Edge buffer assembly for buffing retread element

Abstract

An edge buffer assembly for buffing an edge of a retread element. The edge buffer assembly includes a conveyor assembly configured to translate the retread element, a rasp system including a rasp configured to engage with the edge of the retread element, and a guide system including a vertical positioning assembly coupled with the rasp system and configured to move in a vertical direction to adjust a vertical position of the rasp, a lateral positioning assembly configured to move in a lateral direction to adjust a lateral position of the rasp such that the rasp engages with the edge of the retread element to remove excess material therefrom, a top guide assembly configured to engage with the retread element to inhibit the retread element from elevating from the conveyor assembly, and a lateral guide assembly configured to engage with a side surface of the retread element.

Description

Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)EDGE BUFFER ASSEMBLY FOR BUFFING RETREAD ELEMENT CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 742,190, filed on January 6, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002| The present disclosure relates to buffing a retread element. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to buffing an edge of a retread element using an edge buffer assembly.BACKGROUND

[0003] When a tire tread is formed during a manufacturing process, excess material may remain on the tire tread. The excess material may be flash along the edge of the tire tread. It may be desirable to remove the flash from the tire tread by cutting, trimming, and / or buffing the tire tread.SUMMARY

[0004] One embodiment relates to an edge buffer assembly for buffing an edge of a retread element. The edge buffer assembly includes a conveyor assembly configured to support the retread element and translate the retread element from an inlet of the edge buffer assembly to an outlet of the edge buffer assembly, a rasp system including a rasp configured to engage with the edge of the retread element, and a guide system including a vertical positioning assembly coupled with the rasp system and configured to move in a vertical direction to adjust a vertical position of the rasp, a lateral positioning assembly configured to move in a lateral direction to adjust a lateral position of the rasp such that the rasp engages with the edge of the retread element to remove excess material therefrom, a top guide assembly configured to engage with the retread element to inhibit the retread element from elevating from the conveyor assembly, and a lateral guide assembly configured to engage with a side surface of the retread element.14914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)[0005| Another embodiment relates to an edge buffer assembly for buffing an edge of a retread element. The edge buffer assembly includes a conveyor assembly configured to support the retread element and translate the retread element from an inlet of the edge buffer assembly to an outlet of the edge buffer assembly, a rasp system including a rasp configured to rotate and engage with the edge of the retread element, and a guide system including a first vertical positioning assembly coupled with the rasp system and configured to move in a vertical direction to adjust a vertical position of the rasp, a first lateral positioning assembly configured to move in a lateral direction to adjust a lateral position of the rasp such that the rasp engages with the edge of the retread element to remove excess material therefrom, a top guide assembly configured to engage with the retread element to inhibit the retread element from elevating from the conveyor assembly, a lateral guide assembly configured to engage with a side surface of the retread element, a second vertical positioning assembly coupled with the top guide assembly and the lateral guide assembly, the second vertical positioning assembly configured to move in the vertical direction to adjust a vertical position of the top guide assembly and the lateral guide assembly, and a second lateral positioning assembly configured to move in the lateral direction to adjust a lateral position of the top guide assembly and the lateral guide assembly.

[0006] Still another embodiment relates to an edge buffer system for buffing an edge of a retread element. The edge buffer system includes a conveyor assembly configured to support and translate the retread element, a rasp configured to rotate and engage with the edge of the retread element, a guide system coupled with the rasp and configured to adjust at least one of a lateral position or a vertical position of the rasp, one or more sensors configured to acquire data regarding a location of the retread element and the lateral position and the vertical position of the rasp, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the one or more sensors indicative of the data, control, based on the location of the retread element, the guide system to adjust at least one of the lateral position or the vertical position of the rasp such that the rasp is engaged with the edge of the retread element, control the rasp to rotate such that the rasp removes excess material from the retread element, and control the conveyor assembly to translate the retread element in a direction that opposes a direction of rotation of the rasp.24914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)[OO(I7| These and other features, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. This summary is illustrative only and should not be regarded as limiting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES[0008J The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings are not to be considered limiting of the scope of the disclosure, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment, and, together with the specification, describe the subject matter of the disclosure.[0009J FIG. 1 is a front, cross-sectional view of a tire casing, according to an exemplary embodiment.[00I0J FIG. 2 is a front, cross-sectional view of a retread element, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a front, cross-sectional view of a retreaded tire having the tire casing of FIG.1 and the retread element of FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an edge buffer assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a top view of the edge buffer assembly of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.[0014J FIG. 6 is a side view of the edge buffer assembly of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the edge buffer assembly of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.34914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)[0016| FIG. 8 is a detailed rear view of the edge buffer assembly of FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the edge buffer assembly of FIG. 4 including a rasp system and a guide system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the rasp system of FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment.[0019J FIG. 11 is a side view of the rasp system of FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the rasp system of FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment.|0021] FIG. 13 is a section view of a spindle of the rasp system of FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment.[0022J FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a top guide assembly of the guide system of FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a lateral guide assembly of the guide system of FIG.9, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the guide system of FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a side view of the guide system of FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment.[0026| FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a vertical positioning assembly of the guide system of FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an edge buffer control system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a front view of a set of rasps of the rasp system of FIG. 9, as engaged with side edges of the retread element of FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.44914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)[G029| FIG. 21 is a front view of the retread element of FIG. 2, with flash before a flash removal operation, and the retread element of FIG. 2 without flash after the flash removal operation, according to an exemplary embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain illustrative embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.Overview

[0031] The techniques of the present disclosure facilitate buffing side edges of a retread element to remove excess material therefrom. The excess material may include flashing (e.g., feather flashing) formed along the side edges due to gaps between parting lines in the mold, insufficient mold tolerances and clearances, improper molding or curing conditions (e.g., temperature and pressure), or any other reason during the molding process, for example. The flash may affect a bond between the retread element and a tire casing during a retreading operation. Accordingly, removing the flash from the retread element facilitates providing a clean and consistent appearance of the retread element and helps to facilitate a durable and long-lasting application of the retread element on the tire casing (e.g., during treading or retreading operations).|0032] The techniques of the present disclosure use an edge buffer assembly including a conveyor system configured to translate the retread element, a rasp system configured to engage with the side edges to remove the flash therefrom, and a guide system configured to position the rasp system relative to the retread element and aid in retaining the retread element in a proper position on the conveyor system. The conveyor system may include a conveyor belt configured to support the retread element and a motor configured to drive the conveyor belt to translate the retread element from an inlet of the edge buffer assembly to an outlet of the edge buffer assembly. The rasp system may include a first rasp configured to engage with a first side edge of the retread element and a second rasp configured to engage with a second side edge of the retread element. A 54914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)motor included in the rasp system is configured to drive (e.g., provide rotational energy to rotate) the rasps. An outer surface of the rasps includes an abrasive material to facilitate removing the flash. The guide system may include a vertical positioning assembly coupled with the rasp system and a lateral positioning assembly coupled with the vertical positioning assembly. The vertical positioning assembly is configured to adjust a vertical position of the rasps relative to the retread element and the lateral positioning assembly is configured to adjust a lateral position of the rasps (and the vertical positioning assembly coupled thereto) relative to the retread element. The guide system may further include (i) a top guide assembly including rollers configured to engage with an upward facing surface (e.g., a retread element back side) to keep the retread element substantially flat on (e.g., substantially parallel to) the belt and (ii) a lateral guide assembly including rollers configured to engage with side surfaces of the retread element to maintain a lateral position of the retread element during the flash removal operation.Terms10033] As used herein, the term “tire tread” refers to the rubber on the circumference of a tire that makes contact with the ground. The tire tread is often manufactured separately from the rest of the tire, known as the “tire carcass.” The tire tread can be applied to the tire carcass or tire casing to form a new tire assembly or a retreaded tire assembly.

[0034] As used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” refers to the direction parallel to an axis.10035] As used herein, the terms “radial” and “radially” refer to the direction toward or away from a central axis.

