Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process and an apparatus for applying a layer of liquid, foamable reaction mixture to a continuously moving support, such as for the production of foam blocks or foam sandwich panels having a thick foam core.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in manufacturing a continuously extruded running length of construction paneling from continuous flow material sources. The material distribution system, operating in concert with intermittent advance motions of a material conveyor, provides even layer material distribution from the continuous flow sources.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and apparatus for continuous hydrostatic extrusion wherein the pressure of the hydrostatic fluid is used to apply the blank to be extruded firmly against the walls or the bottom of a groove provided in a rotor, in such a way that the blank is entrained by the rotor without slipping to an extrusion chamber from which the blank is spontaneously extruded through a die. The invention finds use in particular for continuous extrusion of metal and alloys, including those which have a low degree of ductility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dry forming a paper, or other nonwoven web, from fibers or fiber flocs. The flocs or bundles are exposed to an oscillating electrostatic field, the resultant mechanical agitation shakes individual fibers loose, which then fall through a screening wire onto a moving forming wire. At a station downstream from the forming section a binder is applied. After appropriate conditioning, the newly formed web is picked off for further processing.

Abstract: The pour plate that is inclined downwardly between the side conveyors of a U-shaped continuous molding tunnel is adjustable in width between the correspondingly adjustable side conveyors so as to selectively produce flat-top buns of foamed synthetic resin of a desired width within the range of adjustment. Interdigitating T-shaped fingers are transversely expandible to form the pour plate and have the gaps between the fingers closed by a cover sheet extending completely over the pour plate with sides being folded downwardly between the pour plate and side conveyors where they are attached to a bias that holds the cover sheet in stretched condition over the pour plate. The bottom cover web that travels with the foam may be folded or cut to the adjusted width of the pour plate. The interdigitated finger construction of the pour plate permits adjustment of the pour plate profile so as to correspond to the rise/time curve of the foam as it expands on our pour plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading a stream of particles onto a moving carrier. Uses a chute for containing and delivering particles; a screed bar, movable relative to the moving carrier to control the thickness of a layer of particles delivered from the chute to the carrier; and a pair of rotatable cylindrical doctor blades, substantially coaxial with each other and positioned at opposing ends of the screed bar to control the thickness of a layer of particles delivered from the chute to the carrier at opposing ends of the screed bar. The screed bar and the two doctor blades together control the thickness of the center and the two sides of a continuous stream of powder. Preferably the carrier is the bottom roller of a pair of compaction rollers which receive the stream of powder and compact it preparatory to sintering.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for forming a uniform film of plastic material, having good optical characteristics, on a substrate are disclosed. The plastic material is supplied to and maintained under pressure in a distribution channel and is fed from the distribution channel through a narrow slot to the substrate. A forming member subsequently forms the plastic material into a uniform film on the substrate. The level of the plastic material in front of the forming member is limited to a range of values based upon the thickness of the film being formed.

Abstract: Method for processing solid and viscous plastic material or polymeric material and the like in which plastic or polymeric material is fed through an inlet into an enclosed passage of which opposed side walls are moving simultaneously toward an outlet and the material is processed and dragged forward by the moving side walls against a channel block and with progressive build up of pressure along said passage for discharging the processed material through the outlet from the enclosed passage. Rotary apparatus for practicing the method includes one or more annular channels having opposed side walls and carried by a driven rotor member for movement relative to a housing of which an annular surface coaxial with the rotor cooperates with the walls of the channel or channels to form an enclosed annular passage or enclosed annular passages.

Abstract: An improvement in the process for continuously manufacturing a methyl methacrylate polymer plate by polymerizing the monomer in a casting space defined by the confronting surfaces of two endless belts running in face-to-face relationship with each other is provided. The improvement is characterized in that the belts are first passed through a first polymerization zone wherein the belts are contacted by hot water, the belts leaving this zone are freed from water clinging to their surfaces, and the belts are then passed through a second polymerizing zone having a temperature above 100.degree. C and forming the polymer plate which is then cooled at a controlled rate prior to withdrawal from the belts. The plate product has an improved heat distortion temperature.

