Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a structure having selectable piezoelectric properties via additive manufacturing. Such methods can include coupling an ultrasound generating device to a print head of the additive manufacturing apparatus; transmitting acoustic energy from the ultrasound generating device to the print head to vibrate the print head in an oscillatory manner; extruding a feed material from the print head; moving the print head in at least one dimension relative to a substrate on which the structure is being manufactured; and dispensing layers sequentially on top of each other to form the structure. Such systems can include an additive manufacturing apparatus comprising a print head movable in at least one dimension relative to a base configured to support the structure being produced; and an ultrasound generating device that is connected to the print head.

Abstract: A flow rate adjusting device includes a main body portion having a first opening portion to which a molten material is supplied, a second opening portion from which the molten material is discharged, a supply flow path communicating with the first opening portion and the second opening portion, and a cross hole intersecting the supply flow path; and a shaft-shaped valve portion disposed inside the cross hole.

Abstract: A spider for a rotary molding process is provided. The spider includes an upper mold enclosure, a lower mold enclosure, and a clamping assembly. The lower mold enclosure is configured to selectively cooperate with the upper mold enclosure to facilitate retention of a mold housing therebetween. The clamping assembly comprises a collar, a plurality of brace members, and a clamping member. Each brace member is coupled with each of the collar and the upper mold enclosure. The clamping member is rotatably coupled with the lower mold enclosure and is rotatable about an axis in a clamping and unclamping direction. The axis extends through the collar. The collar is spaced from the upper mold enclosure along the axis. Rotation of the clamping member in the clamping direction facilitates translation of the collar towards the lower mold enclosure to facilitate urging of the upper mold enclosure and the lower mold enclosure together.

Abstract: An extruder with a non-stop die change device includes an extrusion cavity, a die change device located at the outlet of the extrusion cavity, and a first die and a second die that are connected to the side wall of a housing of the die change device. A transfer channel is provided in a movable block of the die change device. When the movable block moves to a first position in the housing, the transfer channel communicates to the extrusion cavity with a first channel, and when the movable block moves to a second position in the housing, the transfer channel communicates to the extrusion cavity with a second channel. Therefore, die change and product type change can be achieved without stopping the extruder. If a die is blocked, the extruder does not need to stop for changing a new die.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a head having a matrix reservoir, a nozzle fluidly connected to the matrix reservoir and configured to discharge a composite material into a feature of an existing component. a guide configured to detect a location of the feature, and a cure enhancer configured to expose composite material discharging from the nozzle to a cure energy. The system may also include a support configured to move the head in multiple dimensions, and a controller in communication with the cure enhancer and the support. The controller may be configured to cause the support to move the head during discharge of the composite material into the feature based on the detected location of the feature.

Abstract: Three-dimensional printing pens and related systems and methods are provided. A three-dimensional printing pen may include a plurality of cartridges, each cartridge having a hollow cartridge body sized and shaped to include a colored thixotropic paste, a color of each thixotropic paste being different from a color of another thixotropic paste, and a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle fluidly communicatively coupled to a corresponding cartridge. The three-dimensional printing may further include a motor unit operably coupled to the plurality of cartridges, the motor unit operable to expel the colored thixotropic paste from each cartridge through the corresponding nozzle, a mixing tip fluidly communicatively coupled to the plurality of nozzles, the mixing tip sized and shaped to dispense therethrough one or more of the colored thixotropic pastes in a form of an output thixotropic paste, and a projection module.

Abstract: A barrel block for a twin-screw extruder constitutes a barrel including a cylinder and has joints at both ends. A first joint includes a first inner joint face on a peripheral edge of a first hole of an insertion hole for screws, and includes a first flank face and a first outer joint face on an outer periphery of the first inner joint face. The first outer joint face is located in the outer periphery of a plurality of first bolt holes. The first outer joint face is more recessed toward a second block end face than the first inner joint face.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for coating medical devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus including a coating application unit including a fluid applicator; a first rotation mechanism and a second rotation mechanism; and a controller, wherein the controller causes the first rotation mechanism and the second rotation mechanism to rotate a medical device at substantially the same speed, wherein the speed is greater than 500 rotations per minute. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of coating a medical device including rotating a medical device with a rotation mechanism at a speed of greater than 500 rotations per minute; contacting the medical device with a fluid applicator; and applying a coating solution to the device. In an embodiment, the invention includes a medical device. In some embodiments a surface of a shaft of the device comprises high points and low points.