[0036] As used herein, the terms “circumferential” or “circumferentially” refer to an arc along a round shape (e.g., along the circumference).Overview of a Retread Operation[0037| Referring to FIG. 1, a front, cross-sectional view of a tire casing 100 (e.g., tire carcass, etc.) is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. After the tire tread of a tire wears beyond a certain limit, the tire is either discarded, re-grooved, or retreaded before it is used on a vehicle. In some embodiments, during a retread operation, what remains of the tire tread is removed from 64914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)the tire casing 100 by a buffing machine through a buffing operation. During the buffing operation, the tire tread is ground away from the tire casing 100, leaving a buffed tread mounting surface, shown as mounting surface 102 (e.g., mounting surface, mating surface, bonding surface, curing surface, etc.), on the tire casing 100. The mounting surface 102 extends circumferentially about the tire casing 100 and extends axially across a crown 108 until it terminates at shoulder areas 104. The mounting surface 102 exhibits a curvature between the shoulder areas 104. In some embodiments, the mounting surface 102 is buffed to a slightly rounded (e.g., toroidal) radius extending between the shoulder areas 104. By way of example, the mounting surface 102 may define a diameter, shown as casing diameter D, where the casing diameter D is greater proximate a center line C of the mounting surface 102 when compared to the casing diameter D proximate the shoulder areas 104. The tire casing 100 may be a radial tire or a bias ply tire.

[0038] The tire casing 100 includes a pair of sidewalls 106 bounded by a generally radial crown 108 (e.g., outer wall, etc.) that extends between the sidewalls 106. Each of the sidewalls 106 extend radially inward from the crown 108 and terminate at a bead area 110 structured for mounting on a tire rim. The bead area 110 may be designed in a variety of configurations depending on tire type, tire size, or rim configuration, for example. The bead area 110 includes a bead 112 that has metal strands or wires to improve the strength of the bead area 110.

[0039] The sidewalls 106 may include multiple layers, such as a rubber layer, a radial ply, and an inner liner, which cooperate to provide strong and flexible sidewalls 106. The sidewalls 106 are joined to the crown 108 and a tire tread 113 (e.g., the retread element 120 after a retreading and curing operation, the tread of a retread tire, the tread of a newly manufactured tire) through a pair of shoulder areas 104. The shoulder areas 104 are contiguous with the sidewalls 106 and the crown 108. In some embodiments, the shoulder areas 104 are contiguous with the tire tread 113.

[0040] The tire casing 100 defines a width, shown as casing width W. The casing width W may be defined by an axial distance from an outer surface of a left sidewall 106a (e.g., an outer surface of the vehicular exterior side sidewall 106, an outer surface of an axially outward sidewall 106, an outer surface of a first sidewall, left as viewed from FIGS. 1 and 3, etc.) to an outer surface of a right sidewall 106b (e.g., an outer surface of the vehicular interior side sidewall 106, an outer74914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)surface of an axially inward sidewall 106, an outer surface of a second sidewall, right as viewed from FIGS. 1 and 3, etc.). When the tire casing 100 is fully inflated (e.g., pneumatically inflated), the sidewalls 106 define a slightly rounded (e.g., toroidal) radius or profile extending vertically between the mounting surface 102 and the bead area 110. By way of example, the casing width W is smaller within an area proximate the bead area 110 when compared to the casing width W proximate a vertical midpoint (e.g., center point, center region, a point at which the casing width W is at a maximum, etc.) of the tire casing 100.

[0041] In some embodiments, a portion of the tire tread is left behind on the tire casing 100, such as if the user would like to increase a thickness of the crown 108 before applying a retread element, as described herein, to the tire casing 100. When the tire tread has been removed, the mounting surface 102 is left behind (e.g., exposed, revealed, etc.). After the tire tread is removed and the mounting surface 102 is exposed, a process called skiving and filling may be performed on the tire casing 100. Skiving and filling is the removal of and filling of anomalies or other portions for which a physical transformation is desired (e.g., damaged material, deformities, worn material, undesired material, scuffs, scratches, holes, nicks, punctures, tears, etc.) present in the tire casing 100 prior to making a repair or performing a retread operation. Often, the tire casing 100 accumulates anomalies due to bits or other sharp objects the tire comes in contact with during use. The anomalies are first ground smooth by an appropriate cutting tool (e.g., sidewall buffer, wire brush, etc.), and then filled with repair gum (e.g., uncured rubber material, etc.). The affected areas may be filled to the level of the mounting surface 102 (e.g., such that the mounting surface 102 remains smooth) to avoid air pockets between the mounting surface 102 and the later applied retread element.|0042] After the buffing, skiving, and filling operations, a retread element 120 (e.g., precured tire tread, etc.) is coupled to the tire casing 100. Referring to FIG. 2, a front, cross-sectional view of the retread element 120 is shown. The retread element 120 (e.g., tread band, etc.) may be formed from rubber, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and various polymers and compounding ingredients, such as carbon black, silica, anti-degradants, and zinc oxide. In some embodiments, the retread element 120 is otherwise formed of other suitable materials. The retread element 120 may be84914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)formed in a strip having a tread width 122 corresponding to a width of the mounting surface 102 between the shoulder areas 104. The tread width 122 is in a range of approximately (e.g., within 5% of being, etc.) 6 inches (in) and approximately 14 inches, inclusive (e.g., about 5.7 in., about 6 in., about 7 in., about 8 in., about 9 in., about 10 in., about 11 in., about 12 in., about 13 in., about 14 in., about 14.7 in., etc.).[0043| Additionally, the retread element 120 has a tread thickness 124 (e.g., element thickness or a tread span that is an extent of the retread element in a thickness direction). The tread thickness 124 is in a range of approximately .3 inches and approximately 2 inches, inclusive (e.g., about .285 in., about .3 in., about .5 in., about .75 in., about 1 in., about 1.25 in., about 1.5 in., about 1.75 in., about 2 in., about 2.1 in., etc.). In some embodiments, the retread element 120 (e.g., the tread width 122 and the tread thickness 124) is otherwise suitably dimensioned. The retread element 120 includes a retread element back side 126 (e.g., generally planar mounting surface, continuous surface, mating surface, binding surface, etc.). The retread element 120 includes a retread element front side 128 (e.g., generally planar opposing surface, road-contacting surface, tread surface, etc.), which is opposite of the retread element back side 126. The retread element front side 128 is configured to engage with a road surface and includes a plurality of tread grooves 130 configured to channel water and provide added traction during certain road and weather conditions. In some embodiments, the retread element front side 128 includes a tread pattern 132 (e.g., a tread design, a series of treads, a tread pattern repetition, etc.). The tread pattern 132 may include a plurality of lugs, grooves, cuts, sipes, sipe cuts, and similar features. The retread element 120 includes retread element edges (e.g., left and right edges as viewed from FIG. 2), shown as side edges 136. As shown in FIG. 2, the side edges 136 are formed on opposing lateral sides of the retread element 120 where side surfaces of the retread element 120 meet the retread element back side 126. As shown in FIG. 2, the tread width 122 is defined as a lateral length between the opposing side edges 136.[0044J Referring now to FIG. 3, a front, cross-sectional view of a retreaded tire having the tire casing 100 is shown. The retread element 120 is coupled to the tire casing 100 using an adhesive 134 (e.g., cushion gum, uncured gum, uncured adhesive, polyurethane adhesive, rubber cement,94914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)liquid adhesive, etc.,). The adhesive 134 is extruded freely on to the mounting surface 102 after the buffing, skiving, and filling operations. In some embodiments, the adhesive 134 is cushion gum. Specifically, after the tire is buffed, the adhesive 134 is extruded on to the mounting surface 102 and the retread element back side 126 is positioned on the adhesive 134 such that the retread element back side 126 extends between the shoulder areas 104 of the tire casing 100. Accordingly, a retreaded tire assembly is formed.[0045| Following formation, the retreaded tire assembly is then placed in a pressure chamber and the adhesive 134 is cured. In some embodiments, the retreaded tire assembly is placed within a curing envelope and placed within a curing chamber (e.g., autoclave, pressure vessel, etc.). The temperature and / or pressure of the curing chamber is controlled such that the retread element 120 conforms to the tire casing 100. After the retreaded tire assembly is cured, a retreaded tire 140 is formed. The retreaded tire 140 includes sidewalls 106. Portions of the shoulder areas 104 are formed by the adhesive 134 and the retread element 120. In some embodiments, the sidewalls 106 extend from the retread element front side 128 to the bead area 110.

