Abstract: Equipment for briqueting plant stalk-produce, includes a conical-screw compactor, a tubular press-cavity, an annular degassing device and a control device including a molding pressure sensor. The annular degassing device adjoins a discharge aperture of a compactor space with a plurality of narrow-axial degassing slits open to the atmosphere, which issue into the discharge aperture of the compactor space.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for fabricating a three-dimensional object in accordance with a CAD-generated specification of the object. A closed-loop extrusion system (10) includes a nozzle (12) for extruding a material, such as a hot melt adhesive; apparatus (14, 18, 46) for controllably positioning the nozzle in accordance with the specification; and a sensor (60) for generating a feedback signal that is indicative of at least one characteristic of a most recently extruded portion of the material. Visual and non-visual feedback sensors may be employed, including optical sensors, infrared emission sensors, and proximity detection sensors. The specification of the object is converted to a bit-mapped representation thereof to improve accuracy relative to vector-based representations. Methods for determining a need for supporting structures and anti-aliasing features and for integrating the structures and features into the object specification are also disclosed.

Abstract: When collecting data in connection with operational physical values from a plurality of injection molding machines by means of a direct numerical control computer system incorporated in an LAN, for example, when collecting a quality control data, the direct numerical control computer system is allowed to specify a collection starting time and a collection terminating time of the data for the respective injection molding machines. With reference to the condition thus specified the data is communicated to the direct numerical control computer system from the respective injection molding machines.

Abstract: An automated system for casting hollow fiber membranes into a variety of prescribed shapes, including spiral, linear, circular and rectangular. The system also has the capability to change the configuration during casting, which increases productivity. A co-extrusion die is rotated over a stationary coagulation bath A computer is used to control the motion of the die to make a membrane with the desired shape The nozzle is oriented in a manner that will compensate for distortions that occur in wall thickness in the area of a bend. In addition, the nozzle's annulus is offset to make the leading portion of the annulus slightly thicker and the trailing portion thinner at the point where the fluids exit the nozzle, which results in a uniformly symmetric wall thickness. A system embodying the invention includes X, Y and .theta.-directional servomotors 1A-1C (FIG. 1), each of which is coupled to an associated position encoder 2A-2C.

Abstract: A reference pin (150) is provided on a bottom die (108) of a molding device (100). A lead frame (3) is carried with a chucking device (120) attached to an X-Y table mechanism (110). A hole (132) is formed in a stage (131) of the X-Y table mechanism. Respective images of the hole and the pin are detected by a TV camera (142) to control the relative position of the bottom die and the lead frame by driving the X-Y stage.

Abstract: A product acceptance/rejection judgment method which always ensures accurate judgment whether a product is acceptable or not even when an injection molding machine is operated in different operating environments is implemented by a processor (22) of a numerically controlled device (20). When the processor determines that it should perform, in addition to a normal product acceptance/rejection judgment based on molding process parameters, an auxiliary product acceptance/rejection judgment based on at least one operating parameter which directly indicates an injection molding machine operating environment characteristic involved in the acceptance/rejection judgment of the product, the processor reads output data from an A-D converter (11, 12 or 13) which data corresponds to the actual value of at least one operating parameter detected by an appropriate die temperature sensor (8), open air temperature sensor (9) or a wind velocity sensor (10).

Abstract: A positioning correction method for a motor-operated injection molding machine, intended to eliminate waste of power supply to or overheat of servomotors by locking up in an ideal state the motor-operated injection molding machine, which uses a toggle mechanism or crank for mold clamping and other operations. During the lockup period, a load RA acting on a mold clamping servomotor 7 is detected (S8), and a position command value PM for the servomotor 7 is increased or decreased in the next cycle in a direction such that the value of the load RA is reduced, if the value of the load RA is greater than a preset reference value V0 (S12, S13). As a result, a rotation center Q1 of a crank 2 and two opposite ends Q2 of a link 3 are locked up in a straight line, so that a moment of rotation produced by a mold clamping reaction force is removed from the rotation center Q1 of the crank 2.

