Control Means Responsive To Condition Sensing Means Patents (Class 425/29)
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Patent number: 11958196Abstract: A production system comprising: an industrial device being self-movable; and circuitry configured to; control the industrial device to prepare for a next job before the industrial device arrives at a next location; and control the industrial device to perform the next job when the industrial device arrives at the next location and a preparation for the next job is completed.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKIInventors: Takeshi Yamashita, Ryosuke Tsutsumi
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Patent number: 9656434Abstract: Pressure sensors may be used to directly measure the pressure between a green tire and a curing apparatus during shaping and/or during curing.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: The Good Year Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: James Vincent Satrape, Ching-Chih Lee, David Lee Bair, Le Zhang
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Patent number: 9427924Abstract: Provided is a direct acting mechanism of a tire curing device which can sufficiently perform positional control of a bladder extension height and a shaping height, etc., and is applicable to tires of different sizes. A hydraulically-driven central mechanism 1 as an example of a central mechanism of a tire curing device to which the present invention is applied includes a bag head 2 and a hydraulic cylinder 3. A cylinder tube 4 is formed to be thick-walled, and near the outer circumferential surface thereof, a sensor hole portion 7 is provided. The sensor hole portion 7 penetrates to the bottom surface side of the cylinder tube 4, and a linear sensor 8 with heat resistance and flexibility is inserted therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: ICHIMARU-GIKEN CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazunori Tsutsumi, Hironobu Ichimaru
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Patent number: 9169896Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for making endless belts having a profile layer, a fully embedded, helically wound, cord layer, and a top layer. The apparatus has a rotatable mandrel with a profile complementary to the belt profile, two or one engagement rolls adjacent the mandrel to maintain forced, wrapped engagement of the profile layer on a portion thereof; a cord applicator which may include a heated blade that plows a groove in the profile layer into which the cord is laid and fused thereto. A laminator applies the top layer onto the reinforced carcass. A system of buffer rolls handles the loose portion of the profile layer or carcass guiding it.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: GATES CORPORATIONInventors: Lambert Pasch, John Graeme Knox
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Publication number: 20140042663Abstract: An apparatus for extruding a polymeric material, having an extrusion head which includes a male die, a female die coaxially arranged with respect to the male die, a conveying channel, and at least one portion of which is defined between the male die and the female die. The apparatus further includes a device for adjusting a cross-sectional area of the at least one portion of the conveying channel by reciprocally displacing the female die with respect to the male die in response to an extrusion speed variation of the polymeric material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Pirelli Tyre S.p.A.Inventors: Thomas PONTA, Stefano TESTI, Francesco D'ORIA
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Publication number: 20130136816Abstract: An apparatus non-destructively inspects a conveyor belt in a production facility. The conveyor belt defines a belt surface and has cover plates made of a rubber mixture. The production facility includes a vulcanizing press for vulcanizing the conveyor belt during production thereof. The apparatus includes a housing forward or rearward of the press. The housing has openings through which the conveyor belt passes. A radiation source mounted in the housing transmits rays toward the belt surface and the radiation source is configured to transmit the rays with energy sufficient to cause the rays to pass through the conveyor belt. A sensor mounted in the housing detects the rays passed through the conveyor belt to facilitate a radiographic check by providing actual values of the conveyor belt. A processor evaluates the radiographic check by comparing the actual values of the conveyor belt to set values of the conveyor belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: PHOENIX CONVEYOR BELT SYSTEMS GMBHInventor: PHOENIX CONVEYOR BELT SYSTEMS GMBH
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Publication number: 20130062803Abstract: A tire vulcanizing method reduces consumption energy and increases productivity of vulcanization. This method involves supplying an inert gas to an internal space of the tire via a supply pipe, discharging the gas from the internal space via a return pipe, and supplying the gas from the return pipe to the supply pipe by a rotation type circulation device. A heating device heats the circulated gas. An internal outlet gas temperature sensor detects a temperature of the gas in the return pipe. A controller decreases a rotating speed of the circulation device when the return pipe gas temperature is a rotating speed decrease temperature or more.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel Ltd.)Inventors: Yuichiro MIZUTA, Masahiro Doe, Yasuhiko Fujieda, Masatake Toshima
