Abstract: An automated method and system for making painted vehicle body panel skins and vehicle body panels, such as instrument panels, are provided wherein throughput and equipment utilization are greatly improved at a relatively low cost. The method includes transferring a mold having a mold surface from an entrance station to a paint station within a dispensing area. The method further includes applying paint on the mold surface to form a layer of paint on the mold surface at the paint station. The method still further includes spraying curable polyurethane elastomer on the painted surface at a spray station within the dispensing area. The paint and spray stations may be coincident.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the automatic manufacture of wind turbine blades using die halves (2,3) wherein by applying dry fiber mats, two complementary shells are molded whereby the attachment thereof will result in the blade to be obtained, head-bearing means (5,6) being arranged with respect to the die halves (2,3), said means being susceptible to selectively having demolding agent, paint, adhesive application accessories or a machining accessory, and head-bearing means (13) having a functional assembly capable of applying the dry fiber mats in the die halves (2,3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a spraying tool, in particular as part of a mold-spraying device for spraying at least one section of a wall of a mold with working medium. In at least one embodiment, the spraying tool comprises a plurality of spraying elements for dispensing working medium, and at least one working-medium supply line which supplies working medium to the plurality of spraying elements. In accordance with at least one embodiment, at least some of the spraying elements, the spraying nozzles of which point downwards during operation, are equipped with a separate valve unit which is adjacent to the spraying nozzle and the valve element of which is prestressed elastically into a closed position in which it prevents the dispensing of working medium, but can be transferred under the action of a hydraulic and/or pneumatic pressure into an open position in which it permits the dispensing of working medium.

Abstract: A powder compression molding machine includes a downward spray portion that sprays a lubricant toward an inner circumferential surface of a die bore and a tip face of a tip of a lower punch, an upward spray portion that sprays the lubricant toward a tip face of the tip of the upper punch, a first lubricant flow passage through which the lubricant supplied from a lubricant supply device externally provided is fed to the downward spray portion, and a second lubricant flow passage through which the lubricant supplied from the lubricant supply device externally provided is fed to the upward spray portion. A small-diameter region of which an inner diameter is made smaller than that of the first lubricant flow passage is provided at a part of the second lubricant flow passage.

Abstract: A patterning apparatus for an electroluminescent display includes a molding plate provided with a plurality of convex portions and concave portions; a polymer supplying roller adjacent to the molding plate to apply an electroluminescent material to the molding plate via rotational movement; and a molding roller attached to the molding plate to apply the electroluminescent material on the molding plate to an adjacent substrate via rotational movement.

Abstract: An extrusion device for making spiral stripping electrical wires is disclosed to include a fixed mold member, which has a main flow path and a supplementary flow path for the passing of a first insulative material and a second insulative material, and a rotating mold member, which is rotatably supported on the front end of the fixed mold, having a mold hole axially connected to the outlet of the main flow path and one or multiple flow paths, each flow path of the rotating mold member having an outlet in communication with the mold hole and a common annular inlet disposed in communication with the outlet of the supplementary flow path for guiding the second plastic material spirally into the first plastic material to form a spiral strip in the insulator during extrusion of the two plastic materials with a conductor through the mold hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movement output apparatus for controllably moving a movement output means in at least two spatial dimensions, the apparatus including: a cog means with a first diameter; a ring with a track formed on an inner surface of the ring, the track having a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter; wherein: the cog means is rotatable by first driving means; the ring is rotatable by second driving means; the cog means is arranged to move, in use, along the track; and the movement output means is attached to the cog means, whereby, in use, movement of the cog means effects movement of the movement output means, and the movement of the movement output means is controllable by control of the first and second driving means to produce substantially linear movement of the movement output means to produce substantially linear movement of the movement output means.

