Abstract: By starting injection, resin pressure in front of the check valve is raised, and the check ring moves backward. Pressure of resin accumulated between flights of the screw prevents the check ring from moving backward, and the screw is kept freely rotatable to thereby make the backward speed of the check ring faster. Therefore, the check ring is brought into tight contact with the check seat quickly to close the resin path. Thereafter, the rotation of the screw is fixed, reduced pressure in the injection/dwell causes the screw to rotate in a normal direction, and prevents the resin from being pressed toward the front of the check valve.

Abstract: A three-dimensional fabrication apparatus and method for constructing a three-dimensional object to a desired shape. The method includes forming a first type of material layer with a first media application device, machining the first type of material layer, forming a second type of material layer with a second media application device, machining the second type of material layer, and creating a finished three-dimensional object by repeating the forming and the machining of the first and second types of material layers.

Abstract: The retraction of the screw is controlled on the basis of the pressure deviation between the set resin pressure and the detected resin pressure. Furthermore, the screw is caused to rotate at a set speed. Moreover, when the deviation between the metering completion position and the current screw retraction position drops to a value that is equal to or less than a set value, control of the retraction of the screw based on the pressure deviation is stopped, and the control is switched to positioning control based on the positional deviation. Furthermore, a screw rotational speed command in which the pressure deviation component between the set resin pressure and the current resin pressure is corrected from the screw rotational speed component that is decelerated in proportion to the positional deviation is determined and output.

Abstract: A screw is rotated at a set speed and retreated by performing back pressure control for keeping a resin pressure at a set pressure. When the retreat position of the screw reaches a change point set nearby a set metering completion position, the back pressure control for keeping the resin pressure at a set resin pressure is stopped. A command for positioning the screw at a metering completion position is output to position the screw at the metering completion position. At the same time, when a screw position reaches the change point, the screw is reversed by a set value at a set speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrospinning polymer fibers and membranes. The method includes electrospinning a polymer fiber from a conducting fluid in the presence of a first electric field established between a conducting fluid introduction device and a ground source and modifying the first electric field with a second electric field to form a jet stream of the conducting fluid. The method also includes electrically controlling the flow characteristics of the jet stream, forming a plurality of electrospinning jet streams and independently controlling the flow characteristics of at least one of the jet streams.

Abstract: Molten resin material is continuously extruded from a first extruding hole extending in a width direction of a first extruding nozzle, and is passed through a second extruding nozzle which is arranged a front surface of the first extruding nozzle and has a second extruding hole at a position corresponding to the first extruding hole. The second extruding hole is a single extruding hole having a plurality of longitudinal rectangular openings arranged at the same pitch in the width direction, and a communicating section with which one end of the respective rectangular openings communicate, and the first extruding hole is a single extruding hole having coupling-element-molding openings arranged corresponding to the rectangular openings and a base-member-molding opening corresponding to the communicating section.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection unit for an injection-molding machine, in particular for plastics, with a screw which is connected to a first actuator for rotating movement and to a second actuator for axial movement. In this case, the first actuator (21) is an electric motor, the second actuator (31) is a pressure bellows which can be filled with gas by a filling device (51), it being possible for the volume of the pressure bellows (31) to be altered by adjusting elements (32).

Abstract: Electric injection molding machines and systems are disclosed in which a melt pressure value is provided without pressure sensing through solving one or more state equations using measured motor performance parameters such as position or velocity, and torque or current. The pressure value may be used to control melt pressure during an injection step, or may be used for monitoring. Methods and computer-readable media are also disclosed for providing or estimating melt pressure in an injection molding machine without a melt pressure sensor.

Abstract: A liquid and gas assisted injection molding apparatus comprising a source of liquid coolant, a source of compressed gas, a source of heated viscous plastic, a mold cavity means for controllably injecting said plastic into said cavity, means for controlling injecting said compressed gas into said cavity, means for controllably injecting said liquid coolant into said cavity, and means for selectively controlling the injection of said plastic, gas and liquid coolant.

Abstract: A system and method for forming an article from thermoplastic material and fiber. The method includes heating thermoplastic material to form a molten thermoplastic material for blending with the fiber. The molten thermoplastic material is blended with the fibers to form a molten composite material having a concentration of fiber by weight. The molten composite material may then be extruded through dynamic dies to deliver discrete controlled material that is gravitated onto a lower portion of a mold. The lower portion of the mold may be moved in space and time while receiving the flow of composite material to deposit a predetermined quantity of molten composite material thereon conforming to mold cavities of the lower and an upper portion of the mold. The upper portion of the mold may be pressed against the predetermined quantity of molten composite material and closing on the lower portion of the mold to form the article.

