Abstract: An apparatus for producing a honeycomb structure having an extruder, at least one cradle and a cutting device comprising a small-gage wire for cutting the honeycomb structure and a notching member; said cradle is provided with a means capable of moving the honeycomb structure extruded from the extruder in the lengthwise direction of the honeycomb structure at nearly the same speed as the extrusion speed of the honeycomb structure, said cutting device is constructed so that the cutting small-gage wire is moved to the honeycomb structure side on the same plane as the plane of stretched small-gage wire, a cutting induction groove is formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the honeycomb structure by the notching member, and immediately thereafter the cutting small-gage wire is positioned in the induction groove, and the cutting small-gage wire is pressed into the honeycomb structure to cut the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A tablet-pressing device that includes a tablet press, a control computer configured to drive and regulate the motors of the tablet press, and a service computer which admits the input and output of data for the operation of the tablet press. The tablet press is linked to the control computer via a cable link for high-speed data transfer. The tablet press and the service computer exchange data and control commands via a wireless data link.

Abstract: A method and device for regulating the composition of a solution(s) in the production of cellulosic mouldings. The device comprises multiple measuring devices for the measurement of non-optical properties of the solution. According to invention, by measuring the non-optical properties of the solutions and comparison of the measured value with a preset value, the composition(s) of the solution(s) can be controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing plastic hollow bodies using an extrusion blow molding process has an extrusion unit, which is mounted in a housing, and at least one blow molding station. The extrusion unit has an extruder and an extruder head, connected to the extruder, with at least one extrusion nozzle. The longitudinal extent of the extruder defines a longitudinal direction of the apparatus. The blow molding station has a blow molding table with at least one molding tool, which is provided with an opening disposed on the side of the molding tool toward the extrusion nozzle. The blow molding table is movable on a lateral path, extending essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, from a terminal position laterally of the extruder head into a position beneath the extruder head and back again, in order to make the extrusion nozzle and the opening of the molding tool coincide vertically with one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the surface level of a liquid residing within a relatively vertically stationary workpiece support platform disposed within a reservoir for use in stereolithographic processes wherein a layered object or structure is formed by selectively curing portions of the liquid to at least a semisolid state in multiple, at least partially superimposed layers. Providing precise control of liquid depth over the vertically stationary platform as well as focusing of a laser beam for curing the liquid at the varying surface levels thereof relative to the vertically stationary platform is effected using a laser range finder system controlled by a computer used to control the stereolithographic process in a closed loop fashion.

Abstract: An extruder apparatus and method for producing an extruded tubing having varying inner dimensions without changing the outer dimensions. The tubing is forced from the die face of an extrusion head having an extruder die and an internal mandrel determining the outer and inner dimensions, respectively, of the extruded tubing. The outer dimensions of the mandrel varied by the user to change the inner dimensions of the extruded tubing. A pressure is maintained in the extruded tubing to prevent its collapse and that pressure is changed based upon the change of the external dimensions of the mandrel and the wall thickness of the tubing. In one embodiment, the mandrel is comprised of a core and a plurality of telescoping sleeves. Each sleeve is movable between a retracted position where the sleeve is displaced away from the die face and an extended position where sleeve is at the die face. There may be multiple mandrels in the case of multi-lumen catheters.

Abstract: The invention provides a blowing agent delivery system for introducing a blowing agent into a polymeric foam processing system. The delivery system is designed to discontinuously introduce blowing agent from a continuous source into polymeric material within an extruder. The system, thus, may improve control over blowing agent delivery in discontinuous polymer processing systems such as injection molding or blow molding. In some embodiments, the blowing agent delivery system selectively directs blowing agent flow from the source to the extruder barrel, or through a bypassing passageway. In this manner, blowing agent may be continuously supplied by the source but discontinuously injected into the extruder barrel. During use, the delivery system may cause blowing agent to flow through the bypassing passageway, for example, when the screw stops plasticating polymeric material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for post-cure correction (PCC), either partial or substantial, of various tire nonuniformities which have been detected during a tire manufacturing process by a tire uniformity machine (TUM), preferably testing a tire which has been nominally cooled down (i.e., nominally completed curing) after removal from a tire curing mold.

