Abstract: Provided herein are meniscus implant compositions, as well as method for making and using the same. The subject meniscus implants find use in repairing and/or replacing damaged or diseased meniscal tissue in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: A convergent three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing system is disclosed which includes a header, a base, a first dispensing system mounted onto the header, the space between the header and the base adjacent to the first dispensing system defining a first zone, a second dispensing system mounted onto the header, the space between the header and the base adjacent the second dispensing system defining a second zone, the first zone, and the second zone are separated by a screen adapted to prevent contamination across the first and second zones, the first dispensing system carrying raw material for a first product, and the second dispensing system carrying raw material for a second product.

Abstract: A device comprising; a controller arranged to receive data for an article to print; a sub-device comprising a resin source arranged to provide material for printing the article; a radiation source arranged to direct radiation for the printing of said article; a plurality of stations, said stations including a printing tank in which the article is printed, at least one cleaning station for cleaning the printed article and a curing station arranged to at least partially complete the curing of the printed article; a build surface upon which the article is arranged to be printed; wherein controller is arranged to move the build surface and the plurality of stations relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electronic or electrical system, the method comprising the layer-free production of at least one physical structure (101, 102) which is designed to guide electromagnetic waves, using at least one additively operating apparatus, wherein the layer-free production of the spatial, layer-free structure comprises the simultaneous or sequential application and/or removal of one or more materials in the spatial arrangement, as a result of which the electronic or electrical system is partially or completely formed. The invention further relates to a system which is manufactured in accordance with the method.

Abstract: Provided is a three-dimensional shaping apparatus in which surface of a three-dimensional shaped object can be prevented from being roughened. The three-dimensional shaping apparatus that shapes a three-dimensional shaped object by stacking layers of a material includes: a stage; a discharge unit that has a nozzle surface in which a nozzle hole is formed; a moving unit that is configured to change a relative position between the stage and the nozzle surface; and a control unit that is configured to control the moving unit. The control unit drives the moving unit such that a relation between a gap G between the nozzle surface and the stage or the layer of the material when the material is discharged from the discharge unit and an outer diameter Dp of the nozzle surface satisfies a following relation (1). Dp?20×G+0.

Abstract: Printer head (501) for a 3D printer, the printer head (501) comprising n distribution elements (510), wherein n?2, a combination chamber (520), and a printer nozzle (502), wherein the combination chamber (520) is configured downstream of the distribution elements (510) and upstream of the printer nozzle (502), wherein each distribution element (510) comprise a flow-through chamber (511) with an inlet (512) and a plurality of k outlets (513) to the combination chamber (520), wherein k?4, wherein the outlets (513) of the distribution elements (510) are configured such that a plurality of outlets (513) of a distribution element (510) have outlets (513) of another distribution element (510) as nearest neighbors.

Abstract: A three dimensional printing system includes a print engine, a fluid processing station, a fixture, a transport mechanism, and a controller. The fluid processing station includes a fluid injector port coupled to a fluid source. The fixture has a lower portion with a lower face and a first fluid conduit coupled to the lower face. The controller is configured to: (a) Operate the print engine to form a three dimensional article of manufacture onto the lower face and thereby defining an internal cavity and an inlet port that couples the internal cavity to the first fluid conduit of the fixture. (c) Transfer the fixture to the fluid processing station. (d) Couple the fluid injector port of the fluid processing station to the first fluid conduit of the fixture. (e) Operate the fluid source to inject fluid out of the fluid injector port and into the internal cavity.

Abstract: A printer head (200, 300, 400) for a 3D-printing apparatus, comprising a nozzle (210, 310, 450) arranged to deposit one or more adjacently arranged filaments of printing material to form at least one layer of an object to be produced. The nozzle comprises at least one exterior surface (220) configured to be brought into abutting contact with a peripheral edge (280) of the at least one layer, and configured to be guided along the peripheral edge of the at least one layer and on a predetermined distance into the at least one layer.

