Abstract: An apparatus for supporting heating elements of a thermoformer oven includes a first heating element support frame, a second heating element support frame, and one or more actuator. The first heating element support frame is operable to support one or more of the heating elements on a first side of a surface for supporting material to be thermoformed. The second heating element support frame is operable to support one or more of the heating elements on the first side of the surface. The one or more actuator is configured to shift the first and second heating element support frames toward one another in directions with vector components of motion parallel to the surface.

Abstract: A system for forming a pressware product from a web of a roll of material includes a positive mold, a negative mold, a heating element, an actuator, a force sensor, and a control system. The positive mold forms a top surface of the pressware product. The negative mold forms a bottom surface of the pressware product. The heating element is coupled to the positive mold or the negative mold. The actuator shifts the positive mold or the negative mold to cut and form the pressware product in a single stroke. The force sensor detects the forming force applied by the actuator, and the control system directs the actuator to adjust the forming force.

Abstract: A pressware extractor assembly includes an elongated transport rail, a first car, a second car, and a powered drive mechanism. The first car includes a first car frame and a plurality of extractor elements operable to releasably hold respective products. The second car is slidably supported by the transport rail to slide laterally relative to the transport rail along the lateral rail axis, with the first car being supported to slide laterally with the second car. The powered drive mechanism shiftably supports the first car relative to the second car for vertical movement of the extractor elements relative to the mold assembly. The powered drive mechanism is configured to shift the first car between a lowered position, and a raised position, in which the products are lifted by the extractor elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for unwinding a roll of material includes an unwinding roller, an idle roller, and a motor. The unwinding roller is for supporting the roll of material. The idle roller is spaced apart from the unwinding roller so that the roll of material can be supported on the idle roller and the unwinding roller. The motor is in mechanical communication with the unwinding roller and is configured to axially rotate the unwinding roller.