sensor, the sensor data being indicative of at least one attribute of the tire assembly, compare, through the processing circuit, the sensor data with a specification data set, the specification data set including a desired attribute of the tire assembly, determine, through the processing circuit, whether the sensor data conforms to the specification data set and make, through the processing circuit, an alarm system to provide an alert in response to the determination of non-conformity with the specification data set.

[007] According to various embodiments, at least one attribute includes a tire assembly mass and the desired attribute includes a range of desired tire assembly masses. According to various embodiments, the tread includes a pre-cured tread. According to various embodiments, the alert is provided while the tire assembly is supported by the frame. According to various embodiments, the alert is provided after the tread is coupled to the carcass. According to various embodiments, the method includes receiving the specification dataset from a remote computing system. According to various embodiments, the method includes receiving user-entered information through a user interface coupled to the processing circuit, wherein the specification dataset is determined by the processing circuit in response to receiving the user-entered information.According to various methods, the information entered by the user is indicative of at least one of the customer's identities, a tire set brand, a tire set size, or a series of casings. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 8 / 62 / 44

[008] This summary is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered exhaustive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[009] The revelation will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, obtained in conjunction with the attached figures, where similar reference numbers refer to similar elements, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tire, according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the tire from Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 3 is a top view of a pre-cured tire tread, according to an example embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 is a side view of the pre-cured tread of a tire from Figure 3.

[0013] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pre-cured tread of a tire from Figure 3.

[0014] Figure 6A is a flow diagram of a tire retreading method, according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of a tire transport system, according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a specification compliance verification system, according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a compliance system, according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 is a flow diagram of a method for ensuring that a tire assembly conforms to the descriptive report, according to an example embodiment. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 9 / 62 / 44 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Before referring to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology presented in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used in the present invention is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0020] Throughout the descriptive report and claims, the following terms assume at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrative examples for the terms. The use of the singular or plural in a situation is not intended to exclude the alternative, so the singular may also include plural instances and plural instances may also include singular instances.

[0021] Tires are used in a variety of applications and under various circumstances. Some tires may be designed to withstand the forces of an aircraft landing. Some tires may be designed to provide extra grip on snow- and ice-covered surfaces. Some tires may be manufactured to be more suitable for repair and retreading.

[0022] Generally speaking, a retreaded tire includes a carcass (e.g., a used tire, the main body and structure of the tire assembly, the foundation of the tire assembly, etc.) and a tread attached to the outer circumference of the carcass. Retreaded tires are used in various applications (e.g., aircraft landing gear, tractor trailers, commercial trucks, emergency vehicles, etc.). Therefore, various carcass and tread combinations are possible.For example, a single casing can accommodate several different tread patterns, and a single tread pattern can be fitted to several different casings. Like... Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 10 / 62 / 44 such, when retreading the tire, precautions are taken to ensure a proper combination of the tread and the casing.

[0023] According to various embodiments described in this document, a system and method for monitoring tread specification compliance is disclosed. For example, the system and method for monitoring tread specification compliance can be used to ensure that a retreaded tire assembly is constructed according to specification. According to various embodiments, the system receives sensor data from a sensor configured to measure at least one attribute of the tire assembly.

[0024] According to various modalities, the system can ensure that the retreaded tire assembly is built to specification before the retreaded tire assembly leaves the building station (e.g., before the retreaded tire assembly is cured within the envelope). By doing so, an incorrect casing and tread combination can be resolved at the building station and may not require additional processing such as buffing. Thus, ensuring that the retreaded tire assembly is built to specification before the retreaded tire assembly leaves the building station can (i) reduce the amount of rework that needs to be performed, (ii) reduce the material loss involved in reworking a tire assembly, and / or (iii) reduce the time loss involved in reworking a tire assembly, etc.

[0025] According to several examples, a casing for a retreaded tire is received by a structure configured to support the casings, such as a tire building station. Before being received at the building station, the casing may undergo a series of repairs and may also be prepared for retreading (e.g., initial inspection, buffing, repair, etc.). During the initial inspection, buffing, repair, or Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 11 / 62 / 44 In any other process, the tire casing may be supported by a structure. While attached to a structure, the tire may be supported and lifted so that a tread may be attached to the casing. For example, a layer of adhesive (e.g., a curable material such as cement or a cement-like substance) may be applied to the outer circumference of the casing. Additionally, a layer of adhesive gum may be applied to the back, i.e., the inner surface of a new tread layer, or alternatively, the adhesive gum layer may be applied directly to the sticky surface of the tire casing. According to various embodiments, the adhesive gum includes a layer of uncured rubber material. The adhesive gum and the tread may be applied in combination to the outer circumference of the casing to create a retreaded tire assembly for curing.Alternatively, a section of a tire's tread can be wrapped around the tire casing with the cushioning compound already applied. The cushioning compound can then form a bond between the tread and the tire casing during curing.

[0026] The new tread for pre-cured retreading applications is typically molded as a single piece with the tread pattern on one side and an adhesive material such as cement applied to the other side of the tread. These treads are sometimes called pre-cured treads. The casing may be trimmed to fit the width of the pre-cured tread. After the new pre-cured tread is applied, a cylinder pressing process, commonly referred to as stitching, is then performed on the assembly to discharge air between the tread strip and the casing.

[0027] After assembling the tire casing, cement, adhesive gum, and a strip of pre-cured tire tread, the entire retreaded tire assembly can be placed inside a rubber envelope. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 12 / 62 / 44 flexible. A hermetic seal can be created between the envelope and the tire beads. The entire tire wrap assembly can be placed inside a curing chamber and subjected to a vulcanization process that bonds the materials together.

[0028] According to several examples, once the tire set is cured, the tread can be difficult to remove from the casing. For example, the casing may require additional buffing. Therefore, performing a specification compliance check before the tire set is cured can reduce remediation time and expenses if a non-conforming tire set is detected.

[0029] With reference now to Figure 1, a recently retreaded tire 100 (e.g., an original tire, a new tire, a previously retreaded or repaired tire, etc.) is shown according to an example embodiment. As shown, tire 100 includes a tire carcass 102 (e.g., tire carcass, etc.) and a tire tread 104. Tire 100 is a radial tire; however, the retreading process discussed throughout this application can be completed on other types of tires, such as bias-ply tires.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the tire 100 includes a pair of sidewalls 106 joined by a generically radial outer wall 108 (e.g., crown) spanning the sidewalls 106. Each sidewall 106 extends radially inward from the outer wall 108 and terminates in a bead area 120, the bead area 120 being structured for mounting on a tire rim. The bead area 120 may be designed in a variety of configurations depending, for example, on the tire type, tire size, or rim configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the bead area 120 may also include a bead bundle 122. The bead bundle 122 may include, for example, wires or metal threads to improve the strength of the bead area 120. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 13 / 62 / 44

[0031] The sidewalls 106 may include multiple layers, such as a rubber layer, a radial layer, and an inner liner, cooperating to provide strong and flexible sidewalls 106. The sidewalls 106 are joined to the outer wall 108 and the tread of a tire 104 through a pair of shoulder areas 124. The shoulder areas 124 are contiguous to the sidewalls 106 and the outer wall 108. In some embodiments, the shoulder areas 124 are contiguous to the tread of a tire 104. The outer wall 108 may be reinforced by a plurality of belts 126 extending circumferentially around the tire carcass 102 within the outer wall 108.