Abstract: Systems for varying orifice cross-section for 3D printing are provided. Aspects of the invention include an actuator operable to control an actuator rod, a plurality of nozzles connected to the actuator rod, the plurality of nozzles comprising a first nozzle and a second nozzle, wherein the first nozzle comprises a first cross-section, wherein the second nozzle comprises a second cross-section, and a controller configured to operate the actuator rod to maneuver the first nozzle under a printer head, wherein the printer head extrudes a filament that passes through the first cross-section of the first nozzle.

Abstract: A method for operating a forming device for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, wherein in a working mode of the apparatus, the plastic preforms are transported by means of a plurality of forming stations along a predefined transport path, and by loading with a fluid medium are expanded into plastic containers, wherein to expand the plastic preforms, blow-moulding devices are used, inside which the plastic preforms are expanded into plastic containers, wherein in a change mode, at least one of the blow-moulding devices is removed from the apparatus and/or one of the blow-moulding devices is arranged on a blow-mould carrier of the apparatus, wherein to change the blow-moulding devices, a change device is used which has a gripper device for gripping the blow-moulding device.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printing system including a control module, at least one moving module, a particle-type 3D printing nozzle and a coil-type 3D printing nozzle is provided. The moving module, the particle-type 3D printing nozzle and the coil-type 3D printing nozzle are respectively and electrically connected to the control module, and the particle-type 3D printing nozzle and the coil-type 3D printing nozzle are disposed on the at least one moving module. The control module moves the particle-type 3D printing nozzle or the coil-type 3D printing nozzle through the at least one moving module, and drives the particle-type 3D printing nozzle or the coil-type 3D printing nozzle to perform a 3D printing operation to print a 3D object.

Abstract: A container treatment system (1, 13) that has at least two working areas (AP). Each of the working areas (AP) respectively comprises at least one exchangeable working tool (2) and/or one adaptable format part. Furthermore, the container treatment system (1, 13) comprises at least one automatic exchange machine (10) which is movable, in particular drivable, to the at least two working areas (AP), which automatic exchange machine (10) can be connected selectively to any of the respective working areas (AP), in particular using centering means (22, 32), and which automatic exchange machine (10) comprises tools for exchanging the working tools (2) and/or for adapting the format parts of the respective working area (AP). The invention further relates to an automatic exchange machine (10) for exchanging working tools (2) and/or for adapting the format parts of at least two different working areas (AP) of a container treatment system (1, 13).

Abstract: A cartridge assembly (3) of a 3D printer system for printing a plastic substance, such as a dough, comprises a refillable cartridge (31) and a punch-fill adapter (32) having a circumferential cutting edge (26) and being provided with a punch-fill connector (24) to form a manually releasable interconnection between the cartridge and the punch-fill adapter. When said interconnection is effective, the cartridge assembly is effective as a manual tool for punching, by means of said circumferential cutting edge, punched slices out of a supply slice of said plastic substance, and thereby for automatically inserting said punched slices into the inner space of the cartridge. Thanks to this punch-fill connector the manual (re)filling of the cartridge can be performed more easily and more reliably.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention provides an extrusion device for producing a profile from plasticizable material, including at least one extruder head, in which the plasticized material can be supplied to a gap which is delimited by at least one roller and at least one bar that bears against a bearing surface in a predefined position via a fixing element in an operating position of the extrusion device. The fixing element includes a flat pressure-transmitting element which, in the operating position, can be placed against a pressure surface of the bar that is opposite the bearing surface, the pressure-transmitting element including a double-armed lever, which is pivotable about at least one axis, in order to compensate for a possible deviation from the predefined parallel orientation of the pressure-transmitting element with respect to the pressure surface of the bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool changing device (1) for a forming press (2), in particular a press brake, comprising at least one tool magazine (3, 4) and at least one transfer device (5, 6) for the transfer of the forming tools (7, 8) of the at least one tool magazine (3, 4), which are storable in the at least one tool magazine (3, 4), from the at least one tool magazine (3, 4) to the forming press (2) and in the reverse direction, wherein the at least one transfer device (5, 6) has a drivable thrust chain (9, 10) for the transmission of compressive and tensile forces.