Abstract: A vacuum cast molding apparatus includes a plurality of vacuum chambers which can be brought into communication with each other, a plurality of depressurizing devices to evacuate each of the vacuum chambers respectively, a plurality of mixing and injecting devices installed in each of the vacuum chambers, to mix, agitate and inject molding materials into dies installed in each of the vacuum chambers, and separators installed removably between the vacuum chambers for partitioning each of the vacuum chambers. The vacuum chambers can be used independently when the separators are installed to partition them from each other. The vacuum chambers can also be used as one large vacuum chamber when the separators are removed bringing the chambers into communication with each other.

Abstract: An injection molding condition setting method capable of setting optimum molding conditions quickly and easily. A processor (12) of a control device furnished with an expert system, which includes a state table containing a plurality of states each composed of a combination of mold information, resin data, molding conditions, molding defect data, and molding monitor data, and a weight table listing weighted countermeasures against defect molding set for every state, retrieves a state nearest to a trial injection state, which is discriminated in accordance with the mold information, resin data, and molding conditions set before the start of trial injection, the molding monitor data detected during the execution of the trial injection and the molding defect data inputted after the end of the trial injection, from the state table, and determines a molding defect countermeasure corresponding to the retrieved state and having the maximum weight with reference to a weight table.

Abstract: An improved stereolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, information defining the object being structurally specified to reduce curl, stress and distortion in the ultimately formed object, the successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A process is provided for electrically treating a non-conductive, moldable material by inducing therein a desired electrical effect before it is molded into a desired shape. The process includes pressing, injecting or extruding a material to form a tube, film, rod or the like. The material is then electrically treating the material to induce therein a desired electrical effect. Thereafter, the at least some of the induced electrical effect within the material is permitted to relax. A detectable electrical current is generated by this relaxation. The electrical current is the analyzed and/or monitored. When practicing this invention, the creation of an induced electrical effect, relaxation thereof and analysis of the electrical current generated thereby are performed after or while the material has been, or is being, pressed, injected or extruded, but before the material is molded into its desired shape.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the manufacture of mineral fibers, in particular glass fibers, by use of a fiber-drawing process using internal centrifuging in a centrifuger. The peripheral strip is pierced by a large number of outlet orifices and the radiation emitted superficially by the peripheral strip is measured in order to determine the temperature of points of the peripheral strip and the vertical coordinate of each of the points measured.

Abstract: A method and process for computer-controlled manufacture of three-dimensional objects involves dispensing a layer of liquid, insoluble material onto a platform at predetermined locations, which then hardens. A second media, preferably water soluble, is then sprayed onto this layer to thereby encapsulate the hardened insoluble media. The uppermost surface of this encapsulant is planed, thus removing a portion of the encapsulant to expose the underlying insoluble material for new pattern deposition. After the resulting planing residue is removed, another layer of liquid, insoluble media is dispensed onto the planed surface. The insoluble media can be of any color and may vary from layer to layer, and from location within a layer to location within a layer. These steps are repeated, until the desired three-dimensional object, surrounded by a mold, is completed. At this point, the object is either heated or immersed in a solvent, thereby dissolving the mold and leaving the three-dimensional object intact.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Abstract: An improved stereolithographic apparatus and method is described. In one embodiment, the improvement includes immersing at least a portion of a part in a volume of a liquid solvent in a vapor degreaser while subjecting the portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin. Several examples of solvents are provided, including ethanol, and Freon TMS. In a second embodiment, the improvement includes building the part on a layer of liquid resin supported by a volume of a dense, immiscible, and UV transparent intermediate liquid, and integratably immersing at least a portion of the built part in the intermediate liquid, and then either subjecting the immersed portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin, or subjecting the immersed portion to UV light. Several examples of intermediate liquids are provided, including perfluorinated fluids, such as Fluorinert FC-40, and water-based salt solutions, such as solutions of magnesium sulfate or sodium chloride in water.

Abstract: The critical dimensions of product samples made during a standard certification procedure for an injection molding process are measured and a loss factor value is computed for each such dimension. Using statistical techniques, the largest loss factor value is partitioned into percentages of loss contributed by a predetermined set of loss elements. The loss element contributing the largest percentage is corrected so as to improve the quality of the process and the product. The method provides a way of determining what kinds of process corrections will most effectively improve product and process quality.

