Abstract: A vertical format corrugator or the like tube producing apparatus has two sets of independent mold sections that circulate on respective paths. The mold sections co-operate to define a travelling mold cavity into which a thermoplastic tube may be extruded to be molded. Fixed tracks extend along the forward and return runs of the mold section paths and are engaged by track followers on the mold sections. The track followers support and guide the mold section, thus enabling the elimination of chains linking the mold sections. In preferred embodiments, transfer mechanisms are provided at the ends of the runs to transfer the mold sections individually from one run to the next. The mold sections may include removable mold blocks, means for automatically changing the configuration of the mold cavity and a system for internal cooling of the mold sections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an invention that belongs to the technical field of mines or equipment for bakeries and relates, in particular, to a machine for forming unbroken rings, or similar, of dough out of strips of moistened and kneaded flour.The technical problem that has to be solved is how to construct a machine of this nature which, despite being simple and of a relatively reduced volume, is able to handle contemporaneously many strips of dough and, above all, has the ability to prevent the strips from undergoing force harmful to the formation of dough of a particular shape, for example an unbroken ring.

Abstract: A plant providing rolling-up of a portion of baked paste between a roller-up mandrel and a belt applied on about half the surface of the roller-up mandrel, and transfer of the so formed rolled-up biscuit, the latter being of a double thickness on a portion of its surface, this paste for biscuit formation being presented by a deflector plate into the space existing between said roller-up mandrel and said belt, this plant being comprised of an intermittently rotating barrel which is equipped with a number of roller-up mandrels freely rotating on said barrel, so that axes of roller-up mandrels are parallel to the axis of said barrel, an oscillating arm alternately moved in a plane perpendicular to the barrel axis, said oscillating arm being provided with two guide cylinders on which said belt moves, said belt being arranged in such a manner on said oscillating arm, with respect to a roller-up mandrel, in the rest position of the barrel, so as to allow reception of a rolled-up paste portion from said deflector pl

Abstract: Associated with a horizontal pouch making machine for packaging a free flowing granular product between webs of flexible packaging material is a product lay down mechanism operable for receiving measured amounts of the product and depositing it in precisely defined areas of one of the webs being processed and in a flattened configuration such as to minimize the amount of packaging material required to contain said product. A product shaping member contacting the web surface during a dwell in the web feed cycle is formed with apertures which in combination with the web define cavities or molds which shape each deposit of product delivered thereto into the desired configuration having uniform height over substantially the entire surface area of the web portion upon which it is laid.

Abstract: A machine assembly for producing lengthy rolls of bakery products such as biscuits and the like, wherein the machine includes an inlet work station having a device for forming a plurality of separate bars of dough and the machine also includes an outlet work station having a device for forming a continuous spiral in each of the bars of dough with the spirals interlocking to form a braided roll of dough. The machine assembly further includes a conveyor assembly for transporting the bars of dough between the inlet and outlet work stations while kneading and rolling the bars into their final configuration.

Abstract: A plastics foam-forming mixture (31), e.g. a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam mix, deposited from one or more static dispensers (19) is metered through two spaced opposed members (14 and 18) forming between them a metering gap. At least one of the members having a plurality of faces of different profile and being rotatable to present to the other member a selected face appropriate to the thickness of foam board to be produced. Reduces "crowning" of foam boards while permitting foam boards of different thicknesses to be made without having to replace metering bars.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for rolling pieces of soft material in leaf form, more particularly food products, such as pancakes. According to the invention, the pieces of material are delivered on a substantially horizontal conveyor belt (1) and are brought into contact with at least one other conveyor belt (8) which crosses the first conveyor belt and has an oblique upward movement relative to the direction of movement of the first conveyor belt. The two belts (3, 9) of the two conveyors are formed by several cords or strings (4, 10) which are parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another, the belt (9) of the second conveyor crossing the horizontal belt (3) of the first conveyor by passage of its cords or strings through the spaces between the cords and strings of the first conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing thick slabs of thermoplastic synthetic-resin material comprises a pair of extruders each extruding a half-slab strand to a respective roller assembly, the roller assemblies having final rollers which form a consolidation nip between them in which the two half slabs are bonded together. Preferably the half slabs and the roller assemblies are mirror symmetrically constructed and the half slabs can be formed with longitudinal compartments which can be filled with a foamed synthetic-resin material.

