Cooperating Endless Belts Patents (Class 425/371)
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Publication number: 20040013760Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical dosing hopper for producing wood material panels or board sheets, which is arranged above a spreading head for glued wood particles, and in which the particle supply reserve is provided essentially in a vertical direction. In this context, the wood particles are conveyed essentially from the top toward the bottom to a discharge device (18, 48). The invention is characterized in that the hopper is provided for elongated flat wood particles, wood strands (strands) for producing panels or board sheets with oriented wood strands (OSB, LSL). Thereby, the supply reserve space comprises at least one vertical conveying shaft (13), in which the elongated flat wood strands are continuously conveyed to a discharge device (18, 48). In this context, the conveying shaft consists essentially of at least two parallel and vertical oppositely-facing conveyor belts (14, 15, 46, 47), which extend over the entire hopper width.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Matthias Graf, Lutz Wolf, Guenter Natus, Karl-Heinz Koehler
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Publication number: 20040005373Abstract: The invention relates to a mould for the manufacture of curved insulating panels, which comprises an upper half-mould (2) and a lower half-mould (3) opposite each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventor: Maurizio Morandi
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Publication number: 20030232103Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing tortilla dough into a tortilla product in a continuous operation including: an extruder for compressing tortilla dough through a nozzle; a knife for slicing the extruded dough into a series of dough pucks; a conveyor press assembly which sandwiches the dough puck between a pair of belts to carry the puck between a pairs of platens to gradually press the puck into its final tortilla form; and a conveyor oven which sandwiches the tortilla between a pair of belts to carry the tortilla between pairs of heated platens to cook the tortilla. The system is particularly well suited to automation and, in one embodiment, includes measuring equipment which provides feedback to produce tortillas of consistent size, shape, and quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: Tyson Foods, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Marino, Raymond C. Maday, John M. Silvester, Adam G. Dargusch
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Patent number: 6659755Abstract: This dough shaping machine includes, carried by a frame (12), a station (20) for rolling out dough, a station for rolling up the rolled out dough, a station for shaping the rolled up dough by stretching it and at least one conveyor (14, 16) for transferring the dough from the rolling out station (20) to the rolling up station (24) and the shaping station. Each conveyor (14, 16) constitutes a unitary assembly structurally separate from the frame (12) and is mounted on the latter through removable fixing members (130, 132).Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1998Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Electrolux BakingInventors: Daniel Bonnet, François Garcia, Frédéric Bernhard
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Patent number: 6655944Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of expanded plastic panels with inserts on their longitudinal edges, comprising a head for pouring a reactive mixture between a first and a second containment layers in order to obtain a foamed layer, a containment and advancement assembly for the layers being constituted by a lower slat conveyor and by an upper slat conveyor. The lower slat conveyor has lateral containment blocks at the ends of its slats. At least some of the blocks are provided thereon with the inserts to be incorporated in the foamed layer, for picking and placing the inserts on the engaging elements provided in the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Impianti Oms S.p.A.Inventors: Loris Massarotto, Enrico Lombardini
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Publication number: 20030209827Abstract: Plant (1) for manufacturing a latex foam layer of unlimited length and having lower (9) and upper (10) recesses.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: Guido Levera, Pasquale De Michele
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Patent number: 6641384Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for continuous vacuum forming of a thermoplastic material between a pair of rotating flexible belts in which one belt includes a plurality of teeth, which are received in a plurality of indentations of the other belt. Each of the belts includes a mold, which forms a channel when the belts are adjacent to one another. A vacuum is applied to at least one of the flexible belts for drawing material received in the channel and alignment of the belts. Preferably, a vacuum can be applied to both of the belts for improved alignment. Each belt can include a plurality of apertures, which are in fluid flow communication with a plurality of perforations of a flat support belt positioned over a vacuum manifold.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Bosler Designs Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Bosler, Robert Bosler, Ralph Bosler
