Abstract: When a green tire is molded on a bladder in molding step and then carried into the mold of a vulcanizer in vulcanization step to vulcanization-mold the green tire, the upper bead and lower bead of the green tire are connected and fixed through a center post as they are retained by the bladder kept in the airtight state by an upper ring and a lower ring until the molded green tire has been carried into the mold of the vulcanizer, and a pressure gas is sealed into the bladder located in the internal space of the green tire to lay it in the expanded state, whereby the green tire can be carried between the steps and carried into the mold in the state maintaining a fixed shape. Accordingly, the deformation of the green tire can be prevented, and the slippage of supporting center of the green tire when set in the vulcanizer can be sufficiently reduced.

Abstract: A radial tire for motorcycles comprises a carcass extending between bead portions through a tread portion and sidewall portions, and a belt disposed radially outside the carcass in the tread portion and comprising two cross breaker plies of cords laid at angles of from 16 to 26 degrees with respect to the tire equator. And the method of making the radial tire comprises vulcanizing the tire in a mold which causes a variable stretch to the belt during vulcanizing the tire, wherein the stretch at the tire equator is in a range of from 6.0 to 7.0%, and the stretch gradually decreases from the tire equator to the axial edges of the belt. The stretch is defined as (BD2/BD1−1)×100 wherein BD1 is the inside diameter of the belt before tire vulcanization, and BD2 is the inside diameter of the belt during tire vulcanization.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire vulcanizing method for, using a bladder and a tire vulcanizing press, applying preheating and shaping to a green tire externally of the vulcanizing press, subsequently, applying vulcanizing and molding to the entire tire preheated by said vulcanizing press, whereby the time for restricting the tire by the tire vulcanizing press can be shortened, and the cycle time of the tire vulcanizing and molding can be shortened to improve the productivity.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for molding a tire (110) with a radially expandable bead molding ring (252). When expanded, the bead molding ring has a circumferentially continuous radially outward-facing surface (259) for molding the bead. The bead molding ring comprises a plurality of segments (254, 256), half of the segments being first segments (254) that are complementary to, and circumferentially alternated with second segments (256). The first segments are wedge shaped, having circumferentially lateral faces (255) that converge towards the radially outward-facing bead molding surface of the bead molding ring, the first segment lateral faces being planar and oriented in the axial direction; and the second segments have lateral faces (257) that are complementary to the first segment lateral faces, such that radially outward movement of the first segments (254) causes radially outward movement of the second segments (256). Guide rods (260) restrict first and second segments to radial movement (310) only.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vulcanizing method of a pneumatic bias tire having an aspect ratio Y of 25% or more and 55% or less from an unvulcanized tire, which comprises the step of expanding a rubber-made bladder from an inside of the unvulcanized tire in metallic molds, in which a bladder stretch ratio X of an outer diameter of the bladder when it is not expanded relative to a tire inner surface diameter, when the unvulcanized tire is pressed to the inner surfaces of the metallic molds by means of expansion of the bladder, is set in a range expressed by the following expression: X=&bgr;−Y/&agr;, where 0.37<&agr;<0.42, 310<&bgr;<320.

Abstract: A center post assembly for a tire curing press comprising a center post having a upper component disposed above a lower component. The upper component is movable between a first position wherein the upper component is adjacent to the lower component and a second position wherein the upper component is axially displaced away from the lower component and substantially adjacent to an upper bead of a green tire assembly. The center post assembly further includes a bladder sealingly clamped to the upper and lower components. The bladder is in fluid communication with a fluid supply. The upper component moves between said first and second positions due to expansion of the bladder caused by introduction of fluid into the bladder from the fluid supply allowing the bladder to evenly disperse on the inner surface of the green tire assembly substantially reducing the risk of the bladder being damaged by the mold as it closes.

Abstract: A method of inflation able to prevent peeling of an inner layer in a process of molding accompanied with inflation and deformation, in particular, a method of molding a hollow composite by giving deformation toward an inner surface of at least one composite member so as to cause it to laminate with another composite member, comprising giving the deformation and performing the molding by a pressurizing and heating medium.

