Abstract: A system includes an enclosed laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) containment volume. A powder drain is included below the containment volume configured to receive powder dropping from the containment volume by force of gravity. A valve below the powder drain is configured to allow passage with the valve in an open state of unfused powder from the drain into a powder collection volume separated from the containment volume by the valve, and prevent passage of powder from the drain into the collection volume with the valve in a closed state. A source of wetting agent is in fluid communication with the powder collection volume for capturing powder in the collection volume by wetting the powder. A moisture trap is operatively connected to the drain above the valve and is configured to capture moisture to prevent moisture from the collection volume migrating into the containment volume.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polymer hollow particle, a low-specific gravity and monodispersed polymer hollow particle of various shapes prepared using the method, and a composite including the polymer hollow particle are provided. The method includes: a first step of providing, onto a substrate including a engraved pattern, at least one expandable particle comprising a foaming agent-containing expandable core and a thermoplastic polymer shell; a second step of removing an excess of the at least one expandable particle from a resulting product of the first step; a third step of expanding the at least one expandable particle in the engraved pattern of the substrate by thermally treating a resulting product of the second step; and a fourth step of separating, from the substrate, expanded hollow polymer particles which are a resulting product of the third step.

Abstract: An injection molding system includes: a first extruding member that extrudes a first molded article from a mold; a robot that transfers the first molded article extruded from the mold to an assembling position in relation to a second molded article in the mold; a second extruding member that extrudes the second molded article from the mold towards the first molded article retained at the assembling position by way of the robot, and assembles the second molded article to the first molded article; and a load detection unit that detects load applied to the second extruding member, in which defect discrimination of the first molded article, the second molded article, or an assembled state of the first molded article and the second molded article is performed, based on load detected by the load detection unit when the second molded article is assembled to the first molded article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining plate for a vacuum cleaner bag which has an inlet opening, the retaining plate being formed by thermoforming and subsequent stamping of a film made of a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A method of forming micrometric or millimetric sized granules by the agglomeration of nanometric sized particles, comprising the addition of a set of nanometric sized particles into a container having an inside wall surface with a circular or approximately circular section and setting the set of particles in motion along said inside wall surface by rotating the container about a rotation axis passing through said container. The setting in motion of the particles is done in a dry state and the container is rotated continuously at constant speed for several consecutive hours.

Abstract: A co-extrusion device has at least one first inlet port to receive a first material, at least one second inlet port to receive a second material, a first combining channel arranged to receive the first material and the second material and combine the first and second materials into a first combined flow flowing in a first direction. a splitter channel arranged to receive the first combined flow and to split the first combined flow into at least two split flows in a second direction at least partially orthogonal to the first direction, wherein each split flow consists of the first and second materials, and a second combining channel arranged to receive the split flows and combine the split flows into a second combined flow in the first direction, and at least one exit orifice arranged to allow the materials to exit the device as a single flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for manufacture of three-dimensional models by means of a 3D printing process, whereby a spreader device is used to deposit particulate material in layers on a build platform and the particulate material flow, which occurs perpendicular to the spreading direction, is transferred into containers that are actively cleaned by sliders or brushes at the spreader device. It exploits the fact that particulate material that is moves dynamically can only bridge small height differences. The arrangement can be implemented in a space-saving manner beneath the spreading plane.