[0046] The retreaded tire 140 includes a first bondline 142. The first bondline 142 is interposed between the retread element 120 and the tire casing 100. More specifically, the first bondline 142 is interposed between the mounting surface 102 and the adhesive 134. Both sides of the retreaded tire 140 (e.g., the vehicular exterior side and the vehicular interior side) include the first bondline 142. The first bondline 142 is a boundary between the adhesive 134 and the mounting surface 102. The first bondline 142 extends across the crown 108 between the shoulder areas 104 and extends circumferentially about the retreaded tire 140. The first bondline edge 144 may be visible on the shoulder areas 104 after the adhesive 134 and the retread element 120 have been applied to the tire casing 100. As used herein, a “bondline edge” is the edge of a cylindrical border (e.g., the first bondline 142, the second bondline 146, etc.) that exists between two portions of the retreaded tire 140.]0047| The retreaded tire 140 further includes a second bondline 146. The second bondline 146 is interposed between the retread element 120 and the tire casing 100. More specifically, the second bondline 146 is interposed between the adhesive 134 and the retread element 120. Both104914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)sides of the retreaded tire 140 (e.g., the vehicular exterior side and the vehicular interior side) may include the second bondline 146. The second bondline 146 is a boundary between the adhesive 134 and the retread element 120. The second bondline 146 extends circumferentially about the retreaded tire 140. The second bondline 146 includes a second bondline edge 148 that may be visible on the shoulder areas 104 after the adhesive 134 and the retread element 120 have been applied to the tire casing 100.

[0048] The retreading operation described above to form the retreaded tire 140 may be referred to as a precure retreading process (e.g., cold cure retreading), wherein the new tire tread 113 is formed from a precured (e.g., vulcanized) strip of tread (e.g., the retread element 120). In some embodiments, the retreaded tire 140 is formed from another type of retreading process. By way of example, the retreaded tire 140 may be formed from a mold cure retreading process (e.g., hot cure retreading), wherein the new tire tread 113 is formed by building up or otherwise applying raw rubber material (e.g., uncured rubber, un-vulcanized rubber, green tread rubber) to the mounting surface 102. The mold cure retreading process includes a buffing operation similar to or the same as the buffing operation described above with respect to the precure retreading process, in which case the description is incorporated herein.

[0049] After the buffing, skiving, and filling operations, uncured rubber is applied to the mounting surface 102 of the tire casing 100. In some embodiments, two or more layers of the uncured rubber is applied to the mounting surface 102 of the tire casing 100. The uncured rubber may be applied such that the substantial entirety of the mounting surface 102 is covered with the uncured rubber. The tire casing 100 with the uncured rubber is then cured in a curing mold to shape the uncured rubber into a desired tread pattern and to adhere the new tire tread 113 to the tire casing 100. Accordingly, a retreaded tire assembly is formed. The retreaded tire 140 referred to herein may be formed by the mold cure retreading process, the precure retreading process, or any other suitable retreading process.Edge Buffer Assembly for Retread Element[0050| Referring to FIGS. 4-9, a tire tread buffing assembly (e.g., a retread element edge buffer assembly, a tire tread conveyor and buffer system, etc.), shown as edge buffer assembly 114914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)200, is shown. The edge buffer assembly 200 includes a support frame (e.g., a frame assembly, a support deck, etc.), shown as frame 202, a retread element conveyor assembly, shown as conveyor system 206, supported by the frame 202, a rasp positioning assembly, shown as rasp system 300, movably coupled with the frame 202, a retread element positioning assembly (e.g., a tire tread support assembly), shown as guide system 400, movably coupled with the frame 202, and a control system, shown as edge buffer control system 500, operatively coupled with and configured to control operation of the conveyor system 206, the rasp system 300, and the guide system 400.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment, the edge buffer assembly 200 is configured to buff a tire tread (e.g., precured, vulcanized, molded, etc., strip of tread, retread element 120, etc.) such as the retread element 120. The edge buffer assembly 200 is configured to receive the retread element 120 and buff the side edges 136 of the retread element 120 to remove excess material along the side edges 136. The excess material may include flashing (e.g., feather flashing), shown as flash 138, formed along the side edges 136 due to gaps between parting lines in the mold, insufficient mold tolerances and clearances, improper molding or curing conditions (e.g., temperature and pressure), or any other reason during the molding process, for example. The edge buffer assembly 200 is configured to remove the flash 138 by buffing (e.g., cutting, trimming, de-flashing, etc.) the flash 138 from the retread element 120 using the rasp system 300. The flash 138 along the retread element 120 may be aesthetically displeasing and detract from the visual appearance of the retread element 120. Removing the flash 138 provides for a clean and consistent appearance of the retread element 120. Further, the flash 138 can interfere with the intended function and performance of the retread element 120. By way of example, the flash 138 may affect a bond between the retread element 120 and a tire casing (e.g., the tire casing 100) during a retreading operation. Accordingly, removing the flash 138 from the retread element 120 facilitates providing a clean and consistent appearance of the retread element 120 and helps to facilitate a durable and long-lasting application of the retread element 120 on a tire casing (e.g., during treading or retreading operations).

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the frame 202 includes one or more straight or bent sections configured to support the conveyor system 206, the retread element 120, the rasp system 300, and124914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)the guide system 400. The frame 202 may include supports (e.g., legs) configured to engage with a ground surface to space the conveyor system 206, the retread element 120, the rasp system 300, and the guide system 400 from the ground surface. In some embodiments, the frame 202 is fixedly coupled with the ground surface to inhibit movement of the edge buffer assembly 200 along the ground surface.[0053| As shown in FIGS. 4-8 and 19, the conveyor system 206 includes a moving device (e.g., a conveyor, rolling elements, etc.), shown as belt 214, rotatably coupled with the frame 202, and a drive system (e.g., electric motor, internal combustion engine, a hydraulically-operated motor, etc.), shown as motor 216, operatively coupled with one or more rollers engaged with the belt 214 to drive (e.g., rotate) the belt 214. By way of example, the motor 216 may selectively actuate (e.g., move) the belt 214 by selectively rotating the one or more rollers. As shown in FIGS.4-8, the belt 214 provides a support surface for the retread element 120 (e.g., the retread element front side 128 contacts, interfaces, etc. the belt 214) such that, when the retread element 120 is engaged with (e.g., laid on, supported by, etc.) the belt 214, actuation of the belt 214 translates (e.g., moves) the retread element 120. By way of example, the belt 214 longitudinally translates the retread element 120 from an infeed, shown as inlet 218, of the guide system 400 to an outfeed, shown as outlet 220, of the guide system 400. In some embodiments, the retread element 120 is translated from the inlet 218 of the guide system 400 to the outlet 220 of the guide system 400 using another method (e.g., by omitting the belt 214 and laying the retread element 120 directly on a series of drivable rollers, etc.).[0054| As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7-13, and 19, the rasp system 300 includes one or more pair of buffers (e g., sanders, files, etc ), shown as rasps 304, rasp securing components, shown as spindles 308, configured to couple with the rasps 304, a drive system (e.g., electric motor, internal combustion engine, a hydraulically-operated motor, etc.), shown as motor 312, operatively coupled with the spindle 308, and a mount assembly, shown as rasp mount assembly 316. It follows that any description herein relating to a single one of the rasps 304, the spindles 308, or the rasp mount assembly 316, or a single component or feature of the rasps 304, the spindles 308, or the rasp mount assembly 316, applies symmetrically about a center plane (e.g., a plane extending134914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)through a lateral centerline of the belt 214) to the other of the rasps 304, the spindles 308, or the rasp mount assembly 316.[0055J As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the rasps 304 define a generally conical shape. In some embodiments, the rasps 304 are otherwise suitably shaped (e.g., cylindrical, ovoid, polygonal, cuboid, etc.). An outer surface of the rasps 304 may define a coarse texture (e.g., a crushed carbide texture, a sandpaperdike texture, etc.) to facilitate buffing the side edges 136 to remove the flash 138 therefrom. By way of example, a coating may be applied to the outer surface of the rasps 304 to provide the rasps 304 with the coarse texture. In some embodiments, a grit size (e.g., a degree of coarseness) of the rasps 304 varies depending on the application of the rasps 304.