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Patent number: 6623667Abstract: A method of fabricating an elongate light guide includes providing a moving mold assembly with at least two mold parts, wherein the mold parts have an engaged portion and a non-engaged portion. The mold parts are moved such that the non-engaged portions move in a first direction and the engaged portions move in a second direction different from the first direction to form an elongate regenerated mold cavity having a longitudinal axis, wherein the cavity comprises a molding surface with at least one structure transverse to the longitudinal axis. A thermosettable material is introduced into the cavity and at least partially polymerized in the cavity to form a light guide therein. The light guide is then removed from the mold assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: David Jon Lundin
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Publication number: 20030175486Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a mineral fiber comprising one or more shaped cavities and a mineral fiber panel prepared by the method and an apparatus for preparing mineral fiber panels comprising one or more shaped cavities. Furthermore the invention relates to uses of the mineral fiber panel comprising one or more shaped cavities.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventor: Ole Logholt Pedersen
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Patent number: 6599456Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the production of boards of ligneous material in which a mat is formed of pressed material treated with a binding agent. The mat moves continuously away from a spreading station and after introduction between the steel bands of a continuously operating hot press is cured to form a board strand by the application of pressure and heat. Immediately after leaving the hot press the hot board strand is exposed to a cooling apparatus. In this invention the two surfaces of the hot board strand are abruptly quenched and moistened with a water spray in a first cooling section which contains an evaporation zone and which is variable in length and adaptable to the thickness of the strand. The board strand is held under the pressure of multiple calendar rolls, and in a directly adjoining second cooling section, it is guided with light specific pressure through a double-belt hold-down apparatus in which the backs of the hold-down belts are sprayed with an appropriate coolant as it passes.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Maschinenfabrik J. Dieffenbacher GmbH & CoInventor: Gernot von Haas
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Publication number: 20030107147Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing fuel cell plates are disclosed, the apparatus including a continuous press, a sifter, a leveler and rollers for removing air from resin impregnated graphite. An electrostatically charging device and a vibratory dispensing device may also be used. The sifted material is deposited on a heated lower press belt which is the belt having an embossing pattern. The material is leveled to a predetermined height and squeezed to remove air. An upper belt, also having an embossing pattern, contacts the material and heat and pressure are applied in a reaction zone for a predetermined time period. The process may also include the making of a tool integral with one or both belts for embossing the fuel cell plates. The finished product is a relatively low cost fuel cell plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: Avery Dennison CorporationInventors: W. Scott Thielman, Robert M. Pricone
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Publication number: 20030102591Abstract: A process and apparatus for embossing thermoplastic products having precise microstructured surfaces including using a continuous press having upper and lower belts with the embossing pattern(s); feeding thermoplastic material through the press where heat and pressure are applied to form the embossed pressure microstructure, and cooling the embossed material, all while maintaining pressure. A continuous embossing tool is provided by welding segments together, the welds including interface material at the weld joint which is of a different material than the segment material to increase the tensile strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2001Publication date: June 5, 2003Applicant: Avery Dennison Corporation DelawareInventors: W. Scott Thielman, Robert M. Pricone
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Publication number: 20030099734Abstract: The present invention involves a carbon fiber-filled sheet molding compound and method of manufacturing the same. The invention comprises providing chopped automotive carbon fibers, a predetermined resin paste, a first carrier film, and a second carrier film. The method further involves coating substantially completely one side of one of the first and second carrier films with the predetermined resin paste to define a coated side, depositing the chopped automotive carbon fibers onto the coated side, and covering the deposited carbon fibers with the second carrier film to define a compactible carbon-filled laminate. The method further includes compacting the carbon-filled laminate to admix the resin paste with the carbon fibers between the films, whereby to form the automotive carbon fiber-filled sheet molding compound.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2002Publication date: May 29, 2003Applicant: Patent Holding CompanyInventor: Frank W. Bradish
