Abstract: At the end of an array of rollers of a spreading head for wood particles for the production of mats to form particleboard, rollers of the array are driven at a higher speed than the rollers of the fine-particle spreading portion and baffles are provided below the higher speed rollers to scatter the particles backwardly into the fine-particle region and form an intimate mixture of the coarse and fine particles.

Abstract: A device and a method for producing concrete paving stones. These paving stones can be made from coarse grained concrete and a series of layers of colored concrete material. These layers of colored concrete material are placed in a container on top of a slider that is transversely displaceable. There is also an additional slider and a closing member disposed at the bottom of the container. The first slider, can be moved to form a passage slot between the first slider and the housing. The second slider can be moved to form a passage slot between the second slider and the housing. In addition, between the first slider and the second slider is a first deflecting curve for the colored concrete to mix around and between the second slider and the closing member is a second deflecting curve for further mixing of the colored concrete. This colored concrete is then added to the coarse grained concrete and compacted with it to create paving stones.

Abstract: A device for making decorative candles which have varied shapes and colors of wax throughout in an heated water bath and an apparatus utilizing said device comprised of multiple heated sources of melted wax suspended above an open topped waterproof box, having one side lined with a water proof gasket through which a waterproof sleeve communicates to a base plate upon which the candle is formed by moving the plate in three dimensions within the water bath and collecting thereon the colored wax, supplied to the top of the water by a heated tube means from selected sources of melted colored wax, as it sinks and cools in the water. The rate of cooling of the wax is controlled by the temperature of the water bath. The water borne wax is built up around a core candle or around a wick, stretched from the center of the plate to an arm, extending to the center of the plate from a rod extending from one edge of the plate to a selected height above the plate.

Abstract: An improvement to existing board manufacturing process which utilize lignocellulose particles is described wherein the adhesive to be applied as a binder is at least partly applied before the particles are dried. Using the invention improvement in resin application rates without increase in the water content of the particles fed to a press is achieved. Reduction in edge thickness swelling has been achieved.

Abstract: A mold fill plate and mold fill assembly are characterized by a mold fill plate and mold shuttle plate each being a planar body defining a longitudinal extent and a transverse extent and each having a plurality of elongate slots arranged so that when the slots are in registry a flowable food product can pass through the slots into a mold chamber, the slots further being arranged along at least a portion of their longitudinal extent with each slot extending across at least a portion of the transverse extent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for feeding a granular or powderlike material to a pressing apparatus for the dry pressing of the material. The device comprises containers for the materials and rollers arranged at openings of the containers. Each roller has a cavity which is suitable to be filled by the material and to be freed of the material following a rotation of the rollers so as to pour the material into a mold. In the method, the rotation of the rollers is produced simultaneously with a movement of the rollers in a direction which lies at right angles to its axis. The invention allows to obtain particular color effects, such as colorings, color shades, basic decorations, complex decorations, natural stone-like effects, et cetera, on the resulting ceramic products, particularly tiles.

Abstract: In the process and apparatus of the invention, a layer of powders bearing patterns is laid on a rest surface of a belt conveyor, the conveyor belt is introduced between the bottom die and the top die above a cell afforded in the bottom die, the layer of powders is unloaded into the cell by a swift withdrawal of the belt conveyor. The withdrawal of the unloading end of the conveyor belt is carried out with no relative dragging between the rest surface and the bottom of the layer of powders, by means of a translation which is parallel to the rest surface and which is very rapid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing and distributing a powder is disclosed that uses a rotary dispenser to dispense the powder by gravity onto a movable platen, the platen being movable to a position adjacent to a build bed where the powder can be distributed across the build bed using a spreader. The method and apparatus are also suited to dispensing of a plurality of powders used in build beds for solid free-form fabrication and three-dimensional printing. It is preferred that a powder contacting surface of the apparatus be coated with a coating selected from the group consisting of: an anodized finish, a hardcoat anodized finish, siloxane, baked enamel, electroplated enamel, electroless nickel, coated elastomer, laminated elastomer, dipped latex, sprayed latex, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, an epoxy resin, or a polyester.

