Abstract: The present invention relates to A lock hopper (11) provided with air-tight hoppers (A3, B3) arranged side by side with entrance valves (A1, B1) arranged above the air-tight hoppers (A3, B3) and exit valves (A4, B4) arranged below the air-tight hoppers (A3, B3). The lock hopper (11) performs control which alternately repeats the following states: a state in which granular substances in an upper system are placed in one of the hoppers and gas is supplied into the other hopper to discharge granular substances from the inside of the other hopper to a lower system and a state in which the granular substances in the upper system are placed in the other hopper and gas is supplied to said hopper to discharge granular substances from the inside of said hopper to the lower system.

Abstract: A system for continuous High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) foam production. A (HIPE) is produced then extruded onto a carrier sheet positioned on a belt surface.

Abstract: A LGP plate-to-plate manufacturing includes the steps of: preparing an optical substrate with a first surface and a second surface; mechanically extruding a first integrated microstructure on the first surface of the optical substrate; coating an optical layer on the first or second surface of the optical substrate; and curing the optical layer to directly form a second microstructure on the first or second surface of the optical substrate; wherein the first integrated microstructure and the second microstructure are separately formed at a time to provide a light guide plate structure. In an embodiment, an additional optical layer is provided on the optical substrate.

Abstract: A manufacturing device includes a material supply module, a winding machine as well as a low-temperature furnace, a tension wheel set, a microwave graphitization module and a gluing module sequentially installed between the material supply module and the winding machine, so that a carbon fiber raw material can be manufactured continuously in mass production to enhance the graphitization efficiency and lower the process cost significantly.

Abstract: An injection-molding machine having a stack mold for producing injection-molded parts, has first and second external mold parts and a rotatably mounted central block, the external mold parts each having a distribution plate having a hot runner for the injection material, and mold cavities being formed between molding regions on inner sides of the mold plates of the external mold parts and molding regions being formed on mold plates on opposite outer sides of the central block. At least one gripper is provided. The mold plates of the external mold parts and the central block are held detachably in place. The mold plates of the external mold parts are positionable on the distribution plates to correspond to respective feed channels, and the mold plates of the central block are positionable on the central block to correspond to respective positions of the mold plates of the external mold parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating a multifilament thread in a melt-spinning process, wherein a treatment channel is formed between a housing plate and an impact plate. The housing plate has a nozzle bore which opens into the treatment channel and is connected to a compressed-air connection. Together with the housing plate, the impact plate forms an inlet opening and an outlet opening at both ends of the treatment channel. In order to check the swirling effects which are produced on the thread by the eddying within the treatment channel, according to the invention the impact plate has a thread guiding element in the part piece of the treatment channel between the nozzle bore and the inlet opening, which thread guiding element is configured so as to protrude into the treatment channel in order to deflect the thread.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for applying glue to fibers for the production of fiberboard, especially MDF board or similar wood material board. Said installation comprises a fiber feed unit having at least one fiber feed conduit which opens into a fiber exit tube via a fiber deflection element and receives the air that is used to transport the fibers, a chute which is located downstream of the fiber exit tube, a glue application device which has spray nozzles for spraying the fibers that emerge from the fiber exit tube and enter the chute with drops of glue, and a collection device, located downstream of the chute and having an air-permeable transport belt for collecting and optionally carrying off the fibers and a suction device located below the transport belt for suctioning air from the chute through the transport belt, the suction device having one or more suction boxes to which one or more suction pipes are connected.

Abstract: A microstructure forming device for forming an optical plate includes: a roller unit including a pressing roller, and first and second embossing rollers that respectively have first and second micropatterned surfaces; an extrusion die for extruding a substrate material to a first nip between the first embossing roller and the pressing roller to form a lower microstructure; and a photosensitive resin-applying unit disposed immediately above the second embossing roller for directing a photosensitive resin onto the second embossing roller to form an upper microstructure that is opposite to the lower microstructure.

Abstract: A food product includes a first extruded component, a second extruded component co-extruded over the first component, the second component comprising a meat component and an additive, and a casing provided over the second component, wherein the additive comprises at least one of a flavoring, a seasoning, and a coloring.

