Abstract: A machine and method for forming containers from preforms. The machine includes a mold loading station for loading successive preforms into successive molds, each mold forming a mold cavity having the shape of the container to be produced. The machine also including a forming station for forming the containers by injecting a gaseous or liquid fluid into the preform contained in each mold in order to expand the preform such that each preform acquires the shape of the container defined by the mold cavity. In the machine, the mold loading station and the forming station are distinct from each other, and the machine further includes a transferring station arranged between the mold loading station and the forming station for transferring the successive molds containing the preforms from the mold loading station to the forming station.

Abstract: There is described a padded element comprising a foam substrate having disposed therein a first internal surface and a second internal surface opposed to the first internal surface, the first internal surface being interposed between an outer surface of the foam substrate and the second internal surface, at least one of the first internal surface and the second internal surface comprising a textured portion. In a highly preferred embodiment, the pair of internal surfaces disposed within the body of the foam substrate combine to form one or more cavities in the foam substrate (e.g., by the provision of one internal surface have a textured portion and the other internal surface being untextured). The provision of such a textured surface creates a contacting interface (either at rest or when an occupant sits on the seat) between below or remote from the A-surface of the foam element. This interface has different properties than the exposed surface of the seating element.

Abstract: [Problem] To suppress the deviation of a synthetic resin to be fed to a metal mold and to enable the to-be-compression-molded synthetic resin to be easily molded into a shape of a pre-molded article that is to be molded. [Means for Solution] A female mold 31 includes a moving rod 34 and female mold body 33 surrounding the moving rod 34, the female mold body 33 forming a cavity 33a that is opened upward, the moving rod 34 moving up and down between a normal position and an elevated position above the normal position, and when a synthetic resin 8 is to be fallen down from the a synthetic resin cutting/holding unit 14, the moving rod 34 moves to the elevated position so that the synthetic resin 8 falls down on the upper surface of the center member.

Abstract: A method for forming tablets using a roll press type apparatus for forming powdery material. The apparatus comprises two rolls for compressing tablets, wherein the rolls have a cylindrical shape and are arranged in the same direction, and can rotate toward their inner sides. When only one of the rolls has the plurality of cavities for forming tablets that are disposed on its outer surface, the speeds of their outer surfaces are controlled so that the speed of the roll that has the plurality of cavities on its outer surface is slower than that of the roll that has no cavity. Further, when both rolls have the plurality of cavities forming tablets that are disposed on their outer surfaces, the speeds of their outer surfaces are controlled so that the speeds of the rolls differ. Consequently, tablets that have a high dimensional accuracy and no burrs formed around them can be produced.

Abstract: An ice producing mold has a first mold portion having a top surface and a second mold portion having a bottom surface. When the mold is in a closed position, a bottom surface of the first mold portion abuts a top surface of the second mold portion and when the mold is in an open position, the bottom surface of the first mold portion is separated from the top surface of the second mold portion. Each mold portion also includes a concave depression such that when the mold is in the closed position, the concave depression on the bottom surface of the first mold portion and the concave depression on the top surface of the second mold portion form a cavity adapted to form an ice structure. The depression is warmed by flowing warm water into a cavity located adjacent to the concave depression and the ice is released.

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 knockout mechanism for a food patty forming machine with one or more knockout cups for ejecting formed food from a cavity of a reciprocating mold plate. A rocker arm moves the knockout cup between a raised position and a knockout position. A linear actuator applies force to the knockout cup to move the knockout cup from the raised position to the knockout position. A spring also applies force on the rocker arm to move the knockout cup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing and forming a raw material into a granulated material having a uniform shape by a pair of rolls (1, 2), wherein at least one of the rolls of the pair of rolls has a predetermined number of holes (16) for forming the granulated material on an outer surface thereof, and pressing pins (17), which are inserted into respective holes, and a predetermined number of members (18) for supporting the pins installed in the one of the rolls of the pair of rolls, the members for supporting the pressing pins being configured to be separate from the pressing pins so that the pressing pins slide on the members for supporting the pressing pins; and wherein the granulated material is ejected by the pressing pins as the pressing pins slide on the members for supporting the pins.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve device (17) for ejecting, by pressurised air, moulded articles (16) in plastic material from a cavity of a mould (10, 11); the valve device (17) comprises a valve body (18) having an air feeding chamber (34) connectable to a pressure air source, and a spring-biased pressure-actuated valve member (20, 21). The valve member comprises a valve head (20) having fore and side surfaces (30, 27), and a stem (21) rearwardly extending from the head (20); an air flow path (32, 33) is provided in the valve member from the rear end of the steam (21) to at least one exit hole (33) on the side surface (27) of the valve head (20). The valve member (20, 21) is axially movable between a retracted position into a seat of the valve body (18), in which closes the flow path (32, 33), and an advanced position in which the valve head (20) protrudes into the cavity of the mould (10, 11).