[0032] Referring now to Figure 2, a retreaded tire 100 with a scraped tread mounting surface 128 is shown, according to an example embodiment. Generally speaking, after the tread of a tire 104 wears beyond a certain limit, the tire 100 needs to be discarded, recapped or retreaded before being used on a vehicle for which it was designed. In cold retreading, what remains of the tread of a tire 104 is removed from the tire casing 102 by a buffing machine through a buffing operation. During a buffing operation, the tread of a tire 104 is buffed off the tire carcass 102, leaving a buffed tread mounting surface 128 (e.g., mounting surface, mating surface, bonding surface, curing surface, etc.) on the tire carcass 102, as shown, for example, in Figure 2.The mounting surface 128 extends circumferentially around the tire carcass 102 and also extends transversely along the outer wall 108 until it terminates in the shoulder areas 124. When a pre-cured tread assembly (e.g., a PCT assembly) is applied to the mounting surface 128, the interface between the mounting surface 128 and the PCT assembly can be... Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 14 / 62 / 44, referred to as the connecting line. The connecting line may have a width equal to the width of the mounting surface 128. In some embodiments, the connecting line has a width less than the width of the mounting surface 128, since the PCT assembly applied to the tire carcass 102 may have a width less than the width of the mounting surface 128. The connecting line extends substantially circumferentially around the tire carcass 102 between the mounting surface 128 and the PCT assembly. The edges of the joint line, shown as joint line edges 130 (e.g., a joint line edge), may be visible once a PCT assembly has been applied to the tire carcass 102. In some embodiments, the edges of the joint line 130 are defined between the mounting surface 128 and the shoulder areas 124.In some embodiments, the edges of the 130 joint line may be visible after a PCT assembly has been cured on the tire casing 102. In some embodiments, the tire 100 includes the edges of the 130 joint line, still visible when the tire 100 is applied to a vehicle rim. The edges of the 130 joint line may be parallel to each other (e.g., concentric, equidistant, etc.) and may extend circumferentially around the tire casing 102.

[0033] The mounting surface 128 defines a diameter, shown as a housing diameter DM. As shown in Figure 2, the mounting surface 128 exhibits a curvature between the shoulder areas 124. Thus, the housing diameter DM may be larger at a position adjacent to a centerline CM of the mounting surface 128 compared to the housing diameter DM adjacent to the edges of the join line 130. In some embodiments, the mounting surface 128 is shaved to a slightly rounded (e.g., toroidal) radius extending between the shoulder areas 124. In some embodiments, the mounting surface 128 is flat, so that the housing diameter DM is generally the same at all points between the edges of the join line 130. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 15 / 62 / 44

[0034] Still referring to Figure 2, tire 100 is shown after the buffing operation where the tread of a tire 104 has been removed. In some embodiments, a portion of the tread of a tire 104 may be left behind on tire 100, such as when there is a desire to increase the thickness of the outer wall 108 before applying a PCT assembly to the tire carcass 102. As shown in Figure 2, the tread of a tire 104 has been removed, leaving behind (e.g., exposing, revealing, etc.) the buffed tread mounting surface 128.

[0035] After the tread of a tire 104 is removed and the mounting surface 128 is exposed, a process called buffing and filling can be performed on the tire casing 102. Buffering is the removal of damaged or unwanted material from the tire casing 102 before performing a repair or retreading operation. Frequently, the tire casing 102 accumulates holes, cracks, punctures, or tears caused by stones or other sharp objects with which the tire 100 comes into contact during use. The affected area is first ground down with a suitable grinding tool, and then filled with repair gum (e.g., uncured rubber material).It is necessary to fill the affected areas up to the level of the mounting surface 128 (e.g., so that the tread mounting surface 128 remains smooth) to prevent air pockets between the mounting surface 128 and a subsequently applied PCT assembly. Air trapped between the mounting surface 128 and the PCT assembly can affect a typical retreaded tire (e.g., tire 100). After the buffing and filling operation, a construction step occurs in which an adhesive (e.g., adhesive gum, polyurethane adhesive, rubber cement, liquid adhesive, etc.) and a PCT assembly are applied to (e.g., wrapped around, placed over, etc.). Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 16 / 62 / 44 extended over, arranged around, etc.) mounting surface 128.

[0036] With reference to Figures 3 to 5, a PCT 300 assembly is shown. The PCT 300 assembly can be formed from rubber, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, various polymers and composition ingredients such as carbon black, silica, sulfur, antidegradants and zinc oxide, or any combination of any of the aforementioned materials or others, in order to produce the PCT 300 assembly having the desired final properties. The PCT 300 assembly can be formed into a strip having a tread width DW corresponding to a mounting surface width 128 between shoulder areas 124. The PCT 300 assembly can define a tread length DL corresponding to the carcass diameter DM (e.g., the tread length DL can be equal to a mounting surface circumference 128, the tread length DL can be equal to the mounting surface circumference 128 adjacent to the centerline CA).In some embodiments, the PCT 300 assembly is cut to have a slightly shorter tread length (e.g., about 1 / 8 inch less) than the circumference of the mounting surface 128 so that the PCT 300 assembly can be stretched around the tire carcass 102. The PCT 300 assembly may further define a tread thickness, shown as a tread thickness DT. The PCT 300 assembly may include a mounting surface 302 (e.g., generally flat mounting surface, continuous surface, coupling surface, bonding surface, etc.) and an opposing surface 304 (e.g., generally flat opposing surface, road contact surface, tread surface, etc.). The mounting surface 302 may be configured so that the PCT 300 assembly can be applied to the corresponding mounting surface 128 on the tire carcass 102.More specifically, the 302 mounting surface can be configured to be cured on. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 17 / 62 / 44 mounting surface 128 to form the tire 100. Although the mounting surface 302 is shown to be flat in Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the PCT assembly 300 may include a mounting surface that is curved in order to match the curvature of the mounting surface 128. The opposite surface 304 may be configured to interface with a road surface and may include a plurality of grooves 306 designed to channel water and provide additional traction during certain road and weather conditions.

