Abstract: A tire vulcanizing method includes a tire removal step for removing a vulcanized tire from a mold. The tire removal step includes a stage in which upper and lower side molds are moved inward in a tire axial direction so as to deform the vulcanized tire in a direction in which a bead width of the vulcanized tire is decreased, and a stage in which, in the deformed state of the vulcanized tire, the segments are moved outward in a tire radial direction so that the segments are removed from the vulcanized tire.

Abstract: A tire mold has a cavity with a flexible bladder disposed in a central portion of the cavity. The tire mold further includes a first ring connected to a first end of the flexible bladder, and a second ring connected to a second end of the flexible bladder. At least one of the first and second rings is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The flexible bladder is stretched to a maximum axial length when the first and second rings are in a first position. When the first and second rings are in the first position the sum of the first axial length and second axial length is greater than a space between the first ring and the second ring.

Abstract: A tire curing press for curing vulcanized tires includes an upper cavity part and a base that at least partially forms the lower cavity part. A movable platen is supported by the base that supports a tire mold section received within the upper cavity part. In various examples, an outer riser column is secured to the base and extends vertically upwards from the base to support the upper cavity part, a multi-height lock ring is disposed upon the base and is configured to interface with an annular flange of the upper cavity part via a bayonet connection, first and second cylinders are configured to apply a substantially equal squeeze pressure to the movable platen to thereby establish a final tire curing pressure within the press cavity, and/or a lock plate is carried by the upper cavity part and includes a locking surface for selective engagement with an abutment shoulder.

Abstract: A bladder monitoring apparatus and method for monitoring an inflatable bladder during curing of composite material in an autoclave. The bladder may be wrapped with composite material and have an impermeable membrane sealed around the composite material. The method may include the steps of fluidly coupling a vacuum port of the impermeable membrane with a vacuum source and fluidly coupling a vent of the bladder with a first port of a flow meter located outward of the autoclave. A second port of the flow meter may also be fluidly coupled with atmosphere within the autoclave. The method may then include evacuating air from within the impermeable membrane. If a flow above a threshold flow is detected by the flow meter, the leak in the bladder may be located and repaired or a valve of the flow meter between the first and second ports may be closed.

Abstract: A tire vulcanizer includes a support structure (13) which includes a platen portion (14); a guide member (31) which includes a flanged portion (33) in an end portion thereof so as to cause the flanged portion (33) to be detachably supported by a peripheral edge portion of a through-hole (25) formed in the platen portion (14); and a bag head (37) which is slidably inserted into the guide member (31). The bag head (37) includes a restriction member (70) which abuts on the guide member (31) and restricts displacement of the bag head (37) in an insertion direction in a case where the bag head (37) is inserted to a predetermined position set in advance with respect to the guide member (31). The restriction monitor (70) is detachable mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the bag head (37) to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for moulding and curing a green tyre includes a curing mould that includes a first sidewall plate and a second sidewall plate, with a ring of circumferential sectors circumscribing a mould cavity. The first sidewall plate is capable of coming into contact with a first annular fixing structure of the green tyre when the green tyre is inserted into the mould. The apparatus also includes at least a first bead moulding ring movable from a first contracted operating position to a second extended operating position, a second bead moulding ring movable from a first contracted operating position to a second extended operating position, and an expandable bladder delimited by a membrane associated for operation with the mould to exert a pre-moulding pressure which is lower than a moulding pressure to bring the first annular fixing structure into contact with the first sidewall plate.

Abstract: A tire vulcanization apparatus includes an upper container moving in a tire vulcanization position and a lower container moving between the tire vulcanization position and a shaping position, the lower container is provided with a bladder expanded/shrunk by supplying/discharging pressurized fluid from a fluid supplying apparatus, in the shaping position, a green tire is mounted on the lower container, and shaped by supplying pressurized fluid, and in the tire vulcanization position, the shaped green tire is held between the upper and lower containers and is vulcanized by supplying pressurized fluid to the bladder, a flow channel for supplying/discharging pressurized fluid from the fluid supplying apparatus to the bladder is comprised of a downstream side movable tube connected to the bladder and moving accompanied with the lower container, an upstream side fixed tube connected to the fluid supplying apparatus, and a tube for shaping made of a flexible tube to which the fluid supplying apparatus and the bladde

