Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a thin film by depositing, in a vacuum, particles emitted from a film forming source (27) on a substrate (21). Specifically, the particles are deposited on the substrate (21) in a state where a movable endless belt (11) is disposed between the film forming source (27) and the substrate (21) so that a film forming area DA is defined on a surface of the substrate (21) by the endless belt (11), whose moving path has a forward path and a return path that are formed between the film forming source (27) and the substrate (21). Typically, the substrate (21) is an elongated substrate having flexibility. The particles are deposited on the substrate (21) that is being transferred from a feed roller (23) to a take-up roller (26).

Abstract: A process for producing a support belt for an elevator system includes steps of: placing at least one cable-shaped tension support in position; embedding the tension support in a first belt layer made from a first plasticizable material to produce a partial belt having a first outer surface and a surface which forms a connecting plane, wherein parts of the tension support project out of the connecting plane and at least parts of the projecting portion of the tension support are covered by the first plasticizable material; and integrally forming a second belt layer made from a second plasticizable material on the connecting surface of the partial belt and the projecting portions of the tension support so as to produce a support belt having the first outer surface on the side of the first belt layer and a second outer surface on the side of the second belt layer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a transferring arrangement arranged for delivering doses of plastic material to a compression-molding device. The transferring arrangement includes a containing arrangement arranged for receiving the doses and a movement-promoting arrangement received in the containing arrangement and movable with respect to the containing arrangement for delivering the doses to the compression-molding device. The movement-promoting arrangement is made at least partially of a porous material.

Abstract: A method for forming thin edible pieces uses two continuous belts that cooperate to form a fill cavity. An edible mass, such as chocolate, is flowed into the fill cavity where it forms an edible blank which is transported on a belt path with the two belts moving in tandem. After the edible blank is released from the first or second continuous belt, a three-dimensional shape may be imparted to the edible blank at a forming station using one or more stamping dies or a forming drum. Using the techniques and apparatus described herein, novel edible products, and particularly novel chocolate products, can be made having shape characteristics that cannot be obtained using known molding or forming techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of forming three dimensional arrays of aligned nanofibers in an open, loose structure of any desired depth. The arrays are formed according to an electrospinning process utilizing two parallel conducting plates to align the fibers and rotating tracks to distribute the fibers throughout the array. Arrays can be used as formed, for instance in tissue engineering applications as three dimensional scaffolding constructs. As-formed arrays can be combined with other materials to form a composite 3-D structure. For instance, composite polymeric materials can be electrospun to form composite nanofibers within the array. Multiple polymeric materials can be electrospun at different areas of the array to form a composite array including materially different nanofibers throughout the array. The arrays can be loaded with other fibrous or non-fibrous materials to form a composite array. Arrays can also be rolled to form a uniaxial fiber bundle.

Abstract: A multilayer gypsum board forming device, and a gypsum additive delivery system in which additives are delivered to one or more layers of a multi layered gypsum board panels, including engineered polymers, includes at least one additive assembly connected in-line with a first gypsum delivery receptacle for providing an additive fluid feed into the stream of a first gypsum slurry being transported through said first gypsum delivery receptacle for homogenously adding an additive to the first gypsum slurry, and a second gypsum delivery receptacle transporting a second gypsum slurry, in fluid communication with the mixer providing the first gypsum slurry, having a different set of characteristics from those of the first gypsum slurry. At least one outer surface including a polymeric compound or wax emulsion additive entrained therein essentially encases the core gypsum within two facing layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to molding systems and related methods. In one aspect of the invention, a molding apparatus includes a first cylindrical roll that is rotatably coupled to a frame and an adjacent pressure device, the frame is configured so that a substrate can pass through a nip formed between the first cylindrical roll and the pressure device while a portion of the substrate extends laterally beyond at least the frame and the first cylindrical roll.

Abstract: A structural cementitious panel, produced by a multi-layer process including providing a moving web; b. one of depositing a first layer of loose fibers upon the web and c. depositing a layer of settable slurry upon the web; d. depositing a second layer of loose fibers upon the slurry; e. embedding said second layer of fibers into the slurry; and f. repeating steps c. through e. until the desired number of layers of settable fiber-enhanced slurry in the panel is obtained. Also provided are an apparatus suitable for producing structural cementitious panels according to the present process, and a structural cementitious panel having multiple layers, each layer created by depositing a layer of settable slurry upon a moving web, depositing fibers upon the slurry and embedding the fibers into the slurry such that each layer is integrally formed with the adjacent layers.

