Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing flowable material comprising a chamber housing that receives and deposits flowable material, a rotary valve shaft and a piston shaft inside the chamber housing, the piston shaft rotatable in synchronization with the rotary valve shaft, wherein the piston shaft and the rotary valve shaft form a volumetric pocket to receive the flowable material, wherein the piston shaft rotates between a position that expands the volumetric pocket to draw the flowable material into the volumetric pocket, and a position that compresses the volumetric pocket to urge flowable material from the volumetric pocket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a replication device for delivering a replicating material to a surface. The device includes an extrusion piston slidably received therein and movable to a dispensing position for expelling the replicating material though an outlet. The device further includes an actuator, wherein the actuator produces stress waves so as to temporarily reduce the viscosity of the material during delivery of said material. Also provided is a method and kit for using the device for obtaining a replica of a surface.

Abstract: The dough-skin folding device contains two or more folding assemblies above a conveyor belt. Each folding assembly contains a base plate and a transmission member beneath the base plate. The transmission member contains pairs of shafts arranged in two rows. Each shaft has a bottom end engaged by a rotatable roller. A pair of the rollers, driven by a power source, makes the other rollers to spin synchronously through transmission belts. A spatula is positioned in front of each folding assembly, and contains a curved blade aligned to the gap between the two rows of rollers. When a dough-skin is moved towards the folding assembles, the dough-skin's lateral sides are scraped up by spatulas and they are folded towards the middle by rollers into a loaf of dough having three layers of dough-skin for subsequent processes. The loaf of dough has multi-level mouthfeel similar to one manually made.

Abstract: A die tool and process are described that provide friction consolidation fabrication and friction consolidation extrusion fabrication products including permanent magnets, and other extrusion and non-extrusion structures. The present invention overcomes previous particle size, texture, homogeneity and density limitations in conventional metallurgy processes.

Abstract: In an extruder-type noodle maker comprising a casing constituted as a cylindrical body, a screw, a nozzle unit, a connector, a hopper, and a drive unit, the nozzle unit is formed with many holes tapered in the outlet direction, an inner peripheral surface of the nozzle unit is provided with multiple engaging protrusions and depressions, an end surface of the distal end periphery of the cylindrical casing is provided at corresponding locations with multiple receiving depressions and protrusions for insertion into the engaging protrusions and depressions, and the cylindrical casing is constituted by forming a proximal end section thereof positioned under the hopper of resin and forming a distal end thereof near an outlet of metal, whereby it has a structure comprising a resin portion and a metal portion joined together.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes an injector that obtains molten resin by melting resin, and injects the molten resin, a hot runner that is a flowing path of the molten resin, and a temperature rising part that is provided in a part of the hot runner, and increases a temperature of the molten resin to be higher than a melting temperature in the injector.

Abstract: Disclosed is, for example, a fixation device of fixing a resin-containing fine particle, the fixation device being configured to foam a fixation fluid including at least a softening agent configured to dissolve or swell at least one portion of a resin to soften the resin-containing fine particle including a resin, a foaming agent, and water, and to provide a foamed fixation fluid to the resin-containing fine particle, the fixation device including a first storage part configured to contain a softening agent fluid including at least the softening agent, a second storage part configured to contain a foaming agent fluid including at least the foaming agent, and a mixed foamed fixation fluid producing part configured to mix and foam both fluids contained in independent states in the storage parts to produce the foamed fixation fluid.

Abstract: A stabilizer assembly for use in an extruder having a screw rotating in a barrel is provided. The assembly comprises a plurality of rods that are secured to an interior of the barrel at one end. Each of the rods has an end that extends radially inwardly toward the center of the barrel. On the discharge end of the screw, there is a bearing member that is in contact with each of the opposite ends of the rods. The rods support the discharge end of the screw and stabilize its rotation in the barrel.

