Abstract: Plastic injection-compression multi-cavity molding of flash-free improved-cleanliness thermoplastic spectacle lenses are suitable to be robotically dip hardcoated. Special spring-loaded molds having variable-volume mold cavities are used in an injection-compression molding process to form, without parting line flash, pairs of a wide range of differing optical power of polycarbonate Rx spectacle lenses. These pairs have special molded-on design features which are specially suited for full automation, starting with a novel way for ejection out of the mold into a takeout robot which is integrated via full automation with subsequent dip hardcoating. A molded-on tab with each pair of lenses is specially suited for manipulation by SCARA type robot.

Abstract: Apparatus for blow-molding an article curved in three dimensions comprises two horizontally movable mold parts which, when in contact with each other, define a mold cavity curved in three dimensions to match the required article. An extrusion head extrudes a parison of synthetic resin material into the cavity so that it descends towards the lower end thereof. During this process, a first air flow is fed through apertures in a cover and passes through the mold cavity around the outside of the parison to ease the passage of the parison towards the lower end. In addition, a second air flow is fed through a nozzle in the extrusion head into the interior of the parison so as to help it descend and also to prevent its distortion as it moves into the mold cavity. Thereafter, closure members, which are slidable on, but movable independently of, the main mold parts, close off the upper and lower ends of the mold cavity and pinch the parison between them, their movements being controlled by respective actuators.

Abstract: A device for the production of a green from slurry by solidification after injection into a mold having a temperature of less than 0.degree. C. The device includes a mold having a jack wherein moveable parts of the jack ensure closure thereof and which are housed within a gas-tight vessel. A distributor for dry gas with a dew point lower then the temperature of the mold emits a gas current into the vessel through apertures. A chute conducts the green towards an exit aperture and to a receiving member outside the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling and assembling mold parts for a contact lens includes a first automated station for receiving a plurality of front curve contact lens mold parts and depositing in each front curve mold a predetermined amount of a polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture, and, a second automated station for receiving the plurality of front curve mold parts and assembling each front curve mold part with a back curve mold part under vacuum to prevent entrapment of gas between the mold parts. The front curve mold parts are transported to the first and to the second automated stations by a pallet having registration guides that cooperate with the second station to register the pallet prior to assembly of the mold parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally densifying thermoplastic articles, particularly those of the expendable type. The apparatus includes a thermally insulated cabinet having mounted within a two-section hopper and a convection heating system. The apparatus is adapted for heating the thermoplastic articles placed within the chamber to a temperature effective for the thermal densification of the thermoplastic articles. The convection heating system creates a circulating air flow between the hopper and the cabinet walls. The air flow insulates the hot hopper from the apparatus cabinet and densifies the thermoplastic articles. The apparatus also renders any food particles in or on the thermoplastic articles bacterially inert.

Abstract: Apparatus for the thermoforming of hollow objects at a base comprises thermoforming of the objects from a sheet of thermoplastics material in a half of a double female mould that can be moved between a forming area against a male die and a discharge area to one or the other side of the forming area. The thermoformed objects are transferred from the discharge area onto a plurality of receiving formers moving sequentially stepwise along a track. One or more processing or handling operations are performed on the objects while the formers are stationary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a molded polyurethane foam without using low-boiling solvents such as Freon and methylene chloride which present problems when used as a blowing agent. The polyurethane foam has the same good appearance and soft feeling as that produced with low-boiling solvents. A polyurethane foam is produced by injecting a polyurethane material into an evacuated cavity and permitting it to expand so that it flows and fills the cavity, said polyurethane material being composed of 100 parts by weight of polyol component and 0.1-0.6 part by weight of water as a blowing agent. The cavity pressure may be maintained high spontaneously or low while the polyurethane material is flowing in the cavity. When the polyurethane material has reached the final fill position in the cavity, the fore-end of the polyurethane material is discharged from the cavity.

Abstract: Substrates (D) for optical recording disks are supported substantially vertically while moving through a shroud (32) through which cooling gas is drawn or pumped. The substrates may be supported by spaced, toothed rings (18, 20, 24) on a carousel or by suitable conveyors (126-132; 136-142; 144-146).