Abstract: A feed belt conveying and weighing system for a compression molding process includes a supply hopper which supplies wood furnish to a continuous conveyor belt that is preferably driven by a pneumatic motor controlled by a proportional valve. The conveyor dumps the furnish into a bin suspended by load cells connected to a summing box which measures out a desired quantity of furnish. Once a desired quantity of furnish is deposited in the bin, a slide gate opens at the bottom of the bin and furnish is discharged for further processing.

Abstract: A distribution system for distributing wood furnish in a multiple-mold compression molding apparatus includes an upper mobile hopper which is selectively translatable along a rail to be positioned over one of multiple lower distributing hoppers such that the distributing hoppers can selectively load respective molds. Preferably, the mobile hopper is provided with a clam shell discharge gate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing zero-defect pressed articles with minimal, remote operator intervention. The apparatus includes a programmable logic controller, controlling a powder feeder portion having a dump bucket which is weighed by an electronic scale. Desired weights of powder in the dump bucket are dumped to a first location and conveyed to the press. Non-desired weights of powder in the dump bucket are dumped to a second location and may be recycled. The invention provides for precise weighing of powder and avoids waste of powder in the event of improper powder dispensing and provides for complete automatic logging of production and testing data, and rejection of defective articles, avoiding the need to manually test each produced article. This method and apparatus are particularly useful in the pressing of energetic materials into pellets or casings, where manual operations are restricted for safety reasons.

Abstract: A foam transport article transports foam dispensed from a foam nozzle to a mold cavity. The foam transport article is an intermediary allowing a foam nozzle which may not reach a mold opening in the mold cavity to be extended such that no foam pours outside the mold cavity onto the back of a mold part because they are in communication via the foam transport article. The foam transport article acts as a conduit for the foam. Once the foam hardens, the foam transport article may be removed. Upon removal, the foam breaks within the mold cavity at the mold opening. Any foam remaining within the foam transport article is removed completely by forcing it out the output end. The foam transport article is then recycled for further use in filling mold cavities with foam.

Abstract: Method and device for manufacturing plastic-based materials in web form, such as floor and wall covering materials, and also such a material manufactured by the method. During the production, spherical particles (12) in substantially one size are used. The particles are deposited as a layer (18) on a substrate (1) by doctoring by means of allowing the particle mass to flow down into a gap between a depositing member (16) and the passing substrate (1). Thereafter, the particles are sintered together by heating, whereafter the solidified layer (25) is caused to fuse into a homogenous form by means of heating during simultaneous compression in order to shape the web material (26).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing thermoplastic resin film which allows a biaxially oriented polyester film to be formed at a high speed of 400 m/min or more. In the method, a molten thermoplastic resin film is brought into contact with a cooling medium, to be cooled and solidified, for producing a cast film. The method is characterized by keeping the surface temperature of the cooling medium in the region immediately before the melt reaching position at not lower than the glass transition temperature and not higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin. The apparatus is characterized by a cooling medium having a heater and a cooler to ensure that the surface temperature of the cooling medium in the region immediately before the melt reaching position is kept at the requisite temperature, and by a surface temperature of the cooling drum in the region immediately before the film leaving position being maintained lower than the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing and distributing a powder is disclosed that uses a rotary dispenser to dispense the powder by gravity onto a movable platen, the platen being movable to a position adjacent to a build bed where the powder can be distributed across the build bed using a spreader. The method and apparatus are also suited to dispensing of a plurality of powders used in build beds for solid free-form fabrication and three-dimensional printing. It is preferred that a powder contacting surface of the apparatus be coated with a coating selected from the group consisting of: an anodized finish, a hardcoat anodized finish, siloxane, baked enamel, electroplated enamel, electroless nickel, coated elastomer, laminated elastomer, dipped latex, sprayed latex, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, an epoxy resin, or a polyester.

