Method and apparatus for the high frequency preheating of elastomeric products

A method of preheating an elastomer product to a predetermined temperature which comprises the steps of:

• placing in a lateral posture said elastomer product on a turntable rotatably provided within a preheating chamber for rotation by a drive means,
• rotating said elastomer product,
• intermittently applying high frequency irradiation toward an upper surface of said elastomer product, while said elastomer product is being rotated on said turntable, through a first waveguide means provided above said turntable and said elastomer product, coupled to a first high frequency oscillating means,
• simultaneously, intermittently applying high freqeuncy irradiation onto a side portion of said elastomer product during said rotation thereof through a horn means positioned so as to be capable of being moved vertically or capable of being pivoted angularly in an upward and downward manner, said horn means being coupled through a second waveguide means to a second high frequency oscillating means for heat diffusion within said elastomer product, and
• measuring the temperature in a radial direction and circumferential direction of said elastomer product during the interrupted periods of said intermittment high frequency irradiation irradiated from said waveguide means by a non-contact thermometer so as to monitor the temperature within said elastomer product such that said temperature is maintained uniform during said preheating, by varying said high frequency wave irradiation from either or both of said first and second waveguide means.