Abstract: Recycled carbon fibers are processed by rotational tumbling in a mixture with binder material to prepare fiber-containing particles having a dual-tapered shape and general alignment of fibers with a longitudinal direction of the particles. Bulk products including such fiber-containing particles are compounded with polymer and pelletized to prepare fiber-reinforced composite pellets, which are useful for applications such as injection molding to prepare molded products of carbon fiber-reinforced composite material with recycled carbon fibers.

Abstract: A mixing paddle that is configured to rotate about a horizontal rotation axis and includes at least one eccentric arm which includes a first portion inclined with respect to a plane containing the rotation axis, so as to cause the ingredients contained in the mixing chamber to move in a first axial direction when the mixing paddle rotates in a first direction of rotation, a second portion having a cross section oriented radially with respect to the rotation axis in order, when the mixing paddle rotates in a second direction of rotation, to bring about a radial movement of the ingredients towards the outside of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a rounding device that rounds a food dough using a pair of shaping plates (11, 13), the device being provided with the following: a conveying device (9) that conveys a food dough (7); and the pair of shaping plates (11, 13) disposed on the upper surface of the conveying device (9) so as to extend along the conveying direction (R) of the conveying device. The rounding device is characterized in that at least one of the pair of shaping plates (11, 13) has recessed holding-dough parts (17, 21).

Abstract: A rounding device for rounding food dough is provided with a conveyance device (9) which conveys the food dough (7) and a pair of forming plates (11, 13), which, on the upper face of the conveyance device (9), are arranged so as to extend along the conveyance direction (R) of the conveyance device (9). The forming plates (11, 13) at least opposed sloped surfaces (18B, 22B). The sloped surfaces are tilted outward from the lower side to the upper side so that the gap between the sloped surfaces is narrow on the lower side and wide on the upper side. The rounding device rounds the food dough using the sloped surfaces (18B, 22B) of the pair of the forming plates (11, 13).

Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to lapping operations and related systems and apparatuses. Various embodiments of lapping tables are described for applying a lapping operation to a non-planar surface of a workpiece. For example, methods and apparatus are described which allow a lapping operation to be applied to a curved outer surface portion of a cylindrical workpiece. Lapping of non-planar outer surfaces of workpieces is conducted by rotating the workpieces during the lapping operations.

Abstract: A rounding device for rounding food dough is provided with a conveyance device (9) which conveys the food dough (7) and a pair of forming plates (11, 13), which, on the upper face of the conveyance device (9), are arranged so as to extend along the conveyance direction (R) of the conveyance device (9). The forming plates (11, 13) at least opposed sloped surfaces (18B, 22B). The sloped surfaces are tilted outward from the lower side to the upper side so that the gap between the sloped surfaces is narrow on the lower side and wide on the upper side. The rounding device rounds the food dough using the sloped surfaces (18B, 22B) of the pair of the forming plates (11, 13).

Abstract: A kitchen tool applies texture to gnocchi or gnocchetti. The kitchen tool has a bottom surface defining a plurality of parallel longitudinal ridges. Serrations on the longitudinal ridges help the longitudinal ridges to grip a ball of dough. A cross ridge is generally normal to the longitudinal ridges and depends below the longitudinal ridges. Sides depend below the cross ridge and the longitudinal ridges. The kitchen tool may be a part of a kit that also includes a dry dough mix. A method of using the tool also is provided.

Abstract: A combined a toy which simply yet uniquely stamps and cuts off formed articles in a fun and interesting way utilizing cooperating rollers which employ a stamp and at least one angular projection defining a cutting edge on at least one roller. Two or more cooperating rollers are at a frame with each roller including a peripheral surface, one or more concentric ribs on the peripheral surface of each roller which cooperate to spiral around the length of each roller defining a molding surface which spirals around the peripheral surface of each roller, and a stamp on the molding surface of at least one roller. The driving mechanism rotates a gear mechanism which in turn rotates the two or more rollers that cooperate to stamp and cut off articles formed on the molding surface of the rollers.