Abstract: A rounder bar including a blade in continuous contact with a conveyor for forming dough into various shapes. An adjustable footer on the rounder bar includes a plurality of adjustment tools that can be adjusted in selectable zones to minimize dough leakage in any selected zone across the length of the rounder bar. Each adjustment tool is connected to a corresponding locking plate that is disposed in a recess in the blade. The pressure of the blade against the conveyor in a particular zone is responsive to rotation of the adjustment tool in that particular zone, enabling adjustment of dough leakage in that zone.

Abstract: A three dimensional printing apparatus and a printing head module are provided. The three dimensional printing apparatus includes a base, a printing head module and a controller. The base has a carrying surface. The printing head module includes a printing head, a fan and a nozzle guiding cover. The printing head includes a heating element, a feeding channel and a nozzle. The feeding channel connects the nozzle. The nozzle guiding cover is disposed correspondingly to the fan and extended to the nozzle. The nozzle guiding cover includes a nozzle outlet located between the nozzle and the carrying surface. The controller is coupled to the printing head module to control a hot-melt material transmitting to the nozzle, and the heating element is configured to heat the nozzle so the hot-melt material is melted and dispensed on the carrying surface to form a three dimensional object.

Abstract: A blow molding mold which can reduce the production cost and can easily perform replacement work. The blow molding mold includes a body mold, a bottom mold and a neck mold. The neck mold is provided with a first cooling mechanism. The body mold includes an inner body mold corresponding to the outer surface of a body portion of a plastic bottle, and an outer shell located outside the inner body mold. The inner body mold can be attached/detached to/from the outer shell when replacing the inner body mold in conformity with the shape of the plastic bottle.

Abstract: A tire mold and tire reduce manufacturing and facilities costs and improve appearance of a product tire. The tire mold includes a tread molding body that molds a tread surface of a tire and is formed by pieces aligned in a circumferential direction of the mold. The tread molding body includes, on a mold face thereof, groove forming protrusions that form grooves on the tread surface and land forming recesses that form land portions on the tread surface and are surrounded by the groove forming protrusions. In a development view in which the pieces are connected, an air release gap in communication with the mold face of the pieces is provided along a boundary line between the pieces. At least one boundary line cuts across a plurality of the land forming recesses. Each boundary line extends through a bend, and the bend is positioned in the groove forming protrusions.

Abstract: What is described is a blow-molding machine for plastic containers, comprising a plurality of platens for supporting blow mold halves, wherein at least two of the platens are in the form of movable multi-carriers for simultaneously supporting at least two blow mold halves which are assigned to different blow-molding cavities. Since the multi-carriers are driven in such a manner that at least one of the blow-molding cavities can be opened and at the same time at least one other of the blow-molding cavities can be closed by means of a continuous movement of the multi-carriers, acceleration and deceleration ramps can be reduced upon opening and closing and it is possible to gain process time for the blow molding.

Abstract: A mold assembly for manufacturing light guide plates of different sizes without being dismantled includes a male mold with base, a number of pairs of molding blocks and driving blocks, together with two bolts, and an injecting block. The pairs of molding and driving blocks, and the driving block and two bolts are received in the male mold base. The driving block is movably connected to the molding block by the two bolts. A position of the molding block relative to the driving block is adjusted by screwing at least one of the two bolts. An injecting block is positioned in the male mold base and surrounds a male mold chamber with the molding block.

Abstract: A coating die that includes a removable manifold section with each side of the manifold section defining a manifold, a land, and an outlet or lip. The two manifolds, lands and outlets may be the same or different, respectively. The manifold section is removably connected to at least one die body and can be removed from the die body to switch between the two sides of the manifold section. The coating die is designed and configured for web or substrate coating, either on-roll (supported web) coating or off-roll (tension web) coating.

Abstract: Configurable layup tooling used to fabricate reinforced composite parts having a common shape but varying features are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a common tool body. A first mandrel is received by the common tool body to form at least a first portion of a common shape and a first profile of a first part to be formed via the common tool body. A second mandrel is received by the common tool body to form the first portion of the common shape and a second profile of a second part that is different from the first part.