Abstract: A crepe cooking machine including a cylindrical metallic drum with a row of metallic cooking pads around its circumference. Infra-red burners inside the drum are supported on the shaft of the drum by mounting them on a rotary bearing. A tray for batter is supported adjacent the lower quadrant of the drum on the ascending side thereof and a transfer roll rotating therein applies batter to the cooking pads. The tray is supported on a spring-mounted movable platform and a cam follower on the platform rolls along the surface of the drum to maintain the transfer roll a fixed distance from the surface of the pads for uniform crepe thickness. A conveyor driven from the drum and positioned on the descending side thereof receives the cooked crepes.

Abstract: A method of making a resin panel in which a carrier film receives thereon a layer of thermosetting resin and glass fibers are placed on the resin layer. This composite is inverted and passed between a roller and a section of a moving belt, the belt being of a material impermeable to the resin. The resin layer with glass fibers therein is passed through a heating zone to cure the resin while on the belt. After the resin is cured it may be separated from the belt by bending the belt away from the resin.The machine carries out the above method employing a belt of stainless steel or the like which extends over a pair of rolls to provide a conveyor for the formed resin layer. The machine has a pair of rolls for forming the resin-glass composite. One of these rolls serves to invert the layers and serves also to press the layers against the belt. Heaters are provided to heat the formed resin to cure it while on the belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously manufacturing multi-layered dough materials containing at least dough layers comprising the steps of continuously extruding material in a tubular form onto a conveyor belt, stretching the material to a thin strip while being transported, folding and piling up the strip of material and re-stretching the piled up material. The apparatus comprises a dough feeder comprising a vertical hollow screw and a double-layered annular bottom outlet, a first conveyor means, a first roller assembly consisting of rollers progressing along a closed orbit, a swinging means positioned between the first and the second roller assemblies for swinging dough material so as to allow it to be piled up on a second conveyor means in a multi-layered form, and a second roller assembly similar to the first roller assembly for stretching the piled up dough material in coaction with the second conveyor means.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a plastic insulator having helical-shaped shields or screens, these shields radially protruding from an insulator rod. Two oppositely rotating rolls coact to form an infeed gap for the material forming the shields which is infed in a kneadable condition in transverse direction to the rolls. According to a first embodiment drive means serve to rotate the rolls about their axes and the insulator rod about its lengthwise axis. Means provide relative mutual movement of the pair of rolls and the insulator rod in the direction of the lengthwise axis of the insulator rod or parallel thereto, in order to simultaneously form the shield and apply the same to the insulator rod. According to a further embodiment both of the rolls have peripheral grooves and these rolls, with the exception of such peripheral grooves, bear against one another at their outer surfaces, and drive means serve for rotating the rolls for forming a shield or screen rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous forming of high density, seamless candies from a strand of confectionary material provided with a viscous filling. Candy blanks are first cut from an incoming soft strand and then pressed into candy pieces of the desired shape. The apparatus includes cooperative complementally formed pairs of separating teeth as well as pairs of members for shaping the candy and stamping chambers arranged in a rotating rotor.

Abstract: There are disclosed an apparatus and a method for continuously embossing synthetic plastic sheet material with precisely formed embossments in patterns repeating along the length thereof. The apparatus includes a movable polished belt upon which the sheet material is carried, and a series of molds are placed on the sheet material. As the sheet material and molds are advanced in steps through the apparatus, presses clamp the molds and belt against opposite surfaces of the sheet material and raise the temperature of the assembly to embossing temperature for the resin to cause the resin to flow into the mold cavities, and volatiles at the interface are dissolved in the resin. After the embossing step, the clamping pressure is released and this permits limited shrinkage of the mold and sheet material.

Abstract: An apparatus and processes for the production of a continuous rubber strip which is molded with surface designs, such as tire treads, in the uncured state and then cured, after removal from the mold, by heat or radiation is disclosed. In the apparatus the extruded rubber strip is passed between cooperating mold segments carried by respective endless belts which, along with related components, apply suitable temperatures and pressures to the strip to produce the surface designs. The molded uncured rubber strip is removed from the molds and then completely cured by radiation and/or heat. Process embodiments are also disclosed wherein partial curing of the rubber while in the molding apparatus is performed.