Abstract: A bead-forming apparatus and method for its use are described. The bead-forming apparatus includes a base with a pair of legs extending from a top surface. First ends of the legs couple to respective eccentric elements. The eccentric elements removeably and rotatably couple to a platen. Second ends of the legs are rotatably and slideably mated with a gear train disposed within the base. The legs are slideably translatable into the base and the gear train maintains a rotational orientation of the legs and the eccentric elements coupled thereto. The platen is thus moveable through a circular path defined by the rotation of the eccentric elements and legs. As such, a plug of moldable material placed between the base and the platen and in contact with the platen, is formed into a double-cone shape by movement of the platen through the circular path.

Abstract: Pelletizing device and method for pelletizing pelletizing materials having a pelletizing disk inclined to the horizontal and provided rotatable wherein the pelletizing disk is driven via a motor device. The pelletizing disk comprises a bottom and a side wall, the effective height of the side wall being variable. The side wall comprises an inner side wall device and an outer side wall device, the inner side wall device being disposed height-adjustable relative to the outer side wall device.

Abstract: Described is a substantially spherical biomass pellet, comprising compressed particulate biomass including one or more of ligno-cellulosic material, recycling waste, and dewatered municipal solid waste, useful as a fuel. Also described are methods for producing such pellets using one or more of untorrefied biomass and torrefied biomass, and apparatus for producing such biomass pellets.

Abstract: A dough rounder with a base, motor, drum, and auger. The auger is mounted to the base and the drum is mounted to rotate about the auger. The auger has a hollow cylinder and a spiral ramp fixed to the outer surface of the cylinder. The upper surface of the ramp is textured for gripping the dough. In one embodiment, the ramp upper surface is textured by a plurality of spurs.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for manufacturing semi-moist meatballs. An illustrative embodiment provides a method of manufacturing generally spherical pet treats comprising: (a) providing a ground mix of proteinaceous material, flavor enhancers and preservatives to a portioning device that divides said mix into smaller portions of roughly uniform volume, (b) placing said portions on a first belt of a first conveyor moving at a first speed in a longitudinal direction, (c) periodically pressing said portions with a second belt of a second conveyor, where said second belt operates in a plane at a height above, and substantially parallel to, said first belt, said second belt moving at a second speed in substantially the same longitudinal direction as said first belt, while also oscillating back and forth in a lateral direction that is at an angle to said longitudinal direction, such that said portions are transformed into generally spherical shapes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a piston (1) for positioning a food pot decoration in a mold, a positioning device comprising this piston, and an associated positioning method. The piston (1) comprises at least one means (10) for prefolding or folding the decoration over its full height.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for manufacturing semi-moist meatballs. An illustrative embodiment provides a method of manufacturing generally spherical pet treats comprising: (a) providing a ground mix of proteinaceous material, flavor enhancers and preservatives to a portioning device that divides said mix into smaller portions of roughly uniform volume, (b) placing said portions on a first belt of a first conveyor moving at a first speed in a longitudinal direction, (c) periodically pressing said portions with a second belt of a second conveyor, where said second belt operates in a plane at a height above, and substantially parallel to, said first belt, said second belt moving at a second speed in substantially the same longitudinal direction as said first belt, while also oscillating back and forth in a lateral direction that is at an angle to said longitudinal direction, such that said portions are transformed into generally spherical shapes.

Abstract: In a spheronizer for transforming columnar granulated product, which is fed in a wet condition, into spherical shapes, irregularities on a top surface of a particle-regulating disc are easily clogged, in particular, in an outer circumference. In view of this, a cleaning device (32) is provided for rapidly and reliably removing wet powders adhering to the particle-regulating disc. The cleaning device (32) is provided with a cover (33) covered on a part of the outer circumference of a rotating particle-regulating disc. The cover (33) is formed with a nozzle (39). The nozzle (39) injects a fluid to a cleaning target surface covered with the cover (33). The fluid in a space formed between the cover (33) and the cleaning target surface is suctioned and discharged from a vacuum connection port (36) to the outside.

