Abstract: A thermoplastic sheet is placed between a pair of mold members each having a thermal insulator and a mating metal mold insert. RF energy is applied to the inserts to dielectrically heat and melt the thermoplastic sheet. The heated sheet is then deformed in a low pressure press with the insulators. The insulators are then replaced with cool thermally conductive structures to shorten the cooling cycle time. The thermally conductive structures cool the sheet by pressing the sheet in a high pressure press.

Abstract: Apparatus (30,42) for a molding press (10) which permits rapid mold module (50,52) change-out has been disclosed. The apparatus includes a sliding frame plate (30) which carries the B-side master frame (48) and plate receiving members (42) for receiving the plates (30). One member (42-b) is mounted on the movable platen (38) and another member (42-a) is located to one side and in alignment with the other so that the frame plate (30) may be shifted in and out of the press (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a particle mat for the production of particleboard has a transport belt having a stretch moving in a longitudinal transport direction and forming a deposition surface in turn defining a floor of a deposition space, a dispenser upwardly delimiting the space and including a dispensing roller for depositing particles as a mat in the space on the longitudinal moving deposition surface, a pair of transversely spaced and longitudinally extending upper guides extending in the space generally at the dispenser, and a pair of transversely spaced and longitudinally extending lower guides extending in the space underneath the respective upper guides and generally at the deposition surface. A pair of longitudinally extending, continuous, and transversely spaced flexible sheets each extend the full longitudinal length of the deposition space and have an inner edge secured to one of the guides of a respective one of the pairs of guides and an outer edge.

Abstract: A device for separating and closing a split mold that comprises a base, a stationary platen, and a movable platen extending upward from the base and oriented to oppose each other, electromagnets, a hydraulic cylinder, and a control panel. The movable platen is capable of movement toward and away from the stationary platen by the hydraulic cylinder. The stationary platen has the electromagnets mounted thereon and the movable platen has the electromagnets mounted thereon. In the use of the device, the mold is positioned upon the base such that the first half is positioned against the stationary platen. The movable platen is moved against the second half and the electromagnets are activated. The movable platen is then moved away from the stationary platen, and the mold halves are held against their respective platens by the attractive forces of the electromagnets. Mold halves are thus separated by the movement of the platen away from the stationary platen in activation of the electromagnets.

Abstract: A die having a plurality of walls for making a structure includes a die apex, a tetrahedron having tetrahedron edges and a tetrahedron apex that coincides with the die apex, and a hexagonal base located on the opposite end of the die from the die apex. The base is integrated with the tetrahedron such that three walls of the die are parallelograms having parallelogram edges, a first parallelogram vertex of each parallelogram wall intersects the tetrahedron apex, and the opposing second parallelogram vertex of each parallelogram intersects a base vertex. The parallelogram edges are milled down to allow plastic to flow between adjacent edges during a molding process and thereby form a truss structure comprising angled struts. A groove may formed in the parallelogram walls such that the groove joins a third parallelogram vertex with an opposing fourth parallelogram vertex in the parallelogram wall to form horizontal struts in a central portion of the structure.

Abstract: A tablet making machine of the kind including a rotor having a die table carrying dies and opposed pairs of punches which operate in the dies, under the control of fixed position cams to form tablets in the dies is described. The rotor is carried by bearings mounted on an intermediate axially extending portion of a spindle fixed on the machine frame at its opposite ends. The rotor is made removable from the machine together with the intermediate spindle portion and the rotor bearings for replacement by a separately serviced rotor. In this fashion, downtime is reduced for tool and product changeover.

Abstract: An instant-release type concrete molding machine manufactures a concrete product by interposing unitable attachment devices between a press die and a press, placing an attachment unit of a pattern frame within a molding region, introducing the pattern frame and the press die into the molding region in alignment with the press, moving the press and the press die toward each other and uniting them by the aforementioned attachment devices, and fixing the pattern frame by the attachment unit within the molding region.

Abstract: In a press, a platen has opposed fluid, preferably hydraulically, actuated clamp blocks thereon. Each block functions to register with an open-ended slot in a tool mount plate and upon translation of the block to enter an offset slot section in a clamped or locked relationship. The offset slot sections are opposed one another, wedge-shaped, and complementary to block configuration. The tool mount plate can be quickly and conveniently attached and aligned or removed from the platen as needed.