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Publication number: 20030080475Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for continuous vacuum forming of a thermoplastic material between a pair of rotating flexible belts in which one belt includes a plurality of teeth, which are received in a plurality of indentations of the other belt. Each of the belts includes a mold, which forms a channel when the belts are adjacent to one another. A vacuum is applied to at least one of the flexible belts for drawing material received in the channel and alignment of the belts. Preferably, a vacuum can be applied to both of the belts for improved alignment. Each belt can include a plurality of apertures, which are in fluid flow communication with a plurality of perforations of a flat support belt positioned over a vacuum manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Kenneth Bosler, Robert Bosler, Ralph Bosler
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Patent number: 6537054Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing expansion-molded articles continuously by conveying foamed beads into a heating region sandwiched between upper and lower belts. The apparatus has a belt that continuously travels along the upper inside face of a passageway, defined by structural members, whose cross-section constitutes an approximately rectangular shape and a belt that continuously travels along the lower inside face thereof. At least one of the upper and lower structural members that form the passageway is capable of movement in the vertical direction between the side-face structural members such that the thickness of the expansion-molded article can easily be varied. And at least one of the side-face structural members is capable of movement in the lateral direction between the upper and lower structural members such that the width of the expansion-molded article can easily be varied.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: JSP CorporationInventors: Takashi Kitahama, Masato Naito, Ryo Kikusawa
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Patent number: 6530316Abstract: In a first embodiment, this invention relates to a continuously operating press, preferably for the manufacture and/or printing, lamination or the like of a one or multiple layer board web of pre-manufactured material and/or raw material, wherein the lubricant used in the press is at least one phenyl-endblocked polydiorganosiloxane-polyphenylorganosiloxane random copolymer fluid. In a second embodiment, this invention relates to a continuously operating press, preferably for the manufacture and/or printing, lamination or the like of a one or multiple layer board web of pre-manufactured material and/or raw material, wherein the lubricant used in the press is a composition comprising (i) at least one phenyl-endblocked polydiorganosiloxane-polyphenylorganosiloxane random copolymer fluid and (ii) at least one stabilizing agent.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Dow Corning CorporationInventors: Ragnar Richard Avery, Gary Thomas Burns, John Joseph Kennan, Michael Robert Reiter
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Patent number: 6467386Abstract: Apparatus for continuously shaping a compressible or cellular polymer material, such as polyurethane foam, by cutting portions of the material from a surface of one or more slabs of material (180) includes two compression rollers (146, 146a), two moving patterned platforms (132, 132a) interposed between the compression rollers, and one or more cutting blades (76) for transversely cutting the slab or slabs just as the cellular material emerges from between the compression rollers. At least one of the moving patterned platforms, preferably an endless belt, defines a recess or pattern of recesses. When a single slab or multiple slabs of material are fed and compressed between the compression rollers, a portion of the material from one side of the slab or slabs fills the recess or recesses in one of the moving patterned belts. The blade then transversely cuts the cellular material.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Foamex L.P.Inventor: Denys Denney
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Patent number: 6464914Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an installation for the production of pressed-stock boards in a continuous sequence. The invention includes forming and transporting the mat of pressed stock on the molding and charging belt in a space bounded at the longitudinal sides. Two upright side supporting bands on the molding and charging belt run along and guide the pressed stock or the mat of pressed stock in such a way as to limit its width from the scattering station up to compaction in the prepress. The height of these side supporting bands correspond to the changing height of the press nip. The installation includes two side supporting bands arranged upright on the molding and charging belt, on both longitudinal sides. Supporting rollers bear against the side supporting bands in the region from the scattering station up to the prepress.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Maschinenfabrik J. Dieffenbacher GmbH & Co.Inventor: Matthias Graf