Abstract: A continuously operable rough or finishing press for the manufacture of panels such as, for example, chipboards, fiberboards and the like, which press includes two endless plate bands or belts arranged one above the other to define a material treatment path therebetween. The endless plate bands include a number of plate elements pivotally connected to each other with each plate element being provided at edges thereof with spaced recesses and projections. At least one groove is provided in a middle or center area of each of the plate elements and/or at least one groove is provided at the projections of each of the plate elements so as to minimize deformation of the plate elements and/or arching of the center portion thereof during an operation of the press.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for substantially uniformly distributing glass fibers onto a forming bed. The apparatus is mounted above the bed for movement relative thereto along the length of the bed and is receptive of glass fibers for chopping same into desired lengths. A hood structure is downstream of the chopping and comprises three chambers. A first chamber defining a receiving zone in the process receives the chopped glass fibers which are dropped into the hood and a second chamber defining a dispersing zone is in communication with the first chamber and downstream thereof and disperses the glass fibers received from the first chamber to effect a random uniform matrix thereof along the width of the bed. The dispersion is carried out by a turbulence that is created within the chamber. The third chamber defining a distributing zone is disposed downstream of the second chamber and has an adjustable length elongated outlet aperture which extends across a desired width of the bed.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to an improved device for the continuous production of foam blocks of rectangular cross-section, comprising an endless conveyor belt with side walls, means for supplying a covering sheet to the upper surface of the upper rim of the conveyor belt and the side walls, a charging device for supplying a foamable reaction mixture to the upstream end of the said upper rim of the conveyor belt, and a plurality of mold covers which are placed along the foaming area and each of which is suspended from a guiding device, the improvement wherein each guiding device comprises first and second links secured to mounting means, a diagonally extending rod pivotally connected at its lower end to the mold cover, a first lever pivotally connected at one end to the first link and pivotally connected at its opposite end to a point on the rod intermediate its ends, and a second lever pivotally connected at one end to the second link downstream of the pivotal connection between the first lever and th

Abstract: Apparatus including a casting wheel and a tank of calcium chloride solution for forming a paste-like food product into a ribbon, and method of forming ribbon.

Abstract: A feed mechanism for longitudinally moving an elongated member, such as a channel-shaped extrusion and the like, along a support table beneath a filling nozzle or through a cutting apparatus, comprising a pair of opposed E-shaped frames, each having its central leg pivotally connected to the table and each having a vertically axised roller mounted upon the free ends of each of its outer legs. The legs of one frame are axially aligned with the legs of the opposite frame so that the rollers form opposing pairs, with one roller of each pair being power driven. The central legs are formed of a hydraulic cylinder and piston rod so that they are longitudinally adjustable for thereby moving the rollers towards and away from each other for bearing against opposite sides of the elongated member and moving the elongated member longitudinally therebetween.

Abstract: A powder compacting machine for compressing a mass of powdery material to produce substantially flaky articles of substantially uniform thickness is constituted by a hopper unit having a built-in screw feeder and a pair of opposed compressing rolls. One of the compressing rolls is supported for movement close to and away from the other of the compressing rolls. The hopper unit has a hopper, which may be connected to a source of vacuum, and, on the other hand, one of the compressing rolls has a shape complementary to the other of the compressing rolls so that a substantially uniform thickness of the flaky articles made by compressing a mass of powdery material can be obtained. The machine also has at least one barrier employed to substantially uniformly dispense a mass of powdery material falling towards a clearance between the compressing rolls.

Abstract: An extrusion device, comprises an extruder housing, having a cylindrical interior wall and a cylindrical rotor rotatable in the wall at spaced relationship from the interior wall of the housing, so as to define an extrusion passage therebetween which connects at one end to an inlet, and at an opposite end to an outlet, which has an extrusion control device located to close a portion of the extrusion passage. The construction also includes at least one second extrusion control device located in the passage between the outlet and the inlet, which is regulated to close at least a portion of the extrusion passage before the extruded material moves through the outlet.