Abstract: A solid imaging printer for generating colorized three-dimensional models is disclosed. The solid imaging printer comprises a printerhead assembly having a plurality of compartments, at least one of the compartments receives a model building material from an attached conduit, and each of at least three of the compartments retains a differently colored model building material for applying substantially to a surface of a model generated by the solid imaging printer. The solid imaging printer also comprises a controller for directing an application of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials for generating the model by a successive layering of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials. The controller accesses model defining information and directs each of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials to be jetted from the compartments on to the model as it is being generated.

Abstract: An extrusion system controller monitors the movement of an extrudate using a motion detector. Upon detection that the extrudate is no longer moving along its path of movement at the appropriate speed, the controller causes power interruption to the extrusion system by a controlled power switching device. A dimensional anomaly detected by a gauge can cause the controller to effect power interruption as well, when the anomaly lies outside a range of correctable dimensions or when the anomaly does not respond to corrective action by the controller. In the event that a cutter is used on the extrusion line, a detector that may be a photodetector senses that the extrudate is being severed regularly. In the absence of regular severance of the extrudate, the controller effects a power interruption. By use of these techniques, the extrusion line can run entirely unattended.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus and method are provided in which the rate of material flow during an injection cycle is controlled. According to one preferred embodiment, an injection molding apparatus is provided that includes a manifold, at least one injection nozzle coupled to the manifold, an actuator, and a valve pin adapted to reciprocate through the manifold and the injection nozzle. The valve pin has a first end coupled to the actuator, a second end that closes the gate in a forward position, and a control surface intermediate said first and second ends for adjusting the rate of material flow during an injection cycle. Retracting the valve pin tends to decrease the rate of material flow during the injection cycle and displacing the valve pin toward the gate tends to increase the rate of material flow during the injection cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for sending a plurality of switching signals to a switching device for sequentially switching the position of an injection gate of a injection molding machine is provided. The apparatus is utilized for molding a work piece in a mold during a molding cycle from a first closed position, to a first open position, to second closed position, to a second open position and then to a third closed position. The switching signals are indicative of one of the open position and the closed position. The apparatus is to be hand carried by a machine operator. The apparatus includes a body. The body is hand carriable by a machine operator. The apparatus also includes a first input conduit and a second input conduit. The first input conduit is operably associated with the body for receiving a first switching signal indicative of a desire to switch the position of the injection gate.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for electrospinning polymer fibers and membranes are described. The methods include in one aspect electrospinning a polymer fiber from a conducting fluid containing the polymer in the presence of a first electric field established between a conducting fluid introduction device and a ground source and modifying the first electric field with a second electric field to form a jet stream of the conducting fluid. In another aspect the methods include forming an electrospinning jet stream of the conducting fluid and electrically controlling the flow characteristics of the jet stream. In yet another aspect the methods include forming a plurality of electrospinning jet streams of the conducting fluid and independently controlling the flow characteristics of at least one of the jet streams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making plastic articles utilizing a plurality of tools, each of which is moved by cams and includes a nitrogen cylinder wherein provision is made for catastrophic overload prevention. For catastrophic overload prevention, one of the cams is supplied by a top plate and held in normal fixed position by a plurality of nitrogen cylinders. Abnormal movement of the top plate is detected and the machine is stopped. For predictive overload protection, a load cell is positioned at the off load position of one of the cams and any excessive load provides a signal for an alarm, interrupting the feeding of plastic charges and stopping the machine.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling an injection molding machine of the type having an injection screw drivable for axial movement within an extrusion cylinder by a drive-controlled servo motor through a mechanical transmission, to provide a filling phase, a dwell phase, and a plasticization phase, the servo motor having a velocity command signal input connection, and the molding machine having sensors for screw position and injection pressure. The method includes the steps of presetting desired values for at least one of the injection pressure and the screw position; sensing the respective one of the corresponding actual injection pressure and actual screw position; and transmitting non-zero velocity command signals to the drive-controlled servo motor during at least the plasticization phase, and preferably also the filling and dwell phases, to move the injection screw within the cylinder.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic hybrid drive for a plastic injection molding machine having at least one hydraulic actuator, at least one feed system for feeding the hydraulic fluid for actuation of the hydraulic actuators, at least one electric motor for operating the feed system for the hydraulic actuators, at least one further electric motor for driving the extruder screw of a plasticator device, a joint frequency convertor which actuates both of the electrical motors and a switching device circuited between the frequency converter and at least one of the electrical motors.

