Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for defect prevention for flexible container sealing systems. In one embodiment, an example flexible container sealing system may include a first camera configured to image an item disposed in a flexible container, a laser system configured to detect presence of items, a cutting assembly configured to cut a material that forms the flexible container, a sealing assembly configured to seal one or more ends of the flexible container, and a computer system configured to determine, using the first camera, a height of the item disposed in the flexible container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pelletizing at least one strand of material to be pelletized. Said device comprises a cutting device with two blades that can be displaced relative each other, at least one feed roller and at least one strand feeder for feeding the strand to the cutting device. An additional tab-shaped rectification guide is arranged downstream of the strand feeder in the region directly in front of the feed roller and next to the same, said guide being adjustable and movable in relation to the strand feeder. The rectification guide can be used to adjust the angle at which the strand is fed to the feed roller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for forming and cooling gum, the system including a forming system configured to size the gum to include a substantially uniform thickness, a cooling device that is disposed in-line with the forming system and configured to continuously receive the gum from the forming system at an entry point of the cooling device, and a multi-pass conveying system configured to continuously transport the gum from the entry point to an exit point of the cooling device, the forming system and the cooling device being configured to form and cool the gum to be in a condition for stacking or collecting upon exiting the exit point of the cooling device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for granulating plastic strands having a cutting wheel (15), the individual blades of which graze past a counter blade (2) disposed in a blade carrier (1) when the cutting wheel is rotated, thus cutting the plastic strands (13) being guided over the counter blade into a granulate (14), wherein a rail (3a, 3b) composed of hard material running parallel to the counter blade is disposed adjacent to the counter blade and after said counter blade in the rotational direction of the cutting wheel that collects cut granulate and conducts said granulate into a discharge channel.

Abstract: Provided is a process for making thermoplastic polymer pellets. The process has the following steps: (a) melting a thermoplastic polymer to form a polymer melt; (b) extruding the melt through a die to form a substantially continuous molten polymer extrudate wherein the die has a contact surface bearing a polymer coating having a surface energy of less than 25 mN/m at 20° C.; (c) cooling the extrudate to form a cooled extrudate; and (d) pelletizing the cooled extrudate to form a plurality of polymer pellets. Provided is also a polymer pellet shipping system and a stable thermoplastic polymer pellet.

Abstract: The invention concerns an extrusion granulator for the granulation of plastic strands gripped by a pair of feed rollers and directed over a slideway in the direction of a cutting rotor with an opposing blade. A guided air stream directed onto the slideway, and deflected perpendicularly towards the cutting rotor by said slideway, impinges on the strands carried on the slideway with such a speed that the strands are held in a parallel orientation by the air stream.

Abstract: A system for removing trim from sheet dough including a belt defined by an upper edge, lower edge, an interior surface, and an exterior surface, wherein a plurality of brushes extend from the lower edge of the belt at an orientation substantially perpendicular to the lower edge, an idler sprocket in communication with the interior surface of the belt, and a motor configured to rotate the belt about the idler sprocket.

Abstract: Provided is a food molding apparatus which performs all steps from forming to conveyance and storage in one housing and which is small in size and inexpensive. A conveyance section 500 which holds a formed cooked rice product (a rice ball 10) by use of holding arms 510 is provided, within a housing, with an X-axis moving unit 570 which moves the formed cooked rice product in an X-axis direction and a Z-axis moving unit 550 which moves the formed cooked rice product in a Z-axis direction. A storage section 600 provided with a tray 610 on which the rice ball 10 is to be placed is further provided, within the housing, a Y-axis moving unit 630 which moves the tray 610 in a Y-axis direction, whereby the rice balls 10 are spread over on the tray 610.

Abstract: An extrudate transport apparatus comprises a free floating roller assembly, wherein the roller assembly controls a rotational pitch of a cylindrical green ceramic extrudate as the green ceramic extrudate moves longitudinally from a first location to a second location within the extrudate transport apparatus. The free floating roller assembly has a predetermined effective weight and comprises a contact roller having a deformable outer surface for frictionally contacting an outer surface of the green ceramic extrudate in motion adjacent thereto, while maintaining a constant contact force upon said green ceramic extrudate.