Abstract: A mold includes a mold core, a first cover, and a second cover. The mold core includes a cavity and a pair of elastic pieces. The pair of elastic pieces is in the cavity and divides the cavity into a first room and a second room. The first cover covers the first room of the cavity. The first cover defines a plurality of first plug holes. A first I/O can be formed in the first room by injecting a first liquid plastic material in the first room via the plurality of first plug holes. The second cover covers the first room and second room of the cavity. The second cover defines a plurality of second plug holes. A second I/O port assembly can be formed by injecting a second liquid plastic material in the first room and the second room via the plurality of second plug holes.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention relates to the manufacture of disparate workpieces by the process of injection molding using a single base tool. The tool is made up of cavity and core halves, and each half is made up of separate, removable/interchangeable, inserts which, when combined in a particular order, form the workpiece-forming surface. All or any number of the inserts may be replaced with other inserts to alter the workpiece-forming surface and allow a large number of differently shaped workpieces (i.e. having different surface features and shapes) to be formed from a single base tool. In another aspect of the invention, the inserts are connected to respective thermally conductive cavity and core mounting plates, which are in turn connected to respective cavity and core heating/cooling plates so that insert-mounting holes need not be made in the heating/cooling plates.

Abstract: A die tool for forming a C-section component having radiused shoulders, the includes a cylindrical inner die and an outer die having a cylindrical central portion connected to opposing end flanges by respective radiused concave portions. A portion of the inner die is arranged to be disposed between the end flanges of the outer die and spaced apart therefrom to define a cavity corresponding to the desired cross-section of the C-section component to be formed. The radiused convex and concave portions have a radius of curvature that varies about the circumference of the respective inner and outer dies. The inner and outer dies are rotatable such that the radius of curvature of the radiused convex and concave portions where the inner and outer dies are adjacent to one another varies as the inner and outer dies are rotated.

Abstract: In order to shorten set-up times, a press for producing a molded part from pourable material, having an apparatus for driving a die comprising a cylinder unit having a cylinder housing and having a cylinder piston is proposed, wherein the cylinder housing is the actuator of the cylinder unit and the cylinder piston is the stator of the cylinder unit.

Abstract: A cookie decorating tool includes a main body having attachment points for a plurality of decorating tool heads. In one version, the tool heads are in the form of one or more interchangeable stamps or rollers, each having a different design that may be imparted onto cookie dough to leave an impression prior to baking.

Abstract: A mold for producing a variety of fenestration members having different predetermined lengths is disclosed. Generally, the mold has a first lineal mold part that has an extended length and a second lineal mold part also having an extended length. The mold may also have mold end parts that are adapted to form end features of the fenestration member. In use, the first lineal mold part and the second lineal mold part fit together to define a profile. The first and second mold end parts can be positioned in a range of positions to define the lengths of a variety of different molded fenestration members.

Abstract: A die tool for forming a C-section component having radiused shoulders has first and second outer dies, each outer die having a truncated conical portion connected to a flange portion by a radiused portion and being symmetrically disposed to one another along a common axis such that each flange portion is outermost, and a cylindrical outer support die located between the first and second outer dies.

Abstract: A former for fabricating a gas composite material casing for a gas turbine, which is obtained by forming fiber reinforcement as superposed layers of a fiber texture and densifying the fiber reinforcement with a matrix, is disclosed. The former has two cheekplates and an annular wall with an outside surface presenting a profile that corresponds to the profile of the inside surface of the casing that is to be fabricated. The annular wall of the former includes a removable fastener device for fastening a fiber texture layer and serving to hold the first layer of the fiber texture mechanically while the fiber texture is being wound on the former.

Abstract: A magazine apparatus including a plurality of receiving elements that are constructed and arranged to separately receive individual blow moulds each having a plurality of parts and each configured to shape plastic-material pre-forms into plastic-material containers. The magazine apparatus being constructed and arranged to store a plurality of blow moulds outside the working operational area of a blow moulding machine.

Abstract: A corrugating roller pair support frame includes four supporting posts, in between two of which one rectangular supporting plate of a corrugating roller pair is mounted while another rectangular supporting plate is mounted in between the other two supporting posts, and the four supporting posts having a plurality of locating blocks movably embedded therein for releasably engaging with locating slots formed on the rectangular supporting plates to thereby releasably hold the corrugating roller pair to the support frame; and a supporting elevator for supporting and regulating the corrugating roller pair to a desired height on the support frame. With these arrangements, the corrugating roller pair can be conveniently mounted to or released from the support frame and be easily exchanged with another one, so that the time needed for handling the corrugating roller pair is shortened and the efficiency of manufacturing corrugated boards is upgraded.

Abstract: Disclosed is an impact-resistant modified polyamide molding compound which is suitable in particular for the production of containers having a good oxygen barrier and low-temperature impact strength. Also disclosed are containers which are produced from the thermoplastic polyamide molding compound. In particular, storage or transport containers for industrial chemicals, agrochemicals, the cosmetic industry, pharmaceutical industry or foodstuffs industry can be produced from the polyamide molding compound of the invention.