[0056] By way of example, when buffing the retread element 120 for a first time, rasps 304 with a coarser grit size may be used (e.g., to remove larger, heavier, thicker, etc. sections of the flash 138) compared to the rasps 304 used when buffing for a subsequent time (e.g., for finer buffing and more precise removal of the flash 138). In some embodiments, the rasps 304 include one or more flutes (e.g., grooves, channels, cutouts, etc.) along the outer surface thereof. The flutes may extend along the outer surface of the rasps 304 helically about an axis of rotation of the rasps 304. In some embodiments, the rasps 304 include two flutes, three flutes, four flutes, or any other number of flutes. In some embodiments, a depth of the flutes varies depending on the application of the rasps 304. By way of example, a greater depth of the flutes facilitates removing larger, heavier, thicker, etc. sections of the flash 138 and a smaller depth of the flutes facilitates finer buffing and more precise removal of the flash 138. The flutes may be configured to catch the flash 138 along the side edges 136 of the retread element 120 (e.g., the flash 138 is received within the flutes) and lift the flash 138 to facilitate removal thereof.|0057[ As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the spindles 308 are configured to couple with the rasps 304 and transfer rotational energy thereto to rotate the rasps 304. By way of example, the motor 312 is operatively coupled with the spindles 308 and configured to provide rotational energy thereto to drive the rasps 304. In some embodiments, each spindle 308 is driven by an individual motor 312. In other embodiments, a single motor 312 is configured to drive two or more spindles 308. As shown in FIGS. 9-13, the spindles 308 include a housing (e.g., enclosure), shown as144914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)spindle housing 320, a drive shaft (e.g., axle), shown as spindle shaft 322 disposed, at least partially, within the spindle housing 320, a plurality of bearings 324 disposed around the spindle shaft 322, a sleeve (e.g., a crush sleeve), shown as spindle sleeve 326, disposed around the spindle shaft 322, and a rasp fastener (e.g., screw, bolt, nail, etc.), shown as fastener 328.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the spindle shaft 322 extends through the spindle housing 320 such that a first end can couple with the motor 312 to receive rotational energy therefrom and a second end opposite the first end can facilitate coupling a rasp 304 with the spindle 308. A portion of the spindle shaft 322 proximate the second end, shown as rasp engagement portion 330, is shaped to facilitate coupling a rasp 304 with the spindle shaft 322. The rasp engagement portion 330 is substantially conically shaped and includes one or more grooves, shoulders, engagement features, etc. to facilitate coupling a rasp 304 thereto. By way of example, the rasp engagement portion 330 may define a shape complementary to a shape of an aperture of the rasp 304 to facilitate receiving the rasp 304. In some embodiments, the rasp engagement portion 330 is otherwise suitably shaped to couple with the rasp 304. After the rasp 304 is received on the spindle shaft 322, the fastener 328 is configured to extend through the rasp 304 into an aperture (e.g., a threaded aperture) of the spindle shaft 322 to selectively secure the rasp 304 relative to the spindle shaft 322. In this manner, responsive to being driven by the motor 312, the rasp 304 rotates with the spindle shaft 322 coaxially about an axis of rotation.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 13, the spindle 308 includes two bearings 324 disposed around the spindle shaft 322 within the spindle housing 320 proximate a first end thereof and two bearings 324 disposed around the spindle shaft 322 within the spindle housing 320 proximate a second end thereof. In some embodiments, the spindle 308 includes more or fewer bearings 324 variously positioned along the spindle shaft 322. The bearings 324 are disposed radially between the spindle shaft 322 and an interior surface of the spindle housing 320 and are configured to facilitate rotatably coupling the spindle shaft 322 to the spindle housing 320. As shown in FIG. 13, the spindle sleeve 326 is disposed around the spindle shaft 322 radially between the spindle shaft 322 and the interior surface of the spindle housing 320 and axially between the bearings 324.154914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)[0060| The spindle sleeve 326 may facilitate maintaining an axial position (e.g., limiting relative axial movement) of the bearings 324 relative to the spindle shaft 322. As shown in FIG.13, the spindle 308 includes a plurality of shoulders, shown as housing shoulders 332, along the interior surface of the spindle housing 320, a shaft shoulder 334 along an exterior surface of the spindle shaft 322, and a bearing fastener assembly, shown as bearing fastener 336, configured to collectively limit axial movement of the bearings 324 relative to the spindle shaft 322. The bearing fastener 336 may include a locknut and a lock washer disposed around the spindle shaft 322 and configured to engage with the bearings 324. The bearings 324 proximate the rasp engagement portion 330 are configured to axially engage with a housing shoulder 332 and the shaft shoulder 334. The bearings 324 positioned opposite the rasp engagement portion 330 are configured to engage with a housing shoulder 332 and the bearing fastener 336. In some embodiments, the spindle 308 does not include the spindle sleeve 326, the housing shoulders 332, the shaft shoulder 334, and / or the bearing fastener 336, and axial movement of the bearings 324 is limited in another manner.[0061| As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 9-12, the rasp mount assembly 316 includes a spindle and motor support plate, shown as support plate 337, and a plurality of spindle and motor support arms, shown as support arms 338. Generally, the rasp mount assembly 316 is configured to facilitate coupling the rasp system 300 with the guide system 400. The support plate 337 is configured to couple to the spindle 308 and the motor 312 and provide mounting surface to couple the support arms 338 thereto. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, and 12, the rasp mount assembly 316 includes two support arms 338 configured to couple with the support plate 337 using one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, the rasp mount assembly 316 includes more or fewer than two support arms 338. The support arms 338 are configured to extend between the support plate 337 and the guide system 400 (e.g., a support plate of a vertical gantry of the guide system 400, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the retread element 120 is translated) to facilitate coupling the rasp system 300 with the guide system 400.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 7-12, the rasp system 300 includes a rasp hood, shown as shroud 340, configured to couple with the spindle 308. The shroud 340 defines an interior cavity, shown164914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)as shroud opening 342, sized to receive at least a portion of the rasp 304. By way of example, when the rasp 304 and the shroud 340 are coupled with the spindle 308, at least a portion of the rasp 304 may be positioned within the shroud opening 342. The shroud 340 may be coupled with a vacuum system 344 such as a pump. During buffing and flash removal operations, the vacuum system 344 creates a pressure differential that draws debris (e.g., the flash 138, dust, and other particulates from the retread element 120) removed from the retread element 120 by the rasp 304 into the shroud 340. The debris is contained within the shroud opening 342 and removed from the area surrounding the rasp 304, keeping the work area clean and free of debris (e g., thereby preventing material removed from the retread element 120 from hindering operation of the rasps 304).[00631 As shown in FIGS. 4-9, and 14-19, the guide system 400 includes a plurality of vertical adjustment assemblies (e.g., gantries), shown as vertical positioning assemblies 402, a plurality of lateral adjustment assemblies (e.g., gantries), shown as lateral positioning assemblies 404, back side guide assemblies, shown as top guide assembly 406, and side edge guide assemblies, shown as lateral guide assembly 408. The vertical positioning assemblies 402 are configured to couple with (i) the rasp system 300 to facilitate vertical translation (e.g., vertical repositioning) of the rasps 304 and (ii) the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408 to facilitate vertical translation (e.g., vertical repositioning) thereof. Similarly, the lateral positioning assemblies 404 are configured to couple with (i) the rasp system 300 to facilitate lateral translation (e.g., lateral repositioning) of the rasps 304 and (ii) the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408 to facilitate lateral translation (e g., lateral repositioning) thereof. It follows that any description herein relating to a single one of the vertical positioning assemblies 402, the lateral positioning assemblies 404, the top guide assembly 406, or the lateral guide assembly 408, or a single component or feature of the vertical positioning assemblies 402, the lateral positioning assemblies 404, the top guide assembly 406, or the lateral guide assembly 408, applies symmetrically about a center plane (e.g., a plane extending through a lateral centerline of the belt 214) to the other of the vertical positioning assemblies 402, the lateral positioning assemblies 404, the top guide assembly 406, or the lateral guide assembly 408.174914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)[0064| As shown in FIGS. 4-7, 9, and 18, the vertical positioning assembly 402 includes a vertical actuator (e.g., hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, electric actuator, motor-driven leadscrew, etc.), shown as actuator 410, a mounting surface, shown as support plate 412, vertically actuatable by the actuator 410, a base, shown as base plate 414, and a plurality of vertical support plates, shown as vertical supports 416, configured to couple the support plate 412 with the base plate 414. The actuator 410 is coupled with the support plate 412 and is configured to extend and retract to selectively raise and lower the support plate 412. The support plate 412 is configured to couple with the support arms 338 of the rasp mount assembly 316 to facilitate coupling the rasp system 300 with the vertical positioning assembly 402.[Q065] Similarly, the support plate 412 is configured to couple to one or more support arms (e.g., support arms 444) of the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408 to facilitate coupling the vertical positioning assembly 402 therewith. Responsive to the actuator 410 extending and retracting, the rasps 304 are lowered and raised and the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408 are raised and lowered, respectively. By way of example, a first vertical positioning assembly 402 coupled with a first rasp system 300 may raise and lower the first rasp system 300, a second vertical positioning assembly 402 coupled with the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408 may raise and lower the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408, and a third vertical positioning assembly 402 coupled with a second rasp system 300 may raise and lower the second rasp system 300. In such an example, the second vertical positioning assembly 402 may be positioned longitudinally between the first vertical positioning assembly 402 and the third vertical positioning assembly 402.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 4-7, 9, and 18, the vertical positioning assembly 402 includes vertical supports 416 configured to couple with the base plate 414 using one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, the vertical positioning assembly 402 includes more or fewer than two vertical supports 416. The support plate 412 may be slidably coupled with the vertical supports 416 to permit vertical translation thereof responsive to actuation of the actuator 410. In some embodiments, the vertical positioning assembly 402 includes a back plate fixedly coupled with the vertical supports 416 and slidably coupled with the support plate 412. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7,184914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)9, and 18, the vertical positioning assembly 402 includes a boot, shown as cover 418, configured to cover (e.g., enclose, surround, etc.) one or more components of the vertical positioning assembly 402 from the external environment.