Abstract: A closed-section beam element is provided, especially in a form of a tubular beam, manufactured of composite material containing comminuted and/or broken-up filing material, mainly wooden chips and particles, and thermosetting resin, wherein said beam element (10) has generally of longitudinal shape and having cross section of its external contour of any polygonal shape, or a circular or oval shape and/or of any irregular shape, preferably provided with projections and/or recesses arranged over the external surface of said beam element, and additionally said beam element has a central through opening (20) forming an internal through channel, preferably of a circular cross section, wherein surface of the internal through channel is provided with a continuous contour of at least one screw or spiral line (40) in relation to a centre axis of said beam element and extending, preferably, along full length of the internal channel along its central axis.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing superabsorbent polymer particles for use in agricultural applications are disclosed. A monomer is graft polymerized onto a starch to form a starch graft copolymer. The moisture content of the starch graft copolymer is reduced through the use of an extruder.

Abstract: An extrusion device for producing elastomeric compounds, includes a holding body internally confining a chamber and at least one extrusion screw disposed in the chamber. The device further includes a plurality of interchangeable extrusion heads alternatively installed on the holding body at a discharge opening of the chamber. The choice of using a type of head rather than another or leaving the discharge opening free is carried out based on the physico-chemical features of the elastomeric compound to be treated, so as to maintain the temperature and/or pressure of the outgoing compound under critical threshold values for such a compound.

Abstract: An electrode is provided containing spherical voids which improve its gas diffusion properties and improving thermal stability of materials with different properties including the coefficient of thermal expansion. The electrode is especially useful as a component, i.e., cathode and/or anode, of solid oxide fuel cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is, for example, a fixation device of fixing a resin-containing fine particle, the fixation device being configured to foam a fixation fluid including at least a softening agent configured to dissolve or swell at least one portion of a resin to soften the resin-containing fine particle including a resin, a foaming agent, and water, and to provide a foamed fixation fluid to the resin-containing fine particle, the fixation device including a first storage part configured to contain a softening agent fluid including at least the softening agent, a second storage part configured to contain a foaming agent fluid including at least the foaming agent, and a mixed foamed fixation fluid producing part configured to mix and foam both fluids contained in independent states in the storage parts to produce the foamed fixation fluid.

Abstract: Molding methods and molds for making a synthetic resin molded product include disposing a curable liquid resin mixture in a recess of a female mold. The curable liquid resin mixture is then simultaneously agitated and degassed by a mixer while under a partial vacuum. More specifically, at least the female mold is orbited around an orbital axis while being rotated about a rotational axis that is eccentric to the orbital axis. After being thoroughly mixed and degassed, the liquid mixture is then cured in the mold unit.

Abstract: An extruder 10 comprises a barrel 12 and a screw 24 mounted in the barrel for rotation. The screw comprises screw threads 26a, 26b, 26c. The barrel has an inlet funnel 22 toward one end for material to be extruded and a die plate 18 with openings 20 at the other end and an air inlet port 28 toward one end of the barrel and an air outlet port 30 toward the other end. The screw threads are such that material 34 in the barrel is moved more quickly along the portion of the barrel between the air inlet port and the air outlet port than upstream of that portion. The air outlet is connected to a pump 32 so that there is a pressure difference between the air inlet and the air outlet.

Abstract: A process for making construction material may include mixing predetermined portions of two or more components of cementitious materials without ingredients that would allow the mixture to cure, and separating the un-curable mixture of the two or more components into a plurality of pellets, each having substantially the predetermined portions of the two or more components. An extrusion system may include a transport line configured to transport the dry pellets in a gaseous transport stream.

Abstract: A mixer-extruder assembly may include a hollow cylindrical chamber and a hopper connected to the chamber. A piston drive shaft having a piston attached at one end may be rotatable about a drive shaft axis that is coaxial with the cylindrical chamber. The piston may have one or more mixer blades coupled thereto and rotatable therewith. The piston may be controllably rotated about the drive shaft axis, after input material received by the hopper is delivered into the chamber, causing the mixer blades to rotate and mix the input material with mixing fluid introduced into the chamber. The piston may also be slidably movable from an upper end of the chamber toward the outlet port of the chamber, so that the mixed input material is extruded through the output port of the chamber.

