Abstract: A continuous molding machine molds heat sensitive thermoplastic material into a finished product. The material is fed into a mold from a source through a mold inlet that is defined by the mold. The cross-sectional shape of the mold is chosen to conform to the desired cross-sectional shape of the product that is being molded. An endless conveyor and a pusher force the material through the mold. Heating apparatus heats the material as it passes through the mold. As it is heated, it conforms to the shape of the mold and, therefore, to the desired shape of the product. Cooling apparatus cools the mass after it is heated and formed to ensure that the mass remains dimensionally stable as it exits the mold. The finished, molded product exits the mold through the mold outlet that is defined by the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dehumidifying air includes a duct with at least four ports, two at each end. The ports are regulated by valves that are biased in the closed position. A desiccant containing matrix is disposed within the duct. One or more fans are adapted to produce substantially axial air flow in two directions through the duct: a first direction during a regeneration phase of the dehumidifying cycle and a second direction during a process phase of the dehumidifying cycle. In the process direction, air from the enclosure enters one end of the duct, passes through the desiccant containing matrix where moisture is absorbed by the matrix and exits through the opposite end of the duct back to the enclosure. The air is thus at a lower relative humidity when it leaves the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which combines in a single, relatively compact housing the necessary components to efficiently exchange stale room air with fresh outside air. The apparatus includes a single, continuous duct having openings at each end. A heat storing matrix is disposed within the duct. A fan is also placed within the duct. The fan is capable of producing a substantially axial air flow through the duct. The fan is moveable between two positions: a first position wherein air flow is in a direction from the first end to the second end of the duct and a second position wherein air flow is reversed. The apparatus includes means for moving the fan from the first position to the second position such as a solenoid.

Abstract: An improved machine for the continuous molding of polystyrene is described in which granules of polystyrene containing a heat-activated expansion agent are converted into a coherent agglutinated body. The machine includes an open ended molding chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end. The pre-expanded polystyrene granules enter the molding chamber through the inlet end of the molding chamber and continuously move through the chamber. As the polystyrene granules move through the chamber they are subjected to heat to cause their expansion. The improved molding chamber includes interior wall surface portions that operate to limit the expansion of the polystyrene granules in order to produce a dimensionally stable cross section in the agglutinated body. At least a portion of the interior wall surface portions are stationary.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing a continuously molded thermoplastic sheet from heat expandable granules in a heated zone within a molding channel. The disclosed invention includes introducing a predetermined amount of water into the molding channel to wet the granules either prior to or contemporaneously with the introduction of a hot gas into the granules to expand the granules into a continuous thermoplastic sheet. The water is drained from the channel subsequent to the expansion of the granules.