[0067] The cover 418 may be configured to inhibit debris from interfering with the operation of the actuator 410, for example. The cover 418 may extend and retract (e.g., in an accordion-like manner) as the actuator 410 extends and retracts to lower and raise the support plate 412 (e.g., and the rasp system 300 or the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408 coupled therewith). The base plate 414 is configured to facilitate coupling the vertical positioning assembly 402 with the lateral positioning assembly 404 such that the vertical positioning assembly 402 translates laterally with the lateral positioning assemblies 404. In other words, the vertical positioning assembly 402 and the lateral positioning assembly 404 are coupled such that lateral translation of the lateral positioning assembly 404 laterally translates the vertical positioning assembly 402, and the vertical positioning assembly 402 can vertically translate independently of the operation of the lateral positioning assembly 404.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 4-7 and 9, the lateral positioning assembly 404 includes a lateral actuator (e.g., hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, electric actuator, motor-driven leadscrew, etc.), shown as actuator 420, a mounting surface, shown as support plate 422, laterally actuatable by the actuator 420, and a boot, shown as cover 424, configured to cover (e.g., enclose, surround, etc.) one or more components of the lateral positioning assembly 404 from the external environment. The actuator 420 is coupled with the support plate 422 and is configured to extend and retract to selectively translate the support plate 422 in a lateral direction (e.g., left and right as viewed from FIG. 7). The support plate 422 is configured to couple with the support plate 412 of the vertical positioning assembly 402 to facilitate coupling the vertical positioning assembly 402 with the lateral positioning assembly 404. The cover 424 may be configured to inhibit debris from interfering with the operation of the actuator 420, for example. The cover 424 may extend and retract (e.g., in an accordion-like manner) as the actuator 420 extends and retracts. Responsive to the actuator 420 extending and retracting, the support plate 422 and the vertical positioning assembly 402 coupled therewith are laterally translated.194914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)[G069| By way of example, a first lateral positioning assembly 404 coupled with a first vertical positioning assembly 402 may laterally translate the first vertical positioning assembly 402 and a first rasp system 300 coupled therewith, a second lateral positioning assembly 404 coupled with a second vertical positioning assembly 402 may laterally translate the second vertical positioning assembly 402 and the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408 coupled therewith, and a third lateral positioning assembly 404 coupled with a third vertical positioning assembly 402 may laterally translate the third vertical positioning assembly 402 and a second rasp system 300 coupled therewith. In such an example, the second lateral positioning assembly 404 may be positioned longitudinally between the first lateral positioning assembly 404 and the third lateral positioning assembly 404.[0070| As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7-9, 14, and 17, the top guide assembly 406 includes a first guide rail, shown as top guide rail 430, and a plurality of rolling elements (e.g., wheels, bearings, balls, rollers, etc.), shown as rollers 432, rotatably coupled with the top guide rail 430 along a longitudinal length thereof. The rollers 432 are rotatably coupled with the top guide rail 430 such that an axis of rotation of the rollers 432 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of translation of the retread element 120 along the belt 214 and extends in a lateral direction (e.g., extends in left and right directions as viewed from FIGS. 7 and 8). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rollers 432 are positioned along opposing lateral sides of the top guide rail 430. The rollers 432 are coupled with the top guide rail 430 such that a bottom edge of the rollers 432 extends vertically below (e.g., lower than) a bottom surface of the top guide rail 430. The rollers 432 are coupled with the top guide rail 430 using one or more fasteners (e g., screws, bolts, nuts and washers, rivets, axles, etc.). By way of example, the fastener may extend through a first roller 432 disposed on a first side of the top guide rail 430, the top guide rail 430, and a second roller 432 disposed on a second side of the top guide rail 430 to rotatably couple the rollers 432 with the top guide rail 430. In some embodiments, the top guide assembly 406 includes more or fewer rollers 432 than shown in FIGS.4, 5, 7-9, 14, and 17.10071] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the top guide rail 430 includes a plurality of protrusions extending from a top surface of the top guide rail 430 and a plurality of cutouts, shown as204914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)engagement features 434, on the plurality of protrusions. The engagement features 434 are configured to provide an engagement surface for a fastener (e.g., the brackets 442, the support arms 444, etc.) to facilitate coupling the top guide rail 430 with one or more other components (e g., the lateral guide rails 436, the support arms 444, etc.). In some embodiments, the top guide rail 430 does not include the engagement features 434 such that the top guide rail 430 is otherwise suitably coupled with one or more other components.[0072| As shown in FIGS. 4-9 and 15-17, the lateral guide assembly 408 includes a plurality of second guide rails, shown as lateral guide rails 436, and a plurality of rolling elements (e.g., wheels, balls, etc.), shown as rollers 438, rotatably coupled with the lateral guide rails 436 along a longitudinal length thereof. The rollers 438 are rotatably coupled with the lateral guide rails 436 such that an axis of rotation of the rollers 438 is substantially perpendicular to (i) the direction of translation of the retread element 120 along the belt 214 and (ii) the axis of rotation of the rollers 432 and extends in a vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 7-9 and 15-17, the rollers 438 are positioned along a bottom surface of the lateral guide rails 436. The rollers 438 are coupled with the lateral guide rails 436 such that side edges of the rollers 438 extend laterally outward from lateral surfaces of the lateral guide rails 436 (e.g., the rollers 438 extend laterally farther inward in a direction towards a plane extending through a lateral centerline of the belt 214 than the lateral guide rails 436, a lateral width of the rollers 438 is greater than a lateral width of the lateral guide rails 436, etc.). The rollers 438 are coupled with the lateral guide rails 436 using one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, nuts and washers, rivets, axles, etc.). By way of example, the fastener may extend through the rollers 438 disposed on the bottom surface of the lateral guide rails 436 and through the lateral guide rails 436 to rotatably couple the rollers 438 with the lateral guide rails 436. In some embodiments, the lateral guide assembly 408 includes more or fewer rollers 438 than shown in FIGS. 4-9 and 15-17.[0073| As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the lateral guide rails 436 include a plurality of cutouts, shown as engagement features 440, along a top surface of the lateral guide rails 436. The engagement features 440 are configured to provide an engagement surface for a fastener (e.g., the brackets 442, the support arms 444, etc.) to facilitate coupling the lateral guide rails 436 with one214914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)or more other components (e.g., the top guide rail 430, the support arms 444, etc.). In some embodiments, the lateral guide rails 436 do not include the engagement features 440 such that the lateral guide rails 436 are otherwise suitably coupled with one or more other components.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 4-9, 16, and 17, the guide system 400 includes a plurality of fasteners, shown as brackets 442, configured to couple to the top guide rail 430 and the lateral guide rails 436. The brackets 442 define a first cutout complementary to the engagement features 434 of the top guide rail 430 and a second cutout complementary to the engagement features 440 of the lateral guide rails 436. The brackets 442 are configured to be (i) received within the engagement features 434 of the top guide rail 430 and coupled thereto using one or more fasteners and (ii) received within the engagement features 440 of the lateral guide rails 436 and coupled thereto using one or more fasteners to facilitate coupling the top guide rail 430 and the lateral guide rails 436 with each other. In some embodiments, the brackets 442 are otherwise suitably coupled to the top guide rail 430 and the lateral guide rails 436 without using the fasteners, the engagement features 434 and / or the engagement features 440. The brackets 442 are configured to laterally space the top guide rail 430 and the lateral guide rails 436 from each other. As shown in FIGS. 4-9, 16, and 17, two brackets 442 are used to couple the top guide rail 430 with each of the lateral guide rails 436. In some embodiments, more or fewer than two brackets 442 are used to couple the top guide rail 430 and the lateral guide rails 436. As shown in FIGS. 4-9, 16, and 17, the guide system 400 includes three lateral guide rails 436 configured to couple to a single top guide rail 430. In some embodiments, the guide system 400 includes more or fewer than three lateral guide rails 436 configured to couple to one or more top guide rails 430. By way of example, the number of lateral guide rails 436 and top guide rails 430 included in the guide system 400 may depend on the length of the retread element 120 being guided (e.g., more lateral guide rails 436 and top guide rails 430 may be included to guide a longer retread element 120 compared to a shorter retread element 120).