Abstract: A method for extruding an object of undefined length capable of plastic deformation into another object of undefined length and smaller section, using the driving forces and the pressure developed in a viscous fluid surrounding the first object by the movement of a mobile member provided with a groove in its surface, the groove defining, together with the surface of a stationary member, a passage along which the first object is displaced towards a die by the action of the forces developed in the fluid by the mobile member.

Abstract: Alignment plate construction for use in electrostatically aligning particles for particleboard production includes a plate of conductive material to which is secured flexible, controlled resistive material. In a bank of successively positioned plates, particles which are permitted to pass downwardly between the plates are unidirectionally aligned, and the flexible material ensures that the electric field lines between the plates remain substantially horizontal over the entire plate and material height so that field line distortion does not occur adjacent a mat being formed beneath the plates. Because the flexible material is of controlled resistance, voltage grading occurs across its height and arc over between the plates and a conductive caul plate is thereby prevented.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous production of foam plastic blocks of a rectangular cross-section, in particular based on polyurethane. The apparatus generally comprises an endless conveyor belt whose upper run is provided with side walls, an unwinding device for a bottom and side sheet to cover the upper run of the belt and the side walls, a levelling device in the form of a roller or a doctor, which extends transversely in relation to the conveyor, a mixture application device and an unwinding device for a sheet to cover the mixture applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a hot mass of a confectionery to be cooled in a thin sheet on consecutively associated cooling cylinders upon which the underside and top side of the sheet, travelling in a substantially S-shaped path, are alternately cooled to the temperature required for further processing.

Abstract: Liquid foam reactants are deposited on an inclined pour plate from whence the reactants flow by gravity onto a single carrier, open top conveyor which carries the resulting foam bun away from the pour plate as it expands. A connecting wall is hingedly attached to the inclined pour plate along the lower edge thereof, which is also the "creamline." An elevator is attached to the pour plate, which, although generally maintained at a constant inclination during operation, may be selectively raised or lowered during operation to substantially alter the bun height adjusting the creamline height relative to the conveyor bed. The lower edge of the connecting wall loosely rests on the conveyor and moves back and forth responsive to adjustment of the creamline height, thereby maintaining support beneath the foaming bun between the pour plate and connector bed.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the continuous production of rectangular foam slabs wherein a foamable reaction mixture is foamed on a forwardly moving floor web and lateral confining webs, and in which a cover web is applied during the foaming process to the surface of the rising foam, the improvement which comprises means for supplying said cover web from a supply to the surface under controllable tension, thereby exercising a controllable pressure on the surface of the rising foam, removing the cover web from the foam surface beyond the point at which the rising mixture has substantially reached its maximum height and passing the web rearwardly and then forwardly to serve as the floor web for receiving further foamable mixture.

Abstract: Extrusion apparatus comprising a wheel having a circumferential groove around its outer edge. A fixed shoe member bearing against the edge of the wheel has a die member projecting into the circumferential groove. Material to be extruded is fed into the circumferential groove below the shoe member. The wheel is rotated relative to the shoe member so that the material is carried along the circumferential groove by frictional drag towards the die member and is extruded through an orifice in the die member. Conventiently the wheel is formed from three abutting discs, the center disc having a diameter less than that of the two outer discs whereby to form the circumferential groove.The material to be extruded can be in the form of a metal powder. The wheel is arranged to rotate about a horizontal axis and the shoe member is disposed beneath the wheel whereby powder can be fed under gravity into the groove.