Abstract: Multilayer meltblown fibrous webs, as well as apparatus and methods of forming the webs. The webs are produced on a rotating collector that also moves parallel to its longitudinal axis. The webs are thus formed in a helical process, and the resulting tubular web is separated in a direction parallel to a helix angle. By separating the tubular web in a direction parallel to the helix angle, a flat multilayer meltblown fibrous web is provided that allows for incorporation of feathered edges formed during the article's manufacture.

Abstract: A feed device for an injection chamber of a pressure die-casting or injection machine or for a press tool or a forging press die transfers a billet into an injection chamber or die press. The billet may be of metal or plastic, filled or unfilled, and in a liquid, solid, semi-liquid or semi-solid state. A support with a horizontal axis receives and houses the billet. A ram moves the support and thus transfers the billet into at least one heating system. The ram that transfers the billet also moves the support in a horizontal translational motion transporting the billet from the heating position to a position lying vertically above the injection chamber of the tool or the press die, and then moves the support with a rotational motion about its axis so as to cause the billet to drop, horizontally, due to gravity, from the support into the injection chamber or into the press die.

Abstract: A patterning device comprises a patterning cavity which has an opening located at the surface of the patterning device within a transfer region, where a substrate during patterning comes into conformal contact with the patterning device. A service cavity is located in a service region of the patterning device and is connected to the patterning cavity, such that a patterning fluid is able to flow from the service cavity to the patterning cavity. A patterning method uses this device.

Abstract: A system for the spray forming manufacturing of near-net-shape molds, dies and related toolings, wherein liquid material such as molten metal, metallic alloys, or polymers are atomized into fine droplets by a high temperature, high velocity gas and deposited onto a pattern. Quenching of the atomized droplets provides a heat sink, thereby allowing undercooled and partially solidified droplets to be formed in-flight. Composites can be formed by combining the atomized droplets with solid particles such as powders, whiskers or fibers.

Abstract: A rotary tabletting press for the production of tables comprises a rotatable turret carrying a die plate having a plurality of die cavities, each comprising a through bore having upper and lower openings, and respective pairs of upper and lower punches to work in each die cavity. Tabletting material enters the die cavities by an upper opening which is enclosed within a chamber disposed above the die plate. Dosing control of the die cavities comprises a fixed scraper blade disposed adjacent the upper surface of the die plate and intercepting the path of the die cavities. The turret comprises axially separable upper and lower parts and the chamber is defined between the upper and lower pans. A die clamping system includes a plurality of shouldered dies which accommodate a respective die cavity and which are simultaneously located in position. A common die clamping element is located axially when the upper housing part is in its operating position.

Abstract: An extrusion-compression molding process is provided for making optical articles wherein a melt shot of optical polymer extrudate is fed to sequentially moving lower dies of a die set including a lower die and an upper die and then the upper die positioned on top of the melt shot containing lower die and the die set compressed forming the optical article. After the optical article is formed, the lower die and upper die are separated and recycled for forming additional optical articles. The optical polymeric material may be in the form of pellets and melted in an extruder. A reaction extruder may also be employed where the optical polymeric material is produced in the reaction extruder from optical polymer monomers. A shuttle carriage is preferably used to transport the lower die, melt shot containing lower die and melt shot containing die set through the steps of the molding process. A control system is used to obtain input data and generate output signals to monitor and control the process steps.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process and apparatus for the continuous flow production of polycrystalline silicon from metallic silicon or silicon oxide as a raw material and also for the manufacture of a wafer by using it, which process and apparatus permit the mass production at a low cost.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for producing a continuous formed confection of frozen dairy product and flavoring gel combined in co-extensive strips. The device includes an extrusion die provided with a shaping bore for extrusion-forming the frozen dairy product and a channel downstream of the shaping bore for laying a continuous bed of flavoring gel on the frozen dairy product. The channel includes a plurality of discharge orifices for depositing stripes of flavoring fluid on the frozen dairy product.