Abstract: A process for moulding and curing tyres, includes introducing a green tyre into a curing mould, the mould including a first sidewall plate and a second sidewall plate, a ring of circumferential sectors circumscribing a mould cavity, an expandable bladder delimited by a membrane, and at least one bead moulding ring which is movable between a first contracted operating position and a second extended operating position; and moulding and curing the green tyre in the curing mould; and between introducing the green tyre and moulding and curing it, the process includes extending the at least one bead moulding ring from the first contracted operating position to the second extended operating position; forming a circumferential bearing surface which bears against a first axially inner surface portion of a first annular fixing structure of the green tyre; pressing a second axially inner surface portion of the first annular fixing structure by expanding the membrane at a pre-moulding pressure which is lower than a mould

Abstract: A green tyre is built on a forming drum and then transferred to a bead moulding and pre-vulcanisation station where each bead of the tyre is moulded by tightening it between two axially opposite clamping surfaces respectively carried by an axially external annular locating element and an axially internal annular locating element consisting of radially expandable circumferential sectors. The tightened beads can be pre-vulcanised through heat supply by means of electric resistors integrated into the axially external annular locating elements. The tyre with the tightened and possibly pre-vulcanised beads is transferred to a moulding cavity having an inner wall substantially conforming to the shape of an outer surface of the moulded tyre to carry out moulding and complete vulcanisation of the tyre.

Abstract: A method of highly efficiently producing pneumatic tires, wherein both bead portions (B) of a green tire (G) are supported by a pair of holders (24, 50) and opposite axial ends of a bladder (25) are tightly attached to the holders (24, 50), respectively. The holders (24, 50) are joined to each other and a fluid is supplied into the bladder (25), to preliminarily inflate the bladder (25) within the green tire (G). The green tire (G) is transferred into a vulcanizer, together with the holders (24, 50) and the preliminarily inflated bladder (25). A heat medium is supplied into the bladder (25), to vulcanize the green tire (G) and form a vulcanized tire (K). The preliminary inflation of the bladder (25) at a location outside of the vulcanizer eliminates or shortens the waiting time within the vulcanizer, thereby improving the overall work efficiency and productivity at a tire factory.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-flammable and flame resistant polyolefin film. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a polyolefin containing a non halogen char forming additive to prevent flammability.

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: 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: 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: In a green tire charging apparatus for a tire vulcanizing machine according to the present invention, provision is made such that a vertically movable chuck body is inserted into a tire, chuck segments which are synchronously slidable in the radial direction are expanded to concentrically hold an upper bead portion by upper projections of centering rods, the chuck body is raised to insert the upper bead portion into an upper bead ring of a metal mold, subsequently the upper bead portion is held by holder arms of holders, the chuck body is lowered to hold a lower bead portion of the tire by lower projections of the centering rods, and the lower bead portion is inserted into a lower bead ring of the metal mold. Owing to the above-mentioned the upper and lower bead portion of provision, even a deformed green tire can be surely set on the upper and lower bead rings, respectively, of the metal mold.

