Abstract: Apparatus for preparing and dispensing thermoplastic resin has a conveyor or extruder with a chamber provided with heating elements, a conveyor or extruder screw mounted in the chamber and connected to a drive motor, a resin inlet and a resin outlet. To ensure the intended continuous dispensing of the resin even during intermittent operation, a control device is provided having inputs connected to a resin pressure sensor, a conveyor speed of rotation sensor and a resin temperature sensor. Intended values for the conveyor speed, resin pressure and resin temperature are supplied to the control device, which regulates the pressure during interruption of the dispensing of the resin and effects a speed regulation or a pressure regulation with a superimposed speed regulation during dispensing of the resin. For plasticizing of the resin, which is supplied in solid, preferably granular form, and since the conveyor geometry by the heating elements is required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling induced dynamic instability in an axially moving form supported between two axially spaced supports wherein the form is relatively soft and therefore exposed to development of transverse tensional forces tending to pivot the form about one or both supports. Control is effected by establishing a datum axis, repeatedly sensing the lateral position of the form in at least two mutually inclined transverse directions, deriving signals proportional to the sensed lateral displacement of the form from the datum axis, converting the signals to thrust forces, and applying the thrust forces to restore the form to the desired lateral position. The technique is of particular value in the production of oriented polymeric tubular films.

Abstract: In the making of cable with spaced conductor wires or tensile members in a non-circular jacket, the wires of member are maintained in desired angular positions within the jacket by guiding them through a core tube which is controllably rotatable within the extruder cross-head. The angular positions of the wires or members are monitored and upon their positions departing from the desired positions, the core tube is rotated in the appropriate direction to return them to the desired positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatically powered automatic apparatus and method for subdividing one or more loaves of dough supported in a partitioned single use, nonmetallic tray at a processing station intermediate the opposite ends of a conveyor. A tray of dough is introduced into the apparatus as a tray of subdivided dough exits onto the conveyor. The dough divider functions to draw the skin of the roll of dough from the upper and lower sides thereof permanently into closely spaced relation between adjacent subdivisions of dough thereby leaving the subdivisions connected solely by a web which is readily frangible when the dough is baked. The dough subdivider operates dry and free of lubricant. Trays of dough exiting from the apparatus are maintained frozen and wrapped until ready for the oven at either a local or a distant consumption site.

Abstract: An in-mold coating apparatus which comprises movable and fixed molds which when mated together defines a molding cavity, and an injector assembly for injecting a plasticized coating material into the molding cavity to form a coated layer on a primary molded product within the molding cavity. The movable mold has an opened position at which the complete molded product with the coated layer thereon can be removed out of the molding cavity, a first closed position at which the primary molded product can be formed and a second closed position at which a space is formed between the movable mold and the primary molded product for the formation of the coated layer. The injector assembly has a tubular rod having one end adapted to selectively close and open an injection opening, and also having an air passage defined therein for the application of a blast of compressed air into the space to urge the primary molded product against the fixed mold.

Abstract: A device is described which eliminates the pre-drying of particulate plastic prior to processing by an extrusion or injection molding machine. A tubular guide member directs particulate plastic under gravity into the feed inlet of the machine. During delivery, the temperature of the particulate plastic is raised with heated air flows to between about 150.degree.-200.degree. F. Suction is applied to the feed inlet of the machine to remove volatiles (primarily water) released when the temperature of the particulate plastic is increased by contact with the heated barrel and screwdriver of a machine. Temperature and suction controls permit selection of operating temperature and suction levels that ensure removal of volatiles prior to any extensive plasticization and transfer along the barrel which would otherwise preclude proper removal of volatiles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulically controlled extruder injection molding unit which includes a measured value pick-up for the position of the piston rod of the working cylinder and/or of the injection piston. A pressure control valve which can be switched on is provided in the line leading to the surge chamber of the working cylinder for the piston. A proportionally controlled pressure valve is provided in the line to the other surge chamber, the value being controlled as a function of dropping control values when switching from subsequent pressure to dynamic pressure until the measured value pick-up emits an output signal. The then existing instantaneous value of the dynamic pressure is then added to the preselected dynamic pressure. Consequently, the dynamic pressure phase takes place under a corrected dynamic pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing cheese shapes utilize one or more chambers for containing cheese, a ram for forcing the cheese through a perforated area of a die plate at the forward end of each chamber to produce a plurality of extrusions, and a cutter to divide each extrusion into a plurality of shapes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple platen-multiple position press or injection blow molding apparatus for use in the blow molding of containers in which a preform is molded onto a core and is moved relative to the core to space a body portion of the preform from the core when the core is in the blowing station to facilitate the temperature conditioning of the preform to achieve a desired biorientation of the thermoplastic material from which the preform is made when the preform is blow molded to form a container. The temperature conditioning may be achieved by allowing stabilization of the temperature gradient through the material of the preform with or without the assistance of a supply of gas to the preform at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A rotatable accumulator roll which may move substantially horizontally or vertically is disposed between the die of an extruder and a take-away conveyor to minimize the effects of output surging of the extrudate from the die of the extruder in order to maintain substantially the dimension of the extrudate as delivered to a constant speed take-away conveyor. Variable force is applied to the roll to maintain tension on the extrudate.