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Patent number: 8361359Abstract: In a tire vulcanizer configured to perform opening and closing of a mold using an efficient ball screw shaft or the like, a top mold mounting member holding a top mold is lifted and lowered by rotating the ball screw shaft with a driving mechanism to vertically lift and lower a ball nut, and the lifting and lowering of the top mold mounting member is stopped by fixing the ball screw shaft by the de-excitation of an electromagnetic brake connected directly to the ball screw shaft, independently from the driving mechanism. According to such a structure, the opening and closing of the mold can be stopped, even if abnormality of the driving mechanism or the brake occurs.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiko Fujieda, Masaharu Shibata
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Publication number: 20120223463Abstract: Method and device for vulcanizing vehicle tires using a heating press and a heating bladder. The method includes positioning a tire blank in the heating press, feeding steam into the heating bladder, stopping the supply of steam into the heating bladder, raising an internal pressure in the heating bladder to a predetermined setpoint value by feeding nitrogen into the heating bladder, and consistently maintaining the internal pressure of the heating bladder at the predetermined setpoint value through a pulsating input of nitrogen into the heating bladder occurring at least temporarily over a specific time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Milos KOVAC, Bernd FRICKE
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Patent number: 8226389Abstract: A device for vulcanizing vehicle tires uses a heating press and an internal bladder that is supplied with vaporous heating medium. In order to assure that the measurement of the vulcanization temperature is effected at the relevant locations of the internal heater, there is provided a temperature sensor in the form of a radiation thermometer or pyrometer that is disposed in the bladder cavity. The pyrometer takes an indirect temperature measurement for at least one location on the interior wall of the bladder by measuring a radiant energy emitted from the interior of the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbHInventors: Bernd Fricke, Boris Primke, Michael Ramm, Rolf Hackbarth
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Publication number: 20120133086Abstract: Pressure sensors may be used to directly measure the pressure between a green tire and a curing apparatus during shaping and/or during curing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: James Vincent Satrape, Ching-Chih Lee, David Lee Bair, Le Zhang
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Patent number: 8163210Abstract: A tire enclosed in a vulcanization mold is supplied with heat to cause vulcanization of same. By thermal-detection probes introduced into the tire monitoring of the cross-linking degree reached in at least one first detection region and one second detection region disposed within the tire is carried out. Head supply is stopped on occurrence of the following conditions: (i) the crosslinking degree measured in at least one of the detection regions reaches a first reference value higher than 90% of the whole cross-linking; and (ii) the cross-linking degree measured in each detection region has overcome a second pre-established reference value not exceeding about 50% of the whole cross-linking.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Pirelli Tyre S.p.A.Inventors: Paolo Ferro, Claudio Zanichelli, Stefano Cazzanti
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Patent number: 8062575Abstract: A computer based detecting system that detects a defective tire assembly during the curing process is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of temperature sensors connected to a processor of the computer system and further connected to each hose that is connected between a tire assembly inside an autoclave, and an external manifold of the autoclave. The processor receives data input from each of the temperature sensors and decodes the data to determine the current temperature of each sensor and simultaneously calculates the average temperature of all the temperature sensors connected. The processor compares the temperature reading of each station with the average temperature and notifies should the difference between the temperature average and temperature sensor reading equal or is greater than a selected temperature deviation.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Inventor: Tom Raben
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Publication number: 20110262572Abstract: A device for vulcanizing vehicle tires uses a heating press and an internal bladder that is supplied with vaporous heating medium. In order to assure that the measurement of the vulcanization temperature is effected at the relevant locations of the internal heater, there is provided a temperature sensor in the form of a radiation thermometer or pyrometer that is disposed in the bladder cavity. The pyrometer takes an indirect temperature measurement for at least one location on the interior wall of the bladder by measuring a radiant energy emitted from the interior of the bladder.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Bernd Fricke, Boris Primke, Michael Ramm, Rolf Hackbarth
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Patent number: 8033804Abstract: A device (20) comprising a pressure measurement surface (28) functionally attached to a proof body (22) and a rigid component (30), functionally attached to the proof body (22), the measurement surface (28) forming a surface of the rigid component (30). In addition, the device comprises a support (38), functionally separated from the proof body (22), of generally annular shape, housing the rigid component (30) and a flexible mass (40) radially inserted between the support (38) and the rigid component (30) such that the contour of the measurement surface (28) is bounded by the flexible mass (40), this flexible mass (40) adhering to the support (38) and to the rigid component (30).Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: GĂ©rard Buvat, Henri Hinc, Frederic Pialot
