Abstract: Apparatus for curing tires or similar vulcanized products in a press or autoclave equipped with separable molds with inserted bladders, tubes, bags or bladderless center mechanisms, wherein means are provided to purge the high temperature hot water curing medium from the bladders and the like with inert gas prior to the introduction therein of cooling water, thereby conserving energy by avoiding mixing the hot water with the cold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing tires or similar vulcanized products in a press or autoclave equipped with separable molds with inserted bladders, tubes, bags, or bladderless center mechanisms. During the principal shaping and vulcanizing period of the tire curing cycle, the bladder is first filled with steam to conform the bladder and tire to the mold and begin the cure. The steam is then flushed and replaced with water at a high pressure and at a high temperature, or in some cases with high pressure steam and then such hot water, to continue pressure molding and curing of the tire. In the next phase of the curing cycle, inert gas at a high pressure is introduced to force the water from the bladder, without vaporization or significant loss of heat, back to storage facilities for subsequent reuse.