Bead Clamping Means, Air Bag Support Means Or Means Sealing Tire Opening Patents (Class 425/58)
  • Patent number: 8992197
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machinery Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Fukuda, Mitsuru Morita, Yukihisa Harada
  • Patent number: 8333578
    Abstract: In a center mechanism of a tire vulcanizer of the present invention, in order to improve working efficiency and lower total height, after a green tire is vulcanized and patterned and becomes a vulcanized tire, a bladder well is lifted from a bottom position where a lower bead ring is positioned on a lower mold and a bladder is installed in the green tire to a top position where the lower bead ring is positioned above the lower mold and an upper clamp, and the upper clamp, a lower clamp, and the bladder are placed in the bladder well, while heights of the upper clamp and the lower clamp are fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryota Ohchi, Yasuhiko Fujieda, Yuichiro Mizuta
  • Patent number: 7957830
    Abstract: A customer transmits their 3D CAD file for a part to be total profile machined. Computer analysis of the transmitted CAD file produces CNC machining instructions, which are transmitted back to an address defined by the customer. The customer can then use the transmitted CNC machining instructions to total profile machine their own part using their own CNC mill at the location where the part is likely needed. The transmitted instructions include not only the tool paths for CNC machining of the total profile of the part, but also for additional features formed into the encircling portion of a material block from which the part is to be total profile machined. For instance, the CNC machining instructions transmitted back to the customer can define a registration recess and/or channels or undercuts for fluid support material on an A-side of a material block. After the A-side of the block is machined, the customer adds and solidifies fluid support material into the machined recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Lukis, Yuri A. Dreizin, Gregory M. Bloom
  • Patent number: 7740462
    Abstract: The invention provides a tire vulcanizer having a vulcanizer body and a shaping unit and configured to be able to accurately mount a green tire in the shaping unit and shape it accurately when shaping the green tire in the shaping unit. As a result, the green tire can be placed and set accurately in a lower container of the vulcanizer body when the shaping unit is placed in a container of the vulcanizer body. In order to mount the green tire in the shaping unit (B) outside the vulcanizer body, the tire vulcanizer includes outside the vulcanizer body (A) a tire mounting device (D) which mounts the green tire in the shaping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ichimaru Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hironobu Ichimaru
  • Publication number: 20090142432
    Abstract: The A bead ring locking mechanism restricts the relative turning of a tubular lifter moved upward or downward on the outside of a central mechanism outer casing with respect to an annular bead ring attached to the outer circumference of the lifter to form a part of a die. The locking mechanism includes a stopper member installed at the bead ring and attached so as to move back and forth with respect to the lifter, and an actuating member which moves the stopper member from the bead ring to the lifter. A recessed portion is formed at the lifter, a raised portion is formed at the stopper member, and the raised portion is fitted into the recessed portion by pressing the stopper member to the lifter using the actuating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Keiichi Tomoto
  • Patent number: 7059844
    Abstract: A process for producing a casing acting as a screen against electromagnetic radiation, more particularly intended for electronic operational elements, comprising a screening profile arranged in a predetermined portion of at least one part of the casing, said screening profile being made of elastic, conductive material, the elastic, conductive material being applied, by means of pressure from a needle or nozzle, directly onto the portion of the casing part, on which the screening profile is to be arranged, and a casing produced according to said process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: EMIā€”TEC Elektronische Materialien GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Kahl, Bernd Tiburtius
  • Patent number: 7001559
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Akio Oobayashi, Haruo Toyoda, Hitoshi Nara
  • Publication number: 20040208945
    Abstract: A tire mold 2 for curing new or retreaded tires 20 has an upper platen 4, a lower platen 6, and a central rim 30 with a frangible member 50 designed to open when a predetermined pressure P1 in excess of the normal curing pressure Pc is observed. The frangible member 50 preferably includes a rupture disk 60 that breaks upon exposure to the pressure P1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Clifford Jack Ciesa, Jean-Marc Francois Fortin, Joseph Alan Incavo, Michael Eugene Porter