Abstract: Methods and systems for applying crosslinking agent to a sheet of cellulose fibers are described. The method and system apply crosslinking agent to one or both sides of the sheet and results in a sheet having a high loading of crosslinking agent that is uniformly distributed within the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing polyurethane rubber bands. The apparatus includes a first device for heating and simultaneously drawing a polyurethane sheet produced by incising polyurethane tubular film obtained according to an inflation procedure, a second device for coating a release agent onto both sides of the drawn polyurethane sheet and drying the release agent-coated polyurethane sheet, a third device for longitudinally fine-cutting the dried polyurethane sheet using fine-cutting rollers to form several tens of strips of polyurethane rubber bands, depositing starch or talc powder on both sides of the polyurethane rubber bands, and heat-processing the polyurethane rubber bands deposited by the starch or talc powder, a fourth device for dispersing the heat-processed polyurethane rubber bands to impartially stuff the polyurethane rubber bands into packing receptacles, and a fifth device for heat-aging the packed polyurethane bands in an aging compartment.

Abstract: A multi-lap mold manufacturing system includes an overhead rail circuit upon which a multiple of molds transit a closed loop for a multiple of laps. The system is separated into Zones in which a particular mold operation is performed relative to which lap each of the plurality of molds has completed. At least one of the Zones is a spray Zone in which the mold is sprayed robotically. Robot utilization is extremely high as multiple spray operations occur in but a few spray Zones. Application of exceedingly expensive environmental emission control devices is at least partially mitigated by the reduced number of spray stations and the much smaller factory footprint. Consolidation of multiple spray operations into a few spray Zones also advantageously simplifies the control of chemical and ambient variables which improves production efficiencies and reduces operator dependency.

Abstract: A multi-lap mold manufacturing system includes an overhead rail circuit upon which a multiple of molds transit a closed loop for a multiple of laps. The system is separated into Zones in which a particular mold operation is performed relative to which lap each of the plurality of molds has completed. At least one of the Zones is a spray Zone in which the mold is sprayed robotically. Robot utilization is extremely high as multiple spray operations occur in but a few spray Zones. Application of exceedingly expensive environmental emission control devices is at least partially mitigated by the reduced number of spray stations and the much smaller factory footprint. Consolidation of multiple spray operations into a few spray Zones also advantageously simplifies the control of chemical and ambient variables which improves production efficiencies and reduces operator dependency.

Abstract: A device for melt extrusion spinning and cooling of a filament bundle comprises a spinning device with an annular spinning jet for extruding the filament bundle as well as a cooling device arranged below the spinning device. The cooling device comprises a holding device and a blowing chamber connected to the holding device. The blowing chamber is held in an operating position substantially centrally to the spinning jet in contact between the spinning device and the holding device. The blowing chamber can be axially displaced relative to the holding device between the operating position and a replacement position.

Abstract: A method for production of endless plastic hollow profiles, in particular tubes, comprises several production stages for the plastic tube and a coating stage for a metal coating. A reduced pressure is provided in the coating stage, whereby the metal is transferred into the gas phase and deposited on the tube as a surface layer homogeneously bonded thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of producing polyurethane rubber bands.

Abstract: An apparatus for the folding of croissants comprising, in series, downstream of at least one preparation station of rolls of pastry, obtained from triangles of pastry rolled up with one pointed central external end, and fed one after another, a positioning station with a pre-determined pitch distance of the rolls in a central position with respect to underlying conveying devices, an oriented positioning station of the pointed end on the underlying conveying devices and a U-folding station of the rolls, in which the folding station comprises front and rear gages for each roll and rotating side gages for the folding of opposite ends of each roll, the oriented positioning station and the folding station being movable alternately forwards and backwards.

Abstract: A multi-lap mold manufacturing system includes an overhead rail circuit upon which a multiple of molds transit a closed loop for a multiple of laps. The system is separated into Zones in which a particular mold operation is performed relative to which lap each of the plurality of molds has completed. At least one of the Zones is a spray Zone in which the mold is sprayed robotically. Robot utilization is extremely high as multiple spray operations occur in but a few spray Zones. Application of exceedingly expensive environmental emission control devices is at least partially mitigated by the reduced number of spray stations and the much smaller factory footprint. Consolidation of multiple spray operations into a few spray Zones also advantageously simplifies the control of chemical and ambient variables which improves production efficiencies and reduces operator dependency.