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Publication number: 20110236514Abstract: In a tire vulcanizer according to the present invention configured to perform opening and closing of a mold by an elevating means using an efficient ball screw shaft or the like, a top mold mounting member holding a top mold is lifted and lowered by rotating the ball screw shaft with a driving mechanism to vertically lift and lower a ball nut, and the lifting and lowering of the top mold mounting member is stopped by fixing the ball screw shaft with an excitation-free electromagnetic brake connected directly to the ball screw shaft independently from the driving mechanism. According to such a structure, the opening and closing of the mold can be stopped, even if abnormality of the driving mechanism or the brake occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)Inventors: Yasuhiko FUJIEDA, Masaharu SHIBATA
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Patent number: 7985359Abstract: A tire vulcanizing apparatus and a tire vulcanizing method, by which the pressure and temperature of a heating and pressurizing medium to be supplied to the internal space of a raw tire can be controlled without the condition of pressure being affected by the condition of temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Hisashi Mitamura, Kazuto Okada, Hideaki Kuwabara, Tomomichi Murata, Masatake Toshima, Yasuhiko Fujieda
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Publication number: 20110008477Abstract: Provided is a tire vulcanizer capable of accelerating the rise in the temperature of a heating and pressurizing medium and reducing heat loss. The tire vulcanizer is used for vulcanizing a raw tire and includes: a mold for removably housing the raw tire; a medium path which is connected to the inner space of the raw tire housed in the mold and through which a heating and pressurizing medium for vulcanizing the raw tire flows; and a heating unit, provided to the medium path, for controlling the temperature of the heating and pressurizing medium flowing through the medium path. The heating unit includes a heated body internally provided with a flow channel through which the heating and pressurizing medium flows, and an induction heating unit for heating the heated body through electromagnetic induction so as to heat the heating and pressurizing medium flowing through the flow channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2009Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: Kazuto Okada, Masatake Toshima, Tomomichi Murata, Yasuhiko Fujieda
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Publication number: 20100166900Abstract: Vent valve for venting bores of vulcanization moulds, especially for the tread profile area, consisting of a valve sleeve, in which a valve insert and a wound spring are movably located, wherein the valve insert consists of a valve shank, which is at one end equipped with a disk and at the other end with a conical surface changing into backwards oriented conical end, and the movement of the valve insert is controlled by a delimiter of opening the valve. Inner surface of the valve sleeve is in its part located further away from disk provided with conical surface, oriented away from the disk, and the delimiter of opening the valve is formed by two mutually cooperating conical surfaces or parts of conical surfaces, wherein the conical surface formed at the end of the valve shank of the valve insert is oriented against the conical surface or part of conical surface of the valve sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: GLEBUS ALLOYS EUROPE S.R.O.Inventor: Jaroslav Hajduch
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Publication number: 20100072648Abstract: Positional misalignment between a mold and a green tire in a vulcanizer is identified in the PCI step and is fed back in real time to a green-tire supply apparatus so that the misalignment is automatically corrected. During post-cure inflation of a vulcanized tire (T), the RRO value of the tire is measured, and the measured RRO value is compared with a preset reference value. If the measured RRO value exceeds the reference value, a control signal is output to an apparatus for supplying a green tire to a vulcanizer. The green-tire supply apparatus performs positional correction of a green tire with respect to the vulcanizer's mold in accordance with the control signal, that is, performs correction of the position and angle of green-tire gripping means to adjust the concentricity and parallelism of the green tire with respect to the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventor: Haruo Toyoda
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Patent number: 7662330Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the use of low levels of a desiccant material in a rubber compound, such as for use as a tire tread, that allows for reduced cure times of tires cured under pressure, thereby increasing tire production. The low level of desiccant material reduces the blow point of the rubber compound by substantially eliminating blows earlier in the pressure curing process, thereby allowing for the reduced cure time of the tire under pressure. In one embodiment, low levels of no greater than about 9 phr of desiccant material, which may include generally a metal oxide (e.g. calcium oxide or magnesium oxide), are provided in the rubber compound. The rubber compound including the low levels of desiccant material may be cured, under pressure, at less than 30% of full cure of the rubber compound.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Bruce Raymond Hahn, George Bradley Rufener, Frederick Forbes Vannan