  • Patent number: 6761849
    Abstract: A bladder removing apparatus for a tire vulcanizer having a movable boom swiveled on a horizontally movable platform with a flexible connecting member carried by the boom for attachment to the bladder, whereby the platform is moveable and the boom is swingable into a centered position of the bladder, upon lifting of said bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Thomas Francis Quinn, Gary Bernard Shumacher, Randy Ray Beller
  • Patent number: 6733702
    Abstract: A tire mold 2 for curing new or retreaded tires 20 has an upper platen 4, a lower platen 6, and a central rim 30 with a frangible member 50 designed to open when a predetermined pressure P1 in excess of the normal curing pressure Pc is observed. The frangible member 50 preferably includes a rupture disk 60 that breaks upon exposure to the pressure P1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Clifford Jack Ciesa, Jean-Marc Francois Fortin, Joseph Alan Incavo, Michael Eugene Porter
  • Publication number: 20040045654
    Abstract: A method for expanding and curing formable elastomeric material 2, which is placed in the cavity 14 of a previously molded tire 10, is disclosed. The tire 10 when filled with foamable rubber material 2 is mounted on a curing rim 20 and contacted with heat to simultaneously foam and cure the elastomeric material 2 within the tire cavity 14. The curing rim 20 has a finished or a coated surface 30 that permits the cured foam filled tire 10 to be removed after curing by slipping the cured tire 10 off the coated surface 30 of the curing rim 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Brian Ernest McMahon, George Wiley Lang, Larry Dean Tucker
  • Patent number: 6702999
    Abstract: Disclosed are stable oral care compositions, preferably confectionery compositions, which provide enhanced oral malodour benefits combined with one or more additional oral care benefits, wherein the compositions comprise: (i) a polyphosphate material with an average anion chain length of 3 or greater; (ii) greater than about 10 ppm of a first metal cation selected from the metals of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 of the periodic table; (iii) greater than about 10 ppm of a second metal cation selected from the metals of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 of the periodic table; and (iv) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the molar ratio of polyphosphate anion to the total level of first and second metal cation combined is in the range of from about 10:1 to about 1:1 and wherein the molar ratio of the first metal cation to the second metal cation is in the range of from about 50:1 to about 1:50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventor: Thomas Mark Lawlor
  • Patent number: 6655941
    Abstract: In a central mechanism for a tire vulcanizer in accordance with the present invention, after a tire has been vulcanized (a bladder is expanded), a clamp rod is elevated to elevate a lower ring and separate it from a housing. After that, the clamp rod is turned so that a claw of a claw mechanism between the lower ring and the clamp rod can pass through. Then, a pin fixing a post to an upper ring is pulled out, and a bladder assembly is hung and carried out of the vulcanizer to replace the bladder and O-rings. After the bladder and other parts have been replaced, the bladder assembly is hung and mounted to the vulcanizer so that the hole for the claw mechanism of the lower ring is aligned with the upper end of the clamp rod. At this time, when the claw of the claw mechanism passes through, the lower ring is supported by the elevated clamp rod, and the lower ring and a supply/discharge opening of the housing is aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6402491
    Abstract: A curing machine for pneumatic tires includes a bladder which is tightly held by upper and lower bladder rings, a vertically movable center post for holding the upper bladder ring, and an outer cylinder arranged on a radially outer side of the center post, for supplying a pressurized heat medium into the interior of a green tire. An upper lock mechanism is associated with the top end portion of the center post and serves to automatically lock the upper bladder ring in place by after the top end portion of the center post has been moved upwards and passed through a center through hole in the upper bladder ring. A lower lock mechanism serves to automatically lock and unlock the lower bladder ring, in which a lock region extending downwards from the lower bladder ring is engaged with, and disengaged from a first lock member secured to the outer cylinder by vertically moving a second lock member in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Tomotaka Goto
  • Patent number: 6273698