Abstract: A food product rolling machine which comprises a combination of lower, upper and reciprocating functions with a vertical adjustment between upper and lower conveyers for the manufacture of a more precise food product.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for manufacturing semi-moist meatballs. An illustrative embodiment provides a method of manufacturing generally spherical pet treats comprising: (a) providing a ground mix of proteinaceous material, flavor enhancers and preservatives to a portioning device that divides said mix into smaller portions of roughly uniform volume, (b) placing said portions on a first belt of a first conveyor moving at a first speed in a longitudinal direction, (c) periodically pressing said portions with a second belt of a second conveyor, where said second belt operates in a plane at a height above, and substantially parallel to, said first belt, said second belt moving at a second speed in substantially the same longitudinal direction as said first belt, while also oscillating back and forth in a lateral direction that is at an angle to said longitudinal direction, such that said portions are transformed into generally spherical shapes.

Abstract: A cotton candy machine includes a housing and a stick grabbing device mounted in the housing. A stick rotating device is mounted in the housing and aside corresponds to the stick grabbing device. A feeding device is mounted in the housing and a sugar floss maker is horizontally mounted in the housing under the stick rotating device. The stick grabbing device provides stick one by one and conveys the stick to the stick rotating device. The stick rotating temporarily holds the stick, rotates the stick and makes the stick longitudinally insert into the sugar floss maker for coiling the sugar floss from the sugar floss maker after the feeding device providing sugar material into the sugar floss maker.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding and proving dough, including a pair of sheet rollers for providing a dough strip to a dough molder, a means for engaging and disengaging a retractable dough divider, the retractable dough divider when engaged separates the dough into dough portions as its exits the dough molder and a prover for recovering the dough portions. Also disclosed is a dough molder for a strip of dough including a conveyor having a first run spaced below a curling mat to curl the dough strip; the curling mat resting on at least the first run of the conveyor, the curling mat having a raised section which does not contact the first run.

Abstract: A dough rounder with a base, motor, turntable, drum, and auger. The auger mounts to the base and the drum mounts to the turntable to rotate about the auger. The auger has a hollow cylindrical center. Dough dropping into the auger strikes a flexible plate extending at an angle from the cylinder wall. The plate deflects downwardly when struck by the dough and pushes the dough out of an opening in the side of the cylinder when it rebounds.

Abstract: A dough moulder including a dough conveyor operable to receive a strip of dough, the conveyor having a first run operable to co-operate with a curling element to curl or roll the dough strip into a dough piece and a second run operable with a pressure rolling board to mould the dough piece, wherein the pressure rolling board has an upper section and a lower section, the lower section including a plurality of formed channels or troughs.

Abstract: Device for the rounding of dough pieces, comprising a support surface for the dough pieces, an elongate rounding rail having a concave rounding surface, the rounding rail extending to the support surface, members being provided in order to move the rounding rail in relation to the support surface having the dough pieces carried thereby, the longitudinal direction of the rail forming an acute angle to the direction of motion of the dough pieces, whereby the dough pieces being kneaded and rounded while rolling off on the rounding surface.

Abstract: An elongated top and an elongated base each having mated roller components in the shape of mating inverted elongated surfaces which form a rolling bead roller chamber therebetween. The bead roller is injection molded of polycarbonate to be non-reactive with polymer clay, and it is transparent to enable the observation of the bead rolling process. Multiple roller components may be built into a base with mating multiple roller components built into a top with a handle or individual top roller components. A bead log roller with protruding measurement marks rolls clay logs with embossed measurement marks which may be cut to an appropriate size. An aligned series of notches transversely on parallel ridges of the bead roller tool allows a pin to skewer the beads through the exact axis of symmetry of the beads to form holes in the beads for stringing and to lift the beads to place them on a drying tray with similar notches along parallel ridges with troughs under the beads on the pin.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided herein for making a plurality of spherical products, e.g., meat balls. The apparatus includes a base. A tray support platform is mounted on the base for tethered buffetted motion with respect to the base. A tray having an upper non-stick surface is mounting on, and is held to, the tray support platform. A grid consisting of an array of compartments constituted by a plurality of intersecting walls and having an open bottom is supported on the tray.