Abstract: In producing gas hydrate pellets by compression-molding a gas hydrate powder, heat generated in a compressing part is removed with a simple method so as to reduce the degree of gas hydrate decomposition, and a gas hydrate aggregate blocking the compressing part is promptly and easily removed. A gas-hydrate-pellet production apparatus A is characterized by including: a roll-cooling mechanism which causes cooling water to flow through outer peripheral portions and/or insides of rolls 6a and 6b, thereby cooling the rolls 6a and 6b, and also cools the cooling water 43 discharged after the flow and supplies the cooled cooling water 43 to the outer peripheral portion and/or the inner portion of each of the rolls 6a and 6b; and/or heating means provided in a part of a hopper chamber 5 from which the gas hydrate powder n is fed to the rolls 6a and 6b.

Abstract: Injection molding, parts onto a carrier web (34) located between mold halves (18,20). Flow of polymer melt into the mold is assisted by application of ultrasonic energy to the mold cavity. After the molding operation, mold halves are separated, and the carrier web is advanced, or indexed, to a next position for another molding sequence. Molding apparatus comprises a moving mold face (20), that can move toward and away from a first mold member (18) (which can be stationary) in which the mold cavity is located, a means (24,25,26,30,32) for moving and/or indexing carrier web between the first mold member and the moving mold face, means (16) to inject polymer melt into the mold cavity, and an ultrasonic system (42) providing ultrasonic energy to the mold cavity. The carrier web can transport molded parts to subsequent process steps, such as coating, drying, inspection, curing, assembly or packaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double-conveyor type apparatus for manufacturing a floor mat adapted to be disposed on a floor surface in an operating room in an industrial site, in various buildings or vehicles, or in an office room or house so as to reduce the impact or load transmitted to a human body and to prevent the sliding thereon, wherein the double-conveyor type apparatus includes a double-conveyor system having upper and lower conveyors formed of a plurality of unit upper and lower molds standardized to a given size and in series connected to each other is operated to allow a material of the floor mat to be passed thereon, thereby manufacturing the floor mat, such that the mass production of the floor mat can be simply and rapidly achieved to enhance the productivity.

Abstract: A molding machine for production of gas hydrate pellets under a high pressure in gas hydrate forming conditions, which is inexpensive through minimizing of the use of expensive mechanical seal. The molding machine comprises two forming rolls each fitted to a rotary shaft whose both ends are supported by bearings; a drive unit for rotating the forming rolls; a screw transfer unit for supplying powder to the forming rolls; and a high-pressure vessel, wherein the bearings, the rotary shaft and the forming rolls are all disposed in the high-pressure vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and moulding devices for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff which is suitable for human consumption, in particular from a mass of meat, in particular chicken. The method comprises filling a mould cavity with a portion of the mass under the influence of a filling pressure exerted on the mass and for a filling period via a filling opening associated with the mould cavity, closing the filling opening of the mould cavity and holding the mass in the mould cavity for a fixing period. Then, the mould cavity is opened and the moulded product is removed from the mould cavity. The method uses fixing-pressure-exerting means which are designed to exert a fixing pressure which acts on the mass in the mould cavity after the filled mould cavity has been closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding an article such as pre-cast, cement or concrete blocks, bricks, pavers, tiles and the like including a deformable mold and a movement imparting device. The deformable mold includes compartments or cavities for receiving material therein that is to be molded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a sheet are disclosed. A melt is cooled and a sheet is formed on the melt. This sheet has a first thickness. The sheet is then thinned from the first thickness to a second thickness using, for example, a heater or the melt. The cooling may be configured to allow solutes to be trapped in a region of the sheet and this particular sheet may be thinned and the solutes removed. The melt may be, for example, silicon, silicon and germanium, gallium, or gallium nitride.