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tire vulcanizing system of a type such that a mold assembly in which tire vulcanization is being carried out is transported to a mold opening/closing station, which is equipped with a central mechanism for operating a bladder, the central mechanism being configured so that a plurality of claws are provided which attach and detach a post cylinder of a central mechanism driving section incorporated in the mold opening/closing station to and from a center post of a central mechanism operating section incorporated in the mold assembly, a sensor for detecting the decrease in pitch circle diameter of the claws is provided, expanding/contracting means for the claws is incorporated in the central mechanism driving section, and the sensor is assembled to the expanding/contracting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Tatemi
  • Patent number: 6257292
    Abstract: A tire including beads 2 without bead points. Each bead's inner edge 22 is, for instance, of rounded shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Sedepro
    Inventor: Yves Herbelleau
  • Patent number: 6254375
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a matrix for the production of a package trough having at least one undercut, consisting of a bottom part, side parts oriented transversely and side parts oriented parallel to the direction of package trough feed, wherein at least one side part oriented parallel to the direction of feed serves as a mold for the undercut, and wherein said side part is fixed in its spatial position in relation to the machine frame whereas the other parts of the matrix can be displaced vertically downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Tiromat Kramer & Grebe GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Thomas, Rolf Blƶcher, Celestino Inverardi
  • Patent number: 6240706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing tool for sealing a package trough with a covering film, which tool consists of a bottom part, side parts oriented transversely and side parts oriented parallel to the direction of package trough feed, wherein at least one side part oriented parallel to the direction of feed is fixed in its spatial position in relation to the machine frame whereas the other parts of the matrix can be displaced vertically downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Tiromat KrƤmer & Grebe GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Thomas, Rolf Blƶcher, Celestino Inverardi
  • Patent number: 6238193
    Abstract: A mold for molding a tire having beads of different diameters, ø0 being the minimum diameter of the tire area at the bead of smaller diameter, ø2 being the minimum diameter of the tire area at the bead of greater diameter. The mold has two shells for molding, respectively, the outer surface of the sidewalls and the outer portion of each bead up to a radially inner limit where the diameter of the tire area is ø0 and ø2, respectively, a continuous counter-molding ring to mold the bead of smaller diameter from the said radially inner limit where the diameter of the tire area is ø0 to an axially inner limit of diameter ø1, where ø1 is smaller than ø2, and a split counter-molding ring to mold the bead of greater diameter from the said radially inner limit where the diameter of the tire area is ø2 to an axially inner limit of diameter ø3. The split ring includes a plurality of retractable segments adjacent in molding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Bosseaux
  • Patent number: 6217307
    Abstract: Spacers for bladder assemblies for standing post tire curing presses and bladder assemblies for same are provided having a spacer with first and second parts biased by a spring, so that they are freely slidable relative to one another so as to cover the center post of the tire curing press during its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Pirelli Tire LLC
    Inventor: Wei Yu
  • Patent number: 6062837
    Abstract: In a central mechanism for a tire vulcanizer in accordance with the present invention, after a tire has been vulcanized (a bladder is expanded), a clamp rod is elevated to elevate a lower ring and separate it from a housing. After that, the clamp rod is turned so that a claw of a claw mechanism between the lower ring and the clamp rod can pass through. Then, a pin fixing a post to an upper ring is pulled out, and a bladder assembly is hung and carried out of the vulcanizer to replace the bladder and O-rings. After the bladder and other parts have been replaced, the bladder assembly is hung and mounted to the vulcanizer so that the hole for the claw mechanism of the lower ring is aligned with the upper end of the clamp rod. At this time, when the claw of the claw mechanism passes through, the lower ring is supported by the elevated clamp rod, and the lower ring and a supply/discharge opening of the housing is aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5853526
    Abstract: A module (1) used for the manufacture of tires, comprising an inflatable flexible bladder (10) provided with two beads (11) which is used for the assembling and vulcanization of the tire on the bladder, each bead being anchored on a plate (30, 31). The module (1) has at least one rigid wall mounted on a plate (30, 31) which is adjacent said flexible bladder (10) when the latter is inflated and can be retracted so as to be able to separate the tire from said module (1) after vulcanization and can be spread out radially so as to constitute a reference surface for the assembling of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Sedepro