Abstract: An exemplary cutting apparatus for cutting components from a sprue includes a sprue retainer, a laser cutting unit, and a rotating driving unit. The sprue retainer has a supporting surface. The supporting surface defines a receiving hole, and grooves extending across the entire supporting surface. The grooves are in communication with the receiving hole. The laser cutting unit is disposed above the sprue retainer and is configured for emitting a laser beam to cut the sprue carried on the sprue retainer. The sprue retainer is coupled to the rotating driving such that the rotating driving unit is capable of driving the sprue retainer to rotate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing pellets from plastic material or from material to be pelletized. Said device comprises a continuous casting device (1) from which at least one strand (2) of the material to be pelletized is issued, and a belt conveyor (3) comprising at least one conveying belt (4) on which the strand (2) can be fed to a pelletizer (5), said pelletizer breaking the strand up into pellets (6). The invention is characterized in that the belt conveyor (3) has a switchable direction of conveyance of the conveying belt (4), a direction of feed conveyance towards the pelletizer (5) and a direction of discharge conveyance away from the pelletizer (5). The invention also relates to a method for operating said device.

Abstract: A dough sheet for producing thin, baked chips is obtained continuously by compressing a dough sheet to a thickness of less than or equal to about 0.035 inch between counter-rotating gauge rolls while maintaining the surface of each gauge roll at a temperature of about 85° F. to about 95° F. Maintaining the gauge roll surface temperature at about 85° F. to about 95° F. avoids sticking, tearing, and shredding of the thin dough sheet as it is compressed and transferred by the gauge rolls, even at high production rates or line speeds. A rotary cutter is employed to obtain thin, irregularly shaped, scallop-edged snacks in a variety of shapes from a single dough sheet without producing dough scraps between the pieces.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method for making embolization particles for occluding fluid flow through a body vessel is provided. The method comprises positioning an elongated body of biocompatible material relative to a cutting device. The elongated body is defined by extrusion of a body cross-section along a longitudinal axis. The elongated body is cut with a cutting device at a plurality of locations along the longitudinal axis to form the embolization particles such that each of the embolization particles has a particle cross-section that corresponds to the body cross-section.

Abstract: A process for the production of tapes from a web of polymeric material, as well as an apparatus for carrying out the process, in which a polymer melt is extruded to form the web, which is then cooled, and drawn off. The web is then cut to form a tape sheet composed of a plurality of tapes. According to the invention, before its drawing, the sheet of tapes is divided into several groups of tapes and drawn separately. For this, a drawing device is provided with which the tapes are drawn separately after division of the sheet of tapes.

Abstract: A clamp assembly includes a base, a clamp, a cutting blade, and a connecting shaft. The clamp includes a first claw pivotably connected to the base via a first rotating shaft, and a second claw movable relative to the first claw and pivotably connected to the base via a second rotating shaft. The cutting blade is coupled to an end of the second rotating shaft away from the clamp. The connecting shaft has one end fixed to the second claw and the other end fixed to the cutting blade for making the cutting blade capable of rotating along the second rotating shaft together with the second claw.

Abstract: A clamp assembly includes a base, a clamp, a cutting blade, and a connecting shaft. The clamp includes a first claw pivotably connected to the base via a first rotating shaft, and a second claw movable relative to the first claw and pivotably connected to the base via a second rotating shaft. The cutting blade is coupled to an end of the second rotating shaft away from the clamp. The connecting shaft has one end fixed to the second claw and the other end fixed to the cutting blade for making the cutting blade capable of rotating along the second rotating shaft together with the second claw.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for the continuous production of center-filled confectionery products. The apparatus may include an extruder for forming a continuous extrudate having a plurality of adjoined center-filled confectionery ropes. The apparatus may also include a forming device for forming individual confectionery pieces, and sealed center-filled confectionery pieces in particular. The apparatus provides improved coordination and control of extrudate formation and extrudate feed into the forming device. The apparatus and method of the present disclosure increases product output and reduces the amount of unacceptable product.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a synthetic resin core material having a substantially U-shaped cross section which is used in are extruded molding product for holding an opening portion of a vehicle body such as a door or a trunk of an automobile comprises the steps of extruding a synthetic resin to form a core material having a substantially U-shaped cross section, moving the U-shaped core material toward a cutting machine, rotating opposed rotors having blade-shaped portions in the cutting machine, and cutting and forming cut portions or cut slot portions on both lateral sides of the U-shaped core material.

