Abstract: A twin screw extruder which significantly reduces extruder wear through provision of separate, complemental, interfitted frustoconical screw and barrel sections adjacent the outlet end of the extruder barrel which create an even, bearing-type support for the rotating screws as material passes through the apparatus. In preferred forms, the screws are intermeshed along the majority of the extruder barrel, but diverge at the region of the final frustoconical screw sections and are received within respective complemental barrel sections; in this fashion the material being processed is split into juxtaposed, non-communicating streams, and thereby evenly flows around and supports the adjacent screw section to lessen the tendency of the screws to separate themselves and come into wearing contact with the surrounding barrel walls. The extruder can be used to process a wide variety of plant-derived materials, but is particularly useful for viscous substances (e.g.

Abstract: A throttling device for a twin-shaft screw-type extruder, the housing of which is provided with bores parallel to one another and passing through one another forming saddles, has a transfer channel in each bore-defining wall, which channels are in a staggered arrangement relative to one another in the conveying direction. Retaining plates having cylindrical outer surfaces are arranged on the shaft mounted in each bore, which retaining plates can be arranged to overlap with the transfer channels so that no throttling action occurs. On the other hand, they can be brought partly to fully into axial overlapping with the wall of the respective cylindrical bores, whereby flow restricting gaps are formed between the cylindrical outer surface and each wall, the throttling effect of these gaps depending on the degree of overlapping. An operationally reliable throttling device having a linear characteristic is created by this development.

Abstract: A screw extruding machine for extruding a material such as rubber, plastics or the like kneaded and blended into a sheet-like form. The screw extruding machine includes two screws horizontally and rotatably supported on a casing, a top-open hopper provided on the side of a screw base portion of the casing, an outlet opened in an axial direction of the screw on the side of a screw front end of the casing, and a roller die in proximity of the outlet, the screw having a feed portion which corresponds to a portion facing the hopper and a compression portion which corresponds to a front end side, whereby material to be extruded supplied from the hopper is extruded into a sheet-like form by the roller die from the outlet via the feed portion and the compression portion by the rotating twin screws, the hopper being positioned over the feed portion of each screw.

Abstract: A series of preferably superimposed low inclination troughs containing serial inclined blade rotating mixers and transporters is provided to react dry materials and liquids, and in particular borax with water and acid, in a manner which avoids the formation of refractory lumps and the like. Those are at least two series of rotating blades to both mix and lift the materials into a gas drying stream passing along the troughs. A shearing type grinder or hammer mill is positioned intermediate of the troughs to grind or break up the material part way through the apparatus. Material is discharged from the apparatus in a dry finely comminuted form which does not form lumps upon standing.

Abstract: A device for feeding an extrusion head for plastic material includes a main extruder connected to a main die for extruding a continuous main flow of material, and an auxiliary feed mechanism associated with the main die and selectively controlled to cover the outer exit flow of the main die with a surface layer. The auxiliary feed mechanism continuously conducts two auxiliary flows, a first flow forming the surface layer and the second flow being mixed with the main flow. An invertor valve permits selective exchanging of the two auxiliary flows such that the second flow can cover the main flow and the first flow can be mixed with the main flow.

Abstract: The inside surface of an extrusion cylinder (1) is divided into an upper surface (2) and a lower surface (3), each in the shape of an arc of a cylinder. The two surfaces intersect so that two screw sections (8, 9), each provided with a helical thread (12, 13), mesh with each other. The two threads are complementary in that the width of one thread (12 ) gradually increases from an entry opening (6) downstream, while the width of the other thread (13) decreases gradually from the upstream end toward the exit opening (7). Owing to separations between the free spaces, the material poured into the extruder through the entry opening is forced to pass once into a working zone in order to reach an exit chamber where the pressure is less than in the entry chamber.