    Inventors: Daniel Laurent, Herve Mousty
  • Patent number: 5804220
    Abstract: A bladder clamping device for a tire vulcanizing press is disclosed in which a lower ring on which a lower end portion of a bladder is fitted remains fixed to allow the lower end portion of the bladder to be clamped in a condition in which it has been fitted firmly by an operator. The bladder clamping device for a tire vulcanizing press comprises a lower ring and a clamping ring located on the inner side and the outer side relative to each other at a central portion of a lower mold of the tire vulcanizing press for cooperatively clamping a lower end portion of a bladder, and a hydraulic cylinder having a rod connected to the clamping ring for moving the clamping ring upwardly and downwardly relative to the lower ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Kenji Kubo, Hiroyuki Takebayashi, Katsumi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5776508
    Abstract: A method of loading a green tire on a bladderless tire vulcanizer of the inside gripping type and an apparatus thereof, in which both bead portions of the green tire can be inserted into respective bead rings of a mold accurately and reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Irie
  • Patent number: 5698064
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a recapped tire includes: a vulcanizer in which is filled a fluid for vulcanization for adhering by vulcanization a base tire and a tread; a rim to which the base tire is mounted; an envelope which is annular and covers an outer periphery of the base tire; suction means for sucking air from between the base tire and the envelope; a tube which is annular and expandable and contractible, the tube being provided at a portion of the rim corresponding to an outer side of the base tire along a tire axial direction, and pushing the envelope against a bead portion of the base tire; a stopper provided at a portion of the rim corresponding to an inner side of the base tire along the tire axial direction, and preventing movement of the bead portion toward the inner side of the base tire along the tire axial direction; and internal pressure providing means for providing internal pressure to the tube so as to inflate the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Mikio Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 5597429
    Abstract: A method of loading a green tire on a bladderless tire vulcanizer of the inside gripping type and an apparatus thereof, in which both bead portions of the green tire can be inserted into respective bead rings of a mold accurately and reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Irie
  • Patent number: 5522716
    Abstract: A bladder carrying and setting apparatus for tire vulcanizing press capable of automatically setting a bladder to a center mechanism of the tire vulcanizing press, wherein the setting apparatus is for setting a bladder assembly supported by a top ring and a bottom ring at the top and bottom of the bladder to the center mechanism, and comprises a closable chuck between the top end of a vertically movable center post of the center mechanism and the top ring, the chuck being operated by the vertical movement of a rod installed at center of the center post, and the rod being vertically moved by a hydraulic cylinder (a driving means) disposed on the bottom end of the center post; and in addition a releasable locking device between a hub located on the outer periphery of the center post of the center mechanism and the bottom ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventor: Kashiro Ureshino
  • Patent number: 5409361
    Abstract: Disclosed is a center mechanism of a tire curing press which is capable of easy installation and removal of a bladder assembly. The center mechanism comprises the bladder assembly with the upper and lower ends of a bladder supported with upper and lower support members, a piston rod vertically moving into, and out of, engagement with the upper support members, and a lift cylinder vertically moving into, and out of, engagement with the lower support members. In this center mechanism, there is provided a stepped projecting section formed large in diameter in the upper part and small in diameter in the lower part; the upper support members can easily be installed to, and removed from, the upper end of the piston rod by the use of a stepped block which engages the stepped projecting section and is horizontally divided into a plurality of segments, and a restricting member for restricting the horizontal movement of the stepped block, thereby enabling easy installation and removal of the bladder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Katsumi Ichikawa, Yoshimata Maikuma
  • Patent number: 5393480
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Pirelli Coordinamento Pneumatici S.P.A.