Abstract: A method of controlling an injection molding machine in which change in the forward movement velocity of an injecting screw or change in the filling pressure is detected at the time of performing switching from the filling process to the packing process, commencement of the packing control is hastened if the change in the velocity or the pressure is reversed, while the commencement of the packing process is delayed if a determined level is not realized within a predetermined time from the commencement of the packing control. When the injection molding work is performed, switching from the filling process to the packing process can be easily performed at a proper time and therefore high quality products can be easily mass-produced.

Abstract: An automatic sub-mold changer for use in an injection molding machine having a pair of molds in which sub-molds are detachably installed in an open state of the molds includes a sub-mold stock device for stocking plural sub-molds therein, the sub-mold stock device being spaced from the pair of molds on the injection molding machine. An arm device having an end portion which carries chucks to which the sub-molds are detachably affixed is movable between a first position juxtaposed to the sub-mold stock device and a second position juxtaposed to the pair of molds on the injection molding machine.

Abstract: A method for the vectorial assembly of green tires (2) in a curing unit (4), whereby a processing unit (12), after performing a first step consisting in determining the origin of a tire (2), i.e. the machine on which it was produced, and the curing unit (4) in which it is to be cured, extracts memorized data relative to the asymmetry of the curing unit (4) and the average tire (2) produced on the machine, and positions the tire (2) angularly in relation to the curing unit (4) so as to compensate for both asymmetries according to a given program.

Abstract: Continuous process and apparatus form products from thermoplastic materials between top and bottom mold carriages. A flexible silicone rubber mold on a fiber belt continuously moves around each carriage frame. A surface of desired shape on one rubber mold mates with the desired shape of an opposed rubber mold forming a continuously moving mold channel into which is fed hot thermoplastic material at moldable temperature. After discharging the molded plastic product from the moving mold channel, localized surface heat in the molds resulting from contact with hot plastic is removed from the belt molds by air blown onto mold surfaces. Each carriage frame includes a back-up plate coated with low friction coefficient material over which slides a continuously moving belt mold. These slippery plates have numerous air-bearing holes feeding high pressure air between them and the respective moving fiber belt for reducing friction and wear.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a plastic lens element having a gradient index of refraction is disclosed in which first and second monomer-containing compositions, each having a different index of refraction, are injected into a centrifugal mold. Precise control of the gradient index is achieved by varying the ratio of the two monomers over a predetermined number of steps during the filling process.

Abstract: A rotary plastic blow molding machine (20) including a base (22), a wheel (24) mounted for rotation on the base about a rotational axis A and a programmable logic controller (PLC) (100) mounted on the wheel for rotation therewith to control operation of a plurality of mold stations (40) on the wheel. The blow molding machine (20) as disclosed also has at least one sensor (62) mounted on the wheel (24) for rotation therewith to sense an operating parameter of each mold station and to generate an associated operation signal. The PLC (100) is coupled to the at least one sensor (62), processes the sensed operation signal and controls the machine (20) operation in response to the signal.

Abstract: A molding system including a mold and a molding machine has been adapted to monitor the position of mold element surfaces that move relative to each other to form a mold cavity. The system includes a source of gas under pressure and orifice-forming sensors on a first mold element to direct a flow of pressurized gas from the first mold element. A monitoring system monitors the condition of the gas remote from the first mold element to indicate the spacing between the first mold element and one or more adjacent mold elements as the mold elements move with respect to each other.

Abstract: Dough processing method and apparatus in which a head machine has a dough divider for producing successive dough pieces, one after the other, and a conveyor for conveying the dough pieces from the dough divider to a subsequent treatment device A first drive motor drives the dough divider and the conveyor. The subsequent treatment device has a transport conveyor with dough cups for receiving the dough pieces from the conveyor of the head machine at a transfer station and for transporting the dough pieces in the subsequent treatment device A second drive motor drives the transport conveyor. A frequency convertor is connected to the first drive motor to control the speed of operation thereof based on a selected frequency from the frequency convertor.

