Patent ID: 6416305
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: B29C,B29D

Abstract:
A center mechanism for manipulating a bladder in a tire curing press comprising, a lower plate ring for carrying a lower bead of the bladder, an upper plate ring for carrying an upper bead of the bladder, a first cylinder mechanism for selectively moving said lower plate ring and said upper plate ring, a hub mounted centrally of and extending a substantial axial distance below said lower plate ring, a piston rod attached to said upper plate ring and extending through said hub, a first sealing member mounted in said hub proximate said lower plate ring and engaging said piston rod to retain curing medium within the bladder, a second cylinder mechanism attached to said hub for selectively actuating said piston rod, a second sealing member in said second cylinder mechanism for maintaining cylinder operating fluid in said second cylinder mechanism, and a heat insulator interposed between said hub and said second cylinder mechanism, whereby said curing medium and said cylinder operating fluids are separated by said substantial axial distance said hub extends below said lower plate ring, and by said heat insulator to prevent heat transfer from said curing medium to said cylinder operating fluids.