[0037] In some embodiments, the PCT 300 assembly may include a reinforcing fabric layer (e.g., a reinforcing strap, a plurality of reinforcing fabric layers, etc.) positioned within the PCT 300 assembly between the mounting surface 302 and the opposite surface 304. In some embodiments, the PCT 300 assembly includes a reinforced fabric layer coupled to and extending over the mounting surface 302, wherein the reinforcing fabric layer is structured to prevent foreign bodies (e.g., nails, sharp objects, glass, etc.) from penetrating the mounting surface 128 and damaging the tire carcass 102. In some embodiments, the PCT 300 assembly includes a plurality of air passages (e.g., air channels) positioned through the mounting surface 302.The plurality of air passages can facilitate the removal of air that is between the PCT 300 assembly and the tire carcass 102 during a tire retreading process (e.g., tire carcass 102). More specifically, the air passages can facilitate the removal of air between the mounting surface 302 and the mounting surface 128.

[0038] The PCT 300 assembly may include a first PCT 308 end and a second PCT 310 end. Extending between the first PCT 308 end and the second PCT 310 end and positioned on (e.g., profiled along, molded into, cut into, etc.) the opposite surface 304, there may be a tread pattern 312 Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 18 / 62 / 44 (for example, a tread design, a series of treads, a repeating tread pattern, etc.). Tread pattern 312 may include a plurality of sipes, grooves, cuts, grooves, groove cuts and similar features. Tread pattern 312 may include grooves 306.

[0039] The first PCT end 308 may include a first PCT end surface 314. The first PCT end surface 314 may be contiguous to either the mounting surface 302 or the opposite surface 304. In some embodiments, the first PCT end surface 314 may be perpendicular to the mounting surface 302. The second PCT end 310 may include a second PCT end surface 316. The second PCT end surface 316 may be contiguous to either the mounting surface 302 or the opposite surface 304. In some embodiments, the second PCT end surface 316 may be perpendicular to the mounting surface 302.

[0040] The PCT 300 assembly may additionally include a first PCT 318 side and a second PCT 320 side opposite the first PCT 318 side. The first PCT 318 side may be parallel to the second PCT 320 side. In some embodiments, the first PCT 318 side and the second PCT 320 side extend in the opposite direction to the mounting surface 302, generally towards a centerline CA of the PCT 300 assembly. When the PCT 300 assembly is applied to the tire carcass 102 (e.g., mounting surface 128), the first PCT 318 side and the second PCT 320 side may be positioned adjacent to the edges of the weld line 130. The interface between the mounting surface 128 and the mounting surface 302 may be referred to as the weld line.In some embodiments, after the mounting surface 302 is applied to the mounting surface 128, a portion of the mounting surface 128 may still be visible (e.g., not covered by the PCT assembly 300) between the edges of the join line 130. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 19 / 62 / 44 and shoulder areas 124.

[0041] The PCT 300 assembly can be formed by extrusion. In some embodiments, the PCT 300 assembly is formed by molding. The PCT 300 assembly can be formed in a mold so that the tread pattern 312 adjacent to the first PCT 308 end is continued by the tread pattern 312 adjacent to the second PCT 310 end, so that when the first PCT 308 end and the second PCT 310 end are joined together, the tread pattern 312 is not interrupted by a break, but continues infinitely around a perimeter of the opposite surface 304.

[0042] Now with reference to Figure 6A, a method for retreading a 400 tire is shown, according to an embodiment example. The 400 method can be used to retread a worn tire, apply a tread to a new casing and / or create a new tire. The 400 method is exemplary in nature and should not be interpreted as limiting. For example, it should be appreciated that the processes shown in Figure 6A need not be performed in the order shown. Furthermore, certain processes may be omitted and additional processes may be included. It should be appreciated that each of the processes described below can be performed autonomously (e.g., using a computer system), manually (e.g., by a technician) or a combination thereof.

[0043] According to various modalities, the retreading method of a 400 tire may include associating an indicator (e.g., indicator 140 shown in Figure 6B) with the tire assembly. The indicator may include one or more attributes of the corresponding tire assembly. For example, the indicator may include details about the manufacturer, year of manufacture, brand, model, desired tread patterns, retreading history, or any other attributes of the Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 20 / 62 / 44 tire assembly or retreaded tire, casing, new tire, etc. According to various embodiments, the indicator includes a code (e.g., a barcode, a QR code, etc.) that, when scanned, is configured to show (or cause a display of) one or more tire attributes to an operator (e.g., via user interface 614 in Figure 8). According to various embodiments, the indicator includes a near-field communication device (e.g., an RFID tag) that, when scanned, displays or causes a display of one or more tire attributes to an operator (e.g., via user interface 614 in Figure 8). According to various embodiments, the near-field communication device may be incorporated into or affixed to the casing.

[0044] In process 402, an initial inspection is performed. For example, an initial inspection can be done on a worn tire, a new casing, or any other retreaded tire. As part of the inspection, a technician can determine whether or not the retreaded tire can be repaired. For example, the retreaded tire or casing can be inspected (e.g., nail holes, deteriorating rubber, etc.). In process 402, a determination can be made as to whether or not repair is necessary (e.g., as part of process 406).

[0045] In the 404 process, the tire is buffed. For example, the tire can be buffed at a buffing station. As part of the 404 process, an outer circumference of the tire (e.g., the tread) is buffed so that part or all of the tread is worn away, thus exposing the casing. According to various embodiments, the tire can be inflated at the buffing station and subsequently buffed. According to various embodiments, the buffing can be computer-assisted. For example, one or more sensors can take readings from the tire to ensure uniform buffing and accuracy. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 21 / 62 / 44

[0046] In process 406, buffing and filling are performed. For example, if it is determined that a casing needs repair (e.g., as part of the initial inspection), the casing may be sent to a buffing and repair station. As part of process 406, imperfections in the tire may be buffed and filled to ensure the casing is properly prepared for a new tread to be applied to the casing.

[0047] In process 408, the tread is built onto the casing. For example, the casing may be sent to a tire building station and a tread (e.g., tread including pre-cured rubber, mold-cured rubber, or a combination thereof) may be coupled to the casing. As discussed above, an adhesive (e.g., adhesive gum, polyurethane adhesive, rubber cement, liquid adhesive, etc.) may be applied to the casing and / or tread, and the tread (e.g., a PCT set) may be coupled (e.g., rolled, laid, stretched, arranged around, etc.) to the mounting surface of the casing. According to various embodiments, the adhesive is not cured until later in method 400. Therefore, according to various embodiments, the tread may be removed from the casing without the need for further buffing.For example, if the tire assembly (e.g., the casing and tread) does not conform to the desired specification, the tread can be removed so that appropriate adjustments and changes can be made.