Abstract: A reel comprising: a hub on which a recording tape is wound; and a pair of flanges provided at both end portions of the hub respectively, and holding transverse direction end portions of the recording tape, wherein the hub is reinforced by a reinforcing ring, and at a time of release from a mold which molds the hub, an entire region of an end surface of the reinforcing ring is pushed, is provided.

Abstract: A device for producing blowmolded container products (11) from plastic material, using single mold pasts (7), which run along a production line (5), and which can be moved in pairs toward one another and away from one another, in order to close or open a production mold, in which the container products (11) are molded, which exit after the demolding procedure in the form of a container chain (9) moved along the production line (5), wherein a demolding unit (3), which engages on the exiting container chain (9) outside the production mold, is provided to support the demolding procedure, is characterized in that the demolding unit (3) has a force drive (17), by which the container chain (9) can be deflected out of the production line (5) into back and forth movement (5).

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: An undercut processing mechanism can facilitate punching-out of undercut portions having various shapes spreading in the circumferential direction on the inside of a molded article. Split cores (61) that form an undercut molding core (60) are supported one by one at the leading end of slide members (50) disposed radially to face the center axis of an undercut portion (P3). Each slide member (50) is housed in a holder (40) so as to be slidable between a molding position where the split cores (61) are mutually disposed in the entire circumferential direction and a demolding position where the split cores (61) are mutually reduced in diameter.

Abstract: A mold assembly or system includes a moldbase that holds mold inserts and has embedded fluid lines to facilitate cooling during part formation. Mold inserts combine to form mold cavities that receive carbon fiber and resin components to form a carbon composite based part. A permanent release coating along a mold component surface that contacts the carbon fiber and resin components facilitates the release of the finished part from the mold component. Guide pins and guide pin receiving holes facilitate accurate alignment of mold components. Ejector pins within respective ejector pin shafts help eject a finished part from a respective mold component. An ejector pin shaft cover transfers force from an ejector pin to eject a finished part and also prevents substantial passage of resin into the ejector pin shaft. A fluid actuated ejection system provides fluid based mechanical forces to the ejector pins to facilitate finished part ejection.

Abstract: A molding apparatus is configured with a distribution channel configured to deliver a blended feed composition directly into an article molding region such that a molded article is formed with gating on the bottom surface of the article. The article molding regions are formed into front sides of opposed “A” and “B” surface mold tools that, when moved into a mating relationship with one another, form closed molding cavities within which molded articles are generated from molding material feed. The article molding regions each generally have a body bounded by a perimeter that establishes an outer edge for an article molded in the one of the closed molding cavities. Additionally, the body of each article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool is adapted for molding a bottom surface for the composite article, and the body of the article molding region of the “B” surface mold tool is adapted for molding a top surface for the composite article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely manufacturing a miniature lens for use in a digital camera for a cell phone, for example. The lens is manufactured using an optic pin that creates an optical surface of the lens and a mechanical alignment portion of the outer diameter of the lens in a single step. For example, the optic pin may be created in a single diamond-turning process.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for improving the quality, diversity and productivity of confectionery product forming. The process includes using a set of rollers to define three-dimensional shapes in a sheet of confectionery product. The rollers each define a series of pockets that impart a force on the sheet and push the sheet inward at a multitude of points to form at least a portion of the final shape of the products. The confectionary sheet exiting the rollers includes an array of products separated by a thin web of confectionery material. The pockets and other apparatus are provided to help prevent the products from sticking to the pockets. The rollers also cut the sheet so that the sheet is of a size suitable to be placed in a separator or tumbler.