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Publication number: 20100001423Abstract: A tyre enclosed in a vulcanisation mould is supplied with heat to cause vulcanisation of same. By thermal-detection probes introduced into the tyre monitoring of the cross-linking degree reached in at least one first detection region and one second detection region disposed within the tyre is carried out. Head supply is stopped on occurrence of the following conditions: (i) the crosslinking degree measured in at least one of the detection regions reaches a first reference value higher than 90% of the whole cross-linking; and (ii) the cross-linking degree measured in each detection region has overcome a second pre-established reference value not exceeding about 50% of the whole cross-linking.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2005Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventors: Paolo Ferro, Claudio Zanichelli, Stefano Cazzanti
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Patent number: 7620474Abstract: A method of manufacturing tires by disposing an uncured elastomeric material on a substantially rigid toroidal support so as to form a green tire. The green tire and the toroidal support are then disposed within a vulcanization mold in which a molding cavity is defined, so as to mold and cure the green tire. The molding cavity includes at least a portion in which molding and curing are carried out at a constant volume. The disposition of the elastomeric material onto the rigid toroidal support is carried out by controlling the volume distribution of the elastomeric material onto the toroidal support, so as to fit a predetermined curve of excess material volume, i.e., a curve showing a difference between the volume distribution of the material forming the green tire and the available volume in the portion of the molding cavity adapted for molding and curing the green tire at constant volume, versus a predetermined, e.g. radial, direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Pirelli Pneumatici S.p.A.Inventor: Luca Bruschelli
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Patent number: 7604760Abstract: An automatic pressure and temperature control apparatus and method for use in curing tire assemblies including retread tire assemblies is provided. Using water as a heating medium, a new process control method and apparatus is described that allows a more precise control of process variables during steady state conditions such that heat transfer is improved and the undesirable formation of steam is eliminated. Existing processes and equipment for curing tire assemblies can be modified, using the teaching disclosed herein, to implement and achieve the benefits of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2004Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Norman Christopher, Stephen Manuel, Robert Young
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Publication number: 20090211689Abstract: An automatic pressure and temperature control apparatus and method for use in curing tire assemblies including retread tire assemblies is provided. Using water as a heating medium, a new process control method and apparatus is described that allows a more precise control of process variables during steady state conditions such that heat transfer is improved and the undesirable formation of steam is eliminated. Existing processes and equipment for curing tire assemblies can be modified, using the teaching disclosed herein, to implement and achieve the benefits of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2004Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Norman Christopher, Stephen Manuel, Robert Young
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Patent number: 7524443Abstract: A system (100) for controlling the operation of a mechanical press (10) having a side link (60) for applying squeeze to a mold (80) includes a dial indicator (120) mounted to the side link. An actuator member (170) has a first end (172) connected to the side link (60) and an opposite second end (200) engaging the dial indicator (120). The actuator member (170) is configured to move relative to the side link (60) and actuate the dial indicator (200) in response to elongation of the side link. The dial indicator (200) indicates the magnitude of the squeeze applied by the side link (60). A strain transducer (150) is mounted to the side link (60). The strain transducer (150) includes a sensor (152) that is operative to provide a signal responsive to movement of the actuator member (170) relative to the side link (60).Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Rogers Industrial Products Inc.Inventors: John R. Cole, Normal Robert Knoedler
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Patent number: 7513763Abstract: A center mechanism (10) for manipulating a bladder (20) in a tire curing press (12) includes a lower plate ring (28) for carrying a lower bead (22) of the bladder (20), and an upper plate ring (60) for carrying an upper bead (24) of the bladder (20). The center mechanism (10) may also include a first piston chamber (45) and a second piston chamber (105) positioned radially interior from the first piston chamber (45). An outer piston assembly (37) is operative to selectively raise the lower plate ring (28) and an inner piston assembly (71) is positioned inside the outer piston assembly (37) and is operative to selectively raise the upper plate ring (60) relative to the lower plate ring (28). A guide (120) is coupled to the outer piston assembly (37) and is adapted to slidingly contact the inner piston assembly (71) to prevent relative rotation therebetween. Operating fluid is provided through a single port (52) to selectively raise the outer piston assembly (37) and the inner piston assembly (71).Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: McNeil & NRM, Inc.Inventors: Anand Pal Singh, Deane Robert Hamilton, Thomas Anthony Wasik, Sivaram Addanki Krishnayya, William Forte Franchim