Abstract: A multi-lap mold manufacturing system includes an overhead rail circuit upon which a multiple of molds transit a closed loop for a multiple of laps. The system is separated into Zones in which a particular mold operation is performed relative to which lap each of the plurality of molds has completed. At least one of the Zones is a spray Zone in which the mold is sprayed robotically. Robot utilization is extremely high as multiple spray operations occur in but a few spray Zones. Application of exceedingly expensive environmental emission control devices is at least partially mitigated by the reduced number of spray stations and the much smaller factory footprint. Consolidation of multiple spray operations into a few spray Zones also advantageously simplifies the control of chemical and ambient variables which improves production efficiencies and reduces operator dependency.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying food dough is provided. It can be made compact, easily assembled, and easily cleaned. The apparatus includes a hopper (3) for receiving a food dough F, a first cutter (7) for dividing the food dough into dough pieces, a transmitting conveyor (11) for transmitting the dough pieces, a dough feeder (9) for forming a dough sheet from the dough pieces, a feeding conveyor (13) for feeding the dough sheet, a metering conveyor (15) for weighing a part of the dough sheet, and a second cutter (19) for cutting out the part of the dough sheet when the valve measured by the first metering conveyor (15) reaches a predetermined value. The first cutter (7) and the dough feeder (9) are arranged such that when the dough piece is cut out by the first cutter, the lower end fans into an inlet of the dough feeder. The belt of the transmitting conveyor (11) is wound around the uppermost roller (55A) of the dough feeder (9).

Abstract: An improved food extrusion apparatus includes a main body which has two or more rollers to form a squeezing space therebetween, a funnel located at the top end of the main body above the squeezing space and a conveyor located at the bottom end of the main body below the squeezing space. The roller has a plurality of equally spaced teeth formed on the peripheral surface thereof for squeezing a dough feeding from the funnel into the squeezing space to form troughs on the dough. The main body also has a pair of rollers which has smooth peripheral surface to smooth the dough from the squeezing space. The dough thus formed has less area subject to the squeezing force of the roller and will result in resilience in the dough for producing better taste food products.

Abstract: A coating of drystuff particles on the outside of an ice dome projecting from a cone is effected by pressing down the inversed cone against a spherical resilient membrane having a overlying layer of a particulate material. The invention proposes to coat the domes projecting further from the cone with the use of compressed air for pressing the membrane against the dome surface and by arranging for a vertical movement of the membrane relative to the overlying layer of the particle material.

Abstract: A method for applying seasoning liquid to dried laver, in which seasoning liquid containing solid matter. The seasoning liquid is applied on the surfaces (13) of hydrophobic rollers (12) having a rugged surface (11), and the dried laver (4) is brought into contact with the rollers (12), by which the seasoning liquid on the surfaces (13) is applied to the dried laver (4).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for rolling sheets (S) of dough for bakery products (P) has a simplified structure and optimum efficiency and comprises a pair of shaping rollers (17, 19), arranged transversely with respect to the direction of forward movement (A) of the dough sheets (S), with axes of rotation (R1, R2) essentially parallel to the surface (12) on which the dough sheets (S) are conveyed and defining a first shaping surface (18), located at a short distance from the conveying surface (12), in such a way as to lift the dough sheet (S), and a second shaping surface (20) approximately tangential to the first surface (18), the second shaping roller (19) being located in such a way as to define a rolling space (21) whose transverse dimensions are roughly comparable to those of the shaped bakery product (P).

Abstract: A system for the continuous production of asphalt-based roofing shakes which are tapered and embossed to resemble wood shakes in looks and function; and the shake made thereby. The continuous production system hot-mixes and extrudes the ingredients in a tapered layer on a conveyor belt for embossing and cutting. The system permits wood-shake type variety in size and appearance. The preferred shake includes perlite as a filler and chopped glass fibers as a reinforcer and may be internally colored.

