Sectional Female Mold Including Locking Or Clamping Assembly Means Patents (Class 425/47)
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Patent number: 7665977Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for vulcanizing rubber, particularly for vulcanizing the ends of endless rubber belts. The apparatus disclosed herein is a lightweight and portable steam heated vulcanization apparatus which comprises upper and lower platens comprising hollow bodies having a rigid outer wall and a flexible inner wall and adapted to receive steam therein and transmit heat and pressure to a rubber belt placed between the flexible inner walls of the platens. A steam source is connected to the platens for delivery of steam and a plurality of connecting bolts pass through apertures in the platens and the belt material therebetween to align the platens and secure them together so as to apply pressure to the belt in combination with heat for optimal vulcanization.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Inventor: John G. Price
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Publication number: 20100009020Abstract: A curing mold (1) for a tyre (2). The curing mold (1) is in the form of a hollow cylinder, and has two parallel opposite sidewalls (3) defining the base walls of the curing mold (1) and having respective inner retaining surfaces (4); and a number of lateral sectors (5) arranged successively to define the cylindrical lateral wall of the curing mold (1). Each sidewall (3) has at least one seat (7) formed through the inner retaining surface (4), at the outer edge of the inner retaining surface (4); a movable member (8) housed inside the seat (7) and movable between an extracted position, in which the movable member (8) projects at least partly from the seat (7), and a withdrawn position, in which the movable member (8) is housed completely inside the seat (7); and at least one elastic push member for pushing the movable member (8) out of the seat (7) into the extracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2007Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: Bridgestone CorporationInventor: Roberto Dipilato
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Patent number: 7637727Abstract: A sector is provided with a plurality of pieces divided in a tire circumferential direction, a back segment supporting a plurality of pieces, and an elastic body interposed between end surfaces in the tire circumferential direction of the pieces. In an unheated state before curing, since clearances C1 to C3 are provided between the piece and the back segment, and the piece is slidable in the tire circumferential direction, it is possible to suitably adjust a gap between the pieces to a uniform state without any deviation. Further, in a heated state at a time of curing, since the clearances C1 to C3 are reduced by a thermal expansion of the piece, and the piece is fixed to the back segment, the piece does not slide in the tire circumferential direction, and it is possible to prevent an attrition and a galling of the piece from being generated early.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaki Hyodo
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Patent number: 7628599Abstract: A segmented mold 2 for molding a tire 100 is described which has a central axis; plurality of radially movable tread forming segments; two sidewall forming plates, a top sidewall forming plate 8, and a bottom sidewall forming plate 6; a top locking ring 10 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 30 for locking the segments 4, each opening for locking 30 providing a predetermined angular path 75 for radially contracting the segments 4 upon closing the mold 2 in a locked position. The segmented 2 mold for molding a tire 100 further has a bottom locking ring 20 having a complementary plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 30 for locking the segments 4, each opening for locking 30 providing a predetermined angular path for radially contracting the segments 4 upon closing the mold.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Jean-Claude Girard, Michael Thomas Driscoll, Mark Anthony Sieverding
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Publication number: 20090160096Abstract: A tire unloading apparatus for separating a cured tire from a toroidally shaped segmented core body configured to carry the cured tire includes a plurality of tire engaging paddle mechanisms positioned in a spaced apart circular array defining a cured tire receiving central opening, the cured tire mounted to a core body. The paddle mechanisms operatively move between a radially outward tire release position and a radially inward tire gripping position. The tire unloading apparatus further includes a core segment manipulating apparatus operative to move individual core segments from a radially outward tire supporting core body position to a radially inward segment removal position. A plurality of segment support arms forming a circular array below the tire receiving opening are in an operative location to support respective core body segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: William Dudley Currie, Dennis Alan Lundell, David Alan Henthorne, Mary Beth Dombrosky
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Publication number: 20090162463Abstract: A segmented mold comprising a plurality of segments is provided. The segments are arranged to form an annular cavity to mold a tire, the segments comprising an inner face for molding the tread, and an outer radial surface. The mold further includes a plurality of slide blocks located radially outwards of the segments. Each slide block may have flanged ends and an inner cavity for receiving a segment therein. One or more channels are provided between each segment outer surface and the adjacent slide block inner surface forming a fluid passageway, wherein each fluid passageway is joined together by a fluid connector to form a fluid manifold for circulating a fluid medium. Steam may be circulated in the fluid manifold during curing of the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Yacine Ouyahia, Nicolas Daniel Dumont, Christophe Jean Alexix Pierre