Abstract: A highly efficient pelletizing system for making thermoplastic micropellets includes and extruder for extruding molten thermoplastic into thermoplastic strands. A rotor cuts the strands into micropellets. The rotor has more than four teeth per inch and operates at a very high speed.

Abstract: A system for automating the casting of concrete panels in which a bed position indicator is fed to a program which compares the bed position to CAD drawings concerning the concrete to be cast and sends the drawing detail for the position of the bed which is then shown on the bed by a laser.

Abstract: A packaging element is formed with a cross-section including a central portion, a first leg extending from one end of the central portion and a second leg extending from the opposite end of the central portion that is directed toward the first leg to at least partially enclose an opening between the legs. The packing element is made by passing a C-shaped extrudate of thermoplastic material containing an expanding agent about a guide roller with the legs of the extrudate directed away from the guide roller and within a water bath of a tank.

Abstract: Gauge distribution apparatus for plastic film has a frame, a rotor mounted on the frame for sequential reversed rotation about a substantially vertical axis, and at least one slot in the rotor through which two lengths of plastic film can pass upwardly with spaced adjacent faces from below the rotor. First and second turning members are mounted on the rotor for receiving a respective length of plastic film and changing the direction of motion thereof from upwardly to horizontally. A series of upstanding circumferentially spaced film engaging members extend around the rotor, each film engaging member having an outer surface for engagement by the plastic film. Third and fourth turning members are mounted on the frame for receiving a respective length of plastic film after it has engaged at least one of the film engaging members and changing its direction of motion from horizontally to vertically.

Abstract: A device for removing an injection-molded substrate with attached sprue from an injection mold having half-molds, in particular a substrate for optical data carriers, includes a lever that can swing in and out of a position between the half-molds of the injection mold and is constructed to include a substrate retaining mechanism with a substrate retaining member with a recess or an opening sized to hold the substrate and configured to receive the sprue with a pass fit. The substrate retaining member secures the substrate in place as the lever swings in and out of the open half-molds. An injection molding machine using the device is also described. The substrate can be quickly demolded and the sprue removed in a single operation without producing dust in the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a honeycomb structure provided with an extruder for the honeycomb structure capable of extruding a honeycomb structure in the gravity direction or an oblique direction at an angle of smaller than 30° with the gravity direction and at least one cradle, said apparatus being provided with a means of being able to place the honeycomb structure extending in length with progress of extrusion on the cradle with cell opening end face 9 of the honeycomb structure being pressure contacted with the cradle under a pressure smaller than the compressive strength at the end face and then to move the cradle at a speed capable of keeping the pressure contact state and in the same direction as the lengthwise direction of the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a honeycomb structure having an extruder, at least one cradle and a cutting device comprising a small-gage wire for cutting the honeycomb structure and a notching member; said cradle is provided with a means capable of moving the honeycomb structure extruded from the extruder in the lengthwise direction of the honeycomb structure at nearly the same speed as the extrusion speed of the honeycomb structure, said cutting device is constructed so that the cutting small-gage wire is moved to the honeycomb structure side on the same plane as the plane of stretched small-gage wire, a cutting induction groove is formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the honeycomb structure by the notching member, and immediately thereafter the cutting small-gage wire is positioned in the induction groove, and the cutting small-gage wire is pressed into the honeycomb structure to cut the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A method to create blocks having a weathered and aged look by modifying the blocks before they are cured. Green blocks exiting a block forming machine are conveyed along a path past brush elements which scrub block mix from the upper longitudinal corners of the formed, uncured blocks. The blocks are also passed longitudinally over tooth elements which irregularly remove block mix from the lower longitudinal corners of the green blocks. The modified green blocks are moved to a kiln for curing.