Abstract: A rotary pelletizing machine includes a housing and a pelletizing assembly removably secured in the housing and including a rotatable matrix disc, upper and lower punches supported in the matrix disc for joint rotation therewith and axial displacement relative thereto, upper and lower cams for controlling positions of the upper and lower discs, and elements that enable rotation of the matrix disc relative to the cams. Upon releasing elements that secure the assembly in the housing, the pelletizing assembly can be lifted from a drive shaft that extends in the housing for imparting rotation to the matrix disc, as a unit.

Abstract: Press tools are used for processing plastics, in particular fiber-reinforced plastics, to moldings in presses. They essentially consist of a lower part which can be firmly connected to the press frame and an upper part which is movable with respect to the said lower part and can be connected to a frame drive. The upper and lower parts of the tool, together with drive elements for driving together parts which define the mold cavity, form a basic unit. The parts are replaceably held in the basic unit and are guided in the said unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for flaring the end of a thermoplastic liner installed in a metal pipe. The end extends beyond the pipe and the pipe having at least one flange mounted thereon. The apparatus includes a first forming head having a liner contacting surface disposed at an acute angle relative to said liner, said surface being adapted to be pushed against said end to cause said end to flare outwardly about an acute angle and a second forming head having a liner contacting surface being disposed at an angle of at least ninety degrees relative to said liner. The second forming head is adapted to be pushed against said end to cause said end to bend into contact with said flange.

Abstract: A system for die casting of concrete goods such as block stones comprises a cellular casting mould having a plurality of cells and a device for supplying concrete for filling the cells. A dolly including a common base member with protruding pistion portions having load plates of a shape corresponding to that of the cells, is used for compressing the concrete in the cells. Each of the piston portions includes a resilient compressible material arranged between the load plates and the common base member for obtaining uniform density and strength in the goods in the respective cells.

Abstract: A press for the continuous production of thin chipboard and fibreboards a heated, rotatable central pressing drum, which is mounted in a support arrangement which includes a plurality of interconnected support members and a plurality of pressure rollers, disposed around a major portion of the periphery of the drum. An endless steel belt is guided around the major portion of the periphery of the drum between the drum and the pressure rollers. The belt carries the material from which the boards are to be produced and can be tensioned. The material, a chip or fibre layer mixed with a binding agent is subjected to a surface pressure between the endless steel belt and the pressing drum, and to a linear pressure in the nips between the pressing drum and the pressure rollers.

Abstract: A press tooling transfer system which includes a track system having a turntable for directing a carriage, with the tool set, between several stations and a press. There is overhead service and power supply connected with the carriages for reaching to all station positions of the carriage, and there is no requirement for any power drive or the like below the level of the tracks supporting the carriages. Also, the system is in duplicative form with respect to its carriages, tracks, presses, and overhead supply, but the system can utilize a common or single knock-out station for the duplicative portions of the system, as mentioned.

Abstract: A press, especially for the manufacture of die-formed parts of dimensional accuracy made of powdered materials is described, which can be equipped and used interchangeably either for the use of the so-called smoothing process or the so-called plunger process. It includes a press support 103 on which a fixed press bed 104 and a vertically slidable press frame 105 are mountred for movement relative to each other by a mechanical drive, preferably a toggle linkage 106, to form a main press ram. Further, it has a bottom ram passing upwardly through the press bed 104 which serves as a smoothing ram or a plunger ram, being operated for both purposes by a double-arm lever 123 pivoted on the press support and actuated by a rock lever 133 likewise pivoted on the press support 103 and having a sliding pivoting connection to the double-arm lever 123.

Abstract: A pair of parallel supports or uprights have upper and lower mold platens slidably mounted thereon and an annular piston is provided for moving the lower platen upwardly for mold closing action with stop means being provided for the upper mold platen to obtain a movable mold platen and accurate register for simplified, accurate mold closing and opening actions. A multi-cylinder center post assembly is provided to engage the tire curing bladder at its upper and lower ends and provide improved control action therefore during tire curing cycles.

Abstract: A composite caul plate includes a replaceable insert plate bearing a wood-grain pattern. The insert plate is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to mount to the caul plate. The insert plate is secured in position by means of rib elements having formations for retaining the insert plate against a base plate.