Abstract: A printing form for rotary screen printing is provided and includes a thin-walled hollow cylinder made from fiber-reinforced plastics material, the cylinder wall of which is provided with continuous printing openings which define an image which is to be printed. The cylinder includes at least one layer having fibers with at least one oriented direction of the fibers. Multi-layer laminates made from carbon/epoxy having at least one layer with an oriented direction of the fibers which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of printing form are preferred.

Abstract: A rounding apparatus for rounding dough pieces comprises a conveyer having a surface for supporting thereon and transporting dough pieces; and a plurality of rounder bars any one of which is selectively brought into contact with the surface of the conveyor to engage with the dough pieces conveyed by the conveyor thereby rotating the dough pieces on the surface of the conveyor to round the dough pieces.

Abstract: An elongated top and an elongated base each having mated roller components in the shape of mating inverted elongated surfaces which form a rolling bead roller chamber therebetween. A measured amount of clay or similar material is placed in the bead roller chamber and rolled into a uniformly shaped and sized bead by sliding the top back and forth relative to the base in the elongated direction. The bead roller is injection molded of polycarbonate to be non-reactive with polymer clay, and it is transparent to enable the observation of the bead rolling process. Multiple roller components may be built into a base with mating multiple roller components built into a top with a handle or individual top roller components. Semi-circular roller components form round beads, circular arc shaped roller components form oval football-shaped beads, and V-shaped roller components form double cone shaped beads.

Abstract: A rounder bar assembly (10) with floating foot (56) for use with an endless belt conveyor (12) incorporates an elongated body (20) configured for shaping dough pieces (14) transported along the endless belt of a conveyor. A backing plate (22) and a spacer (24) are disposed between the body (20) and the backing plate, with the body (20), backing plate (22) and spacer (24) defining cavity (26) therebetween. An elongated flexible foot (56) is movably mounted within the cavity (26) so that a portion of the foot (56) extends from the cavity when the foot is in a compressed position. A visco-elastic material (63) is disposed within the cavity (26) between the spacer (24) and the foot (56) such that the visco-elastic material is responsive to movement of the foot, thereby allowing the foot to conform to the belt of the conveyor. The visco-elastic material has a property of expanding volumetrically in response to a force applied thereto that displaces some of the volume of the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making cylindrical glass preforms with convex, optical quality convex end surfaces is taught. A glass ball preform is placed on a heated lower platen. The temperature of the glass ball preform is raised to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the glass ball preform. The glass ball preform is engaged with an upper platen. At least one of the upper platen and the lower platen is moved vertically to cause the gap between the upper platen and the lower platen to narrow to a predetermined dimension. Simultaneously, at least one of the upper platen and the lower platen is moved horizontally relative to the other platen to cause the glass ball preform to roll between the upper platen and the lower platen and form a cylindrical preform having a predetermined diameter, the cylindrical preform having convex, optical quality end surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming fibre balls out of elongated fibres carried in an air flow. The device contains a stator chamber (1) which is fixed to a frame and which has a circular cross section, and coaxially within it there is arranged a rotor (2), also having a circular cross section, and being rotatable around its shaft (3), whereby the rotor has on its periphery a plurality of radial blades (12, 12′) at mutual peripheral distances and at a short distance from the inner wall (1′) of the stator (1) in order to form an annular intermediate space (14) extending over the axial length of the rotor between the inner wall (1′) of the stator (1) and the blades (12, 12′) of the rotor (2).

Abstract: A rounder bar for shaping pieces of baking dough advancing upon a conveyor belt has an elongated configuration having top and rear surfaces and an arcuate dough-contacting surface of convex contour with respect to the top and rear surfaces. The dough-contacting surface is provided with a non-occluding texture which minimizes adherence of the dough.

Abstract: A rounding apparatus for rounding dough pieces comprises a conveyer having a surface for supporting thereon and transporting dough pieces; and a plurality of rounder bars any one of which is selectively brought into contact with the surface of the conveyor to engage with the dough pieces conveyed by the conveyor thereby rotating the dough pieces on the surface of the conveyor to round the dough pieces.