Abstract: An apparatus forms substantially rectangular cross sections of foamed material by depositing the foaming mixture in a trough lined with flexible material, moving the flexible material along at a predetermined rate, placing a continuous sheet of porous flexible separating material atop the foam and allowing a plurality of articulated members to rest upon the expanding surface. The articulated members are rigid transverse to the surface of the foamable fluid but are freely movable in horizontal and vertical directions. The articulated members have substantially flat bottoms and, as the expanding foam is drawn under them, the weight and shape cause the foam to assume a rectangular cross section. Once expansion is completed, the separating material is perforated to increase the escape of gas and allow a smooth flat top surface to result.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the deposition of hardenable foamable compositions wherein a strip of foamable liquid composition is deposited within a restraining channel and subsequently hardened by means of a centrifugal dispensing head to form a hollow generally tubular strip, improved uniformity is obtained employing a spinning mandrel which projects into the portion of the strip during the foaming and partial curing.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying polymeric foam in-place to a surface comprising a movable framework which is spaced away from the surface and which forms a movable mold relative to the surface wherein a portion of the framework which is substantially parallel with the surface is comprised of a movable continuous belt located about a pressure plate being adjacent to the surface of the belt which forms a cover for the foamed surface. The continuous belt provides a non-blocking surface, i.e., one that does not hinder the movement of the framework as the foamed material rises and presses against the belt and pressure plate, since the continuous belt is rollably mounted.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of blocks of expanded cellular material having an essentially circular cross section from foamable means which comprises a stationary generally U-shaped mold having two sides, a bottom and an open top and forming an elongated channel cavity having a circular cross section, conveyor means fitting into said channel cavity and having a downward inclination, means pouring the foamable mass onto the conveyor means at the upper end thereof, means for moving said conveyor means away from said pouring means, means for heating the conveyor means to the same temperature as the mold, a substantial portion of said conveyor means going through said mold, means for fitting the conveyor means within the mold whereby said foamable mass acquires the circular shape of the inner portion of the mold as it moves away from said pouring means and as it solidifies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for forming a sheet of extruded deformable polymer with a plurality of longitudinally extending fracture lines along which splitting can occur to sub-divide the sheet into a plurality of filaments or tapes. The apparatus includes an elongated embossing roll having circumferential ridges formed on the periphery thereof with a cooperable backing roll positioned to press the sheet into engagement with the embossing roll so that the ridges and intervening grooves of the embossing roll are formed in the hot plastic sheet. The zone between the backing roll and embossing roll constitutes a first nip zone. A pressure roll is disposed adjacent to the embossing roll with a second nip zone being defined between these two rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a continuous length of polymeric foam from a liquid foam mix comprising an open-topped trough to the bottom of which the liquid foam mix is supplied to expand upwardly therein, until it flows therefrom over a weir structure associated with said trough into an open-topped channel shaped conveyor associated with said weir structure and arranged continuously to convey expanding foam away from the weir structure while it completes its expansion process, the open-topped channel shaped conveyor comprising a bottom wall and separate side walls which join said bottom wall downstream of the weir structure, the apparatus also including means operable to alter the length of the trough, and conveyor width adjustment means operable to alter the width of the bottom wall of the channel shaped conveyor and to move its said walls correspondingly in synchronism with width alterations of said bottom wall and sealing means for maintaining a seal where the side walls meet the bottom wall of the

Abstract: A layer-forming apparatus for making particle-board mats comprises a spreading head adapted to deposit particulate matter upon a mat-forming surface. The distributing head comprises an array of mutually parallel interdigitated disk rollers with the interfitting disks defining progressively increasing interstitial spaces as the particles move from one side of the roller array to the other side thereof.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making relatively thin amorphous film in which a molten film, which is extruded from a slot orifice, is drawn over a cooled control roller spaced from the orifice at its point of contact with said film at a distance not more than about 20 mm before it is received on a quenching drum maintained at conventional quenching temperature below the solidification range of the molten film, the speed of rotation of the quenching drum is in excess of the rate of extrusion of the molten film, the diameter of the control roller is less than one-quarter of the diameter of the quenching drum, and the temperature of the film control roller is maintained at least about ambient room temperature but less than the quenching drum temperature to thereby provide a skin at the directly proximate stratum of film contacting the control roller surface.