Abstract: This plant for manufacturing fiber-reinforced thermoplastic structural components, especially for motor vehicles, is characterized in that it includes:means (1) of continuous production of a dough of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic compound, receiving as input, on the one hand, the thermoplastic (4) and, on the other hand, the reinforcing fibers (6);means (14) of accumulation and of temporary storage of the dough produced; andmeans (26) of removing the dough from the accumulation and temporary-storage means (14) and of introducing this removed dough into a mould (29) for forming the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the controlled release of metered quantities of finely divided solids with one or more regulated venturi nozzles for the purpose of applying lubricant or separating compound to the stressed surfaces of pressing tools in tablet making machines or for applying finely divided solids to solid carrier materials particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs or catalysts.

Abstract: A control method of an injection molding machine includes the steps of advancing a screw 2, injecting and filling the resin in a barrel cylinder 3 into a mold 4 to fill the mold, and then applying a predetermined holding pressure to the resin in the mold 4. The control method further includes the steps of performing an injecting and filling by using an injection cylinder 5 having a double-rod piston 6 which can advance and retreat the screw 2, and then controlling the injection cylinder 5 by a controlling signal Dc including a predetermined alternating current signal in such a manner that the screw 2 is reciprocated in a longitudinal direction as a center with an advance finish and. stop position Xs and a position at which the screw is moved so as to retreat by a predetermined distance from the advanced finish and stop position Xs. Thereby, the mold failure such an overpack and a burr is eliminated.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of supplying viscous blends, casting resins for example, of two or more components that react and cure when blended, preferably in a vacuum. There is one holding tank for each component. There is a set of flow controls downstream of each holding tank. There is check valve downstream of each set of flow controls. There is a line downstream of each set of flow controls or of each check valve. Blenders communicate with each line. An injector downstream of each blender supplies the blend to a compression-setting mold. The line leading out of each holding tank and through the flow controls and check valve extends past each blender and back into the tank, accordingly constituting a closed loop that begins and ends at the tanks. The loops extend through FORWARD/DIVERT valves with one intake and two alternatively opening and closing outlets. One outlet forwards the component on through its loop. The other outlet diverting it out of the loop to one of the blenders.

Abstract: This invention relates to automating a process for manufacturing articles from plastic, particularly recyclable plastic waste. A lengthened separator head is flanged to a plasticizer to supply melting serially to several molds, by way of mold inlet shut-off mechanism. A preprogrammed control device monitors the filling of a respective mold by way of a pressure sensor in the mold. When the desired filling of the mold has occurred, the inlet shut-off mechanism is closed by the control device and another mold that is ready to be filled is filled with melting by the opening of the corresponding inlet shut-off mechanism at the another mold. In addition, the control device controls the locking and tightening of the mold as well as its opening and emptying.

Abstract: The present invention has a purpose to prevent leakage of resin material and disorder of cutting operation without increasing plate thickness of the cutter, thereby providing a resin material supply apparatus capable of suiting increase of resin material sheet size or higher back pressure.To this end, according to the present invention, there is provided a resin material supply apparatus and method for a resin press molding machine in which: resin material is extruded in a supply cylinder toward a die by a piston, and the molded resin material is cut by a cutter which slides along a front end surface of the die. Then, the cut resin material is supplied onto a metal mold, and new resin material is charged into the supply cylinder by pressing the cutter toward the die at a position that the cutter closes an opening of the die.

Abstract: A method of controlling holding pressure in an injection molding operation and an apparatus therefor, wherein the quality of molded products can be controlled with a high accuracy without the need for a pressure sensor in a mold and without requiring any additional data such as the thickness of a molded product, the effective heat diffusion rate, and so on. Further, a method for estimating resin temperature in injection molding and an appartus therefor, wherein in-mold resin temperature in a holding pressure and cooling stage is estimated during injection at a high speed and with a high accuracy.