Abstract: In a die-casting or injection molding machine transducers are provided for generating a signal corresponding to the injection pressure as well as a signal in accordance with the velocity of the ram device, i.e. the injection screw or the injection piston of the machine. The output signals of these transducers are supplied to a calculating stage for calculating the actual injection power. The resulting signal at the output of the calculating stage is fed to an evaluation device, preferably comprising an indicating device.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism for selectively locking and unlocking a first member in a first position relative to a second member comprises a linkage system connecting the first and second members and drive means for articulating the linkage system for moving the first member relative to the second member. A fluid link is provided for locking the first member in position relative to the second member wherein the fluid link is actuated upon sensing the first member approaching the first position.

Abstract: The method consists of:providing an elongate member (tracer) of a material which is substantially inextensible or extensible to a foreseeable extent,feeding the member to the extrusion head of an extruder simultaneously with the material to be extruded so that the member is incorporated in the extrusion during extrusion,detecting the advance of the member upstream of the extrusion head, andsynchronizing the operation of adjusting means operable to modify the section of the outlet orifice of the extrusion head with the advance of the member.The invention also relates to apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator assembly for a push-type die closing unit of an injection molding machine which has a central, internally bypassable power piston, lateral cylinders for rapid opening travel and a rearward stationary plunger for rapid closing travel, the lateral travel cylinders and the pressure spaces of the power cylinder creating a differential effect under which a small external flow volume of pressurized fluid is required from the pump to produce rapid opening and closing travel while a much larger internal flow volume passes through a flow connection between the cylinders. A program-controlled proportional-response throttle valve in this flow connection gives an accurate and steady control over the travel speeds, especially during deceleration. The throttle valve also makes it possible to obtain a forcible initial die opening movement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a continuous length of tubing having an annular wall formed of polyurethane, including a forming cylinder having a mandrel extending centrally therethrough. Two strips of paper material are pulled through the forming cylinder, one surrounding the mandrel and one being disposed at the interior surface of the cylinder, and a curable plastic mixture is injected into the annular space between the paper strips. A sensor is provided to determine the point at which curing of the plastic mixture begins in the annular spacing within the cylinder, and the speed of travel of the paper through the cylinder is regulated as a function thereof. The control system shuts the apparatus down if a break in the paper strips is detected, or if the paper supply approaches exhaustion, or if the point of full curing is within a predetermined minimum spacing from the inlet end of the cylinder.

Abstract: A glass panel whose edges are to be sealed is displaced in an upright condition standing on one edge into a sealing station where the conveyor supporting it raises somewhat whereupon suction grippers carried on a stationary frame engage within the edges of the workpiece. Then the conveyor lowers away from the workpiece, which is still upright, so that all of its edges are unobstructed. An extruder then moves vertically and horizontally around the workpiece to seal its edges. An unloading conveyor presses its own set of suction grippers against a face of the workpiece within its edges so they stick to the sealed workpiece. The suction grippers of the stationary frame then release the workpiece to those of the unloading conveyor which subsequently displaces it while it is still upright into a takeoff station.