Abstract: Substantially constant tension is maintained on a melt-blown nonwoven fibrous sheet by mounting the sheet take-up roller for longitudinal movements relative so as to accommodate the increasing diameter of the sheet material being wound convolutely on the take-up roller. Sheet tension during production is thereby maintained substantially constant by virtue of a continual increase in the longitudinal distance (in relation to the machine direction) between the fiber collection mandrel and the take-up roll. Preferably, tension control is achieved by a pneumatic pressure-regulating system which includes at least one rotatable press roller which is longitudinally fixed in position relative to the collection mandrel and is in contact with the sheet material being wound around the take-up roll. The take-up roller is pneumatically advanced toward the press roller by the pneumatic actuation of at least one air cylinder.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for a patterned shaped article includes a retainer having a plurality of retaining portions for retaining particles, a supply tank for charging particles into the retainer, a remover for removing the particles from some of the retaining portions of the retainer, and another supply tank for charging particles of a different kind into the retaining portions from which the particles were removed. The apparatus produces a patterned shaped article by conducting at least one cycle of operation in which particles are charged into the retainer, the charged particles are removed from some of the retaining portions of the retainer and particles of a different kind are charged into the retaining portions from which the particles were removed, and the particles retained are released by the retainer to form a course of prescribed thickness on a base surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing and distributing a powder is disclosed which uses a rotary dispenser to dispense the powder by gravity onto a movable platen, the platen being movable to a position adjacent to a build bed, where the powder can be distributed across the build bed using a spreader. The method and apparatus are also suited to dispensing of a plurality of powders used in build beds for solid free-form fabrication and three dimensional printing.

Abstract: Stressed-skin panels are provided having internal open-cell grids molded from material such as fibers, and methods and apparatus for the production thereof are disclosed. The invention utilizes a porous screen having a plurality of elastomeric pads spaced apart thereon. Fiber dispersed in fluid is introduced into the apparatus and over and around the pads. Pressure exerted thereon expels fluid through the screen and consolidates the fibers to form a panel. The pads are designed and constructed in a manner so as to consolidate the fiber mat located below the pads compressed by the pressure, so that the finished panel includes an integrally-molded flange. The height, shape and/or spacing of the pads in the present invention advantageously provide improved mold release and greater resistance to compression set after repeated use. The pads provide greater consistency and improved quality in the flange formation on the panels.

Abstract: An extruder for the plastification and extrusion of a rubber mixture in the form of two cold material strips through two inlet passages (4, 5) has in a housing (1) two gears (2, 3) meshing with one another in the manner of a gear pump. The inlet passages (4, 5) are provided each in an insert (8, 9) which is held replaceably in the housing (1). In this manner it becomes possible, by exchanging the inserts (8, 9) to adapt to various materials to be worked by the extruder.

Abstract: An automated feeder for concrete pipe making machines used to produce concrete pipes that have round as well as box-shaped, elliptical and other non-round shapes. The feeder has a concrete storage hopper mounted over a fixed pivot, and the hopper charges the concrete onto a belt-type conveyor the input end of which turns on the same pivot as the hopper for movement along a radial track. The discharge end of the feeder conveyor discharges the concrete into a rotatable chute that distributes the concrete into the cavity of the pipe mold. Encoders are combined with the motors driving the chute and the radial movement of the feeder conveyor so as to monitor the position and speed of the radial movement of the conveyor and position and speed of rotation of the chute. Information from the encoders is inputted into a computer which is programmed to control the speed and position of these components of the feeder depending upon the selected size and shape of the concrete form to be filled.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a continuous foamed plastic element, such as a floor element having a substantially parallelepipedic central body and at least one side lug, includes a mold in which respective molding cavities of the central body and of the side lug are defined between a bottom wall, a pair of opposite side walls and a cover. A mechanism adjustably positions at least one of the cover and one or both of the side walls of the mold, away from and towards the bottom wall, to regulate, in an adjustable and substantially continuous manner, the height of the molding cavities for at least one of the central body and the at least one side lug of the continuous element.