Abstract: A shutter piece has a first side surface which seals a peripheral portion of an outer skin material above an inner material, a second side surface which is located below the first side surface and contacts the outer skin material earlier than the first side surface so as to centrally gather the outer skin material toward a location above a center of the inner material, and a third side surface which is located below the first side surface and defines a portion of a pyramid-like space above the inner material when the peripheral portion of the outer skin material is sealed by the first side surface.

Abstract: A 3D printing head, a 3D printing device and a control method of the 3D printing head are provided. The 3D printing head includes a feeding pipe, provided with an opening at its bottom; a shutter, disposed at the opening and slidably connected to the bottom, where the opening includes a region occluded by the shutter and a region not occluded by the shutter, and the region not occluded by the shutter forms a discharge port of the 3D printing head, where the discharge port includes a first end and a second end, and the first end and the second end define a length of the discharge port; and a drive apparatus, used to drive the shutter sliding at the opening to adjust the length of the discharge port. The 3D printing head makes it possible to take both printing efficiency and printing accuracy into account.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for fabricating 3D structures from biomaterial. The system includes a printer assembly having a dual-arm assembly including an upper arm, and a lower arm connected by an elbow joint to the upper arm. A disposable barrier encloses a printing surface from an external environment and from components of the printer assembly. The upper arm and lower arm are inserted into an inlet of the barrier, so as to be isolated from the print surface. The lower arm is provided with an extruding system, and the extruding system includes an actuator-driven syringe configured to deposit biomaterial on the print surface. The biomaterial is deposited on the print surface to carry out 3D fabrication in an aseptic environment.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an additive manufacturing device includes a frame; a first gantry; and a first carriage. The first gantry has a length that extends along a first horizontal dimension of the frame. The first gantry is configured to move back and forth along a second horizontal dimension of the frame. The first carriage is configured to move back and forth along the length of the first gantry. The device further includes a second gantry, and a second carriage. The second gantry has a length that extends along the first horizontal dimension. The second gantry is configured to move back and forth along the second horizontal dimension. The second carriage is configured to move back and forth along the length of the second gantry. The device also includes a flowable material deliverer coupled to the first carriage; and a flowable material depositer coupled to the second carriage.

Abstract: According to an example, a three-dimensional (3D) printed object may include a body formed of an electrically non-conductive material. In addition, an electrically conductive channel, a sensing device, and a signal emitter may be embedded within the body. The sensing device may be in electrical communication with the electrically conductive channel such that the sensing device is affected by a disruption in a current applied through the electrically conductive channel. In addition, the signal emitter may emit a wireless signal in response to the sensing device being affected by a disruption in the applied current.

Abstract: A three dimensional printing system includes a print engine, a fluid processing station, a fixture, a transport mechanism, and a controller. The fluid processing station includes a fluid injector port coupled to a fluid source. The fixture has a lower portion with a lower face and a first fluid conduit coupled to the lower face. The controller is configured to: (a) Operate the print engine to form a three dimensional article of manufacture onto the lower face and thereby defining an internal cavity and an inlet port that couples the internal cavity to the first fluid conduit of the fixture. (c) Transfer the fixture to the fluid processing station. (d) Couple the fluid injector port of the fluid processing station to the first fluid conduit of the fixture. (e) Operate the fluid source to inject fluid out of the fluid injector port and into the internal cavity.

Abstract: A nozzle is disclosed for use with an additive manufacturing system. The nozzle may include a first channel fluidly connectable to a matrix reservoir and configured to discharge a liquid matrix received from the matrix reservoir. The nozzle may also include a second channel operatively connected to the first channel configured to discharge a reinforcement into a bed of the liquid matrix discharged by the first channel.

Abstract: Device for forming and dividing of at least one string-shaped pasty foodstuff into slice-shaped products, with a forming nozzle for extruding the string-shaped foodstuff along a conveying direction through a nozzle opening, which determines the thickness of the slice-shaped product, at least one forming plate that is arranged downstream of the forming nozzle and that can be displaced during extrusion with at least one positioning element in at least one component transversally to the conveying direction, and with a control unit that controls the positioning element synchronously to the extrusion velocity in a way that the at least one forming plate forms a longitudinal contour of the slice-shaped product variably during extrusion.