Abstract: An object is to reduce the axial dimension of an injection apparatus (31), facilitate the work of removing and inserting a screw (20), and improve the quality of molded products. The injection apparatus (31) comprises a heating cylinder (17), a screw (20), and a drive apparatus. The screw (20) includes a plasticizing portion which includes a body portion (45a) and a flight (53) projectingly formed on an outer circumferential surface of the body portion (45a). An index ?, which is obtained by dividing a value obtained by adding a screw stroke S and a screw effective length L together by the screw stroke S, satisfies the relation 2.0<?<4.5. Even when the screw (20) is shortened, resin can be melted satisfactorily. Accordingly, the axial dimension of the injection apparatus (31) can be reduced.

Abstract: A machine for treating or processing a conveyable material, particularly a free-flowing or pasty material or a bulk material comprises at least one passage section having at least one passage through which the conveyable material, which is to be treated or processed, can be conveyed along a direction of conveyance. The at least one passage section forms at least one partial area of a channel of the machine and is mounted so that it can move in relation to this channel. This at least one passage section is coupled to at least one source, which is provided for effecting oscillations and by means of which the passage section can be set in mechanical oscillatory motion with regard to the channel of the machine.

Abstract: A method for producing wafers by extrusion comprising the steps of a. Preparing an ingredient mix b. Feeding the mix in an extruder and cooking the mix c. Extruding the cooked mix such that an extruded and expanded non-planar structure is formed d. Unfolding the structure to give a large extruded sheet e. Subjecting the extruded sheet to stretching/pulling f. Adjusting the sheet in order to obtain a desired thickness g. Drying the sheet h. Separating the sheet into wafers of desired dimensions The invention also relates to the wafers thus produced and to a wafer production line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a molded confectionery product, comprising the steps of transferring a fat-containing confectionery mass and a water carrier, blending the fat-containing confectionery mass and the water carrier in a mixer to a substantially homogeneous blended mass, and depositing the blended mass in at least one mould or onto a conveyor belt. The above steps are performed within 60 seconds or less. The apparatus for producing a molded confectionery product comprises channels for transferring of a fat-containing confectionery mass and a water carrier, a mixer for blending the fat-containing confectioner mass and the water carrier to a substantially homogeneous blended mass, and at least one mixing nozzle for depositing of the blended mass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for molding a profiled bead (1) made of a plastics material composed of a plurality of components, especially of a polyurethane-based material, onto at least a peripheral part of a glazing unit (2) with the aid of at least one injection head (3), in which process said material ejected through an outlet opening (4) in the injection head (3) then penetrates into a molding cavity (5) to form said molded profiled bead, characterized in that the material ejected through said outlet opening (4) in the injection head (3) penetrates directly into said molding cavity (5).

Abstract: In order to manufacture articles in the form of sheets or blocks of conglomerate stone or stone-like material, single mixes are prepared in mixers (18a,b,c,) arranged in a line and at intervals along a conveyor belt (12), each mixer depositing on said conveyor belt a layer of single mix which is arranged on top of the mix deposited by the mixer immediately upstream, forming a multiple mix which is then fed in an axially offset position to a rotating support (24) provided with homogenizing means and then passes to the vacuum vibrocompression section, after a deaeration step. A crushing device (32) is inserted between each mixer and the underlying belt so as to control the size of the agglomerations in each mix. Means (34) are envisaged for cleaning the upper surface (12a) of the conveyor belt (12) and the crushing devices (32) between the cycles for preparation of the multiple mix.

Abstract: A screw feeder is provided for a powder roller compactor machine. The machine includes a hopper for holding powder and a pair of rollers for compacting the powder. A screw feeder transfers powder from the hopper to the rollers. The screw feeder includes an upper tapered section with a tapered shaft and a lower straight section with a straight shaft. Auger flighting is provided on the tapered and straight sections of the screw feeder. The auger flighting preferably has a fixed depth along the length of the screw feeder.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, in the extruder, the mixing section in which kneading with a high shear force is conducted is disposed within a range where the molten resin does not generate excessive heat, and hence the cellulose resin can be sufficiently melt-kneaded without generating excessive heat, and thus a cellulose resin film being uniform and having excellent optical properties can be obtained.