    Inventor: Augusto Pizzorno
  • Patent number: 5312237
    Abstract: An auxiliary support (1) for a road vehicle tire (2), which support (1) is defined by a tubular drum (3) fitted in a fluidtight manner with the interior of a finished tire (2) for mutually locking the bead portions (22) of the tire (2) in a fixed position when the tire is pressurized, and constituting a carriage whereby the pressurized tire (2) is transferred along a post-inflation route (8) subsequent to curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Karl J. Siegenthaler
  • Patent number: 5129802
    Abstract: An apparatus for vulcanizing a pneumatic vehicle tire, the beads of which, in a mounted state, are disposed on the radially inner periphery of a wheel rim. A tire blank, with the beads displaced laterally outwardly, is vulcanized using a heating press that is provided with two axially displaceable contour rings for forming the inner regions of the tire beads, and a heating bellows. To facilitate introduction of the tire blank and to protect the heating bellows, it is proposed, for loading the heating press, to axially move the contour rings together, into a position above a vulcanizing position, in such a way that the evacuated heating bellows moves downwardly through a space defined by the lower contour ring. The tire blank is subsequently placed over the contour rings, accompanied by a slight oval deformation of the lower tire bead, and is subsequently fixed on the contour rings by increasing the axial spacing therebetween. At the same time, the heating bellows passes into the interior of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst Sergel, Klaus Hoops, Klaus Hanebuth, Heinrich Nadler
  • Patent number: 5106280
    Abstract: In a center mechanism of a tire vulcanizing machine equipped with four kinds of hydraulic cylinders, lower end portions of a plurality of rods are made insertable into holes provided in a beam to transmit a pressing force generated by a pressurized hot medium to stoppers through the respective rods upon vulcanization of a tire. Upon completion of vulcanization of the tire, the stoppers are made to swing to lower the respective rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuyoshi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 5098509
    Abstract: An expandable annular envelope sealing device for manually sealing a curing envelope between an outer annular portion and the bead of a tire to be retreaded in an autoclave. This envelope sealing device includes two opposed, expandable semicircular half-rings and either a toggle-actuated sealing lever or, preferably, a turnbuckle sealing lever for fine tuning adjustment of the expansion of the half-rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventors: Leslie Bubik, R. James Dornan
  • Patent number: 5098269
    Abstract: A center mechanism for a tire mold comprising a mushroom-shaped bladder, a clamp ring for clamping a lower opening edge of the bladder, a post cylinder for extending and contracting a height of the bladder, a movable stopper for receiving a depressing force against the clamp ring which is generated by heating medium introduced into the bladder upon vulcanizing a tire, and a bladder elevator cylinder for elevating and lowering the clamp ring upon loading and unloading a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Irie, Hideaki Katayama, Masami Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 5089079
    Abstract: A retread curing ring assembly that includes a conical frustum seat insertable within an opening of a tire carcass to be cured. The retread curing ring captures the edge portions of an elastomeric envelope draped over the tire carcass and a tread strip between the conical seat and the inner edge of the circumferential bead formed along the interior edge of the sidewalls of the tire carcass. A plurality of clamping assemblies are circumferentially disposed around a circular body member to which the conical seat is attached. Each clamping assembly has a clamping arm movable between an open and closed position. When the curing ring is positioned within the tire carcass, the clamping arms are moved to their closed positions, thereby drawing the curing ring further within the tire carcass to form a seal between the inner edge of the circumferential bead and the conical seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: The Hercules Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Robert H. Majewski
  • Patent number: 5034079
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for vulcanizing pneumatic vehicle tires having heads that in the mounted state are disposed on the radially inner periphery of a rim. In order for such tires to achieve a satisfactorily contoured vulcanization, and in order at the same time to produce sealing surfaces with great precision, the tire is vulcanized with its beads in their operating position. During the vulcanization, the radially outwardly disposed surfaces of the tire beads are shaped with the aid of rigid, one-piece, shaped molding rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz-Dieter Rach, Udo Frerichs, Hans-Ulrich Klose, Carsten Boltze
  • Patent number: 5026515