Abstract: A diamond disc manufacturing process includes the following steps. Firstly, a container is provided, and an adhesion layer is formed in the container. A hollow member having a plurality of meshes is covered on the adhesion layer. A plurality of diamond particles is implanted on the hollow member and embedded into the meshes of the hollow member, so that the diamond particles are adhered onto the adhesion layer. Then, a resin material is infused into the container, so that the diamond particles are bonded on the resin material. Finally, the resin material together with the diamond particles is released from the container, so as to obtain a diamond disc base with the diamond particles having uniform distribution and orientation.

Abstract: A plug assist drive assembly is provided for a thermoforming press. The plug assist drive assembly includes a drive platen, a plug assist platen, a first elongated gear rack, a second elongated gear rack, a drive gear, a driven gear, and a drive source. The first elongated gear rack and the second elongated gear rack are carried by the plug assist platen in longitudinally extending and substantially parallel, spaced apart relation with a plurality of rack teeth extending on each gear rack between proximal and distal ends. The drive gear is carried by the drive platen and is operably communicating with the first elongated gear rack. The driven gear is carried by the drive platen and is operably communicating with the second elongated gear rack and the drive gear. The drive source is operably communicating with the drive gear to drive the assist platen in linearly reciprocating motion relative to the drive platen. A thermoforming machine having the plug assist drive assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Configurable layup tooling is used to fabricate reinforced composite parts have a common shape but varying features. The tooling includes a tool base, multiple mandrels and optionally, a tool insert, all of which may be used to form a portion of the common shape. The mandrels have differing tool geometries for forming the varying features of the commonly shaped parts. The tool base may be used as a bonding jig to assemble and bond assemblies that include the fabricated parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming desired patterns on ceramic tile from a slurry comprising: a means for preparing a slurry; at least one slurry holding tank for holding at least one type of slurry; at least one pattern forming tray; at least one means for connecting said at least one tank to at least one pattern forming tray and a filter pressing unit; wherein the pattern forming unit dispenses a predetermined type, amount, colors of slurry at a predetermined order into the pattern forming tray to form a desired pattern, said slurry with desired pattern is pressed with the filter pressing unit to form ceramic tiles or slabs with a desired pattern running though its entire thickness.

Abstract: A device for shaping plastic preforms into plastic containers may include a blowing nozzle for filling the plastic preform with a medium, and a rod body for extending the plastic preform in the longitudinal direction thereof during the shaping process. The rod body may be disposed on a support and may be movable in a longitudinal direction of the plastic preform. The rod body has a multi-part construction and includes at least one first rod element arranged on the support and one second rod element, which can be connected to the first rod element. The second rod element can be inserted into an opening of the plastic preform in order to extend the plastic preform in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the second rod element includes a contact surface in order to contact an area of the plastic preform. The first rod element and the second rod element can be connected to each other through a connection mechanism which can be released without tools.

Abstract: A method of testing pressed food product operational characteristics of a food processor having a press as a portion of a processing line as contemplated. Specifically, the test mold station provides a mold plate having at least one cavity less than an operational mold cavity and has spacers having a combined width greater than a width of the test mold plate.

Abstract: A stamping mold includes a base, a mold holder and a stripper. The base defines a first through hole and includes a protruding block. The mold holder defines a second through hole and a plurality of receiving holes, and each receiving hole receives a mold insert and selectively corresponds to the protruding block. The mold holder is located on a top of the base and touches the protruding block. The stripper includes a cover defining a plurality of holes and a positioning shaft. The stripper is located on the mold holder via the positioning shaft passing through the second and the first through hole, and a free end of the positioning shaft is blocked under the base. The mold holder can rotate about the positioning shaft. When the stripper moves to a lowest location, the mold insert on the protruding block protrudes from the corresponding hole of the cover.

Abstract: A press working system, wherein a die can be replaced in a short time. A press working system (1) is provided with a press body having press machines (P1-P4) for producing an industrial product by pressing a plate-like member, and also with a moving bolster (MB) for moving dies (M) which are respectively provided inside the press machines (P1-P4) and stowing the dies (M) into die stowage chambers (13). The die stowage chambers (13) are arranged as a pair on both the left and right sides of a line extending in the longitudinal direction of the press body.