Abstract: To improve the work environment by preventing a larger amount of a powder compounding agent from being discarded as power dust and by returning the powder compounding agent into a kneading tank by capturing said powder compounding agent by employing a simple means in closed pressure type kneader. Also to bring the compound quality closer to the design quality by drastically increasing the valuable collection rate. A recovery device for collecting an ejected powder compounding agent is installed on a closed pressure type kneader for kneading a kneading material along with a powder compounding agent in a kneading tank by rotating a kneading rotor. In the recovery device, a tubular air bag capable of expanding and contracting is connected to the side surface of the surrounding wall of the kneading tank with a ventilation chute between the air bag and the surrounding wall, the surrounding wall surrounding the periphery of a pressurized lid rising/lowering path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a powdery material filling device with a redundant (i.e., excess or waste) powdery material recovering mechanism. The powdery material filling device may be used in a rotary compression molding machine. In certain aspects, the redundant powdery material recovering mechanism is capable of actively recovering and reusing a redundant (i.e., excess or waste) powdery material even upon production of multi-layer tablets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system (10) for forming pressed articles by pressing powder or granules, the system comprising the following apparatuses: a powder discharge assembly (12); a no-cavity press assembly (20) including: an bottom plate (22) that is the same size or greater than the pressed articles, a constraining means to isolate a portion of powder, and a top punch (24); and a conveyor (14) to transport the powder and/or pressed articles.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to methods for manufacturing shaped, comestible articles. Multiple comestible articles are connected by flash, and stress lines in the flash surround the articles. The comestible articles are subsequently separated from the flash at the stress lines. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to an intermediate comestible product. In certain embodiments, the intermediate comestible product comprises multiple articles, web-like flash connecting the articles, and stress lines formed in the flash and about each article.

Abstract: A floating cut-off bar that follows a preselected path of travel over a mold box during a block production cycle. The floating cut-off bar may be coupled to a feed drawer whereby a mechanism allows the floating cut-off bar to engage the specified contour of a division plate in a mold box assembly and aid in material distribution by screeding excess material and delivering additional material to areas of the mold box as necessary and method of making wall blocks therefrom. The specified contour of the division plate is designed to optimally deliver material to achieve a specified uniform density of the block produced for greater structural integrity, strength and durability of the block.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object forming apparatus is provided, which at least comprises: a construction stage, a printing module, plural temporary storage tanks, plural powder supplying tanks, a construction tank, a printing quality inspection component for forming a pattern to determine whether the printing module is blocked or not, a maintenance device, and a dust-proof device.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object-forming apparatus is disclosed, which includes an in-batches powder-rationing tank system, a construction tank system, a printing powder-applying system, a rapid drying heating system, a printing maintenance device, a dust-proof device, a successive liquid-supplying device, a powder auto-filtrating and recycling device, and a print quality detection device.

Abstract: A method of forming a film (1) of molten polymer material, by extruding said material in a direction (2) out of a narrow exit slot (3), which is an integral part of a wider die chamber (4) of which the major dimension of extension is parallel with the major dimension of the exit slot (3), characterized in that the molten polymer material is formed into one or more flows generally parallel with said major dimension of the exit slot (3), each said flow being pumped in a re-circulating arrangement from the chamber inlet (7) to the outlet (8) through conduits connecting the inlet to the outlet, while fresh molten polymer material is administered from a reservoir into each re-circulating flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional shaped product capable of decreasing thermal dissipation due to thermal conduction of a heating device or a cooling device loading a base plate, in which powder is sequentially sintered on a table and a base plate inside a shaping tank, wherein a space of vertical direction is formed on the table or the space is formed and a heat insulating material is filled into the thus formed region, a heating device or a cooling device which loads the base plate supporting the sintered layer is firmly fixed.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a device for avoiding the uncontrolled discharge of melt from nozzle apertures of a nozzle plate are provided. The device can include a locking member that is movable in front of the nozzle plate. The locking member can be formed as an extrudate collection member. The locking member can be reciprocable between a production position and a collection position. And melt can be discharged from the nozzle apertures of the nozzle plate in the form of extrudates into a process chamber when the locking member is in the production position and into extrudate collection member when the locking member is in the collection position. The device can also include a melt extraction aperture disposed on the extrudate collection member. The melt extraction aperture can be configured to align with the nozzle apertures in the nozzle plate and a melt extraction channel.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object forming apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object includes: a base platform; a transmission portion; a detachable construction tank; a movable powder supplying tank provided for driving to supply construction powder above the detachable construction tank; a print module including at least a print cartridge with at least a nozzle; a heating portion; an lifting portion arranged below the detachable construction tank; a nozzle cleaning module; a nozzle sealing module having a holder, at least a sealing portion and a moisture portion; and a stretchable dust-proof cover connected to a side of the powder supplying tank, which is provided for moving together with the powder supplying tank to cover the construction powder in the construction tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic trim reclaim process that recycles otherwise wasted trim into for reuse or densified composite bricks for resale. The device combines four sections to process trim scrap from a typical plastic extrusion process. The four sections comprise an input and feed section, a grinding and pre-sizing section, a compaction and sizing section, and a repelletizing and recovery section. The final product takes one of two forms: a compacted plastic brick or pellet-sized beads that can be directly reused in a new extrusion process. The compaction and sizing section utilizes a heating chamber and ram to force ground trim through an extruder, which is then cut into sections to form brick. The repelletizing and recovery section utilizes an extrusion process that feeds into a cutting plate, whereafter the sized pellets are cooled to solidify their structure prior to being vacuum transported into a container for reuse.

