Abstract: A system for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of one or more food starting materials which are suitable for consumption, in particular human consumption, has a production device having a frame, a mould member provided with at least one mould cavity, the frame supporting the mould member, mass feed means for feeding the mass to the one or more mould cavities of the mould member. The system also has at least one cleaning device for cleaning one or more parts of the production device which come into contact with the mass. The mould member is removable from the frame. The system has a storage device for storing a plurality of mould members, which may be provided with an identification, has recognition means for recognizing the identification of a mould member, and may have a memory for storing at least one history of a mould member.

Abstract: A dough stream blocker (10) is positioned in a dough forming apparatus for selectively opening or blocking the flow of dough through the channels of the assembly that lead to the dough cut off device. Slide valves (34) are rotated to present either a slide valve opening (36) or a slide valve closed body portion (38) that opens or closes the channels.

Abstract: A system for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of one or more food starting materials which are suitable for consumption, in particular human consumption, which system comprises: -a production device having: -a frame, -a mould member provided with at least one mould cavity, the frame supporting the mould member, -mass feed means for feeding the mass to the one or more mould cavities of the mould member, the system furthermore comprising at least one cleaning device for cleaning one or more parts of the production device which come into contact with the mass. The mould member is preferably removable from the frame. Furthermore, the system preferably comprises a storage device for storing a plurality of mould members. It is preferable for each removable mould member to be provided with an identification, the system comprising recognition means for recognizing the identification of a mould member.

Abstract: A tip cleaning assembly for use with an extrusion head of an extrusion-based layered deposition system, the tip cleaning assembly comprising a support component, a purge ledge assembly mounted on the support component, at least one set block mounted on the support component adjacent the purge ledge assembly, and at least one contact head removably mounted on the first set block, where the at least one contact head is configured to engage at least one extrusion tip of the extrusion head.

Abstract: Rotary press comprising a rotor rotatably driven about a vertical axis, said rotor exhibiting a die plate and upper and lower punches which are vertically guided in guides of the rotor working together with die holes in a die plate, at least one press station which exhibits an upper and a lower pressure passed by the punches and through which the punches are moved towards the die hole in order to compress the material in the die hole, characterized in that the rotor is provided with means which act upon compacts or parts thereof which adhere to the pressing surface or which means eliminate or prevent an adherence of a compact or parts thereof to the pressing surface of the upper punch, respectively, during the return stroke.

Abstract: An installation for fabricating a mass of rubber comprises a vessel for compounding the mass of rubber. The vessel includes an outlet opening for the mass of rubber; a gate for closing the opening and movable between a position in which the opening is closed, and a position in which the opening is disengaged; scraper means for scraping the rubber adhering to a so-called internal surface of the gate, this device including a movable scraper member comprising an edge designed to scrape the rubber adhering to the internal surface; and synchronization means for synchronizing the movements of the gate and of the scraper member.

Abstract: A cleaning system used for cleaning up plastic in a nozzle of a molding apparatus, the nozzle including a nozzle opening and a through hole connected with the nozzle opening, the plastic being received in the through hole. The cleaning system includes a bottom fixing sleeve, a top guiding sleeve and a knocking stick. The bottom fixing sleeve is configured for securely fixing the nozzle. The top guiding sleeve is configured for coupling with the bottom fixing sleeve, and the top guiding sleeve includes a guiding hole defined therein. The knocking stick is movable along the guiding hole of the top guiding sleeve such that the knocking stick strikes the plastic in a direction along the central axis of the through hole of the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for forming a compacted powder slug coated with a film. The powder, e.g. of a medicament, is compacted and enrobed to produce compacted powder slugs by preferably mechanically compacting a powder and forming a film of a material, preferably hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, by vacuum or pressure differential, about the surface of the powder thus compacted.

Abstract: A tire vulcanization mold cleaning method for cleaning a molding surface of a sector of the tire vulcanization mold for molding a tread portion of a pneumatic tire by using plasma created in an atmosphere of a reaction gas which chemically reacts with dirt attached to the molding surface of the sector. The method comprises the steps of placing the sector on a electrode table in a cleaning tank with the molding surface of the sector facing a discharge electrode, supplying the reaction gas to the cleaning tank while pressure in the cleaning tank is reduced, supplying a high-frequency power to the discharge electrode to create the plasma between the discharge electrode and the molding surface of the sector, and applying to the electrode table a high-frequency voltage having a frequency lower than a high frequency wave supplied to the discharge electrode to make the electrode table generate a negative self-bias.