Abstract: Mobile structural unit molding and assembling apparatus includes a support portion, a raw material supplying portion, a molding portion, a unit transferring portion and a control portion. The support portion includes at least one base section with a wheeled carriage. The raw material supplying portion includes a plurality of reservoirs disposed on the base section. The molding portion includes at least one rotatable mold assembly disposed on the base section including at least two separable mold sections. A mixing chamber adjacent the mold assembly connects with raw material reservoirs through independent conduits. The unit transferring portion includes a tiltable unit positioning assembly selectively movable with respect to the molding portion. The control portion includes a programmable memory, a coordinator, sensors, actuators, a unit orienter and circuitry therefor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating or substantially reducing curling effects in stereolithographically formed objects. Synergistic stimulation is applied to a curable material to form a three dimensional object through the build up of successive layers. Curling between successive layers is eliminated or substantially reduced by curing a balancing layer in relation to a balanced layer such that reverse curl of the balanced layer caused by the balancing layer offsets or negates normal curl of the balanced layer caused by the balancing layer.

Abstract: A stereolithographic system for automatically generating three-dimensional objects on a layer by layer basis by alternately forming layers of medium over previously formed layers of the object and selectively solidifying successive layers of medium at a surface of a body of the medium whereby the object is formed from a plurality of solidified and adhered layers. The surface of the body of medium is maintained at a desired working surface, for example by detecting its level and relatively adjusting it and the working surface so that they coincide.

Abstract: A control for an injection molding machine is provided including: a processor module producing set point signals in response to detection of coincidence of, selectably, analogue input signals, binary status signals, and elapsed time signals; and, a signal processing module for periodically producing control signals in response to the set point signals, measured parameter signals and control algorithms relating set point values and measured parameter values. A DC output interface module is provided including a plurality of DC output interface circuits for applying binary control signals to machine devices. The DC output interface circuits include self-latching over-current protection including means for sensing a latched condition thereof to produce an over-current fault indicating signal available to the processor module. The processor module includes an expansion bus for connection of the signal processing module and the DC output interface module.

Abstract: A method for taking countermeasures against faulty molding in which, with the aid of an expert system, restoration to a nondefective molding condition when faulty molding takes place during the mass production of molded products. When threshold values of a plurality of molding parameters, and information indicative of countermeasure processes, respectively corresponding to combinations of evaluations on these parameters and determined on the basis of the knowledge and experiences of skilled persons, are manually entered through a data input device (119), they are stored in tables of a memory (110) beforehand under the control of a processor (114). Upon start of the mass production, the injection time, metering time and cushion amount which are measured or calculated during a molding cycle, and the resin pressures corresponding to the manually set screw positions at the time of passing the gate and filling are set in the tables as reference values of the parameters.

Abstract: A method for use in preparing a dental prosthesis comprises the step of receiving an electrical signal encoding geometric specifications of a substructure of the prosthesis, the specifications including dimensions and shape of a tooth preparation at a dental site at which the prosthesis is to be affixed and the configuration of the substructure. In a subsequent step performed in response to the electrical signal, a computer is operated to automatically select a first mold component having a surface corresponding in dimensions to the tooth preparation and to automatically select a second mold component to produce, in cooperation with the first mold component, a mold cavity having dimensions and configuration corresponding to dimensions and configuration of the substructure. The first mold component and the second mold component are placed in predetermined relative positions to form the mold cavity and the mold cavity is filled with a quantity of a fluidic solidifiable dental material, i.e.

Abstract: Composite material consisting of reinforcing fibers are impregnated with polymeric matrices which may contain fillers and are then cured or thermoformed in a heating system such as an autoclave, press or oven. As the curing or thermoforming process proceeds, dielectric detection is employed to closely monitor critical process events such as the release of volatiles, chemical reactions such as cross linking, melting and solidification. Curves are generated by plotting factors of the dielectric loss of the polymer matrix versus time during the process, and these curves have a distinctive shape or signature that is characteristic of the particular polymer matrix being processed. These distinctive features or signatures have been found to correlate with critical process events, and these features are stored in a computer. During a cure cycle, the computer actuates the controls of the heating system so that the appropriate process actions or modifications will occur at the optimum time.

Abstract: A method for automatically timely supplying a lubricant to a machine working section driven by a motor and an apparatus therefor. The quantity of increase of the driving current of a mold clamping servomotor (12) during the process in which a mold clamping mechanism (10) of an injection molding machine shifts from a proper lubrication state to an improper lubrication state is previously decided for each combination of the type of the injection molding machine, injection molding conditions, and the type of grease. While a normal injection molding cycle in the proper lubrication state is being executed, a reference value for the motor driving current is decided on the basis of the normal motor driving current in a specific moved position of a movable platen (14), at which the motor current is measured for the aforesaid decision, and the increase of the motor driving current, the reference value and the specific moved position of the movable platen being loaded into a memory of a numerical control device (50).