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Patent number: 6999823Abstract: Even when a power switch is turned off, the controller of an injection molding machine does not shut off a power supply immediately. The controller determines whether the present state of the injection molding machine is a previously-set confirmation-requiring state, such as a lockup state of a mold clamping unit using a toggle link mechanism, or a nozzle touch state of an injection unit. When the present state is not the confirmation-requiring state, the controller shuts off the power supply. When the present state is the confirmation-requiring state, the controller displays on a display screen a confirmation window for confirmation of power shut off. The controller shuts off the power supply in accordance with a shut-off operation performed on the basis of the confirmation window.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chiharu Nishizawa, Osamu Ichikawa
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Patent number: 6841102Abstract: A method of utilizing an adjustable height bladder securement mechanism to effect advantageous bladder movement during a loading and shaping process is disclosed. A tire press comprises a lower mold, an upper mold, and a center mechanism. The center mechanism has an upper clamping mechanism for securing the upper periphery of a bladder and a lower clamping mechanism for securing the lower periphery of the bladder. A center mechanism tube has a center rod positioned therein. A piston is disposed within the center mechanism tube. The piston provides reciprocating motion to the center rod. A position sensor mechanism is operatively associated with the center mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Inventor: John R. Cole
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Patent number: 6770229Abstract: A method for relieving pressure in a vulcanized tire while still in a tire press is disclosed, wherein the bladder securement mechanism utilizes a position sensor mechanism and eliminates the need for spacers and a floating piston. A tire press comprises a lower mold, an upper mold, and a bladder securement mechanism. The bladder securement mechanism has an upper clamping mechanism for securing the upper periphery of a bladder and a lower clamping mechanism for securing the lower periphery of the bladder. A center mechanism tube has a center mechanism rod positioned therein. A piston is disposed within the center mechanism tube. The piston provides reciprocating motion to the center mechanism rod. A position sensor mechanism operatively associated with the bladder securement mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Inventor: John R. Cole
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Patent number: 6416305Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating a bladder (25) relative to a tire (B) in a tire curing press (11) including, a lower plate ring (31) for carrying a lower bead (26) of the bladder, an upper plate ring (50) for carrying an upper bead (27) of the bladder, a first cylinder mechanism (35) for selectively moving the lower plate ring and the upper plate ring, a piston rod (56) attached to the upper plate ring and extending through the lower plate ring, a second cylinder mechanism (55) located within the first cylinder mechanism for selectively actuating the piston rod to move the upper plate ring relative to the lower plate ring, a stretch-height control mechanism (57) for controlling the position of the upper plate ring relative to the lower plate ring upon actuation of the second cylinder, and a bladder detector mechanism (110) for positioning the upper plate ring at a predetermined position relative to a tire in the tire curing press.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: McNeil & NRM, Inc.Inventor: Anand P. Singh
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Patent number: 6273698Abstract: The present invention provides a tire vulcanizing system of a type such that a mold assembly in which tire vulcanization is being carried out is transported to a mold opening/closing station, which is equipped with a central mechanism for operating a bladder, the central mechanism being configured so that a plurality of claws are provided which attach and detach a post cylinder of a central mechanism driving section incorporated in the mold opening/closing station to and from a center post of a central mechanism operating section incorporated in the mold assembly, a sensor for detecting the decrease in pitch circle diameter of the claws is provided, expanding/contracting means for the claws is incorporated in the central mechanism driving section, and the sensor is assembled to the expanding/contracting means.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.Inventor: Hiroki Tatemi
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Patent number: 6267084Abstract: An apparatus for curing retread tire assemblies includes an autoclave in which retread assemblies are placed and a heated water system for heating the autoclave. The heated water system provides heated water under pressure to the autoclave to achieve heat transfer at a rate and capacity sufficient for curing the retread assemblies. A control valve controls the flow of heated water according the heating demand of the autoclave. The system is adaptable for use in curing presses for retread assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventor: Theophile Henry Louchart, III
