Patent ID: 8915129

Claim:
A method for determining a depth of cable embedded in a sidewall of a tire, the method comprising: inserting a cable depth gauge into a repair hole formed through a tire, the cable depth gauge comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end having an indicator point set to reference a surface of the tire, the elongated body having a width sized to determine eligibility if the repair hole being examined meets a minimum size for a repair process, and a first measuring region and a second measuring region located at the proximal end of the elongated body, each of the first measuring region and the second measuring region being arranged at a known distance from the indicator point and defining a range of distances pertaining to a distinct depth classification, the second measuring region being arranged adjacent the first measuring region along the elongate body, where the second measuring region is located a greater distance from the indicator point than the first measuring region; positioning the indicator point of the cable depth gauge at a surface of the tire; determining whether the cable falls within the first measuring region, the second measuring region or beyond the second measuring region; and classifying the depth of the cable as being within a first classification if the cable falls within the first measuring region, being within a second depth classification indicating a cable depth greater than the first depth classification if the cable falls within the second measuring region or being within a third depth classification indicating a cable depth greater than the second classification if the cable falls beyond the second measuring region.