Abstract: An apparatus having a vacuum chamber or chamber, wherein the changing manner of the mold can be improved, the sealing structure of the vacuum chamber or an injection nozzle is simple, and the cost of the apparatus is reduced and preservation of the apparatus is improved. The apparatus has a vacuum chamber for surrounding a mold into an airtight situation. The vacuum chamber includes an upper casing and a lower casing, and they are being divided by a parting line defined by mating peripheral edge surfaces which incline upwardly from an operator-side to an opposite-side. An O-ring as a sealing member of the vacuum chamber is positioned between the peripheral edge surfaces.

Abstract: Process for producing a thermobonding product by extruding a thermofusible mass (1) and scraping it in molten state onto an incised cylinder (2) regulated as to temperature between about 120.degree. C. and 250.degree. C., calendaring the mass (1) with this cylinder (2) and an elastomeric silicone cylinder (3), while transferring it onto the elastomeric cylinder (3), which simultaneously effects a consolidation of the product (1) by cooling. The product is then transferred either onto a conveyor band (4) and brought by the conveyor, after passage through thermal treatment zones (5), to a roll winding-up station (6), or directly, in the form of continuous or discontinuous structure, onto a final utilization or transfer support (17). The invention is particularly applicable in the field of the textile industry, particularly for bonding or reinforcing.

Abstract: The machine has a main structure which supports, so that they can rotate about a substantially vertical rotation axis, a lower plate for supporting a centrifugal molding die and an upper plate. The plates face each other on a substantially horizontal plane and are mutually movable in a direction parallel to the rotation axis in order to ensure closure of the mold or to allow removal of the mold. The plates are accommodated in a chamber which is delimited by walls connected to the main structure and has, on the front side of the machine, an opening for access to the die. The opening is closed by a movable cover connected to at least one of the side walls delimiting the chamber by a pair of connecting rods. Each connecting rod has one end pivoted to the cover and another end pivoted to the related side wall with substantially horizontal pivoting axes to allow an opening movement of the cover along a vertical upward component and along a horizontal component toward the rear side of the machine.

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: An enclosure is disclosed for minimizing or eliminating the effect of uncontrolled air currents and temperature gradients on a blown film bubble emerging from the die of a blown film extruder. The enclosure includes a flexible, transparent shroud supported by a support frame in a substantially cylindrical shape, tapering down to a frusto-conical shape adjacent the extruder head. The lower edge of the shroud is releasably affixed to an annular platform mounted adjacent to the extruder head in coaxial alignment therewith. Sections of the annular platform and shroud support frame are hinged to enable easier access to the die and extruder head.

Abstract: A vacuum cast molding apparatus includes a plurality of vacuum chambers which can be brought into communication with each other, a plurality of depressurizing devices to evacuate each of the vacuum chambers respectively, a plurality of mixing and injecting devices installed in each of the vacuum chambers, to mix, agitate and inject molding materials into dies installed in each of the vacuum chambers, and separators installed removably between the vacuum chambers for partitioning each of the vacuum chambers. The vacuum chambers can be used independently when the separators are installed to partition them from each other. The vacuum chambers can also be used as one large vacuum chamber when the separators are removed bringing the chambers into communication with each other.

Abstract: A method and device (1) for stabilizing a tire extracted at a relatively high temperature from a tire curing mold, whereby the tire (2) to be stabilized is inflated to a given pressure by a pressurized fluid, and cooled from the inside by circulating the pressurized fluid along a closed circuit (44) defined, at least partially, by the tire (2) and by a radiator (45) located outside thereof.