Abstract: A method of molding an elastomeric article comprises: putting an elastomeric article in a mold; softening the elastomeric article in the mold by heating the elastomeric article; pressing the elastomeric article against the mold by pressurizing an inside of the elastomeric article by letting a fluid therein; and changing the pressure of said fluid in a short cycle so as to beat the elastomeric article against the mold repeatedly.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a carbon fiber composite material in which a series of carbon fibers are woven together and treated with a resin to form a sample or weave. The carbon fiber sample is then vacuumed, compressed and is cured to form a solid plank or board that is then cut, sanded and polished to form a finished product.

Abstract: The invention relates to expandable butyl rubber bladders for use in curing presses for hydrocarbon rubbers such as pneumatic tires. The bladders are a crosslinked elastomer comprising isobutylene repeat units and the bladder composition contains lecithin, particularly a modified lecithin, preferably in liquid form, dispersed within the bladder composition. The bladder composition may also contain castor oil, corn oil and/or soya-bean oil. The bladder composition may also contain at least one of graphite and polytetrafluoroethylene powder. The invention also relates to a method of curing tires by utilizing such butyl rubber bladder.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically spraying a mist of mold release into the confined space between a tire and an inflatable bladder in a tire molding machine so that the mold release covers the outer surface of the inflatable bladder and/or the interior surface of the tire and does not get onto the walls of the mold. In addition, bladder release is pre-sprayed onto the interior surface of the green tire prior to posititoning the green tire within the tire mold.

Abstract: Disclosed are expandable bladders for use in curing presses for rubber compositions such as pneumatic tires. The bladders are a crosslinked elastomer comprising an isobutylene rubbery polymer. The bladder composition includes alkylphenoxypoly(alkyleneoxy)-alkanol which improves the release characteristics of the cured bladder from a tire innerliner cured in contact with said bladder. The improved release characteristics allow rubber compositions such as tires to be molded with fewer defects caused during release of the bladder from the tires or caused by abraded or deformed bladders. The use of alkylphenoxypoly(alkyleneoxy)alkanol also increases the useful life time of the bladder allowing more tires to be cured without changing bladders.

Abstract: Expandable bladders for use in curing presses for hydrocarbon rubbers, such as pneumatic tires, are a crosslinked elastomer composition including isobutylene repeat units. When PTFE and/or graphite is present, they can be cured with brominated phenolic resins in shorter periods of time. The fluorinated ethylene polymer is added in particulate form and thereafter dispersed throughout the bladder. The fluorinated ethylene polymer may or may not form fibers. The bladders may further include graphite. The bladders generally have enhanced lubricity, reduced adhesion to cured tire innerliners, better resistance to cracking during flexing, and have lower tension set than similar compositions without fluorinated ethylene polymers. The above enhancements allow hydrocarbon rubbers such as tires to be molded with fewer defects caused by abraded or deformed bladders. They also enhance the useful life of the bladder reducing the cost of tire curing.

Abstract: When the wall and bottom of a steel casting and handling ladle are provided at the same time with a refractory monolithic lining, the lining in the lower area of the wall is often damaged during intermediate repairs of the bottom. According to a new process, wall and bottom are lined one after the other. A hose-like inflatable sealing body is secured to the bottom part of the template 4 when beginning to introduce the casting mass in the wall area and is inflated so that it seals the template 4 up to the height that corresponds to the desired thickness of the bottom. As soon as the casting mass in the lower wall area is sufficiently set, the sealing body 2 is deflated and removed, then the refractory casting mass is introduced into the bottom area up to the desired height. This process is suitable for steel casting and handling ladles and for similar metallurgical vessels.