[0048] In process 410, a specification compliance check is performed. The specification compliance check can be used to determine if one or more attributes of the tire assembly are within a desired range of values. For example, the desired range of values ​​may be defined by a specification (e.g., a manufacturer specification, a customer specification, etc.). As it is Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 22 / 62 / 44, discussed further below, specification compliance verification can be performed at the tire building station, and therefore the tire assembly may not need to be moved to perform the specification compliance verification. Thus, if a non-conforming tire is detected, appropriate adjustments can be made at the tire building station, thereby reducing the time and effort required to correct the tire assembly. According to various embodiments, specification compliance verification is performed after the tire is removed from the tire building station and before curing. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, specification compliance verification is performed before the adhesive is cured. Therefore, the tread can be removed from the casing at the tire building station without the need for additional buffing.For example, if the tire assembly (e.g., the casing and tread) does not conform to the desired specification, the tread can be removed so that appropriate adjustments and changes can be made.

[0049] It should be appreciated that a similar specification compliance check can be performed at any point during process 400. For example, during each of processes 404, 406, 408, 412 and / or 414, the tire can be supported by a structure that includes sensors similar to the sensors included in the tire building station, so that a specification compliance check can be performed at any point during process 400.

[0050] In process 412, the tire assembly is cured. For example, after passing specification compliance verification, the tire may be packaged inside an envelope and cured in a curing chamber. The curing chamber may cause the adhesive to cure, thus making it difficult or impossible to remove the tread from the casing without additional scraping. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 23 / 62 / 44

[0051] In process 414, a final inspection is performed. As part of the final inspection, the crown, beads, sidewalls, interior and / or any other attributes of the tire assembly may be checked to ensure that the tire is satisfactory for its intended use.

[0052] Now with reference to Figure 6B, a schematic diagram of a tire transport system 420 is shown, according to an example embodiment. According to various embodiments, the tire transport system 420 can be used to transport the tire carcass 102 between two or more stations during the retreading of a tire 400. For example, the tire transport system 420 can be used to transport the tire carcass 102 to the initial inspection, to the buffing station, to the buffing and filling station, to the tread construction station, to the specification compliance check, to the curing station and / or to the final inspection station. In some embodiments, the previously cited order of locations to which the tire carcass 102 is transported can be altered, with one or more locations omitted, or alternative or additional locations included.The exemplary arrangements described in this document are not limited to any particular order or type of locations to which the 102 tire carcass may be transported.

[0053] As shown, the tire transport system 420 includes a transport track 422 configured to support a tire carcass 102 via a connection 424. According to various embodiments, the connection 424 can move along the track to transport the tire from one station to another.

[0054] As shown, the tire transport system 420 includes one or more sensors 506 coupled to connection 424. According to various embodiments, one or more sensors 506 may include a weight sensor. For example, the weight sensor may be coupled to connection 424 in such a way Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 24 / 62 / 44, stating that the weight of the tire (e.g., the tire casing 102, a partial tire assembly, etc.) can be measured while the tire is supported by the connection 424.

[0055] As shown, the tire transport system 420 includes a tire moving device 450. The tire moving device 450 is configured to receive a tire from the transport track 422 and / or load a tire onto the transport track 422. As shown, the tire moving device 450 includes a connection 452 configured to support the tire carcass 102. For example, the tire carcass 102 can be removed from the transport track 422 using the connection 452.

[0056] As shown, the tire transport system 420 includes one or more sensors 506 coupled to the connection 452. According to various embodiments, one or more sensors 506 may include a weight sensor. For example, the weight sensor can be coupled to the 452 connection so that the weight of the tire (e.g., the 102 tire casing, a partial tire assembly, etc.) can be measured while the tire is supported by the 452 connection.

[0057] Referring now to Figure 7, a system for performing a compliance check with specifications 500 is presented, according to an implementation example. The 500 system can be used to determine if one or more attributes of the tire assembly are within a desired range of values. For example, the desired range of values ​​can be defined by a specification (e.g., a manufacturer specification, a customer specification, etc.) (e.g., as part of the 400 process discussed above). It should be appreciated that each of the processes described below can be performed autonomously (e.g., using a computer system), manually (e.g., by a technician), or a combination thereof.

[0058] As shown, the 500 system includes a station of Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 25 / 62 / 44 tire construction 502 having a tire support 504 configured to support a tire 512 (e.g., a tire assembly), a tire transport system 420, one or more sensors 506 and a specification compliance computing system 600. The tire 512 may be the same as or similar to any of the other tires described herein (e.g., tire 100, tire 102, etc.). As shown, one or more of the 506 sensors and the specification compliance computing system 600 are included in the tire building station 502 and / or the tire transport system 420; however, according to other embodiments, one or more 506 sensors and the specification compliance computing system 600 may be separated from the tire building station 502.Furthermore, as shown, a remote computing system 700 is communicatively coupled to the tire building station 502 and / or the tire transport system 420. For example, the remote computing system 700 can be configured to communicate with the specification compliance computing system 600. For example, the remote computing system 700 can provide specification data to the specification compliance computing system 600 so that sensor data (e.g., data recorded by one or more sensors 506) can be compared with specification data to ensure that the tire 512 conforms to the specification.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the sensor(s) 506 may include a scanning device configured to scan the indicator (e.g., indicator 140 of Figure 6B) and provide data embedded in the indicator to the remote computing system 700 so that the remote computing system 700 is able to retrieve the specification information for the tire. According to various embodiments, the specification information is then provided to the tire building station 502 and / or the tire transport system 420. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 26 / 62 / 44

[0060] As shown, tire support 504 is configured to support tire 512 (e.g., a tire assembly including a tread and a carcass) within tire building station 502. As discussed above in relation to Figure 6B, transport rail 422 and tire motion device 450 are configured to support the tire during and / or between one or more steps of method 400. One or more sensors 506 are configured to measure at least one attribute of tire 512 while tire 512 is supported by tire support 504, transport rail 422, and / or tire motion device 450. For example, one or more sensors 506 may include a sensor (e.g., a weight sensor, a force sensor, etc.) configured to determine a mass or weight of tire 512. In addition, one or more sensors 506 may include a sensor (e.g., a distance measuring device, a camera, etc.) configured to measure one or more dimensions of the tire 512 (e.g., circumference, diameter, width, tread depth, tread pattern, etc.). In addition, one or more sensors 506 may include a sensor (e.g., a scanning device) configured to scan one or more identifiers (e.g., a barcode, a numeric code, a QR code, etc.) located on the casing or tread of a tire 512, embedded within the casing and / or coupled to the casing or tread of a tire 512.

[0061] Readings (e.g., sensor data) taken by one or more sensors 506 can be provided to the specification compliance computing system 600 so that the specification compliance computing system 600 can determine whether the tire 512 conforms to the specification. For example, sensor data can be compared with specification data (e.g., stored within a memory of the specification compliance computing system 600, as provided by the remote computing system). Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 27 / 62 / 44 700 in response to scanning an identifier, etc.) to determine if the sensor data is within an acceptable range of values, as defined by the specification data.