Abstract: A production line for producing sheets based on hydraulic binder, the production line including in an upstream zone of the production line, marking device for marking a facing material of the preform with a mark; in a downstream zone of the production line, detecting device for detecting the mark made by the marking device; a cutting device; and an actuating device for actuating said cutting device after receiving a detection signal from the detection device.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming air-laid absorbent cores, having a first and second mat-forming wheel, each of the mat-forming wheels having a series of moulds along its peripheral surface, air-laying means for supplying air-entrained fibrous material to the moulds, suction means maintaining the formed core elements in their moulds during a part of the path of the moulds on the respective mat-forming wheel and means for transferring a core element on the second mat-forming wheel onto a core element on the first mat-forming wheel while the latter core element still is maintained in its mould, at least the air-laying means associated with the second mat-forming wheel having means for supplying a mixture of air-entrained fibrous material and discrete particles. The two mat-forming wheels form a nip between each other that the second core element will abut the first core element before transfer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a foam-in-place cushion in which a foam-forming composition is dispensed between two plastic film portions in a predetermined fashion to selectively control the distribution of the foam in the cushion. A foam dispenser can be moved in a transverse direction as foam is dispensed. A dispersion device can be employed to apply pressure on predetermined areas of the film portions towards each other so as to cause the composition to be redistributed in position in a predetermined manner while the composition is in a less than fully expanded state. The plastic film can then be sealed closed to form an expanding foam cushion that can be placed into a shipping carton where the cushion expands to fill void space, or into a mold where the cushion expands and is molded into a desired shape.

Abstract: Process for continuous manufacture of latex foam rest articles such as mattresses, cushions and the like comprising a part able to participate to the manufacture steps and to remain embedded in the article with consequent improvements of final performances. A flexible perforated band, preferably a flat polymeric material net with longitudinal and cross reinforcement members, is placed over a foam laying surface provided with protuberances and in continuous advancement between a foam laying station and an unlimited length article extraction station. The latex foam passes through net holes forming an upper portion and a lower portion relative to said net. The net continuously opposes contraction forces and weight force exerted from upper portion on lower portion. The unlimited length article is subjected to successive cross cuts originating rest articles wherein a foam embedded net is arranged on ends of recesses originated by the protuberances.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an elongated panel formed of synthetic materials including a polymer resin matrix, a filler and a fiber reinforcement. The process includes depositing the curable composition on a conveyor belt, distributing and leveling the curable composition prior to feeding the composition into a compression apparatus in which the curable composition is partially cured as it is compressed to form the panel. The machine for manufacturing the composite panel includes a mixer for the polymer system, filler and fiber reinforcement, a distribution apparatus that distributes the curable composition prior to feeding the composition into a compacting apparatus. The process and machine may be used to form a composite siding board that includes a grain pattern on at least one side.

Abstract: A mold comprising alumina having a microscopic pattern, in which distances between adjacent recesses or salients therein are not longer than wavelength of visible light, formed by anodic oxidation on a surface of an aluminum pre-mold without a rolling mark, wherein height or depth difference at a crystal grain boundary is 300 nm or less.

Abstract: A casting film is formed by casting a dope containing a polymer and a solvent onto a support. Thereafter, the casting film is peeled off from the support as a wet film (74). The wet film (74) is transported to a tenter device (47) having plural tenter clips (101). Before holding side edges of the wet film (74) by the tenter clips (101), air is blown from an outlet (120a) of an air nozzle (120) to a curled portion (74a) such that the air is pressed against the curled portion (74a). Thereby, the curled portion (74a) is flattened to become an approximately flat portion (74b).

Abstract: A device for shaping products from a material strand comprising two eccentrically circulating separation rings each having cavities and separation ribs. The separation ribs which, during rotation, are moved together to separate individual pieces of the material strand. A rotating stamping chamber ring is provided with open stamping chambers and a pair of stamping dies are sides thereof displaceable into each stamping chamber, one from each side. The stamping dies are driven by a control unit, respectively along a curved path along which the stamping dies are displaceable, when a guiding element defining the curved paths runs about an axis.

Abstract: A structure includes a layer which includes a first cured portion and a second cured portion which are formed from a same light curable material. The first cured portion is cured to a first amount, and the second cured portion is cured to a second amount. The first amount is sufficiently different than the second amount to result in a visible discontinuity on the surface of the structure. A method for forming a pattern in a radiation curable material includes providing between a radiation source and the radiation curable material, a pattern that can block a portion of the radiation from the radiation source. The material is cured with radiation from the radiation source to form a pattern in the radiation curable material.

Abstract: An embedment device includes a first integrally formed elongate shaft rotatably secured to the support frame and having a first plurality of axially spaced disks axially fixed to the first shaft, a second integrally formed elongate shaft rotatably secured to the support frame and having a second plurality of axially spaced disks axially fixed to the second shaft, the first shaft being disposed relative to the second shaft to be horizontally aligned and so that the disks intermesh with each other, and wherein, when viewed from the side, peripheries of the first and second pluralities of disks overlap each other.

