Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous pressure cooking product includes a pressure cooking section, an isolating chamber, and an output section. A first product and fluid valve is between the pressure cooking section and the isolating chamber. A second product and fluid valve is between the isolating chamber and the output section. A fluid valve is between a source of pressurized fluid and the isolating chamber. Product is provided to the pressure cooking section and cooked. The fluid valve is opened so that the isolating chamber becomes substantially the same pressure as the pressure cooking section. The first controllable product and fluid flow valve is opened and product enters the isolating chamber, and then closed to isolate product in chamber. The second controllable product and fluid valve is opened and product moves from the chamber to the output section. Then the second controllable product and fluid valve is closed.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing polymer/metal disks in a single piece batch size comprises applying a bonding agent to a metallic hub, pressing a polymeric ring over the metallic hub to form a ring/hub assembly, and heating the ring/hub assembly to cause bonding to occur between the polymeric ring and the metallic hub. The bonding agent may either be sprayed or applied directly to the metallic hub. Other methods of application may also be employed, such as dipping of the metallic hub in the bonding agent. The bonding agent is generally an organosilane, although other compounds capable of bonding a polymer to a metallic substrate can be used. The pressing of the polymeric ring over the metallic hub comprises enlarging the polymeric ring and mounting it over the metallic hub. The enlargement of the polymeric ring is typically effectuated either with heat or by stretching.

Abstract: A ring assembly manufacturing apparatus (30) and method provides heat to a ring (216) such as a polymeric ring from an infrared source (48). A ring assembly (214) includes a ring (216) and a hub (218) within the ring. The ring (216) is traversed into a chamber (46) such that the ring (216) is exposed to infrared energy from the infrared source (48). The infrared energy causes the ring (216) to expand thereby facilitating assembly with the hub (218).