Abstract: An injection molding machine wherein both a clamping mechanism and an injection mechanism are actuated by means of a servo-motor, in which machine, mold opening and closing and clamping on the clamping mechanism side are carried out by gear means provided over a transmission shaft positioned on the clamping mechanism side and a rotary member threadedly engaged with a plunger having threads in the periphery thereof, the operation for advancing and rotating an injection screw on the injection mechanism side is carried out by advancing and rotating means by a rotary shaft and gears provided within a housing and transmission means by a plurality of gears provided together with an electromagnetically-operated clutch member in a portion of said transmission shaft positioned on the injection mechanism side, said machine comprising an electromagnetically-operated clutch mechanism for temporarily stopping the application of a turning force by said servo-motor to the clamping mechanism side, and a force retaining devic

Abstract: A combined molding and assembling apparatus which comprises a conveyor movable from one position to another position spaced apart from such one position, a pallet frictionally engageable with the conveyor for movement together therewith, a catch mechanism releaseably engageable with the pallet to hold the pallet at a working position, a molding machine fixedly mounted on a bench of the apparatus adjacent the conveyor and including a movable plate movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor means for selectively closing and opening a mold assembly, and a handling machine including a head capable of moving selectively into and away from the space, in which the mold assembly operates, during the opening of the mold assembly.

Abstract: In curing an extruded insulation layer of an electric cable by passing the cable through a catenary curing tube, a cable restraining device 8 is disposed at or just prior to the exit end of the catenary tube 11 and serves to apply to the cable 10 a restraint to oppose forces (developed by the hydrostatic pressure of the curing fluid) which tend to extrude the cable through the exit end of the curing tube. In the example shown, the device 8 comprises a set of resiliently flexible cones 9 and a clamping arrangement 12, 13 which is adjustable to adjust the degree of restraints.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the filling level of the degassing space in an extruder used for processing thermoplastic materials comprises a level detection orifice located in the degassing dome or jacket of the extruder which opening is connected to a conduit. The conduit leads through a regulator device to a gas source. Connected to the conduit, between the regulator device and the orifice, is a pressure sensor such as a pressure difference switch. If the level of molten material in the dome rises above a preselected level, it blocks the opening and produces a back-pressure in the conduit. The switch is automatically actuated by this back-pressure and produces a signal. Appropriate action can then be taken to prevent the further rise of the molten material in the dome and to prevent blockage of the degassing device.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for molding and winding in a continuous operation a string of molded items. The molded items of the string or chain are molded in spaced relationship to one another and are connected by molded scrap connectors. The string of molded items is then advanced until only a trailing connector of the last molded item extends into the mold cavity. Upon subsequent molding operation, therefore, the subsequent molded item is molded integral with the existing string of molded items. The continuous string of molded items is kept under constant tension and wound periodically into a coil. The molding, advancing, tensioning and winding operations are all integrated and synchronized in order to provide a wound package which greatly facilitates its use in an automatic assembly operation.

Abstract: A foam extrusion die and monitoring apparatus, including a pair of adjustable die lip members having opposed, rigid die lips defining therebetween an elongated arcuate die orifice, is characterized by position sensors located along the arc of the die lips to monitor the die opening at such locations. The position sensors include sensing styli mounted for movement with the lip members at respective sensing locations such as at the arc ends and arc centers of the die lips, and provision is made for connecting the sensing styli as by precision push-pull, flexible cables to respective linear variable displacement transformers which provide electrical output signals representative of sensed positions to remotely located monitoring circuitry. The apparatus has particular application in a vacuum extrusion line wherein the extrusion die is located inside a vacuum chamber and thus is inaccessible during extrusion.

Abstract: In a blow molding process in which a parison is blown with a blowing gas containing a reactive gas component capable of reacting with the inner walls of the parison, the blowing gas is removed from the resulting blown article with a purging gas and stored for reuse. The mixture of blowing and purging gases in a reserve tank or other suitable means is adjusted to a certain level of pressure and reactive gas concentration and then recycled as the blowing gas in a subsequent blow molding step. The resulting blown articles from this process have improved properties, e.g. improved impermeability against non-polar solvents when fluorine is the reactive gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of bricks with the aid of a mold normally open on top, ceramic material which may be introduced into the mold, and a piston disposed above the mold which may be moved with respect to the mold, and forms a cover surface of the mold when entering the top of the mold, includes the steps of exerting a non-oscillatory pressure by the piston on the ceramic material, and additionally exerting an oscillatory pressure on the ceramic material.

Abstract: This relates to a labeller for applying labels to the cavities of mold halves of a rotating blow molding machine whereby when a parison is blow molded within each mold thereof to form a bottle or like hollow article, each such article will be provided with at least one and preferably two labels. The labeller is provided with pick-up heads to pick up labels from two opposed hoppers and then move the labels in between the paths of rotation of mold halves and with proper timing advance the labels into the mold half cavities and discharge them on the walls of the mold cavities. Control circuitry is provided for the automatic operation of the labeller whereby not only can the labeller operate without interference with the moving mold halves, but also accurately position the labels within the cavities. This abstract forms no part of the specification of this application and is not to be construed as limiting the claims of the application.

