Abstract: An apparatus for vulcanizing at least a tread of a tire has a top mold section and a bottom mold section. The mold sections are secured to one another during a vulcanizing process by a plurality of locking mechanisms located around the outer circumference of the apparatus. Each locking mechanism includes a dual action hydraulic actuator. A piston rod of the hydraulic actuator imparts movement to a generally vertically oriented articulated linkage member. T-shaped projection located at an end of the articulated linkage member distal from the piston rod is brought into engagement with a securing member associated with the top mold section to secure the mold sections to one another. After the vulcanizing process is complete the hydraulic actuator imparts movement to the articulated linkage member to release the top mold section from the bottom mold section.

Abstract: A tear resistant shield for a segmented tire mold. The shield is removably positioned within a cavity formed in the outer surface of each tread segment of the mold to prevent tearing of the outer surface of each tread segment relative to the inner surface of the bowl of such segmented mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing large radial pneumatic tires using a plurality of like molds each having top and bottom mold sections provided with radially movable groove-defining tread segments which are automatically extended into a tire to be cured when the molds are positioned within an autoclave and which are automatically retracted when the molds are withdrawn from the autoclave to free the cured tire from its respective mold.

Abstract: A tear resistant shield for a segmented tire mold. The shield is removably positioned within a cavity formed in the outer surface of each tread segment of the mold to prevent tearing of the outer surface of each tread segment relative to the inner surface of the bowl of such segmented mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing large radial pneumatic tires using a plurality of like molds each having top and bottom mold sections provided with radially movable groove-defining tread segments which are automatically extended into a tire to be cured when the molds are positioned within an autoclave and which are automatically retracted when the molds are withdrawn from the autoclave to free the cured tire from its respective mold.

Abstract: A method of making a segmented mold utilizing a first number of matrix sections employed with a second number of inserts which cannot be equally divided by the number of matrix segments.

Abstract: A method of making a segmented mold utilizing a first number of matrix sections employed with a second number of inserts which cannot be equally divided by the number of matrix segments.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for molding an endless tractor track from an uncured belt and a plurality of drive lugs wherein the lugs are pressed onto the inner periphery of the belt, the belt and lugs are positioned in a mold to be cured and molded together while treads are formed on the outer periphery of the belt, and the completed belt is cooled and removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for molding an endless tractor track by wrapping uncured rubber, calendered cord and wire cable onto the rim of a building and curing drum, positioning the drum within a curing mold, withdrawing the drum from the mold, chilling the drum and then separating the parts of the drum to remove the completed tractor track.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for molding an endless tractor track from an uncured belt and a plurality of drive lugs wherein the drive lugs are urged into cavities formed in the inner segments of a molding press, partially final formed and pressed onto the inner periphery of the belt, the belt and lugs are positioned in the molding press to be cured and molded together while treads are formed on the outer periphery of the belt, the drive lugs are finally formed and the completed belt is cooled and removed from the molding press.

Abstract: Tubeless tire curing rim apparatus having rim bodies which telescope together under spring pressure to form an initial seal between a tire bead and sealing rim flanges on the rim bodies and which telescope apart as the tire is inflated to form the conventional bead rim seal. The bead-to-bead spacing for the tire is adjustable by means of calibrated threaded rings on the rim bodies or by a means of calibrated threaded central column.

Abstract: Tubeless tire curing rim apparatus having rim bodies which telescope together under spring pressure to form an initial seal between a tire bead and sealing rim flanges on the rim bodies and which telescope apart as the tire is inflated to form the conventional bead rim seal. The bead-to-bead spacing for the tire is adjustable by means of calibrated threaded rings on the rim bodies or by a means of calibrated threaded central column.

Abstract: Apparatus usable with a tire mold for curing large off-the-road tubeless tires having varying bead-to-bead spacing. The apparatus includes a lower barrel which supports a vertically moveable adjusting and locking ring on its upper portion and a single floating sealing ring telescopically slideably carried by the lower barrel. The lower barrel and sealing ring are formed with opposed sealing rims. A tire to be cured is interposed between the sealing rims and is then inflated so as to move the floating sealing ring upwardly and form a seal between the sealing rims solely by the resistance of the beads. The tire is then deflated and the assembly positioned in a tire curing mold. Thereafter, the tire is again inflated and the curing operation takes place.

Abstract: A quick-release lock system for tire curing apparatus. The apparatus includes a lower matrix that receives the lower part of a tire to be cured, and an upper matrix that receives the upper part of the tire to be cured. The upper matrix is vertically separable from the lower matrix to receive the tire. A plurality of lock arms are interposed between the upper and lower matrices to secure such matrices together during a tire curing operation. The tire cannot be inflated unless the lock arms are each firmly secured in place.

Abstract: Tire mold apparatus for vulcanizing a tread onto a tire casing. The apparatus utilizes matrix segments provided with grooves that receive tubing. Steam is passed through the tubing so as to heat the matrix segments. The tubing is rigidly joined to a steam-fitting block. Fracturing of the joint between the tubing and the block due to differences in thermal expansion is avoided by slidably mounting the fitting block relative to the matrix.