Abstract: A method of preheating, curing and stabilizing vehicle tires, whereby, just before being subjected to curing a first green tire (3) is preheated simultaneously with the stabilization of a second cured tire (6), thus using the heat given off by the second tire (6) as it is being stabilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for charging a high-viscous material in a material tank into a charging tank. The high-viscous material, namely, putty is used preferably as a material for correcting the dynamic unbalance of a rotary body. When the material is charged from the material tank into the charging tank through a nozzle, the pressure of air in the charging tank is reduced and the pressure of air in the material tank is increased to drop the high-viscous material in droplets without taking air thereinto and air which has permeated into the material in the material tank can be removed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing span bond nonwoven fabrics formed from continuous fibers which are small in fineness and high in strength and manufactured by the steps of spinning for obtaining a continuously drawn fiber by blowing a molten resin extruded out of a spinning nozzle by heated gases blown out of the periphery of the spinning nozzle; drawing for further drawing the obtained continuously drawn fiber by an air stream produced due to a pressure difference of gases; the extreme end of the nozzle being a distance of 0.5 to 2 m from the place where further drawing occurs; collecting for collection the drawn continuous fiber to collect the fibers; and uniting for uniting the collected continuous fibers together to form nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: A continuous vacuum processing apparatus has a vacuum processing chamber and at least one auxiliary vacuum chamber connected to at least one of the upstream and downstream ends of the vacuum processing chamber as viewed in the direction of flow of a material to be processed. The apparatus further has a slit-type seal device provided in the auxiliary vacuum chamber and capable of conveying the material to be processed while sealing the vacuum processing chamber from exterior of the vacuum processing chamber. The seal device is provided with a guide member for guiding the material. Independent tensioning devices are provided in the vacuum processing chamber and the auxiliary vacuum chamber and capable of independently applying tensions to the portions of the material in the vacuum processing chamber and auxiliary vacuum chamber, so that a material which is not resistant to heat can be processed without being damaged.

Abstract: A dust free zone is created in a granulator by including a dust barrier in the pan of the granulator in a position such that the pan is divided into two sections. The inlet for feeding material to be granulated is located in one section of the apparatus and the discharge outlet is located in the other section. This device makes it possible to conduct a granulation process on a continuous basis without interruption and without exposure of workers to potentially hazardous dust.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming a three-dimensional article with photosetting or thermosetting material on the basis of a three-dimensional information on the article by means of an ink jet method. The material is jetted from at least one ink jet head to a stage and laminated thereon. The laminated material is exposed to light by a light source to be cured. In this process, a jetting direction of the material from the ink jet head to the stage and/or a jetting amount of the material jetted from the ink jet head is changed in accordance with the information by a control unit, thereby forming a solid article having a desired three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for forming an extruded article containing a copolymer of vinylidene chloride and at least one other ethylenically-unsaturated comonomer, said process comprising the step of extruding the copolymer in the presence of (1) at least one gas which is inert with respect to the copolymer and does not plasticize the copolymer; and (2) essentially no gases which are not inert with respect to the copolymer. Vinylidene chloride copolymers extruded according to the process of the present invention have lower metal adhesion and less tendency to contain specks of carbon than do vinylidene chloride copolymer copolymers extruded under an air atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of producing polyurethane foam slab by allowing a urethane foam stock solution in a tank to expand in a reduced pressure. The flatness of the top of the polyurethane foam is secured by providing a lifting jig or a plate within the tank, or by rotating the tank. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for casting polymeric gels from volatile mixtures of monomers in open molds. The principle of the invention resides in the fact that the same concentrations of volatile components present in the polymerization mixture are also present in the gaseous state within a protective gas maintained above the free surface of the polymerization mixture, the gaseous volatile components being in the equilibrium state with those in the polymerization mixture at polymerization temperature. The apparatus includes a main pipe branch which introduces a pure protective gas into a polymerization apparatus and at least one auxiliary pipe branch for saturating the protective gas with a volatile component.

Abstract: An injection molding process creates a micro-cleanroom environment inside a mold cavity which can stay closed to airborne contaminants while ejecting and transferring the molded part out. The molded part is formed and solidified at a parting-line plane within the mold cavity, then is carried rearward on the movable mold insert to a second plane where it is stripped off and transferred out through a discharge aperture which is open when the mold cavity is in the second plane but closed off when in the first plane. The aperture faces substantially downward to prevent entry by upwelling thermal air currents. External supplied filtered gas can provide positive pressure through vents within the moldset's internal space. This maximizes mold and part cleanliness while speeding up "mold-open" cycle; may eliminate HEPA filters/enclosures and robots. Optical disks, lenses, food packaging and medical parts are suggested uses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quality control of molded articles manufactured by injection molding machines or die casting machines. The method includes weighing individual molded articles after they have been ejected from the mold. The actual weight of the molded article is compared to a desired weight and the resulting difference signal is used for influencing the injection molding machine or the die casting machine in order to correct the weight of the molded articles. The molded articles are each guided as exactly as possible onto the center of a weighing zone of the test balance and the entire weighing zone is protected at least during each weighing procedure against ambient influences. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes an electronic test balance arranged after a discharge hopper for the molded articles. The electronic test balance is used for providing an output signal for influencing the injection molding machine or the die casting machine.