Abstract: A vacuum calibrator tool for use with a vacuum chamber is provided to accurately size and shape the outer surface of molten plastic extrudate entering the vacuum chamber. The tool provides water passages to introduce water into the extrudate receiving opening of the tool at several positions along the extrudate receiving opening so that an extended zone of water within the extrudate receiving opening provides a film of water between the vacuum calibrator tool and the extrudate passing through it to lubricate the extrudate and to permit accurate sizing and shaping of the extrudate. The vacuum calibrator tool is preferably formed of a low coefficient of friction plastic material such as glass filled polytetrafluroethylene solid commercially under the registered trademark TEFLON.RTM..

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming "seamless" retroreflective sheeting is described. At least two mold surfaces are used, each having alternate areas of arrays of prism recesses and spaces. In a first step, prisms are formed in one of the mold surfaces and applied to a base film or web. Next, prisms are formed on the second mold surface and applied to the spaced areas left in the first step.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding-up croissant dough pieces is provided. It comprises a conveyor, a pair of pressing boards, and a spacing means having a dough-piece detecting means. By the apparatus a triangular croissant dough piece is fed between the conveyor and the pair of pressing boards and wound up, while each of the pressing boards is moved outwardly of the conveyor by the spacing means, thereby lengthening both ends of a dough roll being wound to shape a long and slender croissant dough roll. After shaping it, the pressing boards are caused to approach each other. The dough-piece detecting means is effective in synchronizing the actuation of the pressing boards with the winding-up operation, so that a wound dough roll is precisely lengthened in its axial direction.

Abstract: A dough web feeding device is provided which includes a first conveyor, a drive means or motor for that conveyor, a reciprocating shuttle, and a separate drive means or servo motor for the reciprocating shuttle. The speed, amount of rotation, and acceleration/deceleration profile for the drive means of the reciprocating shuttle can be precisely controlled to facilitate adjustable dough lapping.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying particles and/or granules to form a layer of prescribed thickness onto a given surface includes an endless pattern-forming device having a plurality of spaces, a device for supplying particles and/or granules into the spaces via a control member provided on the particle or granule-supplying device, a device for temporarily retaining the supplied particles and/or granules in the spaces and for releasing the temporarily retained particles and/or granules onto the given surface. A patterned shaped article is produced by a method using the apparatus. The method includes supplying dry particles and/or granules for a pattern course into the spaces, temporarily retaining the supplied particles and/or granules in the spaces, releasing the temporarily retained particles and/or granules onto the given surface, and allowing the released particles and/or granules to set on the given surface.

Abstract: Packaging and/or storing atactic polypropylene or other amorphous poly alpha olefins is accomplished by first heating a mass of the olefin material to a molten state and then cooling the molten mass of olefin material to an extrusion temperature. Next, the formless mass of atactic polypropylene is extruded and cut into a succession of pellets. Inert dust-like material is sprayed onto the cutting surfaces and the surface of the olefin material so that the natural tendency of the material to stick to itself and to other objects is avoided.

Abstract: A powdery mold release agent spray device including a nozzle having spray ports on its tip end side wall, a nozzle having spray ports on its tip end surface and shut pins, all of which are assembled in through holes made on both metal molds. The spray ports of the former and latter nozzles are exposed to cavity inside at time of spraying work, the spray ports of the former and latter nozzles are located in the through holes and the cavity is isolated from the spray ports of the latter nozzle by the shut pin. By using this spray device, a powdery mold release agent can be sprayed onto inside surfaces of the metal molds without exception, economically and without worsening a work environment.

Abstract: A device for charging a filling material (6) with respect to pieces of dough (1) transferred on a transfer conveyor (2) comprising detectors (3) mounted on the transfer conveyor, the detectors being adapted to detect transverse shifts of the pieces of dough on the transfer conveyor and to generate signals representative of the amounts of the shifts; a filling-charging mechanism (4) disposed downstream of the detectors, the filling-charging mechanism having discharging nozzles (48) mounted movably in the transverse direction; and a control device (7) for receiving from the detectors the signals representative of the amounts of the shifts and controlling the discharging nozzles to move transversely amounts equal to the respective amounts of the shift.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for making printed foods such as cookies, crackers, and snacks at high production speeds on a continuous basis. The apparatus includes a rotary printer which is synchronized with dough forming apparatus such as a rotary cutter or rotary molder.