Abstract: A concrete pipe making machine having a pair of combined roller head and vibrating core assemblies are used with two molds to prepack and vibrate concrete within the molds to simultaneously produce two concrete pipes. A controller is programmed in response to packing forces of the packerheads to control conveyors that discharge concrete into the molds and the lift speed of the packerhead and core assemblies to produce concrete pipes having uniform density throughout the length of the concrete pipes.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a foil web of a thermoplastic with locally secured fittings, for use as tarpaulins or similar articles. The apparatus includes an extruder head with an entirely or mainly downwardly directed ejection orifice and two counterrotating rollers with a nip for calibrating the extruded foil. In a feeding device with a vertical supply magazine, a stack of fittings is accommodated and a guiding device is used to guide fittings into a discharge duct extending towards the roller nip. The guiding device is electrically operated and an electrically controlled stop member with an associated fitting sensing element are arranged at the lowermost end of the discharge duct towards the roller nip for accurate control of the supply of fittings to the roller nip through controlled stopping and releasing of the fitting element as well as the monitoring of fittings in the discharge duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying particulate powder material to a moving fibrous substrate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a volumetric dry material feeder for forming a continuous stream of particulate powder material. The continuous stream is then transmitted through a nozzle and exits at an outlet thereof. The nozzle is movable between a first and second position by a motion control. The motion control includes an adjustable differential gear box and an encoder for synchronizing the dispensing of powder at a predetermined location of the substrate. A flow separator is disposed beyond the outlet of the nozzle and intermediate of the first and second positions. In operation, the motion input drives the nozzle to oscillate between the first and second positions at a variable speed over each product cycle. As the nozzle crosses a plane of the flow separator, the continuous stream of particulate powder material exiting the nozzle is split into two intermittent streams of particulate powder material.

Abstract: A control device for timed control of a filling pressure during filling of a press die with a pasty or slip-like mass has a pressure sensor detecting a pressure in the press die, a threshold stage to which a corresponding pressure signal is fed from the pressure sensor, a timing element on which the threshold stage acts to maintain a filling pressure at an intended value during determinable holding time, a second threshold stage to which the pressure signal can be fed, and a logical gate to which outputs of the two threshold stages are connected and which generate a trigger signal for timing element when a particular value simultaneously exceeds a first threshold value of the first threshold stage and falls below a second threshold value of the second threshold stage.

Abstract: An injection molding method uses motors to effect measuring and kneading of a material to be molded and injection driving. The amount of movement of a rotary shaft or rectilinearly moving means connected to a screw is detected by a sensor, and the driving of the volume measuring motor and the injection motor is effected by the output of the sensor.

Abstract: A multi-layer parison has a plurality of layers of main and auxiliary resins laminated with each other. An apparatus for forming the multi-layer parison includes a main resin extruding mechanism, at least one auxiliary resin extruding mechanism and a control unit for controlling the main and auxiliary resin extruding mechanisms so that the pressure for extruding the auxiliary resin is immediately increased and the pressure for extruding the main resin is gradually increased at the beginning of extrusion of the main and auxiliary resins.

Abstract: An injection control method for an electrically-operated injection molding machine is provided, which is capable of sharply increasing the injection speed of a low-priced electric injection molding machine. A command pulse train is supplied to a servo circuit for an injection servomotor whereby substantial rotary motion of the injection servomotor is initially prevented, as a result of the fact that the torque limit value (Ts) is set at a value sufficient to establish equilibrium between the output torque of the injection servomotor and the resin pressure acting on the injection screw. The error between the target rotational position of the injection servomotor and an actual rotational position thereof then is allowed to increase until it reaches a feed stop positional error (Fs).

Abstract: A method controlling the afterpressure variation with time of an injection-moulding machine. A process computer controlling a hydraulic pressure drive of the injection-moulding machine stores a given reference afterpressure variation with time. Upon a variation of the moulding mass temperature Tm and/or of the tool temperature Tf, a new afterpressure variation with time is calculated. The time data samples corresponding to the reference temperature values and the reference afterpressure values, respectively, are then determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging an open mold with a plasticized material to produce molded plastic parts has a movable endless belt to define a surface upon which is received a plurality of masses of plastic material in a predetermined arrangement after the material has been plasticized. Each mass has a predetermined shape approximating the capacity of a mold cavity into which the mass is to be fed. The endless belt has a charge station position in which plasticized material is discharge onto the belt and the entire belt can be fed from the charge station position into such a position with respect to an open mold cavity that a mass of plastic material is fed from the belt surface into the mold cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blow molding machine for the blow molding of hollow articles, with an accumulator head (1) for producing a preform and with a blow mold for forming a hollow article from the preform. After completion of a blow molding sequence, a piston positioning signal is derived by a control system (15), to regulate the position of a discharge piston (4) in the accumulator head (1), from a comparative signal of the actual position and set position of the discharge piston (4). The set position is determined by integration from a previously specified speed set point profile. The control system (15) further superimposes an influx signal on the comparative signal, which corresponds to the change in volume of plastic flowing from an extruder (2) to replace the discharged contents of the accumulator head (1).

