Abstract: A process is provided for vulcanizing a vulcanizable endless belt which is substantially V-shaped in cross-section, substantially uniformly, by heating the belt through its minor base and converging sides and then cooling the belt from its minor base and converging sides more rapidly than cooling of the major base. An apparatus for practicing the process has a drum and a substantially concentric jacket in spaced relation about the drum. An annular inflatable diaphram is disposed in the space between the drum and jacket. A belt to be vulcanized is placed in an annular groove in the drum, the diaphram is inflated to press the belt in the groove against the surfaces thereof. The surfaces of the groove facing the minor base and the converging sides are heated while the major base is flush with the surface of the drum and is not heated.

Abstract: A press for vulcanizing annular elements, in particular belts for motion transmission is provided. The press can be used to vulcanize belts having different dimensions and shapes. A device for varying the distance between the pulleys on which the belts are mounted for the vulcanization is separated from the vulcanizing device and provides for variation of the distance between the pulleys for loading and discharging the belts.