Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of a pet food having a transverse, fibrous striated matrix which imparts a superior mechanical cleaning action to the teeth of a pet when chewed. The apparatus includes an extruder through which a fiber bearing food mixture is advanced, the discharge outlet end of which is equipped with a die assembly which induces a state of laminar flow in the food material stream. The die assembly is constructed of a first spacer plate having an annular opening positioned to receive and stabilize the food stream advanced through the die assembly. A breaker plate adjacent to the first spacer plate, receives the flow stabilized food stream and effects a first, discontinuous, alignment of the fibers in the stream. A second spacer plate receives the food stream discharged form the breaker plate. The second spacer plate has a length at least twice that of the first spacer plate, whereby the fibers in the food stream are aligned into a continuous transversely aligned state.

Abstract: To injection-mold a base board for an optical disc or the like, an injection molding die includes a stamper plate attaching/detaching device installed therein. The stamper attaching/detaching device includes as essential components a stamper plate attaching/detaching bush adapted to be fitted into a tapered bush fitting hole formed in a die half on the movable side together with a stamper plate to be firmly placed on a die cavity, an actuating rod having a pinion gear formed at the fore end part thereof to mesh with a rack formed at the lower end part of the stamper plate attaching/detaching bush, and a lock nut for immovably hold the actuating rod during a series of molding operations. The stamper plate is removably fitted around the outer periphery of a flange portion of the stamper plate attaching/detaching bush.

Abstract: An improved pasta maker (20) is provided having an upper mixing chamber (130), lower extrusion chamber (132), and a communicating passageway (157) therebetween. The mixing chamber (130) is an open top vessel, and the extrusion chamber (132) presents an outlet (148) adapted to receive a pasta forming die (188). The pasta maker (20) also includes an apertured slide valve plate (26), a powered, rotatable mixing element (170) within the mixing chamber (130) for mixing of the ingredients therein, and a powered, axially rotatable auger (174) within the extrusion chamber (132) for conveying the ingredients towards and through the die (188).

Abstract: A tapered insert die plate providing a surface-to-surface contact between the insert and die plate to facilitate removal of and insertion of the insert and substantially improve heat transfer from the outside ring of the die plate to the die insert. The tapered insert is retained in place by hold down bolts which serve as jack bolts to force the insert out of the outer ring of the die plate by insertion into screw threaded holes in the insert to abuttingly engage a flange surface on the outer ring of the die plate to facilitate extraction of the insert when required. The die plate insert includes a plurality of orifices extending therethrough through which molten polymers are extruded in a conventional manner with the tapered surface-to-surface contact between the insert and the die plate providing improved heat transfer from the outside ring of the die plate to the die plate insert as compared with other known techniques of mounting an insert in a die plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for co-extruding inner and outer bulk food products into a tubular product, such as a tamale. The device has an inner housing mounted concentrically in the outer housing. A piston locates in the inner housing. An annular piston locates in the outer housing in a clearance between the outer housing and the inner housing. An actuator will push the piston simultaneously forward. Outlet ports on the forward end of each housing cause the two food products to co-extrude as a composite product.

Abstract: A die for use in an extrusion process is disclosed wherein the die is formed with a flow channel, a portion of which is defined by a removable insert. The insert includes a static mixer arrangement over a predetermined portion thereof in order to create a turbulence in the extruded material to produce a sheet or film having a uniform cross-section. The static mixer arrangement can be included of variously shaped projections which are secured to respective removable inserts. Since the insert defines a portion of the flow channel, the size and shape of the land associated with the die can also be varied.

Abstract: A manifolded, multiple-pin die apparatus and method processes potentially explosive material to form longitudinally perforated cylindrical pellets for use as gun propellants. A main entrance passage formed in mating manifold blocks gradually changes in cross-sectional configuration from circular to figure-eight, and then branches in a gently curved manner. The divergent branches formed then further branch in the same manner and feed circular cross-section passages leading to extruding dies wherein a series of die pins extend axially through a discharge passage. Each die comprises a central core member supporting an outer shell via radial ribs which are configured to form flow passages of hour-glass configuration. No change of flow direction in the entire apparatus exceeds fifteen degrees.