Abstract: A devolatilizer, especially suitable for high viscosity polymers, comprising a vacuum chamber into the top of which the polymer is introduced after having passed through a tubular or equivalent heat exchanger, with a low shear mixer located in the vacuum chamber and a pumping device for removing the devolatilized polymer from the bottom of the vacuum chamber. Devolatilization of high viscosity polymers is achieved in this apparatus and method without severe degradation.

Abstract: A clam shell rotational moulding machine of a type including a housing having a base portion with a flat base and four upstanding sides and a cover portion with a top and four depending sides can be moved from a fully closed position in which the top and base co-operate to form an enclosed housing to an open position in which the cover portion is lifted and a front one of the side walls of the base is opened to a horizontal position above a pivot axis across the bottom of the front wall. A spindle arm assembly normally mounted during the moulding process within the housing and extending into the housing through the side walls can be moved from the normal position to an unloading position. The spindle arm assembly is mounted upon a cantilever arrangement carried by a rigid frame mounted on the front door. Opening of the front door thus moves the spindle arm assembly and attached moulds to the unload position substantially vertically above the horizontal surface of the front door.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a semiconductor device includes a dust-proof cover which covers a dust-generating portion in the apparatus such as a mold for effecting resin-molding of the semiconductor device composed of a lead frame and semiconductor chips wire- and die-bonded thereto, and a dust-collecting device for collecting dust which is suspended by the air inside the dust-proof cover.

Abstract: A system is provided for molding a slurry containing particles in a solution of solvent and binder, which enables the close control of the production of a tape with particles of a high density. A rotor forms a chamber with a cylindrical molding surface, and a conduit carries the slurry from the outside to the surface while the molding surface rotates to use centrifugal force to force particles against the molding surface. The chamber is substantially closed to avoid the uncontrolled loss of solvent, and a means is provided for venting the chamber to remove solvent therefrom after the slurry has been molded into a tape. A container lies within the chamber and holds solvent prior to casting the slurry, to create a solvent-containing environment within the chamber.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing a unitary glass fibre reinforced body shell includes a carriage which is movable along the mold and a turntable which is mounted on a carriage for rotation about a first axis extending in the direction of longitudinal movement of the carriage. An arm is slidably mounted on the turntable for radial movement and a dispenser is located on the arm for dispensing glass fibre reinforced resin onto the surface of the mold. A guidance system is provided which interconnects the turret and the slidable arm and is operable to cause the arm to reciprocate with respect to the turret in a radial direction to maintain a substantially constant length of trajectory extending between the dispenser and the wall of the mold. A drive system is provided for rotatably driving the turret about the axis. The carriage is normally stored on a mobile end cap which may be moved from one mold to another and serves to close one end of the mold.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing extrudable food products prior to cooking includes depositing portions of food product onto a horizontal surface, coating the food portions with flour, vacuuming away excess flour, and incrementally flattening the food portions to a desired thickness. An apparatus for performing this process includes a first flour depositor, a food depositor, a second flour depositor, and a food flattener, all mounted above a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is mounted atop a supporting chassis which, in addition to providing a mounting base for the components named above, houses the electrical and hydraulic control means for the apparatus. The food depositor comprises conventional extruding means suitable for use with raw dough or ground meat, and a duality of hydraulically activated, high-speed cutter blades. The uniquely designed cutter blades have flattened, essentially planar cutting edge portions which create an aerodynamic shock wave along the line of impact between the blades.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of shaped bodies from silicon granulates for producing silicon melts includes first incipiently melting silicon grains on their surfaces, so that they bond with their neighbors in the process and, after solidifying, form a porous compound shaped body which only then may be melted completely. Such compound shaped bodies can be manufactured continuously or semi-continuously and converted without difficulty by a subsequent step into the molten state. An apparatus for producing shaped bodies is also provided which preferably employs an electron beam, to supply energy to incipiently melt the granulate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature adjusting device, particularly designed for processing cylinders of extruding, injecting, drawing and the like machines for processing plastics materials in general, which comprises a flexible body, of sleeve shape, which may be arranged on the outside of the plastics material processing machine: the body is housed in an outer duct, for conveying and discharging air in a substantially transversal direction with respect to the body itself.