Abstract: A structure for releasably securing a plurality of mold inserts to a mold plate attached to a power press machine is disclosed. The mold plate has a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. Within each aperture, a plurality of inwardly extending spaced apart protrusions are formed. The mold inserts include end portions having a plurality of tabs formed thereon. A mold insert is inserted within an aperture by aligning the tabs with the spaces between the protrusions and moving the mold insert axially therein. Then, by rotating the mold insert relative to the mold plate, the tabs are moved over the protrusions. As a result, the mold insert is retained within the aperture. Locking bars prevent rotation of the mold inserts at undesired times to prevent them from being removed from the mold plate. A locking mechanism may be used to secure the locking bars, and therefore the mold inserts, in their locked positions during use.

Abstract: A heated platen press of window frame-like construction is disclosed for producing particle boards, fiber boards or the like. The press comprises, a fixed press table in a press frame and a press ram which may be raised and lowered. Heatable platens are attached to the press table and to the press ram. Spacers which may be inserted or removed within the frame are provided for shortening the effective pressing stroke of short-stroke cylinders.

Abstract: A press for producing dimensionally stable moldings from powdered materials is described whereby a press frame and a press platen are provided in a press body and are linked together in movement by means of a drive and form a main press plunger. A hydraulic press part with at least two additional press axes is mounted in front of the main press plunger between the press frame and press platen. The second hydraulic press axis of hydraulic press part is actuated and controlled by its first axis through a hydraulic coupling device that has a variable transmission ratio, while the first axis of the hydraulic press part is in turn actuated by the press frame of the main press plunger. The movement ratios of the second press axis of the hydraulic press part can then be varied relative to the main press axis.

Abstract: A clamping device for removably securing shaping moulds on the plates of moulding presses, wherein a catch with projecting head is secured on the mould element, while the plate of the press is equipped with a slide element which slides obliquely under the effect of a lateral jack. The slide element has an opening in the form of a button-hole cut out therein, of which the part of larger diameter is traversed by the projecting head, while the part of smaller diameter allows passage only of the cylindrical shank of the catch.

Abstract: Spring-loaded rollers for a mold have an axle mount which passes through the roller into a supporting portion of the seats in the platen to prevent the roller from rotating, twisting or otherwise moving in the set, thereby reducing wear in the roller assemby and in the mold. The roller assembly is easily removed from its seat through the use of a removal device cooperating with screw threads in the roller. A plurality of rollers are used to permit a mold to be easily moved into and out of position in a press. The mold is thus mounted in position since the rollers limit the ability of the mold to move laterally.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the invention comprises an annular device for preparing pie crusts in which the inner margin of the device defines the central, circular opening. The margin, perpendicular to the base of the device, also forms a cutting edge that slopes away from the opening and toward the base until it intersects a flat working surface for the device. An arcuate surface, curving from the working surface to the base enables the device to be positioned on a breadboard with the cutting edge oriented in the proper direction. By rolling dough deposited in the opening, the opening fills up to the margin and surplus dough flows over the cutting edge and onto the working surface, the cutting edge severing the surplus dough from the shaped mass in the opening. The device, with surplus dough, is lifted smartly away from the breadboard, leaving a circular pie crust of uniform thickness defined by the marginal distance between the base and the crest of the cutting edge.

Abstract: A method of changing the mold assembly upon a plastic molding machine having fixed and movable platens mounting a mold assembly to be replaced which comprises the steps: positioning the replacement mold assembly upon a floor surface spaced from and in the plane of the fixed platen, aligning an overhead crane with a cable and support track within the plane for reciprocal movements of the crane and positioning the crane to overlie the machine and hooking the cable to the mold assembly. Further steps include disconnecting the fasteners between the mounting plates on the mold assembly and platens and with the platens separated, lifting the mold assembly from the platens and transporting the mold assembly in the platen plane and lowering the mold assembly to the floor surface in alignment with a replacement mold assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for hot uniaxial pressing of heat resistant metal canisters containing synthetic rock components.A hydraulic press is provided in a furnace and has a fixed top press frame with refractory top pad and fixed base. The furnace comprises an electrical induction coil with a cylindrical metal sleeve functioning as a susceptor sleeve. The press is also provided with an upwardly acting hydraulic ram with ram head and refractory top pad.A platen is provided on a ram having a mounting shaft. The ram is actuable to laterally displace the platen so that columns extending on opposed sides of the press and having respective recesses are arranged to engage with complementary portions of the platen.The susceptor sleeve can be removed by swinging the platen around to extend below the region of the susceptor, but not into engagement with the column recesses, raising the platen and then releasing a clamping mechanism which normally grips the susceptor.