[0062] According to various embodiments, one or more sensors 506 may include a weight sensor. For example, the weight sensor may be coupled to at least one of the tire support 504, the transport rail 422 and / or the tire moving device 450 so that the weight of the tire can be measured while the tire is supported by at least one of the tire support 504, the transport rail 422 and / or the tire moving device 450.

[0063] Now with reference to Figure 8, a schematic diagram of an 800 compliance system is shown, according to an example embodiment. The 800 compliance system can be used to perform a specification compliance check (e.g., the 410 specification compliance check process). For example, the compliance system can be used to determine whether one or more attributes of the tire assembly are within a desired range of values. According to various embodiments, the desired range of values ​​can be defined by a specification (e.g., a manufacturer specification, a customer specification, etc.).

[0064] As shown, the compliance system 800 includes a specification compliance computing system 600. The specification compliance computing system 600 is communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 506, an alarm system 520, the tire transport system 420, and a remote computing system 700. As shown, the specification compliance computing system 600, the one or more sensors 506, and the alarm system 520 are located within the tire construction station 502. However, one or more of the specification compliance computing system Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 28 / 62 / 44 specification 600, one or more sensors 506 and the alarm system 520 may be located remotely from the tire building station 502. For example, the specification compliance computing system 600 may be located separately from the tire building station 502 while the sensor 506 and / or the alarm system 520 are located inside the tire building station 502. In such an embodiment, the specification compliance computing system 600 may still be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 506, the alarm system 520 and / or the remote computing system 700.

[0065] As shown, the 800 compliance system includes one or more 506 sensors configured to record data (e.g., sensor data) associated with a tire assembly (e.g., the 512 tire assembly). For example, one or more 506 sensors may include a sensor (e.g., at least one position sensor, at least one distance sensor, at least one weight sensor, at least one pressure sensor, at least one voltage detector, etc.) configured to measure one or more dimensions of the 512 tire (e.g., circumference, diameter, width, tread depth, tread pattern, etc.). In addition, the one or more 506 sensors may include a sensor (e.g., a scanning device) configured to scan one or more codes (e.g., a barcode, a numeric code, a QR code, etc.) located on the casing or tread of a 512 tire.The readings (e.g., sensor data) taken by one or more sensors 506 can be provided to the specification compliance computing system 600 so that the specification compliance computing system 600 can determine whether the tire 512 conforms to the specification. For example, the sensor data can be compared with the specification data (e.g., stored within a memory 606 of the specification compliance computing system 600, compliant. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 29 / 62 / 44 provided by the remote computing system 700, etc.) to determine if the sensor data is within an acceptable range of values, as defined by the specification data.

[0066] As shown, the 800 compliance system includes a 520 alarm system. The 520 alarm system is configured to provide an alert to an operator of the 800 compliance system. For example, the alarm system may provide an audio alert (e.g., sounding an alarm), a visual alert (e.g., turning on a light, displaying an alert on a screen, etc.), an audiovisual alert, or a haptic alert (e.g., a vibration) to the operator in response to a determination that the tire assembly is not in compliance with the specification. As shown, the 520 alarm system is communicatively coupled to the 600 specification compliance computing system so that the 600 specification compliance computing system can send an alarm signal to the 520 alarm system in response to the determination that the tire assembly is not in compliance with the specification.Alternatively or additionally, the 520 alarm system can be integrated with a 614 user interface of the 600 specification compliance computing system, as discussed further below.

[0067] In several embodiments, the specification compliance computing system 600 is communicatively coupled to the sensor(s) 506, so that the data recorded by the sensor(s) 506 can be saved and analyzed. In certain embodiments, the specification compliance computing system 600 includes a network interface circuit 601 configured to allow the specification compliance computing system 600 to exchange information over a network. The network interface circuit 601 may include program logic that facilitates the connection of the specification compliance computing system 600 to the network (e.g., a cellular network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 30 / 62 / 44 radio, etc.). The 601 network interface circuit can support communications between the specification-compliant computing system 600 and other systems, such as the remote computing system 700. For example, the 601 network interface circuit may include a modem, a Bluetooth transceiver, a radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver, or a near-field communication (NFC) transmitter, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the 601 network interface circuit includes sufficient machine-readable hardware and means to support communication through one or more data communication channels.

[0068] The specification-compliant computing system 600 may include a processing circuit 602 and a user interface 614. The processing circuit 602 may include a processor 604 and a memory 606. The processor 604 may be coupled to the memory 606. The processor 604 may include, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. The processor 604 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 606 or received from other computer-readable media or sources (e.g., cloud storage, other network storage, a remote server, etc.).

[0069] Memory 606 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code to complete and / or facilitate the various processes described in this disclosure. Memory 606 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other memory suitable for storing software objects and / or instructions. Petition 870250100365, dated 11 / 03 / 2025, p. 31 / 62 / 44 of computer. Memory 606 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure to support the various activities and information structures described in this disclosure. Memory 606 may be communicatively connected to processor 604 via processing circuit 602 and may include computer code to execute (e.g., by processor 604) one or more of the processes described in this document.

[0070] The data collection circuit 608 is configured to collect and store data collected by the sensor(s) 506. For example, the data collection circuit 608 can collect data before, during, and after the tread is attached to the casing at the tire building station 502 and store the data. Additionally, the data collection circuit 608 is configured to store operational parameters that the specification compliance computing system 600 can provide to the sensors 506 and / or the alarm system 520 to control the sensors 506 and / or the alarm system 520.

[0071] The specification compliance circuit 610 is configured to compare sensor data (e.g., received from sensor(s) 506) with specification data (e.g., received from the remote computing system, stored in the data collection circuit, stored in memory 606, etc.). For example, after the sensor data is received, the specification compliance circuit 610 can determine if the sensor data is within an acceptable range as defined by the specification data. If the sensor data is not within an acceptable range, the specification compliance circuit can send an alert signal to the alarm system 520 so that a tire building station operator 502 is informed that the tire assembly is not in compliance with the specification. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 32 / 62 / 44

[0072] User interface 614 is configured to present information and receive information from a user. In some embodiments, user interface 614 includes a display device (e.g., a monitor, a touch screen, etc.). In some embodiments, user interface 614 includes an audio device (e.g., a microphone, a speaker, etc.). In several embodiments, user interface 614 receives alerts from specification compliance circuit 610 and presents the alerts to a tire building station operator 502. For example, user interface 614 may receive an audible and / or visual alert from specification compliance circuit 610 and display a graphic on a display device to alert an operator of the current state of the assembly. Additionally, the tire building station operator 502 may enter details about the tire assembly (e.g., customer, brand, size, series of casings used, etc.).This information can then be used to determine which specification data should be used by the specification compliance circuit. For example, user-entered information details can be provided to remote computing system 700, and remote computing system 700 can send the corresponding specification data in response. Alternatively or additionally, user-entered information details can be sent to data collection circuit 608 so that data collection circuit 608 can retrieve the appropriate specification data from memory and provide the specification data to specification compliance circuit 610 so that sensor data can be compared with specification data.