Abstract: It was difficult until now to carry out intermediate repairs of monolithic refractory lining walls of steel casting and handling ladles when the slag area of the lining was worn before other areas. According to this new process for reconstructing the refractory lining in the upper area of the wall, repairs may be economically carried out in that the gap between the lower end of the template and the lining that projects under the area to be reconstructed is sealed by inflating a hose-like sealing body and by deflating again the sealing body before removing the template. This process is useful for steel casting and handling ladles and for similar metallurgical vessels.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and process is described in which a side wall mold insert is accessible and releasable from the interior of the molding apparatus. A fastener reversibly seats the side wall insert to the mold frame, the insert having an inclined rim wall for engaging a complementary-shaped wall of an adjacent tread mold piece. The process and apparatus facilitates the rapid replacement of a side wall mold insert without disassembly or cooling of the molding components.

Abstract: Mold for a tire or for an annular tread member of a tire, including a mullicity of sectors moving radially and closed by the axial displacement of a crown coming to act upon the frusto-conical sector seats, and of an annular element, midway between the crown and the sector seats, intended to permit axial retraction of the crown when the internal pressure in the cavity of the mold exceeds a given threshold of pressure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A release agent composition for tire molding applications that, when applied on the inner liner surface of an unvulcanized green tire, has a white color prior to vulcanization and a black to blackish-gray color after vulcanization. The release agent composition contains a diorganopolysiloxane that has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of at least 100 centistokes, an emulsifying dispersant, mica powder or talc powder, a powder having a melting point not exceeding 200.degree. C., and water.

Abstract: Expandable bladders for use in curing presses for hydrocarbon rubbers, such as pneumatic tires, are a crosslinked elastomer composition comprising isobutylene repeat units and including a fluorinated ethylene polymer added in particulate form and thereafter dispersed throughout the bladder. These fluorinated ethylene polymer may or may not form fibers. The bladders may further comprise graphite. A preferred isobutylene elastomer is a brominated copolymer of from 80 to 99 weight percent isobutylene and from 1 to 20 weight percent paramethylstyrene. The bladders have enhanced lubricity, reduced adhesion to cured tire innerliners, better resistance to cracking during flexing, and have lower tension set than similar compositions without fluorinated ethylene polymers. The above enhancements allow hydrocarbon rubbers such as tires to be molded with fewer defects caused by abraded or deformed bladders. They also enhance the useful life of the bladder reducing the cost of tire curing.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire the aspect ratio of which is not more than 50% has, for reinforcing a tread portion, a belt comprising at least two rubber coated cord layers having cords arranged obliquely at angles with respect to an equatorial plane of the tire of 26.degree. or more, and a belt reinforcing layer arranged outside the belt and comprising at least one organic fiber cord layer having cords arranged substantially parallel with respect to the equatorial plane of the tire. The tire is molded in a mold with a cross-sectional profile of a molded surface facing the tread portion having a radius smaller than that of a nominal tire cross-sectional profile by 1% or more of a section width of the tire and forming a convex curve to a cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating and stirring a charge of a heat-exchange fluid under pressure for the curing of tires in which both a turbine and an electric motor for driving the turbine are enclosed within a fluid-tight enclosure and in which the turbine and the rotor and stator of the electric motor are entirely immersed within the heat-exchange fluid.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a strip of white rubber which is added to the otherwise black tire sidewall. The strip is molded separately from the other tire components and is added to the unvulcanized tire at the tire curing press. The strip is pressed into a recess in the sidewall forming surface of the upper tire mold half by a carrier ring which swings into the tire press with the green tire loader. The strip of white rubber is then affixed to the tire during molding of the tire.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rubber article includes the steps of shaping a green article and blowing a solvent-free powdery release agent made of powder particles onto the green article in order to coat the green article with the release agent. The release agent contains at least 10% vulcanized rubber powder and a compound preventing rubber adhesion within the release agent. During blowing an electrostatic potential difference is provided between the green article and the release agent for driving the powder particles of the release onto the green article. The green article coated with the release agent is subsequently placed into a vulcanization mold where the green article is vulcanized.