Abstract: A stamper holding apparatus comprises a holding member for holding a stamper on the mirror surface of one of stationary and movable mirror blocks, a plurality of stationary side actuation units arranged around the outer periphery of the stationary mirror block, a plurality of movable side actuation units arranged around the outer periphery of the movable mirror block, and operating rods of each stationary side actuation units and operating rods of each movable side actuation units being alternatively engageable with the holding member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for consolidating loose or pre-compressed particulate materials, such as metal powder or metal flakes, in press equipment utilizing a reusable canister means that is sealed in vacuum from the atmosphere and heated prior to consolidation in the press equipment at elevated pressures and temperatures, thereby improving utilization of the press equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which facilitates rapid insertion, removal and exchange of a fixture in situations where it must be securely attached to a support surface before or after removal from such surface. The fixture has a plurality of studs extending outwardly therefrom which guide the fixture tool through channels in a support surface and into placement in respective slots of T-slot clamps which are moved by fluid pressure to the open position, the fixture transferred, and the fluid pressure released to effect clamping. The present invention can be used in a high production manufacturing system such as a press or molding operation and is particularly useful in thermoforming operations.

Abstract: A hydraulic press has a frame including a crosshead formed with a vertical passage. A lower platen is fixed to the base of the frame, and an upper movable platen is located between the crosshead and lower platen. Light-duty hydraulic cylinders move the upper platen between an operating position proximate to the lower platen and a retracted position relatively distant from the lower platen. A short-stroke, large-bore hydraulic ram extends vertically from the upper platen and travels with the upper platen is positioned by the light-duty cylinders. An upper free end of the ram locates in the vertical passage of the crosshead when the upper platen is in its retracted position but clears the passage when the upper platen is in its operating position. A hydraulic mechanism then closes the passage so that the ram can drive the upper platen towards the lower platen.

Abstract: A horizontal mold closing unit for an injection molding machine includes a mold exchanging device, and injection mold assembly having a mold body and back plates attached face-to-face to the mold body at each clamping side thereof. The back plates have an extended portion projecting beyond a frontal side of the mold body. There is further provided a mold exchanging table forming part of the mold exchanging device and being arranged for displacement adjacent the mold closing unit in a direction parallel to a mold closing direction, and an endless conveyor chain arranged to convey the injection mold assembly, by cooperating with coupling elements in the back plates, from the mold exchanging table to the clamping space of the mold closing unit and conversely. The endless conveyor chain has a chain driving end sprocket and an idling end sprocket mounted on the mold exchanging table and supporting the conveyor chain thereon.

Abstract: An injection molding mold including an insert in-part defining the mold cavity and readily accessible for replacement from the side of the mold. The insert has a molding head at the mold cavity, a shank extending into a socket in the mold, a mortice in the shank for receiving a retainer to hold the insert in place and, preferably, a camming surface on the end of the shank for dislodging the insert from the mold. The retainer will preferably be a sliding pin having a bifurcated keeper portion providing two tapered prongs engaging opposed slots on the insert's shank for holding the insert in place during molding and subsequently for camming the insert loose from the socket at replacement time.

Abstract: A press apparatus for magnetic injection molding machines in which only the portion of a movable table in close contact with a lower metal mold is made ferromagnetic material and the other portion of the movable table is made of non-magnetic material, thereby fully utilizing the magnetic flux generated by magnetic coils with high efficiency and reducing the magnetic resistance of the magnetic circuit.

Abstract: A clamping device of this invention is constructed of bases on which molds are slidably moved, regulating portions each provided above the corresponding base and having a clamping surface which is inclined relative to the base, shifting means provided beside the bases and for shifting each mold placed on the base in a direction to which the space between the base and the clamping surface progressively narrows and a spacer fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the mold, the upper surface of which being in the form of an arc in a direction to which the mold is moved. In use, each of the molds placed on the base is moved by the shifting means. The mold is then sandwiched between the base and the clamping surface and clamped to a wedge configuration.

Abstract: For cooling, cleansing and/or lubricating purposes on a pressure casting machine 14 there is arranged an apparatus 10 for wetting mold surfaces 12 by spraying pressurized fluid thereon, which comprises a spraying head 40 provided with spraying nozzles 42 apt to be adjusted as regards direction, in which spraying head channels 44 and adjustable throttle valves 46 are disposed. To form such apparatus such that it is suited for the selective treatment of the different mold surfaces, no expensive adaptation operations being necessary with each change of mold and/or each re-use of such mold, that moreover a rapid automatic pressure casting operation is guaranteed and that high manufacturing and storage costs are avoided.