Abstract: A printer that forms three-dimensional objects has two printheads, one of which is positioned to eject material drops in a direction that is parallel to a plane of a planar member on which an object is formed by the two printheads.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods for a user configurable modular 3D layering system provide a modular frame assembly, and two or more deposition print heads that are user-configurably disposed along an X-axis carriage drive system. A deposition-receiving tray may have a configurable Z-axis throw. In an exemplary embodiment, an X-axis carriage drive system may include one or more sensors for detecting a starting position of the print heads. For example, the sensor may be a micro-switch engageable by one or more print heads. In an exemplary embodiment, the print heads are removable from the X-axis carriage assembly. In some embodiments, each print head may operate independently of adjacent print heads. In an exemplary embodiment, each print head may include an injection nozzle for depositing the filament. In some embodiments, a y-carriage assembly may include a height sensor for the tray.

Abstract: A color adjustment unit in a shaping controller includes a 3D/2D conversion unit which converts 3D data representing a three-dimensional object having colored layers formed on the surface thereof into 2D data; a two-dimensional color patch data creating unit which creates, as two-dimensional color patch data, a plurality of 2D images in which at least one kind of parameter of a plurality of kinds of parameters related to a color of each layer of the colored layers in the converted 2D data is set at a plurality of different levels; a three-dimensional color patch data creating unit which applies thickness information about thicknesses of the colored layers depending on the number of layers of the colored layers to the two-dimensional color patch data to create three-dimensional color patch data; and a color patch layering unit which layers three-dimensional color patches depending on the thickness according to the three-dimensional color patch data.

Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional printing system which is capable of printing with multiple different printing materials, including homogenous materials, such as cement paste, or heterogeneous materials, such as concrete. Functionality is accomplished by novel, critical structures including but not limited to a movable gate capable of controlling the flow of printing materials without clogging or becoming otherwise damaged. The system has a print head that discharges printing material through a discharge aperture. The movable gate is rotatably connected to the print head, allowing it to cover the discharge aperture and cut off the flow of printing material when actuated and rotated into position. Certain embodiments also include hose positioning systems to prevent hoses delivering printing material from disconnecting or damaging the printed structure.

Abstract: A three-dimensional modeling apparatus is provided with a head unit for modeling an object by discharging a liquid into each unit grille that is defined in accordance with modeling resolutions of a cross section body in an X direction and a Y direction and a lamination interval in a Z direction, and a control unit for controlling the head unit. In the case where one or more types of the chromatic liquids are discharged into the unit grille by controlling the head unit and the spatial volume of the unit grille is not filled with the one or more types of chromatic liquids, the control unit causes the achromatic liquid to be discharged into the unit grille in addition to the one or more types of chromatic liquids so as to fill the spatial volume of the unit grille with both the chromatic liquids and the achromatic liquid.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer positions a tool such as an extruder in three-dimensional space using a passive, i.e., non-motorized, z-axis alignment technique that generates z-axis movement based upon motorized movements along another axis. In this manner, intermittent z-axis step movements such as those from layer to layer in a multi-layer fabrication process can be performed without the need for an additional, dedicated motor for z-axis movement. The passive system may employ a variety of different gearing techniques to convert x-axis or y-axis movements into a z-axis movement under various conditions. For example, the three-dimensional printing tool may move to a predetermined position along a first axis (e.g., an x-axis or y-axis) where a passive gear assembly engages a rack or the like. When in this predetermined position along the first axis, the tool can move along a second axis and create a resulting movement on a third axis (e.g., the z-axis).

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer positions a tool such as an extruder in three-dimensional space using a passive, i.e., non-motorized, z-axis alignment technique that generates z-axis movement based upon motorized movements along another axis. In this manner, intermittent z-axis step movements such as those from layer to layer in a multi-layer fabrication process can be performed without the need for an additional, dedicated motor for z-axis movement. The passive system may employ a variety of different gearing techniques to convert x-axis or y-axis movements into a z-axis movement under various conditions. For example, the three-dimensional printing tool may move to a predetermined position along a first axis (e.g., an x-axis or y-axis) where a passive gear assembly engages a rack or the like. When in this predetermined position along the first axis, the tool can move along a second axis and create a resulting movement on a third axis (e.g., the z-axis).