Abstract: A drum cleaning device (65) has a nozzle (66). The drum cleaning device (65) is disposed in the upstream from a peel roller (34). A dope (21) is cast onto a surface of the casting drum(32) by using a casting die (30). The casting drum(32) is rotated to form a casting film(33) on the surface. The casting film(33) is cooled by the casting drum(32). Deposits containing fatty acid ester as a main component are precipitated from the casting film(33) onto the surface. The peel roller (34) peels off the casting film(33) as a wet film(38). The drum cleaning device (65) blasts gas mixture containing air and dry ice particles from the nozzle (66) onto the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing ice confection, comprising a carousel arrangement which comprises a plurality of arms which are provided with a plurality of moulds having mould cavities for the moulding of ice confection, by which carousel arrangement are arranged process means for producing ice confection by advancing the arms between the process means for performing partial processes at a number of stations, moulds being placed with their openings oriented downwards at one or more of the stations.

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: Disclosed is a method of a mold-spraying apparatus for use with a molding apparatus. The mold-spraying apparatus has: (i) a spray nozzle, (ii) a rotatable shaft being supportive of the spray nozzle, and (ii) a camming surface. The method includes: (a) engaging the rotatable shaft with the camming surface, and (b) moving the camming surface so that the rotatable shaft may rotate.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for effectively preventing the scattering and the like of powder material, by maintaining a completely sealed condition, from the supply of the powdery material and the discharge of the molded articles to the cleaning of the interior. A housing 1 comprising, connected via a piping system 10, a vacuum device 11 for depressurizing said housing 1 interior; an atmosphere cut-off valve 12 installed on said piping system 10 for cutting off a piping interior atmosphere on said housing 1 side from a piping interior atmosphere on the vacuum device 11 side; a wetdown piping system 72 for wetting, within the atmosphere on the housing 1 side starting from said atmosphere cut-off valve 12, a compression molding mechanism 2 as well as powdery material stuck to the inside of said housing 1; and an outside air introduction mechanism 15 installed on said housing 1 for opening up an airtight condition of the housing.

Abstract: The resin molding machine is capable of cleaning a resin molding die while performing a molding action without stopping the molding action and capable of securely removing contaminations from the resin molding die. The resin molding machine comprises: a press unit including a resin molding die; and a cleaning unit for cleaning a molding face of the resin molding die. The cleaning unit has an energy ray irradiation section, which irradiates an energy ray to the molding face of the resin molding die so as to easily peel off a contamination, which has been stuck on the molding face during a molding action, from the molding face. The contamination is stuck onto resin of a molded product when the product is resin-molded, so that the molded product is released from the resin molding die together with the contamination.

Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a mold-spraying apparatus of a molding system and/or (ii) a molding system having a mold-spraying apparatus, and/or (iii) a method of a mold spraying apparatus of a molding system, and/or (vi) a method of a molding system having a mold-spraying apparatus, amongst other things.

Abstract: A transfer lock for a tabletting plant, which has a casing with side walls where at least one wall has an aperture which is adapted to be closed by a first flap which is pivotable inwardly into the interior of the casing and is adapted to be locked by a locking device operable from the interior of the casing, wherein the aperture is externally surrounded by a connection profile which is adapted to be sealingly brought together with a counter-profile of a lock channel and the flap externally has a driver profile which interacts with a counter-driver profile of a second flap mounted at the end of the lock channel when the counter-profile of the lock channel is connected to the connection profile, thus allowing to pivot the two flaps into the interior of the casing when the locking device is unlocked, which integrates the connection profile into the material of the casing wall.

Abstract: Device for manufacturing lollipops, comprising a stationary supply (4, 5a, 5b) for a strand (5) of lollipop material in flat cross-section condition, a series of flat lollipop moulds (3a, 3b) movable past the supply according to a path of movement. The lollipop moulds having a main axis and each consisting of a lower mould (3a) and an upper mould (3b), which can be closed onto the lower mould while cutting off a leading portion of the strand, the supply being positioned for discharge of the strand in a direction transverse to the main axis.