Abstract: To make an article of ice confectionery having a flaky texture, superposed ribbons of ice confectionery and a crispy composition are extruded into a mold in the form of a body of revolution by means of an extrusion assembly comprising a flat extrusion tube and a spray tube. The support of the extrusion assembly receives a spinning movement resulting from a continuous horizontal rotational movement and an ascending and descending movement relative to the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a silicone gel material has a pair of tanks for separately storing and kneading first and second liquids gel forming materials, a feeder feeding the liquids while kneading them, a debubbling unit with a debubbling tank for removing air bubbles contained in the materials from the feeder and turning the tank upside down to discharge into a hopper, a nozzle for discharging silicone gel material received from the hopper in a predetermined thickness onto a lower film moving below the nozzle, an upper film supplier placing an upper film onto the film of silicone gel material, upper and lower rollers rolling the upper and lower films and the film of silicone gel material into a laminated strip, a belt conveyor receiving the laminated strip, a heating tunnel for gelling the silicone gel material and a strip take up device at the exit of the heating tunnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of grains using the rolling layer technique. The apparatus has a container formed from multiple concentric sections, a truncated cone shaped lower section, a cylindrical shaped middle section, and, at least one cylindrical shaped upper section, and is supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the container. The lower section tapers outward from a lower end face plate to an upper end which communicates with the lower end of the middle section to form a transfer port between the lower and middle sections, while the upper end of the middle section communicates with the holed lower face of the upper section to form a transport port between the upper and the middle sections. An annular ridge-like structure exists on the interior surface of the lower face of the upper section, circumferentially surrounding the transfer port. The cross-sectional diameters and the heights of the sections vary relative to each other.

Abstract: A sensor controlled apparatus for making a thin strudel type pastry which mixes, spreads and conveys a thin strudel layer on a film through various process stages such as depositing oil, sugar, cinnamon and nuts filling so that the resultant product can be cut rolled and baked.

Abstract: Device for the continuous manufacture of manufactured articles reinforced with mixtures of hydraulic binders and consisting of:a conveyor belt;a plurality `A` of process stations for the formation of superimposed thin and uniform layers of a net of a hydraulic binder mix, each station consisting of:a feeder of the reinforced net 4;a wetting and degassing device 5 of the net 4;a means 2 for metering the binders mix;a section 7 for feeding and laying the net 4 on the conveyor belt 1;compacting elements 16;a means 6 for the extraction of water during the compacting state; anda second metering device 2' for the hydraulic binders mix;a levelling and sizing station 23;a final water-extracting station 26;a pressing station 27;a longutudinal and cross-cutting station 35, anda gathering station 36 for the produced plates.

Abstract: Device for the continuous manufacture of manufactured articles reinforced with mixtures of hydraulic binders and consisting of:a conveyor belt;a plurality `A` of process stations for the formation of superimposed thin and uniform layers of a net of a hydraulic binder mix, each station consisting of:a feeder of the reinforced net 4;a wetting and degassing device 5 of the net 4;a means 2 for metering the binders mix;a section 7 for feeding and laying the net 4 on the conveyor belt 1;compacting elements 16;a means 6 for the extraction of water during the compacting state; anda second metering device 2' for the hydraulic binders mix;a levelling and sizing station 23;a final water-extracting station 26;a pressing station 27;a longitudinal and cross-cutting station 35, and a gathering station 36 for the produced plates.

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: A machine for producing small mounds of a solidifiable substance, especially an almond fragments/chocolate mass mixture, includes a plurality of adjacent troughs which delimit respective substantially coextensive parallel channels, each of which includes a succession of an upstream mixing section, an intermediate sieving section, and a downstream settling section, which opens onto an unloading conveyor. The substance is introduced in a predetermined quantity into the respective mixing sections, at which it is subsequently engaged and advanced by one of a plurality of individual pusher elements of a multiple pusher.