Abstract: An automatic powder recycling apparatus includes a housing, a plurality of isolation elements, an air-blowing device, a powder filtering member, a recycling member and an air-inhaling device. A sealed space is defined within the housing. The air-blowing device is disposed within the sealed space for removing the powder attached on the surface of the finished product. The air-inhaling device is in communication with the first receptacle for allowing the first receptacle to be in a negative pressure state. When the powder on the finished product is removed by the air-blowing device and directed to the powder filtering member by the air-inhaling device, the powder is filtered and blocked by the powder filtering member. When the air-inhaling device is disabled, the powder blocked by the powder filtering member naturally falls down to the recycling member.

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 concrete block machine including a mold having at least one mold cavity, a feedbox driven back and forth between retracted and extended positions, wherein the feedbox is positioned over a top of the mold deposits concrete in the at least one mold cavity when at the extended position, a cutoff bar coupled to the feedbox and including a moveable cutoff element, and a drive system. The drive system is coupled to the moveable cutoff element and moves the moveable cutoff element to adjust a distance between the moveable cutoff element and the top of the mold as the feedbox is driven from the extended position to the retracted position such that the moveable cutoff element removes varying amounts of concrete deposited in the mold cavity so that a depth of concrete remaining in the mold cavity varies in a desired fashion in a direction of movement of the feedbox.

Abstract: A system for processing materials includes handling and cutting stations positioned at appropriate positions along first and second conveying portions. A crust cutting station is positioned along the first conveyor portion. A crust removal station is positioned to span across the first and second conveying portions. Similarly, a stacking station is also positioned to span across the first and second conveying portions. Further, a first (vertical) cross cutting station is position along the second conveyor portion. Similarly, a second (horizontal) cross cutting station is located along the second conveyor portion. The process of using the disclosed system eliminates the need for specially designed stacking frames or trays and support rods, and improves cutting capacity and reduces processing time by only stacking the materials to be processed once, without de-stacking and restacking steps.

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: 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 device and a method for manufacturing an end mill in which the amount of grinding of a blank end mill is small. The device for manufacturing an end mill includes: upper and lower punches; a die; a feed box for supplying a powder of material for the end mill; and a cleaner for eliminating the powder from a top surface of the die. The upper and lower punches are movable up and down relative to each other and have a lengthwise molding cavity formed thereon. The die has a penetrating slit sized to be approximated to the width of the upper and lower punches. The penetrating slit allows the up-and-down movements of the upper and lower punches. The feed box supplies the powder into a space formed by the wall of the penetrating slit and the lower punch.

Abstract: A system for processing materials includes handling and cutting stations positioned at appropriate positions along first and second conveying portions. A crust cutting station is positioned along the first conveyor portion. A crust removal station is positioned to span across the first and second conveying portions. Similarly, a stacking station is also positioned to span across the first and second conveying portions. Further, a first (vertical) cross cutting station is position along the second conveyor portion. Similarly, a second (horizontal) cross cutting station is located along the second conveyor portion. The process of using the disclosed system eliminates the need for specially designed stacking frames or trays and support rods, and improves cutting capacity and reduces processing time by only stacking the materials to be processed once, without de-stacking and restacking steps.