Abstract: The invention concerns a continuous manufacturing method which consists in producing a blank (E) by extrusion, bringing said blank to a temperature for molecular orientation, passing said blank around a radial expansion mandrel (12); gauging and cooling while subjecting the blank to axial traction. The radial expansion produced on the mandrel (12) is partial so that the internal diameter (B) of the blank (E), when it leaves the mandrel, is less than the nominal internal diameter (D) of the finished tube; performing an additional radial expansion of the blank, up to its nominal diameter, by internal fluid pressure. In permanent operating conditions, the inner surface of the blank (E) is no longer in contact with the mandrel (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing cellulosed shaped bodies. (a) Cellulose and an aqueous aminoxide are mixed, whereby a suspension is produced. (b) A cellulose solution is produced from the suspension, whereby water evaporates. (c) A first property and a second property of the produced cellulose solution is measured and the measured value is used for correcting the composition of the solution and (d) the cellulose solution is extruded through a gap of air and into an aqueous regenerating bath where said solution is coagulated to form shaped bodies.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system may be configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner. An embodiment of the lens curing system includes an apparatus for preparing an eyeglass lens. The apparatus may include one or more lens curing units and a mold assembly. At least one lens curing unit may include a heating system. One or more computer systems may be coupled to one or more lens curing units. At least one computer system may receive prescription information for the eyeglass lens. At least one computer may control at least one lens curing unit in response to the prescription information. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a conveyor system configured to convey the mold assembly to, through or from the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include an annealing unit, an air distributor and/or filters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and system for the manufacture of wood-based composites that implement feedback adjusted in-line addition of a curing accelerator/catalyst to a thermosetting resin adhesive based on at least one of: present moisture content of the wood substrate being bonded and the temperature of the wood substrate being bonded.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a multifilament yarn from a thermoplastic polymer includes a yarn guiding element being movable in a vertical direction. A drive serves to change the vertical position of the yarn guiding element with respect to a point of consolidation of the filaments. At least one sensor senses the yarn tension of the filaments. A control unit serves to control the drive in response to the sensed yarn tension to change the vertical position of the yarn guiding element.

Abstract: A process for relaxation of interlayer sheet is provided which comprises heating the interlayer sheet, followed by leading the heated interlayer sheet over an air-cushion table with regulation of the tension on the interlayer sheet to induce interlayer sheet relaxation and thereafter cooling the relaxed interlayer sheet to the desired temperature for subsequent use. Apparatus suitable for carrying out the process of interlayer sheet relaxation comprising a heating section, an air-cushion table, a tension control and a cooling section is also provided in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuating mechanism of an injection molding machine, in which a plurality of hydraulic actuators are driven by one hydraulic pump, wherein the hydraulic pump of the hydraulic actuating mechanism is a variable discharge pump having the maximum necessary delivery capacity at least for each of the hydraulic actuators at the time of the highest rotational speed of the pump; the discharged fluid pressure is controlled by a discharge cutoff function of a pressure compensator ancillary to the variable discharge pump; and the pump is driven by a motor whose rotation can be controlled in a stepless mode.

Abstract: A device and a method for the melt spinning and depositing of a plurality of tows (5.1, 5.2, . . . , 5.n) utilizes several spinning devices (1.1, 1.2, . . . , 1.n) by means of which one of the tows 5.1, 5.2, . . . , 5.n is produced from a filament bundle (4.1, 4.2, . . . , 4.n). Each spinning device (1.1, 2.2, . . . , 1.n) is associated with a respective drawing-off device and a respective can depositing device (3.1, 3.2, . . . , 3.n) so that each of the tows (5.1, 5.2, . . . , 5.n) can be deposited individually in a respective can (19.1, 19.2, . . . , 19.n).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling a hydraulic actuator in an injection molding machine, where the hydraulic actuator moves in a linear or rotary manner to effect movement of an injection molding device, such as a mold clamp. A microcontroller is locally disposed adjacent to the actuator or the hydraulic fluid distribution manifold to cause the actuator to drive the device. The microcontroller is electrically coupled to the system control processor. This distributed control architecture increases system processing throughput, enhances reliability, and permits easier upgrades/repair. Preferably, the microcontroller is mounted on the manifold and controls all of the actuators supplied from that manifold.