Abstract: A device for producing discrete rolls of chilled solutions or dispersions wherein the combination of a distribution bar, an auxiliary weir hopper and a puddle hopper allows for continuous coating of a rotating chiller drum in producing discrete rolls separated from each other by a time gap built into the deposition of the solutions or dispersions from the hopper to the rotating chilled drum.

Abstract: A device for producing a continuous formed confection of frozen dairy product and flavoring gel combined in co-extensive strips. The device includes an extrusion die provided with a shaping bore for extrusion-forming the frozen dairy product and a channel downstream of the shaping bore for laying on the frozen dairy product a continuous bead of flavoring gel. The invention also extends to a novel valve for regulating the flow of flavoring gel to the extrusion die and to a novel disposable receptacle for storage of flavoring gel.

Abstract: Methods for making, methods for using and articles comprising cermets, preferably cemented carbides and more preferably tungsten carbide, having at least two regions exhibiting at least one property that differs are discussed. Preferably, the cermets further exhibit a portion that is binder rich and which gradually or smoothly transitions to at least a second region. The multiple-region cermets are particularly useful in compressively loaded application wherein a tensile stress or fatigue limit might otherwise be excessive for monolithic articles. The cermets are manufactured by juxtaposing and densifying at least two powder blends having different properties (e.g., differential carbide grain size, differential carbide chemistry, differential binder content, differential binder chemistry, or any combination of the preceding).

Abstract: A nozzle for application of fluent material to a receiving surface. The nozzle allows for introduction of compressed air at locations along the length of the nozzle via multiple sets of plural air conduits. Individual conduits are angled toward a nozzle outlet. Further disclosed is the nozzle in an automated finish material delivery system capable of multi-dimensional translation along the receiving surface. The System nozzle can also be angled With respect to the receiving surface. A controller manages the operation of the delivery system. A tracked vehicle carries the controller, an air compressor, a pump, a generator, and a hoist. A number of sensors provide feedback regarding the operating condition of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously making chopped amorphous fibers that uses an air transport system. The apparatus includes a source of floss, a duct for transporting the floss while it is entrained in a stream of gaseous carrier medium, a chopper for chopping the floss, and a separator. In a preferred embodiment, the floss is chopped while it is entrained in the stream of gaseous carrier medium using a rotating ring chopper, and the chopped floss is subsequently separated using a cyclone separator.

Abstract: A slip supply system includes an annular slip supply pipe 24 with a primary pipe 24a, a shut-off valve 27 and a secondary pipe 24b connected in series. Each pouring pipe 28 which feeds slip to a casting machine 25 is connected at the upstream end thereof to the primary pipe 24a by way of an inlet side opening and closing valve 29. Each pouring pipe 28 is connected at the downstream end thereof to the secondary pipe 24b by way of an outlet side opening and closing valve 30. With the shut-off valve 27 being open and both opening and closing valves 29 and 30 being closed, slip is fed under pressure by a pressure feeding device 23b. The slip fed under pressure is passed through the annular slip supply pipe 24 and is returned to re-purifying facilities 23a, so that the interior of the annular slip supply pipe 24 is displaced by new slip.

Abstract: An auger conveyor assembly for heating and feeding polymer coated powder from a powder supply assembly to a shuttle assembly for ultimate delivery to the die cavity of a compacting press. The auger conveyor has an auger tube having near its rearward end an inlet connected to the powder supply assembly and near its forward end an outlet for delivery of heated polymer coated powder to the shuttle assembly. A hollow tubular auger with flights on its exterior surface is rotatably mounted in the auger tube and is rotatable therein by a motor and gear assembly to advance the polymer coated powder. For the majority of its length the auger tube is surrounded by ceramic band heaters. An air heater is mounted on a manifold at the driven end of the auger. An air tube connected to the manifold extends through the length of the auger. The tube has perforations at the discharge end of the auger.