Abstract: This relates to a blow molding operation wherein centering rods are associated with preforms at least during the initial portion of the blowing cycle wherein the preforms are primarily axially elongated and wherein the freely suspended lower end of each preform must be guided against radial movement. In order to assure that the associated preform centering rods will remain in centering position with respect to the preforms at all times and will not engage the preforms so as axially to stretch the preforms, a control is provided for coordinating the advance of the preform centering rods with the introduction of blowing gas into the preforms, and thus with the axial elongation of the preforms due to internal blowing pressure.

Abstract: Hot briquetting apparatus for ferrous or non-ferrous particles has a furnace having upper and lower chambers. The particles are supplied to the lower chamber and leave the lower chamber through a discharge tube to enter a briquetting press. A passage is performed between the lower and upper chambers and sensing means sense the constituents of the gases in that passage. Control means control the air-to-fuel ratio of a zone of the lower chamber. The control means are connected to the output of the sensing means so as to maintain the atmosphere within the zone as a reducing atmosphere, the whole of the lower chamber being a reducing atmosphere.

Abstract: The procedure is actuated by the apparatus shown in FIG. 3, part B of the mold of which, relatively movably, holds an elastically deformable chamber C which is caused to expand by a fluid under pressure. Into cavity A1 of relatively fixed mold A textile reinforcement D and some liquid resin is placed. If the product to be molded has projecting parts A1, part B is provided with pushers 12 having shaped ends 14, actuated by a pressurized fluid to push forward a part of woven armor D into cavity A4 before causing chamber C to expand. When this condition occurs, the liquid resin is pressed into the structure of reinforcement D and, in solidifying, takes on the shape of cavity A1 of the mold.

Abstract: A method of moulding containers consisting of two plastic materials compatible with and sealable to each other, of differing nature and/or color, wherein the material is injected into a space provided between the walls of a mould and a counter-mould, and comprising defining within said space by means of removable separators a first and a second sub-space; injecting into said first sub-space a first one of said materials to fill it fully, injecting into the second sub-space the second material, removing said separators and continuing the injection under pressure of said second material until local interpenetration thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel extrusion die mask for use in the extrusion of honeycomb structures. The mask includes a stationary portion with an orifice extending longitudinally therethrough. A movable recess means is provided which forms a recess communicating between the outlet face of an extrusion die and the central orifice which receives and compacts extruded batch material from the die to form the skin of the extruded honeycomb structure. An adjustment means is provided for controlling the depth of the recess whereby the amount of material directed to the skin of the structure may be varied as batch viscosity varies and as product requirements indicate.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method are provided for monitoring gas entrainment in liquid precursors for reaction injection molding (RIM). In accordance with the invention, a nucleated RIM precursor is sampled and the sample subjected to a controlled volumetric change. The measured pressure of the expanded or compressed sample is compared to that corresponding to the ideal degree of gas entrainment. The comparison is used to control the addition or withdrawal of entrained gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the moisture content of pulp insulation on an electrical conductor during the application of the insulation onto the conductor, in which first and second potentials are applied across a pair of voltage dividers having the insulation connected in parallel with each divider at its node, obtaining a measure of the potential at each node, and obtaining the difference between the two measures.

Abstract: A process for producing a film of a thermoplastic resin, characterized in that the rotation of a cooling drum for cooling a molten film-like extrudate is controlled such that the variation rate (%) of instantaneous rotation under no load (as defined in the specification) is less than about 1%, and that the cooled film-like extrudate is withdrawn from the cooling drum so that substantially no tension in the subsequent stretching step is exerted on the film-like extrudate on the cooling drum. The process is preferably applicable to a film-forming apparatus which operates at high speeds. A film having markedly reduced thickness unevenness is produced.