Abstract: A layer-forming apparatus, particularly for the preparation of particle-board mats adapted to be compressed with heating in a platen or other press to form a coherent structure generally known as particle board, comprises a dispensing unit for metering the particulate matter onto a conveyor to form the layer and, between the dispensing unit and the conveyor, a classifying device for separating fine particles from coarser particles. The conveyor feeds a head which spreads the particles from the layer on a receiving surface. The receiving surface carries the mat and the head is designed to deposit the coarser particles of the layer from the conveyor either before or after the fine particles so that the fine particles form a facing zone on the bottom and/or top of the mat.

Abstract: An apparatus for making films, sheets or plates of a transparent plastics material of high optical quality comprises means for depositing a solution, molten mass or reaction mixture which yields the solid plastics on drying or hardening on a moving glass ribbon having a smooth upper surface. The ribbon may be made by the float glass process. The plurality of plastics layer may be deposited one on another.

Abstract: In a calender the nip between a pair of rollers, of which one is obliquely adjustable, is bounded at the sides by plates adapted to the geometrical shape of the nip region and provided with slots, into which a control beam, parallel to the obliquely adjustable roller, engages, the ends of the beam are joined to the bearings of this roller, and the plates are arranged on supporting plates so as to be displaceble by means of a guide device, so that the plates, on oblique adjustment of the roller, are moved along a path which is concentric with the surface of the roller which is not obliquely adjustable.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a laminated board having a foam plastic core between adhered sheets has limiting means for inhibiting escape of the foam plastic core outwardly of the sheets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extruding an object of undefined length capable of plastic deformation into another object of undefined length and smaller section, using the driving forces and the pressure developed in a viscous fluid surrounding the first object by the movement of a mobile member provided with a groove in its surface, the groove defining, together with the surface of a stationary member, a passage along which the first object is displaced towards a die by the action of the forces developed in the fluid by the mobile member.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous manufacture of phenolic resin foam in an endless sheet which includes mixing means for expandable liquid phenolic resin with a blowing agent and an acid-containing curing agent, optionally with the addition of additives, and means for processing the mixture in a temperature-controllable double belt press. The apparatus also comprises a device for cooling the phenolic resin to a temperature of from about 8.degree. to about 15.degree. C.

Abstract: Resin treated lignocellulosic fibers are conveyed by a stream of air downwardly to a separator containing one or more doffing rolls, which rotate adjacent a perforated scroll assembly. At the side opposite the doffers the assembly is connected to a vacuum supply which draws dust and foreign particles out of the fibers as they fall downwardly through the separator and into a hopper located in the rear of a feeder assembly housing. From here the fibers are fed by endless belts or aprons to an expansion chamber formed in the rear of a condenser housing containing one above the other a pair of endless condensers or screens. The fibers cascade downwardly in the expansion chamber to a generally wedge-shaped air bridge formed at the inlet end of the space formed between the confronting runs of the condensers.

Abstract: This invention concerns apparatus for moulding ribs, ridges, studs or other upstanding projections on a mouldable material and although not so restricted it will hereafter be described with reference to its use on apparatus for moulding dry formed fibrous material.

Abstract: A device for the continuous production of a strand of foamed material comprising a vessel to which a foamable reactant material is continuously supplied and from which said material continuously issues over a weir whose height is adjustable. The material passing over said weir becomes supported on a foaming track whose constituent parts are adjustable as regards length and inclination to suit the foaming characteristics of said material. Said foaming track is adjustable also relative to said weir so as to be kept close thereto and is also adjustable relative to a curing track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the continuous manufacture of longitudinally slit foam pipes using an internal core and two outer mold portions, externally and spacedly surrounding the core, whereby the two outer mold portions are displaced in movement-conforming manner along a path with the formation of a continuous, annular channel open towards a core support and whereby further a sheet is curved in tubular or U-shaped manner, and just before entering the annular channel is supplied with a foam base material which is completely foamed in the annular channel, whereby the foamed hollow profile is formed.

Abstract: In the casting of molten thermoplastic web onto a moving quenching surface, the improvement which comprises passing the freshly extruded web over a bearing having a lubricating fluid on the surface thereof.