Abstract: A mold assembly is provided to manufacture an object such as a cooling fan. The cooling fan comprises a first element and a second element. The first element and the second element is preferably a frame and blades, respectively, an upper cover and a lower cover, respectively, or another couple of elements of the cooling fan. The mold assembly comprises a runner, a fixed male mold plate, a male mold core, a fixed female mold plate, and a female mold. The male mold core which is fixed on the fixed male mold plate comprises a first male mold portion and a second male mold portion both of which are connected with the runner. The female mold which is fixed on the fixed female mold plate comprises a first female mold portion and a second female mold portion. The first male portion and the first female mold portion corresponding thereto forms a first mold cavity, complementary in shape to the first element.

Abstract: An impression device for food items. More particularly, the present invention is a stamping device designed to create images upon a variety of foods for decoration and/or marketing purposes. The stamper device of the present invention has the general appearance of a traditional rubber stamp, with large knob at the top to quickly adjust the depth of embossings. Small wings beside the knob provide an instant feature for orientation and comfortable ergonomic grip. The device provides both an emboss-only mode, and emboss-and-cut simultaneously mode, much in the manner of a cookie cutter. A simple snap means located at the bottom of the device functions to change such modes. Under the base of the device is a “socket set” style snap-in stamping die. As is the case with the roller device, the stamper device may be utilized for: 1) standard messages and images; 2) snap-in letters, which allows the user to assemble his or her own custom message; or 3) custom logos, messages, and images.

Abstract: The invention relates to arrangements comprising combinations of: a mincer providing a stream of minced meat (V); conveying means with an endless band (T) for transporting the stream (V), exiting from said mincer; and, arranged along said conveyor means (T): means for cutting the stream (V) into portions (P) and means for lateral shaping (/), acting simultaneously on both sides of the stream (V) to shape the contour of the portions (P).

Abstract: Method and system for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material. An extruded rope of liquid-filed gum is sized and separated into individual pieces of gum. A rotating drum mechanism having a die ring and cutter ring with mating die members separate the rope of gum material into individual pieces. Pairs of cam-operated plunger members compress and form the pieces of gum material in the die cavities. Angled grooves in the die members prevent portions of the gum pieces from being chipped-off during formation. Guide pin members are positioned between rider members on the plunger members. A feed chute with air assist transfers the gum rope from a sizing table to the rotating drum mechanism. A stripper member insures that the formed pieces of gum material are removed from the drum mechanism. Portions of the drum mechanism can be selective heated and cooled, or not cooled at all. The invention provides a more efficient system for continuous, high production operation.

Abstract: The arrangement is based on the principle that the ejector (9) of a moulding tool actuates the front ejector plates (4, 4A, 4B) and the rear plates (5, 5A, 5B) are conveyed along until the bearing segments reach the free groove in the central pin, which at the same time is provided with a stroke-restricting collar (20), in conjunction with which balancing against misalignment of the ejector package is obtained at the same time through the incorporation of this two-stage ejector, and, at the same time, that it replace extra guides.

Abstract: The arrangement is based on the principle that the ejector (9) of a moulding tool actuates the rear ejector plates (5, 5A, 5B) and the front plates (4, 4A, 4A) are conveyed along until the bearing segments (23) reach the free groove (17) in central pin (12). Balancing against misalignment of the ejector package is obtained at the same time through the incorporation of this two-stage ejector, and, at the same time, it replaces extra guides.

Abstract: A system and method for producing fuel cell separators can produce fuel cell separators with high contact performance. The fuel cell separator production system includes an upper mold which has a pattern corresponding to a pattern of gas passages for one surface of a fuel cell separator, a lower mold which has a pattern corresponding to a pattern of gas passages for other surface of the fuel cell separator, one or more nozzles which spray a gas on the periphery of the fuel cell separator on the lower mold, and a suction device which horizontally advances and retracts in a space between the upper mold and the lower mold and removes the fuel cell separator from the lower mold. The nozzles and the suction device are formed independently from the upper mold and the lower mold.