Abstract: A device for preparing puffed food products from cereals such as rice wherein the cereal is subjected to pressure and heat, the device comprising a mold having a cavity defined by a wall thereabouts, an interior surface extending about the cavity, a piston moveable into and out of the cavity, there being provided a recess formed in the interior surface of the cavity wall with an insert being located within the recess. The insert permits greater tolerances in the manufacture of the device and also acts as a thermal insulator to minimize thermal changes.

Abstract: An apparatus for hot-briquetting iron sponge includes a gravity feeder which has a feed shaft and a regulating tongue which supplies material in a dosed quantity to a moulding gap of a roller press, in such a way that the apparatus can also be used for pressing hot iron sponge at temperatures of up to 1000.degree. C. for obtaining high-density briquettes of good quality. The regulating tongue is provided with a heat-reducing insulating layer and cooling system. The feed shaft and a feed hopper also may have a heat-insulation layer and a cooling system. A flow-rate control is provided for gravity feeders where bulk material or flowable material is supplied by at least one regulator through a feed shaft to a moulding gap formed between at least two rolls and is processed by the rolls. At least one of the rolls is motor-driven. The material is supplied to the moulding gap by the regulating tongue in response to a driven roll torque sensed by a torque detector.

Abstract: Solvent based film is produced in an endless belt casting apparatus (10) in which, within initial compartments (46-52), flows of gas are directed through transversely elongated inlet channels (85.sub.i) to contact a layer (36') of polymer and solvent supported by an endless belt (26) and flows of gas and solvent vapors are withdrawn from the vicinity of the layer by transversely elongated gas plenums (68); within subsequent compartments (54-62), flows of gas are directed through elongated inlet plenums (74) to contact the layer and flows of gas and solvent vapors are withdrawn through transversely elongated exhaust channels (85.sub.o); within all compartments along upper and lower spans of the belt, flows of gas are directed at the inner side (30) of the belt from transversely elongated gas plenums (70) and flows of gas are withdrawn though outlets (72); and within initial compartments (46-52), flows of cooling gas are directed at the edges of the inner side of the belt from cooling nozzles (146, 148).

Abstract: A portable concrete molding apparatus for forming concrete structures of a predetermined configuration, either on-site or at a central manufacturing facility. The apparatus includes a trailer having furnace plenum bounded by a pair of fixed walls. Each fixed wall cooperates with a movable wall for forming a mold therebetween. Each movable wall includes a concrete inlet for introducing concrete into the bottom portion of the mold. The fixed and movable walls include push-off valves for ensuring separation of a concrete structure from the mold walls, as the mold walls are separated.

Abstract: A throttle for the adjustment of the pressure of plastic material in screw extruders in which the throttle is a cylindrical plunger submerged in the melt flow in a melt channel. In order to eliminate dead spaces downstream of the throttle, the plunger is arranged in a symmetrical and displaceable manner in a rectangular melt channel and one or more through holes are provided in the plunger in the flow direction in the submerged region of the plunger.