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: Apparatus and method for checking the venting of a mold having one or more vents, the apparatus comprising a vacuum source, a flow connection between the source and the mold, and a vacuum gauge connected to the flow connection, whereby vacuum measurement by the gauge correlates with total effective venting area of the mold.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming fibrous filter elements such as tubular elements molded from borosilicate microfibers. Molding rigs are supplied with a slurry from a system including a holding tank and a reservoir. The reservoir is coupled to a water intake and also receives recycled aqueous liquid. The holding tank receives a mixture of fibers and aqueous liquid. A controller monitors volume levels in the holding tank and reservoir and allows for incremental pH changes.

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: An apparatus for processing thermoplastic synthetic plastic material to be recycled comprises a first receptacle (1) and a second receptacle (2) for the material to be processed. Within both receptacles (1, 2) tools (21) for mixing and heating the material circulate around a vertical axis each. The material reaches the second receptacle (2) which is connected to an evacuating means (9), from the first receptacle (1) through a connecting conduit (3). The first receptacle (1) has above it an intake opening (19) for the material to be processed, and the mouth of the connecting conduit (3) in the second receptacle (2) is disposed at a higher level than the tools (21) circulating in this receptacle (2). The material processed is carried off the second receptacle (2) through a discharge opening (49) by means of at least one screw (47), whereby this receptacle is vacuum-tightly closed. A sluice (6) is connected to the intake opening (19) of the first receptacle (1) that also is connected to an evacuating means (9).

Abstract: A powder material application apparatus capable of applying powder material uniformly onto lower surfaces of plural upper punches, upper surfaces of plural lower punches and inner circumferences of plural dies of a tabletting machine. Powder material is applied on a material contacting surface of the lower punch by spraying powder material mixed with air from a powder material spray port for lower punch of a powder material application part for lower punch. Powder material is applied on a material contacting surface of the upper punch wherein powder material is not applied enough according to gravity by spraying powder material mixed with air from a powder material spray port for upper punch while the upper punch moves from an initial end to a terminal end of the powder material spray port for upper punch. The powder material spray port for upper punch is provided along the rotary orbit of the upper punches and is elongated more than the powder material spray port for lower punch.

Abstract: Resin or pitch is melted in a melt blender apparatus (11) and then loaded, into a heated jacketed holding tank (12). A pair of feed lines (14, 16) receives resin from the holding tank (12) and feeds an upper gear pump (15) and a lower gear pump (17). A mixing enhancement such as a static mixer (18, 19) is located in each of the feed lines (14, 16) between the gear pumps (15, 17) and the resin delivery ends (25, 26) of the feed lines. The resin-melt feed lines may be equipped with pressure indicators (27, 28, 32, 34) and pressure relief valves (23, 24). The resin-melt feed lines may also be equipped with pump accumulators (31, 33). Resin melt pressure created by the gear pumps (15, 17) forces a piston inside the accumulator back to the desired position. The accumulators (31, 33) can also be used to maintain constant pressure in the feed stock. Resin can be recycled from the accumulators (31, 33) into the melt blender (11).

Abstract: A compacting facility for bulk goods is disclosed. In order to generate flakes of homogeneous quality, the bulk good is conveyed to a roller press (4) via a screw conveyor (5). The roller press (4) is supplied with bulk goods of differing quality from two shafts (7,9) positioned one behind the other, the screw conveyor (5) being underfed from the first shaft (9) in the direction of conveyance with granulate, which is not suitable for further processing, arising after the roller press (4) and the rest of the feeding being from the last shaft (7) in the direction of conveyance.