Abstract: A bladder bladderless-type dual-purpose tire vulcanizer wherein a lower center mechanism for the bladder type and a lower center mechanism for the bladderless type are interchangeably mounted on a lower platen which supports a lower half of a mold. An upper center mechanism for the bladderless type is vertically movably mounted, between an operating position and an upper waiting position, on an upper plate which supports an upper half of the mold. An upper bead ring for the bladder type and an upper bead ring for the bladderless type are interchangeably mounted on the upper half of the mold. Furthermore the lower center mechanism is provided with a lower bead ring, and upper and lower domes for enclosing and clamping the upper and lower platens.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a standing well post type center mechanism in a tire press which comprises a bladder well disposed vertically liftably in the center of the tire press, the bladder well comprising a bead ring at the upper end thereof, an upper clamp ring assembly for holding the upper end of a bladder, the upper clamp ring assembly disposed concentrically with the bladder well and being vertically liftable independently of the bladder well, and a lower clamp ring assembly concentrical with the upper clamp ring assembly and vertically liftable independently of the bladder well and the upper clamp ring assembly, wherein an air cylinder for lifting the upper clamp ring assembly is disposed liftably in the bladder well, the upper clamp ring assembly is fitted to the upper end of a piston rod in the air cylinder, the lower clamp ring assembly is fitted to the upper end of the air cylinder, and the lower end of the air cylinder is constrained engageably and disengageably through a stopper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tire vulcanising press wherein a plurality of sectors provided for gripping the upper bead of a green tire loaded in position between a pair of upper and lower die elements to carry the green tire in a suspended condition will not form an obstruction to an elastic forming member for shaping. The tire vulcanizing press includes an inner cylinder mounted for up and down movement on the upper die element and having at a lower end portion thereof a bead ring which is capable of forming part of the upper die element, and a sector housing mounted for up and down movement in the inner cylinder and carrying thereon the sectors for movement between an open position and a closed position. The upper bead of the green tire can be gripped between the bead ring and sectoral portions of the sectors, and the sectoral portions of the sectors are accommodated in the lower end portion of the inner cylinder when the sectors are in the closed position.

Abstract: A bag control mechanism (or center mechanism) for a tire press in which cross flow of curing medium from the inlet to the outlet is prevented. The center mechanism includes a cylindrical casing having a piston rod reciprocable therein, and an annular fluid distribution member comprising a hub and a distribution cap at the upper end of the casing. The hub has a central bore of larger diameter than that of the piston rod, and inlet and outlet passageways for a curing medium, on opposite sides of the bore. The hub may also have passageways which permit sensing of a condition such as temperature within the tire press. The hub also has lateral passageways from the bore to the outlet passageway, and from the outside surface of the hub to the outlet passageway. The inlet passageway is separated from the bore by a portion of the hub's body. The distribution cap has an opening or passageway aligned with the inlet passageway of the hub, and a cut-out portion aligned with the outlet passageway of the hub.

Abstract: The known center mechanism in a tire vulcanizing machine is improved in that the center mechanism comprises condensate ejection means which can be accommodated within a member disposed in the center mechanism and which can be moved between the member and a condensate stagnating portion, a sleeve movable vertically within an upper ring by an operation of a pneumatic cylinder and adapted to be engaged with a part of the upper ring at its end portion to restrain a raised position of the upper ring, whose fixed height with respect to a rod of the pneumatic cylinder is variable, and a rotary member for restraining the position of the lower ring, whose engagement length with a receiving plate for the lower ring can be varied by continuous rotation thereof, and which can be fitted to and disengaged from a support member therefor through rotation by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A split mold type tire curing mold includes a plurality of sectors mounted on the mold base and movable radially inwardly to a closed position wherein the sectors cooperate to form a closed ring for exerting an inwardly directed force on the periphery of a tire during curing of the tire, the outer surface of the ring being generally cylindrical in shape, and a closing ring carried by the mold top includes an annular base portion which is moved into engagement with the sectors as the mold top is lowered during closing of the mold, the annular base portion having movably mounted on the lower peripheral edge thereof a plurality of wedge members, one for each sector, which are positioned to engage the cylindrical outer surfaces of the sectors and are then driven radially inward by the closing ring to drive the sectors to and maintain them at their closed position during the tire curing process.

Abstract: Virtually inextensible V drive belts are manufactured from a sleeve of rubber containing substantially longitudinal polymer stability supports by vulcanizing the sleeve on a tubular former and immediately sealing the sleeve and former inside a sleeve member and thereafter while the sleeve is still warm stretching the belt sleeve radially by application of pressure medium between the former and the sleeve. The belt sleeve is then cooled under tension and cut into individual belts.

