Abstract: A forming machine that quickly compacts hollow materials and automatically recycles the materials includes molds, each of which is provided with a feeder having a hollow hole. An opening of the feeder is exactly located at a hollow position of a food product to be formed, and an upper end of the hollow feeder is connected with recycling tubes coming from a feed tank. When a cope and a nowel compact and form the materials into the hollow food products, the feeders will automatically push upward remainders at hollow places of the food products that are stacked constantly, enabling the remainders to enter into the feed tank along the recycling tubes, so as to achieve effects of quickly compacting and processing the materials and automatically recycling the remainders.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of container preforms in which recycled plastic material is subjected to at least one heat treatment in a recycling machine before it is transferred to a preform machine, where at least a major portion of heat introduced into the plastic material during its heat treatment and storage is transferred from the recycling machine with the plastic material into the preform machine. In a plant embodied for carrying out the method, the recycling machine is coupled with the preform machine either directly or via at least one intermediate storage such that at least a major portion of heat introduced in the recycling machine during a heat treatment of the plastic material can be transferred with the plastic material into the preform machine.

Abstract: A disposable liquid build material feed cartridge for use in a solid imaging apparatus and a method of dispensing build material for use in such an apparatus with a radiation transparent build material carrier. The disposable liquid build material feed cartridge recovers unused liquid material from the radiation transparent build material carrier and recycles it through a filter into a supply reservoir for reuse. A dispersing roller is employed to express any entrapping air bubbles in the solidifiable liquid build material that is dispensed onto the radiation transparent build material carrier prior to its being imaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recycling process for recycling fiber-reinforced and/or fiber based semi-finished products and/or components for later use in the production of fiber-reinforced and/or fiber based semi-finished products and/or components, wherein the semi-finished products and/or components are comprised of fibers and a matrix material, and the fibers are arranged in the matrix material in the form of a fabric, unidirectional layers and/or plies and/or individual reinforcing fibers and/or reinforcing fiber bundles, and further, a device for carrying out the recycling process.

Abstract: A press-molding machine is taught that may include an extrusion apparatus (10), a transfer apparatus (30), and a molding apparatus (40). The extrusion apparatus (10) may extrude a melted resin into a sheet shape. The transfer apparatus (30) may receive and transfer a sheet material that is extruded from the extrusion apparatus and cut in a predetermined length. The molding apparatus (40) may press and mold the sheet material transferred from the transfer apparatus. The extrusion apparatus (10), the transfer apparatus (30), and the molding apparatus (40), are allowed to be independently arranged and constructed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects by laser sintering that includes the use of dense phase pneumatic conveying to internally recycle overflow powder, and to thoroughly blend overflow, recovered and virgin powder to provide a consistent powder feed mix to a laser sintering machine. Overflow powder from the laser sintering machine is recovered and recycled back into the laser sintering machine for reuse. The approach results in a compact and reliable powder recycle system with complete blending and minimum attrition to the handled powder.

Abstract: A lip product remixing kit contains tools that provide for recovering unused cosmetic lip material from applicator containers, and remixing and remolding the materials to form reconstituted cosmetic lip products. Using the kit, one may re-color their lip product by combining two or more lip products so as to customize the overall appearance (color and shape) and consistency of the product as desired by the user. The kit also provides tools needed to recover the unused lipstick material in the base of an applicator tube and to re-mold the material into a new stick that may be inserted into a new or used applicator tube. Other uses for the kit are to repair a broken lipstick and reformulate a lipstick into lip gloss. In a preferred embodiment, the kit includes spatulas, mixing/measuring containers, storage containers, lip product applicator tubes with stickers, instructions, a tube of clear gloss and a mold for forming reconstituted sticks of lipstick.

Abstract: A molding tool is provided for forming solid ink sticks. The molding tool comprises a vessel having at least one sidewall defining a cavity for receiving molten phase change ink material. The molding tool includes a lid for covering an opening over the cavity of the vessel. The lid has an interior surface for at least partially enclosing the cavity. The enclosed cavity has a shape corresponding to at least a portion of an ink stick shape. The at least one sidewall of the vessel and/or the interior surface of the lid are configured to flex to facilitate release of an at least partially solidified ink stick from the cavity.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for continuously molding chocolate are disclosed, including a method and apparatus for removing flash from chocolate pieces and products (both molded and otherwise); and a manifold for continuously providing liquid chocolate to a continuous mold and directing excess liquid chocolate away.

