FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
1. Title of the invention: TIRE BUFFING MACHINE
2. Applicant(s)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
CEAT LIMITED Indian RPG HOUSE, 463, Dr. Annie Besant
Road, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra
400 030, India
3. Preamble to the description
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates, in general, to techniques for tire surface buffing and,
particularly but not exclusively, to tire buffing machine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A tire is made of synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric and wire, along with carbon
black and other chemical compounds. The tire has a crown region and a shoulder region is located
on either side of the crown region. In an example, the crown region may be understood as outer
region of the tire formed along complete circumference of the tire and spreads along width of the
tire. Further, the crown region contacts with surface during rotation. In an example, beads may be
understood as edges of the tire. The beads contact with wheel during mounting of the tire. The
shoulder region is portion of the tire joining the crown region and the beads of the tire.
[0003] During motion of a vehicle, the crown region of the tire contacts with surface. Thus,
surface finish and surface area of the crown region of the tire may have direct impact on properties
of the tire and drivability of the vehicle. The properties of the tire may include rolling resistance
of the tire, wet performance of the tire, tire fuel efficiency, and the like. Further, the drivability of
the vehicle may include seamless, jerk free, and safe driving. However, the crown region may wear
out due to different forces during contact with the surface, such as frictional force, load of the
vehicle, surface condition, and driving style. Upon wear of the tire, the surface finish and surface
area of the crown region of the tire may change amounting to variation in properties of the tire and
drivability of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In
the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference
number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like
features and components.
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic of buffing machine for buffing a surface of a tire, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic of buffing machine for buffing a surface of a tire, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic of buffing machine for buffing a surface of a tire, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] The present subject matter relates to a buffing machine to buff surface of a tire.
[0009] As elaborated above, a surface finish and surface area of a tire may have direct impact
on properties of the tire and drivability of the vehicle. Further, wear of the tire may impact the
surface finish and surface area of the tire. Hence, worn tires are examined to ascertain if any change
has occurred in the properties of the tire and drivability of the vehicle due to wear. For example,
the worn tire may undergo rolling resistance coefficient test, wet performance test, tire fuel
efficiency test, safety test, handling test, and the like. However, the examination of a worn tire
requires the tire to be uniformly worn along the surface of the tire. However, as opposed to this
ideal requirement for conducting tests on the worn tire, tire actually gets non-uniformly worn when
used in the vehicle during driving. Thus, before performing the examination, the tire is uniformly
worn by generally known wearing machines.
[0010] Generally known wearing machines have a tire assembly for holding the tire and
rotating the tire. The generally known wearing machines also include a blade assembly for housing
a blade and a mechanism for contact the blade with the tire such that the friction between the blade
and the tire, upon contact, provides for wearing surface of the tire. Commonly used blade in the
known wearing machines is a fish tail blade. The known wearing machines are categorized in two
categories depending on rotation of the blade. In first category, the tire is rotated by the tire
assembly, while the blade is stationary. Accordingly, in the first category for wearing of the surface
of the tire, the blade is brought in proximity of the tire assembly and upon rotation of the tire, the
blade wears the immediate surface of tire in contact with the blade. Further, in second category,
the tire is rotated by the tire assembly and the blade is rotated by the blade assembly. The speed of
rotation of the tire and the blade is constant. Accordingly, in the second category for wearing of
the surface of the tire, the blade is brought in proximity of the tire assembly. The tire and the blade
contact while the tire and the blade are in rotation and the surface of the tire is worn.
[0011] Since, the blade is cutting device with sharp edges, the surface of the tire in contact
with the blade tends to chip off. The chipping off of the surface of the tire tends to reduce thickness
of rubber at the surface, amounting to increase in wear of the tire. However, for the examination
of the tire, uniform wear of tire needs to be achieved without substantially reducing thickness of
rubber at the surface and without increasing wear of the tire, for example, U@ of the portions of the
tire that are already more worn more than other portions. Additionally, due to frictional forces
operating between the surface of the tire and the blades, temperature at surface of contact increases.