Abstract: A single continuous dough sheet (12) is conveyed by a conveyor (20) up an incline to a dough tension and drive system (38). In the system (38), the dough sheet (12) passes around a lower drive roller (40), around an intermediate drive roller (42), and around an upper drive roller (44). The dough sheet (12) extends at a downward angle to an idler roller (80) which directs the dough sheet (12) generally vertically downward in a flat condition. A wishbone pushing element (82) having a rounded V-shape forms the first face of the dough sheet (12) into a generally V-shape having two wings. The wings of the V-shape are then guided by an aligning element (96) such as laterally spaced rollers (98, 100) which roll on the opposite face of the wings to form a folded, two-ply continuous dough sheet (14).

Abstract: A group management system for injection molding machines, capable of rapidly determining molding conditions of a plurality of injection molding machines. Data is supplied through first to eleventh input devices (13a-33c), which indicates types of molding defects appearing in molded articles respectively produced under tentative molding conditions by first to eleventh injection molding machines (12a-32c) which form first to third injection molding machine groups (12, 22, 32). First to third work stations connected to the first to third injection molding machine groups (12, 22, 32) determine one or more molding conditions to be modified and the amount of each modification, with respect to the individual first to eleventh injection molding machines, by using a multi-user operating system, and program and database for molding condition determination.

Abstract: A device for vertical slipforming of concrete walls includes a rigid frame and at least one slipform assembly suspended from and vertically displaceable with respect to the frame. Concrete is delivered to the interior of each slipform assembly which is incrementally raised as the concrete sets and further concrete is supplied. Thus, concrete panels having a vertical orientation are progressively cast in the slipform assemblies at a job site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an object by stereolithography from layers of a medium solidifiable upon exposure to synergistic stimulation by selecting an area element of a first layer of medium. The depth of the medium within the object underlying the area element is determined and compared to the depth to the minimum solidification depth of the medium. The area element is exposed to solidifying synergistic stimulation only if the depth of the medium equals or exceeds the minimum solidification depth. A next layer is created over the first layer without exposing the first layer to solidifying synergistic stimulation, if the depth is less than the minimum solidification depth. The layers may have a thickness selected such that the minimum solidification depth is a integer multiple of the layer thickness.

Abstract: A rotary powder compression machine with a horizontal turntable for compressing powder placed into a compression bore between an upper and a lower compression rods. An ultrasonic sensor monitors the amount of powder deposited upstream of the open feed shoe in the rotation direction of the turn-table.

Abstract: An improved stereolithographic apparatus (SLA) and an improved method for generating a part from curable material. The invention utilizes control and/or knowledge of depths of penetration of actinic radiation into a vat of photopolymer to determine and/or control and/or produce desirable characteristics associated with the creation of parts. From a predictive point of view, these desirable characteristics may include determination of cure depth from a given exposure, determination cure width, determination of required minimum surface angle (MSA), determination of optimum skin fill spacing, the strength of cross sections of partially polymerized material, amount of curl type distortion, and necessary overcure to attain adhesion between layers, etc. These determinations can lead to the use of particular building techniques to insure adequate part formation.

Abstract: A burr amount and a shrinkage cavity amount which have been inputted with respect to a molded article by a molding machine are received. A membership function relating to the burr amount, a membership function relating to the shrinkage cavity amount, a membership function of a value relating to a molding temperature, a membership function of a value relating to a molding pressure, and rules using the burr amount and the shrinkage cavity amount as input variables and also using a value relating to the molding temperature and a value relating to the molding pressure as output variables have been preset in a fuzzy inference apparatus. By applying the burr amount and the shrinkage cavity amount which have been inputted to the rules, a fuzzy inference is executed. The value relating to the molding temperature and the value relating to the molding pressure are inferred and the results of the inferences are given to the molding machine.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

Abstract: A product acceptance/rejection judgment method in an injection molding machine, which makes it possible to properly and quickly set judgment standard parameters and accurately judge whether a product is acceptable or not. Based on injection pressures and screw positions periodically sampled during each of a plurality of injection processes in nondefective product molding, an injection pressure curve group represented as a function of the screw position and an injection pressure curve group represented as a function of the time period elapsed from the start of injection are displayed on two coordinate systems (6, 7) on a display screen.