[0073] As shown, the compliance system 800 includes a tire transport system 420. The tire transport system 420 is communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 506, an alarm system 520, the specification compliance computing system 600 and Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 33 / 62 / 44, the remote computing system 700. As shown, the specification compliance computing system 600, one or more sensors 506, and the alarm system 520 are located within the tire conveyor system 420.

[0074] In several embodiments, the tire transport system 420 is communicatively coupled to the sensor(s) 506, so that the data recorded by the sensor(s) 506 can be saved and analyzed. In certain embodiments, the tire transport system 420 includes a network interface circuit 421 configured to allow the tire transport system 420 to exchange information over a network. The network interface circuit 421 may include program logic that facilitates the connection of the tire transport system 420 to the network (e.g., a cellular network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio, etc.). The network interface circuit 421 may support communications between the tire transport system 420 and other systems, such as the specification compliance computing system 600 and / or the remote computing system 700.For example, the 421 network interface circuit may include a modem, a Bluetooth transceiver, a radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver, or a near-field communication (NFC) transmitter, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the 421 network interface circuit includes sufficient machine-readable hardware and media to support communication over one or more data communication channels.

[0075] The tire transport system 420 is configured to include a processing circuit 423 and a user interface 433. The processing circuit 423 may include a processor 425 and a memory 427. The processor 425 may be coupled to the memory 427. Like the processor 604, the processor 425 may include, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of components of Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 34 / 62 / 44 processing or other suitable processing components. Processor 425 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 606 or received from other computer-readable means or sources (e.g., cloud storage, other network storage, a remote server, etc.).

[0076] Memory 427 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code to complete and / or facilitate the various processes described in this disclosure. Memory 606 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other memory suitable for storing software objects and / or computer instructions. Memory 606 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure to support the various activities and information structures described in this disclosure.Memory 427 can be communicatively connected to processor 425 via processing circuit 423 and can include computer code to execute (e.g., by processor 425) one or more of the processes described in this document.

[0077] The data collection circuit 429 is configured to collect and store data collected by the sensor(s) 506. For example, the data collection circuit 429 can collect data before, during, and after the tire tread is coupled to the transport rail 422 and / or the tire transport device 450 and store the data. Additionally, the data collection circuit 429 is configured to store operational parameters that the tire transport system 420 can provide to the sensors 506 and / or the alarm system 520 to control the sensors 506 and / or the system. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 35 / 62 / 44 alarm 520.

[0078] The specification compliance circuit 431 is configured to compare sensor data (e.g., received from sensor(s) 506) with specification data (e.g., received from the remote computing system, stored in the data collection circuit, stored in memory 427, etc.). For example, after the sensor data is received, the specification compliance circuit 431 can determine if the sensor data is within an acceptable range as defined by the specification data. If the sensor data is not within an acceptable range, the specification compliance circuit 431 can send an alert signal to the alarm system 520 so that a tire conveyor system operator 420 is notified that the tire assembly is not in compliance with the specification.

[0079] User interface 433 is configured to present information and receive information from a user. In some embodiments, user interface 433 includes a display device (e.g., a monitor, a touch screen, etc.). In some embodiments, user interface 433 includes an audio device (e.g., a microphone, a loudspeaker, etc.). In several embodiments, user interface 433 receives one or more alerts from specification compliance circuit 431 and presents the alerts to a tire conveyor system operator 420. For example, user interface 433 may receive an audible and / or visual alert from specification compliance circuit 431 and display a graphic on a display device to alert an operator of the current state of the assembly.In addition, the 420 tire transport system operator can enter details about the tire set (e.g., customer, brand, size, series of used casings, etc.). This information can then be used to determine what data to use. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 36 / 62 / 44, specification data must be used by the specification compliance circuit. For example, user-entered information details can be provided to remote computing system 700, and remote computing system 700 can send the corresponding specification data in response. Alternatively or additionally, user-entered information details can be sent to data collection circuit 429 so that data collection circuit 429 can retrieve the appropriate specification data from memory and provide the specification data to specification compliance circuit 431 so that sensor data can be compared with specification data.

[0080] The remote computing system 700 is shown to include a processing circuit 702. The processing circuit 702 may include a processor 704 and a memory 706. The processor 704 may be coupled to the memory 706. The processor 704 may include, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. The processor 704 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 706 or received from other computer-readable media or sources (e.g., cloud storage, other network storage, a remote server, etc.).

[0081] In certain embodiments, the remote computing system includes a network interface circuit 701 configured to allow the remote computing system 700 to exchange information over a network. The network interface circuit 701 may include program logic that facilitates the connection of the remote computing system 700 to the network (e.g., a cellular network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio, etc.). The network interface circuit 701 may support communications between the remote computing system Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 37 / 62 / 44 700 and other systems, such as the specification-compliant computing system 600. For example, the 701 network interface circuit may include a modem, a Bluetooth transceiver, a radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver, or a near-field communication (NFC) transmitter, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the 701 network interface circuit includes sufficient machine-readable hardware and media to support communication over one or more data communication channels.

[0082] According to various embodiments, the remote computing system 700 can be communicatively coupled to multiple specification compliance computing systems 600 and / or to the tire transport system 420. In this exemplary embodiment, the remote computing system 700 can receive sensor data from a plurality of specification compliance computing systems 600 and / or the tire transport system 420. The sensor data can be used to update the specification data. For example, the specification data can define a range of acceptable sensor data values ​​for a specific casing series. The range of acceptable values ​​can be updated based on the sensor data. For example, the range of acceptable values ​​can be defined as an upper limit and a lower limit for the sensor data.The upper limit and lower limit may be an upper percentile and a lower percentile of empirical data recorded by the sensor(s), respectively, from the various sensor data readings that are associated with that customer, brand, and / or housing series.

[0083] Memory 706 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code to complete and / or facilitate the various processes described in this disclosure. Memory 706 may include random access memory (RAM), memory Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, pp. 38 / 62 / 44 read-only (ROM), hard disk storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other memory suitable for storing software objects and / or computer instructions. Memory 706 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure to support the various activities and information structures described in this disclosure. Memory 706 may be communicatively connected to processor 704 via processing circuit 702 and may include computer code to execute (e.g., by processor 704) one or more of the processes described in this document.