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Patent number: 6148598Abstract: It comprises a bowl (2) driven positively in rotation and a guide finger (3) which is spaced from the bowl (2) and is mounted on an arm (6) articulated relative to a support (7) mounted on the frame of the machine.The shaft (8) supporting the bowl (2) is equipped with a drive roller (12) which, in the working position, bears against a drive shaft extending over the entire length of the machine and common to all the workstations which the latter comprises.The articulated arm (6) is associated with means which, on the one hand, hold the drive roller (12) in bearing contact, with adjustable pressure, against the drive shaft during normal operation and, on the other hand, are neutralized when the articulated arm is moved away from said drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: ICBT YarnInventors: Carlos Matas Gabalda, Jean-Claude Dupeuple
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Patent number: 5798123Abstract: In a center mechanism of a tire press, which the tire size is changed, the lower limit position of an upper clamp ring is changed to a shaping height corresponding to the size of the exchanged tire only by changing a setting of a controller. Consequently, the work related to the tire size change is facilitated. A bladder is inflated and tightly comes into contact with the inner face of a green tire while lowering the upper periphery of the bladder to the shaping height corresponding to the tire size.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko ShoInventors: Hisashi Mitamura, Kashiro Ureshino, Hiroyuki Takebayashi, Hisaaki Onishi, Shogo Sarumaru
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Patent number: 5776507Abstract: A center mechanism for a tire vulcanizer having a first cylinder whose stroke can be detected with a simplified structure achieves reduction in cost and improvement in working efficiency upon maintenance. The center mechanism expands, while the first cylinder 1 moves downwardly, a bladder 5 into close contact with an inner face of a green tire. A downward stop position of the first cylinder 1 is set in advance by a linear sensor 14. The stroke amount of the first cylinder 1 is detected by a stroke bracket 12 having a stroke portion 12a extending downwardly in parallel to the first cylinder 1 from within a stem 8 and provided so as to advance into the stem 8 together with a cylinder rod 1a, and a linear sensor 14 for detecting the stroke amount of the first cylinder 1 from the stroke portion 12a of the stroke bracket 12 remaining outside the stem 8.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko ShoInventors: Kashiro Ureshino, Hiroyuki Takebayashi, Hisaaki Onishi, Hisashi Mitamura
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Patent number: 5746964Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to firstly provide a loading system and loading method of high working efficiency, and secondly, to provide a loading system and method in which a high precision of loading onto a center mold can be regularly assured without the need for repeated correction checks. The loading system includes a transport car 2 movable along a plurality of tire vulcanizing presses 1 arranged in a line; a robot arm 3 mounted on said transport car 2 for movement in three XYZ dimensions to a prescribed position in a desired stance; and a green tire chuck 6 fixed to the end of said robot arm 3. A load method essentially comprises the steps of picking-up, transportation, loading and chucking during shaping, of a green tire largely through movement of the robot arm of said system.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko ShoInventors: Kashiro Ureshino, Itaru Amano, Masaki Naoi, Kou Takakura, Takumi Mizokawa, Katsumi Ichikawa
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Patent number: 5741528Abstract: A tire vulcanizing system capable of performing high accuracy transportation of a green tire by a loader and of performing high accuracy transportation of a vulcanized tire by an unloader including a group of tire vulcanizing presses having many tire vulcanizing presses 1 arranged in a row and manipulators 2 arranged along the group of the tire vulcanizing presses in such a way that they may freely run. The tire vulcanizing presses 1 are constructed such that the upper and lower molds 80, 81 are stored between the engaging or disengaging upper and lower press members in such a manner that they may be fastened with the green tire mounting table 7 and the post-cure inflator 8 arranged around them.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1995Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko ShoInventors: Itaru Amano, Kashiro Ureshino, Katsumi Ichikawa, Takumi Mizokawa, Ko Takakura, Masaki Naoi, Yasuo Morita
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Patent number: 5631028Abstract: A conveyor system that performs a conveyance by using pallets for loading green tires and device for conveying these pallets, installs a storage area for storing pallets as they are on the way to convey, and uses robots for transferring the green tires from a pallet to a tire vulcanizer. Pallets being of such a type as to be able to load two or more green tires for planar placement and a conveyor devise is desired to be able to get under these pallets for lifting up. Furthermore, a visual sensor provided on a robot reads at least one of a mark concerning the specification of a green tire, a mark for its positioning on a pallet, and a mark for its positioning on a tire vulcanizer, identifies a green tire to be conveyed, and automatically performs a positioning in transferring the green tire from the relevant pallet and a positioning in transferring the green tire to a tire vulcanizer in the conveyor system.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1995Date of Patent: May 20, 1997Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho, Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takumi Mizokawa, Koji Ota, Kashiro Ureshino, Katsumi Ichikawa, Koichi Nomura, Tadashi Tomita