Abstract: A plunger machine for molding reinforced polymer compositions is provided. The plunger machine has particular application in molding polymer that is reinforced with particles having an aspect ratio that is greater than 1:1. The plunger machine includes a barrel housing with a smooth walled barrel with longitudinal fins projecting inwardly towards the center of the bore that defines a main melt chamber. A plunger housing, having a plunger bore, defines an initial melt chamber and is in communication with the main melt chamber. A plunger resides in the plunger bore and is reciprocatable therein. The barrel bore is continuously inwardly tapered and cooperates with the longitudinal fins to provide a shortened melt period and a smooth transition and alignment of reinforcing members within the polymer mixture during the melt process.

Abstract: An extrusion/coating die. The die has an internal cavity and one or more static mixers in the die cavity. The static mixer fills the die cavity at its respective cross section. The die may also have one or more auxiliary inlets for separately admitting material/energy to the die.

Abstract: An extrusion/coating die. The die has an internal cavity and one or more static mixers in the die cavity. The static mixer fills the die cavity at its respective cross section. The die may also have one or more auxiliary inlets for separately admitting material/energy to the die.

Abstract: A die having first inlet and at least one auxiliary inlet for admitting materials to the die. Different materials may be admitted to the die at different positions, due to the placements of the inlets. The inlets may also be used to admit energy to cure/crosslink/disperse/blend materials contained in the die. By staggering the inlets and static mixers, different materials may have different residence times and different degrees of mixing, crosslinking and/or curing prior to being extruded from the die. A static mixer may be disposed in the die.

Abstract: In order to achieve an economical and trouble-free continuous extrusion of plastic hollow profiles having at least one hollow chamber that is filled with foam, the profile tool of an extrusion device is configured in the shape of a pistol. The profile tool comprises a pistol shaft (102) with a melt feed channel (166), which is connected to the melt discharge opening of the extruder (300) and which opens into a melt radial distributor channel (164) that surrounds the lance guide channel (150). The profile tool is also equipped with a pistol barrel (101) comprising a melt ring channel (162), which extends from the melt radial distributor channel (164) to the profile nozzle (160) and comprising a lance guide channel (150), which extends in a continuous manner from a lance inlet (152) to the profile nozzle (160).

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the production of paper products, such as “cat litter” or paper fuel, comprising reducing paper to a particulate form by shredding and grinding, conveying the particles of paper from a hopper as a layer on a first conveyor firstly beneath a leveling and compacting roller and thereafter beneath a set of water sprayers, before discharging from the conveyor onto a second conveyor with the assistance of a rearwardly baffle plate to invert the layer during transfer. The inverted layer on the second conveyor passes to a third conveyor belt which moves through a ring with has the effect of wrapping the belt over itself and around the mix to form a tunnel enveloping and compacting the mix to form an extrusion. The paper product as extruded is cut into pellets before subjecting the pellets to dehydration. In the case of paper product to be used as paper fuel, the paper is mixed with coal dust.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an extrudate (e.g., water-dispersable extruded rod-shaped granules) from an extrudable powder-based material (e.g., a finely-divided water-insoluble powder) includes a hopper for the extrudable material having at least one extrusion aperture at its lower end, a rotatable extruder tool at or near the lower end of a first drive shaft for forcing the extrudable material through the aperture(s) and a rotatable feeder at or near a lower end of a second drive shaft for feeding the extrudable material to the extruder tool. The first drive shaft is rotatably mounted within the second drive shaft by axially displaced bearings, the second drive shaft being mounted within a fixed bearing housing by further axially displaced bearings. Drive motors are connected by respective drive trains to the upper ends of the first and second drive shafts, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for melt spinning polymeric yarns, wherein a main melt flow is generated by an extruder and supplied to a spin head. The spin head is enclosed in a heated spinning beam and comprises a mixer, a distributor pump and a plurality of spinnerets. A feed device generates a secondary flow which is supplied to the main melt flow for the purpose of additive admixture. The secondary flow and the main melt flow are combined inside the spinning beam.

Abstract: A plasticating screw and method of plasticating without thermal degradation problems. Said screw having a metering section with a helical flight disposed within and cooperating with the innerwall of a heated barrel. In particular, solid resinous material is introduced to a helical valley extending between said flight. The resinous material is heated and plasticized by said apparatus while being advanced along a helical path towards an outlet opening by the rotation of said screw. The bottom surface of the helical valley in said metering section having a plurality of geometrically shaped surfaces in side-by-side relation with at least two of said shaped surfaces being sloped. During operation, the level differential between the shaped surfaces induces a continuous tumbling, variable shear and mixing action upon the molten resin as the molten resin in the metering section flows along the helical path.