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Publication number: 20090162465Abstract: Profile segments of a vulcanizing mold each contain a basic body which has a profiled forming area on an inner side. A multiplicity of bimaterial rods that are aligned parallel to one another are arranged in each profile segment pressing die such that the longitudinal axes of the bimaterial rods are aligned approximately perpendicular to the forming area surface. The bimaterial rods each contain a core of a filling material disposed parallel to a longitudinal axis. A layer surrounding the core is parallel to the longitudinal axis and is formed of loosely bound—together metal powder, and that, to obtain a green profile segment part, the bimaterial rods are pressed in the pressing die and that the green part is subsequently subjected to a sintering process, by which the filling material can be removed, so that micro channels, that are arranged approximately perpendicular to the forming area remain.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: CONTINENTAL AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Inna Komornik, Magnus Hassellof
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Publication number: 20090162464Abstract: A mold for vulcanizing an unvulcanized tire blank comprises: two axial members each carrying a molding surface for molding a sidewall of the tire, at least one of the axial members being movable between a position for molding the sidewall and a position for unmolding the tire; at least one molding member for molding a channel in a tread of the tire, the molding member being movable between a channel-molding position and a channel-unmolding position; and axial movement means for axially moving the channel-molding member between its molding and unmolding positions. The axial movement means include releasable connection means between the channel-molding member and the axial member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Cedric DELBET, Olivier Lauwers, Gerard Alegre, Jose Merino-Lopez, Jean-Claude Desvignes
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Patent number: 7481257Abstract: A pneumatic tire is cured and molded by a sectional type tire mold including an annular side mold section having a tread forming surface for forming a tread surface, the side mold section comprising a plurality of sectors into which the side mold section is divided along a circumferential direction of the side mold section. A tread surface, which has first regions formed by sector divisional position vicinity regions of the side mold section and second regions formed by sector divisional position distant regions of the side mold section, has lands defined by at least one circumferential groove which extends in a circumferential direction of the tire. Sipes which extend from the at least one circumferential groove into at least one of the lands with their extension ends located within the at least one land are disposed at predetermined intervals along the tire circumferential direction. The sipes comprise first sipes in the first regions and second sipes in the second regions.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: The Yokahama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomoyuki Matsumura
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Publication number: 20080305196Abstract: In a tire curing forming mold in which an annular mold portion brought into contact with a tread portion of a tire is constructed by sectors divided in a tire circumferential direction, an end portion of the sector is constructed by a piece attachable to and detachable from a sector main body, and the piece is structured to include all ridge lines between an end surface of the sector and a tread forming surface provided on an inner peripheral side of the annular mold portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshikazu Yasunaga
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Publication number: 20080299241Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for vulcanizing rubber, particularly for vulcanizing the ends of endless rubber belts. The apparatus disclosed herein is a lightweight and portable steam heated vulcanization apparatus which comprises upper and lower platens comprising hollow bodies having a rigid outer wall and a flexible inner wall and adapted to receive steam therein and transmit heat and pressure to a rubber belt placed between the flexible inner walls of the platens. A steam source is connected to the platens for delivery of steam and a plurality of connecting bolts pass through apertures in the platens and the belt material therebetween to align the platens and secure them together so as to apply pressure to the belt in combination with heat for optimal vulcanization.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: John G. Price
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Patent number: 7459117Abstract: A segmented mold 2 for molding a tire 100 is described which has a central axis; plurality of radially movable tread forming segments; two sidewall forming plates, a top sidewall forming plate 8, and a bottom sidewall forming plate 6; a top locking ring 10 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced means 30 for locking the segments 4, each means for locking 30 providing a predetermined angular path 75 for radially contracting the segments 4 upon closing the mold 2 in a locked position. The segmented 2 mold for molding a tire 100 further has a bottom locking ring 20 having a complementary plurality of circumferentially spaced means 30 for locking the segments 4, each means for locking 30 providing a predetermined angular path for radially contracting the segments 4 upon closing the mold.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Jean-Claude Girard, Michael Thomas Driscoll, Mark Anthony Sieverding