Abstract: An edible product in accordance with the present invention involves an edible inner component made from a first material and an edible outer cover component substantially completely encapsulating the edible inner component. In one form of the invention, the inner component is in the form of a hairball treatment for cats and the outer component is a dough-like material. A system for producing the edible product includes a first material source for supplying a first edible material to form the inner component of the edible product, a second material source for supplying a second edible material to form the outer component of the edible product, and an extruder for continuously coextruding the first edible material and the edible second material to produce an elongated rope of edible product. A crimping apparatus receives the longitudinal rope extruded from the extruder for crimping the longitudinal rope to separate the longitudinal rope into individual edible products.

Abstract: Plastic moldings reinforced with long fibers are made without the risk of forming loops in a continuous thread or roving fed to a cutting unit at the end of a mold filling operation or tearing thereof during renewed start-up for the next molding filling operation, even at a relatively high take-off speed of the continuous thread. This is achieved by keeping the continuous thread permanently under tension pneumatically against the conveying direction. The device useful for carrying out this process is equipped with at least one tensioning air inlet in the guide for the continuous thread or roving.

Abstract: A system for removing from a molding tool a runner assembly having a plurality of molded parts that are connected to a runner via gates and subsequently degating the plurality of molded parts from the runner is provided. The system includes a source of ultrasonic energy and a robot arm assembly. The robot arm assembly is configured to remove the runner assembly from the molding tool and to position the runner assembly proximate the source of ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A system for processing at least one rope of aerated confectionery foam. The system includes extruding at least one rope of aerated confectionery foam from an extruder. The rope is conveyed from the extruder to a rotary cutter. An anti-sticking agent, such as powdered starch, is applied to the rope as the rope is conveyed from the extruder to the rotary cutter. Finally, the rope is cut into pieces with the rotary cutter. In one preferred embodiment, the rotary cutter is operated to perform at least 5,000 cuts per minute.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveying apparatus for guiding a rod-like ceramic molding, continuously extruded from a mold and extending from the mold while not yet cut, to a cutter for cutting the rod-like ceramic molding into ceramic blocks, each having a predetermined length. The conveying apparatus has pads, each having a placement surface for placing the rod-like ceramic molding while being in contact with the outer circumference of the rod-like ceramic molding, and the placement surface of the pad has an axial length shorter than a half of an axial length of the ceramic block to be cut by the cutter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a rubber sheet containing short fibers. The method includes the steps of: mixing short fibers in a flowable rubber matrix; forming the flowable rubber matrix with the fibers therein into a cylindrical shape with a circumferential extent; separating a portion of the circumferential extent from the cylindrical shape, and forming the cylindrical shape with the portion separated into a sheet form.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying food dough forms blocks of food dough that are continuously supplied into a sheet or belt of food dough and then divides it into chunks of food dough that have preset weights.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an extruded ice cream bar with variegated inclusions. The apparatus includes a main die having a section with sidewalls extending between upper and lower end portions and defining a cavity. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of intermediate dies for insertion of the inclusions are positioned within the cavity and spaced from the sidewalls of the main die. The intermediate dies gradually and progressively change in cross-sectional shape from being round at the top to the desired shape of the inclusion at the bottom. As the ice cream flows through the cavity of the main die, it passes along and about the intermediate dies through which the inclusions are flowing. Each intermediate die is preferably fed by two tubes so that the final shape of the inclusion at the bottom of the intermediate die is fully and evenly filed.