Abstract: An equipment for portioning out pieces of a doughy product, which pieces have a weight, which, to a great accuracy, is equivalent to a certain desired, predetermined weight. The equipment includes a pump having a feeding device and a discharge duct as well as means in a feeding unit to feed said doughy product through said feeding duct into said pump. The equipment also includes means to cut off said pieces of the product, which is discharged by the pump through said discharge duct. The pump is a lobe rotor pump. The doughy product is fed to the lobe rotor pump by a device, which provides a flow, which is somewhat larger than the discharge flow of the pump, a certain amount of the product being recirculated in said feeding unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and molding screw for injection molding. The molding screw has a fixed inner screw mounted within a rotatable and reciprocally movable outer screw. The outer screw is continuously rotated throughout the injection cycle to (1) counter the back flow of melt material around the screw, (2) subject the melt material surrounding the inner screw to a vigorous mixing action, (3) add additional thrust to inject the melt material into the mold, and (4) return the outer screw to its initial starting position. A rod-type electrical heater is internally positioned in the fixed screw to maintain the temperature throughout the melt material surrounding the inner screw at a substantially constant value which is substantially equal to the barrel temperature.

Abstract: A kneading machine with a charging opening leading to a kneading chamber, in which two axially parallel kneading tools can be driven in opposite directions at different rotational speeds, has at least three such kneading chambers which are disposed next to each other and an aperture which connects their internal spaces. The material to be kneaded can be conveyed through this aperture, which extends transversely of the shafts of the kneading tools from one kneading chamber to the next, so that the material is continuously treated until it reaches in the last kneading chamber an evacuating opening and preferably an evacuating worm which is mounted at such location and by means of which the material is ultimately evacuated from the machine. In this manner, the advantages of a kneading machine with shafts for kneading tools which are journalled at both ends are combined with the advantages of continuous treatment of the material to be kneaded.

Abstract: An apparatus for quantitatively extruding food material is provided. At least one introducing means such as a driven roller having a vane adapted to protrude from it propels the food material into a cylindrical food forming device, which comprises a longitudinal groove and a cylinder having a rectangular opening on a side thereof and encloses the food material for a piston to extrude it from the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a pair of agitator blades which have a plurality of annular members connected to each other and which are provided in parallel in a cylindrical vessel body, the agitator blades being held so that the edges of one of the agitator blades enter the rotational region of the other agitator blade and pass therethrough. Consequently, the invention prevents liquid to be treated from adhering to and rotating together with rotational shafts and the agitator blades and deterioration in product quality due to scaling so as to enable the continuous treatment of a highly viscous material.

Abstract: An extrusion die has at least one distribution bore which communicates with a central bore which receives extruded material from an extruder. Each distribution bore extends perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the central bore and then terminates in a first chamber which has an substantially rectangular cross-section. Each first chamber receives the extruded material from its associated distribution bore and terminates in a counter-pressure distribution plate having a cross-section corresponding with that of the first chamber and having a plurality of bores uniformly distributed therein for forming extruded material from the first chamber into a plurality of strands which are received by a second chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing and metering a granular and sticky mass, in particular a mass to be moulded into biscuits. The apparatus comprises a main conveyor device comprising juxtaposed parallel screws of alternate pitch and direction of rotation, which are sub-divided into groups of at least one pair of screws, a main motor and main transmission means comprising one clutch per group of screws, hoppers which are juxtaposed below the downstream end of the main conveyor device in a ratio of one hopper per group of screws and, beneath each hopper, a distribution column comprising an inlet, a holding chamber and an outlet, the said inlet being provided with a device for measuring the level of filling which is electronically connected to a control device for controlling the clutch of the said group of screws.

Abstract: A mixer having an elongate barrel with an interior wall defining a mixing chamber, at least a pair of shafts extending axially within the barrel driven in the same direction of rotation and at the same speed of rotation, and mixing elements on each of the shafts. Radially opposite paddles are on each of the shafts, each comprising hub portions and wing portions radially spaced from the hub portions. The wing portions extend axially to overlie the hub portions and each wing portion has a radially inner surface generating the configuration of the radially inner surface of a wing portion on the radially adjacent paddle and further has a radially outer surface generating hub portions of the radially adjacent paddle, and the wall of the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of molding materials containing polyphenylene ether (PPE) and to the materials obtained according to this method. Molten PPE containing at least 0.1% volatile components is degasified until it reaches a residual content of volatile components of less than 500 ppm. Subsequently, additional molten polymers and/or additives are added to this molten mass at the lowest possible temperature and both components are mixed.

Abstract: An extruder for the manufacture of concrete slabs, particulary hollow slabs, in a movable relationship with a casting mold. The extruder includes a feed hopper, at least one feeder, particularly an auger for generating internal pressure in the cast concrete, and at least one core member for generating a desired slab cross-section. The extruder in accordance with the invention has an assembly of at least one contoured core section which performs a combined movement of oscillatory rotation and longitudinal reciprocation to generate inside the molding space a compacting shear action in the concrete mix. The extruder in accordance with the invention is especially applicable for the production of profiled concrete objects with elongated shape at low noise and vibration levels.