Abstract: A rod gland (28) has axially extending inlet and outlet grooves (64,66) at circumferentially spaced positions on a cylindrical outer surface (34) and is provided with an annular seal (60) for preventing leaks between the grooves (64,66). The annular seal (60) is positioned in a groove (59) between an adapter hub (36) and a lower clamping ring hub (38) surrounding and in sliding engagement with the cylindrical outer surface (34) of the rod gland (28) so that at the inlet and outlet grooves (64,66) the sealing is on three sides of the annular seal (60) and between the grooves (64,66) the sealing is on four sides of the annular seal (60).

Abstract: A device for rapidly disassembling an extractor unit from the driving mechanism of a press for vulcanizing pneumatic tires is positioned on the lower part of the open vulcanizing mould, while the extractor unit comprises a body of a substantially annular shape apt to be fixed to a mobile shaft of the vulcanizing press through first connecting means comprising a first set of radial teeth obtained on said shaft and a second set of radial teeth obtained on said body and able to cooperate with said teeth of the first set to block the body with respect to the shaft in consequence of a rotation of the former with respect to the latter; the device comprises also dragging means including a disc which rotates in consequence of the action of a lever, hand operated, said disc is provided with a plurality of stakes whose axis is parallel to the axis of said body, said dragging means being able to cooperate with said extractor unit so that said stakes are inserted into holes of said body to make this latter rotate with re

Abstract: A mold clamp mechanism for a tire press with upper and lower molds, the clamp mechanism including a plurality of rod locking holes formed around the press center of the upper and/or lower mold; a corresponding plurality of clamp rods vertically received in rod receptacle holes in a fixed mold support structure, each clamp rod having a T-shaped head portion protrudable into a locking hole in the mold and lockable therein when the clamp rod is turned a 90 degree angle; a drive cylinder having rod operating arms connected to the piston rod thereof for movements toward and away from the clamp rod; rod rotating members mounted on the clamp rod and on one of the rod operating arms and engageable with each other when the piston rod is advanced toward the clamp rod to turn the same a 90 degree angle; and rod pull members mounted on the clamp rod and the rod operating arms and engageable with each other when the piston rod is further advanced toward the clamp rod after a 90 degree angle of rotation so as to clamp the

Abstract: A tire curing press with an improved loader includes a shaping or center mechanism which includes a vertically movable well on which is mounted the bottom bead or toe ring. The press includes a loader of improved design affording precision centering and accuracy which is driven for vertical movement by a ball screw and nut drive which positions the green tire concentric with the upper and lower mold sections and over the bottom bead ring. The loader then moves the green tire downwardly until the lower bead of the green tire reaches a predetermined point touching or fairly closely adjacent the elevated bead ring. Simultaneously, an adjustable pad on the loader contacts the tip of an extended rod of a vertically oriented synchronizer piston-cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A loader for a tire curing press comprising a support, a loader frame mounted to the support for vertical and horizontal movement, a loader basket mounted to the loader frame for engaging, holding and releasing a tire, a first actuator for vertically moving the loader frame, a second actuator for horizontally moving the loader frame into and out of the press when open, and a mechanical guide for guiding the loader frame from an over-center position in the press to a center position as the loader frame is moved vertically in the press. The loader frame is supported on a spline shaft for movement therealong and rotation therewith by ball bushings riding in the grooves of the spline split. The loader basket comprises a plurality of generally radially movable shoes, an adjustable stop for limiting radial movement of each shoe and an adjustment mechanism for simultaneously and uniformly adjusting the adjustable stops.

Abstract: A pop-up, rotating nozzle in a tire curing press provides for dispersed and uniform introduction of fluid media into the upper containment portion of a curing and shaping bladder during tire cure and cooling, and yet allows for relatively close spacing of upper and lower bladder clamps such as during bladder insertion and stripping operations. The nozzle has an outlet head in communication with the interior of the bladder and a supply stem mounted in a lower bladder clamp and porting assembly of the press for both axial and rotational movement. The nozzle is movable against a spring biasing force by the upper bladder clamp to a lowermost retracted position which allows the bladder clamps to be axially spaced apart a distance substantially less than their axial spacing during cure.