Abstract: A device for separating a plurality of doses of plastics from a plurality of extruder outlets (2,3) comprises a movable element that carries two groups of dose separating elements (A) wherein at least a first group is movable with respect to at least a second group. The separating device expels the doses in a circular arrangement for subsequent compression molding of a liner (17,18) for a container closure (C).

Abstract: A heat exchanger provided with a plurality of plate-like fins 2 arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval and a plurality of flat-shaped heat transfer pipes 3 inserted in a direction orthogonal to said plate-like fins 2 and through which a refrigerant flows, in which said heat transfer pipe 3 has an outside shape with a flat outer face arranged along an air flow direction and a section substantially in an oval shape and first and second refrigerant flow passages 31a, 31b made of two symmetric and substantially D-shaped through holes having a bulkhead 32 between the two passages inside, which is bonded to said plate-like fin 2 by expanding diameters of said first and second refrigerant flow passages 31a, 31b by a pipe-expanding burette ball.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a co-filled product. A center layer is fed through a center channel of a die face and an outer layer is fed through an outer layer of a die face. The center channel is coupled to a fluid control device which controls the flow of the center layer. The position of the fluid control device is determined by the location of a cutting blade located downstream from the die face. In one embodiment the fluid control device is synchronized to ensure that when the product is cut by the cutting blade the cutting blade does not cut through the center layer.

Abstract: A contact coating device comprising a high viscosity rapid deposition head comprising a deposition body defining a material supply passage; a dispensing/shaping nozzle being formed adjacent in a leading end surface of the high viscosity rapid deposition head for dispensing of the high viscosity material from the high viscosity rapid deposition head, and the dispensing/shaping nozzle comprising a dispensing cavity; at least one dispensing passage providing communication between the material supply passage and the dispensing/shaping nozzle for suppling the high viscosity material to the dispensing cavity; and a heating element for heating a portion of the high viscosity rapid deposition and facilitating flow of the high viscosity material through the high viscosity rapid deposition head. A multi-head material deposition system which comprises a first drop-on-demand device, a second drop-on-demand device and at least one contact coating rapid deposition head is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices use a three-dimensional scanner and a three-dimensional printing device operatively connected to a processor. The three-dimensional scanner automatically determines a size and shape of an item to be packaged and the processor automatically identifies information corresponding to the item to be packaged. The processor automatically controls the three-dimensional printing device to form a container that is customized to match the size and shape of the item to be packaged (using a continuous additive process of forming successive layers of material in different shapes). When forming the container, the processor also automatically controls the three-dimensional printing device to form a label as part of the container. The label includes color variations to visually convey the information identified by the processor.

Abstract: A method of making a reconfigurable three-dimensional shape includes the following steps: (i) moving multiple print heads in three dimensions relative to a printing surface, where the print heads include a conductor print head and a polymer print head; (ii) depositing a conductive material from the conductor print head; and (iii) depositing a shape-memory polymer from the polymer print head. The depositing steps form a volumetric shape of a shape-memory polymer, capable of changing shape, with a conductive material capable of acting as a heating element integrally formed in the volumetric shape. The method can further include the steps of heating the shape-memory polymer above a transition temperature, changing the shape of the volumetric shape following the heating step, and then allowing the shape-memory polymer to cool below the transition temperature to fix the new volumetric shape.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing systems and apparatus include, in one aspect, a material deposition system including an extruder for deposition materials, the extruder including two or more material entry ports, a mixing chamber, and an exit orifice; and a controller coupled with the extruder to dynamically change delivery rates of the deposition materials to be mixed in the mixing chamber before flowing from the exit orifice; wherein the controller combines a desired volume flow rate of material to flow from the exit orifice with a mix ratio to specify the delivery rates of the deposition materials. The system can include filament drive systems to feed the thermoplastic materials in filament form into the entry ports, and the controller can dynamically change the mix ratio when operating the filament drive systems to control one or more properties of the material to flow from the exit orifice.