Abstract: Durable seamless replication tools are disclosed for replication of seamless relief patterns in desired media, for example in optical recording or data storage media. Methods of making such durable replication tools are disclosed, including preparing a recording substrate on the inner surface of a support cylinder, recording and developing a relief pattern in the substrate, creating a durable negative relief replica of the pattern, extracting the resulting durable tool sleeve from a processing cell, and mounting the tool sleeve on a mounting fixture. Apparatus are disclosed for fabricating such seamless replication tools, including systems for recording a desired relief pattern on a photosensitive layer on an inner surface of a support cylinder. Also disclosed are electrode-position cells for forming a durable tool sleeve having a desired relief pattern. The replication tool relief features may have critical dimensions down to the micron and nanometer regime.

Abstract: A roll to roll microreplication apparatus is described. This apparatus forms a microreplicated article including a web having first and second opposed surfaces. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, first nip roll and first coating die; the first coating die is disposed adjacent the web substrate first side and the web substrate is disposed between the first patterned roll and first nip roll. The first nip roll touches the web substrate second side and the first patterned roll touches the web substrate first side. The apparatus includes, a second patterned roll, second nip roll and second coating die, the second coating die is disposed adjacent the web substrate second side and the web substrate is disposed between the second patterned roll and second nip roll. The second nip roll touches the web substrate first side and the second patterned roll touches the web substrate second side.

Abstract: The invention provides a board forming system comprising a forming table comprising a belt with a surface for conveying a backing layer; a mixer fitted with a mechanism capable of depositing cementitious slurry material over a top surface of the backing layer; and a slurry spreader positioned downstream of the mixer, wherein a portion of the slurry spreader comprises a plurality of apertures which are connected to a source of pressurized fluid. The slurry spreader is configured such that the pressurized fluid flows out of the slurry spreader through the apertures so as to provide a continuous film of fluid across an outer surface of the slurry spreader. The slurry spreader is positioned such that it can contact at least a portion of the cementitious slurry after the slurry exits the discharge and before the slurry is spread across the width of the backing layer such that the thickness of the slurry is approximately equal to the desired slurry thickness for board formation.

Abstract: Several methods and machines for continuously forming a fastener product having an array of fastener elements extending from a continuous, sheet-form base, employing a mold belt on which the sheet-form base of the product is formed and from which it is subsequently stripped. The belt defines an array of cavities extending from its outer surface, for molding either the array of fastener elements or an array of preform stems that are subsequently reformed into the fastener elements. In some cases the cavities are blind, such as for forming hook-type fastener elements; in other cases, the cavities extend through the belt, such as for forming mushroom-type fastener elements. Various belt constructions and fastener element shapes are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for continuously and endlessly vulcanizing a hose is disclosed and claimed. Pressurized air or other gas is intermittently supplied through a woven jacket, a mandrel, a check valve and into the interior of an extruded rubber hose. The hose is sealed as it is pulled over the mandrel. Pinch rollers seal the other end of the hose. One or more non-contact heaters vulcanize the hose from outside-in. Pressurizing the inside of the hose maintains proper diametrical dimensions of the hose.

Abstract: An embedment device for use in a structural panel production line wherein a slurry is transported on a moving carrier relative to a support frame, and chopped fibers are deposited upon the slurry, includes a first elongate shaft secured to the support frame and having a first plurality of axially spaced disks, a second elongate shaft secured to the support frame and having a second plurality of axially spaced disks, the first shaft being disposed relative to the second shaft so that the disks intermesh with each other. The intermeshing relationship enhances embedment of the fibers into the slurry and also prevents clogging of the device by prematurely set slurry particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of a web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll; a second pattered roll; and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 microns, and preferably at least 20 microns.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a flexible substrate with an optically transparent compliant media is disclosed. The complaint media includes an optically transparent imprint stamp with an imprint pattern therein. The flexible substrate is coated with a photopolymer material. The compliant media can be connected with an optically transparent belt material to form an embossing belt or connected with an optically transparent cylinder to from an embossing drum. A coated side of the flexible substrate is urged into contact with the imprint stamp and the imprint pattern is embossed in the photopolymer material and an ultraviolet light passing through the compliant media contemporaneously cures the photopolymer material during the embossing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a rib on a section of plastic film utilizes a roll having a groove, extrudes molten polymer into the groove, and places the section of plastic film in contact with the molten polymer in the groove. The molten polymer in the groove is allowed to cool below the melting point thereof while the section of plastic film is in contact with the polymer to cause bonding therebetween and thereby form the rib.

