Abstract: Embodiments of a system and a method for continuously manufacturing a joint compound can be used to produce ready mix joint compound. The system includes means for continuously mixing wet and dry joint compound ingredients together and means for homogenizing multiple volumetric units of mixed joint compound to reduce variation in at least one joint compound material property (e.g., viscosity) across multiple successively produced volumetric units of mixed joint compound (relating to standard commercial packaging sizes for joint compound, such as five-gallon pails, for example) relative to the material property of the respective multiple volumetric units before passing through the means for homogenizing.

Abstract: A material punching machine includes a guide member defining a material pathway for transporting a piece of material through the machine. The machine also includes a first sensor element disposed adjacent the material pathway for detecting a first position of a trailing edge of the material as the material moves through the material pathway. The machine also includes a second sensor element disposed adjacent the material pathway for detecting a second position of the trailing edge of the material as the material moves through the material pathway. The machine also includes a punch element that punches a first aperture in the piece of material in a first area of the piece of material based on detection of the trailing edge by the first sensor, and punches a second aperture in another area of the piece of material based on detection of the trailing edge by the second sensor.

Abstract: A material punching machine includes a guide member defining a material pathway for transporting a piece of material through the machine. The machine also includes a first sensor element disposed adjacent the material pathway for detecting a first position of a trailing edge of the material as the material moves through the material pathway. The machine also includes a second sensor element disposed adjacent the material pathway for detecting a second position of the trailing edge of the material as the material moves through the material pathway. The machine also includes a punch element that punches a first aperture in the piece of material in a first area of the piece of material based on detection of the trailing edge by the first sensor, and punches a second aperture in another area of the piece of material based on detection of the trailing edge by the second sensor.