    Abstract: A method of setting a crude tire into a space between upper and lower molds in a tire vulcanizing press having upper and lower mold units movable relative to each other includes the steps of pushing an upper bead of the crude tire into a bead of the upper mold by a vertically movable device which supports the upper bead of the crude tire, introducing gas into a bladder to expand the bladder while restricting the elevation of an upper portion fixing ring of a bladder holder mechanism attached to the lower mold unit, and pushing a lower bead of the crude tire into a bead of the lower mold by utilizing the expansion forces of the bladder. With the bladder enclosed air-tightly, the tire lower bead can efficiently be pushed into the lower mold bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Hasegawa, Yoshinobu Kato, Toshifumi Murakami
  • Patent number: 5011392
    Abstract: An ejector in a tire vulcanizing machine for ejecting the condensate of vulcanizing steam accumulated within a bladder to the outside of a tire includes a drain extraction pipe elevatably and rotatably supported in the machine and extending through a lower ring and a guide ring for clamping a lower edge portion of the bladder, a drain suction pipe extending horizontally from the top end portion of the drain extraction pipe and having its tip end portion bent downwards, an elevation drive and a rotary drive for the drain extraction pipe, and a rotary limit adjusting mechanism provided in the rotary drive. Preferably, the rotary drive is made up of a rotary shaft of a rotary cylinder mounted to the bottom end portion of the drain extraction pipe so as to be supported in an axially movable manner and a body of the rotary cylinder surrounding the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Katayama, Toshifumi Murakami, Koji Soeda, Yoshiya Kubota, Shoji Okamoto, Akinori Kubota, Michihito Kobayashi, Masaaki Ijiri
  • Patent number: 4957676
    Abstract: Detaching a cured tire from mold sections of a tire mold during opening of the mold by communicating air under pressure into the space between the mold sections and confining the air in this space with a sleeve member supported on the upper mold section and slidably urged into sealing engagement with the lower mold section. Air under pressure is then communicated from the space between the mold sections to the spaces between the cured tire surface and the molding surfaces of the upper and lower mold sections to detach the tire. Sealing rings on the sleeve and on the upper mold section prevent leakage of the air under pressure from the space between the mold section. Spring means between the upper mold section and the sleeve member provide extension of the sleeve member into sealing engagement with the lower mold section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Alan Greenwood
  • Patent number: 4950141
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Yoshimata Maikuma, Katsumi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 4872822
    Abstract: To obtain and expedite an automatic engagement and disengagement of the bladder with respect to the relative operating mechanism, in particular in presses used for curing pneumatic tires, the movable clamp and the fixed clamp, respectively, which block the beads of the flexible, elastically deformable sleeve constituting the bladder, comprise annular grooves, coaxial with the axis of the bladder, which, in operation interact with the heads of a plurality of pegs situated in the head to be assembled to the movable clamp and in the body of the support to be associated to the fixed clamp, the pegs being radially movable in both senses between two positions, i.e. a work position in the operating condition and a rest position in which said pegs are completely collapsed into the body of said head and of the support so as to allow the axial insertion of the bladder on the mechanism and its removal therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Pirelli Coordinamento Pneumatici S.p.A.
    Inventor: Augusto Pizzorno
  • Patent number: 4865532
    Abstract: An apparatus for vulcanizing pneumatic vehicle tires where the tire beads, in the mounted state, are disposed on the radially inner periphery of a rim next to the essentially radially inwardly extending rim flanges. In order to obtain tires having a long service life and tire beads with a good sealing quality, it is proposed that the tire be vulcanized in essentially the proper contour for operation. Two, respectively radially segmented, bead-forming rings that have a variable diameter and can be displaced axially are provided. For the purpose of vulcanizing the sealing surfaces disposed in the interior of the tire so that these surfaces will rest on the rim in an airtight manner, the bead-forming rings are introduced, in a radially retracted state, into the interior of the tire blank, whereby at least one of the tire beads is ovally deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Udo Frerichs, Carsten Boltze, Heinz-Dieter Rach, Hans-Ulrich Klose
  • Patent number: 4863360
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Rogers Industrial Products
    Inventor: Theodore Chuchanis
  • Patent number: 4861247