Abstract: An automatic continuously cycleable molding system wherein a plurality of mold sets are transported in predetermined timed cycles through a series of work stations wherein the various molding, curing and workpiece handling operations are accomplished, and wherein the mold sets are recirculatingly moved through the system for repeated usage.

Abstract: This invention relates to safety devices built into a machine designed to press a ball of dough into a pizza crust of uniform predetermined size.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for making sheet-plastic articles, such as lids for disposable drinking cups, by vacuum forming. The invention provides spacers that fit into the holes in the stripper plate of the apparatus for the purpose of matching the size of the hole closely to that of the die impression. The spacers are flanged and in three segments, the segments being so arranged that two of the segments can be first placed in the hole, their flanges being entered into a groove in the hole, then the third is located in the hole and maneuvered radially outwards until its flange too is located in the groove. The segments are retained in place with a spring ring. The segmented spacers can easily be inserted at arm's length and by feel alone. The spacers are themselves radially thin so that the holes in the stripper plate can be packed tightly together.

Abstract: A device for the manufacture of pressed profiled bodies from a non ascending mixture and including a raisable and depressable heated pressing tool upper part formed as a flat plate, at least one pressing tool lowerpart disposed below the pressing tool upper part and having a cavity containing the mixture to be pressed, a reversible raisable and depressible frame surrounding the cavity and having a side facing the pressing tool upperpart, and a frame part disposed on the side of the frame and movable towards the pressing tool upper part.

Abstract: A transducer arrangement provides a feedback signal which indicates the position of a first part relative to a base and when a second movable part is positioned adjacent the first part the transducer provides a signal indicating the spacing between the two parts. Specifically the transducer provides for spacing control between the two halves of a mold mounted in a press wherein a crosshead moves a substantial distance and carries one part of the mold (the upper half) relative to the lower mold part. Hydraulic actuators act on the lower part of the mold to provide the molding force when the mold parts are close together. The transducer is mounted in a housing and arranged to provide a signal used for controlling the hydraulic actuators to control the spacing of the two molds parts until the mold parts are separated a known amount, after which the hydraulic actuators are controlled by sensing the spacing of one mold half relative to the base of the press.

Abstract: A dough roller and shaper device for making pie crust, pizza crust, cookies and other food crusts. The device characterized by having a molded ring in a dough board for making quickly, with a standard rolling pin, crust uniform in size and thickness. The device can be used for making a bottom crust and a top crust when baking a pie in a pie pan.

Abstract: The packaging machine has a molding station comprising a reciprocating molding die for shaping thermoplastic sheet material to form packaging containers. Reciprocating drive is transmitted to the molding die by first engagement means provided laterally thereon and cooperating second engagement means provided laterally of the moving path of the molding die and opposite the first engagement means. The molding die may be moved into a retracted position at one end of its moving path, and when in this retracted position, the first and second engagement means are disengaged so that the molding die and any members secured thereto may be readily removed for replacement thereof and/or of molding inserts provided in a lower part of the molding station. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second engagement means are formed by a driving chain and engagement members, respectively, the engagement members being shaped to engage the chain links.

Abstract: A conventional conduction pressing apparatus for consolidating of composite products by pressure and heat is converted to a press in which heating is carried out by convection. This is accomplished by providing caul plates for use on the working surfaces on the press plattens, the caul plates having a central permeable area and a peripheral impermeable area, as well as appropriate sealing elements. Holes are drilled through the press plattens in order to provide a passageway for steam from an outside source to the central permeable areas of the caul plates.

Abstract: In a press operable for movements of proof plate exchangeably mounted on an end of a press die into and out of a mold, and wherein the proof plate normally does not exceed a position wherein its topmost portion is at most flush with a topmost portion of the mold during the movements, the improvement includes a drive device independent of the movements for moving the proof plate beyond the topmost portion of the mold, so that the proof plate projects through the mold, and is thereby freely accessible for the purpose of being replaced.