Abstract: A method for making an optical plate formed with a microstructure includes: extruding a substrate material and advancing the same to pass through a first nip formed between an embossing roller and a first pressing roller, the embossing roller having a micropatterned surface formed with a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of grooves, the protrusions and the grooves cooperatively defining a microstructure-forming space; applying a photosensitive resin to the micropatterned surface and filling the same into the microstructure-forming space upstream of the first nip to form a plurality of microelements respectively in the microstructure-forming space; allowing the photosensitive resin applied to the micropatterned surface to pass through the first nip together with the substrate material, thereby bonding the microelements to the substrate material; and irradiating and curing the photosensitive resin downstream of the first nip to form the optical plate.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved deposition systems. In one non-limiting example, a deposition system is provided for use with a solution and a substrate. The system comprises of a solution deposition apparatus; at least one heating chamber; at least one assembly for holding a solution over the substrate; and a substrate curling apparatus for curling at least one edge of the substrate to define a zone capable of containing a volume of the solution over the substrate. In another embodiment of the present invention, a deposition system for use with a substrate, the system comprising a solution deposition apparatus; at heating chamber; and at least assembly for holding solution over the substrate to allow for a depth of at least about 0.5 microns to 10 mm.

Abstract: Thin snack chips having a curved or wave shape are obtained by forming, shaping or curling baked chips into a curved or wave configuration before they become too cold and rigid so as to result in breakage during forming. The essentially flat, malleable baked chips, still hot from baking in an oven may be continuously transported on a conveyer belt into a nip or gap formed between the conveyer belt and a rotating forming roller to curve or curl the malleable baked chips around the roller. The malleable baked chips are subjected to a guided curtain of air to cool and set the chips in a curved or wave configuration and to remove or blow the curved or wave chips off of the rotating forming roller onto the conveyor belt.

Abstract: During the manufacture of slabs with a veined effect a liquid or powder colouring agent is deposited on the surface of a thin layer of starting mixture by means of at least one dispensing device (40) and the resultant mixture is supplied, falling freely, from one end of an extractor belt (30) forming the bottom of a mixture metering/distributor unit, following which the mixture is transferred, falling freely, onto a temporary moulding support (14). This results in the production of slabs provided with veining extending through the entire thickness of the slabs and also visible along the whole edge of the slab, even after it has been machined.

Abstract: Embodiments of this apparatus and method introduce solutes into a sheet formed from a melt. A melt of a material is cooled and a sheet of the material is formed in the melt. A first fluid is introduced around the sheet at least partially while the sheet is formed. A second fluid also may be introduced. In one instance, use of the first fluid and second fluid may form a sheet that has two different solute concentrations.

Abstract: A method for producing a coated optical fiber may include drawing an optical fiber from a draw furnace along a first vertical pathway. The optical fiber may then be routed through at least one fluid bearing thereby redirecting the optical fiber along a second vertical pathway. Thereafter, a thermoplastic coating may be applied to the optical fiber with a thermoplastic coating system. The optical fiber may then be wound onto a fiber storage spool with a fiber take-up system. The fiber take-up system may be space apart from the thermoplastic coating system such that the thermoplastic coating may be cooled before the optical fiber is wound onto the fiber storage spool.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing module and nozzle or die tip for discharging at least one liquid filament. The nozzle includes a strand guide for guiding a substrate past the nozzle and a frustoconical protrusion disposed on a surface of the nozzle adjacent the notch. A liquid discharge passage extends along an axis through the frustoconical protrusion and forms an acute angle with a machine direction corresponding to movement of the strand past the nozzle. Four air discharge passages are positioned at the base of the frustoconical protrusion. Each of the air discharge passages is angled in a compound manner generally toward the liquid discharge passage and offset from the axis of the liquid discharge passage to create the controlled pattern of liquid material on the strand.