Abstract: A nozzle for a gap measuring system includes a short outlet passageway defined by a smooth, cylindrical wall terminating in an outlet orifice and having an entrance orifice surrounded by a wall portion that is substantially perpendicular to the outlet passageway. As fluid flows through the nozzle, it encounters the surrounding wall portion at the entrance of the short outlet passageway of the nozzle which constricts the fluid flow upon entry into the short outlet passageway of the nozzle. As a result of the nozzle geometry, the fluid exits the nozzle outlet with a higher velocity, lower pressure and decreased turbulence. The incorporation of such a nozzle into a gap measuring system can produce an increase in the reliability and accuracy of distance determinations nearly ten times that which was previously attainable with prior nozzle inserts.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching dough including serially arranged conveyors, the most downstream conveyor being driven faster than all upstream conveyors, a reciprocating roller disposed above and spaced from the surfaces of the conveyors, and a roller driving mechanism coupled to the roller such that the average peripheral speed of the roller is equal to the conveying speed of the downstream conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling large diameter horizontally extruded plastic tubing includes a number of driven endless belts positioned around the path of travel of the extrusion to transport the extrusion while it cools. The belts are individually driven either by hydraulic or electric motors, the speed of travel of each belt is continuously monitored and a feedback system including a microprocessor controls the driving motors so as to maintain the speed of travel of the extrusion at an adjustable controlled value. The belt positions are hydraulically controlled to accommodate tubing of a range of sizes and the level of the hydraulic fluid in its reservoir, its pressure and its temperature are also monitored by the microprocessor. In the event of component fault or failure, the microprocessor returns the affected belt or belts to manual control so that the product line need not be shut down.

Abstract: A noodle making machine includes a flour storing arrangement, a mixing arrangement to form entangled noodle base by stirring the flour fed from the flour storing arrangement together with kneading water, and a water feeding arrangement to feed kneading water to the mixing arrangement. Also, a noodle-making control arrangement is provided to control the noodle quantity for each meal by keeping constant the feed quantities of the flour and kneading water for unit time, and for changing the feed times.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for stretching dough are provided. The method includes the steps of disposing upstream and downstream conveyors serially, driving the downstream conveyor faster than the upstream conveyor, disposing a roller above and spaced apart from the conveyors, rotating the roller, and reciprocating the roller a predetermined distance over the conveyors conveying the dough to uniformly stretch it to a desired thickness. The apparatus is provided to work the method.

Abstract: A pellet mill (1) is provided with a control unit with the help of which a desired value of press roll slippage, e.g. zero or a pre-selectable peak value can be maintained. For this purpose, the pellet mill (1) comprises a first measuring unit (27, 28) for measuring the circumferential speed of the perforated die (8) as well as a second measuring unit (23, 24) for measuring the circumferential speed of the press rolls (11, 12). In a comparator (30, 31), the two circumferential speeds are compared and on exceeding a pre-selectable peak value for the difference of the two measured values, a slip signal is created by means of which the mill drive, and/or the supply of basic material to be formed is influenced in such a manner that the slippage will be prevented.

Abstract: Agglomerated particle size of ceramic materials is controlled by accurate determination of the proper final point of agglomeration. A part of a suspension in a cylindrical agitating region having agitation blades is circulated through a pipe having at least one transparent portion, the suspension which flows through the transparent pipe is irradiated with a light, preferably a laser beam and the final point of agglomeration is calculated based on the change in quantity of the transmitted light and/or the change in acoustic emission generated in the agitating region, thereby to stop the agglomeration.

Abstract: A plurality of individual plastic material ingredients are metered from respective individual material hoppers at controllable individual discharge rates, blended, and delivered to a common hopper. The blend of plastic material ingredients in the common hopper is discharged to an extruder or other material processing machine. The material processing rate of the processing machine is determined based on the sum of the discharge rates of the individual ingredients to the common hopper plus or minus the discharge rate of the blend from the common hopper to the processing machine. The discharge rates of the individual material ingredients from the individual hoppers to the common hopper is controlled as needed to maintain a preset recipe of the blend at the determined material processing rate of the processing machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object to provide support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support or the like for supporting an object surface from a second surface.