Abstract: An arrangement for the processing of a moving material web, in particular for the creasing or punching of an extruded material web made of plastics. In the manufacture of such material webs a number of operational steps take place directly in conjunction with the manufacture of the web itself, and the fact that for reasons of quality as well as of manufacturing technique the extrusion process cannot be interrupted makes it necessary to attend to any changes in the crease pattern etc. during operation. The arrangement in accordance with the invention makes this possible, in that the material web can be brought into contact optionally with different pairs of processing rollers with the help of a pair of counter-rollers supported in a swivelling cradle, any pair of unused rollers being freely exchangeable against a pair of rollers with a different creasing pattern.

Abstract: Particleboard made from particles in the form of chips or fibers or the like is made by distributing a mass of chip material onto an endless belt conveyer system. The mass of material is subsequently passed to a precompressor, a high frequency preheating device, a further press and a finishing press. The unheated further press serves to reduce the thickness of the material to substantially that of the finished board prior to its consolidation by temperature and pressure in the finishing press. A further endless belt contacts the surface of the material and runs through the precompressor, the high frequency heating device and the further press and serves to counteract any tendency of the chip material to expand after leaving the precompressor. This endless belt additionally yields a number of other significant advantages, in particular a reduction of loss of heat from the material prior to reaching the finishing press.

Abstract: The multi-roll calender for producing a sheet of elastomeric material comprises a calender frame and a series of rolls mounted in the calender frame. The rolls including an intake roll and a series of vertically superimposed rolls, with all adjacent rolls being variably spaced so as to provide variable roll gaps between each adjacent pair of rolls. Means are associated with the rolls for sensing the pressure of the material being calendered in each roll gap and means are provided on opposite ends of certain of the rolls responsive to the sensing means for adjusting the width of each roll gap formed by adjacent rolls to cause the difference between the pressures in said gaps to be as small as is practicable. Means are provided for maintaining the adjusted pressures substantially constant.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cooling, straightening and calibration of a plate-shaped synthetic-resin strand, e.g. of thermoplastic material extruded from a broad-slot nozzle comprises a plurality of straightening rollers on respective stands, the rollers of each stand engaging opposite surfaces of the strand. The rollers are provided with cooling and heating means to ensure homogeneous temperature distribution throughout the strand passing between the pairs of rollers which can be aligned with one another or can be offset from one another. On at least one of the stands the rollers are displaceable alternately parallel to the path of the strand by corresponding oscillating drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously stretching dough for cakes, bread and the like, comprising a plurality of rollers progressing along a closed orbit comprising a lower straight portion, a plurality of conveyor belts positioned thereunder, with the upper flights of said conveyor belts being spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A device for forming rolled sheet articles such as cookies comprises a first endless conveyor including an oblique article support surface portion and an adjacent substantially horizontal article support surface portion. A rolling up roller is disposed over the first endless conveyor in the vicinity of the junction between the oblique portion and the horizontal portion, and it is rotated at a speed which is slower than the speed of the first conveyor in position so as to engage the article and deflect it into engagement with its own surface and form it into a partial rolled up form. A stop member is positioned alongside the rolling up roller, and it deflects the leading edge of the partially rolled up article so that it moves away on the horizontal portion of the first conveyor. A rolling up belt conveyor is also arranged to extend substantially parallel to the horizontal portion, and it is spaced away by an amount to engage the partially formed rolled up article.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of prefabricated insulating panels is provided, which includes a feeding station for a lower metal sheet and for an upper metal sheet, a rolling-mill train for shaping the sheets, a furnace for heating the sheets, a device for injecting expandable plastic material between the sheets, a joining unit for joining the sheets together and for holding the expanded plastic material in place, and a cutter for cutting the finished panels. The joining unit has two, link-type upper and lower conveyors for the sheets shaped by the rolling-mills, at least one of which is adjustable, so that the distance between them may be regulated according to the thickness of the panel, with the conveyors being arranged to revolve continuously around rollers which rotate about a horizontal axis. An article produced by the apparatus is also provided.The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing insulating panels and the panels produced thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming dough and dough pieces to a thickness of as little as 1 mm. The apparatus generally comprises a plurality of powered externally rotated rollers spaced above a plurality of moving conveyor belts. The dough is pressed and stretched without breaking by the action of said rollers and said conveyor belts.