Abstract: A method for three-dimensional modeling builds up three-dimensional objects in a heated build chamber by dispensing modeling material from a dispensing head onto a base in a predetermined pattern. Physical and thermal separation are maintained between the heated build chamber and motion control components that control the motion of the dispensing head and the base. Thermal isolation of the motion control components from the build chamber allows the chamber to be maintained at a high temperature, and has other practical advantages as well.

Abstract: A food product hopper assembly is provided for a food patty molding machine. The food product hopper of the assembly is configured for containing a supply of food product and is in flow-communication with a food delivery apparatus for discharging food product from the hopper. The hopper is hinged along one side to a machine housing and can be pivoted upwardly to reveal a hopper bottom for cleaning and inspection. Hopper sidewalls define an open bottom face and the food delivery apparatus comprises a hopper conveyor having a top conveying surface closing a substantial portion of the open bottom face. The hinge arrangement comprises a hinge shaft fixed to the hopper and supports carried by the housing, the support having an aperture wherein the hinge shaft is journaled for rotation about an axis of the shaft by the aperture.

Abstract: In a molding machine, a fixed platen which supports a fixed die is disposed on one end of a base plate. A movable platen which supports a movable die and a supporting mount which supports each one end portion of the four tie bars are mounted on slide units. The movable platen and the supporting mount are advanced so as to close the die, a tip portion of each tie bar is locked to the fixed platen by a lock mechanism, and a die clamping cylinder provided on the movable platen is actuated to generate a clamping force so as to execute molding. After that, the lock mechanism executes an unlocking operation so as to cause the movable platen and the supporting mount to retreat to a die open position. Furthermore, an attaching and detaching mechanism releases the die clamping cylinder so as to cause only the supporting mount to significantly retreat from the movable platen, and thus the four tie bars are completely evacuated from the fixed die and the movable die.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for producing tablets under protection from the environment with a tablet press and a protective device disposed on such tablet presses for protecting the surroundings of the presses from tablet ingredients, such as toxic substances, and/or for protecting the tablets from ambient media, such as oxygen.

Abstract: A molding machine including a base frame assembly and a clamping mechanism and an injection mechanism provided on the base frame assembly. The clamping mechanism includes a stationary platen carrying a stationary mold; a movable platen arranged movably relative to the stationary platen and carrying a movable mold; a rear platen disposed at a location opposite to the stationary platen about the movable platen; a tie bar tying the stationary platen and the rear platen with each other; a drive section for applying a drive force to the movable platen so as to move the movable platen relative to the stationary platen; and a platen support movably supporting the movable platen on the base frame assembly. The base frame assembly includes a first base frame supporting a first mass including the stationary platen, and a second base frame supporting a second mass including the movable platen, among the components of the molding machine.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for cleaning ophthalmic devices. The apparatus has a conveying system for transporting lens mold carriers to a cleaning station. The cleaning station has at least one movable cleaning assembly which is situated above the lens mold carrier and has a recess. When the cleaning assembly is lowered to the lens mold carrier, a substantially enclosed or enclosed cavity containing the lens mold is created by the carrier and the recess of the cleaning assembly. Compressed gas is injected into the cavity to dislodge any debris that may be present on the lens molds, and a vacuum is employed to remove gas and debris from the cavity.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for molding semiconductor devices using a molding compound in which a mold is automatically treated with a mold releasing agent is provided. A lead frame strip in-magazine part and a tablet loading part are designed so that dummy lead frame strips and releasing tablets used in a mold releasing agent treatment process are automatically supplied to the molding apparatus in a mold releasing agent treatment mode or a mold cleaning mode. After the mold releasing agent treatment mode or mold cleaning mode is complete, the molding apparatus is switched back to a normal molding process and normal lead frame strips and molding compound tablets are to the mold part. In addition, a pick-up part and a stack magazine part are designed to distinguish by-products generated during the mold releasing agent treatment process from normally molded products by switching from a normal molding process to either a mold releasing agent treatment process or a mold cleaning process.

Abstract: A take-out device for removing blow molded products from molds in a high speed rotary blow molding machine includes a plurality of transfer heads which are moved into and out of an ejection station to clamp logs or bottles stripped from the molds and move the logs or bottles away from the station toward a takeaway conveyor. The bottles or logs are turned ninety degrees before placement on a takeaway conveyor.