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7-9, 16, and 17, the guide system 400 includes two guide system supports, shown as support arms 444, configured to couple to the top guide rail 430 and the lateral guide rails 436 at a first end and couple to the support plate 412 of a respective vertical224914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)positioning assembly 402 (e.g., the second vertical positioning assembly 402) at a second end opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the guide system 400 includes more or fewer than two support arms 444. Generally, the support arms 444 are configured to couple and extend between (i) the vertical positioning assembly 402 and (ii) the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408 such that extension and retraction of the actuator 410 causes the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408 be lowered and raised.

[0076] The support arms 444 define a first cutout complementary to the engagement features 434 of the top guide rail 430 and a second cutout complementary to the engagement features 440 of the lateral guide rails 436. The support arms 444 are configured to be (i) received within the engagement features 434 of the top guide rail 430 and coupled thereto using one or more fasteners and (ii) received within the engagement features 440 of the lateral guide rails 436 and coupled thereto using one or more fasteners to facilitate coupling the top guide rail 430 and the lateral guide rails 436 with each other. In some embodiments, the support arms 444 are otherwise suitably coupled to the top guide rail 430 and the lateral guide rails 436 without using the fasteners, the engagement features 434 and / or the engagement features 440. Collectively, the brackets 442 and the support arms 444 are configured to laterally space the top guide rail 430 and the lateral guide rails 436 from each other.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 8, 16, and 17, the guide system 400 includes a retread element retention guide, shown as guide shoe 446, configured to couple with the top guide rail 430. The guide shoe 446 is coupled to a laterally outward facing surface of the top guide rail 430 and extends in a direction laterally away from the top guide rail 430. The guide shoe 446 is positioned longitudinally between the lateral guide rails 436. The guide shoe 446 defines a substantially flat bottom surface configured to engage with the retread element 120 during the flash removal process to prevent the retread element 120 from lifting off (i.e., elevating from) the belt 214. By way of example, the guide shoe 446 may cooperatively operate with the rollers 432 to keep the retread element 120 substantially flat on the belt 214 (e g., substantially parallel with the belt 214).

[0078] As shown in FIG. 8, the rollers 432 and the guide shoe 446 are coupled to the lateral guide rail 436 such that a bottom edge of the rollers 432 (e.g., a point of the rollers 432 that contacts234914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)the retread element 120) is vertically lower than a bottom surface of the guide shoe 446. In other words, when the rollers 432 are engaged with the retread element back side 126 and the retread element 120 is flat on the belt 214, the bottom surface of the guide shoe 446 is vertically spaced (e g., a clearance is maintained) from the retread element back side 126 such that the guide shoe 446 does not inhibit translation of the retread element 120. By way of example, the guide shoe 446 may only contact the retread element 120 when the retread element 120 is lifted off the belt 214. In some embodiments, the guide shoe 446 is coupled to a laterally inward facing surface of the top guide rail 430 and extends in a direction laterally away from the top guide rail 430. In some embodiments, the guide system 400 includes a plurality of guide shoes 446 positioned along the longitudinal length of the top guide rail 430. In some embodiments, the guide system 400 does not include the guide shoe 446 such that only the rollers 432 engage with the retread element 120 during the flash removal process to prevent the retread element 120 from lifting off the belt 214.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 4-7 and 9, the guide system 400 includes a base plate, shown as support deck 448, configured to facilitate coupling the lateral positioning assemblies 404 with the frame 202. The support deck 448 extends within a substantially horizontal plane parallel with a support surface of the belt 214. The lateral positioning assemblies 404 are configured to couple with the support deck 448 such that the support plates 422, the vertical positioning assemblies 402, and the rasp system 300 or top guide assembly 406 and lateral guide assembly 408 coupled therewith can laterally translate relative to the support deck 448 and the frame 202.[0080| As shown in FIG. 19, the edge buffer control system 500 includes the conveyor system 206, the rasp system 300, the guide system 400, a controller 502, one or more sensors, shown as sensors 510, and one or more operator interfaces and / or operator controls, shown as VO device 512. In some embodiments, the controller 502 is configured to communicate with a server via one or more communications protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, radio, through the Internet, etc.) through a network.[0081| As shown in FIG. 19, the controller 502 includes a processing circuit 504, a memory 506, and a communications interface 508. The controller 502 may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), one or more field244914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), a digital-signal-processor (“DSP”), circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The processing circuit 504 may include an ASIC, one or more FPGAs, a DSP, circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 504 is configured to execute computer code stored in the memory 506 to facilitate the activities described herein. The memory 506 may be any volatile or non-volatile or non-transitory computer-readable storage medium capable of storing data or computer code relating to the activities described herein. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory 506 includes computer code modules (e.g., executable code, object code, source code, script code, machine code, etc.) configured for execution by the processing circuit 504. In some embodiments, the controller 502 may represent a collection of processing devices. In such cases, the processing circuit 504 represents the collective processors of the devices, and the memory 506 represents the collective storage devices of the devices.[00821 In one embodiment, the controller 502 is configured to selectively engage, selectively disengage, control, or otherwise communicate with components of the edge buffer assembly 200 (e g., via the communications interface 508, a controller area network (“CAN”) bus, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 502 is coupled to (e.g., communicably coupled to) components of the conveyor system 206 (e.g., the motor 216, etc.), components of the rasp system 300 (e.g., the motors 312 configured to drive the rasps 304, components of the guide system 400 (e.g., the actuators 410 of the vertical positioning assemblies 402, the actuators 420 of the lateral positioning assemblies 404, etc.), the sensors 510, and the I / O device 512. By way of example, the controller 502 may send and receive signals (e.g., control signals, location signals, etc.) with the components of the conveyor system 206, the components of the rasp system 300, the components of the guide system 400, the sensors 510, the I / O device 512, and / or remote systems or devices (via the communications interface 508) including a server. By way of another example, the controller 502 may make determinations and control operation of the one or more components of the edge buffer assembly 200 responsive to signals received by the sensors 510 indicative of the 254914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)data captured thereby and / or signals received by the I / O device 512 indicative of an input received (e.g., from a user) thereby.[0083J The sensors 510 may include various sensors positioned about the edge buffer assembly 200 to acquire buffer system information or buffer system data regarding operation of the edge buffer assembly 200. By way of example, the sensors 510 may include an audio sensor or microphone, a camera, an optical sensor, a proximity detection sensor, a position sensor, a limit / mechanical switch, a load sensor, a speed sensor, a potentiometer, and / or other sensors to facilitate acquiring buffer system information or buffer system data regarding operation of the edge buffer assembly 200.

[0084] In some embodiments, one or more of the sensors 510 are configured to facilitate detecting whether the retread element 120 is being supported by the belt 214. By way of example, the sensors 510 may include a proximity detection sensor, camera, optical sensor, etc. configured to detect a presence or an absence of the retread element 120 to determine whether the retread element 120 is present on top of the belt 214. By way of another example, the sensors 510 may include a load sensor 510 configured to monitor a load applied to a top surface of the belt 214 to determine whether the retread element 120 is being supported by the belt 214.[0085J In some embodiments, the one or more of the sensors 510 are configured to facilitate detecting a position (e.g., a longitudinal position and a lateral position) of the retread element 120 relative to one or more components of the edge buffer assembly 200. By way of example, the sensors 510 may include a proximity sensor, a camera, etc. configured to detect a leading edge or a trailing edge (e.g., short edges, laterally extending edges, etc.) of the retread element 120 relative to the inlet 218 and / or the outlet 220 of the edge buffer assembly 200, the side edges 136 (e.g., long edges, longitudinally extending edges, left and right edges, etc.) of the retread element 120 relative to the rasps 304, the retread element back side 126 relative to the rollers 432, the side edges 136 of the retread element 120 relative to the rollers 438, etc. By way of another example, the sensors 510 may include a rotary encoder configured to monitor the movement of the belt 214 (e.g., the rotation of the rollers of the conveyor system 206 driving the belt 214) which corresponds to a longitudinal position of the retread element 120.264914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)[0086| In some embodiments, the one or more of the sensors 510 are configured to facilitate detecting a position of the vertical positioning assemblies 402 and the lateral positioning assemblies 404. By way of example, the sensors 510 may include a proximity detection sensor, camera, optical sensor, etc. configured to monitor a coordinate position of the one or more components of the vertical positioning assemblies 402 and the lateral positioning assemblies 404 such as the top guide rail 430, the rollers 432, the lateral guide rails 436, the rollers 438, etc. By way of another example, the sensors 510 may include a potentiometer or proximity sensor configured to detect (i) a length of extension / retraction of the actuator 410 to determine a vertical position of the one or more components of the vertical positioning assemblies 402 (e.g., the top guide rail 430, the rollers 432, etc.) and (ii) a length of extension / retraction of the actuator 420, etc.), to determine a vertical position of the one or more components of the lateral positioning assemblies 404 (e.g., the lateral guide rails 436, the rollers 438, etc.).