Abstract: A continuous casting installation has a curved roller apron and a withdrawal and straightening unit. The latter has upper and lower rollers, and the upper rollers are vertically movable so that a gap may be formed between the same and a strand which extends into the withdrawal and straightening unit. A heating device is provided for the strand and may be moved from a position laterally of the withdrawal and straightening unit into the gap between the upper rollers and the strand when the upper rollers are raised. The heating device is preferably arranged in the region of the tangent point. When a strand cools to such an extent that the withdrawal and straightening unit can no longer bend it, as may occur in the event of a breakout, the upper rollers beyond the tangent point are raised. The strand is then driven forward until, by virtue of its curvature, it touches the raised upper rollers.

Abstract: In continuous press having two rotatably driven endless conveyor belts forming opposed, substantially linear spans defining a pressing zone with press platens applying pressure through the traveling spans to work carried therebetween, with antifriction roller means interposed between the platens and spans, means for side sealing between the spans to permit pressing of material which would otherwise be forced out from the gap therebetween, which means move with the spans through the pressing zone, are provided.

Abstract: A novel method for the continuous production of compressed higher density black powder comprising feeding from a feed container means mealy black powder of low density enclosed between upper and lower endless belts into a precompression zone, to produce precompressed black powder, and to expell air contained in said black powder, passing the precompressed black powder through a primary compressing zone containing a primary compression means to achieve a new orientation and displacement of the said black powder, then passing the black powder through a final compressing zone containing a final compression means, while supplying the final pressure to obtain breaking or flow of the crystals as well as crystal lattice displacements of said black powder, and recovering the compressed higher density black powder, each of said primary compression means and said final compression means being capable of building-up compaction pressure as well as being capable of idling, the black powder being moved through said precomp

Abstract: A horizontal brick feed conveyor continuously feeds green undried moist clay bricks along a path beneath a lower horizontal flight of an elastic hold-down belt member mounted above and moving in the same direction as the conveyor to engage the upper surface of the conveyed brick; a relatively large motor-driven irregularly spaced impression roller is adjustably mounted adjacent the upper surface of the horizontal flight of the hold-down belt to engage the horizontal flight so that a number of protrusions on the roller deflect portions of the elastic hold-down belt downwardly into the green brick immediately beneath the hold-down belt so that the bricks are distorted and misshaped to give an antique or handmade effect.

Abstract: A continuous mixing method and system for preparation of syrup employed as a starting material for continuously manufacturing plate products therefrom are disclosed. The syrup is prepared by a method in which at least one additive is incorporated into at least one master batch of methyl methacrylate or a monomer mixture of methyl methacrylate and a copolymerizable unsaturated compound or a syrup of a monomer-polymer mixture thereof and the flow of the resulting liquid mixture is continuously combined with the flow from another batch of a syrup of the monomer-polymer mixture in a proportion such that the master batch is less in amount than said other batch, and the combined flows are continuously blended with each other.

Abstract: An automatic noodle making machine combining the operations of mixing the flour, pressing the flour into strips and cutting the strips. Multiple flour blenders are arranged in timed mechanical sequence to release the dough mixtures into the primary pressing roll set which forms a primary thick flour slice. The slice is cutting into multiple strips which are divided and fed to the next set of pressing rolls. The multiple pressing and cutting steps are followed by a combining pressing in which several courses of strips are recombined into one whereupon the final cutting is performed and the noodles are conveyed away.

Abstract: Three-dimensional articles are molded from materials capable of flow utilizingA. a molding zone having a plurality of advancing contiguous molds with adjacent molds forming mold cavities at contiguous interfaces transverse to the direction of motion.B. a discharge zone following the molding zone wherein said molds travel in an arcuate path, become separated from each other and the mold cavities are opened;C. feeding a material capable of flow to the molding zone, forcing same into said mold cavities and solidifying same therein; andWithdrawing said molded articles from the discharge zone.

Abstract: A method of deep embossing of sheet material, generally metal, is disclosed. A small scale relief pattern is first embossed across the entire sheet and thereafter a deep embossment of spaced-apart protuberances is imparted to the sheet. Both patterns in combination produce a sheet useful for reflective thermal insulation without the risk of significantly puncturing the sheet.