The increase in temperature affects properties of the tire as rubber in the tire deforms under
increased temperature. To continue operation of the wearing machine without affecting properties
of the tire, speed of rotation of the tire and the blade needs to be reduced. However, known wearing
machines support constant speed of rotation of the tire and the blade. Further, the known wearing
machines also lack mechanism to achieve relative speed between the tire and the blade to
compensate for constant speed. Hence, the known wearing machines often fail to provide wearing
of the tire by way of scrubbing of surface of the tire and have a possibility of additional wear to
the tire. Also, the known wearing machines do not include mechanism for control of speed of the
tire and wearing device, such as blade.
[0012] The present subject matter relates to a buffing machine for a surface of a tire. Example
configuration and structure of the buffing machine described herein, scrubs the surface of the tire
to achieve uniform wear of the tire. The modified configuration and structure of the buffing
machine and its components, overcome the above-described problems associated with additional
wear to the surface of the tire and variation of speed of rotation of the tire and the speed of rotation
of the wearing mechanism.
[0013] In accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, the buffing machine
for the surface of the tire includes an automated holder assembly. The automated holder assembly
includes a first rotatable shaft, to hold the tire. The automated holder assembly also includes a first
controller. The first controller is communicatively coupled to the first rotatable shaft. The first
controller controls speed of rotation of the first rotatable shaft along a first axis of rotation.
[0014] The buffing machine further includes a buffing assembly. The buffing assembly may
have a buff stone assembly. In the buff stone assembly, a buff stone may be mounted on a second
rotatable shaft. The buffing assembly also includes a second controller that is communicatively
coupled to the second rotatable shaft to control speed of rotation of the second rotatable shaft along
a second axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation is parallel to the first axis of rotation. The
buffing assembly additional may have an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism may be
coupled to the buff stone assembly. Further, the actuation mechanism reciprocates the buff stone
assembly between a proximal position and a distal position. In t he proximal position, the distance
between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation is reduced and the buff stone is
positioned in contact with the tire to buff the surface of the tire. Also, in the distal position the
buff stone is positioned away from the tire and distance between the first axis of rotation and the
second axis of rotation is increased.
[0015] The buffing machine disclosed by the present subject matter provides a controlled and
efficient buffing and smoothening of surface of the tire. The buffing machine includes the buff
stone in place of blades. The buff stone provides efficient scrubbing and smoothening of the
surface of the tire, which is not possible with blades in the known machines as the blades are used
for cutting or chipping. Additionally, the first controller and the second controller in the buffing
machine control and vary speed of rotation of the tire and the buff stone, amounting to a controlled
buffing and smoothening of the surface of the tire. Further, conditions of operation, such as
temperature and properties of the tire also remain under control, as control of speed of rotation
combats effects of frictional forces by way of obtaining relative speed of the tire and the buff stone,
unlike known machines having constant speed of rotation. Also, the actuation mechanism provides
reciprocating movement to the buff stone assembly in the buffing machine to enable contact of the
tire and the buff stone. The actuation of the buff stone assembly allows targeted interaction with
surface of the tire, amounting to precise and accurate buffing and smoothening operation. Thus,
the present subject matter provides an accurate, targeted, and controlled buffing and smoothening
of the tire.
[0016] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater
detail in conjunction with the following figures. While aspects of buffing of surface of a tire can
be implemented in any number of different configurations, the embodiments are described in the
context of the following device(s) and method(s).
[0017] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic of buffing machine 100 for buffing a surface of a tire 102,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0018] The buffing machine 100 may be used for various applications, such as to scrub excess
material from the surface of the tire 102, to smoothen the surface of the tire 102, to de-tread the
surface of the tire 102. Further, the buffing machine 100 may be used for treating surface of the
tire in the crown region and in the shoulder region depending on application. For example, for detreading
the surface in the crown region, the crown region may interact U@ with the buffing machine
100. In another example, smoothening of surface may be carried out for the crown region as well
as the shoulder region.