Abstract: Method and system for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material. An extruded rope of liquid-filed gum is sized and separated into individual pieces of gum. A rotating drum mechanism having a die ring and cutter ring with mating die members separate the rope of gum material into individual pieces. Pairs of cam-operated plunger members compress and form the pieces of gum material in the die cavities. Angled grooves in the die members prevent portions of the gum pieces from being chipped-off during formation. A feed chute with air assist transfers the gum rope from a sizing table to the rotating drum mechanism. A stripper member insures that the formed pieces of gum material are removed from the drum mechanism. Portions of the drum mechanism are selective heated and cooled. The invention provides a more efficient system for continuous, high production operation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of forming a mold (20) including the steps of segmenting a surface to be molded into discrete adjacent linear sections, forming a profile of each section on an edge of a planar material to define a plurality of blades (30, 40, 50), and; stacking each blade (30, 40, 50) such that their profiled mold edges (34, 44, 54) together form the surface to be molded. The blades (30, 40, 50) are secured in a mold body (20) and selected ones of the blades (30, 40, 50) may be articulated to eject the molded article from the mold (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically separating water from coal includes a vibrating hopper, two contra-rotating cylinders, a solid collector, and a fluid collector. The hopper feeds hydrated coal or coal slurry to wells which are arranged along the surface of a first rotating cylinder. A second rotating cylinder has protrusions on its surface which are precisely placed such that when the first and second cylinders are brought in contact and rotated in contra-rotating directions, each of the wells of the first cylinder and a corresponding protrusion of the second cylinder form mating female and male dies. Coal in the female dies is pressed, and the moisture in the coal is squeezed out. The coal remaining in the dies is then delivered to the solid collector via a pusher. The distance between the cylinders may be varied through adjustable cylinder bearings or pillow blocks. Both the male and female dies may be removed and replaced.

Abstract: A device (10) for crimping and cutting dough ropes into pillow-shaped longitudinal lengths is disclosed including a cutting roller (12) and an anvil roller (14). The peripheries (22, 24) of the rollers (12, 14) include a plurality of axially extending, spaced, parallel, linearly straight lands (26, 30) separating, forming, and defining a plurality of grooves (28, 32) therebetween. Compressible tubes (46) are stretched between end plates (36) located on the opposite axial ends of the cutter roller (12) and positioned in each of the grooves (32) thereof. The tubes (46) are compressed in the grooves (32) by the dough ropes as they are being crimped and cut by the abutment of the lands (26, 30) of the rollers (12, 14) together and expand and force the pillow-shaped longitudinal lengths of dough from the grooves (32) when the lands (26, 30) of the rollers (12, 14) separate.

Abstract: An apparatus for portioning and kneading pieces of dough has a rotatably mounted drum driven for continuous rotational movement and provided with a plurality of receiving openings for the dough to be kneaded. Disposed above the drum is a kneading tool formed by an endless band guided over two guide rollers, however, spaced apart a predetermined distance from the periphery of the drum. The band is mounted on a support member which is shiftably supported on a profiled shaft in the longitudinal direction thereof and is driven to a reciprocating movement. The band carries out a circular movement for carrying out the kneading process on the dough pieces positioned in the receiving openings. Since the band moves with the drum, a long period of time is available to carry out the kneading process.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming seals, such as composite seals in rubber/metal or other materials, includes supplying a raw elastomeric mixture in the form of a suitably shaped extrusion, and optionally a metal or other material insert, to respective loading and a possibly metal or other material insert are supplied to respective loading stations of a transfer machine; the machine is provided with a plurality of carriers each composed of at least two pivoted leaves joined in book-like fashion and each carrying a respective mould half, respective spring presses movable on the machine together with the said carriers, and cam means for holding the said carriers open at the loading stations; after cleaning of the mould halves and spraying of the upper mould half with a release agent a said insert is deposited between the mould halves by means of manipulators able to self-center themselves with respect to each carrier and then a blank of raw mixture obtained by slicing the extrusion is deposited between the mould

Abstract: A compression molding apparatus includes a rotatable supporting member and circumferentially spaced molds mounted on the rotatable supporting member. The molds are conveyed successively through a plastic material feed zone, a compression molding zone and a discharge zone by the rotation of the rotatable supporting member. A plastic material in a heat softened state is fed into the molds which are disposed within the plastic material feed zone. Each of the molds include a first mold portion and a second mold portion which defines a mold cavity. The mold is opened and closed by moving the mold portions relative to each other in a predetermined direction. A conduit hole extending from the mold cavity is formed in the second mold portion. Each mold includes a compression rod which slides in the conduit hole. The conduit hole has a plastic receiving portion opened frontwardly in the rotating direction of the rotatable supporting member.