Abstract: Plural sticks for collecting candy floss are stored in a removable annular storage facility. The sticks are automatically dispensed, one at a time, from the storage facility. A dispensed stick is retained in a collar and sleeve arrangement. A mechanism permits relative rotation between the collar and sleeve to insure proper alignment and reception of the stick. The collar and sleeve arrangement clamps and rotates the stick about its own axis. A rotary head for producing floss is rotated as the stick is rotated. A rotary drum surrounding the head sweeps the floss towards the stick. During the machine cycle, heat is applied to the head to enable the head to produce the floss. When the application of heat to the head ceases, the head, drum and stick continue to be rotated for a "run-off" period of time. During the "run-off" time, floss which would otherwise accumulate in the machine is spun off and collected by the stick. The rate at which heat is initially applied to the head is adjustable.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, automatically and uniformly drawing-in elastomeric material into worm extruders comprising at least one draw-in roll for the material mixture, arranged in spaced relationship in front of the extruder worm or screw and driven independently of the worm. The draw-in roll is driven in a manner such that it only can transmit a predetermined adjustable rotational moment which is limited towards an upper range, or, if desired, the rotational speed of the draw-in roll is controlled as a function of a maximum upwardly limited pressure prevailing within a draw-in or infeed pocket between the draw-in roll and the worm or screw.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method are provided for forming patties from an agglomerable edible material such as meat. The apparatus includes a turret which rotates between a feed station where the edible material is fed upwardly under pressure into one of a plurality of mold cavities and a discharge station where each formed patty is ejected by a piston. An improved sealing means is provided for effecting sealing engagement of a feed spout assembly with the bottom surface of the rotating turret. An improved cut-off band is also provided for separating the formed patties from the turret at the discharge station. Reciprocation of the piston in each mold cavity is regulated by a control means which includes means for limiting the free upward movement of the piston until the cavity opening is fully aligned with a feed opening in the feed spout assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in an externally held cylindrical spreading means for tubular material, particularly for the treatment of the material with a fluid treating agent, with a central carrier for radially displaceable supports and segment-like guide elements carried by the supports, the improvement comprising body means at each end of the central carrier, each of said body means being tapered in the longitudinal direction, said guide elements extending in the longitudinal direction of said spreading means between said body means, and supporting and transporting roller means mounted against the exterior of said body means, said roller means having a profile adapted to the form of said tapered body means.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for making elastomer sheet utilizing a novel extruder in combination with novel calendering apparatus.

Abstract: The transfer press has a blank-supply mechanism for supplying blanks which are materials for every kind of part to be manufactured by pressing, one by one to a press, a blank-transport mechanism for carrying blanks from the blank-supply mechanism to the press, a transfer feed mechanism for feeding blanks that have been supplied to the press one by one to dies of each stage along the bed of the press, a die exchange mechanism for exchanging dies when different parts are to be manufactured, a feed bar exchange mechanism for removing and exchanging feed bars which are a part of the transfer feed mechanism, when dies are to be changed, a die cooling oil circuit connecting mechanism for connecting a cooling circuit to a newly placed die in order to cool it, a pressure adjusting mechanism for die cushioning mounted on the bed of the press, and a program control mechanism for the automatic operation of the press, which controls the above-described mechanisms as well as the press in relation to blank supplying and ma

Abstract: A process and apparatus therefor are described for reclaiming waste material from a fiberizing system and for converting a molten stream of material into reclaimable cullet when the system is not fiberizing. When the system is fiberizing the waste is collected in a dry environment and continually conveyed away; when the system is not fiberizing the molten stream is reduced to cullet and collected in a wet environment and continually conveyed away; and when fiberizing is resumed there is a return to the collection of waste in a dry environment.

Abstract: A control system for a plastic extruder which automatically controls both the melt pressure and the melt temperature of the plastic material at the outlet of the extruder barrel. The extruder barrel is divided into a plurality of heating zones and a zone temperature control means individually controls the temperature of each zone in accordance with predetermined zone temperature set points. A melt temperature control means automatically adjusts certain zone temperature set points such that the actual melt temperature is maintained at its desired value. The speed of a rotatable extruder screw is controlled by a melt pressure control means such that the actual melt pressure is maintained at its desired value. In accordance with the present invention, a separate feedforward controller and separate feedback controller are provided in the melt temperature control loop and in each zone temperature control loop such that independent specification of set point and disturbance responses can be achieved.

Abstract: An absolute-coded angular position indicator coupled to the shiftable one of two mold-clamping plates, produces a position signal indicating the position of the shiftable plate. This signal is applied to one input of a subtractor, whose output signal is displayed on a numerical display. The subtracting input of the subtractor receives a corrective signal from a manually set decades switch arrangement. When no mold is present between the clamping plates and the latter are pressed into direct contact with each other, the displayed numerical value is zero. When a mold is clamped between the plates, an non-zero value is displayed, and the set-up technician sets the decades switch arrangement to the displayed value. As a result the displayed value goes to zero. The output signal of the subtractor is furnished to control elements which must control machine operations in dependence upon the height of the particular mold being employed.