Abstract: A plant and method for the manufacture of cementitious products, viz. cast concrete roof tiles (T), the plant comprising a mixing station (2) where the constituents of a cementitious composition, less an air entraining agent, are admixed under t atmospheric pressure and further mixed under a partial vacuum of 200 to 340 mBar after the addition of an air entraining agent, the plant also comprising a moulding station (4) where the tiles (T) are cast in a gang-mould (6) before being cured in a conventional autoclave for up to 10 hours at 45 degrees C. The cured concrete roof tiles (T) are de-moulded after curing and conveyed to a surface preparation zone (12) where a primer coat of a water based epoxy and a surface coating of a water based emulsion paint are applied to at least an upper surface in use of the cast concrete roof tiles (T). The admixed cementitious composition has a Ford Cup flow of between 40 and 60 seconds and a slump test of between 180 and 220 mm.

Abstract: A point-of-sale apparatus for making customized chocolate articles includes one or more temperature-controlled chocolate tempering machine(s) for melting and storing tempered liquid chocolate, a dispenser for dispensing the liquid chocolate into a cavity formed in a single-use mold, a dispenser for depositing one or more selected food product exclusions across the surface of the liquid chocolate, a vibrating table for removing air bubbles and distributing the exclusions evenly, a cooling tunnel for rapidly cooling the chocolate article, and one or more conveyors for moving the single-use chocolate mold and carrying it through the cooling tunnel. The exclusion dispenser may include a hopper having a funnel and a grate with different sized openings corresponding to different sized exclusions. The single-use mold may carry a customer identifier for later identification. The single-use mold containing the solidified custom chocolate article may be deposited directly into a box provided to the customer.

Abstract: A molding apparatus is configured by a first, a second sliding die, a first, a second fixed die, and a sliding film forming chamber. The first, the second sliding dies are moved in directions reverse to each other to take a primary molding position, a film forming position and a secondary molding position. The sliding film forming chamber includes a first, a second masking plate and are arranged to be remote from the first, the second fixed dies. Further, the sliding film forming chamber is slid in an up and down direction. The first, the second sliding dies are respectively formed with recess portions and cores, the first, the second fixed dies are respectively formed with cores and recess portions.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous pultrusion process for producing structural profiles wherein a) one or more textile sheets are impregnated with a resin composition comprising a combination of (i) at least one epoxy resin which is a tri- or tetrafunctional epoxy resin and (ii) a curing agent system comprising at least two types of reactive groups of different reactivity b) the impregnated textile sheets are subjected to heat to cause a partial reaction between the at least one epoxy resin and the curing agent system, so that the viscosity of the resin composition is increased, and c) the partially reacted impregnated resin composition is gelled using heat and/or pressure.

Abstract: A continuous, fully automated and highly productive system for the production of open core elements utilizes various formations of fluted input webs which are cut into strips, glued, cross-transferred, and serially upended for placement against preceding strips to build up an open core element. The open core elements are useful in the manufacture of structural members such as doors, floor panels and to wall panels. Also disclosed is a fluting apparatus effective for providing large pitch flutes for the input webs used in forming the core elements. A glue machine that utilizes a glue roll as the only moving part operates in conjunction with a ganged positive displacement adhesive pump to supply liquid adhesive for application to the flute tips for any of the various glue application stations in the system.

Abstract: A coating device for coating an interior surface of a continuous tube of material with a fluid. The coating device includes an extruder die for forming the continuous tube of material and a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system is positioned within the extruder die so as to introduce the fluid onto the interior surface of the continuous tube of material.

Abstract: An extrusion die for extruding biodegradable material, the extrusion die comprising: a mandrel; a nozzle extending from the mandrel; an outer member positioned near the mandrel; an extrusion orifice between the mandrel and the outer member; a member in communication with at least one defining member of the extrusion orifice, wherein the member is capable of producing relative movement between the outer member and the mandrel, wherein the relative movement has a component transverse to an extrusion direction of biodegradable material through the extrusion orifice; a flow control device which controls flow of biodegradable material through the extrusion die; and a positioning device which positions the outer member and the mandrel relative to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for melt spinning and cooling a group of filaments comprising a spinning device with an annular spinneret and a cooling device arranged below the spinning device. The cooling device comprises a holder that is connected to a coolant dispersing head. The coolant dispersing head is centered relative to the spinneret with contact between the spinning device and the holder in an operating position. The coolant dispersing head can be guided into a standby position at a distance from the spinneret. A guide tube encloses the coolant dispersing head in the manner of a jacket with a clearance and which is open at its end facing toward the spinning device. The guide tube and coolant dispersing head are displaceable relative to one another in axial direction to produce an air stream at the blowing end of the guide tube during transition from the standby position to the operating position.