    Abstract: A spreadable ring for sealing an envelope at the bead of the tire to be retreaded during the pressure and heat treatment in an autoclave. The ring is spread with the aid of cut-outs (a lap joint) or by forming the ends on both sides of the opened section into a tongue-in-groove joint. In both cases a joint is generated which runs in the circumferential direction. Depending on the bead shape the sealing surface is cylindrical or tapered whereby lateral end stops or rims facilitate the positioning. The spreading is accomplished manually by the inherent tensioning force of the ring or with the aid of tensioning cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Karl Schimanek
  • Patent number: 4850834
    Abstract: This invention relates to a retread curing ring apparatus for mounting on a tire retread assembly which comprises a tire carcass having a retread area, integral side walls with inner edges, a preformed tread strip positioned on the retread area, and a flexible envelope or bag surrounding the entire retread assembly. The retread curing ring apparatus is positioned adjacent to each side of the tire carcass. The curing ring apparatus comprises a circular body with a recess adjacent to its bottom edge and positioned in said recess a circular elastomeric gasket having a channel at its bottom edge for attachment to the curing ring. The gasket is prepared from a plastic or rubber material and comprises a plurality of circumferential ribs adjacent the bead of the tire carcass which enables the clamp assemblies mounted circumferentially on the curing ring to hold the curing ring and the tire assembly in an airtight engaged position during the retread process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: The Hercules Tire and Rubber Company
    Inventors: Wilburn W. Hinson, David D. Inman, Dennis A. Russell
  • Patent number: 4846649
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Hasegawa, Katsuyoshi Sakaguchi, Hideaki Katayama
  • Patent number: 4800059
    Abstract: A loading process for a heated tire press is described herein in which a loader takes an unfinished tire from an unfinished tire stand and puts it between the tire forming pieces of the tire press. This loader travels with folded-in clamp jaws into the inside of the unfinished tire from below, engages it with extended clamp jaws inside of the upper bead from below, transports it in this position to the upper tire forming piece and raises it until its upper bead presses against the upper rim ring on the upper tire forming piece. The upper bead is held there by an auxiliary bellows, retaining fastener or the like. Subsequently the clamp jaws are folded in again and the loader retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Fried. Krupp Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Gunter Drewel, Horst Enoch, Klaus Grotkasten
  • Patent number: 4770324
    Abstract: Dental cream in contact with a polyolefin resin surface of a package such as a laminate tube, a mechanical dispenser or a flexible sachet. The dental cream contains a dentally acceptable water-insoluble alkaline earth metal salt, a liquid vehicle and an alkali metal carboxymethyl cellulose gelling agent. The liquid vehicle contains water, glycerine and sorbitol and, as an additive to prevent syneresis due to contact between the dental cream and polyolefin resin, a stabilizer in the form of parahydroxybenzoate ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Marie B. Parnell, Harry Hayes
  • Patent number: 4768937
    Abstract: A tire curing press for the curing of radial tires includes top and bottom mold sections, relatively movable top and bottom bead rings, the latter being on top of a well, and a center mechanism in the bottom bead ring well. The top mold section includes a sectional mold operator, a top bead ring actuator and an actuator for raising and lowering a chuck for the top bead ring of an uncured tire. The chuck includes a series of horizontal L-shape plates each of which swings about a respective swing axis. An open vertical tube aligned with the top mold section includes a gear at its bottom in mesh with gear segments on the chuck plates so that rotation of the tube opens and closes the chuck. The extent of rotation of the tube controls the extent of the chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: NRM Corporation
    Inventor: Anand P. Singh
  • Patent number: 4758401
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for vulcanizing pneumatic vehicle tires where the tire beads, in the mounted state, are disposed on the radially inner periphery of a rim next to the essentially radially inwardly extending rim flanges. In order to obtain tires having a long service life and tire beads with a good sealing quality, it is proposed that the tire be vulcanized in essentially the proper contour for operation. Two, respectively radially segmented, bead-forming rings that have a variable diameter and can be displaced axially are provided. For the purpose of vulcanizing the sealing surfaces disposed in the interior of the tire so that these surfaces will rest on the rim in an airtight manner, the bead-forming rings are introduced, in a radially retracted state, into the interior of the tire blank, whereby at least one of the tire beads is ovally deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz-Dieter Rach, Udo Frerichs, Hans-Ulrich Klose, Carsten Boltze