Abstract: A coextrusion head for the continuous production of multilayer tubular structures having three to seven-layers. The basic tubular structure produced has a central barrier layer and symmetrically arranged thereabout, layers of adhesive agent, regenerated and/or carrier materials. The upper portion of the coextrusion head contains a multipiece jacket that defines annular passages in which the layers of the structure are formed. The lower portion contains the nozzle from which the tubular structure is extruded. Between the upper and lower portions are placed a core ring and a nozzle ring which together provide the transport channel between the annular passageway in which the layers are joined and the inlet to the nozzle. Each ring has two alternative configurations. One configuration permits movement of the layered material in the annular passageway where the layers are joined and the second configuration precludes such movement.

Abstract: A variable tip pastry bag includes a flexible, conical-shaped bag with an end opening formed by truncation of the bag proximate the apex of the cone. The surface of the bag further is split a distance longitudinally from the end of the opening so that the size of the opening is variable. The edges of the split are adjustably fastened relative to each other, thus varying the size of the opening. A flexible connecting strap extending from one edge of the split, having a first fastening surface of a hook and loop fastener on its inwardly facing surface, and a connecting strap receiver attached on the outside of the bag proximate the opposing edge of the split, which utilizes an outwardly facing second fastening surface of the hook and loop fastener, may be used for fastening the edges of the split. A flap member is attached to the inside surface of the pastry bag and is formed to extend inside of, and across, the split, so as to preclude loss of icing through the split.

Abstract: A pellet mill comprises a perforated annular pellet die having an axis of rotation and first and second ends; and a die carrier rotatable about an axis of rotation and having an annular recess for receiving the first end of the annular pellet die. Fixing devices are secured to the first end of the die and cooperating fixing devices are provided in the annular recess in the die carrier. The fixing devices and the cooperating fixing devices have a first position relative to one another permitting insertion of the first end into the annular recess by relative axial movement of the die and die carrier and a second relative position permitting the transmission of force between the fixing devices and the cooperating fixing devices to draw the die towards the die carrier into a clamped position. Various different devices are provided for generating the force. In addition centering devices are provided which are effective on drawing of the die towards the die carrier to center the die relative to the die carrier.

Abstract: An extrusion tool includes an end plate, a plate holder cassette seating the end plate and having opposite first and second faces; an extrusion head seating the cassette, and a first clamping device having an operative position for pressing the cassette and the end plate as a unit against the extrusion head by engaging an outer face of the end plate. The first clamping device further has a withdrawn position in which it permits a removal of the end plate from the cassette and a removal of the cassette from the extrusion head. There is a further provided a second clamping device for pressing, in a clamping position thereof, the cassette against the extrusion head by engaging a front face of the cassette externally of the end plate, whereby the end plate is, in the withdrawn position of the first clamping device, removable from the cassette while the cassette remains pressed against the extrusion head by the second clamping device.

Abstract: An injection molding nozzle for use with a flowable molding material in a mold die having an elongated member with a fluid passage extending through it and a cap member having an exit orifice in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the elongated member. A torpedo member is located partially in the fluid passage of the elongated member and the torpedo member has a projection that extends into the exit orifice in the cap member to provide heat to the adjacent flowing molding material when the molding nozzle is in use. The heat provided by this projection on the torpedo member prevents the flowing molding material in the nozzle exit from solidifying and interrupting the molding process.

Abstract: A die changing mechanism for use with a vertical-axis extrusion apparatus that includes a die housing and an extrusion die section, such as an inner section that is secured to the housing by a threaded connection. The apparatus includes a transportable support assembly and a breaker assembly supported by the support assembly and adapted to be positioned in an initial position in rotationally interlocking engagement with the inner die section. The breaker assembly is connected to the support assembly by threaded means, and is adapted for rotational movement relative to the support assembly about a vertical axis corresponding to the screw axis. The pitch of the threads of the threaded means is the same as the pitch of the threads by which the die section is connected to the die housing.