Abstract: A plant for blow-moulding plastic containers (2) from respective parisons (3) is equipped with a plurality of interchangeable moulding units (15), each having a certain number of cavities (19) for blow-moulding respective containers (2); and a line (9) for feeding the containers (2) from the moulding units (15) to a filling machine (10); the feed line (9) comprising a dispensing device (80) designed to space the containers (2) according to a spacing (P2) that is constant and independent of the number of moulding cavities (19) in the moulding units (15) mounted at a given time.

Abstract: A magazine apparatus including a plurality of receiving elements that are constructed and arranged to separately receive individual blow moulds each having a plurality of parts and each configured to shape plastic-material pre-forms into plastic-material containers. The magazine apparatus being constructed and arranged to store a plurality of blow moulds outside the working operational area of a blow moulding machine.

Abstract: A chocolate manufacturing machine includes a conveyor to advance a plurality of chocolate molding trays from a chocolate dispenser to a chocolate cooler downstream therefrom. The chocolate molding trays each have a face defining at least one chocolate mold cavity and have a back opposite the face. A plurality of face alignment features are associated with the face of each chocolate molding tray. Further, a plurality of back alignment features are associated with the back of each chocolate molding tray. The face and back alignment features permit alignment of an adjacent pair of chocolate molding trays in a face-to-face, back-to-back, and face-to-back relationship. The face and back alignment features may also permit vertical stacking and unstacking of adjacent pairs of the chocolate molding trays but limit horizontal movement thereof.

Abstract: A powder compression molding machine is configured such that a plurality of lower and upper punches 61, 41 are allowed to enter a plurality of through-die holes 31 provided in first and second molding die sections 32, 33 of a slide plate 3 in a compression molding zone 21 to compressively mold powder and the slide plate 3 is slid to push out compacts downward and collect them in compact discharge zones 22a, 22b. Even when powder is compressively molded at a low compression force into solids having high porosity, compacts can satisfactorily be molded and collected without crumblingness, the compacts having sufficient high porosity and being dissolvable in water or the like.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a molding system for creating a molded-in-color panel has a first mold member with a first forming surface for forming a portion of a panel with an exposed surface. The molding system has a second mold member having a second forming surface for forming a concealed portion of the panel. One of the first and second mold members is translatable relative to the other to collectively receive a heated molded-in-color resin to form the panel. The molding system has an injector for injecting molded-in-color resin into the mold. The second forming surface is sufficiently smooth so that the exposed surface of the panel is free of visible flow lines.

Abstract: A food extruder including a barrel provided at one end with an outlet from which the food substance can be extruded, a rotatable screw positioned within the barrel that is capable of being rotated and moved longitudinally within the barrel, a handle member at a top end of the rotatable screw for manual engagement, and a rod member protruding from an upper portion of the handle member for insertion into a drill chuck. The rod member, in a preferred embodiment, has a hexagonal cross section, which facilitates insertion and securement within a drill chuck, so that the drill may be used to turn the rotatable screw, rather than having to turn it manually. Additionally, a hand grip member may be attached to the barrel member at a generally right angle thereto, so that a user may grip the hand grip while using the drill to turn the rotatable screw, in order to prevent the entire extruder from rotating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a forming apparatus for forming a formable material or materials. The apparatus has a first forming tool set, and a second forming tool set. Each forming tool of the second forming tool set is adapted to co-act with one or more forming tools of the first forming tool set, or vice versa, to form a co-acting forming tool in a pressure forming zone. There is a first forming tool set guide or guides about which the first forming tool set can be moved about a first circuit. There is also a second forming tool set guide or guides about which the second forming tool set can be moved about a second circuit. There is also a drive means to drive the tools in a machine direction.

Abstract: An automated removal and insertion machine for mold drawers operable with a molding machine is described. The machine includes a frame, a plurality of actuators mounted within the frame, a plurality of encoders, a plurality of electromagnetic effectors, and a controller. The actuators are operable in a substantially horizontal direction for removal and insertion of molds with respect to the molding machine, and movable within the frame in a substantially vertical direction. At least one of the encoders is operably attached to each of the actuators for providing data indicative of a position of the respective said actuators. At least one electromagnetic effector is attached to a terminal end of each of the actuators for engagement with a respective mold. The controller is operable to control movement of the actuators in the substantially horizontal direction and further operable for controlling power applied to the electromagnetic effectors.