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Patent number: 5486319Abstract: A tire cure control system and method characterized by a computer-based data acquisition and process control unit that uses non-invasive, direct cure measurements to adjust the length of cure so that all cured articles such as tires will be cured to the same extent in the minimum amount of time, thereby to maximize production while providing uniformly cured products. The unit generally includes at least one microwave probe, although preferably multiple microwave probes, placed in the mold and a processor to process probe data and to initiate a control action principally initiating a mold opening sequence at the optimal time. Initiation of the mold opening sequence at least in part is based upon a measurement of the time rate of change of the attenuation of microwave energy caused by the curing rubber compound in the mold.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1993Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Assignee: Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.Inventors: W. Ross Stone, Robert L. Palmer, Virgil D. Mochel, Robert P. Karpinski
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Patent number: 5417900Abstract: A curing press for tires or other curable articles, has a fluid inlet line for supplying curing fluid into an inflatable elastomeric bladder mounted within the press cavity for curing a green tire or article in the cavity. The spent curing fluid is removed from the bladder after a curing operation by a pump through an exhaust line. A venturi ejector in the exhaust line causes a vacuum to be created within the bladder as the fluid is being removed during an unload cycle. A vacuum sensor is connected to the exhaust line and if a predetermined vacuum strength is not reached within a predetermined time, which indicates that leak exists, appropriate control circuitry is actuated to prevent loading of the next green tire or article into the press. The invention also incorporates the method for detecting a leak by measuring the strength of the vacuum created upon removal of the spent curing fluid after each curing cycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1993Date of Patent: May 23, 1995Assignee: Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.Inventor: Rodney A. Martin, Sr.
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Patent number: 5393480Abstract: In a vulcanization press of the B.O.M. type, a vulcanization chamber has respective end edges (5a, 5b) connected to a disc (6) movable upon command of an actuator (8) and a disc (9) which is fixed relative to said actuator. The movable disc is fastened to a grasping head (17) provided with quick release pins (20), integral with the end of a drive rod (7) operable by a lower piston (11) contained in the actuator. The fixed disc is engaged by radially retractable latches (29) to a grasping ring (28) fastened to the actuator. The raising of the movable disc is stopped due to the chamber tensioning. The disc descent is stopped by two semi-cylindrical elements (12a, 12b) movable close to the drive rod, acting in abutment on an upper piston (15) contained in the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1992Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: Pirelli Coordinamento Pneumatici S.P.A.Inventor: Augusto Pizzorno
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Patent number: 5344295Abstract: A rim clearance adjusting device of a postcure tire inflator is capable of automatically adjusting a clearance between upper and lower rims, A vulcanized tire from a vulcanizer is filled with high-pressure air for inflating and cooling purposes. For these purposes there is installed a rotating screw member which holds the tire between the separable upper and lower rims, and moves the lower rim upwards and downwards between the lower rim and its support member. Also there is provided a sliding device for moving the lower rim, together with the support member thereof, between the lower position of the upper rim and the intermediate position on the vulcanizer side. And furthermore there is mounted a driving mechanism for driving the rotating screw member to the intermediate position.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1992Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko ShoInventors: Etsuro Watanabe, Katsumi Ichikawa, Yoshimata Maikuma
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Patent number: 5314648Abstract: A tire vulcanizing machine includes a bladder; an upper clamping ring for holding the upper end of the bladder; an upper clamping ring for holding the upper end of the bladder; a first lifting mechanism for vertically moving the lower clamping ring; a second lifting mechanism for vertically moving the upper clamping ring; a loader for holding a green tire so as to surround the bladder extended between the upper and lower clamping rings with the horizontal center plane of the green tire in coincidence with the middle point between the upper and lower ends of the bladder; a third lifting mechanism for vertically moving the loader; and a controller for controlling the operation of the first, second and third lifting mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1992Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko ShoInventors: Katsumi Ichikawa, Keiji Ozaki, Hisanori Ohshiba