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Patent number: 7442335Abstract: A tire press has an upper mold fixedly attached to a top plate. A bottom mold is fixedly attached to a bottom plate. The tire press has a plurality of guide posts adapted to maintain proper alignment of the upper mold and the lower mold as the tire press opens and closes. A plurality of lock rods, which are independent of the guide posts, are positioned about the tire press. Each of the lock rods has a first end and a second end. The lock rods may have an adjustment mechanism positioned on the first end of the lock rods to adjust the various mold heights. Locking means are a part of the tire press, which are adapted to selectively engage the second end of the lock rods. Further, each of the lock rods has cylinder mechanism operatively connected to the locking means. The cylinder mechanism is adapted to force the locking means to the surface of the lock rods. The cylinder mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder having the piston disposed within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Inventor: John R. Cole
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Publication number: 20080224365Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for curing tires that does not require a traditional bladder. The system disclosed has a top and bottom assembly ring that is coupled to modified mold rings. The bottom assembly ring has a curing medium delivery system, which has ports and an angular slot device that directs the curing medium in a circumferential direction. The system is adapted for easy installation to existing center post presses.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Don Cain
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Patent number: 7371060Abstract: Disclosed is a mold attaching/detaching apparatus in a tire vulcanizer, having locking/unlocking means configured so as to perform an engagement and disengagement by utilizing the relative movement between a top plate and bottom plate of the tire vulcanizer in a horizontal direction, and capable of being inexpensively constructed by simplifying the structure and operation of the locking/unlocking means.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Ichimaru Giken Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hironobu Ichimaru
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Patent number: 7354261Abstract: Disclosed is a tire vulcanizing apparatus including: upper and lower circular plates, to which sidewall dies for forming side portions of a tire are attached; respectively; and plural segments, to which tread dies separated as plural pieces for forming a tread portion of the tire are attached; respectively, in which apparatus, the upper and lower circular plates are held by engagement of lug portions, formed respectively on upper and lower portions of the segments, with protrusions on outer circumferential portions of the upper and lower circular plates so as to prevent the upper and lower circular plates from moving away from each other, the apparatus being constituted by providing adjustment plates, used for maintaining a measurement between the upper and lower circular plates, to an interface between the protrusion of each of the upper and lower circular plates and a corresponding one of the lug portions of each segment.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikatsu Hineno, Toshifumi Murakami
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Publication number: 20080066728Abstract: Various components useful in the sport of target shooting are disclosed herein. These components include a mold assembly for fabrication of a frozen water-based skeet, a skeet design particularly suited for fabrication from a frozen water-based liquid, and a hand-held skeet thrower for manually launching skeet. These components have utility individually or maybe combined to form a kit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Chad P. Halpin, Sean P. Halpin
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Publication number: 20080053179Abstract: A clamping sleeve for a shelf includes an intermediate neck portion and two open ends. The clamping sleeve is formed by pressing a metal plate, with an outwardly tapering conic coupling portion formed between the intermediate neck portion and each open end. A method and an apparatus for forming such a clamping sleeve are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventor: Chien-Chen Teng
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Patent number: 7320580Abstract: A tire press has an upper mold fixedly attached to a top plate. A bottom mold is fixedly attached to a bottom plate. The tire press has a plurality of guide posts adapted to maintain proper alignment of the upper mold and the lower mold as the tire press opens and closes. A plurality of lock rods, which are independent of the guide posts, are positioned about the tire press. Each of the lock rods has a first end and a second end. The lock rods may have an adjustment mechanism positioned on the first end of the lock rods to adjust the various mold heights. Locking means are a part of the tire press, which are adapted to selectively engage the second end of the lock rods. Further, each of the lock rods has cylinder mechanism operatively connected to the locking means. The cylinder mechanism is adapted to force the locking means to the surface of the lock rods. The cylinder mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder having the piston disposed within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventor: John R. Cole