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Publication number: 20020140121Abstract: A continuously operating press for the continuous manufacture of wood material boards having a textured surface on at least one side includes: an upper frame part and a lower frame part; two endless steel belts configured to draw a mat of material through the continuously operating press and to transfer press pressure, each steel belt associated with one of the upper frame part and the lower frame part; an endless metal mesh belt associated with a corresponding one of the steel belts; an insulating tunnel associated with the metal mesh belt and the corresponding steel belt; and a heating tunnel associated with the metal mesh belt and separated from the corresponding steel belt. The metal mesh belt includes a material having a thermal conductivity substantially higher than that of the corresponding steel belt and having a thermal expansion coefficient approximately equal to that of the corresponding steel belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: Gernot von Haas
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Publication number: 20020110614Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing fuel cell plates including a continuous press, an electrostatically charging element, a sifter, a leveler and rollers for removing air from resin impregnated graphite. The sifted material is deposited on a heated lower press belt which is electrostatically charged, the belt having an embossing pattern. The material is leveled to a predetermined height and squeezed to remove air. An upper belt, also having an embossing pattern, contacts the material and heat and pressure are applied in a reaction zone for a predetermined time period. The finished product is a relatively low cost fuel cell plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: W. Scott Thielman, Robert M. Pricone
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Patent number: 6371750Abstract: A device for smoothing and cooling of a material sheet (8) of thermoplastic, especially a film or sheet which are processed into plates which have been extruded by an extruder via a sheet die. Two pairs of units (2, 3; 4, 5) are provided which oppose each other and act on the surfaces (9, 10) of the material sheet (8). The units each have an active area (11) to contact the material sheet (8) forming part of the metal belt (12). The lower surface of the metal belt (12) is coolable in areas below the active area (11). The metal belt (12) is guided over a driving roll (20), which is drivable. The units provide a universal temperature profile, which is achieved over the thickness of a material sheet (8) while cooling and smoothing the sheet. Accordingly, stress differences are prevented.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventor: Adolf Seide
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Patent number: 6368097Abstract: A method and apparatus for capping a headed stem fasteners. The precursor web having a backing with a rear surface, a front surface, and a multiplicity of polymeric stems projecting distally from the front surface of the backing is fed into a variable nip between a heated member opposite a support surface. The support surface has a shape generally conforming to the contour of the heated member. The variable nip compressively engages the polymeric stems between the heated member and the support surface so that distal ends of the polymeric stems are deformed. The heated member can be a heated roll or a heated belt. The support surface may be a curved capping shoe or a belt shaped to create a particular nip profile.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Philip Miller, Thomas R. LaLiberte
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Publication number: 20020039605Abstract: A roll forming apparatus for rolling a selected material around a cylindrical core. The apparatus comprises a core support, a roll support means, and a material supply means. The core support is for supporting the cylindrical core. The core support has an associated core rotation means for rotating the core about a core rotation axis at a controllable rotation rate. The roll support means supports a plurality of forming rolls positioned to surround the core about the core rotation axis. The roll support means has a roll control means operable to both radially position the plurality of forming rolls relative to the core rotation axis and to constrain the plurality of forming rolls to be equally spaced from the core rotation axis, in order to provide integrated adjustment of the plurality of forming rolls to control a radial dimension of a substantially symmetrical forming space defined by the plurality of forming rolls.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Inventor: Geoffrey H. Moore
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Patent number: 6358030Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; transferring the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure; causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Robert Stanley Ampulski
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Publication number: 20020027309Abstract: A producing apparatus is used, in which a metallic endless belt having a mirror face is wound on and extends between a first cooling roller covered with an elastic member and a second cooling roller, and a third cooling roller having a mirror face on its surface and touching the first cooling roller through a molten thermoplastic resin sheet and the endless belt oriented therebetween to hold the molten thermoplastic resin sheet pressed with the endless belt. While the temperature of the third cooling roller and the endless belt directly touching the molten thermoplastic resin sheet is retained at less than 50° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Applicant: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Fujii, Akira Funaki, Tohru Yukumoto, Katsumi Uchiyama