Abstract: The present invention provides spheroidal particles of coal slag, and methods of making the spheroidal particles. One method of the invention includes delivering a feedstock of irregularly shaped particles of coal fly ash or coal slag to a drop tube, dropping the irregularly shaped particles into the drop tube in a manner such that the irregularly shaped particles flow in a substantially vertical downward path as individualized particles, and heating the irregularly shaped particles to cause at least the outer surface of the irregularly shaped particles to melt and form spheroidal particles due to surface tension at the outer surface. The spheroidal particles typically have a diameter in the range of about 0.001 to 5 mm, and comprise SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, FeO, Na2O, and K2O.

Abstract: A method of forming pieces of dough into balls, the method includes the steps of moving the dough pieces on a moving belt past a shaper bar while urging the belt against the shaper bar with a plurality of fluid jets. An apparatus for forming pieces of dough into balls includes a moving belt having a top surface for conveying the pieces of dough thereon, and a bottom surface, a shaper bar extending over the top surface of the moving belt for shaping pieces of dough moved past the shaper bar on the moving belt; and a plurality of fluid jets for urging the belt against the shaper bar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rounder bar and method of making and using the same in which, in one embodiment, the rounder portion of the rounder bar will have a shape that presents a concave shape having one of at least one flat surface and/or edge to the incoming dough. In another embodiment, the rounder bar will include at least one depression area that allows for an immediate, rather than gradual, expansion of the dough ball. This immediate expansion allows the formation of a dough ball with a more uniformly round shape and also eliminates the formation of a dimple on the resulting dough ball that exits the rounder.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a spherical dough body by rounding a dough piece. The apparatus comprises a pair of opposed pressing and feeding members that apply pressure horizontally to the dough piece and a pressing member that repeatedly applies a force to the lower part of the dough piece, so that the lower part of the dough piece can be brought to the center thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus including two symmetrical slide members moved relative each other for shaping a cylindrical body into a plurality of spherical bodies, wherein the slide members each have two vertical sidewalls, and a plurality of U-grooves and partition flanges alternatively arranged in parallel between the vertical sidewalls, the U-grooves each having two distal ends and a depth gradually increased from one distal end to the other, the partition flanges each having two distal ends and a thickness gradually increased from one distal end to the other, the vertical sidewalls each having two distal ends and an inner side vertically curved inwards, the inner side having a vertical depth gradually increased from one distal end to the other.

Abstract: A forming plate for a bakery machine is provided having a working surface area on an upper side with an array of forming bowls provided concentrically in circles thereon. The bowls each have a system of concentric annular edges beginning at an outside and extending to a center. From each annular edge there extends, in the direction towards the center, an annular flank oriented perpendicular to the underside of the forming plate. This flank is divided into two sequential annular ramp sections via an intermediate transition zone. The annular ramp section which extends from the annular edge viewed in the direction away from the center has an angle of inclination (&agr;1) which is greater than the angle of inclination (&agr;2) of the immediately following annular ramp section. This achieves an acute-angled, knife-like shaping of the ramp sections which follow on from the annular edge, as well as from a considerable height of the annular edge above the flank base.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the oil filled rounder bar with grooves for use with an endless belt-type conveyor for transporting dough pieces thereon incorporates a shaping surface formed of oil filled plastic material. The shaping surface forms a pocket with the belt of the conveyor and receives and shapes dough pieces transported along the belt of the conveyor. Preferably, an array of grooves are formed in the shaping surface to promote frictional engagement of the dough pieces with the shaping surface. Method aspects also are provided.

Abstract: A rounder bar for shaping pieces of baking dough advancing upon a conveyor belt has an elongated configuration having top and rear surfaces and an arcuate dough-contacting surface of convex contour with respect to the top and rear surfaces. The dough-contacting surface is provided with a non-occluding texture which minimizes adherence of the dough.