Abstract: By embodying a feed screw (17) for glass fiber reinforced polyester material with a hollow shaft, it is possible for the injection piston (11) for an injection unit (9) to have a compact structure so as to be passed through the feed screw (17). To process even viscous polyester compositions gently, the injection piston can be equipped with a plasticizer screw and an associated plasticizer motor.

Abstract: A spin system for thermoplastic yarns is provided with a melt line, in which the main flow of the melt is transported to a distributor pump. The distributor pump comprises several individual pumps, which divide the main melt flow into several partial flows. Each partial melt flow is supplied to a spinneret. Arranged on one of the driven shafts of the pump are mixing elements. The main melt flow is supplied to the pump via a chamber, in which these mixing elements are arranged.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing articles made of polyurethane that includes a mold assembly in communication with a mix chamber. The mix chamber is positioned below the mold assembly. The mix chamber includes a propeller for mixing the liquid polyurethane chemicals. The mix chamber further includes a pneumatically actuated bladder that causes the mixed chemicals to move from the mix chamber to the mold assembly. The chemicals expand to take on the shape of the mold. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) selecting polyurethane chemicals having certain specific weights; (b) placing said chemicals in a mix chamber wherein chemicals stratify according to their specific weights to prevent detrimental reaction among the chemicals until final mixing; and (c) allowing the chemicals to expand to form an article.

Abstract: Fibrous network structures are produced within liquid polymer resins by passing the fiber-containing resin along a channel having a plurality of sets of flow modifying elements which establish a regulated succession of velocity profiles for the principal flow direction and the two directions perpendicular thereto. The individual velocity profiles persist over distances which are small compared to the channel dimension over which they are established and are such that there is substantially no net deviation from the principal flow direction. The velocity profiles superimpose on each other to cause rotation and sliding of the fibers so that a coherent network structure is built up which persists through extrusion dies and molds into the solid state. By means of a large number of touches per fiber the structures thereby established confer efficient mechanical reinforcing properties and enhanced thermal properties on the polymer composition.

Abstract: A mixer is mechanically self cleaned without using solvents. A housing defines a mixing chamber with a fluid pressurized mixer head rotatably supported within the housing. The mixer head has retractable mixing paddles. A wiper scrubs material from the mixing head and chamber walls as it is advanced through the mixing chamber during cleaning. A nozzle plunger drives material from a mixing chamber nozzle.

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 method for producing an extrusion having a wood grain appearance. A first extruder including a die and a second extruder which includes a housing and a screw is provided, the screw having a portion disposed within the housing and a portion projecting outwardly from the housing. The second extruder is secured to the die of the first extruder by a pipe, the pipe receiving the outwardly projecting portion of the second extruder screw. A first material is extruded through the first extruder die to produce an extrusion and a second material is introduced into the second extruder. The second material is delivered through the second extruder and the pipe means to bond the second material to at least a portion of the surface of the extrusion to provide an extrusion with at least a portion of its surface having a wood grain appearance. An associated second extruder as well as an apparatus for producing an extrusion having a wood grain appearance is also provided.

Abstract: A marbleized thermplastic-resin strand is made from a matrix resin and an inlay resin in an apparatus having a die forming a passage extending along an axis and havng an upstream inlet end and a downstream outlet end and an extruder for injecting the matrix resin in hot liquefied condition into the passage at the upstream end thereof such that the resin emerges from the downstrea end. An inlay nozzle opens into the passage between its ends and extends through the die along a nozzle axis not parallel to the passage axis. The inlay resin is fed in hot liquefied condition through the nozzle into the passage such that the inlay resin mixes with the matrix resin. The inlay nozzle is rotated substantially continuously about its nozzle axis so long as the extruder is operating. Thus the patterning of the inlay resin in the matrix resin is a function of the rotation speed of the inlay nozzle.