Abstract: A rotary table press having a rotatable die table, an upper punch turret and a lower punch turret is provided with a die table that is compartmentalized from the lubricated guides and punch bars to keep dust away from the parts in the die table compartment. Lubrication to the punch bars and guides in the turret is sealed off from the die table compartment. Further improvements pertain to the prior art difficulty with removal and replacement of dies, and removal of the die table. A hydraulic die removal assembly enables the operator to remove the dies, in situ, from the die table. Also, the improved apparatus enables the maintenance worker to pull out the part of the driving shaft that passes through the center of the turrets and die table, then pins are retracted, and with some related adjustments, that enables the die table to be removed from between the turrets. The procedure basically is reversed to re-install the die table.

Abstract: A melting volume reduction device (10) for waste resin comprises: a charging port (15) for charging waste resin; a cutter (38) for crushing the charged waste resin; a screen (39) through which pieces of waste resin, which have been crushed into sizes not more than a predetermined size, can pass; a conveyer means (49) for conveying the pieces of waste resin which have passed through the screen; a melting means (44) for melting the pieces of waste resin, which have been conveyed by the conveyer means, into a state of high viscosity; and a discharge port (44a) for discharging the melted waste of resin. The melting volume reduction device for waste resin is composed so that it can be transported by a transportation means, and the melting volume reduction device for waste resin is capable of reducing a volume of waste resin by means of melting at a site where the waste resin is generated.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve the processing of plastic particles, in particular from shredded plastic waste, into a moulding mass that can be injection moulded and to improve their transport into injection moulding moulds. To achieve this, noxious fractions of the moulding mass are degasified and eliminated in a purification stage and a plasticizing screw designed for this purpose is configured in such a way, that an outlet leading to the environment is provided for the gases to be eliminated in a purification area with a reduced working pressure.

Abstract: Resin or pitch is melted in a melt blender apparatus (11) and then loaded, into a heated jacketed holding tank (12). A pair of feed lines (14, 16) receives resin from the holding tank (12) and feeds an upper gear pump (15) and a lower gear pump (17). A mixing enhancement such as a static mixer (18, 19) is located in each of the feed lines (14, 16) between the gear pumps (15, 17) and the resin delivery ends (25, 26) of the feed lines. The resin-melt feed lines may be equipped with pressure indicators (27, 28, 32, 34) and pressure relief valves (23, 24). The resin-melt feed lines may also be equipped with pump accumulators (31, 33). Resin melt pressure created by the gear pumps (15, 17) forces a piston inside the accumulator back to the desired position. The accumulators (31, 33) can also be used to maintain constant pressure in the feed stock. Resin can be recycled from the accumulators (31, 33) into the melt blender (11).

Abstract: Apparatus is for forming fibrous filter elements, e.g tubular elements molded from borosilicate microfibers.

Abstract: A process for the functional regeneration of the porosity of the materials used to make moulds (2) for moulding ceramic objects, when the pores have been damaged by use of the mould (2), comprises the sequential execution of at least two successive steps of an ordered sequence which includes the steps of: eliminating contamination caused by organic substances form the mould (2); eliminating contamination of biological origin from the mould (2); attacking inorganic encrustations and eliminating inorganic substances which have infiltrated the pores of the mould (2), the initial step of the process being preset according to the nature of a predetermined contaminating agent. A station implementing the process is also an integral part of the present invention.

Abstract: A unit for making pre-shaped absorbent pads for sanitary items is equipped with a continuous conveyor belt with an operating branch which defines a line for pad forming and feed; the branch extends along a straight path, along which there are three successive stations for feeding absorbent material and a plurality of seats designed to accept and retain a given quantity of the absorbent material.