[0019] In an implementation, the buffing machine 100 includes an automated holder assembly
104 and a buffing assembly 106. In an example embodiment, the automated holder assembly 104
and the buffing assembly 106 are positioned perpendicular to each other. In an example, the
automated holder assembly 104 and the buffing assembly 106 may be assembled such that the
automated holder assembly 104 and the buffing assembly 106 are attached to each other. In another
example, the automated holder assembly 104 and the buffing assembly 106 may be positioned in
proximity, such that components of the automated holder assembly 104 can interact with
components of the buffing assembly 106, without the automated holder assembly 104 and the
buffing assembly 106 being attached to each other. Orientation and actuation of the automated
holder assembly 104 and the buffing assembly 106 and operation of the buffing machine 100 is
same for both the examples.
[0020] In another implementation, the automated holder assembly 104 includes a first rotatable
shaft 108 and a first controller (not shown), elaborated in description of Fig. 2. The automated
holder assembly 104 may hold and rotate the tire 102 for operation of the buffing machine 100
along a first axis of rotation. Further, the buffing assembly 106 includes a buff stone assembly 110
having a buff stone 112 in addition to a second controller (not shown) and an actuation mechanism
112, elaborated in description of Fig. 3. The buffing assembly 106 may hold and rotate the buff
stone 112 along a second axis of rotation and the actuation mechanism 112 may reciprocate the
buff stone 112 for buffing of the tire. In an example, the first axis of rotation may be parallel to the
second axis of rotation.
[0021] During operation of the buffing machine 100, the tire 102 and the buff stone 112 may
be brought in proximity of each other to cause a contact between a surface of the tire 102 and the

buff stone 112. The surface of the tire 102 in the crown region may be buffed upon contact with
the buff stone 112 during rotation.
[0022] The use of buff stone 112 in the buffing machine 100 allows scrubbing of surface of
the tire 102 to buff the surface of the tire 102. Additionally, the buff stone 112 also allows
smoothening of the surface of the tire 102 without chipping material from surface of the tire 102.
Thus, the buffing machine 100 disclosed by the present subject matter may be used for diverse
operations making the buffing machine 100 efficient, reliable, cost efficient, and versatile.
[0023] Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic of buffing machine 100 for buffing a surface of the tire
102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to description of
Fig. 1, the buffing machine 100 may include the automated holder assembly 104. The automated
holder assembly 104 may hold and rotate the tire 102 for operation of the buffing machine 100
along the first axis of rotation.
[0024] In an implementation, the automated holder assembly 104 may include the first
rotatable shaft 108. The first rotatable shaft 108 holds the tire 102 and is rotatable along the first
axis of rotation. In an example, the first rotatable shaft 108 may be rotatable in clockwise and
counter-clockwise direction along the first axis of rotation. Further, a rim 202 may be detachably
coupled to the first rotatable shaft 108. The rim 202 may be coupled to the first rotatable shaft 108,
such that circumference of the rim 202 is concentric with the first rotatable shaft 108 and rotation
of the rim 202 is in synchronization with rotation of the first rotatable shaft 108. In an example,
the rim 202 may couple to bead region of the tire 102 to mount the tire 102. The dimension of the
rim 202 may vary based on size of the tire 102.
[0025] In an implementation, rotation of the first rotatable shaft 108 may be carried out by an
actuator (not shown). The actuator may be an internal actuator built in the automated holder
assembly 104. Alternatively, the actuator may an external actuator assembled with the automated
holder assembly 104. In an example, the actuator may be a single motor, say a servo motor, a
stepper motor or an assembly including a motor and a gear box.
[0026] Further, the actuator may be controlled by the first controller (not shown). The first
controller may be an automated controller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). In an
example, an operator may provide inputs to the first controller via a control panel (not shown).