Abstract: In the production of a glass mat-reinforced thermoplastic, a mat and resin are pressed and heated in a compression zone of a dual belt press. The resin is metered onto the upper flights of the two belts of the press in powder form, and is heated at least to the extent that it adheres as a layer to those flights so as to be conveyed without difficulty into the compression zone. The glass fiber mat itself can be preimpregnated with resin prior to entering the press.

Abstract: An on-line film fluorination apparatus cooperative with a continuous polymer film extruding apparatus is set forth. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, a continuous feed film is introduced into a closed cabinet or housing having alignment and guide rollers for directing the film into the housing. The film passes around a first roller having a portion thereof formed of sintered nickel to enable gaseous impregnation of the surface of the film with a gas flow including fluorine. The gas acts on the exposed face of the film, changing the surface of the polymer film, thereby providing a relatively thick surface upgrading of the film. After exposure to the fluorine, the film passes a closed vacuum container having an open face adjacent to the film surface for drawing off unreacted fluorine for recapture and recycling.

Abstract: A hot isostatic press apparatus wherein a material to be processed such as preliminarily shaped metal powder is charged into a high pressure vessel provided with a heater and the material to be processed is pressed by superhigh pressure of fluid or gas sealed into the vessel and heating by a heater. The apparatus includes a main station including a high pressure vessel, a movable cover, a member for moving the material to be processed; one or more auxiliary stations including an inserting station, a preheating station, a removing station, etc.; a sealed tank; and transfer mechanisms for the material to be processed. The apparatus also includes a seal leakage detector.

Abstract: A body manufacturing system for manufacturing bodies for vans, trailers, trucks and the like comprises; a molding station, a glass fibre applicator, a longitudinal guide associated with each mold for guiding the glass fibre applicator along the length of each mold, a transfer device adapted to support the applicator and transport it along said guide path from one mold to another, an insert locating device for inserting side wall, end wall and roof inserts into the molds, an extraction device for extracting the molded body from the mold in which it is formed, a trimming station, a transporter for transporting the molded bodies from the mold in which they are formed to said trimming station, trimming devices in said trimming station for trimming said body to the required proportions and contour, a floor locating system for locating a floor in the upwardly open end of the body located in the trimming station to form a finished body and a righting mechanism for supporting the molded body and operable to turn it r

Abstract: An apparatus for impregnating porous samples for materials evaluation with an inert material which fills the pores of the samples. A plurality of samples are placed in mold cups on a rotatable table within a vacuum chamber, and a supply of impregnant or encapsulant material such as an epoxy resin is provided in a container mounted on a tiltable platform located above the rotatable table. A plurality of samples are thus mounted in respective molding cups spaced in a circle on the rotatable table, a supply of encapsulant material is provided in a cup placed in a cup holder on the tiltable platform, a vacuum is created within the chamber, and the table is intermittently rotated to position each molding cup with its sample in line with the tilt axis of the tiltable platform to permit tilting of the encapsulant cup to pour a supply of resin into the molding cup.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the surface characteristics of wax-based material such as a deodorant or anti-perspirant stick housed in a container is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow walled housing having an inlet and outlet portion. A plurality of rows of horizontally mounted endless conveyors each comprised of a plurality of interconnected conveyor feet are mounted in the housing for moving containers therethrough in reciprocating fashion. A plurality of spaced separators are mounted between the rows and containers move sequentially through these rows from the inlet to the outlet of the housing. A duct system is connected with the housing for circulating air through the housing and creating a reduced pressure therein. A plurality of heating units arranged in sequence are mounted over the rows which units are capable of melting the wax-based material.

Abstract: A production line for bitumen cakes comprising sequential processing stations, i.e. a station whereat hot bitumen is cast into basins or pans, a station whereat the bitumen is air cooled, a station whereat the solidified bitumen cakes are shaken out, a station whereat the cakes are packaged in a heat-shrinkable plastic material, and an optional palletization station. The production line is set up to accommodate a plurality of pans which are carried in groups on a plurality of platforms or supporting frames adapted to be cyclically passed through the casting, station, cooling station where they are piled, and shake-out station. The cake shake-out station includes an extraction apparatus equipped with a pusher intended for acting on the outside of the pan bottoms to produce resilient deformation of such bottoms and twisting of the pans to separate the pan from the bitumen cake contained therein.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the vulcanization of the insulation of an electric cable in which the cable core with the insulation thereon are passed through a tube filled with a liquid having a specific weight substantially equal to the specific weight of the insulation. The section of the tube nearer the entrance end is supplied with degassed liquid at vulcanizing temperature and the following section is supplied with degassed liquid at a temperature for cooling the insulation, and because the liquid has different viscosities at the two temperatures, a liquid interface is produced between the two portions which interface is maintained during the vulcanizing of the insulation. During the vulcanizing of the insulation, a portion of the liquid in at least one section is removed and treated to remove vulcanization products.