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Publication number: 20070248707Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire mold wherein segments 11 and 12 are provided with a plurality of pieces 21 to 25 and 31 to 35 divided in the tire circumferential direction, each of said pieces 21 to 25 and 31 to 35 are slidable in the tire circumferential direction, and among each of said pieces 21 to 25, pieces 31 to 35, repulsive means 70a and 70b are arranged in each of spaces between end surfaces in the tire circumferential direction of each of said pieces 21 to 25, and 31 to 35 except spaces between end surfaces in the tire circumferential direction on segment-end side of each of end pieces 21, 25, 31, and 35.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2007Publication date: October 25, 2007Applicant: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaaki Ohara
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Patent number: 7276196Abstract: A process for manufacturing a track formed from a circumferentially continuous belt made of elastomeric material and including an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is provided with a plurality of drive blocks uniformly arranged on the circumference. The process includes a step in which a cylindrical inner mold formed by first and second cylindrical die-halves is assembled, the two die-halves being movable relative to each other in an axial direction to come into contact with each other at a joint surface. The inner mold includes a radially external laying surface provided with a plurality of uniformly spaced cavities for molding the drive blocks, each cavity being delimited in the axial direction by respective side walls of the first and second die halves. The joint surface of the two die-halves is axially closer to one side wall than to the other side wall. A device for stripping the track from the inner and outer molds is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Gilbert Menard, Gilbert Gauthier
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Patent number: 7258829Abstract: This invention relates to a tire curing system having a plurality of molds disposed in side by side relation, transporting means for transporting green tires to the tire curing system, loading means for loading a green tire into a bottom mold half of one of the molds, mold closing means for closing a top mold half over the bottom mold half, self-locking means for locking the top mold half to the bottom mold half, curing means for curing the green tires, mold opening means for opening the top mold half from the bottom mold half, unloading means for unloading the cured tire from the bottom mold half and take-away means for carrying the cured tires away from the curing system. The loading means and the unloading means include a movable robot and the mold closing means and the mold opening means include a movable manipulator. The robot and the manipulator move in straight lines.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Larry Eugene Steidl, George Michael Stoila, Jr.
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Patent number: 7189069Abstract: A segmented annular mold for forming a tread belt having a reinforcing belt structure, the belt structure having a radial thickness (t) is disclosed. The mold has a plurality of radially movable and outwardly expandable inner segments for forming the inner surface of the tread belt and a plurality of radially movable and contracting outer segments for forming the outer tread belt surface. The radially inner and radially outer segments form a mold parting line at a location radially outward of a midpoint of the belt reinforcing structure of the tread belt at a location greater than 50% (t) as measured from the radially innermost surface of the belt reinforcing structure. The radially inner segments have upper and lower lateral edge forming portions extending outwardly to the parting line. Similarly, the radially outer mold segments have upper and lower lateral edge forming portions extending inwardly to the parting line.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Albert James Yovichin, Larry Eugene Steidl, Daniel Patrick Hentosz
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Patent number: 7118702Abstract: The tire mold comprises a laminated peripheral crown having a stack in the circumferential direction of a plurality of thin sheets. Cutouts distributed over several adjacent sheets increase the venting ability of the mold.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Denis Marchadier, Alain Soulalioux
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Patent number: 6991760Abstract: A method and apparatus for vulcanizing tires are provided. An unvulcanized tire is transferred and loaded onto a lower mold member when a plurality of arcuate sector mold members aligned along the peripheral direction locate at the radially outermost positions as well as upper ends of the sector mold members incline radially outwards about their lower ends. An upper mold member moves toward the lower mold member while the sector mold members are swung about their lower ends to straightly stand the sector mold members, and the sector mold members are then synchronously displaced radially inwards, so that the unvulcanized tire is hermetically enclosed in a mold space formed by these mold members. The unvulcanized tire is vulcanized within the mold space to give a vulcanized tire.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Akio Oobayashi, Tatsuo Matsuo, Michihiko Nishimura