Abstract: A printing head module and a three dimensional (3-D) printing apparatus using the same are provided. The 3-D printing apparatus includes a base and the printing head module. The printing head module is disposed above the base and includes a printing head and at least one material spool. The printing head includes a plurality of assembling pieces assembled with each other to form the printing head and define a nozzle of the printing head. Each of the assembling pieces includes at least one material-supply groove. The material-supply grooves of any two adjacent assembling pieces are located corresponding to each other to form at least one material-supply channel together. Each material spool is connected to the material-supply channel for providing at least one fluid material to the material-supply channel. The fluid material is transmitted via the material-supply channel to be dispensed on the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nozzle assembly for usage with at least one conduit, the nozzle assembly including a nozzle support (88) including a nozzle entry surface, a nozzle exit surface, and a plurality of nozzle holding conduits defined by the nozzle support (88) and extending from the nozzle entry surface to the nozzle exit surface, the nozzle support being in removable association with the at least one conduit at the nozzle entry surface, and a plurality of nozzles (76) removably associated with the nozzle support (88) via insertion of the plurality of nozzles (76) into the plurality of nozzle holding conduits, the plurality of nozzles (76) being in fluid communication with the at least one conduit via the removable association between the nozzle support (88) and the at least one conduit.

Abstract: An extrusion device, in particular for plastic materials comprising: an extrusion head (2) having a nozzle (2a) for ejection of at least one plastic material (M1, M2); a first duct (5) formed in said head (2) for feeding a first plastic material (M1) to said ejection nozzle (2a); a second duct (?) formed in said head (2) for feeding a second plastic material (M2) to said ejection nozzle (2a); and a selection element (8), disposed in the vicinity of said ejection nozzle (2a) and able to be switched between a first operating condition at which it closes the second duct (6) to enable feeding of the first plastic material (M1) through the first duct (5), and a second operating condition at which it closes the first duct (5) to enable feeding of the second plastic material (M2) through the second duct (6).

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to a rotary die device for producing soft capsules, comprising a capsule forming unit for forming a soft-capsule shell and a dosing unit for feeding a filling material into the capsule forming unit, characterized in that the dosing unit comprises a conveying apparatus of viscous melts and a portioner, wherein the portioner is connected at an end thereof to the conveying apparatus of viscous melts and is arranged in a filling wedge with a section in such a way that filling material from the portioner reaches the location of the capsule filling directly or by means of one or more channels having a length of at most 30 mm. Using said device, high-viscosity filling materials can be filled and thus novel soft capsules can be made accessible.

Abstract: An extrusion process incorporates a forming manifold where a tubular flow of a second material is intermittently interrupted while a core flow of a first material is discharged substantially continuously. Subsequently, the core flow is severed to form individual food items or treats for humans, animals, and the like, where the tubular flow results in an outer component surrounding an inner component which protrudes from one or both ends of the outer component. Material of the core flow is bone-like, while material of the tubular flow is meat like. Material of the tubular flow may include material from the core flow subjected to mixing in a static mixer to achieve a marbled texture of the outer material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing concrete blocks, particularly paving stones, building blocks or the like, comprising a storage container forming a receiving chamber for a plurality of layers of concrete in different colors. Dispensing means are provided, in order to dispense partial amounts of the layers from the receiving chamber such that a release device connected downstream receives a mixture of the layers of concrete in different colors. At least a partial section of a side wall of the receiving chamber is provided with at least one dispensing opening for dispensing a partial amount of the layers. The size of the passage of the dispensing opening can be varied by the dispensing means.

Abstract: A multi-layer structure comprising a functional resin layer obtained by covering a core layer of a base body resin or a second functional resin with a shell layer of a first functional resin, and a base body resin layer containing the functional resin layer therein. The layers of the functional resins are formed at positions where they are allowed to exhibit their functions to a sufficient degree, a plurality of functions can be imparted, and a molten resin mass having the above multi-layer structure can be formed by the compression-forming.