Abstract: A system for making aerated concrete blocks produces such blocks having at least one passageway therein. The system may include a molding station for receiving materials for making aerated concrete and for allowing the materials to rise and stiffen into a body, a dividing station downstream from the molding station for dividing the body into an array of blocks, and a curing station downstream from the dividing station for curing the array of blocks. Moreover, the manufacturing system also preferably includes a drilling station downstream from the curing station to drill the at least one passageway extending through each of the blocks. The passageways provide easier grasping by the mason, reduce the weight without significantly compromising strength, and may be aligned in a wall during construction at a building site to facilitate the placement of vertical reinforcing members in the wall. The drilling station may drill a plurality of spaced apart passageways through each block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for scarfing a fibrous web (22) can include a scarfing housing (24) which has been provided with a web entrance portion (26), a web exit portion (28), a discharge conduit (30), and an air flow inlet (32, 54). A rotatable scarfing roll (34) can be located in the scarfing housing (24), and in a particular feature, the discharge conduit (30) can be configured with a distinctive conduit angle (36).

Abstract: The invention relates to a Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process for manufacturing fiber-reinforced components (31) with at least one closed or undercut space (35). A two-part mould with a cavity is charged with reinforcing fibers and a shape-stable supporting core of wax that can be melted out of the cavity. The core is produced from a cast preform by means of at least one shape-forming step. A plastic matrix capable of flowing is injected into the cavity of the closed mould forming a shaped fiber-composite mass and hardened to give the fiber-reinforced component (31). The shape-stable fiber-reinforced component (31) is removed from the mould and subjected to tempering. During tempering the core is melted and drained off from the fiber-reinforced component—leaving behind a closed or undercut space (35)—and the molten core material is cast to provide a new preform (1).

Abstract: In addition to a loading apparatus (10) for loading material through the upper mouth of the mold cavity (6), the unit comprises a blower device (30) for blowing air, means for moving said device while held a short distance from the upper surface of the material (B′) loaded into the mold cavity, such as to lift in a gauged manner a thin layer of material from the top thereof, and means (51, 55) for collecting the material lifted by the blower device (30), in order to remove it from the mold cavity. In particular, the blower device (30) comprises a relatively narrow, long blowing port (31) arranged to emit an air jet in the form of a thin sheet extending in a horizontal direction, and means (33, 34) for feeding compressed air to said blowing port (31), which is moved while maintained a short distance from the upper surface of the material (B′) loaded into the mold cavity (6) in order to lift a thin gauged layer of material.

Abstract: For the production of polyurethane moldings by the shot process from isocyanate and polyol components, the production is improved in that, in addition to the conditioning already known for the line system, at least one of the commercially available but modified metering pumps is also conditioned in that some of the reaction component made available flows in circulation through the intermediate space between the enclosed metering component and housing of the pump.

Abstract: Devolatilization of molten polymer is carried out using a vertical static mixer which opens directly into a flash tank. Expansion of a stripping agent injected at an inlet of the static mixer occurs in the static mixer and the continued shearing causes disengagement of the vapor from the polymer, so that expansion is complete before the polymer enters the flash tank and stripper and volatiles are removed by a pump and condenser arrangement which holds the flash tank at a reduced pressure. Polymer outlets are in the floor of the flash tank and have metering pumps at their bottom end.

Abstract: An apparatus for suctioning liquid from a mold during molding of an article includes a vacuum pump and a valve coupled with the vacuum pump and a connecting piece connected to the valve for suctioning a liquid for passage of a suctioned liquid from a mold via the connecting piece to the valve and then to a reservoir. The valve includes a reciprocative sleeve having opposing ends which define sleeve openings for passage of liquid from a first sleeve open end to a second sleeve open end and includes a valve sleeve base seat configured and positioned so that upon reciprocation of the sleeve to and from the valve sleeve base seat, the valve is opened and closed to flow of liquid through the valve.

Abstract: A drop former includes a supply vessel having bottom discharge openings for discharging a free-flowing viscous mass. An endless perforated belt rotates around front and rear guide drums such that a lower run of the belt travels toward the rear guide drum while passing across the discharge openings of the vessel to periodically open those openings and allow drops of the mass to fall onto a cooling conveyor. A collecting space is formed beneath the rear guide drum for collecting residual mass from the belt. A recirculation mechanism recirculates that collected residual mass back to a location adjacent the discharge openings.