Abstract: A compression molding apparatus for forming a plastic grip ring and simultaneously linking it integrally to a linking protruding piece of a container closure body. The apparatus includes a mold composed of a first mold portion and a second mold portion adapted to be opened or closed by being moved relative to each other in a predetermined direction. The first mold portion has an accommodating space for receiving the closure body and a first mold cavity extending in a ring-like shape. At least the free end portion of the linking protruding piece of the closure body to be received in the accommodating space is projected into the first mold cavity. The second mold portion has a main part consisting of a second mold cavity extending in a ring-like shape and a conduit hole extending in said predetermining direction from the second mold cavity and a compression rod to be slidably inserted into the conduit hole.

Abstract: An improved drive linkage for a reciprocating mold plate in a food patty molding machine includes, in series, a hydraulic cylinder and its piston; one is connected to a motor or other prime mover and the other to the mold plate. Three hydraulic lines connect the opposite ends of the cylinder to a large hydraulic reservoir and to each other. A hydraulic pressure flow directing means, preferably comprising check valves in the hydraulic lines, produces a continuous, unidirectional flow of hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into one end of the cylinder, on to the other end of the cylinder, and then back to the reservoir; the flow remains unidirectional despite cyclic reversal of the direction of piston movement in the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming food materials into three dimensional shapes that may be made to duplicate the appearance of a variety of natural food products. The machine includes a dual rotary, matching forming cavity apparatus for producing, at continuous high speeds, food products in a variety of shapes. One embodiment of the invention employs a plurality of forming bars mounted in the dual rotary drums of the machine, the forming bars are easily removable and replacable with similar bars having different products forming cavities. Cam operated means are associated with the drums or the forming bars for ejecting formed products from the cavities.

Abstract: A food patty molding machine of the horizontally reciprocating mold plate type, using a plunger type food pump, has its food product storage hopper set off to one side, horizontally offset from the mold plate and its drive and also clear of the food pump plunger and its drive; the mold plate and plunger pump drives are also offset horizontally as well as vertically so that the pump feed path is an offset V and there is clear access to the mold plate, to the food pump plunger, and to their drives for both machine changeover and maintenance purposes. All machine operations are driven by fluid pressure drive motors to facilitate changes in the overall time of the machine cycle by varying only one operating interval, preferably the dwell of the machine occurring immediately after knock-out.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for use in forming hollow plastic drumsticks wherein plastic is injected into annular spaces formed between core pins and outer mold surfaces formed by cavities on the inner faces of mold members when engaged with one another. Upon hardening of the hollow plastic bodies within the annular spaces, the mold members are moved apart to a position in which the core pins about which plastic bodies are formed are moved laterally to positions in which a means surrounding each of the pins may be moved longitudinally along them in order to eject the molded bodies therefrom. In preparation for a subsequent molding process, the ejecting means is returned to its original position, the mold members are returned to their original position in which the core pins are disposed within the outer mold surfaces.

Abstract: Device consists of several gripping modules for gripping sheds on an electrical insulator, said modules being distributed along a moving beam which moves vertically to extract the insulator from the mold. The beam is supported by a moving frame designed to clear the gripper and insulator from the mold. The beam has variable dimensions enabling the number of modules to be varied according to insulator size, especially for long insulators of up to 8 meters.

Abstract: Between a pre-shaping device and a pressing device for tampons there is interposed a delivery device. The longer parallel legs of the L-shaped pressing jaws are set at a distance which corresponds to the diameter of the tampon. The shorter legs of the pressing jaws are oriented towards the longer leg of the other pressing jaw. The width of the pressing jaws corresponds at least to the length of the tampon and of the withdrawal cord. The delivery device is arranged for reciprocating movement transversely of the pressing jaws and has a transmitting channel which corresponds to the opened pressing device as well as a receiving channel which corresponds to the closed pressing device. Also interposed along with the delivery device, and in alignment with the transmitting channel, there is a transmitting device, and there is also a transmitting device in alignment with the receiving channel and the ejecting channel.