Abstract: An extrusion process incorporates a forming manifold where a tubular flow of a second material is intermittently interrupted while a core flow of a first material is discharged substantially continuously. Subsequently, the core flow is severed to form individual food items or treats for humans, animals, and the like, where the tubular flow results in an outer component surrounding an inner component which protrudes from one or both ends of the outer component. Material of the core flow is bone-like, while material of the tubular flow is meat like. Material of the tubular flow may include material from the core flow subjected to mixing in a static mixer to achieve a marbled texture of the outer material.

Abstract: An extrusion device, in particular for plastic materials comprising: an extrusion head (2) having a nozzle (2a) for ejection of at least one plastic material (M1, M2); a first duct (5) formed in said head (2) for feeding a first plastic material (M1) to said ejection nozzle (2a); a second duct (?) formed in said head (2) for feeding a second plastic material (M2) to said ejection nozzle (2a); and a selection element (8), disposed in the vicinity of said ejection nozzle (2a) and able to be switched between a first operating condition at which it closes the second duct (6) to enable feeding of the first plastic material (M1) through the first duct (5), and a second operating condition at which it closes the first duct (5) to enable feeding of the second plastic material (M2) through the second duct (6).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing products comprising an outer casing of a first material (12) and containing at least one chamber (18) filled with a second material (14) comprises extruding the first material through a die (10) to form an extrudate body (16) and delivering the second material through at least one fluid outlet (22) in the die to form the least one filled chamber. The extrusion process is varied periodically and momentarily to produce sections (30) of extrudate body having no filled chamber. In one embodiment, the flow of the second material (14) is periodically reduced to form the unfilled sections. The flow of the second material (14) may be reduced by increasing the volume of a supply path for the second material upstream from the die (10). Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The method and apparatus are particularly adapted for producing food, and especially confectionery, products.

Abstract: An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.

Abstract: An extrusion system and method uses an accumulator to control and use excess plastic melt. The accumulator is situated between an extruder and a gear pump. The accumulator includes an accumulator housing to store excess plastic melt from the extruder and an accumulator spring connected to an accumulator piston to subsequently send the excess plastic melt to the gear pump. In another embodiment, the accumulator includes an accumulator housing to store excess plastic melt from the extruder and a hydraulics system to send the excess plastic melt to the gear pump. The accumulator can be a first in first out (FIFO) device having a melt passage through the accumulator piston. The system and method are used particularly advantageously in Alternate Polymer extrusion installation in which gear pumps regularly increase and decrease their speed but in which the melt-supplying extruder cannot accommodate such rapid speed changes.

Abstract: Apparatus for multiplying layers in a composite polymer stream includes an intermediate section having open conduits sandwiched between housing sections that close the conduits. The conduits have respective first stages separated by a first blade extending to a first face, and respective second stages separated by a second blade extending to a second face. The first stages separate the stream into sub-streams and compress and shift the sub-streams in a first dimension, whereas the second stages shift the sub-streams in a second dimension. In order to maintain a constant cross-sectional area of the sub-streams, the housing sections may be provided with complementary open channels. The apparatus can be used to multiply layers which are side-by-side or one-over-another by changing orientation in the direction of flow.

Abstract: An extrusion feed device for a composite resin capable of forming a composite resin extruded material having a variety of layer configurations not necessarily symmetrical. A plurality of cylindrical flow passages (3) and (4) for feeding a molten resin, an opening/closing valve (7) capable of opening/closing a center flow passage (36) and a cylindrical flow passage (4a), and a center opening/closing valve (39) capable of opening/closing the center flow passage are provided at the upstream side end part (2a) of a discharge passage (2) for delivering the composite resin extruded material. A main resin (30a) forming an outside layer is always fed from the cylindrical flow passage (3), and the other molten resin (30b) and/or (30c) as an auxiliary resin is fed, at a proper timing, from the cylindrical flow passage (4) and the center flow passage (36) on the inside into the molten resin (30a) on the outside by controlling the opening/closing valve (7) or the center opening/closing valve (39).

