US 6,228,200 B1 · Belt press using differential thermal expansion

Abstract

A belt press uses differential thermal expansion between parts of a platen assembly to generate pressure. The belt press typically includes substantially aluminum platen assemblies that are connected such that movement of the second press surface away from said first press surface is limited. A plurality of expansion limiting rods are aligned generally parallel to the top platen's longitudinal axis and attached thereto. The expansion limiting rods preferably are attached via adjustable couplings to sturdy anchor bars laterally disposed across the platen and rest against two or more bridging rods midway along the length of the platens. The expansion limiting rods have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is smaller than the coefficient of thermal expansion for the platens. When the platen assemblies are heated, the expansion limiting rods resist the thermal expansion of the platen assemblies and press inwardly against the platens, thereby generating a compression force for joining or repairing a belt between press surfaces by leveraging off the high temperatures typically required for belt joint forming, rather than from some additional force supplier such as high pressure air or hydraulic lines.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A method of operating a belt press, comprising:

a) disposing a first press surface belonging to a first platen substantially parallel to and opposing a second press surface belonging to a second platen;
said first platen having a longitudinal axis running between first and second end portions and disposed substantially parallel to said first press surface;
b) disposing belt material between said press surfaces;
c) restricting the movement of said first press surface relative to said second press surface in a direction generally normal to said first press surface;
and
d) thereafter, heating said first platen and, while heating, resisting the thermal expansion of said first platen generally along said longitudinal axis thereof by tensioning at least one limit member so as to cause said first press surface to press towards said second press surface between said first and second end portions, and thereby apply substantial compressive force to said belt material.

3 more elements

A belt press, comprising:

a) a first platen having first and second end portions and a longitudinal axis running therebetween and forming a first press surface, said first platen having a first thermal expansion coefficient in the direction along said longitudinal axis;
b) said first platen including an outer channel forming said first press surface and a plurality of distinct inner channels affixed to said outer channel and running parallel to said longitudinal axis, said outer channel having sidewalls;
c) at least one bridging bar running between said sidewalls;
d) first and second anchor bars disposed on respective end portions of said first platen, said inner channels affixed to said outer channel via said anchor bars;
e) a second platen connected to said first platen and having a second press surface substantially parallel to said first press surface;
wherein movement of said second press surface away from said first press surface is limited proximate said first and second end portion of said first platen;
f) at least one heater for heating said first platen;
g) a plurality of limiting members attached to said anchor bars via adjustable links and disposed on said first platen generally opposite said first press surface, said limiting members having a second thermal expansion coefficient that is lower than said first thermal expansion coefficient;
and
h) said limiting members resisting the thermal expansion of said first platen in the direction of said longitudinal axis and pressing against said bridging bar when said first platen is heated, thereby causing said first press surface to press towards said second press surface.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Belt press using differential thermal expansion

Life of this patent

Belt press using differential thermal expansion

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26