[0084] The specification circuit 708 is configured to collect and store specification data. For example, specification data can be received directly from customers and / or suppliers of tires and / or casings. According to various embodiments, the specification circuit 708 is configured to collect and store sensor data collected by sensor(s) 506.

[0085] With reference now to Figure 9, a method for ensuring that a tire assembly conforms to specification 900 is shown according to an example embodiment. Method 900 may include part or all of process 408 and process 410 discussed above in relation to Figure 6A. Method 900 is exemplary in nature and should not be interpreted as limiting. For example, it should be appreciated that the processes shown in Figure 9 need not be performed in the order shown. Furthermore, certain processes may be omitted and additional processes may be included. It should be appreciated that each of the processes described below may be performed autonomously (e.g., using a computer system), manually (e.g., by a technician), or a combination thereof. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, pages 39 / 62 / 44

[0086] In process 902, a casing is coupled to a tire carrier. For example, the casing may be coupled to the tire carrier as part of the tire retreading process. According to various embodiments, the casing may be inflated as part of process 402.

[0087] In process 904, user input may be received. For example, an operator at the tire building station may use a user interface to indicate the type of casing that is attached to the tire carrier. For example, the operator may enter a customer, a brand, a size, a weight, an age, or any other attribute of the casing, tire assembly being built, and / or the intended tread pattern into a specification compliance computing system. The information entered by the user may be stored in the memory of the specification compliance computing system and may be leveraged to determine the specification data that corresponds to the identified casing, tire assembly, and / or the intended tread pattern. It should be appreciated that, according to various embodiments, process 904 may be omitted.

[0088] In process 906, one or more sensor readings may be taken. For example, one or more sensors may take one or more readings of the casing and provide the corresponding sensor data associated with the casing to the specification compliance computing system. According to various embodiments, this sensor data may be leveraged to automatically determine the type of casing that is coupled to the tire carrier. For example, the weight or mass of the casing may be measured using one or more sensors. The measured weight or mass may be compared to a specification database that includes specification data for a plurality of casing types. The measured weight or mass may then be combined with a weight or mass in the specification database to determine the type of casing to be used. According to Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 40 / 62 / 44, with another example embodiment, two or more types of sensor data (e.g., weight, mass, inner diameter, outer diameter, etc.) can be used to determine which type of casing is attached to the tire carrier. For example, both weight and inner diameter can be referenced against the specification database to determine the type of casing. According to certain embodiments, the casing may include a scannable code (e.g., a barcode, a QR code, an RFID chip, etc.) that identifies the type of casing. In this example embodiment, one or more sensors can scan the scannable code to determine the type of casing that is attached to the tire carrier.

[0089] In process 908, a tread is attached to the casing. For example, a pre-cured tread can be attached to the casing which is supported by the tire carrier. According to various embodiments, process 908 may include the application of an adhesive to the tread and / or casing, as discussed above.

[0090] In process 910, another user input may be received. For example, an operator at the tire building station may use a user interface to indicate the type of tread and / or tire assembly being built at the tire building station. For example, the operator may enter a customer, a brand, a size, a weight, an age, or any other attribute of the tread and / or tire assembly into a specification compliance computing system. The information entered by the user may be stored in the memory of the specification compliance computing system and may be leveraged to determine the specification data that corresponds to the identified tread and / or tire assembly. It should be appreciated that, according to various embodiments, process 910 may be omitted.

[0091] According to various modalities, process 910 includes Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 41 / 62 / 44 manually enter the sensor data. For example, in the example embodiment described above, a weight sensor can be integrated into a lift used to move the tire assembly after the tread is attached to the casing. The operator can then read the weight from the weight sensor and enter the weight into the specification compliance computing system.

[0092] In process 912, one or more sensor readings may be taken. For example, one or more sensors may take one or more readings of the tire assembly and provide the corresponding sensor data associated with the tire assembly to the specification compliance computing system. The sensor data may correspond to one or more attributes of the tire assembly. According to various embodiments, this sensor data may be leveraged to automatically determine whether the tire assembly conforms to the specification, as discussed further in this document.

[0093] In process 914, specification data is received. For example, the specification compliance computing system may receive specification data from the remote computing system. Alternatively or additionally, specification data may be retrieved from the memory of the specification compliance computing system.

[0094] Process 914 may additionally include determining the correct specification data. According to various embodiments, the first user input, the first sensor readings, the second user input, and / or the second sensor readings may be leveraged to determine the correct specification data. For example, the operator may enter the desired customer, brand, size, and / or housing series, and the corresponding specification data may be provided to the specification compliance computing system in response. Alternatively or additionally, sensor data may be leveraged to Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 42 / 62 / 44, determine the appropriate specification data to be used. For example, one or more attributes (e.g., weight, size, etc.) of the carcass may be determined in process 906. The attributes may be referenced against a specification database that includes attributes of a plurality of different carcass types. The carcass type may then be identified by matching one or more measured attributes with one or more attributes in the specification database. For example, the specification database may define a range of typical carcass attributes, and if the measured attribute(s) fall(s) within that range, the carcass type may be identified.

[0095] Once the casing is identified (e.g., using a user input from process 904, using sensor data from process 906, any combination thereof, etc.), the corresponding specification data can be identified. For example, according to various embodiments, the identified casing can be configured to receive a limited number of tread types to create a tire set, and therefore there is a limited number of tire set combinations. According to various embodiments, a user input can be requested by the specification compliance system. The information entered by the user may require the operator to identify the type of tire set being built, and in response, the specification data for that tire set type can be provided to the specification compliance loop.Alternatively or additionally, the specification data corresponding to each of the tire combination sets can be provided to the specification compliance circuit.

[0096] In process 918, sensor data is compared with specification data to determine if the tire assembly is within an acceptable range, as defined by the specification data. By Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 43 / 62 / 44, for example, sensor data collected in process 912 and corresponding to one or more attributes of the tire assembly can be compared with specification data to determine if the sensor data is within an acceptable range, as defined by the specification. For example, the weight or mass of the tire assembly can be measured using one or more sensors in process 912. The measured weight or mass can be compared with specification data received in process 914. According to another embodiment of the example, two or more types of sensor data (e.g., weight, mass, inner diameter, outer diameter, etc.) can be compared with specification data to further determine if the tire assembly conforms to the specification.

[0097] In process 920, an alert signal can be provided to the alarm system. For example, the specification compliance computing system can provide an alert signal to the alarm system in response to the determination that the sensor data is not within an acceptable range as defined by the specification data. According to various embodiments, the alert signal is provided while the tire assembly is supported by the tire assembly building station. The alarm system can provide an alert to the tire building station operator that the tire is non-compliant, so that the operator can remove the tread before the tire assembly is cured, thus reducing correction time and effort.