Abstract: A process to purge film extrusion systems with at least one extruder for the purpose of changing batches, wherein the speed is changed periodically in at least that part of the extruder in which the material is changed. By considering the mass flow rate of the film extrusion system, advantageous improvements of the process avoid the situation in which the film tears off. To this end, at least one selected guide extruder is operated at a speed which is increased as compared to the normal operation, and at least one selected downstream extruder is operated at a speed that is decreased as compared to the normal operation. Also included are control and operating units and extrusion systems to carry out the process, which include, among other things, the elements necessary for an automated program run of the purging program and the optical display of the parameters of the same.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a plasticizing unit and a closing unit which has at least one column which passes through and is moveable relative to a supporting element. A jacket at least partially surrounds the column at formation of an annular space and bears directly against the supporting element, wherein the jacket has at least one connection piece for providing a communication between the annular space and a suction unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a mold die set includes a pair of brushes, a pair of vacuum holes, and multiple nozzles. One of the brushes is positioned to scrub a first surface of the mold die set, and the other of the brushes is positioned to scrub a second surface of the mold die set to separate a residue from the first and second surfaces of the mold die set. The vacuum holes receives the separated residue from the first and second surfaces of the mold die set, and through the nozzles, a parting compound is provided to coat the first and second surfaces of the mold die set. The apparatus further includes multiple air holes through which air is blown to the first and second surfaces of the mold die set. An apparatus for semiconductor manufacturing includes a mold die set having a first surface and a second surface and a mold die set cleaner that can remove a residue from the first and second surfaces of the mold die set and coat a parting compound on the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: The rotary tablet press comprises a housing, in which a compression unit (14) is detachably mounted. The compression unit (14) comprises a die table (15) with punches (17, 18), a feeding device for the supply of material to be compressed into the dies (16), and a tablet discharge device for removal of compressed material in the form of tablets. The compression unit (14) encloses each die opening and its corresponding first punch end (21, 22) in a chamber, the feeding device and the tablet discharge device are enclosed, the feeding device communicates with an inlet for detachable connection with an external supply channel, and the tablet discharge device communicates with an outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the steam misting of rectangular nozzles and spinning systems equipped therewith for producing polyamide filaments whereby the steam feed is conducted through a tube loop which is passed through the heating chamber of the spinning beam so that the steam is brought to the spinning temperature. Directly below the spinning beam and thus on the lower edge of the rectangular nozzle stack which is connected thereto, between the spinning beam and the after-heater, steam outlet bars are longitudinally applied. These steam outlet bars are equipped with a simple labyrinth for pressure equalization. The steam inlet is effected initially in each case centrally of the rectangular nozzle stack and transitions into an upwardly open and relatively broad distribution chamber along the rectangular nozzle stack. This vertical distribution chamber transitions into a horizontal and very small gap which is open into the spinning chamber at its mouth.

Abstract: A method for producing ceramic green sheets allows the foreign substances on the surface of a carrier film to be reliably removed, prevents fluctuation of the path line when a carrier film is transferred by a foreign substance removal device, and enables a ceramic green sheet having a low local variation in thickness to be achieved. In this method for ceramic green sheets, a carrier film is transferred, the transfer direction of the carrier film is changed by a support roll, and the foreign substances on the carrier film surface are removed by an adhesive roll as a foreign substance removal device at the area where the carrier film is in contact with the peripheral surface of the support roll. Then ceramic slurry is applied on the carrier film using a ceramic slurry applying unit, and thereby a ceramic green sheet is formed.

Abstract: Mold cleaning apparatus (1) includes a manifold (5) adapted to be coupled to a suction device. A first conduit (6) extends from the manifold (5) and has a first opening (8) remote from the manifold. A second conduit (7) extends from the manifold (5) and has a second opening (11) remote from the manifold (5). The first and the second openings (8, 11) being directed in opposite directions, and the first conduit (6) having a section (10) with a cross-sectional area which is less than cross-sectional area at any point along the length of the second conduit (7).