Abstract: A tire vulcanization apparatus in which an encaser 3 makes it possible to introduce a tire into a mold 1 and, by means of inductors 42, transfers to the mold heat energy necessary for vulcanization and in which a chamber 5 receives several molds 1 and makes it possible to maintain each mold insulated from the environment in order to limit heat losses during the time necessary for the vulcanization.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon polymers with grafts of polyethers, polylactones, or polyesters from the reaction of phosgene with glycols having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms are disclosed as having good release properties or low adhesion to hydrocarbon rubber materials. The hydrocarbon backbone polymers include EPDM, hydrogenated polybutadiene, and hydrogenated poly(styrene-butadiene) all said polymers having pendant succinic anhydride groups or brominated p-methylstyrene-isobutylene copolymers. The above-referenced graft copolymers along with butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber or epichlorohydrin polymers or copolymers are described as useful polymers to make self-release curing bladders or sleeves for use in making molded articles such as pneumatic tires.

Abstract: Disclosed are expandable bladders for use in curing presses for rubber compositions such as pneumatic tires. The bladders are a crosslinked elastomer comprising an isobutylene rubbery polymer. The bladder composition includes corn oil which improves the release characteristics of the cured bladder from a tire innerliner cured in contact with said bladder. The improved release characteristics have been observed to allow rubber compositions such as tires to be molded with fewer defects caused during release of the bladder from the tires or caused by abraded or deformed bladders. The use of corn oil also has been observed to increase the useful life time of the bladder allowing more tires to be cured without changing bladders. A preferred isobutylene rubbery polymer is a brominated copolymer of isobutylene and p-methylstyrene. The bladder compositions have also been observed to have an enhanced flexibility due to the corn oil.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically spraying a mist of mold release into the space between a tire and a bladder in a tire molding machine so that the mold release covers the outer surface of the bladder or the interior surface of the tire and does not get onto the walls of the mold.

Abstract: Expandable bladders for use in curing presses for hydrocarbon rubbers such as pneumatic tires are a crosslink elastomer comprising isobutylene repeat units and include graphite. A preferred isobutylene elastomer is a brominated copolymer of isobutylene and p-methylstyrene. The bladders have enhanced lubricity, low adhesion to tire innerliners, and lower hot tension set. The above enhancements allow hydrocarbon rubbers such as tires to be molded with fewer defects caused by abraded or deformed bladders. They also enhance the useful life of the bladder reducing the cost of tire curing.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon polymers with grafts of polyethers, polylactones, or polyesters from the reaction of phosgene with glycols having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms are disclosed as having good release properties or low adhesion to hydrocarbon rubber materials. The hydrocarbon backbone polymers include EPDM, hydrogenated polybutadiene, and hydrogenated poly(styrene-butadiene) all said polymers having pendant succinic anhydride groups or brominated p-methylstyrene-isobutylene copolymers. The above-referenced graft copolymers along with butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber or epichlorohydrin polymers or copolymers are described as useful polymers to make self-release curing bladders or sleeves for use in making molded articles such as pneumatic tires.

Abstract: The peripheral ring of a sector mold for tires is formed of an assembly of plates 1 resting against each other and stacked in such a manner as to push each other back. The ring therefore has a continuous tendency to increase in diameter. This tendency is resisted, for instance, by a conical hoop which simultaneously pushes all the plates 1 radially in the molding direction.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a strip of white rubber which is added to the otherwise black tire sidewall. The strip is molded separately from the other tire components and is added to the unvulcanized tire at the tire curing press. The strip is pressed into a recess in the sidewall forming surface of the upper tire mold half by a carrier ring which swings into the tire press with the green tire loader. The strip of white rubber is then affixed to the tire during molding of the tire.