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Patent number: 6349635Abstract: An apparatus for rolling up laminar sheets of food material in a tubular shape. The apparatus includes an assembly having a plurality of roll-up rollers located at a terminal zone of a conveyor for the laminar sheet of food material. The rolling-up rollers are of the same diameter as well as the same revolutionary speed and are arranged on a concentric circle so that the plurality of rolling-up rollers contact an outer surface of laminar sheet of food material and thereby roll-up the laminar sheet of food material in a tubular shape.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2001Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Nichiraku Kikai Co Ltd.Inventor: Seiji Taguchi
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Patent number: 6343924Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the manufacture of plastic molded parts such as sheets, strips or the like which allows the continuous manufacture and largely ensures the avoidance of wastes. The arrangement according to the invention includes two revolving conveyor belts (9, 10) running parallel to each other and arranged at a distance of each other, sealed along their longitudinal edges by adjustable sealing members (16). A liquid plastic material, which is evenly distributed across the entire width of the conveyor belts (9, 10) is fed into the intake gap between the conveyor belts (9, 10) by a distributor means (6) comprising at least two containers (2) holding a monomeric component. The conveyor belts are placed in a chamber (22) in which the temperature required for solidification or polymerization of the liquid plastic material is achieved by heating means (25) while transported by the said conveyor belts (9, 10).Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Firma Ploytech Klepsch & Co. GmbHInventor: Rudolf Klepsch
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Publication number: 20010053393Abstract: A master tool for a reception station on a press for shaping sheets of paper or cardboard, comprising a moving slide and a number of bars (1) adapted to form a grid for non-stop reception of blanks and a bottom separating tool comprising two boards (4, 5) adjustable on two transverse beams (9, 10) of the moving slide, the beams having top edges having the same profile, the profile of the top edge comprising a number of serrated recesses in shape matching the cross-section of the bars (1), the serrated recesses being adjusted to correspond to the transverse positions of the openings in the bottom blank-separating tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Applicant: Bobst S. A.Inventors: Robert Baumann, Fabrice Calame
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Method and apparatus for the continuous production of organically bonded boards of ligneous material
Publication number: 20010050445Abstract: A method and an apparatus for practicing the method for making ligneous material boards into an endless board strand with a continuously operating press. The press includes two flexible endless steel belts which take the press material between them and carry it through the press, are carried in rotation by drive drums and idler drums around a press table and a press ram, the steel belts thrust with friction-reducing elements against heated press plates of the press table and press ram and a cooling system that follows. The cooling system is configured as a double-belt holding apparatus with an applicable holding pressure up to a maximum of 0 to 0.05 N/mm2 and directly behind the continuously operating press and ahead of the cooling system a diagonal sawing apparatus is disposed for dividing the board strand into single boards, and on the backs of the holding belts making contact with the single boards several rows of coolant spray nozzles are disposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2001Publication date: December 13, 2001Inventor: Gernot von Haas -
Patent number: 6322346Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the continuous production of plate-shaped products, comprising two endless strips which are positioned one above the other and can be driven. A working gap is formed between the sides of said endless strips, said sides being adjacent to one another and each being conveyed via a support surface. The starting material for processing is conveyed through said working gap which is bordered on each side by an accompanying strip. Said accompanying strip is situated along said working gap between the two endless strips and moves with them, consisting of a flexible sealing strip which has a friction surface on at least one face, said face facing towards an endless strip. Said friction surface increases the static friction between the flexible sealing strip and the endless strip.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Valmet Panelboard GmbHInventors: Peter Hoffmann, Ulrich Haupt
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Publication number: 20010035598Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; applying a fluid pressure differential to transfer the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure and causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Robert S. Ampulski, Vladimir Vitenberg, Larry L. Huston