Abstract: This invention concerns apparatus for moulding ribs, ridges, studs or other upstanding projections on a mouldable material and although not so restricted it will hereafter be described with reference to its use on apparatus for moulding dry formed fibrous material.

Abstract: Method and various embodiments of apparatus for producing granulates from pulverulent, granular, doughy or similar material. Material to be granulated is continuously fed into the apparatus and formed into a skin of the material in the nip spaces between adjacent and cooperating rotating curved surfaces. The skin and material alternately progresses and is moved backwards axially of the rotating surfaces and is periodically and repeatedly kneaded as it is conveyed by the rotating surfaces towards and away from and finally forced through outlet apertures whereupon it is divided up into granulates. The apparatus can be in various embodiments which use paired, skinforming rotating curved surfaces and can be the surfaces of rollers or of at least two rollers cooperating with the internal surface of a drum. Helical lands or grooves can be incorporated in one or a combination of the paired rotating surfaces.

Abstract: A continuously operating panel press having a series of separately adjustable heater pads and two pairs of likewise adjustable pressure rollers with intermediate pressure pads, the pressures being adjusted for a progressively decreasing pressure pattern along the work gap, a first zone being adjusted for high pressure while successive zones exert less pressure against the press work, as it is pulled through the press by means of endless band conveyors. When excessive resistance is encountered, the highest pressure is alternatingly shifted from rollers to pads and vice versa, while the other pressures are briefly relaxed.

Abstract: Synthetic plastics film manufacturing plant comprising material feed means, preferably in the form of a screw extruder and rolling mill, feeding a sheet material to a multiple roll calender, the multiple roll calender comprising seven rolls comprising four bottom rolls disposed in an L-shape, one of which four bottom rolls provided in the foot of the L, is an input feed roll, and three rolls disposed one above the other with their axes disposed substantially in the same vertical plane, the lowest roll of said three other rolls being disposed in a horizontal juxtaposition and in rolling contact with the topmost roll of said four bottom rolls and on the same side thereof as the input feed roll.

Abstract: Apparatus for consolidating a dry-laid web of fibers comprising means for moistening the web, a heated surface, a backing which holds the moistened web against the heated surface, and at least two spaced apart pressure rolls which press against the backing to define with the heated surface pressure nips to increase the pressure on the web against the heated surface at the nips and wherein the backing holds the web against the heated surface between the nips.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously producing seals in tube-shaped plastics film material, comprising means for supplying the web of material, at least one heating beam travelling along with the web and subsequently returning, means for keeping the web mechanically tension-free at the location where it is warm, means for keeping the heated film layers one against the other up to a pressing station, said pressing station comprising two rollers at least one of which is provided with cooling means, and means for discharging the web. A plurality of heating beams being provided which are interconnected by flexible and longitudinally adjustable means such as belts so as to form an endless loop which is guided over and driven by appropriate adjustable tensioning rollers.

Abstract: A continuously operating double belt press in which the belts are formed from a plurality of articulated plates and which further includes endless steel bands surrounding and moving with the endless plate belts is provided with a large-diameter drum downstream of each endless plate belt. In addition, the endless steel band surrounding and moving with each endless plate belt is made to surround and move with the large-diameter drum as well. With this design, the compressive pressure exerted by the endless plate belts can be reduced since the large-diameter drums can be utilized to exert additional pressure at higher pressure levels when the material being processed passes out from between the endless plate belts.

Abstract: An abrasive composition prepared by kneading abrasive grains and a binder together, with addition of a filler when desired, is molded into a block, which is heated by a high-frequency wave heater and then passed between multiple pairs of rolls and thereby rolled into a sheet. Circular pieces are blanked out from the rolled sheet and subsequently baked to continuously produce resinoid wheels.

