Patent ID: 6010657
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,F16D,F16J,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for producing a bellowed seal adapted to be fitted about a constant velocity joint of a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:providing an elongated hollow preform having first and second opposed ends with a series of convolutions therebetween, each convolution having root diameter and a crest diameter with wall sections extending therebetween;placing said rigid preform axially into an elongated die assembly such that said die assembly circumferentially surrounds said preform between opposed ends thereof to confine radial expansion of said preform, wherein said die assembly comprises a series of interconnected axially spaced plates, each plate having upper and lower surfaces;heating said die assembly;controlling temperature ranges of the various plates of said die assembly of said die assembly during said heating step such that different plates of said die assembly are heated to different temperatures to facilitate deformation of said preform;axially compressing the preform to cause the wall sections of said preform to deform into a configuration generally defined by said die assembly; andcausing said heating and compressing steps to be effected substantially simultaneously.