Abstract: A spinning-drawing-texturing machine for producing crimped threads is described, comprising a spinning device, a drawing device, a texturing device, and a take-up device. A plurality of threads spun by the spinning device is assigned to the drawing device, the texturing device, and the take-up device. According to the present invention, the drawing device and the texturing device are arranged in a processing module and the take-up device in a winding module underneath the spinning device. The processing module and the winding module are erected side by side and form one long side of the machine. This ensures a configuration divided by functional groups, which facilitates operation and increases operational reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for applying finish to an expanded filament array in a quench system with air directed inward to the filament bundle. The applicator may be used inside or proximate quench zones in a radial, pneumatic, or cross-flow quench system. The apparatus includes a spinneret, a quench zone located below said spinneret, wherein cooling gas is directed inward to an expanded filament array inside said quench zone, and an applicator inside or below said quench zone, wherein the applicator contacts the filament and delivers the finish to the expanded filament array.

Abstract: A gypsum board forming device having a gypsum forming station including two laterally disposed edger shoes, and at least one laterally disposed edger bar clamping element on the edger bar. In one embodiment a laterally extending forming plate extends over the top surface of the formed gypsum board, the forming plate including a plurality of micropore conduits through which pressurized water is supplied to provide a film of smoothing water over the top surface of the gypsum board. In another embodiment the edger shoes have a flapper mechanism for retaining unset slurry skimmed off the surface of the gypsum board by the edger bar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning a fibrous material. The conditioning arrangement includes a moisturizing chamber having two series of opposed rollers arranged to accept a fiber batt into a pressing space therebetween. The pressing space tapers from a batt entrance toward a batt exit. This tapered configuration is affected for compressing a fiber batt as it is rolled therethrough. As illustrated, before entering the conditioner, the cotton batt has a greater thickness than after compaction and processing through the moisturizing chamber. A moisture infusion assembly is provided within the moisturizing chamber and has an air distributor configured to dispense moisture laden air adjacent to a fiber batt being processed through the pressing space. An air collector is configured to pull exhaust air away from the fiber batt being processed through the pressing space.

Abstract: A process for the production of an over moulded substrate is provided together with an apparatus suitable for use in the process.

Abstract: A film sheet which has a polymer layer formed of a coating solution is drawn from a balk roll and transported toward a rubbing apparatus. Thereby, first and second blowers sequentially disposed respectively apply to the polymer layer an air of temperature 45±2° C. and humidity 50%-60%, and an air of temperature 25±1° C. and humidity 30%-35%. Thus, damages which occurred in transporting and rolling the film sheet are removed. Thereafter, a rubbing action is performed to the film sheet such that the polymer layer has alignment. Then a liquid crystal layer is formed on the polymer layer, to obtain an optical compensation film.

Abstract: A method for applying a powder coating to molding has the steps of providing molding to a coating chamber. Powder is then distributed to the coating chamber. The molding is electrostatically charged to attract the powder. The powder is cured to adhere the molding.

Abstract: Complementary roof tiles for a staggered roof tile layout are provided by: (i) extruding and conveying a composite ribbon; (ii) demarcating the composite ribbon into an alternating succession of a first roof tile type and a second roof tile type by engaging the composite ribbon with an upstream cutting blade and a downstream cutting blade, such that each roof tile type is demarcated at an upstream tile edge by one of the cutting blades and at a downstream tile edge by the other of the cutting blades, and such that a selected one of the roof tile types includes a pair of cut-out portions demarcated along one of the upstream and downstream tile edges on opposite ones of the ribbon side edges; (iii) separating the succession of demarcated roof tile types into distinct roof tiles; and (v) curing the distinct roof tiles to form a set of cured roof tiles.