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Publication number: 20010024727Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously forming composites comprising filler materials and thermoactive materials, particularly waste cellulosic materials and waste thermoplastics, are described. One embodiment of the apparatus includes either a batchwise or continuous mixer, such as a cyclone, for forming mixtures comprising filler and thermoactive material. The mixtures are conveyed to a continuous consolidation apparatus. Alternatively, the mixtures may be densified in a densifying apparatus before entering the consolidation apparatus. The consolidation apparatus includes a hot-gas distribution system having plural paired gas cells, such as rollers or hoods, for applying hot air to the charge. A first cell of each pair applies gas to the mixture. The second cell of each pair operates at a pressure less than that of the first cell, thereby creating a pressure differential across the charge.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Applicant: Boise Cascade CorporationInventors: Paul Dubelsten, Lorence E. Knowles, Erik J. Van Kleek
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Patent number: 6290809Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of boards of wood-based material from a mixture of lignocellulose- and/or cellulose-containing particles mixed with a binder, the mat or pressed stock being preheated by means of high-frequency (HF) or microwave (MW) energy and, after transfer into a single or multi-platen press or a continuously operating press, being pressed and cured by the application of pressure and heat. To increase the preheating temperature of the pressed stock and to reduce the pressing factor, the following process steps are provided: (a) the preheating in the core of the mat of pressed stock to ≧85° Celsius takes place after or during the precompaction by traveling wave microwave energy and its reflection in an interaction between emitted and reflected energy into the center of the mat of pressed stock, a.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Maschinenfabrik J. DieffenbacherInventors: Friedrich B. Bielfeldt, Werner Hoffmann
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Patent number: 6254372Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1998Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Inc.Inventors: Michio Morikawa, Eiji Kuribayashi, Toshinori Ohashi
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Patent number: 6244169Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic rolled sushi producing apparatus consisting of a vinegared rice supply unit; a vinegared rice supply conveyer arranged below the vinegared rice supply unit; a carrying conveyer arranged at right angle to the vinegared rice supply conveyer; a vinegared rice extrusion mechanism arranged along an advancing direction of the carrying conveyer; a vinegared rice cutting mechanism; a tight rolling mechanism; a forming mechanism; a product extrusion mechanism; and a product take-out conveyer arranged at right angle to the carrying conveyer at a terminal end of the carrying conveyer, and wherein the vinegared rice supply conveyer, the carrying conveyer and the product take-out conveyer are arranged in the form of U as a whole.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Inventor: Yoshinori Shimazu
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Patent number: 6200611Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1994Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Ganesh S. Ganesan, Michael A. Helser, Myron M. Uecker, Todd W. Gusek
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Patent number: 6190588Abstract: In a continuous twin-belt prepress for the production of particle board panels with pressure rollers suspended in pairs, the upper pressure rollers are suspended resiliently so that they can be pressed upwardly counter to the spring force by a catch member of a metal support screen bearing the chipboard cake when that member passes through. This prevents damage to the press and especially its forming belts as a result of increased pressure during pressing.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Schlingmann GmbH & Co.Inventor: Heinz Schmidt
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Patent number: 6187250Abstract: An apparatus and method which allows one skilled in the art to make either gradient or non-gradient slab gels continuously so that the produced gels are uniformly formed, polymerized and cut to a specific size as needed, in a mass-produced, assembly line manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1998Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventor: James T. Champagne
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Patent number: 6173638Abstract: Methods for continuously shaping a compressible or cellular polymer material such as polyurethane foam, by cutting portions of the material from a surface of one or more slabs of material (180) include (a) compressing one or more slabs of cellular material between a pair of compression rollers (146, 146a) and two moving patterned platforms (132, 132a) interposed between the compression rollers, and (b) transversely cutting the slab or slabs with a blade or blades (76) just as the cellular material emerges from between the compression rollers. At least one of the moving patterned platforms, preferably an endless belt, defines a recess or pattern of recesses. When a single slab or multiple slabs of material are fed and compressed between the compression rollers, a portion of the material from one side of the slab or slabs fills the recess or recesses in one of the moving patterned belts. The blade then transversely cuts the cellular material.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Foamex L.P.Inventor: Denys Denney