Abstract: A degassing device on a worm extruder having a worm housing accomodating the worm or worms and provided with at least one degassing passage opening into the worm chamber of the housing is provided with a return delivery device for material which has penetrated from the worm chamber into the degassing passage. The free surface (evaporation area) of the extruder material within the degassing passage amounts to more than about 40% of the degassing passage cross-section, and the smallest gas passage cross-section of the return delivery device amounts to at least about 0.1 times, the degassing passage cross-section. Especially in the case of pasty material this reliably prevents a blockage of the degassing passage by the material processed in the worm extruder.

Abstract: A plasticating unit having a channeled rotor rotating in an annular housing for processing plastic or polymeric material. The processed material is fed by a screw to a chamber which expands to receive a predetermined charge of material for injection into a mold.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and an extrusion apparatus for shaping plastic materials particularly those of high molecular weight, whereby the temperature distribution in an extrusion cylinder allows for the build-up of very high pressures and all axial pressure forces are absorbed by a two-sided extruder screw, the extrusion cylinder and, in some instances, the therein contained plastic material. In practicing the method, the plastic material in a flowing state, and at a positive pressure, is continuously conveyed to an extrusion apparatus, and subsequent to its entrance in an extrusion cylinder and before its discharge is cooled to a temperature below the solidification point, not only from the outside by a cooling source in the extrusion cylinder but also from the inside by a cooling source in the interior of the extruder screw.The present invention makes possible the production of materials of improved strength and elasticity, which can be molded to synthetic threads, films and splittable films.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the drive of dosaging devices for the controlled feeding of plastic particles, color concentrates and additives into a supply hopper of a screw extruder for producing a mixed plastic product of determined coloration, comprising periodically measuring the coloration of the mixed product at an outlet of the extruder by a spectrometer connected to a measurement probe, comparing the measured coloration of the mixed product with the coloration of the desired product, and adjusting the supply of the plastic product, concentrates and additives, as necessary, so that the measured coloration of the product at the outlet of the extruder is the same as the coloration of the desired product.

Abstract: Apparatus for compacting powdered and fibrous raw materials to a pellet product, comprising a mixing chamber with an inlet, a driven mixing shaft coaxially with respect to the mixing cylinder and which is provided with radially projecting blades. A pelletizer is connected directly to the mixing cylinder, and comprises a cylindrical mold coaxially inside a cylindrical jacket part and provided with radial holes, and inside which are arranged one or more freely rotatable pressure rollers as a result of which, when the apparatus is working, the compacted mixture is pressed through the holes, while the jacket part of the pelletizer is provided with an outlet for the compressed product. The mixing shaft is designed as a cylinder, rotatable coaxially with respect to a fixed supporting shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously manufacturing polyurethane foam slabs in a batch, which comprises a cylindrical tank for developing polyurethane foam, having an inlet at the side wall thereof for introducing therein polyurethane feed solution; a stirring tank for forming polyurethane foam feed solution, which is mounted on a carriage movably placed in proximity to the cylindrical tank; stirring blades mounted within the stirring tank; a discharge pipe extending from a lower side of the stirring tank to discharge the feed solution through the inlet into the cylindrical tank; pipes for introducing raw materials into the stirring tank; and a pipe for introducing a washing solvent for removing the raw materials. The cylindrical tank is interchangeably connected with the stirring tank through the discharge pipe.

Abstract: In order to apply "hot melt" adhesives to thin plastic film labels for glass containers without distorting the labels, a "hot melt" adhesive which is thixotropic is melted at 350.degree. F. and is continuously worked to maintain its viscosity at a fairly low level while being cooled to about 110.degree. F., at which time it is applied to the label. The label is applied to the glass bottle and the resultant labeled bottle will have the property of being able to withstand pasteurization temperatures, as well as refrigeration temperatures, without having the label separate from the bottle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided in a system for continuously feeding disparate materials into a compounding extruder for the inline sheet extrusion of a highly filled thermoplastic material having at least about 65 percent by weight of filler. The apparatus and method of the present invention are particularly suitable in conjunction with the continuous lamination of the inline sheet extruder product with carpet.

