US3850559A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for vulcanizing rubber molds
Assignee: Unisil Molds Inc
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Filing: 1973-04-18
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Granted: 1974-11-26
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Expires: 1993-04-18
Abstract
Abstract This invention is applicable to a system for vulcanizing rubber contained in a mold frame and surrounding a master, the rubber, when ultimately vulcanized, forming a permanent mold from which reproductions of the master can be made. The mold frame has opposing surfaces which are compressible to apply a pressure to the rubber during processing. Specifically, the invention is directed to an improved apparatus and method for automatically applying prescribed pressures and temperatures to the rubber. In accordance with the invention there are provided a pair of spaced parallel platen assemblies adapted to receive the mold frame and engage the opposing surfaces thereof, the platen assemblies being provided with heating elements. A temperature sensor is provided, the sensor being positionable within the rubber in the mold frame. Control means are coupled to the temperature sensor and responsive thereto for generating pressure control signals. Also, means responsive to the pressure control signals are provided for actuating at least one of the platen assemblies to apply predetermined pressures to said opposing surfaces. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the control means actuates said platen assembly to cyclically relieve the pressure on the rubber to allow the escape of entrapped air.
Inventors
- 👤 N Mintz
- 👤 E Kamke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:10
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C33/00; B29C33/38; B29C33/3842; B29C33/40; B29C33/405; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S425/00; Y10S425/044
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
In a system for vulcanizing rubber contained in a mold frame and surrounding a workpiece, the rubber, when ultimately vulcanized, forming a permanent mold in which models of the workpiece can be cast, the mold frame having opposing surfaces which are compressible so as to apply a pressure to the rubber during processing toward vulcanization; an improved apparatus for automatically applying prescribed pressures and temperatures to the rubber, comprising: a pair of spaced parallel platen assemblies adapted to receive the mold frame and engage the opposing surfaces thereof, said platen assemblies containing heating elements; a temperature sensor positionable within the rubber in the mold frame; control means coupled to said temperature sensor and responsive thereto for generating pressure control signals; and means responsive to said pressure control signals for actuating at least one of said platen assemblies to apply predetermined pressures to said opposing surfaces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
In a system for vulcanizing rubber contained in a mold frame and surrounding a workpiece, the rubber, when ultimately vulcanized, forming a permanent mold in which models of the workpiece can be cast, the mold frame having opposing surfaces which are compressible so as to apply a pressure to the rubber during processing toward vulcanization; an improved apparatus for automatically applying prescribed pressures and temperatures to the rubber, comprising: a pair of spaced parallel platen assemblies adapted to receive the mold frame and engage the opposing surfaces thereof, said platen assemblies containing heating elements; a temperature sensor positionable within the rubber in the mold frame; control means coupled to said temperature sensor and responsive thereto for generating pressure control signals; and means responsive to said pressure control signals for actuating at least one of said platen assemblies to apply predetermined pressures to said opposing surfaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said control means includes means for generating pressure control signals which actuate pressure cycling when said temperature sensor indicates a rubber temperature within a predetermined temperature range.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said heating elements are disposed in intimate contact with the surfaces of the platen assemblies that contact said opposing surfaces so that the applied pressures are applied through said heating elements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein said heating elements are disposed in intimate contact with the surfaces of the platen assemblies that contact said opposing surfaces so that the applied pressures are applied through said heating elements.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said control means includes means for inactivating said heating elements and said actuating means a given time after said temperature sensor indicates a prescribed rubber temperature.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said control means includes means for inactivating said heating elements when said temperature sensor indicates a prescribed rubber temperature and for inactivating said actuating means a given time thereafter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 6 wherein said prescribed rubber temperature is above the vulcanization temperature of the rubber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 6 wherein said heating elements are disposed in intimate contact with the surfaces of the platen assemblies that contact said opposing surfaces so that the applied pressures are applied through said heating elements.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein said control means further includes means for inactivating said heating elements when said temperature sensor indicates a prescribed rubber temperature and for inactivating said actuating means a given time thereafter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 9 wherein said heating elements are disposed in intimate contact with the surfaces of the platent assemblies that contact said opposing surfaces so that the applied pressures are applied through said heating elements.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said actuating means comprises a pneumatic cyliNder in conjunction with pressure control valves.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein said predetermined temperature range is the range between about 175*F and 275*F.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein said pressure cycling is defined as a condition of alternation between the pressure applied prior to cycling and the substantial absence of pressure.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said control means includes timing means for generating cyclical pressure control signals.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-25 | 1978-05-27 | 1978-11-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-25 | 1982-05-27 | 1982-11-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-25 | 1986-05-27 | 1986-11-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |