Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printer includes a base plate and a nozzle connectable to a source of molten material and operable to eject the molten material onto the base plate that are movable in orthogonal directions to form a 3D object on the base plate. An error detection system detects a dislocation of the 3D object on the base plate during the 3D printing operation, which can lead to stopping the 3D printing process. The error detection system includes a beam emitter and a detector that work in conjunction with a tag formed on the 3D object to determine whether the object has dislocated.

Abstract: An extrusion die may include a first die component and a second die component configured to mate with one another. The first die component may have a first body with a rim extending axially therefrom and at least one first channel through which a material is flowable, where the rim may define a recess. The second die component may have a second body with a platform extending axially therefrom and at least one second channel through which the material is flowable. The recess of the first die component may be configured to receive the platform. The rim of the first die component may include at least one protrusion extending radially into the recess, and the platform may include at least one notch complementary to the at least one protrusion to form a concordant step register for positioning the first die component and the second die component with respect to each other.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to portions of an article of footwear formed from an extruded member. In certain embodiments, a sole or portion of a sole can be formed from one or more extruded members. In certain embodiments, the extruded member can be a single, continuous piece of solid material. In certain embodiments, a sole for an article of footwear can be fashioned from an extruded member formed in a controlled geometric pattern. In certain embodiments, the sole can include one or more layers.

Abstract: A machine for the deposition of material for the production of pieces, with a structural housing including an inner chamber in which an arc torch operates in order to melt a strand of material with which pieces are formed on a supporting table; the arc torch is mounted on a frame positioned horizontally in the upper part of the chamber, on which the arc torch is mounted with a movement system driven by several actuation devices located on the outside of the structural housing. The supporting table is positioned below the frame in an assembly that can move towards or away from the frame, with a side sub-chamber located facing the supporting table and equipped with a cover that opens outwards, and towards which the supporting table can pivot for the removal of the pieces.

Abstract: Provided herein are measurement systems including a micrometer assembly for receiving a length of tubing, the micrometer assembly including a plurality of non-contact optical micrometers disposed around the length of tubing for measuring an outer diameter (OD) at a first plurality of positions along a circumference of the length of tubing. The measurement system may further include a displacement gauge assembly for receiving the length of tubing from the optical micrometer assembly, the displacement gauge assembly including a plurality of non-contact gauges disposed around the length of tubing for measuring a wall thickness at a second plurality of positions along the circumference of the length of tubing. A controller receives the OD measurements and thickness measurements, and determines an inner diameter and a concentricity of the length of glass tubing based on an index of refraction of the length of glass tubing, the OD measurements, and the thickness measurements.

Abstract: A profile strip for a motor vehicle, in particular for a sealing assembly in a window or door area of a motor vehicle. The profile strip comprises a securing profile section that can be secured on a first part of the motor vehicle. The profile strip comprises a sealing profile section connected to the securing profile section, produced from a vulcanized rubber matrix and configured to allow relative movements with reduced friction between the profile strip and a second part of the motor vehicle. A contact surface of the sealing profile section that can be brought into contact with the second part is provided with an anti-friction coating that comprises an anti-friction coating matrix and anti-friction particles embedded in the anti-friction coating matrix that are produced from UHMWPE. The anti-friction coating matrix is a vulcanized EPDM matrix.

Abstract: A three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes a nozzle that ejects a molten material, which is a plasticized thermoplastic material, a plasticization section which includes a flat screw having a groove extending in a volute shape and a driving motor that rotates the flat screw, the plasticization section rotating the flat screw to thereby guide the molten material to the nozzle through the groove, and an ejection control mechanism that is disposed in a flow path between the flat screw and the nozzle, and controls an outflow of the molten material from the nozzle.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein produce products by adding material on an existing object. Printing onto existing objects may be used to repair/rebuild/fix the existing objects. Other embodiments print on a lateral edge of an object. A print-head unit may be implemented that can horizontally rotate to produce the product by adding layers of materials on the existing object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing all or part of the skinsheet of a rotary drum blancher/cooler from being clean in place totally removable is disclosed. The drum includes the skinsheet (in sections) with a plurality of clamps and catches. Each catch is comprised of two catches—a clean in place catch and a totally removable catch. Each clamp is attached to a section and has an clamping position and a release position, and includes a bail. When a clamp is in the clamping position and its bail is in either the clean in place catch or the totally removable catch of a corresponding catch on an adjacent second section, the catch and clamp hold the adjacent sections together to form a part of the drum. When the clamp is in the release position and the bail is in the clean in place catch of the adjacent section, the clamp and clean in place catch allow adjacent sections to separate, but do not allow them to be removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the bioprinting technical field, and in particular relates to a bioprinter and a calibration method thereof. The bioprinter provided by the present invention comprises a control device, a first detection device, and a second detection device, wherein the first detection device is capable of sending a first signal to the control device when the spray device moves to a first position along the Z-axis direction such that the control device calibrates the preset length value of the spray device, and the second detection device is capable of sending a second signal to the control device when the second detection device moves to a second position along the Z-axis direction such that the control device calibrates the preset height value of the printing material initial adhesion surface.

Abstract: A screw machine includes an inductive heating device for the processing of material to be processed. The inductive heating device is used to heat the material in a heating zone. In the heating zone, at least one housing portion is made of an electromagnetically transparent material at least partly, the material being non-magnetic and electrically non-conductive, whereas at least one treatment element shaft is made of an electrically conductive material at least partly. During the processing of the material, the inductive heating device generates an alternating magnetic field that produces eddy current losses in the at least one treatment element shaft, the eddy current losses leading to a temperature increase of the at least one treatment element shaft. The material is heated on the at least one heated treatment element shaft, in particular until it melts.

Abstract: A tube exchanging device of a three dimensional (3D) printer for allowing containers of multiple materials (tubes) to be used in printing includes a plurality of tubes and a holder. The holder comprises a first side wall and a first bottom wall, and a plurality of first clamping parts is installed on the first side wall. Each first clamping part fixes a tube on the holder, each first clamping part comprises two hooking parts, which are set in two front ends of the first clamping part. Each tube comprises a guiding surface and two locking surfaces. When the two hooking parts slide from the guiding surface to the two locking surfaces, the two hooking parts are limited by the two locking surfaces to fix the tube on the holder.

Abstract: Provided is an extruder and a method for extruding cord reinforced tire components, wherein the extruder has an extruder head with a die and a cord guide. The die is provided with a cross sectional profile that defines a first cross section of the extrusion material in the die, wherein the cross sectional profile has a profile height. The cord guide is arranged for guiding the cords into the die at a cord entry height. The extruder head is provided with first heating elements. The extruder has a control unit that is operationally connected to the first heating elements for generating an adjustable height temperature gradient in the extrusion material across the profile height to control swelling of the extrusion material relative to the cord entry height from the first cross section to a second cross section after the extrusion material leaves the die.

Abstract: A multi-striped electrical cable may be provided. The multi-striped electrical cable may comprise a conductor, an inner layer, an outer layer, and a stripe. The conductor core may comprise a conductor. The inner layer may be around the conductor core and may comprise an inner layer polymer. The outer layer may be around the inner layer. The outer layer may comprise an outer layer polymer, an outer layer colorant, and an outer layer friction reducing additive. The stripe may be disposed on an outermost portion of the outer layer. The stripe may comprise a stripe polymer, a stripe colorant, and a stripe friction reducing additive.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for modifying gypsum, wherein a continuous feed of raw gypsum is provided; the water content of the raw gypsum is determined in the continuous feed by near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) measurement; the raw gypsum is calcined in a calcination unit at a fire rate to remove water from the raw gypsum and to obtain a continuous feed of calcined gypsum having a water content within a selected range; a water content of the calcined gypsum is determined by near infrared spectroscopy, and the fire rate is adjusted based on the water content of the raw gypsum and of the calcined gypsum. Further, the invention pertains to an apparatus for performing said process.

Abstract: A die with alignment mechanism includes a die including a through-hole through which a traveling wire travels, a bearing member for rotationally moving the die in a circumferential direction of the traveling wire, and a movable member that moves the die so that a central axis of the through-hole is aligned with a travel direction of the traveling wire without inhibiting the rotational movement of the die produced by the bearing member when the travel direction changes in a direction orthogonal to the travel direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hoisting rope, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of elongated composite members, which composite members are made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers in polymer matrix; and arranging the composite members to form an elongated row of parallel composite members, which row has a longitudingal direction, a thickness direction and a width direction, and in which row the composite members are positioned side by side such that they are parallel to each other, and spaced apart from each other in width direction of the row; and directing plasma treatment on the outer surface of the composite members; and embedding the composite members in fluid polymer material; and solidifying the polymer material wherein the composite members are embedded. The invention relates also to a hoisting rope obtained with the method and an elevator comprising the hoisting rope.

Abstract: An extrusion nozzle for making tubular preforms has a mandrel extending along a vertical axis, an annular and stationary nozzle body spacedly radially surrounding the mandrel, and a holding ring having an upper end axially slidable in the nozzle body, braced axially downwardly against the nozzle body, and having a lower end spaced radially inward from shiftable limitedly radially relative to the nozzle body. A nozzle ring has an upper end axially slidable in the holding ring, is braced axially downwardly against the nozzle body, and has a radially deflectable lower end forming an annular extrusion gap with the mandrel. A first positioner engages the lower end of nozzle ring and is operable to radially deflect this lower end. A second positioner engages radially with the lower end of the holding ring or with the nozzle ring for radially deflecting same.

Abstract: A material deposition system for additive manufacturing including an extruder that defines a first input passage for supplying a first material, a second input passage for supplying a second material, a chamber for combining the first and second materials to form a combined deposition material, and an extrusion port for extruding the combined deposition material. The system further includes an adjustable sleeve that is movable between a first position and a second position to vary the interaction between the first material and the second material in the chamber. For example, the adjustable sleeve may be configured to separate the first and second materials in the chamber, and can vary the point at which the materials interface with each other prior to deposition based on the sleeve position. Such a system may enable a varying degree of infiltration, encapsulation, or other interaction between the first and second materials prior to deposition.

Abstract: A printer system may include a coaxial extruder head that extrudes a core, a bulk, and/or a core and bulk cladding to form complex structures without retooling. The coaxial extruder head may include a distribution channel with an entrance and an exit, a priming chamber that surrounds the distribution channel. The priming chamber may include an outlet and a first inlet, a heating element thermally connected to the priming chamber, and a nozzle connected to the outlet of the priming chamber. Further, the nozzle may converge from the outlet of the priming chamber to an orifice of the nozzle. In addition, the exit of the distribution channel may be disposed at the orifice of the nozzle. This structure facilitates extruding a core and cladding type composite from the extruder head.

Abstract: A distributed acoustic sensing cable package having a polymer composite extruded over an optical waveguide to encase the waveguide and to form a crystalline matrix layer acoustically coupled to the waveguide. The crystalline matrix includes reinforcement fibers to further enhance transmission of a cable strain to the optical waveguide. During manufacture of the cable, the polymer composite may be extruded over the optical waveguide and subsequently subjected to heat treatment to increase the crystallinity of the polymer composite and increase the elastic modulus. Both axial and radial strain fields are effectively interact with cased fiber waveguide for producing measurable phase shift signal for distributed acoustic noise detection.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to pelletizing and compounding extrusion die systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the cyclical extrusion of materials to generate small sized grain features, generally in the range of micro and nanosized grain features.

Abstract: An edge-beaded fastener product such as a cushion cover tie-down has a molded profile bead secured to and extending along a flexible strip adjacent a longitudinal edge of the strip. The profile bead has a shoulder or an inboard sidewall extending away from the strip, such as for retaining a clip or hog ring. The flexible strip may have a reinforced region, inboard of the shoulder, in which resin contiguous with resin forming the profile bead encapsulates surface features of the strip. The product is made by molding resin directly onto the strip. Multiple lanes of resin may be molded on a single substrate, which is severed to form individual strips with severed, exposed strip edges.

Abstract: An extrusion nozzle for making tubular preforms has a mandrel extending along a vertical axis, an annular and stationary nozzle body spacedly radially surrounding the mandrel, and a holding ring having an upper end axially slidable in the nozzle body, braced axially downwardly against the nozzle body, and having a lower end spaced radially inward from shiftable limitedly radially relative to the nozzle body. A nozzle ring has an upper end axially slidable in the holding ring, is braced axially downwardly against the nozzle body, and has a radially deflectable lower end forming an annular extrusion gap with the mandrel. A first positioner engages the lower end of nozzle ring and is operable to radially deflect this lower end. A second positioner engages radially with the lower end of the holding ring or with the nozzle ring for radially deflecting same.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for printing three-dimensional parts, the system comprising a heatable region, a receiving surface, a print head configured to print a three-dimensional part onto the receiving surface in a layer-by-layer manner along a printing axis, and a drive mechanism configured to index the receiving surface along the printing axis such that the receiving surface and at least a portion of the three-dimensional part out of the heated region.

Abstract: Exemplary pressurization and coating systems, methods, and apparatuses are described herein. In certain embodiments, pressurization systems, methods, and apparatuses are used in conjunction with coating systems, methods, and apparatuses to control pressure about a substrate after a coating material is applied to a surface of the substrate. An exemplary system includes a die tool configured to apply a coating material to a substrate passing through the die tool and a pressurization apparatus attached to the die tool and forming a pressurization chamber. The pressurization apparatus is configured to receive the substrate from the die tool and control pressure about the substrate in the pressurization chamber. In certain embodiments, the die tool forms a coating chamber and is configured to apply the coating material on at least one surface of the substrate in the coating chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a die suitable for extrusion of thermoplastic vulcanizate, in particular for co-extrusion of multiple materials comprising a thermoplastic vulcanizate. The die comprises a pool die plate, an orifice die plate, and a profile die plate. By utilizing the die according to the present disclosure in extrusion, the flow of extrudate can be well controlled and balanced due to the design of flow pool and through orifice, thereby an extruded article achieves good shape performance, for example, good surface smoothness, and an undesired effect like edge tear, warpage, die moustache, silver line in the extrusion can be avoided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing fibre yarn is provided. The novel apparatus includes a first transportation and pressing element (1) and a second transportation and pressing element (5) arranged adjacent to the first transportation and pressing element (1) as well as elements for driving the transportation and pressing elements (1, 5). The first and second transportation and pressing elements (1, 5) are arranged to form a nip therebetween. The apparatus also includes a nozzle (9) for feeding fibre suspension (6), such as pulp fibre suspension, to the nip between the first and second transportation and pressing elements (1, 5).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing fiber yarn is provided. The novel apparatus includes a first transportation and pressing element (1) and a second transportation and pressing element (5) arranged adjacent to the first transportation and pressing element (1) as well as elements for driving the transportation and pressing elements (1, 5). The first and second transportation and pressing elements (1, 5) are arranged to form a nip therebetween. The apparatus also includes a nozzle (9) for feeding fiber suspension (6), such as pulp fiber suspension, to the nip between the first and second transportation and pressing elements (1, 5).

Abstract: A pressure debulking system includes a debulking chamber having a debulking chamber interior, a pressure bladder having a bladder interior provided in the debulking chamber interior, a vacuum port disposed in fluid communication with the debulking chamber interior and a pressure port disposed in fluid communication with the debulking chamber interior. A pressure debulking method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ceramic honeycomb structure includes kneading titania particles, alumina particles and a binder ingredient such that raw material paste including the titania particles, alumina particles and binder ingredient is prepared, forming a body made of the raw material paste and having a honeycomb structure such that the body has the honeycomb structure having multiple through-holes extending in the longitudinal direction of the body and multiple partition portions formed between the through-holes, applying sealant composition including aluminum hydroxide particles, talc particles, kaolin particles, water and organic binder to either end of each through-hole of the body in the longitudinal direction such that the honeycomb structure of the body has each through-hole sealed at one end, and sintering the body made of the raw material paste and having the honeycomb structure sealed by the sealant composition such that a ceramic body having the honeycomb structure is formed.

Abstract: A liquefier assembly for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, the liquefier assembly comprising a downstream portion having a first average inner cross-sectional area, and an upstream having a second average inner cross-sectional area that is less than the first inner cross-sectional area, the upstream portion defining a shoulder configured to restrict movement of a melt meniscus of a consumable material.

Abstract: A co-extrusion device has at least one first inlet port to receive a first material, at least one second inlet port to receive a second material, a first combining channel arranged to receive the first material and the second material and combine the first and second materials into a first combined flow flowing in a first direction. a splitter channel arranged to receive the first combined flow and to split the first combined flow into at least two split flows in a second direction at least partially orthogonal to the first direction, wherein each split flow consists of the first and second materials, and a second combining channel arranged to receive the split flows and combine the split flows into a second combined flow in the first direction, and at least one exit orifice arranged to allow the materials to exit the device as a single flow.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a “Self-Reinforced Composite” (SRC) made of recycled thermoplastic polymers, methods and an apparatus for their manufacture. In one embodiment of the invention, the SRC is a self-reinforced composite comprising (a) a fiber comprising a first recycled thermoplastic polymer and having a Young's modulus at least about 500 MPa and (b) a matrix comprising a second recycled thermoplastic polymer. In one aspect of the invention, the source mixture is recycled immiscible thermoplastic polymers, obtained from the waste stream in the carpet and automotive industries. In another embodiment of the invention, the method for making the self-reinforced composites, comprising the steps of (a) melt-blending recycled immiscible polymers, (b) phase-migration fiber spinning the recycled immiscible polymers to form a fiber having a first recycled thermoplastic polymer substantially surrounded by a second recycled thermoplastic polymer, and (c) drawing the fiber to form a high modulus fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a conduit having at least one strip-shaped substrate dividing the conduit into channels. The apparatus contains an extrusion die having an exit and defining a flow direction for polymeric material forming the conduit. The extrusion die contains a first point for the introduction into the extrusion die of polymeric material forming a first polymeric layer of the conduit, a second point for the introduction into the extrusion die of polymeric material forming a second polymeric layer of the conduit, and a slot within the extrusion die having a thickness, a width, a first edge, and a second edge. The slot is configured for receipt of a strip-shaped substrate and extends in the flow direction along the extrusion die. The thickness of the slot varies along the width of the slot and the thickness of the slot is greatest at the first edge and second edge of the slot.

Abstract: Magnetic receptive media, the magnetic receptive media comprises at least one printable substrate layer and at least one layer formed from a hot melt polymer composition, the hot melt polymer composition comprising Greater than about 70% to about 95% magnetite and about 5% to less than about 30% thermoplastic polymer and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The current document discloses an apparatus and method that support manufacture of large 3D hollow objects or shells with thin walls including curved surfaces with high and low curvature change ratio and alleviate or significantly reduce the need for support structures. Further to this, introduction of support structures becomes a function of the curved surface curvature change ratio.

Abstract: The polymeric pipes reinforced with a metal casing are used for transporting oil and gas, acids, alkali products, drinking water and industrial water, and also in the transportation of aggressive and neutral pulps. A metal-containing polymeric reinforced pipe includes a welded metal casing and a polymeric matrix having an amorphous-phase-based molecular structure. The metal-containing polymeric reinforced pipe is produced by extrusion moulding with simultaneous feeding of a polymer melt and the reinforcing metal casing into the mould cavity, followed by intensive cooling of the internal and external surfaces of the pipe being moulded. The invention increases the quality and endurance limit in the radial direction of the metal-containing polymeric reinforced pipe, productivity of the process for manufacturing the pipe, and also the strength and technological effectiveness of a pipeline constructed from the pipes produced.

Abstract: A solar cell extrusion printing system includes a printhead assembly having one or more elongated valve structures that are adjustably disposed adjacent to the outlet orifices of selected nozzle channels, and a valve control device for controlling the position of the valve structures to facilitate controllable ink flow through selected nozzle channels of the printhead assembly during the gridline printing process. The printhead assembly defines an elongated opening (e.g., a slot or hole) that that intersects (i.e., passes through) each of the selected nozzle channels, and an elongated member is movably disposed in the slot and is selectively movable between a first (opened) position, in which the valve structure extrusion material is passed by the valve structure through the nozzle channel and out of the printhead, and a closed position, in which the extrusion material is blocked by the valve structure and prevented from passing through the nozzle channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing multiple color three-dimensional (3D) objects using an additive extrusion type manufacturing build process where the multiple color three-dimensional (3D) object is built layer by layer using a single extrusion nozzle in contact or close proximity to each build layer of the 3D object being manufactured.

Abstract: A system for kneading and extruding a material includes a crusher for crushing the material into coarse particles, an extruder for conveying and extruding the material crushed by the crusher, a gear pump for receiving and discharging the material extruded from the extruder, and a kneading and extruding apparatus for kneading the material discharged from the gear pump and continuously extruding the kneaded material. Therefore, a material is accurately quantified and highly uniform, resulting in reduced product variations and ensured consistent quality.

Abstract: A method for physically reconstructing a body part using multi-material additive manufacturing includes receiving image data of the body part in the form of arrays of voxels, each array of voxels representing image data pertaining to cross-section of the body part, translating the image data in the arrays of voxels to printable bitmap images representing combinations of modeling materials for reconstructing the body part, and dispensing the combinations of modeling materials responsive to the bitmap images in a layerwise manner.

Abstract: Process for extrusion of polymer by feeding a polymer feedstock to the feed port of an extruder having (i) two or more barrel sections arranged sequentially from (a) an upstream feed barrel section to which polymer feedstock to be extruded is fed, the upstream feed barrel section containing two screws each having a diameter of X, to (b) a downstream barrel section from which melted polymer is passed to a die and extruded, and (ii) a feed port for feeding polymer feedstock to be extruded into the extruder at its upstream end. The polymer feedstock is in the form of a powder, and the feed port area is a rectangular shape with width limited by the width of the upstream feed barrel section to 2*X and with a length greater than 2.5*X. The total area of the feed ports through which polymer feedstock is introduced is greater than 5*X2.

Abstract: In a molding material installation method, an adhesive is separated into an upper side and a lower side from an application nozzle. The adhesive that has been separated on the lower side is applied to the surface of a multilayer glass panel. The adhesive that has been separated on the upper side is applied to a bottom surface of a glazing gasket molding material. The adhesive that has been separated on the upper side is placed on the adhesive that has been applied to the surface of the multilayer glass panel so that the glazing gasket molding material and the adhesive that has been separated on the upper side are applied to the adhesive that has been applied to the surface of the multilayer glass panel.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system that retains a print head for printing a three-dimensional part in a layer-by-layer manner using an additive manufacturing technique, where the retained print head is configured to receive a consumable material, melt the consumable material, and extrude the molten material. The system also includes a velocimetry assembly configured to determine flow rates of the molten material, and a controller assembly configured to manage the extrusion of the molten material from the print head, and to receive signals from the velocimetry assembly relating to the determined flow rates.

Abstract: An apparatus for extruding a jacket and/or insulative material onto an extruded product with one or more longitudinal stripes incorporated onto the surface of said extruded product comprising a body, a primary feed conduit for conveying a primary extrusion material, a striping die, a secondary feed conduit for conveying a secondary extrusion material, a striping die adapter, a striping feed conduit extending through the striping die adapter for conveying striping extrusion material. The striping die adapter may also include a thermocouple for maintaining the viscosity of the striping extrusion material and a thermocouple for monitoring the temperature of said striping die adapter. The striping die includes one or more striping extrusion outlets for conveying striping extrusion material onto the extruded product. The striping die may also include a wishbone-shaped trough for delivering equal amounts of striping extrusion material to said extrusion outlets for extrusion onto the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for coating electrically conductive wires, comprising multiple units in the following arrangement: a unit (1) for feeding in the wires, a unit (2) for the pretreatment of the wires, a unit (5) for applying a coating agent, a unit (6) for the post-treatment of the coated wires, a unit (8) for winding up the coated wire.

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: A method an apparatus for reclaiming face fibers and polypropylene and/or polyvinyl chloride backing material from rolls and pieces of post-consumer carpet. The system includes a separator for separating the face fibers from the backing and for separating latex and carbon calcium powder from polypropylene backing. An extruder is provided for extruding the face fibers separated from the backing into extrusions, and a pelletizer pelletizes the extrusions. A roller opener opens the polypropylene backing into fibrous portions and also cleans such fibrous portions. Alternately, a granulator can be provided that chops and grinds the polypropylene or PVC backing into fragments after the separation of the face fibers from the backing. A heat source heats the PVC fragments, and also the polypropylene fragments (thereby separating the latex therefrom), and ultimately melts such fragments. Reclaimed fibers can be pelletized, made into extrusions, used in non-woven products and in other manners.

Abstract: A filament drive mechanism for use with an additive manufacturing system, the filament drive mechanism comprising first and second drive shafts engaged with each other and configured to rotate in opposing rotational directions around substantially parallel and fixed axes, where the first and second drive shafts include engagement surfaces substantially aligned with each other for engaging a filament therebetween.