Abstract: A machine is provided which includes a pick-up station adapted to receive flat confection discs from a baking machine, and feed them in succession to a rotary wheel at a forming station to lap fold the discs into taco shape. A fixed elongated support rail having a curved upper surface extends generally the length of the conveyor and receives the folded shells thereover so that the shells hang therefrom. An endless belt is coextensive with the support rail and biasingly holds the formed shells to the rail and frictionally drives the shell freely slidingly therealong. A pair of shell leg receiving channels are disposed beneath the support rail, with the channels formed by inner and outer generally parallel walls coextensive with the rail. The inner walls are defined by a support device beneath the rail while the outer walls are formed by plates which are transversely adjustable to thereby control the channel width and shell leg angle.

Abstract: Reinforced facings, including reinforcing webs entrained in hydraulic cement via a slurry bath, adhere to a nailable lightweight aggregate cementitious core to form a panel web. The reinforced web is formed on abutting conveyed carrier sheets, and the web is transversely cut, between the sheets, while moving or when stopped, in response to sensing of the sheets. The cut panels, on respective sheets are stacked for curing without damaging the panel edges and in a manner to minimize panel flex. Slurry bath, facing applicators, and cutter and stacking apparatus are included.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and a method for producing a coated film in which a cooled polymeric tubular extrudate is coated, reheated and inflated to yield an oriented, coated tubular film. The apparatus includes a coating head comprising a rotatable assembly including a support member [13] providing an orifice [14] through which the tubular extrudate may be fed, a plurality of spreading members [19] spaced-apart around the orifice, mounting means [15] for each of the spreading members operatively associated with the support member and displaceable relative thereto, and means [21] for biasing each of the spreading members into engagement with the tubular extrudate. Liquid coating medium is suitably deposited on the extrudate from a spray assembly, and the coating asembly is rotated around the extrudate thereby spreading and polishing the deposited medium to yield a uniformly coated film.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating an axially moving tubular form by depositing a coating medium on a surface of the form, and spreading the deposited medium around at least part of the surface in a direction transverse to the movement of the form. The technique is suitable for the deposition of a uniform coating of a flowable medium on a tubular film-forming substrate--particularly in the production of antistatic polyolefin films.

Abstract: An extruded string of marshmallow material is powdered and conveyed to a pair of scallop surfaced cutter drums which are synchronously rotated in opposite directions and simultaneously axially reciprocated relative to each other, whereby the string is pinch or squeeze severed into individual marshmallows. A rounded form is implemented by each marshmallow being rolled in the tube formed by a pair of facing scallop grooves of the reciprocating drums during its temporary presence therein. If a filler of jam or the like is extruded within the string, the pinch severing tends to sealingly force the relatively viscous marshmallow material over the ends of the filler pocket to thereby prevent the escape and leakage of the filler.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing tiles by extrusion of clay or a similar material comprising a die adapted with a number of spaced apart pivotable rigid blades which are arranged such as to equalize the output speeds of several superposed layers of extruded material. Means are also provided substantially in the planes of the blades downstream of the outer ends thereof for projecting a pulverized powder product at right angles to the direction of extrusion into interstices between the layers. Impermeable coatings are added to the outer surfaces of the superposed layers and the assembly is then cut into piles of tiles which can then be delivered into an oven for baking, the heat ensuring removal of the impermeable coating and the separation powder product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the shaping and cutting of bread dough which forms the dough into a bar or belt shaped strip, stretches the dough, cuts the dough and overlaps the dough.

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

Abstract: Apparatus and method for electrostatically depositing a layer of particulate material on a substrate surface from a gaseous suspension of particulate, thermoplastic material. Classifying means removes oversized particles from a supply of particulate, thermoplastic material and feeds properly-sized particulate material to a metering feed device. A pressure responsive sensing means is associated with the metering feed device, and energizes a control circuit associated with the classifying means to direct properly-sized particulate material from the classifying means into the metering feed device to maintain a substantially constant, predetermined amount of properly-sized particulate material in the metering feed device.