Abstract: The hot pressing of ceramic material in dies forming a column, each die being shaped to interfit and cooperate with adjacent dies to cause densification of ceramic material within the dies when pressure is applied to the column. The column of dies is passed intermittently through a fixed, heated zone and pressure is applied to the column intermittently to move the dies through the heated zone and, as a separate step, to compress the column and cause densification of ceramic material in the dies.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous production of fiber reinforced plastic grating articles and other elongated structures of varying cross section configurations are provided wherein continuous strands of fibers are coated with a thermosetting plastic resin material and woven into a pattern defined by upper and lower molding teeth arranged on continuous upper and lower molding tracks. The molding tracks rotate and cause the molding teeth to mesh, forming a molding cavity, wherein heat is applied to set the plastic resin. The fiber reinforced plastic grating articles formed by this process and apparatus have a unique cross-sectional configuration and arrangement of fibers providing for increased strength and reduced resin usage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automatic, rapid and continuous preparation of generally friable or fragile ready-to-eat food product bacon analog strips of predetermined configuration, simulating natural, cooked bacon, wherein a slab or bulk material of the food product is sliced by a cutting device into individual strips basically having the dimensions of sliced natural bacon strips, and conducted by means of a first endless conveyor arrangement from the cutting device towards a cooking installation. Ahead of the cooking installation, a second endless conveyor mounts a series of strip-engaging members adapted to sequentially contact the sliced strips and to conduct the strips from the first endless conveyor arrangement onto and along guide rod members which extend into and through the cooking installation.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic product is molded from a bundle of resin impregnated strands with the bundle being sequentially advanced from a supply station to a molding station by two pairs of clamping assemblies simultaneously reciprocating in opposite directions with the forward moving pair gripping the bundle and pulling it to the molding station as the rearward moving pair is shuttled back past the forward moving pair toward the supply station to grip the bundle prior to molding of the forward gripped bundle.

Abstract: A molding press for soap cakes is provided which comprises a vertical plate rotating about a horizontal axis and having mold cavities on one or both front surfaces thereof.The rotating plate is driven step by step in three different stations, i.e. a first station in which soap blanks are pressed into the form cavities, a second station in which the soap blanks are molded and a third station in which the molded soap cakes are withdrawn. In order to anchor the soap blanks to the mold cavities through holes are provided intermediate each pair of cavities in which the excess soap material is pushed by the operation of the pressing means.

Abstract: A continuous molding machine particularly adapted for but not limited, in principle, to the making of waffles includes a lower conveyor carrying a plurality of forms each constituting a first part of a respective two-part split mold, a second conveyor carrying a plurality of forms each constituting the other part of the respective split molds and means for guiding the respective conveyors in respective paths so that the first and second mold parts are carried from spaced apart positions to positions in which the parts meet in registry and each of the molds defined by the parts is thereby closed and then the first and second mold parts are carried away from each other again so that each of the molds is opened. The conveyors carrying the mold parts may be passed through an oven to different extents so that the respective conveyors are heated differently and means are provided for aligning the mating mold parts despite different thermal expansions of the conveyors.

Abstract: A high speed food patty molding machine, for manufacturing hamburger patties or other molded food products, comprising two large piston pumps operating in overlapping alternation to feed moldable food material continuously to a manifold that in turn feeds a cyclic molding mechanism. The molding mechanism need not operate synchronously with the pumps; the volumetric capacity of each pump is several times larger than the volume of meat or other moldable feed material required to fulfill a molding cycle. The pressure of the food feed is adjustable for different product requirements. The molding mechanism includes an elevator system for raising the complete mold assembly to a changeover position.

Abstract: A food molding mechanism for a patty-forming machine that uses a servomotor to drive a crank arrangement. The crank arrangement drives a mold plate. The mechanism uses a reducer with a replaceable output shaft. The reducer engages a servomotor utilizing a double enveloping worm gear providing gear enmeshment across an arc portion of the servomotor main gear. A servomotor driven knockout apparatus comprises a cam and lever arrangement. Oil reservoirs for the knock-out cams are substantially sealed in the mold cover.