Abstract: The application relates to an extrusion apparatus which comprises at least one first reservoir connected at a first end to a first opening of a plurality of regulatory modules. The regulatory modules or spinnerets contain tubular passages through which dope material is extrudable. The extrusion apparatus has at least 1,000 of the tubular passages per square metre cross-section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus (10) that builds up three-dimensional objects in a heated build chamber (24) by dispensing modeling material from a dispensing head (14) onto a base (16) in a pattern determined by control signals from a controller (140). The motion control components (18, 20) of the apparatus (10) are external to and thermally isolated from the build chamber (24). A deformable thermal insulator (132) forms a ceiling of the building chamber, allowing motion control of the dispensing head (14) in an x, y plane by an x-y gantry (18) located outside of and insulated from the build chamber (24). In the preferred embodiment, a material dispensing outlet (66) of the dispensing head is inside the chamber. Thermal isolation of the motion control components from the build chamber allows the chamber to be maintained at a high temperature.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for cleaning ophthalmic devices. The apparatus has a conveying system for transporting lens mold carriers to a cleaning station. The cleaning station has at least one movable cleaning assembly which is situated above the lens mold carrier and has a recess. When the cleaning assembly is lowered to the lens mold carrier, a substantially enclosed or enclosed cavity containing the lens mold is created by the carrier and the recess of the cleaning assembly. Compressed gas is injected into the cavity to dislodge any debris that may be present on the lens molds, and a vacuum is employed to remove gas and debris from the cavity.

Abstract: A selective inhibition of sintering (SIS) technique may be used to fabricate a three-dimensional (3-D) dense metal object from a binderless metal powder. A number of layers of metal powder are provided on a build tank. For each layer, regions of the layer are sinter-inhibited, e.g., by depositing a sinter-inhibiting material such as a ceramic slurry, a metal salt, or oxidizing metal particles in the powder using chemicals or a concentrated heat source. Each layer may be compacted before the next layer is provided. A final compact may then be sintered. Unwanted sintered sections may be removed from the compact at boundaries formed by the sinter-inhibited (unsintered) regions, and the object extracted.

Abstract: The rotary tablet press comprises a housing, in which a compression unit (14) is detachably mounted. The compression unit (14) comprises a die table (15) with punches (17, 18), a feeding device for the supply of material to be compressed into the dies (16), and a tablet discharge device for removal of compressed material in the form of tablets. The compression unit (14) encloses each die opening and its corresponding first punch end (21, 22) in a chamber, the feeding device and the tablet discharge device are enclosed, the feeding device communicates with an inlet for detachable connection with an external supply channel, and the tablet discharge device communicates with an outlet.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet (29) is formed with a trough-hole (29a) at a portion corresponding to a cavity of a mold along with a slit (29b) or a flow cavity cut (29c) at every corner at an outer periphery of the through-hole (29a) and is placed between a first mold half and a second mold half of the mold to clean the inside of the mold, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the mold.

Abstract: A system is proposed for encapsulating in plastics material leadframe items comprising an IC wired to a leadframe. Dust of the plastics material is removed from the encapsulation system, and in particular from those items where dust principally accumulates, such as the surfaces of the moulds. To reduce the level of dust which enters the moulding region, the path along which the leadframe items are conveyed to the moulding region is closed at times when the leadframe items are not being transported there. Additionally, the leadframe items are conveyed to the moulding region under a cover including a vacuum source, so that the dust is continually sucked away from them.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of plastics material, heated until flowable, through a housing, in particular a filtering device or a direction-control device for the plastics material, comprises a flow channel extending through the housing, and a plunger of circular cross-section longitudinally displaced in a bore of the housing transversely to the longitudinal direction of the flow channel. The plunger crosses the flow channel. An unslotted scraper ring is mounted outside the housing on a portion of the plunger projecting from the housing and is held by a stop so that the plunger is displaceable relative to the scraper ring. The inner diameter (d2) of the scraper ring is smaller than the diameter (d0) of the bore of the housing and also smaller than the diameter (d1) of the end of the plunger portion remote from the housing in the coldest operating state of that plunger portion.