Abstract: Extrusion apparatus for conductor wire in which a core tube for guiding the wire is controllably movable axially so as to adjust the cross-sectional area of the flow passage for molten polymeric dielectric material moving towards the die orifice. The use of the adjustable core tube minimizes the degree of draw down of the conductor wire.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rotary type injection molding machine in which plural sets of molds are set on a turntable provided on a machine bed, and molding of articles by injection of synthetic resins and releasing of molded articles are carried out at different positions. The molding machine is designed so that even if the mold is provided with a runner passage, the injection apparatus can be opposed to the clamping direction to cast the resins without being affected by the runner passage, and even in molding articles having threads internally thereof, a releasing means need not be provided for each mold.

Abstract: A process for preparing an ice confection or other foodstuff with projecting and relatively recessed relief features of its outer surface, by extruding the ice confection or other extrudable edible material from a rotating extrusion nozzle having a cross-section with an assymetrical configuration with respect to the rotation axis, with the extruded material passing from the nozzle immediately into an unconfined space and on to an elongate travelling conveyor which does not share the rotational motion of the extrusion nozzle, thereby to lay down on the conveyor an extended spirally-formed extrudate with projecting and relatively recessed relief features derived from its extrusion through the nozzle of assymetrical configuration.

Abstract: A rotary extruder contains pump rings positioned at opposite ends of the rotor shaft to collect excess thermoplastic melt forced outwardly to the housing ends and to redirect this excess melt to the feed section of the extruder. Redirection of the melt is accomplished by helical grooves located on the inside surfaces of the pump rings having an axial component directed toward the center of the extruder to provide a conduit for the melt. The melt is also directed by a series of angular grooves positioned circumferentially about the rotor opposite the pump rings which rotationally and axially propel the melt as the extruder rotor rotates. The rotor shaft is supported by bearings at opposite ends of the shaft which are offset from the axial center of the bearing housing.

Abstract: An extruder for extruding pasta in the form of a continuous thin strip in a pasta-making machine, more particularly for domestic use.The extruder comprises a first tubular body and a coaxial inner jacket defining a circular opening of predetermined diameter "D". A second tubular body having a flange comprises a coaxial cylindrical body held in position by a number of rigid radial elements defining passages and is engaged coaxially in body. The outer diameter "d" of body is less than the diameter "D" and defines a slot for extruding pasta in the form of a continuous tube which is automatically cut along a generatrix by a tooth secured to the outer surface of body.The components of extruder can be axially dismantled in order to remove residues of pasta after the extrusion process. Jacket also has projections which slow down the pasta as it travels in the passage, thus bringing it to the same speed as the pasta encountering the radial elements.

Abstract: A plodder outlet assembly for producing a bicolored detergent bar comprising a first plodder outlet for delivering a first mass of detergent material to a compaction chamber. Four pipes are provided for delivering a second detergent material to the compaction chamber. These pipes extend into the compaction chamber and abut the inner walls thereof leaving a cruciform space for the first detergent material. The compaction chamber is slightly conical in configuration for compaction purposes and so that material flowing beyond the ends of the pipes will envelope the second detergent material.

Abstract: Pasta extruder attachment for a food processor or the like having a base containing a motor and rotary tool drive, and the attachment including a housing for receiving a pasta mixture to be extruded. The housing carries means for cooperatively engaging an actuator means in the base. A barrel surrounding a feedscrew is positioned in the housing with an opening in the barrel aligned with an opening in the housing for receiving the pasta mixture. An extrusion die bearing a plurality of orifices is mounted on the discharge end of the barrel.