Abstract: A sensor placement algorithm uses process data to determine the optimal distribution of sensors in a distributed parameter manufacturing system. An automatic classification procedure maps any problems in the process to a predetermined set of process disturbances. A control procedure uses process data to determine the best control action that will ensure good system response. Methods for sensor placement, automatic decision tree classification, corrective action control and the apparatus to effectuate these respective methods are integrated into a design methodology.

Abstract: Upon injection molding, a linear encoder detects a relative position between the movable platen and a fixed platen, and a strain sensor detects a mold clamping force. A mold clamping control unit has a target platen position value and a target mold clamping force value. The mold clamping control unit subtracts a platen position and a mold clamping force from the target platen position value and the target mold clamping force value, respectively, to obtain deviations. The mold clamping control unit then switches the target to be controlled between the platen position and the mold clamping force. The mold clamping control unit appropriately converts the deviation of either the platen position or the mold clamping force into a control command value for a motor. The converted value is supplied to a motor control unit. The motor control unit drivingly controls a mold clamping motor according to the control command.

Abstract: A device and a method for generative manufacture of a three-dimensional object are provided in which a) manufacture of an object, in a construction area of the device, b) removal of the manufactured object from the construction area and c) repeating steps a) and b) are carried out, wherein steps a) to c) are carried out automatically.

Abstract: There is provided a method of and apparatus for forming a food by wrapping an inner material with an outer skin material, and the method of and apparatus for sealing the outer skin material more surely in a state where the inner material is disposed on the outer skin material. The food forming apparatus comprises a first shutter (1), a second shutter (2) disposed under the first shutter (1), and support means (6) disposed under the second shutter (2) wherein an operation start timing of the second shutter (2) subsequent to starting of the operation of the first shutter (1) is adjusted appropriately, and a position of the support member (60) is adjusted appropriately, thereby adjusting the amount of collection of the peripheral portion of the curst material (F), thereby wrapping an inner material (G) with the outer skin material (F) in response to the different sizes of the curst material (F) and the inner material (G), thereby surely forming the food.

Abstract: This invention is made on the basis of the novel findings that when, after pulverization and coating film peeling, pulverized pieces to which the coating film not peeled by the coating film peeling adheres and pulverized pieces having no coating film adhered are separated, a substantial coating film removal ratio effectively increases. In this invention, pulverized pieces obtained upon pulverization of coated resin molded products and coating film peeling of pulverized pieces are prepared. The presence/absence of adhesion of the coating film is sensed and determined for each individual pulverized piece. On the basis of the determination result, a pulverized piece having the coating film adhered is separated from pulverized pieces having no coating film adhered. After the separation, molding is performed by using the pulverized pieces having no coating film adhered.