Abstract: An apparatus for making balls of butter includes a conveyor and a dispensing head mounted above the conveyor for delivering pieces of butter to the conveyor. Two roller bar assemblies are mounted above the conveyor, and crank arms rotate each of the roller bar assemblies in a plane which extends generally parallel to the conveyor. As the butter pieces are moved by the conveyor past the roller bar assemblies, the roller bars roll the butter on the conveyor and form the butter into balls. The balls of butter may be delivered to a freeze tunnel for freezing before packaging.

Abstract: A device for producing spherical silica grains includes a cylinder having its axis inclined to the horizontal and an inside wall made from a material that is significantly softer than silica. The cylinder has an entry chute for non-spherical silica grains and an exit chute for spherical cylinder grains. A rotary member is rotated at high speed by a drive shaft having its axis coincident with the axis of the cylinder. The rotary member includes at least one paddle vertically aligned with the entry chute so that silica grains entering via the entry chute are thrown by the paddle against the inside wall of the cylinder and follow a path most of which is against the wall before leaving via the exit chute.

Abstract: Dough shaping devices for shaping baker's dough pieces include a pair of cooperating shaping members, such as concave rounder bars (27) placed over a surface conveyor (16). The concave surface of the rounder bars is formed with a metal base plate (45) that includes a concave dough shaping surface (46) formed of stainless steel. Metal particles are formed on the dough shaping surface by the sputtering of metal plasma, to form a roughened texture, and a slick material, such as a fluropolymer, is applied thereover, to form a grainy but slick surface against which the dough pieces move. The grainy surface retards sliding friction of the dough pieces, while the slick surface permits immediate release of the dough from the dough shaping surface.

Abstract: A rounder bar for use with conventional dough manufacturing equipment is used to convert a piece of dough into a spherical dough ball. The rounder bar includes a contact face used to engage and shape the piece of dough. The contact face has a gradually varying height and radius to form a compression section proximate the first end of the bar and a rounding section proximate the second end of the bar. A bumpy texture and coating on the contact face prevent the dough from sticking to the rounder bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for rounding the sequential pieces of bakery dough dispensed by a dough handling machine employs upper and lower advancing assemblies. Each assembly has an endless flat conveyor belt. Both belts move in opposite directions, and are dimensioned such that the pieces of dough fall off the extremity of the upper belt onto the lower belt. Stationary vanes on the top surfaces of the belts contact the pieces of dough to cause rounding thereof.

Abstract: Rolled products are prepared by transporting articles from an upstream end to a downstream end of an endless conveyor belt upper run having a complete spiral twist therein for shaping the articles so that rolled products emerge from the twist on the upper run.

Abstract: A dough rounder machine for kneading and forming dough and similar plastic masses into uniformly shaped form in which the dough is placed in an annular die driven by eccentric drive means over a stationary horizontal tray table whereby to move the die in a generally circular orbit over the table. Dough placed in the die is overcovered by a weighted cover which orbits with the die and is gravity actuated to exert vertical force on the dough. Engagement of the dough with the table, orbiting die and cover serves to knead and roll the dough into a substantially spherical mass, the texture and density of which is regulatable by the cover weight and movement of the die over a limited time interval.

Abstract: A dough piece rounder and method where the belt used for conveying the dough pieces past the rounder bar is supported by a thin film of air between the underside of the conveyor belt and a perforated plate which forms the upper flat side of a plenum chamber. The principal part of the apparatus is supported on a horizontal cantilever cylinder so that the belt can be readily replaced from one side and the apparatus can be tilted so that the inlet and exit of the dough pieces can be at different levels.

Abstract: A divider head assembly for attachment to a dividing and rounding machine, the divider head assembly incorporating a cover plate and attached plug plate, both of which have a central aperture therethrough. A cutter blade holder has a neck which slidably projects through the apertures, and a cutter blade holder is attachable to a cutter blade subassembly by means of fasteners. Access holes through the cover plate and plug plate permit access to the fasteners which attach the cutter blade holder to the cutter blade subassembly. The cutter blade subassembly is formed of a geometric arrangement of blades, the blades being welded together to form a unitary geometric arrangement.