Abstract: Apparatus located at the output end of a screw extruder comprising a mandrel to rotate with said screw and a jacket coaxial with the mandrel and rotatable in an opposite direction of rotation to the mandrel at a speed which is steplessly adjustable. Sealing lips co-operating with abrasion rings are preferably provided on relatively moving surfaces of the jacket and stationary housings and temperature adjustment means can be provided in the jacket and the mandrel.

Abstract: A noodle making machine including a cylindrical dough magazine with a powered plunger therein and an apertured expressing die on the end of the dough magazine, wherein the expressing die can be removed from the end of the cylindrical magazine, the magazine removed from the remainder of the machine to expose its interior and the surface of said plunger and its supporting rod, the several parts being quickly and readily separable for quick and easy cleaning to comply with Health Department rules and ordinances.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for use in an injection mold comprising a relatively massive body, having a central passageway extending axially therethrough, and a counterbore connecting therewith, having threads formed therein, and having a nozzle tip member, having threads at one end whereby the same may be threaded into said counterbore, and having a central passageway communicating with the central passageway in the body portion, and having at least one opening at its other end, for ejection of plastic therefrom, said body and said nozzle tip member being formed of a good heat conductive material, and a housing shell adapted to fit around said body portion and at least a portion of said nozzle tip member, and, support means formed integrally with said housing, for supporting said housing and said main body portion and said nozzle tip member therein in position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for extruding primary insulation and insulation shielding onto an advancing shielded conductor strand in one operation without causing inward protrusions of insulation shielding compound particles into the primary insulation comprising an extruder head with a starter tip, an antiprotrusion tip and a die.

Abstract: An extrusion implement includes a pair of generally cylindrical housing portions connected to one another by sets of complementary threads to permit a telescoping of one portion into the other. An open end of the smaller cylindrical portion is partially closed or restricted by one of a plurality of end caps providing various shaped apertures. A viscous material, such as modeling clay, is inserted within the cylindrical portions and a biasing device is provided to constantly urge the viscous material outwardly through the aperture. Relative rotation of the housing portions causes a telescoping effect to regulate the amount of pressure applied by the biasing device. An end cap is pivotally mounted to close the opening when the implement is not in use.

Abstract: Apparatus for extruding metal chips or filings into a bar stock. The extruding machine uses graphite lubrication, and an oversized wooden (or other compressible material) plug for the initial compaction. The face of the ram contains undulations therein so the ends of adjacent charges will be better held together.

Abstract: A log forming apparatus includes a slotted die chamber, a rotary feed auger for advancing loose particles into the die chamber, and a replaceable tip having a pressure face for engaging successive layers of particles from the auger and pressing these layers together into the shape of a log. The pressure face comprises a plurality of semi-circular grooves for forming ridges in each layer of particles which are pressed within corresponding grooves of a preceding layer during compaction. A mandrel extends axially forwardly of the pressure face and forms an axial bore through the log to facilitate the removal of heat and steam therefrom. The mandrel is hollow to direct a flow of compressed air through the bore to further facilitate such removal. The auger comprises an interrupted helical screw thread for providing a sensitive advancement of loose particles forwardly along a helical feed channel defined by the screw thread. The feed channel includes a forward discharge scoop of substantially constant volume.

Abstract: A spin pot, for the extrusion of one or more ends of multifilament, synthetic fibers, which essentially eliminates all stagnant zones caused by nonuniform flow patterns while yielding yarns of high quality at high extrusion rates for an extended period between spin pot changes. "Plug flow" is achieved throughout the passage of polymer through the spin pot by the design of the internal parts wherein: the optimum number and location of polymer delivery channels in the top cap are defined, polymer flow throughout the spin pot is streamlined, and improved sealing characteristics are provided by the design of the top cap and the breaker plate.

Abstract: An extrusion nozzle, especially suitable for texturing proteinaceous materials, comprising an elongate body having a side wall defining an axial passage, at one extremity of the body the side wall having longitudinal slits defining at least two fins the free ends of which are turned inwardly towards the longitudinal axis of the passage. Other features of the invention are described in the following specification.