Abstract: A system for removing trim from sheet dough including a belt defined by an upper edge, lower edge, an interior surface, and an exterior surface, wherein a plurality of brushes extend from the lower edge of the belt at an orientation substantially perpendicular to the lower edge, an idler sprocket in communication with the interior surface of the belt, and a motor configured to rotate the belt about the idler sprocket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device serving both to lay thin layers of powder and to compact them, the device being suitable for being located inside an apparatus containing a powder or powder mixture while it is subjected to the action of a laser. The device comprises a circular cylinder (12) provided with a longitudinal groove (15) formed in an outside surface of the cylinder (12). The cylinder also has a surface (12a) adapted to compact the powder that has been deposited on a deposition zone. By moving the cylinder in rotation and translation, the powder is brought to and deposited on a tray, on which the powder is then compacted by rotating the cylinder in the opposite direction. The invention enables very thin layers of ceramic or metallic powder to be laid in accurate and uniform manner inside a sealed thermal enclosure at a temperature lying between ambient temperature and about 1200° C.

Abstract: Solid imaging apparatus and methods for use are disclosed that reduce the amount of uncured solid imaging build material remaining on a completed build object following the completion of the solid imaging build process. The amount of uncured build material is reduced through the use of either an uncoating web that removes excess build material from the build object during the course of the building process or an ink jet source of build material that uses only as much build material as is necessary for the fabrication of the build part. Also disclosed is an imager assembly for use with such a solid imaging apparatus that incorporates two or more individual imagers in an array and accounts for variations in the intensity and alignment of adjacent imagers. The apparatus can be modified for semi-continuous operation and for integrating into a manufacturing operation, if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for moulding and proving dough, including a pair of sheet rollers for providing a dough strip to a dough moulder, a means for engaging and disengaging a retractable dough divider, the retractable dough divider when engaged separates the dough into dough portions as its exits the dough moulder and a prover for recovering the dough portions. Also disclosed is a dough moulder for a strip of dough including a conveyor having a first run spaced below a curling mat to curl the dough strip; the curling mat resting on at least the first run of the conveyor, the curling mat having a raised section which does not contact the first run.

Abstract: A method of the type in which a strip of rubber is moved continuously from a rubber-supplier device to a consumer device. During the continuous movement and prior to reaching the consumer device, a portion, referred to as the residue, is taken continuously from the strip of rubber. The residue is taken by continuously cutting the strip of rubber. For example, the supplier device includes upstream storage means for storing the strip of rubber from which the strip is moved toward the extruder, and downstream storage means in which the residue is stored. After the strip of rubber on the upstream storage means has been used up, the upstream and downstream storage means are swapped with each other.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.

Abstract: A mold includes a pot for accommodating resin, a cavity for accommodating a semiconductor chip to be resin-molded and a runner as a resin passage for transporting the resin accommodated in the pot to the cavity. A foreign matter retention pocket is disposed which is a recess formed by digging further a partial inner surface of the runner. A runner magnet attracts and attaches a metallic foreign matter contained in fluid transported in the runner to the inner surface of the foreign matter retention pocket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasing a lens moulded in a cavity between posterior (21) and anterior mould (22) sections and adhered thereto. A post (30) is configured to support a flange (20) of the posterior section whilst the anterior section remains spaced from the post. Posterior section is compressed between a pin (40) applied to, an outer concave surface (29a) of the posterior section and the post, thereby initially releasing peripheral regions of the posterior section and subsequently the remaining portions thereof. Upon separation, the anterior section together with the lens (10) drops onto the post so that its outer convex surface (29a) rests on the post. A collar unit (50) with gas channels (53) presses against a flange (200) of the anterior section whilst blowing jets of gas towards an interface between a “monomer” ring (11) formed around the lens. In this manner, initially the “monomer” ring and then peripheral regions of the lens are separated from the anterior section.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and a method for producing ice confection comprising mold cavities arranged on lamellae disposed in an endless belt along which are arranged process means for the production of the ice confection by conveying the lamellae between the process means, wherein the apparatus comprises an uneven number of lamellae and the process means are arranged along the belt in such a way, that the ice confection production process may be completed by two full circulations of one lamella on the belt. Due to the uneven number of lamellae a specific lamella will change stop position for each circulation. Hereby, a number of advantages are obtained through an optimal utilization of the lower lamella sequence, such that the shortest possible apparatus is obtained.