Abstract: A twin-piston food pump includes a hydraulic cylinder coupled with each piston for driving the pistons and a linear transducer coupled with each cylinder for determining the positions thereof. Control circuitry coupled with the transducers determines the velocity of the cylinders and thereby the pistons and controls the application of hydraulic fluid through the cylinders to maintain a constant food product flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a plastic molded part. A plasticized plastic composition is fed to the open mold cavity defined between a lower and an upper mold half. At least one web and perhaps two webs of decorative material to be applied to the molded part extend across the mold cavity. The closing of the mold halves presses the plastic composition against the web or webs. There is at least one two-part clamping frame for resiliently holding the web of decorative material by clamping it outside the mold cavity, so that the web can slip with respect to the composition as the mold halves move together. One clamping frame half is developed with an immersion edge which defines a side edge of the mold cavity and with a cutting plane spaced from the immersion edge a distance sufficient that the frame half also serves as an ejector for the molded part from the mold cavity as the mold halves open apart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an ophthalmic lens pumps monomer into one end of a gas permeable tube along its interior length while a chamber surrounding the gas permeable tube is maintained at a subatmospheric pressure by means of a vacuum pump. Preferably, the gas permeable tube is made of silicon rubber. Static mixers introduce mixing into the flow of the monomer within the tube in order to expose the bulk of the monomer to the gas permeable walls of the tube. Under such conditions in the gas permeable tube, the majority of the dissolved gasses are removed from the monomer and continue to be drawn out of the chamber by the pump connected to the chamber. The degassed monomer is then transferred into a mold where it is polymerized into an ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: A process for producing a slab of stony material by filling of a mold (42) with a mixture of stony material for the realization of a slab of the material, supplying the mixture with a volumetric distributor with rotating blades (92) and moving the volumetric distributor from a first end to the other end of the mold (42) and then returning the distributor to the first end with the blades (92) in a swinging motion or angle widening motion, and stopping the distributor for a prefixed period of time at each end, during which time the blades (92) are given a limited rotation in the direction of the stopped end.

Abstract: An adjustable powder flow gate for a rotary pellet press has a movable gate wherein one dimensional motion of the gate across an opening in a powder flow feed frame on the rotating turret of the press is effected with a rotatable shaft having a screw connection to a member attached to the gate. The shaft is maintained in a selected rotational position with a bias member that is movable between an engaged and a disengaged position. The bias member is adapted to engage a selected detent on a member attached to the shaft having several circumferentially spaced detents when the bias member is in the engaged position. The shaft can freely rotate when the bias member is in the disengaged position. An operator can easily adjust the size of the opening by first disengaging the bias member from the selected detent, turning the shaft to move the gate to the desired position, and then engaging the bias member into a newly selected detent.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced inorganic hardened body is manufactured from raw material consisting of a mixture of reinforcing fiber such as bamboo fiber, water-hardening inorganic binder and water by a manufacturing apparatus for stirring and mixing such raw material and forming it into a mat configuration laminated with the thin layers of fine fibers on both the front and rear sides of the thick layer of the normal raw material. The fine fiber material adhered with the water-hardening binder is partially separated from the main raw material at both the material supply side and material discharge side of a set of pin-type rolls. The portion of the fine fiber separated from the main raw material is first supplied to the upstream side of the forming conveyor to form a first layer of fine fiber.

Abstract: A quantitative flour feeding unit of a noodle making machine which can easily be exchanged with another one for making a different kind of noodle using a different kind of flour including a support platform on which a hopper and a rotational driving mechanism are mounted to quantitatively feeding the flour stored in the hopper to a flour kneading unit. The support platform is removably mounted on a housing of the noodle making machine by a position determining unit to enable the exchange with the position determining unit including a V-shaped groove formed at one corner of the support platform and a stationary knob disposed on the support platform at another diametrically located platform corner. The noodle making machine has a unit for transmitting the power generated by a motor to the rotational driving mechanism and a unit for setting and indicating what kind of flour is being used at present.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for preparing and feeding a monolithic ceramic mass into a metallurgical melting vessel, including a mixer 30 and a feeding device 32, characterized in that the mixer 30 and the feeding device 32 are designed as a compact unit 28 for arrangement above the metallurgical vessel, wherein the mixer 30 and/or the feeding device 32 are arranged relative to one another and movably such that the mass prepared in the mixer 30 can be directly introduced at any desired point of the metallurgical vessel via the feeding device 32.