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Patent number: 6171629Abstract: An apparatus for joining dough blocks to form a continuous dough sheet. The dough blocks are cut from a dough mass and drop into a space between first and second groups of rollers. The first and second groups of rollers include horizontally-paired rollers arranged in tiers and forming a substantially V-shaped space for receiving the dough blocks, with the uppermost pair of rollers being separated by a first horizontal gap which is wider than a second horizontal gap separating the lowermost pair of rollers. The first group of rollers are rotated in a direction (e.g., clockwise) which is opposite to that of the second group of rollers. In addition, the first group of rollers is alternately moved toward and away from the second group of rollers, thereby applying vibrations to the dough blocks.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1997Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michio Morikawa
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Patent number: 6159334Abstract: A device for adhering a protective film to a personal data recording surface of an individual identification booklet comprising a heat press board and a pressure receiving board disposed in vertically opposed relationship, an upper and a lower belt disposed between opposing surfaces of the heat press board and the pressure receiving board, and a booklet transfer mechanism interposed between opposing surfaces of the upper and lower belts and adapted to intermittently transfer an identification booklet. The upper and lower belts and the identification booklet interposed between the upper and lower belts are heated while being held under pressure between the opposing surfaces of the heat press board and the pressure receiving board so that the protective film bound into the identification booklet is thermally adhered to the personal data recording surface when the book transfer mechanism stops transferring of the identification booklet.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Inventor: Tadao Uno
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Patent number: 6156251Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a plant for the manufacture of board-like composite materials having a surface structure at one side in which particles containing lignocellulose and/or cellulose, such as for example wood chips, wood fibers and the like, are mixed with at least one mineral binder, aggregate substances and water into a scatterable mixture. This mixture is formed on a continuously moved support into an endless mat, which passes, together with plate-like structure formers arranged end to end, into a continuously operating belt press. Thereafter provision is made for dividing up the length of board or mats obtained into individual sections, and for separating the plate-like structure formers from the individual boards or mats and returning them in a circuit into their starting position, while the individual boards or mats are subjected to a subsequent further hardening, curing and conditioning process. In this way considerable savings in investment and operating costs result.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Kvaerner Panel Systems GmbHInventor: Christoph Habighorst
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Patent number: 6142068Abstract: A press for pressing a mat into a thin panel has a press frame, upper and lower press plates on the frame, upper and lower press belts having confronting lower and upper stretches defining a press gap extending in a horizontal and longitudinal transport direction and respectively running below and above the upper and lower press plates, respective arrays of rollers between each press plate and the respective stretch, and upper and lower flexible intake plates juxtaposed respectively above and below upstream ends of the lower and upper stretches of the belts and defining therewith an intake mouth flaring upstream. An array of spaced differential hydraulic actuators is braced between at least one of the intake plates and the frame and is operable to deform the one intake plate and thereby change the spacings of the belts at the mouth. A controller connected to the actuators can therefore steplessly change the shape and position of the belts at the mouth.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: G. Siempelkamp GmbH & Co.Inventors: Lothar Sebastian, Klaus Schurmann, Horst Weiss, Werner Gawlitta
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Patent number: 6126431Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for continuously and quantitatively supplying bread dough. The apparatus comprises a pressing structure that includes two movable members, one of which includes at least one roller or one belt conveyor, and the other of which includes at least one belt conveyor, the roller being adapted to rotate about its own axis to apply a force to pull bread dough downward and the belt conveyor being adapted such that a portion of its conveying surface contacting the dough moves downward to pull the bread dough downward.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery, Co., Inc.Inventor: Torahiko Hayashi