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Patent number: 6981857Abstract: A tire press has an upper mold fixedly attached to a top plate. A bottom mold is fixedly attached to a bottom plate. The tire press has a plurality of guide posts adapted to maintain proper alignment of the upper mold and the lower mold as the tire press opens and closes. A plurality of lock rods, which are independent of the guide posts, are positioned about the tire press. Each of the lock rods has a first end and a second end. The lock rods may have an adjustment mechanism positioned on the first end of the lock rods to adjust the various mold heights. Locking means are a part of the tire press, which are adapted to selectively engage the second end of the lock rods. Further, each of the lock rods has cylinder mechanism operatively connected to the locking means. The cylinder mechanism is adapted to force the locking means to the surface of the lock rods. The cylinder mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder having the piston disposed within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Inventor: John R. Cole
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Patent number: 6908584Abstract: A tire press has an upper mold fixedly attached to a top plate. A bottom mold is fixedly attached to a bottom plate. The tire press has a plurality of guide posts adapted to maintain proper alignment of the upper mold and the lower mold as the tire press opens and closes. A plurality of lock rods, which are independent of the guide posts, are positioned about the tire press. Each of the lock rods has a first end and a second end. The lock rods may have an adjustment mechanism positioned on the first end of the lock rods to adjust the various mold heights. Locking means are a part of the tire press, which are adapted to selectively engage the second end of the lock rods. Further, each of the lock rods has cylinder mechanism operatively connected to the locking means. The cylinder mechanism is adapted to force the locking means to the surface of the lock rods. The cylinder mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder having the piston disposed within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Inventor: John R. Cole
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Patent number: 6896836Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprising a tread portion, a pair of sidewall portions and a pair of bead portions is manufactured by conducting the venting in a portion of a green tire placed in a vulcanization mold prior to vulcanization and corresponding to the sidewall portion in at least one place in a radial direction of the tire during the vulcanization.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Hiroo Matsunaga, Takeshi Hamachi, Miyoji Kishimoto
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Patent number: 6841113Abstract: A method for curing a tyre includes the steps of closing the tyre in a mould, heating at least one lower hot table, at least one upper hot table, and at least one annular hot table to transmit heat to the tyre. The at least one lower hot table, the at least one upper hot table, and the at least one annular hot table are associated with the mould. The at least one annular hot table is thermally-connected to a circumferential development of the mould. A quantity of heat provided to the at least one lower hot table is different from a quantity of heat provided to the at least one upper hot table. An associated apparatus includes a mould; at least one lower, upper, and annular tables; and devices for supplying one or more heating fluids to the at least one lower, upper, and annular tables.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Pirelli Pneumatici S.p.A.Inventor: Renato Caretta
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Publication number: 20040232599Abstract: The mold for a tire has a laminated peripheral crown. It is formed by a stack in the circumferential direction of a plurality of thin metal sheets 1 adjacent to one another. The said metal sheets are grouped into sectors 11 thus forming monobloc subassemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.Inventor: Alain Soulalioux
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Patent number: 6808377Abstract: A segmented tire mold having radially movable circumferentially spaced sliding center segments activated by sliding connections between an upper mold half and the segments in response to opening and closing of the mold.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Gregory Lee Loney, David Chester Robek
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Publication number: 20040207116Abstract: A segmented mold 2 for molding a tire 100 is described which has a central axis; plurality of radially movable tread forming segments; two sidewall forming plates, a top sidewall forming plate 8, and a bottom sidewall forming plate 6; a top locking ring 10 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced means 30 for locking the segments 4, each means for locking 30 providing a predetermined angular path 75 for radially contracting the segments 4 upon closing the mold 2 in a locked position. The segmented 2 mold for molding a tire 100 further has a bottom locking ring 20 having a complementary plurality of circumferentially spaced means 30 for locking the segments 4, each means for locking 30 providing a predetermined angular path for radially contracting the segments 4 upon closing the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Jean-Claude Girard, Michael Thomas Driscoll, Mark Anthony Sieverding