Abstract: The invention is a method of forming extrudate having substantially uniform thickness. A shim is formed which has a thickness variation of less than or equal to about 0.5 mil (13 microns) total indicated runout. This shim is disposed between a first die portion having a first surface and a second die portion having a second surface. A slot is formed between the first surface and the second surface. The slot has a height dimension substantially the same as the shim thickness. Flowable material is extruded through the slot.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus employs a method for controlling the output flow rate of a liquifier. The apparatus includes an extrusion head which moves along a predetermined tool path at an extrusion head velocity. The extrusion head carries a liquifier. The liquifier receives a solid element of a modeling material, heats the modeling material, and outputs a flow of the modeling material at an output flow rate. A material advance mechanism is employed to supply the solid element of modeling material to the liquifier at an input rate which controls the output flow rate. In order to control the output flow rate, an extrusion head velocity profile is determined based on the tool path. The input rate of modeling material to the liquifier is then controlled to produce an output flow rate of modeling material from the liquifier that is proportional to a current extrusion head velocity corresponding to the extrusion head velocity profile.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system may be configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner. An embodiment of the lens curing system includes an apparatus for preparing an eyeglass lens. The apparatus may include one or more lens curing units and a mold assembly. At least one lens curing unit may include a heating system. The apparatus may include a computer system. The computer may be configured to turn on components of one or more lens curing units. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a conveyor system configured to convey the mold assembly to, through or from the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include an annealing unit, an air distributor and/or filters.

Abstract: An extruder arrangement for viscous material, especially rubber or natural or synthetic rubber mixtures, is provided. It has a screw extruder (12) with an extruder screw (16) that in the direction of conveying is followed downstream by a conveying device. The conveying device is a planetary pump (18), the outer ring (22) of which is rotatably supported.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system may be configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner. An embodiment of the lens curing system includes an apparatus for preparing an eyeglass lens. The apparatus may include one or more lens curing units and a mold assembly. At least one lens curing unit may include a heating system. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a conveyor system configured to convey the mold assembly to, from or through at least one lens curing unit. A movable member may be positioned within a lens curing unit. The movable member may be positionable such that at least a portion of the activating light source is disposed outside the lens curing unit.

Abstract: A stereolithographic shaping method used for manufacturing a shaped article on a shaping table, and a stereolithographic shaping apparatus for implementing this stereolithographic shaping method are disclosed. The stereolithographic shaping method includes the steps of coating a liquid optically-curable resin onto the surface of a shaped article under manufacture, irradiating light onto the optically-curable resin to cure a required portion to form an optically-shaped resin layer, and repeating this process to sequentially laminate optically-shaped resin layers. After the shaping table is supported so as to be able to control a posture position of the shaping table in an optional three-dimensional direction, the optically-curable resin is blown onto a shaped article on the shaping table, thereby to coat the surface of the shaped article with the optically-curable resin in a predetermined film thickness.

Abstract: An atomizing apparatus for the production of powders or spray deposits, having an atomization device for receiving a liquid stream of molten metal or metal alloy to be atomized; at least two primary atomization gas jets for directing an atomization gas at an angle into the liquid stream in an atomization zone at an impinging point of the atomization jets to break the stream into atomized droplets; and at least two secondary jets for direction a controlling fluid at a pressure, flow rate and direction, the jets being aimed at the atomization gas jet or into the atomization zone, wherein said secondary jets control a backpressure generated by the primary atomization gas jets. The apparatus also includes means for in-situ controlling at least one of the relative positions among the primary atomization jets, the secondary jets, and the liquid delivery nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a honeycomb structure having slits and a plurality of arrays of numerous cells aligned in parallel, wherein the slits communicate with external space and are formed along the cell arrays. The apparatus includes an extruder having an extruding die for a honeycomb structure, and a slit forming member arranged near the extruding die and protruding along arrays of a molded article being extruded in which slits are to be formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.

Abstract: A closed mould method of producing composite mouldings is provided. A sensor system (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) is provided for sensing distortion of one (1) of the mould elements while the resin mix is being fed into the mould cavity. A signal is generated if a predetermined degree of distortion is sensed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrospinning polymer fibers and membranes. The method includes electrospinning a polymer fiber from a conducting fluid in the presence of a first electric field established between a conducting fluid introduction device and a ground source and modifying the first electric field with a second electric field to form a jet stream of the conducting fluid. The method also includes electrically controlling the flow characteristics of the jet stream, forming a plurality of electrospinning jet streams and independently controlling the flow characteristics of at least one of the jet streams.