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Patent number: 6098532Abstract: A continuous press for pressing a thick mat into a thin panel has a press frame, upper and lower press belts having confronting lower and upper stretches defining a press gap extending in a horizontal transport direction, upper and lower flexible intake plates juxtaposed respectively above and below upstream ends of the lower and upper stretches of the belts and defining therewith an intake mouth flaring upstream, and a plurality of hydraulic actuators braced between at least one of the intake plates and the frame and operable to deform the one intake plate and thereby change the spacing of the belts at the mouth. A desired shape of the one intake plate at the mouth is established in accordance with the thickness of the mat, the density of the mat, and the thickness of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: G. Siempelkamp GmbH & Co.Inventors: Lothar Sebastian, Klaus Schurmann, Horst Weiss, Werner Gawlitta
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Patent number: 6085627Abstract: Apparatus for continuously shaping a compressible or cellular polymer material, such as polyurethane foam, by cutting portions of the material from a surface of one or more slabs of material (180) includes two compression rollers (146, 146a), two moving patterned platforms (132, 132a) interposed between the compression rollers, and one or more cutting blades (76) for transversely cutting the slab or slabs just as the cellular material emerges from between the compression rollers. At least one of the moving patterned platforms, preferably an endless belt, defines a recess or pattern of recesses. When a single slab or multiple slabs of material are fed and compressed between the compression rollers, a portion of the material from one side of the slab or slabs fills the recess or recesses in one of the moving patterned belts. The blade then transversely cuts the cellular material.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Foamex L.P.Inventor: Denys Denney
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Patent number: 6080344Abstract: Methods for prepressing lignocellulose-containing fibrous material are disclosed including forming a lignocellulose-containing fibrous material into a web, initially compressing the web and permitting expansion of the web, recompressing the web in an entry section of a prepress to a density proximating that of the density of the initially pressed web, permitting the recompressed web to undergo controlled expansion in an expansion section of the prepress, injecting steam into the web within either the entry or expansion sections of the prepress, and transferring the expanded web into a finishing press.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Sunds Defibrator Industries ABInventor: Sven-Ingvar Thorbjornsson
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Patent number: 6074193Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating chip boards or fiber boards of cellulosic material, includes a press, and a press form station arranged upstream of the press and having a storage bin for retaining a material in the form of chips or fibers and a conveyor belt arrangement extending from an outlet end of the storage bin to a receiving end of the press, with the conveyor belt arrangement including a first section forming a vertical, funnel-shaped compaction zone aNd a second arcuate section arranged downstream of the first section for deflecting the material along a curved path from a vertical disposition into a horizontal disposition.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Firma Theodor HymmenInventors: Josef Kratky, Werner Pankoke, Steinar Storruste
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Patent number: 6048436Abstract: A continuously operating press is described for the manufacture and/or coating of board webs consisting of a fleece or mat in which the press belts are supported on a lubricant film formed on a slide lining. For the marginal width adjustment of the press zone the slide linings are subdivided into a main zone and adjoining marginal strip zones respectively. In one embodiment of the invention transition zones are in each case provided between two of these slide lining zones and are either made groove-free or provided with blind grooves, which serve neither as supply nor as discharge for lubricant. In a further embodiment of the invention adjacent grooves in these slide lining zones are alternatively provided with supply and discharge openings for the lubricant.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Kvaerner Panel Systems GbmH Maschinen-und AnlagenbauInventors: Ulrich Haupt, Peter Hoffmann
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Patent number: 6039993Abstract: A method and device for forming a strand of dough from a relatively short dough body by providing a first conveyor belt having a first dough contact face and second conveyor belt having a second dough contact face, keeping the two dough contact faces spaced in order to define a transforming space for the dough body, placing the dough body on the first dough contact face of the first conveyor belt at rest and in the transforming space, subsequently driving the first conveyor belt while the second conveyor belt is at rest, and driving the second conveyor belt while the first conveyor belt is at rest, wherein the first conveyor belt is driven exclusively in one direction and the second conveyor belt is driven exclusively in one direction, whereby the resulting dough strand is stress-free and can maintain a straight shape.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Kaak, Johan Hendrik BernardInventor: Cornelis Carinus Vrouwenvelder