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Publication number: 20040156936Abstract: An annular mold for curing an annular ring tread is disclosed. The annular mold has a plurality of radially movable and outwardly expandable inner segments for forming the inner surface of the tread and a plurality of radially movable and inwardly contracting outer segments for forming the tread outer surface. The radially outer segments are parallelograms. Each outer segment when in a closed molding position spans across one full radially inner segment and portions of two adjacent inner segments. The radially outer segments have inclined laterally extending edges relative to the axial direction of the mold while the circumferentially extending axially outer edges are perpendicular to the axial direction of the mold. The inclined laterally extending edges are inclined at least 5°, preferably about 10° relative to the axial direction. In the preferred embodiment the mold has 12 outer segments, each segment being of an arc length of about 30°.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Michael Liam McBride, Michael James Hogan, Michael James Buckley, William Frederick Niessen
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Publication number: 20040137099Abstract: A pneumatic tire production system comprises production lines each including a green tire building station for assembling unvulcanized members of pneumatic tires into green tires. The green tires are vulcanized at a vulcanizing station which includes at least one vulcanizing unit equipped with a plurality of vulcanizing molds. The number of the vulcanizing mold is determined so as to satisfy the vulcanizing capacity which is substantially equivalent to the number of green tires formed at the building station within a predetermined unit time. The system serves to minimize the intermediate stock amount of green tires due to minimized changeover between different types of tires to be alternately produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Applicant: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Masaharu Oku, Keishi Mineo, Shigeru Kaneko, Shigeru Miyazaki, Taizo Ito, Akio Obayashi
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Patent number: 6733259Abstract: A vulcanizing mold for a pneumatic tire wherein the tread portion includes a center region and outer regions on both sides thereof. The mold includes a pair of side mold members movable toward each other defining part of a mold cavity for vulcanizing a green tire, and away from each other allowing setting of the green tire into the mold cavity and remove of a vulcanized tire out of the mold cavity. Each side mold member has inner peripheral surface with ridges for forming grooves in the outer region of the tread portion. The ridges of the side mold members extend in parallel with each other, as seen in a developed view of the inner peripheral surface of the side mold member, and terminate at positions corresponding to a tread end of the tire so that the grooves formed by these ridges are opened in the tread end.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Masaru Miura, Hiroyuki Isoi
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Patent number: 6702912Abstract: A pneumatic tire production system comprises production lines each including a green tire building station for assembling unvulcanized members of pneumatic tires into green tires. The green tires are vulcanized at a vulcanizing station which includes at least one vulcanizing unit equipped with a plurality of vulcanizing molds. The number of the vulcanizing mold is determined so as to satisfy the vulcanizing capacity which is substantially equivalent to the number of green tires formed at the building station within a predetermined unit time. The system serves to minimize the intermediate stock amount of green tires due to minimized changeover between different types of tires to be alternately produced.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Masaharu Oku, Keishi Mineo, Shigeru Kaneko, Sigeru Miyazaki, Taizo Ito, Akio Obayashi
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Publication number: 20040032057Abstract: A tire press has an upper mold fixedly attached to a top plate. A bottom mold is fixedly attached to a bottom plate. The tire press has a plurality of guide posts adapted to maintain proper alignment of the upper mold and the lower mold as the tire press opens and closes. A plurality of lock rods, which are independent of the guide posts, are positioned about the tire press. Each of the lock rods has a first end and a second end. The lock rods may have an adjustment mechanism positioned on the first end of the lock rods to adjust the various mold heights. Locking means are a part of the tire press, which are adapted to selectively engage the second end of the lock rods. Further, each of the lock rods has cylinder mechanism operatively connected to the locking means. The cylinder mechanism is adapted to force the locking means to the surface of the lock rods. The cylinder mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder having the piston disposed within the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2002Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventor: John R. Cole