Abstract: A screw-type extrusion apparatus adapted for the extrusion of a viscous primary extrusion stock and particularly adapted for the mixing into said primary extrusion stock of an additive of lower viscosity, which comprises (a) an elongated barrel, (b) means for introducing the primary stock into an upstream end of said barrel, (c) means for discharging extrusion stock from a downstream end of said barrel, (d) a rotatable screw worm axially disposed within said barrel for advancing the primary stock from the upstream end of said barrel to the downstream end of said barrel, said screw having a screw root and affixed to said root at least two axially separated stages of helically threaded screw flights, and (e) an injector for introducing the additive into the barrel at an axial position intermediate to the two said stages of screw flights, said injector extending inward through said barrel wall and having an inlet external to said wall and an outlet positioned substantially at the surface of said screw root.

Abstract: Filled silicone rubber bases can be prepared without plasticizer by passing all of the filler together with from 30 to 100 percent of the total weight of the polyorganosiloxane ingredient of the base through the first kneading section of a compounding extruder and adding my remaining polyorganosiloxane before passing the composition through a second kneading section of the compounding extruder. The two kneading sections are maintained at temperatures of from 200.degree. to 300.degree. C.

Abstract: An extrusion device comprises feed means and extrusion means. The feed means comprises a feed hopper having a feed aperture formed therein, said feed aperture feeding material into a hollow barrel in which a single screw rotates. The single screw conveys the material to the extrusion device. The extrusion device comprises twin screws rotating in a further barrel. The two barrels are co-axial with one another and are in series with one another. The diameter of the single screw is at least twice the diameter of each of the twin screws.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately metering a viscous material is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder having a drive means, and a gear pump, with the extruder drivingly connected to the gear pump so as to obviate the need for a secondary power system. Three different embodiments of the invention are set forth.

Abstract: In a process of making sheet material comprising a substrate web of synthetic thermoplastic material and an adhesive layer consisting of a non-crosslinkable elastomer the elastomeric material is heated above its devolatilization temperature by a feed screw of a screw extruder and is devolatilized through venting means (vent opening and vacuum pump 21) and is subsequently pressurized by a booster 7 to a pressure which is sufficient to overcome the backpressure applied by the succeeding blow head.

Abstract: An improved process for incorporating glass fibers into a thermoplastic synthetic resin wherein the glass fibers are continuously mixed with a molten thermoplastic synthetic resin and the resulting mixture is shaped into a desired article, involves preheating the glass fibers to a temperature not more than the melting point of the synthetic resin, feeding the preheated glass fibers and the molten synthetic resin separately to a premixing chamber, intermixing the resin and fibers within the chamber and thereafter introducing the resultant premix continously and directly into a two-stage degasifying screw-type extruder for effecting further homogenization of the premix and for extruding the desired article. The two-stage degasifying screw-type extruder used for carrying out this process is provided with a screw having a constant screw pitch in the two stages and in each stage with a low pressure zone and a high pressure zone in succession.

Abstract: The screw extruder has a casing (2-6) formed from several casing members (1) and in it are mounted screws (14) formed from screw members (10, 11). Between the casing members (3-6) are arranged orifice plates (19), which block the passage of the screws (10) with the exception of a restricted gap. A gear (26) is provided for driving the screw (10, 11). The screw shafts (12, 13) extend through the gear (26) and are supported on a thrust bearing, fixed by means of tie rods (25) to the casing (1). As a result of this construction, the screw press can be used for processing widely differing materials, without any significant modifications. Any liquid is removed by suction and the resulting solids are dried and can be briquetted by a shaping head.

