Method and apparatus for preparing tire tread for a retread tire

A tire tread cutting apparatus for cutting a length of tire tread, the length of tire tread having a first end and a periodically repeating tread pattern, to be affixed to a tire casing having a cushion gum, comprising:

• a measuring device for measuring the circumference of the tire casing plus the cushion gum and communicating the measured circumference;
• a control unit operably connected to the measuring device to receive the communicated measured circumference therefrom;
• a tread dispenser connected to the control unit to automatically dispense a length of tire tread based on the circumference of the tire casing plus the cushion gum as measured by the measuring device, the tread dispenser including a first clamp, the first clamp for clamping the length of tire tread adjacent the first end, the first clamp being driven to propel the first end of the length of tire tread;
• an elongated track arranged to deliver the length of tire tread to the casing, the track defining a path of travel for the length of tread, the path being without abrupt changes therein;
• a tread cutter for cutting the tread to define a section of tread;
• wherein the tread dispenser includes an adjustable tread drive, the tread drive adjustable such that the tire tread is movable relative to the tread cutter at the point where the tire tread may be cut to define a second end of the tire tread to define the section of thread between the first and second ends, the tread cutter is selectively operable to define the second end of the section of tire tread such that the ends of the tire tread come together after the tread has been applied to the tire casing and the tread pattern at the second end substantially matches the tread design at the first end, and the track is elongated such that it can receive the entire section of tread.