Abstract: In a method for preparing caseinates, including the introduction of casein, alkaline solutions or basic salts and water into an extruder, the constituents being thoroughly mixed together and then subjected to an increase in pressure and temperature under the influence of return elements, it is provided, to achieve a finished basic product while avoiding a separate comminuting stage following the extrusion process, that the pressure built-up under the influence of return elements or kneading units takes place directly in front of the discharge end of the extruder and the product be discharged freely through this end of the extruder. An apparatus is used to carry out the method, this apparatus being characterised in that the return elemnts or return kneading units are arranged directly in front of the discharge end of the extruder and the discharge end of the extruder is open essentially without any reduction in cross-section relative to the free cross-section of the extruder.

Abstract: A conveyor roller (8) has circular-saw-shaped teeth (28) on its circumference. By means of the conveyor roller set in rotation, shavings are pared off cubes of fat (9) and uniformly fill up the tooth gaps (27). The fat is conveyed along a cylindrical housing part (29) to a nozzle space (36). The nozzle space is bounded by an adjustable end portion (30) of the housing part and an adjustable stripper (32). At the end of the nozzle space, a homogeneous strip of fat is discharged through a nozzle orifice (40). The stripper has a control portion which is actuated by the teeth on the circumference of the conveyor roller. Another stripper portion (37) continually removes the fat in each tooth gap. Fats of very different consistencies can be processed. Optimum plasticization takes place during transformation of the cubes of fat into a strip of fat. The fat is warmed only a very little during the transformation operation. Thin strips of fat having great homogeneity can be produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for producing a flexible tube of a thermoplastic resin having poor melt flowability by melting a thermoplastic resin having poor melt flowability in a screw extruder, and melt-extruding the molten thermoplastic resin from a tube die having an L/D of 30-70 provided at a mandrel rotatable with the rotation of the screw.

Abstract: The extrusion apparatus used to make a marbled section of a thermoplastic material is connectable to a screw press with at least one screw shaft and an extruder housing. A thermoplastic base material having one color is fed in using the screw press. A thermoplastic marbling material having another color is mixed with the thermoplastic base material. The extrusion apparatus includes an extrusion apparatus housing, a central passage for receiving the thermoplastic base material which encloses the screw shaft and a shaping outlet. The extrusion apparatus housing has at least one injector cavity in which an injection device for feeding in the thermoplastic marbling material is mounted.

Abstract: A system for producing a screw feeder for use in a plastic injection-molding machine, according to which system a molten material is extruded through an injection opening of a rotating die, the injection opening of the die including a groove obliquely with respect to the axis thereof, thereby forming a screw feeder having a shank and a spiral integral lengthwise therewith.

Abstract: A mixing head of an injection molding machine has an injection plunger for opening and closing a plurality of orifices and a spool plunger for opening and closing a plurality of circular passageways. The plunger and the spool are disposed parallel to each other.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for making a shaped crosslinked extruded polymeric product by extruding compacted, melted polymer, e.g., polyethylene, into a mixer formed on or fitted to the discharge end of an extruder, injecting proportionate amounts of a mixture of compounding ingredients including olefinically unsaturated hydrolyzable silane, free-radical generator and, preferably, a silanol condensation catalyst into the compacted, melted polymer. The polymer and compounding ingredients are blended in the mixer until the silane is grafted to said polymer, and the resulting grafted polymer mixed with the silanol condensation catalyst is extruded thruugh a die to form the product of the required final shape. The resulting product is subjected to the action of H.sub.2 O until the grafted polymer is crosslinked.

Abstract: A tortilla dough forming machine has a hopper, hollow extension and hollow casing mounted in a serial arrangement on a support frame. The hopper receives a mass of tortilla dough through its open top and has a dough discharge outlet. The casing is cylindrical in shape, horizontally disposed, and has a dough entry inlet and a longitudinally-extending elongated narrow slit defined therethrough. The extension extends between and connects the hopper dough discharge outlet in communication with the casing dough entry inlet. A shaft is rotatably mounted to the casing and hopper and extends horizontally and axially through the casing, extension and hopper. A plurality of conveying vanes are attached along the upstream shaft portion extending through the extension and hopper and are operable to convey dough toward and through the hopper dough discharge outlet and through the extension upon rotation of the shaft.