Abstract: A machine to perform in one single operating cycle the molding and curing of tread rings for pneumatic tires, including a central drum rotating around its own axis and translatable about itself, surrounded by a stationary annular carrying structure, carrying radially a plurality of hydraulic or pneumatic double acting cylinders, each rod of the said cylinders being provided at its end turned towards the drum with a mold carrying platen to which there is fixedly secured the mold which is part of a complete annular form and which is part of a complete annular form and which may radially translate with synchronous movement, either going near or away from the surface of the said central drum.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for the treatment of films of plastics material which comprises at least a basic unit having, in one section, grooved and heated roll means, and in another, following section, godet rolls. In use, films of fibrillatable plastics material, such as of polypropylene, which have been profiled to exhibit a plurality of parallel longitudinal enlarged portions, can be conveniently heated and hot-stretched, the grooved roll means being very effective for heating and traction purposes. The apparatus may include other units, and there may be additional sections in the basic unit, all preferably constructed on a modular system for cheapness and ease of assembly.

Abstract: A continuously operable press utilizing facing endless linked together platen belts for compressing chip materials into chipboards, fiberboards, and the like. A plurality of pressure rollers are provided along the belts for pressing the same towards one another along the portion of their travel paths where they are in facing relationship. With the belts travelling horizontally at the position of their facing runs, these pressure rollers are biased by piston-cylinder apparatus or the like in a vertical direction. For accommodating adjustment of the position of the pressure rollers in the horizontal direction, without necessitating stoppage of the press, needle bearings are provided between supports for the bearings of the pressure rollers and the fixed press frame. Adjusting means in the form of piston-cylinder apparatus are provided for effecting the horizontal adjustment of the bearing supports for the pressure rollers.

Abstract: A compression device comprising two continuously circulating belts in operation, between which a layer of material has to be conditioned under pressure, particularly a compression device for compressing a mixture of fibers or fibrous material and synthetic resin at high pressures. The opposite runs of the belts are supported such that material is compressed by supporting bodies in which recesses are provided, into which in operation pressurized fluid is fed, which fluid can flow out of the recesses concerned only through the gap between a belt and the portion of the supporting body surrounding the recess, so that in normal operation this outflow of fluid produces a fluid film between the belts and the portions of the supporting bodies surrounding the recesses.

Abstract: A band passes around two spaced parallel pulleys but behind a drum between the pulleys to flatten dough buns which are placed on the central drum. The central drum is raised or bulging at the center, while thin transverse cross bars are mounted on the drum. The tension of the band may be achieved through adjustment of bearings for the upper pulley, while a motor and speed reducer may be connected to the lower pulley.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymers containing a blowing agent are extruded into an unconfined zone and allowed to partially expand. The polymers are then conveyed through a confined moving passage of predetermined configuration formed, for example, by intermeshing cooled rolls, to shape the extrudate to the predetermined configuration and solidify the surface layers. The extrudate is further cooled by subjecting alternate surfaces to cooled roll surfaces, whereby a continuous ribbon, or shaped extrudate, having a dense skin and a foamed core is formed. The method is particularly applicable to small cross-section profiles which can be cut into short lengths to be useful as ice-cream sticks or tongue depressors.

Abstract: A method of and calender for calendering synthetic plastics film, particularly PVC film, wherein the total roller looping distance of the film around the rolls of the calender is reduced having regard to known five-roll calenders by providing that the material to form the film is fed into a roller gap between a first roller and a third roller, with the first roller set at the same height as the third roller, the film is looped around the third roller for three quarters of the circumference thereof and, during such looping, passes through a second roller gap between the third roller and a second roller disposed beneath the third roller and through a third roller gap between the third roller and a fourth roller disposed above the third roller, the film then being looped around the fourth roller for three quarters of the circumference thereof and, during such looping, passes through a fourth roller gap between the fourth roller and the fifth roller mounted above the fourth roller, the calendered film then being

Abstract: A continuously operating press utilizing facing endless belts for compressing chip material into chipboards, fibreboards and the like. Each of the belts is constructed as an endless belt formed of a plurality of heatable planar chain links. For conveying and directly engaging the chip material, corresponding endless steel bands envelope the chain belts. Gas flame burners are arranged in casings for directly heating a portion of the chain run at a position spaced from the engagement with the chip material. Each of the casings also include burner exhaust gas conducting channels for conducting the hot exhaust gases adjacent portions of the chain which are not impinged upon by the flame at a particular given time. Also, conduit means for the flame burner exhaust gases are provided for conducting the exhaust gases to heat the endless steel bands by way of Z-shaped channeled housings arranged at a position spaced from the casings for the flame burners and immediately adjacent the steel bands.