Abstract: A plastic sheet processing apparatus for cutting into a predetermined shape an elongated plastic sheet unwound from a roll includes a heating unit for heating the plastic sheet; an embossing unit for uniformly forming depressions on the heated plastic sheet at predetermined intervals; an antistatic agent application unit for applying an antistatic agent onto the embossed plastic sheet; and a sliding enhancing agent application unit for applying a sliding enhancing agent onto the embossed plastic sheet.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a highly oriented yarn (HOY) wherein the yarn is withdrawn from the nozzle of a spinneret at a withdrawal speed of at least 6,500 m/min. The filaments forming the yarn are drawn during their solidification, so that a highly oriented molecular structure forms in the polymer. To withstand the withdrawal tension generated by the high withdrawal speed without overstressing the filaments, the filaments are assisted in their advance before they solidify such that prior to the solidification a tensile stress relief is effective on the filaments, and that during the solidification a reduced withdrawal tension is effective on the filaments while they are drawn.

Abstract: To provide a tire tube having excellent sealing performance and durability. An inside of a tire includes a peripheral wall having an approximately circular cross-section which is partitioned by a partition wall into an outer peripheral side sealant chamber and an inner peripheral side air chamber. The sealant chamber is filled with a sealant having a thickness in the diameter direction in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are provided whereby the morphology of bulked continuous filament (BCF) yarns can be variably controlled. More specifically, according to the present invention, the BCF yarn is melt-spun, drawn and textured, most preferably in a one-step spin-draw-texture (SDT) process, wherein prior to texturing, the yarn is subjected to a differential temperature condition. Most preferably, such differential temperature condition is accomplished using the duo rolls employed in drawing the BCF, such that one of the rolls is maintained at a greater temperature as compared to the other of the rolls. Most preferably, it is the upstream-most roll (relative to the general conveyance path of the filament toward the texturizer) which is the hotter of the duo rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for applying finish to an expanded filament array in a quench system with air directed inward to the filament bundle. The applicator may be used inside or proximate quench zones in a radial, pneumatic, or cross-flow quench system. The apparatus includes a spinneret, a quench zone located below said spinneret, wherein cooling gas is directed inward to an expanded filament array inside said quench zone, and an applicator inside or below said quench zone, wherein the applicator contacts the filament and delivers the finish to the expanded filament array.

Abstract: Device for dividing dough provided with a dough funnel, a division slide which slide can move to and fro, a piston for moving dough which piston can move to and fro situated below the division slide, a measuring chamber which can move up and down with at least two measuring spaces for receiving the dough moved by the movable piston which spaces are situated next to each other and separated from each other by a partition. The measuring chamber is movable to a bottom position and has measuring pistons for pushing the dough out of the measuring spaces. Knife for scraping the pieces of dough from the measuring pistons. The device is provided with a number of sprinklers at least being equal to the number of partitions, for sprinkling liquid on parts of the pieces of dough facing each other that are pushed out of the measuring spaces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layered web uses contoured honeycomb drums for the manufacture of non-woven webs used to make the multi-layered web. The method can use spunbonded, melt blown, or electro-static spun techniques for depositing solidifying filaments on outer collection surfaces of a multi-drum system. The multi-drum system may be employed to improve multi-layered web uniformity and the overall quality of the multi-layered web by presenting a single optimal collection surface for each independent web layer being produced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing starch loss in mogul machines. Starch is lowered below the tray edge such that starch does not spill over the tray side walls when cavities are stamped into the starch for receiving liquefied candy material. The leveling device may include a brush and a resilient plastic blade. The leveling device recycles starch into a collection hopper.

Abstract: A treatment method for the internal surface of a moulded polyethylene plastics material container such as a drum, comprising the steps of: introducing an ionisable gas, such as argon, into the container; generating a plasma of the introduced gas by applying electric field of sufficient strength to the container and introduced gas, so as to cause an interaction with the internal surface of the container; coating the internal surface of the container with a curable epoxy-based first polymeric composition; and then curing the polymeric composition to form a coating on the internal surfaces of the container. A second coating, preferably with electrical conductive properties, may be applied and cured over the first coating. Conductive properties may provided by including conductive particles such as antimony doped tin dioxide, graphite or metal powders, in the second composition.