Abstract: Co-extrusion apparatus for manufacturing a laminated plastic film or sheet comprises a plug-type layer sequencer including a plurality of channels for conducting a plurality of polymer flows; a transitional aspect ratio block for inducing the plurality of polymer flows to converge; and a flow velocity profiler cartridge for combining the plurality of polymer flows to form the film. In accordance with one embodiment, the layer sequencer includes a tapered selector pin which minimizes mechanical damage when the selector pin is removed. In accordance with another embodiment, the flow velocity profiler cartridge includes inserts fitting within cavities for controlling the polymer flows which form the layers of the film or sheet manufactured by the apparatus. At least one such insert defines lanes within an associated cavity so as to promote the formation of lanes of differing polymer composition within at least one layer of the laminated sheet or film.

Abstract: A plastification and injection unit in injection-molding machines for processing of polymer materials, for example rubber, has a plastification screw that is disposed so as to rotate in a screw cylinder, which simultaneously represents the injection piston. The screw cylinder is disposed in an injection cylinder, in an axially displaceable manner. The injection cylinder can be connected with the sprue channel of an injection-molding die by way of a nozzle, and the injection piston has a back-flow barrier. The screw is axially displaceable in the screw cylinder by means of a separate drive. The screw tip projects out of the screw cylinder and has a closure body having a sealing surface for contact with the face surface of the screw cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a parison having a plurality of resin layers and at least one resin layer of varying thickness is disclosed. The parison is used to form containers in a blow mold machine. An extruder is in communication with a flow head to form the parison. The apparatus includes a valve block having a duct providing communication between a second extruder and the flow head. Flow of resin from the second extruder directly to the flow head is controlled by a valve in the valve block. An accumulator cylinder and piston are also in communication with the duct and control the resin pressure within the duct. Opening and closing the valve and stroking the piston sends resin from the second extruder to the flow head and forms a resin layer having a varying thickness on the parison. A method of forming a varying layer is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide an apparatus and method for forming food into doughnut shape that is capable of forming food into rings with a simple structure. The apparatus includes a supplying unit supplying a food material 2; a discharging unit 3 continuously discharging the supplied food material through a nozzle; a forming unit 4 dividing the food material into rings; a conveyor belt 5 carrying the resulting doughnut-shaped food products; and a support unit 6 supporting the products. The supplying unit 2 supplies an outer food material F and an inner food material G to the discharging unit 3 under pressure. The discharging unit 3 includes an inside forming member 32, around which the inner food material G is intermittently discharged from an annular outlet 34, and the outer food material is continuously discharged to sandwich the inner food material G, resulting in formation of a tubular food material.

Abstract: Gum manufacturing machinery and method of manufacturing gum is illustrated in which a gum loafing machine generates loaves of finished gum that are then subsequently run through a gum conditioner to more uniformly set the temperature and viscosity of the gum material prior to further processing. Upon achieving the appropriate conditioning level, a further forming extruder may be used to generate a continuous gum ribbon for subsequent rolling and scoring operations. The gum conditioner may include vertically stacked conveyors that have different operational modes including a first mode that provides a serpentine path for a long residence time and a second mode that provides a cascading path that avoids or bypasses much of the length of some of the conveyors to provide a shorter residence time. The gum manufacturing machinery may be used in an adjustable manner so as to accommodate difference gum recipes for different batches of gum product.

Abstract: An extrusion process incorporates a forming manifold where a tubular flow of a second material is intermittently interrupted while a core flow of a first material is discharged substantially continuously. Subsequently, the core flow is severed to form individual food items or treats for humans, animals, and the like, where the tubular flow results in an outer component surrounding an inner component which protrudes from one or both ends of the outer component. Material of the core flow is bone-like, while material of the tubular flow is meat like. Material of the tubular flow may include material from the core flow subjected to mixing in a static mixer to achieve a marbled texture of the outer material.