The first controller may control speed of rotation of the first rotatable shaft 108 along the first axis

of rotation. In an example, the first controller may also control direction of rotation of the first
rotatable shaft 108 around the first axis of rotation. In another example, the speed of rotation of
the first rotatable shaft 108 may be varied on type of filler used in the tire 102, since different
fillers have different threshold for temperature generated due to friction between the tire 102 and
the buff stone 112 during operation of the buffing machine 100. Table 1 provided below along
with description of Fig. 3, represents some examples of inter-relation between the type of filler in
the tire 102 and speed of rotation of the first rotatable shaft 108.
[0027] In an implementation, the automated holder assembly 104 may be mounted on a linear
guide 204. In an example, the linear guide 204 may be a ball screw actuator, track roller linear
motion system, and the like. The linear guide 204 may reciprocate the automated holder assembly
104 between a proximal position and a distal position along the X-axis. In the proximal position,
the tire 102 contacts with the buff stone 112 to smoothen the wear surface of the tire 102. Further,
in the distal position the tire 102 is away from the buff stone 112. In an example, the linear guide
204 may be controlled by the first controller. Thus, the first controller also controls reciprocation
of the automated holder assembly 104 between the proximal and distal positions. Additionally, the
linear guide 204 may include a top moving surface and a bottom fixed surface. The top moving
surface may be coupled to the automated holder assembly 104, and the bottom fixed surface may
be coupled to a base frame 206. In an example, the base frame 206 may further be affixed to floor
and may fixate the bottom fixed surface of the linear guide 204 to the floor.
[0028] In accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter, for operation of
the buffing machine 100, the tire 102 may be mounted on the rim 202 coupled to the first rotatable
shaft 108. Upon successful mounting of the tire 102, rotation of the first rotatable shaft 108 is
initiated by the first controller to rotate the tire 102 mounted on the first rotatable shaft 108. In an
example, speed of rotation of the tire 102 is controlled based on type of filler in the tire 102.
Further, direction of rotation of the tire 102 is controlled based on direction of rotation of the buff
stone 112. Next, the first controller instructs the linear guide 204 to actuate the automated holder
assembly 104 from the distal position to the proximal position. As a result of the actuation by the
linear guide 204, the buff stone 112 and the surface of the tire 102 come in contact, and the surface
of the tire 102 is buffed by the buff stone 112.

[0029] In an example, speed of rotation of the tire 102 may be varied by the first controller in
response to command by operator via the control panel. In another example, after buffing of the
surface of the tire 102, the automated holder assembly 104 may be actuated by the linear guide
204 to the distal position.
[0030] The first controller allows controlled interaction between the surface of the tire 102 and
the buff stone 112, amounting to efficient and reliable buffing machine 100. Additionally, the
actuation of the automated holder assembly 104 by the linear guide 204 and detachable attachment
of the rim 202 allows buffing to be performed on tire 102 of variable dimensions, as position of
the linear guide 204 may be adjusted based on size of the tire 102 and rim 202 may be changed for
different tire 102.
[0031] Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic of buffing machine 100 for buffing a surface of a tire 102,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to description of Fig.
1, the buffing machine 100 includes the buffing assembly 106. The buffing assembly 106 holds
and rotates the buff stone 112 for operation of the buffing machine 100 along a second axis of
rotation. In an example, the first axis of rotation and the second axis may be parallel to each other.
Thus, the tire 102 and the buff stone 112 may rotate along parallel axis of rotation. In an example,
direction of rotation of the tire 102 may be different from direction of rotation of the buff stone
112.
[0032] In an implementation, the buffing assembly 106 may include a second rotatable shaft
(not shown). The second rotatable shaft rotates the buff stone 112 along the second axis of rotation.
In an example, the second rotatable shaft may be rotatable in clockwise and counter-clockwise
direction along the second axis of rotation. In an implementation, rotation of the second rotatable
shaft may be carried out by an actuator 302. The actuator 302 may be an internal actuator 302 built
in the buffing assembly 106. Alternatively, the actuator 302 may an external actuator 302
assembled with the buffing assembly 106. In an example, the actuator 302 may be a single motor,
say a servo motor, a stepper motor or an assembly including a motor and a gear box.