Abstract: The tire mold having a surface 5 of open porosity which covers at least in art certain of the molding surfaces 10 and 20 in order to assure the venting of the mold.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A tire mold having an upper mold section and a lower mold section with mold segments mounted for sliding movement radially and axially between molding positions and unloading positions of the tire. Springs are provided between the mold segments and the mold sections for urging movement of the mold segments into molding positions and permitting movement of the mold segments into unloading positions for releasing the tread portion of the tire so that it will not be damaged upon opening of the mold.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon polymers with grafts of polyethers, polylactones, or polyesters from the reaction of phosgene with glycols having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms are disclosed as having good release properties or low adhesion to hydrocarbon rubber materials. The hydrocarbon backbone polymers include EPDM, hydrogenated polybutadiene, and hydrogenated poly(styrene-butadiene) all said polymers having pendant succinic anhydride groups or brominated p-methylstyrene-isobutylene copolymers. The above-referenced graft copolymers along with butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber or epichlorohydrin polymers or copolymers are described as useful polymers to make self-release curing bladders or sleeves for use in making molded articles such as pneumatic tires.

Abstract: A method for vulcanizing a tire wherein firstly heating medium is blown toward a tire internal surface from a supply opening arranged at a position above an equator of the tire in a mold and secondary pressurizing medium is blown toward the tire internal surface from the supply opening, and an apparatus used therefor. By virtue of the method and the apparatus, in vulcanization, abnormal cooling at a lower bead of a tire is prevented and consequently a large temperature difference inside the tire is prevented, so that uniform vulcanization can be carried out to provide products having high quality. Further, prevention of the temperature difference makes it possible to shorten a time period required for vulcanization, to improve productivity, and to reduce energy loss.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An improved tire section repair unit for the repair of a damaged section of a tire. The repair unit includes two curved side walls pivotally connected to the base of the unit. A locking arm is provided that securely encloses the entire system of curved walls, base and internal air bag and heat pad arrangement situated about the tire under repair. The pivotable side wall design permits the repair of tires of varying sizes. A locking arm arrangement permits the use of lightweight side walls to enclose the system. As a result, the repair unit of the present invention is more transportable and less cumbersome to use.

Abstract: After loading a green tire in a tire vulcanizing machine and before shaping, bead portions of the green tires are centered relative to bead rings of upper and lower metal molds and are sequentially inserted into the bead rings precisely in parallel thereto by the same extendable/retractable sectors and chucks which are movable vertically. An apparatus preferable for practicing the aforementioned method includes a plurality of such sectors for centering and holding a bead portion of the green tire, slide and linkage mechanisms for extending and retracting chucks to which the sectors are mounted, and a cylinder mechanism for vertically moving the chucks so as to insert the bead portion of the green tire centered and held by the sectors into a bead ring of a tire metal mold.

Abstract: A tire molding system includes a mold having a surface defining a cavity for receiving and shaping an uncured tire. The uncured tire is pressed against the surface defining the cavity. Fluid is evacuated from between the uncured tire and the surface defining the cavity. A recess extends from the cavity for forming a marking on the sidewall of the tire. A passage fluidly communicates the recess with the exterior of the mold. The passage includes a first end portion adjacent the recess and a second end portion adjacent the exterior of the mold. The second end portion extends for a distance less than one-half of the total length of the passage. A restrictor is located entirely within the second end portion of the passage for restricting fluid flow through the passage during the evacuation of fluid and before the recess is sealed off from the cavity by the uncured tire when the uncured tire is pressed against the surface defining the cavity.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for the vectorial assembly of green tires (2) in a curing unit (4), whereby a processing unit (12), after performing a first step consisting in determining the origin of a tire (2), i.e. the machine on which it was produced, and the curing unit (4) in which it is to be cured, extracts memorized data relative to the asymmetry of the curing unit (4) and the average tire (2) produced on the machine, and positions the tire (2) angularly in relation to the curing unit (4) so as to compensate for both asymmetries according to a given program.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having improved high-speed running performances is manufactured by conducting vulcanization of a green tire with a mold provided at a position corresponding to a given position between neighborhood of shoulder portion and neighborhood of bead portion with at least one protrusion which protrudes inside the mold and continuously extends in the circumferential direction of the mold and consists of a first arc segment having a center of curvature located outside from the inner surface of the mold and second arc segments each having a center of curvature located inside from the inner surface of the mold and smoothly connecting to the first arc segment at upper and lower ends in the radial direction of the mold.