Tire Vulcanizing Mould

12,543. Dees, M. A., and McLeod, N. W. May 28. Vulcanizing tyres.-A tyre vulcanizer consists of two shells A, B, between which the moulded tyre X is clamped. The shells enclose a space slightly larger than the finished tyre. Each section is formed of two parts riveted together, the spaces between the parts forming a heating - chamber through which steam may be passed The joint between the chambers is kept steam-tight by packing 8, 33. The tyre is held in position by means of an annular abutment 17 secured by rings 20 and screws 21, which may be adjusted from the outside. Steam is admitted to the interior of the tyre and expands it to the size to which it will be inflated when in use. The two sections A, B are connected together by bolts 12, clamps 16, and dowels 10; correct alinement between the sections and the annulus 17 is ob tained by means of rings 19 through which the dowels pass. Steam is admitted through the opening 30 and passes around the upper section, then through the passages 35, 36 to the lower section, from which the water of condensation is carried away by the tube 49. Steam is also admitted to the interior of the tyre through the passage 37 in the ring 17, and water of condensation is removed therefrom through the tube 44, which is swivelled on the tube 42 in order that it may rest against the bottom of the tyre when inflated. In order to assist in the removal of the tyre from the vulcanizer, rods 23, 25 are provided, which pass through the shells A, B and rest against the rings 20, levers which are fulcrumed at b and 29, respectively, being provided to press against these rods and force the shells apart. To allow the tyre to expand to its full extent when inflated, passages are formed in the castings to connect the back of the chamber to the air. In order to prevent the tyre from being forced into the groove between the two sections, a guard-ring 39 is provided having holes corresponding with the passages.