Abstract: A nanoimprinting method includes: forming at a region for performing a first nanoimprinting process on a substrate, a first patterning region with a first affinity to resin; forming at a region for performing a second nanoimprinting process on the substrate, a second patterning region with a second affinity to resin, the second affinity being lower than the first affinity; applying the resin to the first patterning region and transferring a pattern of a mold to the resin by the first nanoimprinting process; and modifying the second patterning region to a region with affinity to resin that is higher than the second affinity, then applying the resin to the modified region, and performing the second nanoimprinting process to process the second patterning region thereby connecting patterns formed at the first patterning region and the second patterning region to each other.

Abstract: A lip product remixing kit contains tools that provide for recovering unused cosmetic lip material from applicator containers, and remixing and remolding the materials to form reconstituted cosmetic lip products. Using the kit, one may re-color their lip product by combining two or more lip products so as to customize the overall appearance (color and shape) and consistency of the product as desired by the user. The kit also provides tools needed to recover the unused lipstick material in the base of an applicator tube and to re-mold the material into a new stick that may be inserted into a new or used applicator tube. Other uses for the kit are to repair a broken lipstick and reformulate a lipstick into lip gloss. In a preferred embodiment, the kit includes spatulas, mixing/measuring containers, storage containers, lip product applicator tubes with stickers, instructions, a tube of clear gloss and a mold for forming reconstituted sticks of lipstick.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mould for nano-printing, comprising recess and projection type patterns (12). It also comprises one or several ducts (13), each providing a communication between a mould pattern and a reservoir area (14).

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for continuously molding chocolate are disclosed, including a method and apparatus for removing flash from chocolate pieces and products (both molded and otherwise); and a manifold for continuously providing liquid chocolate to a continuous mold and directing excess liquid chocolate away.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming air-laid fibrous articles. The apparatus can have a core pocket. The core pocket can have a shield. The core pocket can further have a central opening defined by a void in the shield. The core pocket can further have a central forming chamber in air-flow communication with the central opening and having a central forming chamber periphery. The core pocket can further have a central foraminous forming surface in air-flow communication with the central forming chamber. The core pocket can further have a pair of edge openings extending along the shield. The core pocket can further have an edge forming chamber disposed about the central forming chamber periphery and in air-flow communication with the edge openings. The core pocket can further have an edge foraminous forming surface in air-flow communication with the edge forming chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming air-laid fibrous articles. The apparatus can have a core pocket operatively related with an air-distribution manifold that can apply different air pressures to different portions of the core pocket. The core pocket can have a shield and a central opening defined by a void in the shield. The core pocket can have a central forming chamber in air-flow communication with the central opening and have a central forming chamber periphery. The core pocket can have a central foraminous forming surface in air-flow communication with the central forming chamber. The core pocket can have a pair of edge openings extending along the shield. The core pocket can have an edge forming chamber disposed about the central forming chamber periphery and in air-flow communication with the edge openings. The core pocket can have an edge foraminous forming surface in air-flow communication with the edge forming chamber.

Abstract: A new product is made by an improved pultrusion method including the use of repetitiously moved cooled consolidation plates by the action of which excess plastic resin is allowed to escape from the sides and wherein the flow of plastic carries and shapes transverse reinforcing fibers to curve along the edge of the product preventing delamination of the product. The repetitiously moved consolidation plates provide a more accurately dimensional product and require less pultrusion drawing force than the usual cup and plunger pultrusion die.

Abstract: Extruder (1) for processing material, comprising an extruder barrel (3) containing a bore (5) and at least one extruder screw (11) positioned within said bore, the bore having an upstream inlet portion for feeding the material to be processed and a downstream outlet portion connectable to an extruder exit (7) for material processed through the extruder, the at least one extruder screw has a length: diameter ratio of less than 20:1, the extruder further comprising at least one recycling channel (13, 15) running through the barrel from the outlet portion of the bore and at least two recycling exits (19, 21, 23) that connect a recycling channel to the bore upstream of the outlet portion by and further comprising means for directing the material through the at least one recycling channel and the recycling exits and/or the extruder exit.

Abstract: To avoid air pockets (voids), for example when embedding semiconductor devices (15) in a plastic package molding compound, process parameters in transfer and compression molding are to be contemporaneously controlled. For this purpose, the tendency for voids to form is observed on the basis of test structures in control cavities (7), which form outwardly directed continuations of the mold cavity (3) of a capillary nature.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.