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Patent number: 5256348Abstract: A system for controlling the shaping fluid pressure in tire bladders in a tire molding press which senses the fluid pressure in the bladder used to shape the tire being loaded into the tire press; compares the sensed fluid pressure in the bladder with the desired set point fluid pressure to be maintained in the bladder; and adjusts the fluid pressure in the bladder in response to the compared pressures to cause the fluid pressure in the bladder to be maintained at the desired set point fluid pressure.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1991Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Inventor: Michael V. Waller
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Patent number: 5240669Abstract: A method for vulcanizing an elastomeric product placed in a vulcanizing apparatus includes one step of supplying heating medium into the elastomeric product and another step of supplying pressurizing medium into the elastomeric product at a higher pressure than the heating medium, the two steps being performed one after another at least two times. This method can produce an elastomeric product having no bareness without increasing the vulcanizing time.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1990Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Michihito Kobayashi
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Patent number: 5238643Abstract: A method of vulcanizing an elastomer product such as a tire including placing the product in a mould, supplying a heating medium to the interior of the product to effect vulcanization, then supplying a pressurizing medium to the interior of the product. In this method the heating medium or the heated fluid mixture is exhausted or removed from the interior of the product at least once by opening an exhaust and simultaneously supplying a cooling pressurizing medium to cool the product to a required temperature level. The heating medium may be exhausted immediately after the completion of the heating medium supply process. The heated fluid mixture may be exhausted in and/or after the pressurizing medium supply process. Preferably the rate of exhaustion is limited by a control orifice. As a result the product is cooled without giving temperature differences in different parts of the product and avoiding unfavorable pressure drop so that efficient vulcanization with good homogeneity in the product results.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1992Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries LimitedInventor: Michihito Kobayashi
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Patent number: 5223273Abstract: A bladder control mechanism of a tire vulcanizer includes an actuating mechanism for moving a bladder holder and a bladder gripping bowl of an upper bladder clamp relative to one another. A spring of the control mechanism imparts a gripping force to the bladder holder. Therefore, no re-tightening is required while a bladder is in use. When the bladder is to be changed, the actuating mechanism is actuated to forcibly separate the bladder holder from the bladder gripping bowl in opposition to the spring. As a result, the bladder holder frees the edge portion of the bladder. Further, due to a bayonet connection, the bladder can be readily changed in a short time by turning and removing the bladder holder.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1991Date of Patent: June 29, 1993Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuhiko Irie, Toshifumi Murakami
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Patent number: 5221500Abstract: An in situ curometer has been developed to follow the cure of thick articles during molding, by measuring continuously the dynamic mechanical properties (shear modulus and loss angle). The apparatus is designed to provide cure data on curable articles such as rubber products and components in situ, during the curing of the article, to improve manufacturing cure efficiencies. The curometer is a small-scale version of an Oscillating Disk Rheometer, designed to operate through a mold wall. An approximate theoretical treatment has been developed to relate the observed torque and loss angle to the dynamic properties of the rubber compound.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1992Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Alan N. Gent, George S. Fielding-Russell, Ahmet Talug
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Patent number: 5055245Abstract: In a method of controlling a tire vulcanization by controlling a heat supply to a vulcanizing machine including a mold unit and a bladder unit, temperatures at points on a boundary between the mold unit and a tire are measured by means of temperature sensors, a temperature at a center post assembly of the bladder unit is measured by a temperature sensor arranged at the center post assembly. The method includes calculating temperature profiles within the tire from the measured temperatures by using the finite difference method, estimating vulcanization profiles within the tire from the temperature profile, deriving the least vulcanization within the tire from the vulcanization profiles, and producing a stop signal for the heat supply to the vulcanizing machine in accordance with the least vulcanization thus derived.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1989Date of Patent: October 8, 1991Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Hideo Hisatomi, Toshiro Iwata, Toshihide Kosoegawa, Kikuo Oka, Seizo Ichikawa, Kuninori Mitarai