Abstract: An improved molding apparatus is provided for forming patties from an agglomerable edible material, particularly meat in frozen flake cut form. The apparatus includes a rotating turret with a plurality of mold cavities and reciprocable pistons. The turret rotates between a feed station where the edible material is fed upwardly under pressure into the mold cavities and a discharge station where the formed patties are ejected and separated by a continuous cut-off band. An improved cut-off band is also provided in which the band is disposed at a slight angle to facilitate its entry into the interfaces between the bottom surfaces of the pistons and the formed patties. The leading corners of the pistons are chamfered to receive the blade. The band is looped between a pair of pulleys on adjustable supports for providing the desired inclination of the band. Scrapers and spray nozzles are provided to maintain the cleanliness of the band and the pulley grooves.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a dual platen press used in the manufacture of nuclear fuel pellets is disclosed. The apparatus includes means for indicating the displacements of both platens and imposing the displacements of the platens on orthogonal axes such that the displacements jointly control the motion of a point which traces a lissajous figure representative of the displacement and relative velocity of the press platens. A second lissajous figure representing the desired platen movements and relative velocity may be superimposed on the first lissajous figure, differences between the first and second lissajous figures indicating deviations from the desired operation of the press. Alternately, a press operator may simply use the first lissajous figure constructed from the actual platen displacements to analyze the operation of the press. The completion of preselected portions of the first lissajous figure may be detected and used to trigger subsequent press operations.

Abstract: A foreign material removing device in a synthetic resin reclaiming machine including an extruder having a screw shaft, a filter cylinder connected to the extruder, a resin filter mounted within the filter cylinder so as to form a resin chamber therebetween, a scraper shaft positioned within the filter cylinder and including projected strips as scraper which protrude aslant to the axis of the scraper shaft such that the strips contact the inner surface of the filter and interconnect with the screw shaft, a body fixed to the filter cylinder which includes a first guide hole, one end thereof being connected to the inside of the filter cylinder, an ejecting port, and a second guide hole disposed in an orthogonal direction with respect to the axis of the scraper so as to connect the first guide hole to the foreign material ejecting port further including a plurality of resin passages communicating with the resin chamber, a plurality of dies fixed to the body which include connecting passages for ejecting resin and

Abstract: A process for producing shaped parts from synthetic and similar workable materials by filling molds under pressure, hardening and removing the articles from the molds. Movable, essentially identical mold carriers are provided with article-related mold inserts preselected for the work cycle and locked in place in the carriers. The forming tool is filled with the synthetic, it is exposed for a given time to certain temperature and pressure conditions, the tool is opened and the inserts are expelled. The form carriers are then outfitted with another set of form inserts while the first set of mold inserts are removed from the molding cycle.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for minimizing breakage and stretching during the high speed production of plastic pipe is provided wherein a pipe is extruded at a first linear rate of speed, a slack segment is established and maintained between the extruder and a pipe winder, and the pipe is taken up on the winder at a second linear rate of speed which is the same as or different from the first rate, wherein the pipe is taken up on the winder responsive to the degree of slack in the slack segment.

Abstract: A briquetting plant for hot briquetting particulate matter, such as mill waste containing a material that softens when heated, such as iron oxide, which includes a low temperature tumbler type heat exchanger, an intermediate temperature tumbler type heat exchanger, a fluid bed furnace and a compactor, with the feed material being fed therethrough in succession. The briquettes produced by the compactor are first fed from the outlet of the compactor into the intermediate temperature heat exchanger, for liberation of heat therein, separated from the feed material by a screen at the outlet of the intermediate temperature heat exchanger and from such screen transported into the low temperature heat exchanger for further imparting of heat to the feed material. A second screen is provided at the outlet of the low temperature heat exchanger for separating and discharging the briquettes in relatively cooled form.

Abstract: Utilization of production equipment with diverse throughput rates is optimized by a central random access article storage apparatus disposed centrally of peripherally positioned production equipment. Computer controls enable fully automatic sequencing of production flow. The storage apparatus provide transient storage and article queuing during intermediate successive production steps. The computer control enables automatic article tracking for quality control as well as diagnosis of automatic production equipment problems.

Abstract: Imprinters or stampers for imprinting or stamping numerals, letters or symbols into the top of pieces of dough prior to baking, which includes means for individually sensing each piece of dough to insure that the imprinting device is properly timed for imprinting the dough pieces.