Abstract: An compressive molding machine for powder material comprises an upper punch dust-proof unit 6 that surrounds a sliding part 31 of an upper punch 3 and that has expandable elasticity, and an upper seal that is arranged at a lower end portion of an upper punch holding bore 12x holding the upper punch 3 on a rotary turret 1 and that holds the upper punch 3 slidably and air-tightly, and is further provided with a communicating means 81y that makes inside of the upper punch dust-proof unit 6 communicate with outside of the upper punch dust-proof unit 6 at a time when the upper punch dust-proof unit 6 makes an abutting contact with a portion near a circumference of the upper seal 7.

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. A polymer extrusion apparatus is disclosed utilizing a microwave energy for heating polymer feedstock material within the extruder tip and die unit just prior to formation of the extrudate product.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for building a three-dimensional article in sequential cross-sectional layers, which apparatus comprises: a powder delivery system comprising one or more reservoirs for delivering a powder and a powder spreading system; a printing system for delivering a liquid; a build chamber comprising a outer wall, an inner wall and a build platform which is movable along the inner wall of the build chamber; and a powder recovery system; wherein more than 25% of the outer wall of the build chamber is in communication with the powder recovery system and/or the build platform is capable of releasing unused powder (directly) from the build chamber in a downward direction into the powder recovery system. The invention further provides a method building a three-dimensional article wherein use is made of said apparatus.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for forming a golf ball is described. The method includes utilizing strands of a desired material. The method employs a top, center and bottom plate. The strands are placed over the concave cavities of a lower plate and over the hemispherical protrusions of a center plate. The three plates are then placed in a press, along with a top plate, thereby forming two sets of hemispherical shells. One set of shells remains in the cavities of the top plate, and one set remains in the cavities of the bottom plate. Centers are placed inside the hemispherical shells of the bottom plate. The two sets of shells are then brought together to form a complete core. A cover may be added to complete the formation of a golf ball.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for manufacturing dosage forms, and to dosage forms made using such systems, methods and apparatuses are provided. Novel compression, thermal cycle molding, and thermal setting molding modules are disclosed. One or more of such modules may be linked, preferably via novel transfer device, into an overall system for making dosage forms.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for manufacturing dosage forms, and to dosage forms made using such systems, methods and apparatuses are provided. Novel compression, thermal cycle molding, and thermal setting molding modules are disclosed. One or more of such modules may be linked, preferably via novel transfer device, into an overall system for making dosage forms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a body having a first area and a second area separated by a recess. The recess is dimensioned to reduce, if not prevent, a liquid moving along a surface of the body from traveling between the first and second areas. One or more alignment marks may be positioned within one of the first and second areas. In this manner, the recess functions as a moat by reducing, if not preventing, a quantity of the liquid from being in superimposition with the alignment marks.

Abstract: A system for controlling a volume of liquid on a mold that features a body defining a volume with an aperture formed into the body and positioned proximate to the mold. A pump system is in fluid communication with the body, and the aperture and the pump system are established to create a stream of fluid moving between the mold and the volume. In this manner a quantity of fluid is removed while retained upon the mold is a desired portion of the fluid to undertake imprint lithographic processes.

Abstract: A three dimensional object creation system that prints objects layer by layer, the system including a plurality of printheads (102), the system printing at least part of each of multiple layers (110, 114, 118 etc) simultaneously.

Abstract: A golf ball manufacturing apparatus comprises a mold including a cavity for forming a golf ball, an injection molding machine for supplying a molten resin to the mold, a supply portion for supplying a resin pellet to the injection molding machine, and a crushing machine for crushing a residue discharged from the mold, thereby fabricating a regenerating pellet. The supply portion includes a main cylinder (11), a cylinder (13) for a regenerating pellet and a cylinder (15) for a virgin pellet which branch upward. An inclination angle (u) to a vertical line of the cylinder (13) is equal to or smaller than 20 degrees. An inclination angle (f3) to a vertical line of the cylinder (15) is 30 to 60 degrees. The crushing machine is coupled to the cylinder (13), and the regenerating pellet is transferred to the main cylinder (11) through the cylinder (13).

Abstract: A separation wall transfer mold adaptive to form separation walls on a substrate, includes a main body. A separation wall concave section has concaves for separation walls and is formed in a surface of the main body for a material of the separation walls to be spewed into the separation wall concave section when the separation wall transfer mold is pressed to a substrate. A spew preventing concave section is formed in the surface of the main body for an excess portion of the material to be spewed in the spew preventing concave section.