Abstract: The rotary tablet press comprises a housing, in which a compression unit (14) is detachably mounted. The compression unit (14) comprises a die table (15) with punches (17, 18), a feeding device for the supply of material to be compressed into the dies (16), and a tablet discharge device for removal of compressed material in the form of tablets. The compression unit (14) encloses each die opening and its corresponding first punch end (21, 22) in a chamber, the feeding device and the tablet discharge device are enclosed, the feeding device communicates with an inlet for detachable connection with an external supply channel, and the tablet discharge device communicates with an outlet.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus, system and method are provided in which the rate of material flow during the injection cycle is controlled. According to one preferred embodiment, a method of open-mold purging is provided in an injection molding system including a manifold to receive material injected from an injection molding machine. The method includes the steps of selecting a target purge pressure; injecting material from the injection molding machine into the manifold; and controlling the purge pressure to substantially track the target purge pressure, wherein the purge pressure is controllable independently from the injection molding machine pressure.

Abstract: A method and a system for fabricating articles made from thermoset resins using an ionic mold release agent. The invention uses a mold having a metal oxide surface with enhanced mold release characteristics. The release agent is applied internally in the resin composition or externally on the metal oxide surface. The method includes providing a mold, forming a metal oxide surface on the mold, providing an ionic release agent, providing the acid or base conjugate of the release agent at the metal oxide surface, providing a thermoset resin in the mold, and curing the resin in the mold. A method of using float glass having a SnO2 enriched surface, wherein the method includes the steps of providing an ionic release agent externally to the tin oxide surface, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a system for fabricating articles made from thermoset resins using an ionic mold release agent. The invention uses a mold having a metal oxide surface with enhanced mold release characteristics. The release agent is applied internally in the resin composition or externally on the metal oxide surface. The method includes providing a mold, forming a metal oxide surface on the mold, providing an ionic release agent, providing the acid or base conjugate of the release agent at the metal oxide surface, providing a thermoset resin in the mold, and curing the resin in the mold. A method of using float glass having a SnO2 enriched surface, wherein the method includes the steps of providing an ionic release agent externally to the tin oxide surface, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A patty forming machine includes a frame structure supporting a compartment which encloses a mechanical reciprocating device, the compartment having a front wall. A mold plate locate outside of the front wall includes cavities for receiving food product for the formation of patties. At least one drive rod having a circular cross-section penetrates the front wall and connects the mold plate to the reciprocating device. The machine also includes a vacuum bar assembly having a vacuum bar for interleaving flexible paper sheets with formed patties. The vacuum bar is driven by a reciprocating rod having a round cross-section and penetrating through the front wall of the housing to operatively connect the vacuum bar to the reciprocating device. The frame structure of the machine is underlied by a bottom skin which is spaced below a horizontal frame to provide an access gap for clear viewing and maintenance of a top of the bottom skin.

Abstract: Presented is a process to purge film extrusion systems with at least one extruder (A, B, C, D) for the purpose of changing batches, wherein the speed is changed periodically in at least that part of the extruder, wherein the material is changed.

Abstract: A device for wiping the surfaces or rotors used to portion mixed materials. The device removes adhering materials, such as cookie dough, from the cutting or metering surfaces. Typical application is for use in large automated bakeries or cookie manufacturers wishing to transport larger slabs or chunks of cookie dough from a mixer to machines which portion the dough prior for baking or freezing. The device has a wiper located proximate to the rotors. The device then moves the wiper along the rotors to release the adhering materials.

Abstract: A three-dimensional modeling apparatus fabricates a 3D object by applying a binding material to a powder material to bind the powder material thereby to form bodies of bound powder material in sequence. The apparatus aims to form layers of uniform thickness at high speed without an increase in size. This apparatus comprises a powder spreader mechanism and a powder supply mechanism. The powder spreader mechanism is movable toward a predetermined travel direction for spreading the powder material along the travel direction to form a layer of the powder material. The powder supply mechanism is configured to move along the travel direction of the powder spreader mechanism for supplying the powder material ahead of the powder spreader mechanism along the travel direction.

Abstract: A method for producing ceramic green sheets allows the foreign substances on the surface of a carrier film to be reliably removed, prevents fluctuation of the path line when a carrier film is transferred by a foreign substance removal device, and enables a ceramic green sheet having a low local variation in thickness to be achieved. In this method for ceramic green sheets, a carrier film is transferred, the transfer direction of the carrier film is changed by a support roll, and the foreign substances on the carrier film surface are removed by an adhesive roll as a foreign substance removal device at the area where the carrier film is in contact with the peripheral surface of the support roll. Then ceramic slurry is applied on the carrier film using a ceramic slurry applying unit, and thereby a ceramic green sheet is formed.