Abstract: A device and a method for transferring microstructures from a tool to a substrate which is to be structured. The device and method are intended to align the tool and the substrate in a mutually controlled manner. The device contains supports for the tool and the substrate which can be displaced in an opposing direction in relation to one another, resulting in an alteration of the distance between the tool and the substrate. A measuring system is provided which can be inserted between the supports, for measuring selected locations on at least one measuring plane. The direction of displacement of the supports is aligned vertically in relation to said measuring plane. The measuring system forms a fixed spatial relationship with the tool in a measuring position. The substrate can be aligned in relation to the tool. The method and device can be used for producing microstructured components.

Abstract: A potter's wheel for working clay and other pottery material on a turntable driven by a DC brushless motor. In order that driving speed is not affected by the load due to user's access to the work of clay, the speed of the motor detected by a speed detector is fed back to a speed control signal generator and a motor driving control signal is generated as a function of the difference between the detected motor speed and a directed speed inputted through a speed setter in response to the operation to a manipulation member. Then, a motor control generates such a motor driving signal as to make the motor driving control signal zero, with the motor driving signal being fed to the motor, thereby controlling the rotational speed of the turntable to be a directed value regardless of the load applied to the turntable via the work.

Abstract: An efficient and cost-effective method of designing and manufacturing a molded container having highly artistic sculptural relief. Computer software is utilized to design a skin shape, create artwork designs, add relief to the artwork designs, and apply the artwork designs to the container skin to develop a desired container. For example, design data is utilized to make molds, such as blow molds, which, in turn are utilized to make containers.

Abstract: Disclosed is both a method and apparatus for controlling and measuring an embossed texture on a decorative article. The embossed textured article includes both peaks and valleys that are measured and quantified to determine a profile of the textured article. Typically, the textured article comprises both chemically and mechanically embossed areas. The method uses moving average subtraction and peak/valley determinations to eliminate web flutter that often distorts the quantification of the mechanically embossed texture. The resulting profile may then be used to control a desired embossed profile.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is may be configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner. An embodiment of the lens curing system includes an apparatus for preparing an eyeglass lens. The apparatus may include one or more lens curing units and a mold assembly. The second lens curing unit may include a heating system. One or more readers may be coupled to one or more lens curing units. The reader may be configured to read eyeglass lens prescription information from a mold assembly holder. A controller may be coupled to at least one lens curing unit and the reader. The controller may control the operation of the lens curing unit. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a conveyor system, an annealing unit, an air distributor and/or filters.

Abstract: In a controller for avoiding interference between a mold body comprising a mold and a peripheral equipment installed to said mold and a product removing unit in an injection molding machine, a distance between the position of the mold body and the position of the product removing unit is determined. It is then judged whether or not the distance is smaller than a predetermined distance. If the distance is smaller than the predetermined distance, the operation of product removing unit is decelerated or stopped.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A method for making ferrite powder may include providing ferrite feed materials in a form of particles having different sizes and irregular shapes, and exposing the ferrite feed materials to a plasma to provide a more spherical shape to irregularly shaped particles to thereby make the ferrite powder. An apparatus for making ferrite powder may include a feeder for ferrite feed materials and a plasma generator for exposing the ferrite feed materials to a plasma.

Abstract: A screw is installed in a heating barrel. The rear end of the screw is supported by an intermediate plate via a bearing. The servomotor for charging is connected to a near the rear end of the screw. To the back surface of the intermediate plate, a direct current linear motor for injection is connected via a load cell. The load cell detects the axial direction load applied to the rear end of the screw by the pressure of the molten resin in the heating barrel during charging, and also detects the axial direction load applied to the rear end of the screw for moving the screw forward during injection. The current to be supplied to the DC linear motor is controlled in a feedback manner based on the detected axial direction load, thereby bringing the pressure of the molten resin in the heating barrel closer to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus and method are provided in which the rate of material flow during an injection cycle is controlled. According to one preferred embodiment, an injection molding apparatus is provided that includes a manifold, at least one injection nozzle coupled to the manifold, an actuator, and a valve pin adapted to reciprocate through the manifold manifold and the injection nozzle. The valve pin has a first end coupled to the actuator, a second end that closes the gate in a forward position, and a control surface intermediate said first and second ends for adjusting the rate of material flow during an injection cycle. Retracting the valve pin tends to decrease the rate of material flow during the injection cycle and displacing the valve pin toward the gate tends to increase the rate of material flow during the injection cycle.