Abstract: A blow molding machine for the blow molding of hollow articles includes an accumulator head (1) for producing a preform and a blow mold for forming a hollow article from the preform. After completion of a blow molding sequence and the filling of the accumulator head (1), a piston positioning signal is sent by a control system (15) to regulate the position of a discharge piston (4) in the accumulator head (1) derived from a comparative signal of the actual position and set position of the discharge piston (4). The set position is determined by integration from a previously specified speed set point profile. The control system (15) further superimposes an influx signal on the comparative signal, which corresponds to the change in volume of plastic flowing from an extruder (2) to replace the discharged contents of the accumulator head (1).

Abstract: A transfer molding process and an apparatus for carrying out the same for sealing electronic devices, such as semiconductor devices, in a resin by driving a plunger downward in a pot to inject the resin into a mold. In injecting a resin into a mold by driving the plunger downward, the rotary motion of the output shaft of an electric motor is converted into a linear motion to drive the plunger downward, the downward displacement of the plunger from the initial position is detected, and pressure applied to the plunger is varied according to the displacement of the plunger. Thus, the transfer molding process and the apparatus for carrying out the same reduces defects, such as voids and incompletely filled parts, in the resin-sealed device, and prevents burrs and the deformation of the insert during the transfer molding operation.

Abstract: A plasticized resin is extruded from an extruding machine into an accumulator into which the resin is stored by an amount exceeding the amount required for one resin molding operation. The stored resin, in operation, is fed through a flexible hose towards a gear pump under controlled pressure conditions. The resin is measured by the gear pump and the displacement and the rotational speed of the gear pump are controlled by a suitable controller such as microcomputer to exactly measure the plasticized resin to be charged into the mold cavity in a predetermined distributing mode. The clamping of the mold can be effected by a clamping force less than that required by a conventional press-molding machine.

Abstract: An extrusion molding equipment for a multi-layer parison which includes an operation position detecting device for detecting an operation position of an accumulator extruding an layer of resin material invisible from outside the parison. A pressure detecting device is provided for detecting pressure of the inner resin material in an inner resin conduit. An extrusion amount control device for the inner resin material is also provided for controlling an extrusion amount of the inner resin by the use of a signal indicating the operation position from the operation position detecting device, and a signal indicating the pressure from the pressure detecting device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatic zero adjustment of an injection-molding machine, in which an axis driven by a servomotor can be automatically returned to its origin with accuracy and speed. When a one-revolution signal is produced after the axis reaches a deceleration position, a preset coordinate position of a reference point is written in a current-value register. Subsequently, when the axis driven toward an absolute position reaches the absolute position, the preset coordinate position of the reference point is corrected with use of a correction value calculated on the basis of a known coordinate position of the absolute position and the register value. When the axis driven toward the reference point reaches the corrected position, the preset reference point coordinate position is written in the current-value register.

Abstract: A numerical control method and an apparatus therefor, in which a mold opening operation or an eject operation is performed during a metering operation so that the injection-molding cycle time is shortened. When a cooling period terminates or mold opening is completed during the metering operation, a programmable machine controller for sequentially controlling an injection-molding machine delivers information specifying a clamp axis or an eject axis, the displacement, moving speed, and moving direction of the axis, and a step feed command to a numerical control unit for controlling servomotors for axes of the injection-molding machine, through a common RAM. Pulse distribution for the clamp axis or the eject axis, based on this information, and pulse distribution for a screw rotating axis are alternately executed by a numerical control unit, which responds to the step feed command.

Abstract: A method for controlling an injection motor of an injection-molding machine to prevent overheating such that injection-molding conditions to prevent the injection motor from overheating can be set securely. When injection-molding conditions are initially set (S1-S3), the ratio (R) between the integral of the amount of heat, produced by an injection motor driving current for one injection-molding cycle, and the allowable integral of the heat amount obtained when a continuous rated current flow is calculated (S5) before the one injection-molding cycle is executed in accordance with the new set injection-molding conditions. Then, the calculated ratio (R) and an allowable ratio (Rmax) are compared, and it is previously determined (S6) whether an overheating state of the injection motor can be produced when the injection-molding cycle is executed in accordance with the set conditions. If overheating can be produced, a warning is issued (S7).