Abstract: The mold halves of a tire press are provided with sensors which determine the contact times of a green tire at certain points on the mold surfaces. The timing so obtained is processed by a microprocessor to determine the run-out profile of the tire. The data is further used for determining the average gap between the green tire and the mold surfaces both at the time of mold closure and at the time of first contact between the green tire and the mold surfaces. This data is then used to regulate the closure rate of the mold halves and/or the inflation rate of the green tire. The sensors contemplated include pressure switches, vacuum switches, microswitches, linear variable differential transformers, and thermocouples.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method of manufacturing low aspect radial tires. The radial tires are mounted upon a bladder assembly during the time from the assembly of the tread reinforcing structure with the carcass until the vulcanization of the tire in a mold. Restrictor band material is wrapped around the tire to prevent circumferential growth of the tire beyond a predetermined diameter, so that the tire will not become too large to fit into the mold.

Abstract: A tire loader for supplying a green tire into a vulcanizing press, comprising a plurality guide tracks extending radially outwardly, a plurality of grippers movably mounted on the guide tracks, respectively, for gripping a bead of the green tire in contact therewith, a plurality of fluid cylinders having rods connected respectively to the grippers and actuatable for moving the grippers along the guide tracks, and a stop for limiting the radially outward movement of the grippers along the guide tracks.

Abstract: A simple inexpensive modification of existing tire molds used in old steam dome vulcanizing presses provides remarkable versatility and permits curing of truck and farm tractor tires at higher temperatures with higher internal water pressures to reduce curing times 5 to 10% or more while improving tire quality. A thin, flat heat exchanger with outstanding heat transfer characteristics is readily provided on each mold half by welding a flat outer disc and spacers to the mold to form an annular steam chamber of narrow cross section in direct communication with the outer mold face and the vent passages.

Abstract: A radial tire having an annular cavity is built with precision and positioned between the upper and lower mold sections of a tire press. An upper center mechanism has an inflatable clamping bladder for gripping the upper bead of the tire which is suspended from the center mechanism to insure orientation of the tire components in substantially the built condition of the tire. The upper center mechanism including the upper bead ring and clamping bladder is lowered to grip and center the upper bead on the upper bead ring. The lower bead is positioned over the lower bead ring and sealing air may be utilized to provide the necessary centering and seating. The sealing air in the tire cavity is maintained at a pressure sufficient to hold the beads in seating engagement with the bead rings while the curing bladder is being inserted in the tire cavity and while the clamping bladder is deflated and retracted with the center support assembly from the tire cavity.

Abstract: A method for restoration and re-utilization of discharged gas for use in a vulcanization employing inert gas in part of the vulcanization of elastomer products, which includes the steps of restoring a mixture of used inert gas discharged from a vulcanizing unit and vulcanizing medium for steam separation thereof, subjecting the elastomer product mounted in a metal mold to a preshaping by supplying the inert gas obtained by the steam separation to the vulcanizing unit prior to starting of the vulcanization, and subjecting the inert gas obtained by the steam separation to supplementary pressurization by inert gas obtained from an inert gas generating unit when the inert gas is to be supplied to the vulcanizing unit, and also an arrangement for carrying out the above method in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A tire curing press has a loader assembly comprising a bead grip for engaging and lifting the axial interior of the upper bead of a green tire and a tread positioning ring movable axially to an adjusted position to engage the tire tread shoulder and to force a predetermined distance between the upper bead and tread to identify precisely the transaxial middle or crown plane of the tread. The loader includes means to swing the bead grip and tread register from a tire pick-up position to a load position centered in the press and to position the lower bead of the green tire on or close to a movable toe ring, and then to lower the bead grip, tread register and toe ring uniformly with the green tire held open and firmly therebetween to match the transaxial middle plane of the tread to that of a bladder mounted in a center mechanism in the press by independently movable top and bottom bladder bead clamps.