Abstract: A water flow guide stationarily mounted in the water box of an underwater pelletizer to selectively direct the pressurized water flowing through the water box in order to more efficiently cool and rigidify the extruded polymer strands and enable the rotary cutter blades to more effectively shear the strands into pellets and to convey the sheared pellets away from the die face and rotary cutter blades of the pelletizer to the water box outlet. The water flow guide provides an accurately guided pressurized water flow which enables pelletization of polymers of various diameters and a wide range of specific gravity and rheological characteristics.

Abstract: A production line including a molding press for molding a resin on a strand of material and a cutting press for cutting parts from the strand. The production line feeds the strand at a uniform rate without slack. The cutting press includes a die that moves toward and away from the strand. The die moves transversely to the strand to transport cut parts.

Abstract: A water flow guide stationarily mounted in the water box of an underwater pelletizer to selectively direct the pressurized water flowing through the water box in order to more efficiently cool and rigidify the extruded polymer strands and enable the rotary cutter blades to more effectively shear the strands into pellets and to convey the sheared pellets away from the die face and rotary cutter blades of the pelletizer to the water box outlet. The water flow guide provides an accurately guided pressurized water flow which enables pelletization of polymers of various diameters and a wide range of specific gravity and rheological characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a removing apparatus for molded products and a method for cutting off gates of molded products, by which various types of molded products having different gate positions from each other are cut off to separate the product parts from runners with high accuracy by using a single cutting member and which contributes to downsizing of the apparatus itself. The invention further provides a removing apparatus for molded products and a method for cutting off gates of molded products, by which work for attaching the cutting unit is simplified and work for removing is made very efficient.

Abstract: A multilane extruder system is provided for forming a pliable mass such as a food dough into a plurality of substantially identical elongated extruded strips, and for depositing these strips onto a conveyor for further processing such as cutting into individual strips of selected length. The extruder system comprises an extruder manifold defining a plurality of flow channels having a substantially identical cross sectional size, shape, and length. Each flow channel includes a first segment extending radially outwardly from a central plenum chamber, and connecting with a second segment extending generally radially inwardly and terminating in an extrusion die port of selected shape. The second channel segments are oriented each at a selected individual angle relative to the radial direction for delivering the extruded strips onto the underlying conveyor in a substantially uniformly and closely spaced relation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming plastic articles is provided. A rotating cutter, having a cutting blade mounted thereto, is disposed adjacent to a continuous extrudate. Upon rotation of the cutter, non-linear cutting edges formed on the cutting blade simultaneously cause a predetermined length of the extrudate to be severed and formed. The method and apparatus are well-suited for forming plastic articles having an elongated shape with rounded ends.

Abstract: An annular friction liner, especially for use in a friction device of a motor vehicle, is made by an apparatus including a pair of adjacent conical rolls, a helical guide and a device for trimming a length of the continuous ring whereby a straight strip of friction material, having a width substantially equal to the required final width of the liner, is deformed into a continuous ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for pelletizing strands of polymer emerging in molten form from dies with a pelletizer, in which apparatus a cooling section carrying a coolant flow and a dewatering section are provided between the dies and the pelletizer, a running-in rest being arranged upstream of the pelletizer, adjoining the dewatering section and provided with at least one air-nozzle arrangement, which is arranged transversely to the running direction of the strands, is designed as a step in the running-in rest and is intended for generating a stream of air directed essentially parallel to the running direction of the strands, which takes with it the strands supplied to the running-in rest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding molten plastic extrudates which emerge from dies to a discharge channel having a cooling water inlet which follows the dies, in which device the dies are arranged in at least two rows, in such a manner that in the discharge direction strands from one row and the other row are guided alternately, next to and at a distance from one another, in which device two collection channels, which are arranged one above the other, are interposed between the dies and the discharge channel, in such a manner that the extrudates emerging from one row of dies are in each case fed to the discharge channel as a group via a collection channel, the individual extrudates of the two groups meeting one another in an intermeshing position alternately and next to one another on the discharge channel and being guided onward by the latter.