[0087] In some embodiments, the one or more of the sensors 510 are configured to facilitate detecting a speed of one or more components of the edge buffer assembly 200. By way of example, the sensors 510 may include a rotary encoder, tachometer, Hall effect sensor, accelerometer, etc. configured to monitor the rotation of the rollers of the conveyor system 206 driving the belt 214, monitor the rotation of the spindle shaft 322 and / or the rasp 304 driven by the motor 312, detect a rotational output energy of the motor 216 and the motor 312, etc. In some embodiments, the edge buffer assembly 200 includes additional sensors 510 configured to facilitate detecting other buffer system information or buffer system data regarding operation of the edge buffer assembly 200.

[0088] In some embodiments, the controller 502 is configured to alter the operation of the edge buffer assembly 200 when one or more of the sensors 510 detects a non-compliant (e.g., out of compliance) condition, such as not meeting a predetermined standard. By way of example, the sensors 510 may be configured to monitor a position of the side edges 136 relative to the rasps 304 and transmit a signal indicative of the position to the controller 502. Responsive to a determination based on the signal, such as a determination that the rasps 304 are not engaging with (e.g., buffing, removing the flash 138 from, etc.) the side edges 136 of the retread element 120 when they should be, the controller 502 may control operation of the edge buffer assembly 200 (e.g., actuate the274914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)actuators 410 and / or the actuators 420 to adjust a vertical and / or lateral position of the rasps 304, move the vertical and / or lateral position of the top guide rail 430 and the lateral guide rails 436, etc.) to correct the position of the rasps 304.

[0089] By way of another example, the sensors 510 may be configured to monitor a position of the retread element back side 126 relative to the rollers 432 and the side edges 136 of the retread element 120 relative to the rollers 438 and transmit a signal indicative of the respective positions to the controller 502. Responsive to a determination based on the signal, such as a determination that the rollers 432 and / or the rollers 438 are not engaging with (e.g., stabilizing, aligning, holding down, etc.) the retread element 120 when they should be, the controller 502 may control operation of the edge buffer assembly 200 (e g., actuate the actuators 410 and / or the actuators 420 to adjust a vertical and / or lateral position of the top guide rail 430 and the lateral guide rails 436, move the vertical and / or lateral position of the top guide rail 430 and the lateral guide rails 436, etc.) to correct the position of the rollers 432 and / or the rollers 438.|0090] The I / O device 512 may include one or more displays and one or more input devices. The one or more displays may be or include a touchscreen, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a light emitting diode (“LED”) display, gauges, warning lights, etc. for displaying or communicating information. The one or more input device may be or include buttons, switches, knobs, levers, dials, a mouse, etc. The I / O device 512 is configured to facilitate a user inputting instructions into the controller 502 and facilitate a user controlling the operation of the edge buffer assembly 200 and the one or more components included therein. By way of example, the user may provide an input to the I / O device 512 to start or stop the conveyor system 206, change a direction of rotation of the belt 214, control a speed of rotation of the belt 214, etc. By way of another example, the user may provide an input to the I / O device 512 to start or stop one or more of the motors 312 (e.g., to selectively drive the spindle shafts 322 and the rasps 304 coupled thereto), control a speed of rotation of the rasps 304 (e.g., by adjusting the rotational energy output from the motors 312), change a direction of rotation of the motors 312, etc. By way of yet another example, the user may provide an input to the TO device 512 to control the actuators 410 of the vertical positioning assemblies 402 to change a vertical position of the top guide rails 430 and the rollers 432.284914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)Similarly, the user may provide an input to the I / O device 512 to control the actuators 420 of the lateral positioning assemblies 404 to change a lateral position of the lateral guide rails 436 and the rollers 438.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 4-9, after being formed, the retread element 120 is fed into the inlet 218 for flash removal operations such that the retread element front side 128 is disposed on the belt 214. In some embodiments, prior to being fed into the edge buffer assembly 200 for buffing operations (e.g., flash removal operations), the retread element 120 passes through a cutting system that uses one or more cutting devices (e.g., blades, scissors, razors, cutters, etc.) to remove larger sections of excess material (e.g., material that is thicker and larger than the flash 138) along the side edges 136 of the retread element 120. In some embodiments, the retread element 120 is at a first relatively warmer temperature (e.g., between about 250 degrees Fahrenheit and about 350 degrees Fahrenheit) during buffing operations (e.g., when the retread element 120 enters the inlet 218, while the retread element 120 passes through the edge buffer assembly 200, etc.). By way of example, the edge buffer assembly 200 may be positioned at a location along a retread element manufacturing line (e.g., a retreaded tire assembly line) such that the retread element 120 has cooled to the first relatively warmer temperature after being formed and before undergoing the buffing operations performed by the edge buffer assembly 200. In other embodiments, the retread element 120 is at a second relatively cooler temperature (e.g., between about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and about 100 degrees Fahrenheit, between about room temperature and about 100 degrees Fahrenheit, etc.) during buffing operations (e.g., when the retread element 120 enters the inlet 218, while the retread element 120 passes through the edge buffer assembly 200, etc.). By way of example, the edge buffer assembly 200 may be positioned at a location along a retread element manufacturing line (e.g., a retreaded tire assembly line) such that the retread element 120 has cooled to the second relatively cooler temperature after being formed and before undergoing the buffing operations performed by the edge buffer assembly 200.[0092 As shown in FIGS. 4-9, the vertical positioning assemblies 402 are configured to adjust a vertical position of the rasps 304 and the lateral positioning assemblies 404 are configured to adjust a lateral position of the rasps 304 such that the rasps 304 engage with the side edges 136294914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)of the retread element 120. By way of example, the vertical positioning assemblies 402 may adjust the vertical position of the rasps 304 (e.g., responsive to actuation of the actuators 410) such that a bottom edge of the rasps 304 is spaced (e.g., a clearance is maintained) vertically above the belt 214. In such an example, the rasps 304 may be positioned such that the belt 214 does not contact the rasps 304. Similarly, the lateral positioning assemblies 404 may adjust the lateral position of the rasps 304 (e.g., responsive to actuation of the actuators 420) such that a lateral distance between corresponding left and right rasps 304 is about the same as the tread width 122. In other words, the lateral distance between points of the corresponding left and right rasps 304 that engage with the side edges 136 is about the same as the tread width 122. In this manner, when the rasps 304 are driven by the motor 312 (e.g., are rotating), the rasps 304 engage with the side edges 136 to remove the flash 138 therefrom.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, before the retread element 120 passes through the edge buffer assembly 200, the flash 138 extends from the side edges 136, and after the retread element 120 passes through the edge buffer assembly 200, the flash 138 is removed from the side edges 136. After the flash 138 is removed from the retread element 120, the vacuum system 344 facilitates removal of the flash 138 from the area surrounding the rasps 304. In some embodiments, the edge buffer assembly 200 includes more than one set of rasps 304 (e.g., more than one pair of corresponding left and right rasps). In such embodiments, a first set of rasps 304 defines a first grit size and a subsequent second set of rasps 304 defines a second grit size that is finer (e.g., less coarse) than the first grit size. In some embodiments, a first set of rasps 304 is positioned at a first location (e.g., a first vertical position and a first lateral position) and a subsequent second set of rasps 304 is positioned at a second location (e.g., a second vertical position and a second lateral position) such that the second set of rasps 304 is positioned closer to the side edges 136.

[0094] In such embodiments, the first set of rasps 304 positioned farther away from the side edges 136 may remove larger sections of the flash 138 and the second set of rasps 304 positioned closer to the side edges 136 may remove smaller sections of the flash 138 (or sections of the flash not removed by the first set of rasps 304). In some embodiments, a first set of rasps 304 is driven by the motor 312 (e.g., rotates) at a first speed and a subsequent second set of rasps 304 is driven304914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)by the motor 312 (e.g., rotates) at a second speed that is different (e.g., faster or slower) than the first speed. In other embodiments, the first speed and the second speed are substantially similar. According to an exemplary embodiment, the rasps 304 are configured to rotate in a direction that opposes a direction of flow of the belt 214 and the retread element 120 thereon. By way of example, referring to FIG. 20, when the belt 214 translates the retread element 120 into the page, the left rasp 304 may rotate clockwise (e.g., when viewed from the top) and the right rasp 304 may rotate counterclockwise (e.g., when viewed from the top).