Abstract: The two belt parts (2a, 2b) of a belt (2) made of plasticatable material are produced with the aid of a first station (6) and a second station (8). The first station (6) includes a rotatable mold drum (14) and a continuous mold belt (18). The mold belt (18) is brought together with the mold drum (14) along a peripheral section via an upper pressure roller (20), a lower pressure roller (22) and a tensioning roller (24) in such a manner that a hollow mold space (26) is formed between the mold drum (14) and the mold belt (18). An extruder (10) is mounted forward of the hollow mold space (26). Furthermore, the first station (6) includes a filament feed (28) for forming a reinforcement layer (4) in the first belt part (2a). For a simplified manufacture of the belt (2), the second station (8) includes only a direction-changing roller (30) in addition to the extruder (12) and a mold drum (16).

Abstract: A gypsum board forming device having a gypsum forming station including two laterally disposed edger shoes, and at least one laterally disposed edger bar clamping element on the edger bar. In one embodiment a laterally extending forming plate extends over the top surface of the formed gypsum board, the forming plate including a plurality of micropore conduits through which pressurized water is supplied to provide a film of smoothing water over the top surface of the gypsum board. In another embodiment the edger shoes have a flapper mechanism for retaining unset slurry skimmed off the surface of the gypsum board by the edger bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layered semi-finished product with at least one first and one second film layer. The semi-finished product has a velour-type structure on the outer surface of the first film layer facing away from the second film layer and the second layer has a filler material. The first and second film layers are permeable. A first proportion of a filler material in the first film layer is smaller than a second proportion of a filler in the second film layer.

Abstract: An improved conveyor belt laminator for making foam core panels has an internal floating drive mechanism (2, 3), a sliding deckle system (52), a hinged plate front end section (69) to control the rolling bank of foam, hydraulic controls, and is manufacturable from readily available, standard, structural steel components.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a nonwoven material from a liquefied polymer, the apparatus comprising: (a) a precipitation electrode; (b) a dispenser spaced apart from the precipitation electrode, and defining a first axis therebetween, the dispenser being at a first potential relative to the precipitation electrode; and (c) a system of electrodes being laterally displaced from the dispenser, being at a second potential relative to the precipitation electrode and capable of providing an electric field having at least one rotating component about the first axis; the dispenser and the system of electrodes being designed and constructed such that the liquefied polymer is dispensed from the dispenser and forms a plurality of entangled fibers moving in a direction of the precipitation electrode, hence forming the nonwoven material thereupon.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tubular structure from a liquefied polymer, the apparatus comprising: (a) a dispenser for dispensing the liquefied polymer; (b) a precipitation electrode being at a first potential relative to the dispenser, the precipitation electrode being designed and constructed for generating a polymeric shell thereupon; and (c) a mechanism for increasing a local density of the polymeric shell in a plurality of predetermined sub-regions of the polymeric shell, thereby to provide a tubular structure having an alternating density in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An electrospinning device for generating a coat from a liquefied polymer, the device comprising: (a) a dispenser for dispensing the liquefied polymer; (b) a cavity having a longitudinal axis, comprising a first system of electrodes; the dispenser and the first system of electrodes being constructed and design such that the liquefied polymer is dispensed from the dispenser and forms a plurality of polymer fibers moving along the longitudinal axis; and (c) a mechanism for relocating the polymer fibers out of the cavity, in a direction of an object, so as to generate a coat on the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning a fibrous material. The conditioning arrangement includes a moisturizing chamber having two series of opposed rollers arranged to accept a fiber batt into a pressing space therebetween. The pressing space tapers from a batt entrance toward a batt exit. This tapered configuration is affected for compressing a fiber batt as it is rolled therethrough. As illustrated, before entering the conditioner, the cotton batt has a greater thickness than after compaction and processing through the moisturizing chamber. A moisture infusion assembly is provided within the moisturizing chamber and has an air distributor configured to dispense moisture laden air adjacent to a fiber batt being processed through the pressing space. An air collector is configured to pull exhaust air away from the fiber batt being processed through the pressing space.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring viscosity, melt flow index (MFI), and melt volume rate (MVR) of a polymer melt in real-time during an extrusion process to provide quick and accurate feedback for process control. The system includes a polymer processing rate sensor (36), a polymer melt temperature sensor (30), an extruder pressure sensor (32), and a die head temperature sensor (34) for taking in-line measurements during the extrusion process. The in-line measurements are made on the main process stream of the polymer melt, with the determination of viscosity, MFI, and MVR based on these measured values and those obtained during a calibration run with polymers having known properties. The invention can be used in any polymer compounding and extrusion process utilizing die opening with any constant geometry for monitoring quality and providing feedback for process control.