Abstract: A punching tool for use in a tablet making machine includes a body portion having at least one bore extending from an end of the holder a preselected distance into the holder. The bore is internally threaded a preselected depth. An interchangeable punch is threaded into the punch holder bore and extends a selected length from the holder. The end of the punch has an externally threaded portion and a cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is positioned between the threaded portion and the portion of the punch that extends outwardly from the holder. The cylindrical portion has a diameter that permits it to move freely without interference into and out of the internally threaded bore. The bore has an enlarged thread configuration provided with cylindrical bearing surfaces between threads. The punch threaded portion has a thread configuration corresponding to the configuration of the threaded bore to permit rapid engagement and disengagement of the punch in the bore.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing press cauls of a heated press used for fabricating a finished board. A plurality of rods having mandrels are arranged adjacent the longitudinal sides of said cauls and removably positioned in a corresponding plurality of receiving loops secured to each caul. The cauls may then be moved vertically with respect to their platens. Clamps are used to secure each caul to their respective platens. Conveyor belts are used to insert a new caul pack into the press after removal of the old cauls. The conveyor belts are secured to a plurality of arms having suction pickup means and holders used to remove a protective intermediate layer between the cauls for completing the insertion operation.

Abstract: An improvement in briquetting presses and the like comprises a wear ring, a press cone, an end tube and a press cylinder which is diametrically slotted and encloses the press cone and the end tube, said parts being secured to a machine frame. To facilitate the dismounting of the abovementioned parts the press cylinder is suspended in a pair of brackets which project from the machine frame in such a way that the press cylinder together with the press cone and the end tube is displaceable away from the machine frame and after such displacement is rotatable on an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the press cone and the end tube. A hydraulic jack associated with the press and designed to cooperate with the press cylinder comprises a yoke and a bail which together enclose the press cylinder at the compression of its two slots.

Abstract: A press system that provides rapid advance of one platen on a movable crosshead through the use of programmed hydraulic controls and is specifically adapted for use with sheet molding compound (SMC) presses. Rapid locking or latching of the crosshead and the platen it carries is achieved through the use of hydraulically operated clamping and release cylinders. The lower platen is supported on hydrostatic bearings permitting the platen to move and at the same time parallelism of the mold halves is maintained by swiveling molding power cylinders. Separate push-back cylinders are used to separate the mold through a short load path so that when the mold "breaks away" there is very little springback to minimize any part breakage during mold stripping.The lower platen also includes a mounting arrangement that provides the advantages of a rolling bolster or lower platen with a minimum of mounting structure.

Abstract: In a die, punch and core rod assembly for a powder compacting press wherein the core rod or rods remain stationary while the punch or punches are reciprocable relative to the die, the invention provides individual longitudinal position adjustment for the core rods by clamping the end of the core rods in a collet-like threaded member such as a slotted set screw threading in a threaded bore in a core rod support member. The core rod support member is preferably in the form of a pair of plates one bolted below the other. The end of each core rod is immobilized in its adjusted position by being disposed in an axial bore in the collet-like threaded member and by being clamped between the sidewalls of a longitudinal slot extending part of the length of the set screw, as a result of the tendency of the slot to close when the set screw is driven through the lower plate with its tapered end engaged with a tapered surface at the end of an aligned bore in the upper plate.

Abstract: An injection molding machine having in spaced positions at least a first injecting station for injecting a plasticized resin material into a die cavity and a second station for further treating the injected resin material concurrently and in relation with the injecting operation at the injecting station, the molding machine including a die carriage movable to and from the first and second stations and fixedly supporting thereon at least a lower die of an injection molding die set; a track for guiding movements of the die carriage to and from the respective stations; a carriage clamp for fixing the die carriage at the respective stations; a die closing mechanism provided at each station for releasably clamping an upper die against the lower die; and a drive mechanism for moving the die carriage sequentially to the first and second stations.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for shaping and forming a rice body for a rolled sushi dish. The device comprises a base member provided with a plurality of semi-cylindrical notches in a parallel arrangement, a push cover member constructed in a similar but symmetrical form to the base member, a cylindrical frame member of the size into which the above two members can be horizontally inserted, and a ram member of the size engageable with inside of the frame and provided on the lower side thereof with plural projections in a parallel arrangement. The device is used by inserting the base member having plural semi-cylindrical notches from below into the frame for engagement, placing a suitable amount of vinegared rice (sushi-meshi) into the cylindrical frame, fitting the ram member from above into the frame to make a dent upon the surface of the vinegared rice, placing such suitable ingredients as pieces of tuna, ham, cucumber, etc.