Abstract: A device for fracturing a defective preform for use in blowmolding is claimed. The preform has head end and a tail end and the device comprises a tube with walls defining a cavity for accepting the defective preform while the defective preform is on a core of an injection molding apparatus, an attachment element that attaches the tube to the injection molding apparatus, and locates the tube relative to the core; and a percussion instrument that contacts and breaks the defective preform at the tail end of the preform.

Abstract: This invention provides a mold for forming a contact lens comprising an overflow collector, which causes the overflow reactive mixture to be accumulated, and not to spread out as it would upon the typically flat surface of a prior art mold. This invention further provides a method of preventing the formation of contaminating pieces of overflow reactive mixture comprising the step of: preventing the overflow reactive mixture from spreading out on the mold.

Abstract: The resin molding machine has a simple molding die, which can be easily maintained, and is capable of molding a work without pretreatments. The resin molding machine for molding the work with resin. The resin molding machine comprises: a press section having a molding die; a cavity plate having a cavity hole, which defines a shape and thickness of a resin mold section of the work; a mechanism for repeatedly carrying the cavity plate into and out from the press section; and a mechanism for positioning the cavity plate onto the molding die.

Abstract: An injection casting system for encapsulating semiconductor products and method of use includes a mold unit having a cavity, a substrate material placed against the cavity, the cavity being filled by a liquid dispenser in contact with the bottom of the cavity and a running channel at the bottom of the cavity to receive the liquid dispenser for even dispersion of epoxy in the cavity from the bottom of the cavity upward to the top of the cavity.

Abstract: An extruding apparatus for food materials having a filling material and a wrapping material extrudes and envelops the filling material with the wrapping material. An internal cylinder supplies the filling material while a concentrically arranged external cylinder creates an annular space for extruding and enveloping the material supplied. The wrapping material is fluidized by a fluidizer accommodated in the annular space. A driving mechanism is sealed from the fluidizer and drives the fluidizer in the annular space. The driving mechanism is driven by a transmission mechanism. A storage space section near the seals prevents wrapping material from penetrating the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A tablet press machine (100) comprises: a hopper (1) for feeding a powder or granular product (2) to a first disc (3a) that rotates about an axis (X) and is equipped with evenly distributed holes or dies (3); a second and third disc (4, 6) that are positioned above and below the first disc (3a), respectively, rotate about the axis (X) and support respective pluralities of upper and lower reciprocating punches (5,7). The punches (5, 7) are driven towards and away from each other when they are aligned with the dies (3) in such a way as to compress the product (2). Each of the punches (5, 7) comprises a cylindrical shank (8), one end of which is equipped with a working head (10) and sealed protection means (11) acting on the cylindrical shank (8) itself.

Abstract: A spiral die assembly can obtain a homogeneous pipe body, an inflation film with/without drawing and a functional film by dispersing molten resin homogeneously, and the spiral die assembly is capable of being applied to various molten resins and extruding conditions. The spiral die assembly comprises a main body 1 of said spiral die assembly, a mandrel 2 having a spiral groove 3 around its outer surface inserted on the inside of the main body and a rotatable ring 5 having a desired width fitted along the outer surface of the spiral groove 3 and fitted in a portion of a die cylinder which forms the inner surface of the main body 1 in a range corresponding to both ends of the spiral groove 3.

Abstract: A mould tool for use in resin transfer moulding operations is provided, the tool comprising one or more shape-defining portions which together define the shape of a component to be manufactured within the tool, and an inlet path for allowing resin to be injected into the mould tool. The mould tool further comprises at least one bleed cavity and a removable closure member, the closure member being capable of closing the bleed cavity and, in use, substantially sealing the bleed cavity to prevent fluid egress from the bleed cavity. A method of resin transfer moulding is also provided.

Abstract: A post processing apparatus for automated removal of support material from a three-dimensional objected formed from a build material by selective deposition modeling is provided. The apparatus includes a heated main chamber into which is placed the three-dimensional object with the support material attached and first and second liquid heat transfer medium storage reservoirs. The storage reservoirs reversibly provide liquid heat transfer medium to the main chamber to immerse the three-dimensional object and the attached support material for desired periods of time to meltingly separate the support material from the object.

Abstract: A by-product waste material removal system for solid deposition modeling. As excess build and support material is removed during the build as a by-product waste the removal system accumulates, measures, and releases the by-product waste material into a waste receptacle for disposal. The by-product waste material removal system requires no mechanical vacuum systems and allows operator intervention to remove and replace waste receptacles without interrupting an ongoing build.