Abstract: A dual cavity hydraulic tire press utilizes a single long stroke piston-cylinder assembly vertically positioned substantially in line with the center of gravity of the vertically movable upper mold sections, the latter being supported on the underside of the outer ends of a shallow V-shaped beam which is mounted for vertical movement on a readily removable column or post. In the closed position of the press the top mold cavities are locked to the base of the press by rotatable bayonet locks. Four short stroke hydraulic clamp piston-cylinder assemblies are positioned beneath each bottom mold section to achieve clamping pressure during cure. In one embodiment mechanical stops may be provided to achieve mold height adjustment and to preclude the molds opening significantly upon loss of fluid pressure to the clamping piston-cylinder assemblies. In another embodiment the clamp-piston-cylinder assemblies are mechanically adjusted to obtain the proper position for mold height adjustment.

Abstract: An improved process for vulcanization of elastomer products which includes the steps of heating under pressure, the elastomer product mounted in a metal mold by supplying vulcanizing medium, suspending the supply of the vulcanizing medium when the elastomer product has reached a predetermined temperature or passed through a predetermined time period, and subsequently supplying insert gas preliminarily extracted from atmospheric air and maintained at least under approximately the same pressure as that of the vulcanizing medium, up to the termination of the heating step so as to maintain the elastomer product at the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An improved process for vulcanization of elastomer products which includes the steps of heating under pressure, the elastomer product mounted in a metal mold by supplying vulcanizing medium, suspending the supply of the vulcanizing medium when the elastomer product has reached a predetermined temperature or passed through a predetermined time period, subsequently supplying inert gas preliminarily extracted from atmospheric air and maintained at least under approximately the same pressure as that of the vulcanizing medium, up to the termination of the heating step so as to maintain the elastomer product at the predetermined temperature, and, upon termination of said heating step, restoring a mixture of the inert gas and the vulcanizing medium so as to derive the inert gas through steam separation for re-utilization of the inert gas for a preshaping of the elastomer product prior to the vulcanization of the elastomer product and the like.

Abstract: The specification describes a tire vulcanizer adapted for use in performing the shaping and curing operation of a green tire efficiently and safely. The vulcanizer is characterized by means for lifting or lowering an upper ring, which includes a rotary means consisting of a ball screw shaft and nut cylinder, and a mechanism adapted to render said ball screw shaft rotate freely upon receiving a signal which is generated upon the completion of the shaping and curing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for vulcanizing a vehicle tire comprises upper and lower platens supporting mold shell sections which when mounted one on the other form a mold enclosing a mold cavity. The upper platen is moved first vertically and then laterally with respect to the lower platen by a bull gear crank. A vulcanizing bladder is stretched by a piston rod of a fluid-dynamic piston-cylinder assembly through the opening of a vehicle tire casing disposed in the mold cavity to facilitate loading of the casing in the mold cavity.The apparatus is also provided with a second fluid actuated piston-cylinder assembly to move the upper platen while maintaining the bladder standing sufficiently, in relation to the lower plane of the mold, in such a way as to adapt the press even for unloading tires having dimensions larger than those of the usual tires for which the apparatus was originally built.

Abstract: A dual cavity hydraulic tire press utilizes a single long stroke piston-cylinder assembly vertically positioned substantially in line with the center of gravity of the vertically movable upper mold sections, the latter being supported on the underside of the outer ends of a shallow V-shaped beam which is mounted for vertical movement on a readily removable column or post. In the closed position of the press the top mold cavities are locked to the base of the press by rotatable bayonet locks. Four short stroke hydraulic clamp piston-cylinder assemblies are positioned beneath each bottom mold section to achieve clamping pressure during cure and are provided with extended coolant passages between the clamp actuating fluid and the heat of the mold cavity to preclude degradation of the fluid employed.

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 bladder leak and rupture detector employs a low level flow sensor for detecting both bladder leaks and ruptures. False failure signals are avoided by a dual mode logic circuit which monitors for bladder leaks or low level failures only during a preselected portion of the curing cycle and at other times requires sustained flow through the sensor for a predetermined time to indicate bladder ruptures or high level failures. In either case, a warning signal is generated and the cycle may be interrupted to prevent loadng of a next tire into the curing press. Leakage flow passages may be provided for both upper and lower portions of the tire mold cavity to ensure detection of leaks, and vent passages with shut-off valves are provided to facilitate low level leak detection.