Abstract: Synthetic plastics film manufacturing plant comprising material feed means, preferably in the form of a screw extruder and rolling mill, feeding a sheet material to a multiple roll calender, the multiple roll calender comprising seven rolls comprising four bottom rolls disposed in an L-shape, one of which four bottom rolls provided in the foot of the L, is an input feed roll, and three rolls disposed one above the other with their axes disposed substantially in the same vertical plane, the lowest roll of said three other rolls being disposed in a horizontal juxtaposition and in rolling contact with the topmost roll of said four bottom rolls and on the same side thereof as the input feed roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for continuously forming a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, under pressure against a drum containing irregular surface formations or cavities therein. In one form, injected plastic material is compressed between a bucking member and a substantial area of the surface of a forming drum. The molten casting or molding material is confined to a volume including a portion of the surface of the drum while pressure is applied thereto and until it solidifies. A bucking member such as an endless belt or otherwise shaped member defines a portion of the confined molding volume.

Abstract: Two, endless, perforated steel belts are mounted one above the other to travel about spaced rolls, and between a pair of spaced, parallel, stationary side walls, so that confronting portions of the belts form two sides of an elongate, rectangular channel. Granules of thermoplastic material are continuously fed into one end of the channel in a quantity sufficient to completely fill the channel. The moving belts convey the granules first past a heating zone, where steam is introduced through the perforated belts to cause the granules to expand, and then past a cooling zone, where the granules are sintered to form a solid, rectangular block which is discharged continuously from the opposite end of the channel and onto a surface where it is severed into individual blocks. The diameters of the holes in the belts range from 0.5 to 0.8 mm., and the number of holes ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 per square meter of belt.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for improved production of foamed bunstock in continuous length. A generally U-shaped moving mold is utilized within which a thermosetting foam mix is deposited and the bunstock is then formed as a continuous block. This moving mold is configured along a critical portion of its length to conform as closely as practical to the inverted mirror image of the profile defined by the characteristic curve of percent of foam rise as a function of time for any selected foam mix composition. A weir arrangement is employed to control the travel of foam mix while this is still highly liquid. The objective is to maintain a condition of hydrostatic balance throughout the body of developing foam from the point of mix lay down to the point of foam gellation.

Abstract: An extruding machine for the extrusion of plastic or other similar materials in variegated forms comprising a series of bar members spaced from one another, wherein said bar members form by their interstitial spaces the extrusion chambers; said bar members having heating elements integrally disposed therein for the purpose of heating, to an amorphous state, the plastic material placed on and contacting the upper surface of said bars for extrusion into a receptacle beneath the bars.

Abstract: A dual-belt system for solidifying products such as hot-melt resins by passing a product layer through a treatment zone formed by two endless steel belts. The product layer is precooled so that the product strip has substantially the desired cross-sectional shape prior to entering the treatment zone. During the precooling step the product spreads by the action of gravity, and the rates of precooling and movement are such as to insure that the product strip has dimensions within acceptable tolerances.

Abstract: A continuously operating double belt press in which the belts are formed from a plurality of articulated plates and which further includes endless steel bands surrounding and moving with the endless plate belts is provided with a large-diameter drum downstream of each endless plate belt. In addition, the endless steel band surrounding and moving with each endless plate belt is made to surround and move with the large-diameter drum as well. With this design, the compressive pressure exerted by the endless plate belts can be reduced since the large-diameter drums can be utilized to exert additional pressure at higher pressure levels when the material being processed passes out from between the endless plate belts.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of continuous length of polymeric foam by depositing a foam mix in a moving open topped trough shaped conveyor by which it is conveyed and in which the mix foams freely and in the region when foaming takes place, contacting each side surface of the rising foam with an upwardly moving surface, preferably a system of upwardly moving wires interposed between each side surface of the rising foam and its adjacent side wall of the trough conveyor, the speed and direction of travel of the system of wires being selected so that the foam emerging from the foaming region has a flat upper surface.