Abstract: A mold monitoring apparatus for an injection molding machine captures an image of a cavity portion of an opened mold, and determines the state of the cavity portion by means of image processing. The apparatus includes a light emitting unit, an image capturing unit, and an image processing unit. The light emitting unit projects onto the cavity portion light rays other than visible light rays. The image capturing unit includes an image sensor for capturing reflection light rays that travel from the cavity portion to the image sensor via a filter for blocking visible light rays. The image processing unit determines the state of the cavity portion on the basis of an image signal output from the image sensor and through image processing.

Abstract: A curing apparatus wherein rapid curing is provided by using light, pressure, pressure and light, or purge, pressure and light to cure resinous materials by application of energy from an external source to excite polymerization in a polymerizable system. An air-tight chamber is provided to house the polymerizable dental material. The apparatus provides an automated system for curing the polymerizable material under light and pressure in the same unit. A purge cycle may be included to minimize or eliminate bubbles and provide an oxygen-free atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding balloon catheters is disclosed. The balloon may be molded by providing a polymeric tube within a mold having an interior cavity in the shape of the desired balloon. Microwave energy, which may be generated by a gyrotron, may then be directed toward the mold, to heat the polymeric material without heating the mold. Once heated, pressurized fluid may be injected into the tube to blow the polymeric material against the interior cavity whereupon the material can cool to form the balloon or can be further heatset by additional microwave energy and be cooled to form the balloon. In accordance with one embodiment, microwave energy can also be used without a mold to form a medical device.

Abstract: A variable speed powder compacting press includes a generally horizontal table with a powder compacting die cavity defined in the table. A movable compacting punch is disposed in the die cavity and can move upwardly towards the die cavity opening to compact powder disposed in the cavity. A sliding anvil is disposed on the horizontal table and has a powder dispensing portion, a compacting portion, and a pick up portion. The anvil is movable between a filling position wherein the dispensing portion is above the cavity, a compacting position wherein the compacting portion is above the cavity, and a pick up position wherein the pick up position is above the cavity. A rotary drive operates to move the compacting punch and the sliding anvil in a coordinated manner. A safety cover can cover a portion of the table and the sliding anvil during operation of the machine. An interlock determines if the safety cover is in a closed position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fluoropolymer compound plate comprises the steps of: combining a fluoropolymer sheet and a medium plate as a fluoropolymer compound plate; transferring the fluoropolymer compound plate to a preheat section for being heated uniformly in a lower tension, transferring the fluoropolymer compound plate to a melting section for heating the fluoropolymer sheet of the fluoropolymer compound plate; transferring the fluoropolymer compound plate to a pressing section by rollers; and compressing and annealing the fluoropolymer compound plate. A device for performing the method comprises a plurality of tension adjusting axial seats; a plurality of roller; a pair of first guide wheels; an upper and a lower layer radiating heater; a third guide wheel set; an upper and a lower layer high temperature radiating heater; a guiding roller; a shaping heater; a plurality of temperature controller roller sets and a product winding wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for eliminating or reducing a surface skin when producing a flexible polyurethane foam slab are disclosed. The top surface of the chemically reactive polyurethane foaming mixture is heated during and/or after the foaming mixture expands. The heating preferably is conducted so as to prevent a significant temperature gradient from forming between the internal temperature of the foaming mixture and the top surface of that mixture. Preferably, heat is applied so as to heat from the top surface of the foaming mixture in an escalating fashion to higher temperatures as the foam is conveyed along a conveying path away from the foaming mixture dispensing device.