[0033] In an implementation, the second rotatable shaft may include a buff stone assembly 110
having the buff stone 112. The buff stone assembly 110 may include a connecting arm 306 coupled
to the actuation mechanism 112 at one end and to the second rotatable shaft at the other end. The

buff stone 112 is mounted on the end of the connecting arm 306 coupled to the second rotatable
shaft
[0034] Further, the actuator 302 may be controlled by the second controller. The second
controller may be an automated controller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). In an
example, an operator may provide inputs to the second controller via a control panel 304. In
another example, a single control panel 304 may provide an interface for inputs to the first
controller and the second controller. The second controller may control speed of rotation of the
second rotatable shaft along the second axis of rotation. In an example, the second controller may
also control direction of rotation of the second rotatable shaft around the second axis of rotation.
In another example, the speed of rotation of the second rotatable shaft may be varied on type of
filler used in the tire 102, since different fillers have different threshold for temperature generated
due to friction between the tire 102 and the buff stone 112 during operation of the buffing machine
100. Additionally, the speed of rotation of the second rotatable shaft may be varied on grit value
of the buff stone 112, as the grit value of the buff stone 112 has direct impact on the buffing of the
surface of the tire 102. Buff stones are usually available in various grades, which refer to the grit
value of the abrasive particles in the stone. The grit value is given as a number, which indicates
the spatial density of the particles. A higher number denotes a higher density and therefore smaller
particles, which leads to a finer finish of the surface of the buffered object. Further, direction of
rotation of the second rotatable shaft may also be varied based on portion of the surface of the tire
102 to be buffed.
[0035] Table 1 illustrated below elaborates relationship between type of filler, type of activity
performed by the buffing machine 100, speed of rotation of tire 102 in rotation per minute (RPM),
direction of rotation of the tire 102, speed of rotation of the buff stone 112 in RPM, and direction
of rotation of the buff stone 112. Although implementations for one example is described in table
1, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific
example. Further, additional fillers with variable speed and direction of rotation may also be
considered for the present subject matter.
[0036] Table 1

Type of
filler
Type of
activity
Speed of
tire (RPM)
Direction of
rotation of
tire
Speed of
buff stone
(RPM)
Direction of
rotation of
buff stone
Filler 1 Buffing 10 Clockwise 20 Clockwise
Smoothening 10 Clockwise 20 Counterclockwise
Filler 2 Buffing 10 Clockwise 15 Clockwise
Smoothening 10 Clockwise 15 Counterclockwise
[0037] In an example, the filler 1 may be carborandum. In another example, the filler 2 may
be silica. As illustrated in table 1, speed of rotation of the tire 102 and the speed of rotation of the
buff stone 112 may be different. The difference in the speed of rotation of the tire 102 and the
speed of rotation of the buff stone 112 may amount to a relative speed of the tire 102 and buff
stone 112, amounting to desired quality and extend of buffing. Additionally, variation in direction
of rotation of the tire 102 and the buff stone 112 may amount to additional relative speed for
smoothening of the tire 102.
[0038] In an implementation, diverse parameters may be considered for selecting a buff stone
112 to be used for the buffing machine 100 for a particular tire 102. The parameters may be
material property of the stone, grit value, type of filler, width of the buff stone 112, and the like.
In an example, a buff stone 112 with less sticky nature and low heat generation property may be
selected. In another example, the buff stone 112 with a grit value within a range of 32-120
depending on size of the tire 102 and desired surface finish of the tire 102.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, the actuation mechanism
112 may provide a reciprocating as well as pivoting motion to the buff stone assembly 110 through
the end of the connecting arm 306 coupled to the actuation mechanism 112. In an example, the
actuation mechanism 112 may reciprocate the buff stone assembly 110 between the proximal
position and the distal position. In the proximal position the buff stone 112 is positioned in contact
with the tire 102, by reduction in distance between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of
rotation, to buff the surface of the tire 102. Further, in the distal position the buff stone 112 is
positioned away from the tire 102, by an increase in distance between the first axis of rotation and
the second axis of rotation, such that there is a gap between the buff stone 112 and the tire 102.