Abstract: Rollers each having a plurality of radially extending vanes are arranged in pairs to define a downwardly extending path therebetween which progressively reduces in width from the top to the bottom, so that a material of a foodstuff is compressed while being fed downwardly by the roller pairs through the path. A horizontal conveyor belt lies below the path and is indexed to transfer a predetermined cut length of the material to a shaping station where the material is pushed up into a shaped cavity of a flexible cup member. The flexible cup member is embraced by presser members to shape the material under a preselected adjustable table pressure. The resulting block of material attains hardness and shape which would be provided by hand-shaping.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous production of high molecular polymers in which a plurality of parallel screw shafts coupled together for rotary movement in the same direction within a casing are partially disposed in trough-like recesses in the casing wall and enclose a devolatilization chamber having an opening for connection to a vacuum and forming an extrusion unit with the casing and in which the shafts carry spaced noncircular kneading disks oriented in staggered relationship on the shaft axes with the disks of adjacent shafts meshing to scrape the substance to be treated from each other.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a homogeneous and highly transparent sheet or film from a mixture of a plurality of components which comprises mixing the combined reaction components and depositing the reaction mixture on a molding substrate where the reaction is carried out in a layer thereon, wherein the combined reaction components are mixed, first, in a static mixer and, immediately thereafter, in a dynamic mixer.The invention can be advantageously applied to the manufacture of polyurethane sheets which can be employed in laminated glass sheets.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of extruded articles by extruding polyamide-imide polymers and copolymers through melt flow channels and extrusion dies at ever increasing shear rates ranging from 0.1 sec.sup.-1 to about 2000 sec.sup.-1. The extruder barrel and melt flow channel temperatures range from about 480.degree. to about 600.degree. F. and the extrusion die temperatures range from about 575.degree. to about 680.degree. F. Also, the addition of polyetherimides and polysulfones is disclosed. Thin films, thin sheets and hollow tubes are disclosed. All these articles are useful in engineering applications requiring high temperature resistant plastics. Useful applications include use in the aerospace and automobile industry.

Abstract: A food shaping apparatus is disclosed which is capable of automatically forming boiled rice into a shaped food such as oval-shaped sushi or the like with good repeatability and reliability. The apparatus comprises a transfer mechanism capable of forcedly downwardly carrying boiled rice while compressing, a dividing mechanism capable of dividing boiled rice to form rice blocks of a fixed quantity and allowing the rice blocks to be received in forming cylinders without deflecting, a turntable capable of readily forming a shaped food different in size and/or configuration and easily cleaning the forming cylinders incorporated therein, a pressing mechanism capable of forming the rice block into a finsihed shaped food, and a control mechanism capable of controlling the linked actions among the transfer mechanism, dividing mechanism and turntable.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the making of ceramic articles through extrusion utilizing a self-cleaning, intermeshing, co-rotating, twin screw extrusion apparatus. The invention is particularly directed to the extrusion of honeycomb structures wherein the batch consists of cordierite or cordierite-mullite compositions with water and a hydroxypropyl cellulose binder/plasticizer having a viscosity at 20.degree. C. in a 2% aqueous solution between 25,000-100,000 centipoises. Preferably, the hydroxypropyl cellulose will have a viscosity of at least 50,000 centipoises such as to permit a working temperature during operation of the extrusion apparatus of at least 40.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating a dose-charged twin-screw extrusion device so as to achieve optimum quantitative discharge of a material being extruded in an automatic manner. By monitoring the screw torque and the mass temperature and modifying the dosed supply of material and/or the screw speed in accordance with the monitored values, the optimum mode of operation is ensured for the extrusion device which fully utilizes the discharge capacity of the device without risking damage either to the extrusion device itself or to the material being extruded.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing powdered and liquid materials to form slurries comprising a mixer body having an inlet for such materials and parallel mixing chambers extending to a discharge outlet. Rotors are mounted for rotation in the chambers and include feed sections leading from the inlet to mixing sections and to the outlet. The mixing section of each rotor includes a first lobed mixing portion having short advancing helices, and reverse helices adapted to quickly wet and pressurize the mixture to force entrapped air back through inlet. The mixing section also has a second mixing portion having an increased number of lobes following the first portion to increase the mixing action and shear on the mixture. The second mixing section is followed by a lobed discharge section adapted to impel the mixture through the outlet.

Abstract: A soap-containing formulation capable of becoming transparent on working is subjected to shear between two mutually displaceable surfaces. A shear zone is formed in the formulation as the latter is entrained in the surfaces.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with an improved construction of synthetic resin extruding means provided with a single unit having a kneading power which is strong enough to mix or knead a resin strengthening admixture material with a raw resin material and being able also to extrude nothing but resin from the extruding means as in the case with the conventional type extruding means. The invention further involves a construction of extruding means provided with a particular mouth formed on a kneading portion of the means so that the resin strengthening admixture material can be put into the extruding means.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus particularly useful in carbon black pelleting has two parallel pinned shafts. The pins on each shaft are arranged in a double helix fashion with the pins interdigitating. The pins of each double helix are composed of two subsets of pins arranged in a single helix which single helices are, however, axially offset from each other. Thereby at any given axial location alternatingly opposite pin action is provided in the interdigitating zone, while surging of power is avoided.

