Method of utilizing adjustable height bladder securement mechanism to effect advantageous bladder movement during curing process
US6841102B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29D30/0645
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of utilizing an adjustable height bladder securement mechanism to effect advantageous bladder movement during a loading and shaping process is disclosed. A tire press comprises a lower mold, an upper mold, and a center mechanism. The center mechanism has an upper clamping mechanism for securing the upper periphery of a bladder and a lower clamping mechanism for securing the lower periphery of the bladder. A center mechanism tube has a center rod positioned therein. A piston is disposed within the center mechanism tube. The piston provides reciprocating motion to the center rod. A position sensor mechanism is operatively associated with the center mechanism. The method comprises the steps of establishing a first baseline height by first applying a set force to the center rod of the bladder securement mechanism to determine the stretch of the bladder; repeatedly curing tires with said bladder up to a certain number of cures; establishing a successive baseline height; and, comparing the first and successive baseline heights and if the difference is less than a predetermined stretch height tolerance, continuing curing tires. If the difference between the first and successive b…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.