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Publication number: 20040026831Abstract: This invention relates to a tire curing system having a plurality of molds disposed in side by side relation, transporting means for transporting green tires to the tire curing system, loading means for loading a green tire into a bottom mold half of one of the molds, mold closing means for closing a top mold half over the bottom mold half, self-locking means for locking the top mold half to the bottom mold half, curing means for curing the green tires, mold opening means for opening the top mold half from the bottom mold half, unloading means for unloading the cured tire from the bottom mold half and take-away means for carrying the cured tires away from the curing system. The loading means and the unloading means include a movable robot and the mold closing means and the mold opening means include a movable manipulator. The robot and the manipulator move in straight lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: The Goodyear Tire and Rubber CompanyInventors: Larry Eugene Steidl, George Michael Stoila
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Publication number: 20030132550Abstract: A method and apparatus for vulcanizing tires are provided. An unvulcanized tire is transferred and loaded onto a lower mold member when a plurality of arcuate sector mold members aligned along the peripheral direction locate at the radially outermost positions as well as upper ends of the sector mold members incline radially outwards about their lower ends. An upper mold member moves toward the lower mold member while the sector mold members are swung about their lower ends to straightly stand the sector mold members, and the sector mold members are then synchronously displaced radially inwards, so that the unvulcanized tire is hermetically enclosed in a mold space formed by these mold members. The unvulcanized tire is vulcanized within the mold space to give a vulcanized tire.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventors: Akio Oobayashi, Tatsuo Matsuo, Michihiko Nishimura
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Patent number: 6571845Abstract: A low-section tire includes an air tube including an internal wall and two air tube sidewalls. The internal wall comprises a greater rigidity than the tube sidewalls so that, when a carcass and the tube are mounted on a rim, and during inflation, the tube sidewalls contact the carcass sidewalls no later than the internal wall contacts a crown portion of the carcass. A process for manufacturing the air tube includes moulding two tube sidewalls separated from each other, moulding a central core, arranging the tube sidewalls and central core in a single vulcanization mould, closing the vulcanization mould to form the tube, feeding pressurized fluid into at least two distinct circumferential portions of the tube, and vulcanizing the tube to join the central core and tube sidewalls. A mould for manufacturing the an air tube includes two axially-external cheeks, two axially-intermediate male dies, and two axially-inner spacers.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Pirelli Pneumatici S.p.A.Inventors: Renato Caretta, Federico Mancosu
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Patent number: 6506040Abstract: A tire curing press (10) having a frame (20), a bolster (16) for mounting a lower mold section (12), a cylinder (35) mounted on the frame, a cylinder rod (38) of the cylinder for moving the bolster and the lower mold section between a closed position and a partially open position, moveable indexing apparatus (50) interposed between the cylinder rod and the bolster, and a plurality of steps (65) of differing thickness on the indexing apparatus, whereby moving a selected one of the plurality of steps into alignment with the cylinder rod establishes a different partially open position of the lower mold section.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: McNeil & NRM, Inc.Inventor: Anand P. Singh
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Publication number: 20020185780Abstract: A method for curing a tire includes the steps of closing the tire in a mold, heating at least one lower hot table, at least one upper hot table, and at least one annular hot table to transmit heat to the tire. The at least one lower hot table, the at least one upper hot table, and the at least one annular hot table are associated with the mold. The at least one annular hot table is thermally-connected to a circumferential development of the mold. A quantity of heat provided to the at least one lower hot table is different from a quantity of heat provided to the at least one upper hot table. An associated apparatus includes a mold; at least one lower, upper, and annular tables; and devices for supplying one or more heating fluids to the at least one lower, upper, and annular tables.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventor: Renato Caretta
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Publication number: 20020122837Abstract: A vulcanizing mold for a pneumatic tire wherein the tread portion includes a center region and outer regions on both sides thereof. The mold includes a pair of side mold members movable toward each other defining part of a mold cavity for vulcanizing a green tire, and away from each other allowing setting of the green tire into the mold cavity and remove of a vulcanized tire out of the mold cavity. Each side mold member has inner peripheral surface with ridges for forming grooves in the outer region of the tread portion. The ridges of the side mold members extend in parallel with each other, as seen in a developed view of the inner peripheral surface of the side mold member, and terminate at positions corresponding to a tread end of the tire so that the grooves formed by these ridges are opened in the tread end.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2002Publication date: September 5, 2002Applicant: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Masaru Miura, Hiroyuki Isoi