Abstract: An automatic press for tire retreading is described which comprises a basic fixed stamp or mold, a plurality of movable radial sectors cooperating with the stamp or mold, and a vertical axis frame jointed to the fixed stamp. The frame is substantially shaped as a double bell and has a suitable radial opening. Along the edges of the frame, the perimetrical borders of a band which is comparable to an opened air tube, are fixed by means of annular elements; the air tube is blown-up through the air space defined by the bell frame by means of a valve. A suction valve which allows the air to be exhausted from the chamber without the necessity of providing for a pump is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a partially shaped, uncured tire carcass and a tire curing bladder of a lower half-section of a vulcanization mold relative to one another, is disclosed. The apparatus includes the lower half-section of a vulcanization mold from which an inflatable, tire curing bladder extends axially upwardly, the bladder being axially and radially expansible and contractible. A bladder-controlling piston rod is associated with the lower half-section and is used to axially elongate the bladder and thereby radially contract the latter. A circumferentially expansible-contractible tire carcass transporter is associated with the lower half-section and is effective to position a generally toroidally shaped, uncured tire carcass concentrically around the bladder, with the lower bead of the tire in contact with the upper inner surface of the lower half-section. A downwardly projecting cylinder and piston rod assembly is carried concentrically in and by the tire carcass transporter.

Abstract: In a tire mold press having a steam dome defining a chamber in which steam applies heat to the exterior of a tire mold, condensate which accumulates in the top center plate is simply and effectively removed after the end of the curing cycle and before the mold is opened by a passage through the top center plate controlled by a valve opened in response to a reduction of pressure acting on the lower surface of the plate as the tire cavity is emptied. The costs and hazards of removal of condensate or of operating and maintaining siphons are avoided. The foregoing abstract is not to be taken as limiting the invention of this application, and in order to understand the full nature and extent of the technical disclosure of this application, reference must be made to the accompanying drawing and the following detailed description.

Abstract: An upper half of a mold for vulcanization of tires mounted on a vulcanization press machine is composed of an inner mold portion and an outer mold portion. The contacting face of the outer mold portion to the inner mold portion is tapered to allow a downward movement of the inner mold portion independent of the outer mold portion. With the downward movement of the inner mold portion, the tire is easily separated from the outer mold portion due to deformation.

Abstract: Leak-detecting apparatus for a tire-vulcanizing press which is extremely sensitive and is capable of monitoring minute leaks in a diaphragm or bag in the region of the bottom of the bag susceptible to cracking and removed from the vicinity of the leak-detecting apparatus which ordinarily is at a top plate of the press. The apparatus includes temperature-sensitive resistive means in a normally balanced bridge circuit which is unbalanced by leakage fluid from the diaphragm for indicating a malfunction of the press and also includes a check valve for preventing air from outside the press from entering the vicinity of the temperature-sensitive resistive means.

Abstract: A tire curing press which includes a center mechanism projecting from the bottom mold section, such center mechanism including a top movable clamping plate supporting the open upper end of a shaping bladder, and a chuck in the top mold section interfitting between the bead ring on the top mold section and the top plate on the center mechanism, when the press is closed, the chuck including toe portion adapted to fit under the bead of the cured tire, a conical skirt portion centering the I.D. of the tire bead shortly after the press begins to open, and a heel portion adapted to bear against the bladder as the chuck opens. The cured tire is then under the control of the chuck and is maintained centered as the tire is stripped from the mold sections and the bladder from the tire. The bladder may be stripped from the tire by vertically elongating the bladder with the chuck remaining in contact with the top plate.

Abstract: Device for centering and positioning the upper bead of a horizontally disposed crude tire around a bead ring provided centrally of the upper, vertically movable portion of the mold in a vulcanizing press of the type comprising a set of radial segments disposed in a central cavity in the upper mold portion, said segments having their operative ends shaped to constitute together a tapered centering member; a vulcanizing bladder is firstly inflated moderately in order to push said upper bead against said tapered centering member, whereafter said segments are allowed to retract radially and rise in said cavity under the bladder pressure until the upper bead is force fitted around the bead ring.