Abstract: A sheet processing system for continuously producing plastic sheet which is continuously supplied to an intermittent take-up device, utilizing a sheet forming apparatus, a conveyor, an accumulator and take-up apparatus, the sheet being fed along the conveyor to an accumulator positioned integrally with the conveyor, the accumulator being controlled in a cyclic operation which provides for the accumulation of the continuously fed sheet material to permit intermittent operation of the take-up apparatus, and the edge trimming of the sheet subsequently to the action of the accumulator.

Abstract: A resin extruding and cutting apparatus including a cooling unit adapted to cool extruded strands emerging from a resin extruding nozzle using cold water and having a bottom wall for feeding the strands to a downstream end of the cooling unit therealong, a cutting unit arranged in the vicinity of a downstream end of the cooling unit and adapted to cut the cooled strands into small pieces, a strand guide unit arranged between the cooling unit and the cutting unit and adapted to guide the strands discharged from the cooling unit a nip defined between drawing rollers included in the cut unit, the strand guide unit providing a strand guide surface for guiding the strands discharged from the cooling unit to the nip, a level adjusting assembly mounted to the cutting unit in such a fashion that a level thereof is adjustable with respect to the cutting unit, the level adjusting assembly hingably supporting the strand guide unit in such a fashion that the strand guide unit is hingable with respect to the cutting unit

Abstract: A substantially continuous method for forming a structural panel of indefinite length is disclosed. The method includes the steps of preparing a settable mixture, conveying the mixture in a flowable state to a load chamber, progressively forcing the mixture from the load chamber through an inlet toward an outlet of an open ended mold chamber by a compression device at least partially curing the mixture within the mold chamber, resisting movement of the mixture through the mold chamber until a predetermined consolidation pressure or density within the mold chamber is achieved, subsequently allowing movement of the mixture through the mold chamber in response to further mixture being forced through the inlet by the compression device, and allowing the mixture to cure, thereby progressively forming a structural panel of substantially indefinite length.

Abstract: A sheet processing system for continuously producing plastic sheet which is continuously supplied to an intermittent take-up device, utilizing a sheet forming apparatus, a conveyor, an accumulator and take-up apparatus, the sheet being fed along the conveyor to an accumulator positioned compactly beneath the conveyor, the accumulator being controlled in a cyclic operation which provides for the accumulation of the continuously fed sheet material to permit intermittent operation of the take-up apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for forming popcorn bars utilizing methods according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is disclosed where popcorn popped in an air popper (12) and coated with a molten binder in the form of a caramel syrup in an auger mixer (20) is compressed into a sheet by a device (32). In the sheeting device (32), the coated popped popcorn is drawn into and passes between an input conveyor (30) and a compressing conveyor (34) arranged at a non-parallel angle thereto. An air manifold (37) directs cooled air to the upper surface of the compressing conveyor (34) to cool the belting (36) thereof, with the cooled air being deflected to cool a spreader box (28) which receives the coated popcorn from the auger mixer (20) and distributes it on the input conveyor (30).

Abstract: A method for processing at least one rope of aerated confectionery foam. The method includes extruding at least one rope of aerated confectionery foam from an extruder. The rope is conveyed from the extruder to a rotary cutter. An anti-sticking agent, such as powdered starch, is applied to the rope as the rope is conveyed from the extruder to the rotary cutter. Finally, the rope is cut into pieces with the rotary cutter. In one preferred embodiment, the rotary cutter is operated to perform at least 5,000 cuts per minute.

Abstract: This details a production method for a blade for electrophotographic devices, made of thermosetting type polyurethane, including the steps of mixing and stirring the liquid polyurethane prepolymer which is a raw material component for a thermosetting type polyurethane polymer and the liquid crosslinking agent, discharging the mixture thereof into a die having a concave cross section in a molding drum, heating it via an endless belt which is in contact with the outer peripheral face of the molding drum and runs with the rotation of the drum 20 to continuously mold a banded blade molding S having a prescribed width, and cutting the blade molding to a prescribed length after cooling it down.