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Patent number: 6345970Abstract: A hydraulic system for a tire curing press includes at least one tire press operated by a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic control valve; a hydraulic unit for supplying pressure oil of a fixed pressure; an accumulator circuit for accumulating pressure oil from said hydraulic unit to supply the accumulated pressure oil to the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic control valve; and a check valve provided on every tire press. The check valve cuts off pressure oil from the hydraulic unit and the accumulator circuit during vulcanization of the tire press. Thereby, it is possible to limit the operation of the hydraulic unit during the vulcanization which results in energy saving operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventor: Hisashi Mitamura
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Patent number: 6292993Abstract: A vulcanizing machine for producing pneumatic tires includes an exchangeable segmented mold comprised of tread mold pieces for defining the outer contour of a tire tread portion, and upper and lower side mold members engaged with the tread mold pieces, for defining the outer contours of the sidewall portions. The tread mold pieces are detachably connected to connector segments which are slidably engaged with a container ring so that vertical movement of the container ring causes radial movement of the connector segments relative to the tread mold pieces. After production of tires of a predetermined size has been completed, the mold is removed from the machine by moving the container ring upwards to disconnect the connector segments from the tread mold pieces, and disconnecting the upper side mold member from a top plate of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Taizo Ito, Tomotaka Goto, Masami Nagata
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Patent number: 6289572Abstract: A sealing arrangement including a sealing ring with a support ring extending substantially in a radial direction. The support ring is joined in the radial direction to a first sealing element that lies in contact with and is nonrotatable with respect to a first machine element to form a static seal. The support ring is also joined in the radial direction to a second sealing element that is placed against a second machine element rotatably with respect to the second machine element to create a dynamic seal. The first and second sealing elements are each made of an elastomeric material, and the sealing ring has, in order to sense rotational movements of the first machine element about its axis, at least one auxiliary device that can move past a rotational speed sensor. The auxiliary device can be a multipole ring made of a pasty, hardenable, and magnetizable material that is arranged as a intermediate layer of film-like thinness on the side of the support ring facing the rotational speed sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1998Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Firma Carl FreudenbergInventors: Berthold Lannert, Hans-Gerd Eckel, Horst Kober, Stefan Burger
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Patent number: 6250901Abstract: A segmented mold for pneumatic tires includes a plurality of segmented tread mold pieces for forming an outer contour of a tire tread portion, a plurality of connector segments detachably connected to outer peripheral surfaces of the respective tread mold pieces, and a container ring slidably engaged with tapered portions of the connector segments such that an axial movement of the container ring causes radial movement of each tread mold piece. The connector segments are detachably connected with the respective tread mold pieces, by locking engagement of first latch members of the connector segments with second latch members of the tread mold pieces.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventor: Masami Nagata
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Patent number: 6139301Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjustment of the clamping plate height in a curing press steam chamber. The height adjustability allows the clamping plate to be attached to different size tire molds to produce tires of different sizes in a single steam chamber. The device for adjustment of the height of the clamping plate in a steam chamber includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders between the upper and/or lower part of the steam chamber and the clamping plate within the steam chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: SKODA TS A.S.Inventors: Pavel Elleder, Jiri Forejt
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Patent number: 6116881Abstract: A device for lifting an upper part of a curing press steam chamber includes rollers which move along guideways. The lifting device allows an upper part of the steam chamber to be lifted off a lower part of the steam chamber and moved laterally to allow easy access to both the upper part of the steam chamber and the lower part of the steam chamber. A linear motor moves the rollers along the guideways to lift the upper part of the steam chamber off the lower part of the steam chamber. The linear motor may be a translating screw or a hydraulic cylinder motor. A longitudinal axis of the linear motor forms an angle with the guideways which is smaller than a right angle at all positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: SKODA TS a.s.Inventors: Jiri Forejt, Stanislav Rom
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Patent number: 6066283Abstract: A tire curing apparatus comprises a lower mold, an upper mold, a sector mold comprised of plural arc-shaped segments, and a taper ring, and further provided with a single link, a rising means for giving a rising force to the arc-shaped segment, and a stopper for stopping the rocking of the single link.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Hitoshi Nara, Noboru Iwata