Abstract: In an apparatus for texturing an outer surface of an extruded thermoplastic resin article, thermoplastic resin article is formed from a molten thermoplastic resin and a liquid jet printer head is adapted to impinge a stream of liquid against said thermoplastic resin for rapidly cooling said thermoplastic resin in impinged area to imparting texturing to said extruded thermoplastic resin article.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for continuously producing coated tablets or pellets of liquid-filled gum material. An extruded rope of liquid-filled gum material is formed, sized, and separated into individual pellets of liquid-filled gum material. A tablet-forming mechanism having pairs of chain mechanisms with open mating die groove members separate the rope of gum material into individual pieces and form it into individual pellets. The open die groove members have curved non-flat configurations such that the die cavities form pellets of liquid-filled gum material with curved non-flat configurations. The formed pellets of gum material are cooled in a cooling mechanism, conditioned at an appropriate low humidity, low temperature environment, and then coated with a hard sugar or sugarless shell.

Abstract: A molding station for molding a colored product of a synthetic resin mixed with a colorant and a coating station for applying a colored clear coat to the surface of the molded colored product are disposed adjacent to each other for highly efficient production of colored clear coated, molded colored products. The molded colored product is charged directly from the molding station into the coating station. The hue of the molded colored product and the hue of the colored clear coat are seen as mixed to the eye. A plurality of hues may be available for each of the colorant and the colored clear coat, so that a variety of hues can be achieved on colored products by a combination of hues of the colorant and the colored clear coat without maintaining a large stock or inventory of different colorants or colored clear coats.

Abstract: Sequential pieces of bakery dough are floured using a moving belt positioned beneath an elongated flour dispensing mechanism. The belt runs through a stationary guide that transiently forms the belt into a tubular enclosure which embraces the dough pieces, thereby producing a more complete flour coating on the pieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the in-line production of composite strand material and the conversion of at least a portion of the strand material into a composite product. The apparatus (10) includes a combining station (48) where glass fibers (14) with a second polymeric material (66) are combined to form composite strand material (16), and at least one mold (54) for receiving a portion of the composite strand material and forming the portion into a composite product. The apparatus also includes transfer equipment for moving the composite strand material from the combining station to the mold, which may include a computer-controlled robotic arm (52). In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a collecting device (18) for accumulating the composite strand material (16) in looped form and equipment for delivering the accumulated portion from the collecting device to the mold (54).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing imitation grill marks on food items without applying heat to the items in forming the grill marks. The apparatus has a sprayer that applies a colorized solution to the items and a press that forms indentations on the items, impregnating the solution into the indentations and permitting the solution to collect in the indentations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing containers from sheets having a hydraulically settable matrix are disclosed. Suitable compositions are prepared by mixing together a hydraulic binder, water, and appropriate additives (such as aggregates, fibers, and rheology-modifying agents) which impart predetermined properties so that a sheet formed therefrom has the desired performance criteria. Hydraulically settable sheets are formed from the mixture by extrusion, then calendering the sheets using a set of rollers and then drying the sheets in an accelerated manner to substantially harden the sheets. The resulting hydraulically settable sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets made from presently used materials like paper, cardboard, polystyrene, or plastic. The sheets can be laminated, corrugated, coated, printed on, scored, perforated, cut, folded, rolled, spiral wound, molded, assembled and seamed to mass produce articles of manufacture from the sheets such as food and beverage containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing stretched yarns.

Abstract: This method and apparatus provide for uniformly coating a hot elongate member with a powder coating. The elongate member and power carry an electrostatic charge which aids in providing the uniform powder coating. This method and apparatus electrostatically charge and heat the elongated member prior to entering a powder coating booth. In the booth, we sequentially discharge the powder coating, electrostatically charge the powder coating and then coat the elongated member with the charged powder coating. In one development, this method and apparatus uniformly powder coats window lineals directly on a pultrusion line.