The actuation mechanism 112 may communicatively couple U@ with the second controller to
automatically reciprocate the buff stone assembly 110.
[0040] In an example, a linear guide (not shown) and a rotation guide 308 may assist the
actuation mechanism 112 in pivoting and reciprocating motion of the buff stone assembly 110. In
another example, the linear guide used for actuating the automated holder assembly 104 may be
used for assistance of the actuation mechanism 112. In such a scenario, the first controller and the
second controller may interact with each other for control of the linear guide and the actuation
mechanism 112. In an example, the buff stone assembly 110 may be coupled to a moving handle.
The moving handle may be a part of the actuation mechanism 112. The moving handle may
provide manual reciprocation to the buff stone assembly 110. Thus, the actuation mechanism 112
may actuation the buff stone assembly 110 automatically as well as manually.
[0041] In an implementation, the buffing assembly 106 may also include a dust collector 310.
The dust collector 310 is used for pollution control during buffing of the surface of the tire 102.
The pollution may be caused in form of fumes due to heat generated due to frictional forces
operating between the buff stone 112 and the surface of the tire 102, in addition to discharge of
particles scrubbed from the surface of the tire 102. The dust collector 310 may be positioned in
proximity of the buff stone assembly 110 so that the inlet of the dust collector 310 is in proximity
of the interface between the buff stone 112 and the surface of the tire 102.
[0042] In an example, a temperature sensor (not shown) may be coupled to the dust collector
310. The temperature sensor may monitor temperature of the interface of the buff stone 112 and
the tire 102 during interaction of the buff stone 112 and the tire 102. In an example, the temperature
sensor may monitor the temperature of the interface of the buff stone 112 and the tire 102 by
monitoring temperature of the surface of the tire 102, for example, using a contact-less technique
of temperature measurement. The temperature sensor may communicate temperature data
collected to the control panel 304 to manage temperature of the surface of the tire for desired
operation of the buffing machine 100. In an example, the control panel 304 may include a processor
and a memory. The processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors,
microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state
machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational
instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor is configured to fetch and execute computerreadable
instructions stored in the memory.
[0043] The memory may include a computer-readable medium known in the art including, for
example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access
memory (DRAM), etc., and/or non-volatile memory, such as erasable program read only memory
(EPROM), flash memory, etc.
[0044] In an implementation, the memory may include a threshold temperature range with a
value of minimum temperature that is required for efficient operation between the tire 102 and the
buff stone 112. The memory may also include a maximum temperature, such that if the temperature
of the surface rises beyond the maximum temperature, properties of the tire 102 may get affected,
amounting to an inefficient operation. The processor may receive the temperature data from the
temperature sensor and may communicate with the first controller and the second controller to
vary speed and direction of rotation of the tire 102 and the buff stone 112. In an example, when
the first controller and the second controller are communicating with separate control panels, the
temperature data may be received by control panel 304 of the second controller and it may be
communicated to control panel of the first controller. Further, a synchronized communication
between the control panel of the first controller the control panel 304 of the second controller may
control speed and direction of rotation of the tire 102 and the buff stone 112.
[0045] In accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter, for operation of
the buffing machine 100, the buff stone assembly 110 may be actuated by the actuation mechanism
112, to position the buff stone assembly 110 in the proximal position. Upon positioning in the
proximal position, the buff stone 112 contacts with a surface of the tire 102. In an example, the
surface of the tire 102 may be crown region of the tire 102. Further, rotation of the tire 102 and the
buff stone 112 is initiated by the first controller and the second controller respectively, upon
contact of the tire 102 and the buff stone 112. In an example, speed of rotation of the tire 102 and
the buff stone 112 may be based on type of filler in the tire 102 and desired operation to be
performed on the tire 102, such as buffing and smoothening. In another example, direction of

rotation of the tire 102 and the buff stone 112 may be based on operation to be performed on the
tire 102. Upon completion of the operation, the actuation mechanism 112 may actuate the buff
stone assembly 110 to the distal position, such that the buff stone 112 and the tire 102 are separated.