Abstract: A cheese press, for pressing cheese in a plurality of cheese moulds having covers through which pressure is applied to the cheese, has a tunnel with walls defining roof, floor and sides and along which the spaced-apart cheese moulds are moved by conveyor means intermittently. Mounted on the tunnel are a plurality of pressing cylinders having pressing members actuated by the respective cylinders to press said mould covers downwardly. So that the cheese press is cheap to make and maintain, and easy to clean, the tunnel walls are smooth and have no internal or external reinforcing ribs, pressing cylinders are mounted spaced-apart on the tunnel roof outside the tunnel chamber and that each cylinder is releasable and removable from its pressing member without the need for access to the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressing and steam curing a wood-particle mat to produce a wood-particle board includes a pair of pressing belts which are arranged above each other at a distance to define a gap therebetween within which the wood-particle mat is conveyed and shaped. Along its passage through the pressing belts, the wood-particle mat is first moved along a compression zone in which the gap is gradually reduced and then passes along a sizing zone. Cooperating with the pressing is a steam injection unit which includes a steam supply channel system and a steam discharge channel system. Both channel systems border on the pressing gap and are provided with nozzle bores extending towards the gap. Via the supply channel system, steam is injected along the compression zone in direction of the wood-particle mat while the discharge channel system which extends at least along a downstream section of the sizing zone is provided to collect and eventually to discharge steam.

Abstract: A brick-forming vacuum press is provided with a die and top and bottom plungers which are disposed along the same vertical central axis as the die. Spaces which extend from the die and surround the top and bottom plungers are enclosed by chambers formed of sealing cylinders, flexible bowl-like skirts and sealing flanges. A horizontal table is provdided on the die to support a mix-filling charger and a compact-discharging pickup device. A wiper is carried by the pickup device to clean the table when the pickup device is shifted away from the vertical central axis of the press. Controls are provided to automate the filling of the die, press-forming and discharging of the resultant compact.

Abstract: An installation is disclosed for processing a wet slurry of raw materials for cement manufacture having from 28% to 45% of water, the installation comprising a horizontal centrifugal separator connected to an extruder which produces slugs of partially dewatered material which is then pelletized and fed to a rotary Portland cement kiln. The extruded slugs can be admixed with dry powdery material to prevent their sticking together and to introduce powdery dry material in the kiln.

Abstract: The apparatus for the electrical pretreatment of foils to increase the surface tension (surface energy) comprising a roller electrode forming a counter-electrode and over which is passed the foil to be treated, and at least three knife electrodes, which are arranged parallel to one another and at right angles to the direction of movement of the foil. The discharge edges of the knife electrodes have a constant spacing from the roller electrode surface, which leads to a much better treatment result.

Abstract: A moulding machine is provided with door means which are operable to define with external frame members of the machine a closed, air-tight chamber enclosing the moulding area of the machine. The frame members and/or spaces between them (other than a space which is in use closed by the door means) are rendered air-tight, if necessary.

Abstract: The manufacture of yarn is disclosed by a machine which coats a filament with synthetic plastics material and then applies discrete textile fibres to the tacky layer. The fibres are obtained by tearing a sliver using toothed wheels. All those parts of the machine which are not essentially in the same environment as the wheels are on the opposite side of partitioning to the wheels. Thus the parts which are separated from the wheels by the partitioning are in a substantially fibre free atmosphere, and can be in a closed, pressurized room thus minimising the flow of fibres to these parts.

Abstract: The method for producing articles from thermosetting resins, more particularly articles having a complex, variable shape such as spectacle frames, comprising bottom casting liquid thermosetting resin into a mold and causing the resin to set in a field of centrifugal force.