Abstract: A switching control method which can smoothly effect transfer from a pressure holding step to a metering and kneading step in an injection-molding machine employing a servomotor as an injection shaft driving source for axially driving a screw. At completion of the pressure holding step, follow-up of an error register of a servo circuit driving the injection shaft servomotor is effected so as to bring an error amount accumulated within the error register to zero (steps S6 to S8). A value of torque limit acting on the servomotor is then switched from a set value for pressure holding to a set value for metering and kneading (step S11). Further, the follow-up of the error register is again executed over a predetermined period of time from the time of execution of the switching of the torque limit (step S13). Subsequently, transfer is effected to the metering and kneading step (step S14).

Abstract: An injection molding method operable in conjunction with an injection molding machine having an injection screw which rotates and moves backward while a preset dosage of molding material is injected into the molding machine. As the injection screw moves backward its arrival at a predetermined point relative to a discharge nozzle is detected by a sensor which initiates stoppage of feeding of material into the machine. Further backward movement of the injection screw resulting from internal pressure in the injection cylinder is arrested by an adjustably locatable stopper, disposed behind the injection screw. The stopper is designed to be located at a position that produces molded products of consistent quality. Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stop position of the injection screw is also used as a starting point for the injection screw in a subsequent injection step during which the dosage of material is injected into a molding cavity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for injection control for an injection-molding machine, adapted to perform injection control by means of a servomotor controlled by a numerical control unit, in which the injection control is completed by performing pulse distribution to the servomotor, up to a hold pressure end position, and a follow-up operation when injection-speed control and hold pressure control for individually predetermined times are finished, in order that the injection-speed control and the hold pressure control can be executed in a time-based manner.

Abstract: A suckback method and apparatus is capable of positively effecting a suckback operation in an injection molding machine using a servomotor as an injection axis drive source for axially driving a screw. When the screw reaches a metering completion position, screw rotation is stopped and a follow-up operation for an error register is carried out so that an error amount accumulated in the error register becomes equal to zero (steps S1, S4, S5). Then, a torque limit for the servomotor and for application of back pressure is released (step S8), and the screw is driven backwardly by the servomotor by a predetermined suckback amount (step 11).

Abstract: In the manufacture of a foamed confection such as foamed chocolate, a confection in liquid form is mixed with carbon dioxide under pressure. The mixture is discharged from the depositor through annular outlet orifices which are opened and closed in turn by associated valves so that at any one time some of the orifices are discharging the mixture, and the number of orifices which are closed does not vary. Each annular orifice has a length which is not greater than its diameter. Each valve has an annular valve seat and a valve member movable into and out of engagement with the valve seat.

Abstract: According to the invention, the dipolar orientation of an object made of material adapted to present piezoelectric properties is obtained by exposing at least one of the faces of the object to a jet of charged microparticles in order to create therein a sufficient electrical field to obtain the said orientation, and in a variant of the invention, a direct polarization is carried out by displacing a film in front of at least one generator of charged microparticles, this invention applying in particular to the production of film in a piezoelectric polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a food product in which an edible filling material is completely enclosed in an edible coating material, comprising outer, intermediate and inner spaced apart concentrically arranged extrusion conduits; means for extruding the coating material continuously through the channel between the outer and intermediate conduits to form a tube of coating; means for extruding the filling material intermittently through the channel between the intermediate and inner conduits so that it forms a filling within the tube of coating; means for mechanically isolating the filling material, on interruption of extrusion, from the filling within the tube of coating; means for extruding further coating material alternately to the extrusion of the filling material, through the inner conduit so that it flows within the tube of coating at the rear end of the filling; and means for cutting the extruded tube cross-sectionally between positions where filling is located.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a foamed confection such as foamed chocolate, a confection in liquid form is mixed with carbon dioxide under pressure and passed still under pressure to a depositor. The mixture is discharged from the depositor through annular outlet orifices which are opened and closed in turn by associated valves so that at any one time some of the orifices are discharging the mixture, and the number of orifices which are closed does not vary. Each annular orifice has a length which is not greater than its diameter. Each valve has an annular valve seat and a valve member movable into and out of engagement with the valve seat.