Abstract: The two belt parts (2a, 2b) of a belt (2) made of plasticatable material are produced with the aid of a first station (6) and a second station (8). The first station (6) includes a rotatable mold drum (14) and a continuous mold belt (18). The mold belt (18) is brought together with the mold drum (14) along a peripheral section via an upper pressure roller (20), a lower pressure roller (22) and a tensioning roller (24) in such a manner that a hollow mold space (26) is formed between the mold drum (14) and the mold belt (18). An extruder (10) is mounted forward of the hollow mold space (26). Furthermore, the first station (6) includes a filament feed (28) for forming a reinforcement layer (4) in the first belt part (2a). For a simplified manufacture of the belt (2), the second station (8) includes only a direction-changing roller (30) in addition to the extruder (12) and a mold drum (16).

Abstract: A method of applying a protective strip to an edge of a wood product piece. The process uses a set of aligned rollers and a belt apparatus that includes a pair of rollers having a shoe positioned between them and a belt fitted about the rollers and the shoe. The distance from the belt to the first set of aligned rollers is substantially equal to the width of the wood product piece. The wood product piece is placed between the first set of aligned rollers and the belt apparatus and resin is applied to the edge the wood product piece. The wood products piece is then squeezed between the first set of aligned rollers and the belt apparatus. At least a subset of the rollers are driven to move the wood products piece along the belt apparatus, thereby causing the resin to be squeezed into the edge of the wood products piece. Finally, the resin is cured.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compressing and processing a mat of lignocellulose material into the form of a board are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of compression rolls, at least one of which has a perforated shell surface, a channel within that roll for injecting a processing medium into the mat through a restricted sector of the roll, a processing medium supply for the channel including a slide shoe which is sealingly attached to one end of the roll, and the channel includes a number of channels associated with portions of the axial width of the roll so that the processing medium can be supplied through step-wise variable portions of the width of the roll.

Abstract: A polymer substrate for radiation-induced graft polymerization in the form of a woven or non-woven fabric that comprises a woven or non-woven fabric composed of polymer fiber and a reinforcement polymer having a greater strength and a slower rate of radiation-induced graft polymerization than said polymer fiber. Also, radiation graft treated stock prepared from said polymer substrate. In another aspect, a radiation graft treated material in the form of a woven or non-woven fabric material that is composed of polymer monofilament fiber of which only the surface has undergone a radiation-induced graft polymerization but of which the center remains unaffected by grafting.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of expanded plastic panels with inserts on their longitudinal edges, comprising a head for pouring a reactive mixture between a first and a second containment layers in order to obtain a foamed layer, a containment and advancement assembly for the layers being constituted by a lower slat conveyor and by an upper slat conveyor. The lower slat conveyor has lateral containment blocks at the ends of its slats. At least some of the blocks are provided thereon with the inserts to be incorporated in the foamed layer, for picking and placing the inserts on the engaging elements provided in the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compacting particles or granules in discrete cavities spaced along an article or articles such as a cigarette filter rod moved underneath the compacting system. The compacting system can be provided with spaced lugs or other protrusions that selectively compact particles within cavities, or a smooth outer periphery that results in progressive compaction of the entire article being moved underneath the compaction system. The article having cavities with particles that need to be compacted can be supported on a support rail with side support rails that maintain the shape of the article during the compaction process.

Abstract: In an apparatus for and method of producing absorbent pads from a flock-air mixture which is fed through a feed conduit to a shaping recess carrier to form the respective absorbent pad, the carrier rotates or circulates in a predetermined direction of operation. For excess air in the region of the flock-laying device is to be sucked away in a simple fashion without adversely affecting the process of shaping the absorbent pad, the feed conduit feeding the flock-air mixture to the carrier is branched into at least first and second conduits, the first conduit carrying a first partial flow of the mixture and the second conduit carrying a second partial flow thereof. The first and second conduits are directed on to the carrier in such a way that the second partial flow meets the carrier substantially downstream of the first partial flow in the direction of operation of the carrier.