Method and apparatus for curing cylindrical polymeric objects
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Aug 18, 1998
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Feb 9, 1996
filing date -
Feb 9, 1996
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the rapid, uniform curing of cylindrical, polymeric objects. The invention provides precise, accurate control of both the curing temperature and pressure because the heating system is independent of the pressurization device. Cylindrical polymeric objects are cured by mounting the object on a cylindrical mandrel, applying substantially uniform pressure to the outer surface of the object, typically through an expandable bladder, and supplying curing is heat directly to the object by circulating a liquid heat transfer medium through the bladder or mandrel. Preferably, the expandable elastomeric bladder is mounted coaxially with the mandrel, and is expanded with a suitable liquid or gas to provide the pressure. The liquid heat transfer medium can be pumped through a passage in the mandrel to apply heat directly to the interior of the object, or the liquid heat transfer medium may be used to expand the bladder and apply the curing heat to the exterior of the object. Alternatively, a combination of both techniques may be employed.
First Claim
Other Claims data not available