Methods and apparatus for forming tread strips in closed-loop system
US10737451B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29D2030/0038
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Particular embodiments of the invention include a closed-loop tread strip forming unit (100) and methods for forming tread strips using a closed-loop unit. Embodiments of such forming units include a tread strip extruder (110) located at a pre-cure end of the closed-loop tread strip forming unit. Such units include an uncured tread strip handling assembly (120) configured to transport the first uncured tread strip from the first tread strip extruder and to a first tread strip mold member (130). The unit further includes a curing press (150) having an inlet and an outlet, a pre-cure mold handling assembly (140) configured to insert the loaded tread strip mold member into the curing press, a post-cure mold handling assembly (160) configured to receive the loaded tread strip mold member from the outlet of the curing press, a return assembly (170) configured to transfer the first tread strip mold member to the pre-cure end to complete a closed-loop.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.