In an example, speed of rotation of the buff stone 112 may be varied by the second controller in
response to command b U@ y operator via the control panel 304.
[0046] The second controller allows controlled interaction between the surface of the tire 102
and the buff stone 112, amounting to efficient and reliable buffing machine 100. Additionally, the
reciprocating and pivoting motion of the buff stone assembly 110 by the actuation mechanism 112
allows buffing to be performed on tire 102 of variable dimensions, as position of the buff stone
assembly 110 may be adjusted based on size of the tire 102. Further, targeted buffing may be
provided by way of the motion supported by the actuation mechanism 112.
[0047] In an example, the buffing machine 100 may be used for smoothening as well as buffing
of the surface of the tire 102. In another example, the buffing machine 100 may be used for causing
uniform wear to complete surface of the tire 102 by way of scrubbing, to obtain a tire 102 with
uniform wear. The tire 102 with uniform wear may be further used for testing bead endurance
properties of the tire 102, fuel efficiency of the tire 102, rolling resistance coefficient of the tire
102, retreading and de-treading of the tire 102.
[0048] Although implementations for configuration and structure of the buffing machine 100
is described, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the
specific features of the systems described herein. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as
implementations for configuration and structure of the buffing machine 100.

I/ We Claim:
1. A buffing machine (100) for a surface of a tire (102), the buffing machine (100) comprising:
an automated holder assembly (104) having:
a first rotatable shaft (108), to hold the tire (102); and
a first controller communicatively coupled to the first rotatable shaft (108) to
control speed of rotation of the first rotatable shaft (108) along a first axis of rotation;
a buffing assembly (106) having:
a buff stone assembly (110) having a buff stone (112) mounted on a second
rotatable shaft;
a second controller communicatively coupled to the second rotatable shaft to
control speed of rotation of the second rotatable shaft along a second axis of rotation,
wherein the second axis of rotation is parallel to the first axis of rotation; and
an actuation mechanism (112) coupled to the buff stone assembly (110) to
reciprocate the buff stone assembly (110) between a proximal position and a distal position,
wherein in the proximal position the buff stone (112) is positioned in contact with the tire
(102) to buff the surface of the tire (102) and in the distal position the buff stone (112) is
positioned away from the tire (102).
2. The buffing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buff stone assembly (110) is
manually reciprocated by actuation of the actuation mechanism (112) by a user.
3. The buffing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buff stone assembly (110) is
automatically reciprocated by the actuation mechanism (112).
4. The buffing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a linear guide (204) to
reciprocate the automated holder assembly (104) between the proximal position and the distal
position, wherein in the proximal position the tire (102) contacts with the buff stone (112) , by
reduction in distance between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation, to buff the
surface of the tire (102) and in the distal position the tire (102) is away from the buff stone (112),
by an increase in distance between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation.

5. The buffing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first controller and the second
controller are controlled and managed by a single control panel (304).
6. The buffing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rim (202), detachably
coupled to the first rotatable shaft (108), along the first axis of rotation, wherein the tire (102) is
mounted on the rim (202).
7. The buffing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first controller and the second
controller control direction of rotation of the first rotatable shaft (108) and the second rotatable
shaft, respectively.
8. The buffing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the speed of rotation of the first
rotatable shaft (108) and the speed of rotation of the second rotatable shaft is varied based on type
of filler in the tire (102).
9. The buffing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein grit value of the buff stone (112) is
within a range of 32-120 depending on size of the tire (102) and desired surface finish of the tire
(102).
10. The buffing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor to
monitor temperature of the surface of the tire (102) in contact with the buff stone (112).