[0098] It should be appreciated that the previous operations for determining whether a tire assembly conforms to one or more specifications may be modified while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Such modified operation(s) may be performed at any point during the tire retreading process (e.g., during any of the operations according to method 400 described above). For example, instead of coupling the casing to Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 44 / 62 / 44 tire support device in process 902, the casing and / or tire assembly can be coupled to the transport rail 422 and / or to the tire transport device 450, so that sensor data can be obtained.

[0099] According to various embodiments, a method for ensuring that a tire assembly conforms to the specification may be performed during the initial inspection (e.g., process 402). For example, sensor(s) 506 in tire conveying system 420 may be used to scan an indicator and / or take tire weight data during the initial inspection. According to various embodiments, the weight of the tire assembly may be used to determine one or more casing attributes and / or casing history by comparing the weight data with the specification data.

[00100] According to various embodiments, a method for ensuring that a tire assembly conforms to specification can be performed before buffing (e.g., process 404). For example, sensor(s) 506 can be used to obtain weight data, which can be compared with specification data to determine how much tread (e.g., by weight) remains on the casing. For example, the tire weight can be compared with the specification data for the respective casing, and the difference can correspond to the amount of tread remaining on the casing. According to various embodiments, a method for ensuring that a tire assembly conforms to specification can be performed after buffing (e.g., process 404).For example, the 506 sensor(s) can be used to take weight data, which can be compared with specification data to determine if a sufficient amount of tread has been removed from the tire during the buffing process. For example, if the weight data indicates that the weight of the buffed tire assembly is greater than a minimum limit (e.g., as determined by the data of... Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 45 / 62 / 44 specification), an operator may be alerted that additional scraping is required.

[00101] According to various embodiments, a method for ensuring that a tire assembly conforms to specification may be performed after the slip-on and inflation process (e.g., process 406). For example, sensor(s) 506 may be used to take weight data, which may be compared with specification data to determine whether a sufficient amount of repair material has been added to the tire. Furthermore, the weight data may be stored (e.g., in a data collection loop) and provided to the remote computing system to update the weight of the specific casing for future testing. As used herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms approximately, about, substantially, and similar terms generally mean, for example, + / - 10% of the values ​​revealed, unless otherwise specified.As used herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms approximately, about, substantially, and similar terms are intended to cover minor variations in structure that may result, for example, from variations in the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those skilled in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Consequently, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered within the scope of the disclosure, in accordance with the appended claims.

[00102] It should be mentioned that the term exemplifier(s), and variations thereof, as used here to describe various modalities, is intended to indicate that such modalities are possible examples, representations. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p. 46 / 62 / 44 or illustrations of possible modalities (and such terms are not intended to indicate that such modalities are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[00103] The term coupled, and variations thereof, as used herein, means the union of two members directly or indirectly to each other. Such a union may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or liberable). Such a union may be achieved with the two members directly coupled to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intermediate member and any additional intermediate members coupled to each other, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intermediate member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members.If the term coupled, or variations thereof, is modified by an additional term (for example, directly coupled), the generic definition of coupled given above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (for example, directly coupled means the union of two members without any separate intermediate member), resulting in a more restricted definition than the generic definition of coupled given above.

[00104] Here, references to the positions of elements (e.g., top, bottom, above, below) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be mentioned that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other illustrative embodiments and that such variations should be covered by the present disclosure.

[00105] The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or executed with a Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 47 / 62 / 44 general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[00106] In some embodiments, specific processes and methods may be executed by circuits that are specific to a particular function. Memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and / or computer code to complete or facilitate the various processes, layers, and modules described in this disclosure. Memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure to support the various activities and information structures described in this disclosure.According to one exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicatively connected to the processor by means of a processing circuit and includes computer code to execute (for example, by the processing circuit or processor) one or more processes described herein.

[00107] This disclosure covers methods, systems and Petition 870250100365, dated 11 / 03 / 2025, page 48 / 62 / 44 program products on any machine-readable media to perform various operations. The embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special-purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or that purpose, or by a wired system. Embodiments within the scope of this disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine with a processor.By way of example, such machine-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other means that can be used to transport or store the desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine with a processor. The above combinations are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that cause a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or special-purpose processing machines to perform a particular function or group of functions. Petition 870250100365, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, pp. 49 / 62

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. A system, characterized in that it comprises: a structure configured to support the carcass of a tire assembly; a sensor configured to measure at least one attribute of the tire assembly; an alarm system configured to provide an alert; and a processing circuit comprising a processor coupled to non-transient memory, wherein the processing circuit is configured to: receive sensor data from the sensor, the sensor data being indicative of at least one attribute of the tire assembly; compare the sensor data with a specification data set, the specification data set including a target attribute of the tire assembly; determine whether the sensor data conforms to the specification data set; and cause the alarm system to provide the alert in response to the determination of non-conformity with the specification data set.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one attribute includes a tire assembly mass and the target attribute includes a range of desired tire assembly masses.

3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the tire assembly includes a tread and that the tread includes at least one pre-cured rubber or mold-cured rubber.

4. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the warning is provided while the tire assembly is supported by Petition 870250100367, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, page 6 / 13 2 / 4 structure.

5. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the tire assembly includes a tread and that the warning is provided after the tread is attached to the casing.

6. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing circuit is further configured to receive the specification data set from a remote computing system.

7. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a user interface coupled to the processing circuit and configured to receive information entered by the user, wherein the specification data set is determined by the processing circuit in response to receiving the information entered by the user.

8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the information entered by the user is indicative of at least one of the following: a customer identity, a tire assembly brand, a tire assembly size, or a series of wrappers.

9. A method for constructing a tire, characterized in that the method comprises: coupling a carcass to a structure, the structure including at least one sensor; coupling a tread to the carcass to form a tire assembly; measuring, through at least one sensor, at least one attribute of the tire assembly; receiving, through a processing circuit, sensor data from at least one sensor, the sensor data being indicative of at least one attribute of the tire assembly; comparing, through the processing circuit, the data from Petition 870250100367, dated 03 / 11 / 2025, p.7 / 13 3 / 4 sensor with a specification data set, the specification data set; determine, through the processing circuit, whether the sensor data conforms to the specification data set; and cause, through the processing circuit, an alarm system to provide an alert in response to the determination of non-conformity with the specification data set.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one attribute includes a mass of the tire assembly and the comparison of the sensor data with the specification dataset includes the comparison of the sensor data with at least one desired attribute in the specification dataset, the at least one desired attribute including a range of desired masses of the tire assembly.

11. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the tread includes a pre-cured tread.

12. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the warning is provided while the tire assembly is supported by the structure.

13. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the warning is given after the tread is attached to the casing.

14. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises receiving the specification data set from a remote computing system.

15. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises receiving user-entered information via a user interface coupled to the processing circuit, wherein the specification data set is determined by the processing circuit in response to receiving the user-entered information.

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