Abstract: A gear pump assisted screw conveyor extrusion system utilizing a cartridge heating device disposed axially within the screw and having the drives for the gear pump and the screw correlated in speed to create relatively little pressure in the thermoplastic material being extruded such that relatively little mechanical working thereof occurs. The thermoplastic material is melted in the screw conveyor primarily by heat transfer from the cartridge heater and the gear pump is utilized for conveying the melted material under pressure to a subsequent work station. A relatively deep material-conveying spiral channel is provided in the screw for maximized extrusion output per revolution of the screw and minimized mechanical energy generation by the screw. A motionless mixer may be employed intermediate the screw and the work station to homogenize the melted material for reducing temperature gradients therein.

Abstract: In the case of an apparatus for dewatering and plastifying water-wet mixts of materials for manufacturing explosives, as for example mixtures for producing propellent charges, using a screw extruder with one or more screws having kneading and conveying elements and a housing, possibly made up of axial sections, with a filling port for the said mixture as wetted with water, certain steps are taken for stopping the formation of slurries at the back end or part of the screw extruder, that is to say at the filling port there is an outwardly widening drain port with a drain duct joined thereto in which there is a conveyor for clearing the expressed water and the solids therein and moving them to the back end of the screw extruder.

Abstract: Novel rotary processors and methods which provide extremely efficient devolatilization of particulate materials which contain substantial amounts of volatiles and in which the boiling point of the volatiles presents separation problems. The processors and methods involve a rotatable element carrying a plurality of annular channels and a stationary element providing a coaxial closure surface operationally arranged with the channels to provide enclosed processing passages. Each passage includes inlet means, outlet means and a channel blocking member all associated with the stationary element and arranged and adapted so that material fed to the inlet can be carried forward by the rotatable channel walls to the blocking member for discharge from the passage. The passages are interconnected by material transfer grooves formed in the closure surface and are arranged to provide at least a melting stage and a devolatilizing stage which operationally communicates with a vacuum source.

Abstract: The phases present in a shear sensitive soap-containing formulation are controlled and may be changed by passing the formulation through shear zones formed by mutually displaceable surfaces. The shear zones are formed within the formulation by entraining it in the surfaces during passage between the surfaces.

Abstract: The mush and/or lather properties of soap-containing material including free fatty acids can be improved by subjecting the material to working. The material is passed through the shear zone(s) formed between two mutually displaceable surfaces between which the material passes.

Abstract: The constituents of a flow of thermoplastics material or the like are mixed and blended by passing the flow through a mixing structure which defines an array of elongate side-by-side passages. The passages are not all alike in that at least some of them have configurations which taper along their lengths to degrees or in directions that differ from the configurations of others of the passages, whereby the flows of fluid which discharge from the differently configured passages do so at differing velocities. As the discharging flows of differing velocities recombine to form a common flow having a uniform velocity, a desirable type of mixing and blending action results. In preferred practice, adjacent ones of the passages are tapered oppositely along their lengths to converge or diverge such that fluid flowing through the converging passages is caused to increase in velocity, while fluid flowing through the diverging passages is caused to diminish in velocity.

Abstract: A pair of endless belts define a downwardly extending path therebetween which progressively reduces in width from the top to the bottom, so that a material of a foodstuff is compressed while being fed downwardly by the belts through the path. A horizontal conveyor belt lies below the path and is indexed to transfer a predetermined cut length of the material to a shaping station where the material is pushed up into a shaped cavity of a flexible cup member. The flexible cup member is embraced by presser members to shape the material under a preselected adjustable pressure. The resulting block of material attains hardness and shape which would be provided by hand-shaping. Regardless of the hardness of the material in the downward path between the belts, the material can always be cut by each predetermined amount by adjusting the width of the path and, therefore, the degree of compression of the material.

Abstract: Dough is dispensed from the bottom of a dough hopper with a screw conveyor that slices into the dough mass and moves the dough horizontally out of a lower opening in the hopper and through a discharge conduit and discharge nozzle. The screw conveyor divides the conveyed dough into batches and the dough is worked in the discharge conduit and air from about the batches of dough is vented from the discharge conduit prior to extruding the dough through the discharge nozzle.