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 4-9, the vertical positioning assemblies 402 are configured to adjust a vertical position of the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408 and the lateral positioning assemblies 404 are configured to adjust a lateral position of the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408. The vertical positioning assemblies 402 and the lateral positioning assemblies 404 are configured to adjust the position of the top guide assembly 406 and the lateral guide assembly 408 such that the rollers 432 engage with the retread element back side 126 and the rollers 438 engage with the side surfaces of the retread element 120. The engagement between the rollers 432 and the retread element back side 126 aids in maintaining the retread element 120 flat (e.g., substantially flat) on the belt 214 and preventing the retread element 120 from lifting off the belt 214 during flash removal operations. The engagement between the rollers 438 and the side surfaces of the retread element 120 aids in laterally aligning the retread element 120 relative to the rasps 304 during flash removal operations. As the retread element 120 passes through the edge buffer assembly 200, the rollers 432 and the rollers 438 rotate due to the engagement with the retread element 120.

[0096] As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean + / - 5 or 10% of the disclosed values. When the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are applied to a structural feature (e.g., to describe its shape, size, orientation, direction, etc.), these terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, By way of example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure314914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0097] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0098] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical or electrical.

[0099] References herein 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 noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.10100] The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other 324914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)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 conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine.fOlOl] A processor also may 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. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The 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 for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The 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 for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.J0102] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can 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 can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage334914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, by way of example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

[0103] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure.[0104! It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the edge buffer assembly 200, and the systems and components thereof as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.344914-6662-3620

Claims

Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)CLAIMS1. An edge buffer assembly for buffing an edge of a retread element, the edge buffer assembly comprising:a conveyor assembly configured to support the retread element and translate the retread element from an inlet of the edge buffer assembly to an outlet of the edge buffer assembly;a rasp system including a rasp configured to rotate and engage with the edge of the retread element; anda guide system including:a vertical positioning assembly coupled with the rasp system and configured to move in a vertical direction to adjust a vertical position of the rasp;a lateral positioning assembly configured to move in a lateral direction to adjust a lateral position of the rasp such that the rasp engages with the edge of the retread element to remove excess material therefrom;a top guide assembly configured to engage with the retread element to inhibit the retread element from elevating from the conveyor assembly; anda lateral guide assembly configured to engage with a side surface of the retread element.

2. The edge buffer assembly of claim 1, wherein the lateral positioning assembly is coupled with the vertical positioning assembly such that laterally moving the lateral positioning assembly adjusts a lateral position of the vertical positioning assembly.

3. The edge buffer assembly of claim 1, further comprising a control system configured to control operation of the conveyor assembly, the rasp system, and the guide system.

4. The edge buffer assembly of claim 1, wherein the rasp is a first rasp and the edge is a first edge, and wherein the rasp system further includes a second rasp configured to rotate and engage with a second edge of the retread element opposite the first edge.354914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)5. The edge buffer assembly of claim 4, wherein the first rasp rotates in a first direction and the second rasp rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction.

6. The edge buffer assembly of claim 4, wherein the rasp system further includes: a third rasp longitudinally spaced from the first rasp and configured to rotate and engage with the first edge of the retread element; anda fourth rasp longitudinally spaced from the second rasp and configured to rotate and engage with the second edge of the retread element.

7. The edge buffer assembly of claim 1, wherein the rasp is configured to rotate in a direction that opposes a direction of movement of the retread element.

8. The edge buffer assembly of claim 1, wherein the rasp system further includes: a shaft configured to couple with the rasp;a motor configured to drive the shaft to rotate the rasp; anda shroud configured to receive at least a portion of the rasp.

9. The edge buffer assembly of claim 8, wherein the rasp system further includes a vacuum system configured to facilitate removal of the excess material from an area surrounding the rasp.

10. The edge buffer assembly of claim 1, wherein:the vertical positioning assembly is a first vertical positioning assembly and the lateral positioning assembly is a first lateral positioning assembly,the guide system further includes:a second vertical positioning assembly coupled with the top guide assembly and the lateral guide assembly; anda second lateral positioning assembly,the second vertical positioning assembly is configured to vertically move to adjust a vertical position of the top guide assembly and the lateral guide assembly, and364914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)the second lateral positioning assembly is configured to laterally move to adjust a lateral position of the top guide assembly and the lateral guide assembly.

11. The edge buffer assembly of claim 1, wherein the top guide assembly includes a top guide rail and a plurality of rolling elements rotatably coupled with the top guide rail.

12. The edge buffer assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of rolling elements are configured to engage with the retread element to inhibit the retread element from elevating from the conveyor assembly.

13. The edge buffer assembly of claim 12, wherein the plurality of rolling elements is a first plurality of rolling elements, and wherein the lateral guide assembly includes a guide rail and a second plurality of rolling elements configured to engage with the side surface of the retread element to laterally align the retread element relative to the rasp.

14. The edge buffer assembly of claim 1, further comprising a frame configured to support the conveyor assembly, the rasp system, and the guide system.

15. The edge buffer assembly of claim 1, wherein the excess material includes flashing formed along the edge of the retread element.

16. An edge buffer assembly for buffing an edge of a retread element, the edge buffer assembly comprising:a conveyor assembly configured to support the retread element and translate the retread element from an inlet of the edge buffer assembly to an outlet of the edge buffer assembly;a rasp system including a rasp configured to rotate and engage with the edge of the retread element; anda guide system including:a first vertical positioning assembly coupled with the rasp system and configured to move in a vertical direction to adjust a vertical position of the rasp;374914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)a first lateral positioning assembly configured to move in a lateral direction to adjust a lateral position of the rasp such that the rasp engages with the edge of the retread element to remove excess material therefrom;a top guide assembly configured to engage with the retread element to inhibit the retread element from elevating from the conveyor assembly;a lateral guide assembly configured to engage with a side surface of the retread element;a second vertical positioning assembly coupled with the top guide assembly and the lateral guide assembly, the second vertical positioning assembly configured to move in the vertical direction to adjust a vertical position of the top guide assembly and the lateral guide assembly; anda second lateral positioning assembly configured to move in the lateral direction to adjust a lateral position of the top guide assembly and the lateral guide assembly.

17. The edge buffer assembly of claim 16, wherein the rasp is a first rasp, wherein the rasp system includes a second rasp longitudinally spaced from the first rasp, the second rasp configured to rotate and engage with the edge of the retread element, and wherein the guide system includes:a third vertical positioning assembly coupled with the rasp system and configured to move in the vertical direction to adjust a vertical position of the second rasp; and a third lateral positioning assembly configured to move in the lateral direction to adjust a lateral position of the second rasp such that the second rasp engages with the edge of the retread element to remove excess material therefrom.

18. The edge buffer assembly of claim 17, wherein the second vertical positioning assembly and the second lateral positioning assembly are positioned longitudinally between (i) the first vertical positioning assembly and the first lateral positioning assembly and (ii) the third vertical positioning assembly and the third lateral positioning assembly.384914-6662-3620Atty. Ref. No.: 110905-0330 (P23115WO02)19. The edge buffer assembly of claim 16, wherein the top guide assembly includes a top guide rail and a first plurality of rolling elements rotatably coupled with the top guide rail, the first plurality of rolling elements configured to engage with the retread element to inhibit the retread element from elevating from the conveyor assembly, and wherein the lateral guide assembly includes a guide rail and a second plurality of rolling elements configured to engage with the side surface of the retread element to laterally align the retread element relative to the rasp.

20. An edge buffer system for buffing an edge of a retread element, the edge buffer system comprising:a conveyor assembly configured to support and translate the retread element; a rasp configured to rotate and engage with the edge of the retread element; a guide system coupled with the rasp and configured to adjust at least one of a lateral position or a vertical position of the rasp;one or more sensors configured to acquire data regarding a location of the retread element and the lateral position and the vertical position of the rasp; anda controller configured to:receive a signal from the one or more sensors indicative of the data; control, based on the location of the retread element, the guide system to adjust at least one of the lateral position or the vertical position of the rasp such that the rasp is engaged with the edge of the retread element;control the rasp to rotate such that the rasp removes excess material from the retread element; andcontrol the conveyor assembly to translate the retread element in a direction that opposes a direction of rotation of the rasp.394914-6662-3620

Images