Patent ID: 7604760
Filing Date: 2009-10-20
Classification: B29C,B29D,B29L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for curing tires, comprising: a chamber configured for containing at least one tire assembly for curing; a heat exchanger disposed in said chamber; a heating unit for heating water, said heating unit being in fluid communication with said heat exchanger in a closed circuit, said heating unit having a heating unit outlet for the discharge of heated water from said heating unit; a pump for circulating a flow of water between said heating unit and said heat exchanger, said pump having a pump inlet for the flow of water into said pump; an expansion tank in fluid communication with said heating unit outlet and said pump inlet such that water may circulate within said closed circuit from said heating unit, into said expansion tank, and back to said pump; a valve connected in said closed circuit between said heating unit outlet and said expansion tank so as to control the flow of water fed to said expansion tank from said heating unit; a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the water in said closed circuit; and, a control system in communication with said pressure sensor and said valve, said control system configured for opening said valve when the pressure of water in said closed circuit falls below a desired set-point pressure and configured for closing said valve when the pressure of water in said closed circuit rises above the desired set-point pressure.