Abstract: A string cheese-forming machine provides for extrusion of cheese into control volumes, for example, implemented with tubes each movably blocked with a piston having a stop. Complete filling of each tube is detected before ejection of the cheese from the tubes is undertaken, thereby ensuring consistent product volume and weight.

Abstract: A system includes a dispensing station and top and bottom mold portion paths. The dispensing station is configured to dispense materials into one or more hemispherical cavities of a plurality of top mold portions and a plurality of bottom mold portions. The plurality of top mold portions are conveyed at a first speed along the top mold portion path, and the plurality of bottom mold portions are conveyed at a second speed along the bottom mold portion path. The dispensing station can include at least one nozzle coupled to a six-axis robotic member that is configured to move at variable speeds.

Abstract: A translating die apparatus and method for forming a piece of material into a part having complex contours. The translating die apparatus may comprise upper and lower mounts, fixed upper and lower dies fixed to the upper and lower mounts, respectively, and movable upper and lower dies translatably coupled with the mounts and configured to translate laterally toward and away from the fixed upper and lower dies. The piece of material may be placed between the upper and lower dies and one of the mounts may be actuated toward another of the mounts to sandwich the piece of material between the upper and lower dies. Simultaneously, the movable upper and lower dies may translate toward the fixed upper and lower dies, until the movable and fixed dies abut each other when the upper and lower dies are fully pressing the piece of material therebetween.

Abstract: A hard candy, namely lollipops, suckers or similar confectionary comestibles and a method of making and packaging the same by a depositing manufacturing process which produces a multi-colored and multi-flavored lollipop which colors and flavors extend entirely through the lollipop body and hard shell and are visible in the final packaging and particularly to a double depositing method incorporating a soft chewy center into a deposited lollipop body which soft center is entirely surrounded by and of a different consistency and viscosity from the hard outer candy shell.

Abstract: A dry-cast concrete block molding machine including an apparatus which successively positions block mold trays into the mold box of the molding machine with the apparatus pushing a molded block from the mold box as an empty mold tray is moved into the mold box. The machine also includes a magazine-like structure which has empty tray molds stacked therein.

Abstract: The invention also provides for an apparatus for feeding molten resin, wherein the apparatus includes holding units each having a respective holding portion that is opened and closed to hold a molten resin that is discharged from an extrusion port of a die head of an extruder and is cut by a cutter while moving on a track, in which, after the respective holding portion transfers the molten resin from the extrusion port to a female mold, a side of the respective holding portion is opened and the molten resin is fed down to the female mold in a compression-molding machine, wherein a plurality of longitudinal grooves extending up and down are formed in an inner circumferential surface of the respective holding portion that holds the molten resin.

Abstract: An automated method and system for making painted vehicle body panel skins and vehicle body panels, such as instrument panels, are provided wherein throughput and equipment utilization are greatly improved at a relatively low cost. The method includes transferring a mold having a mold surface from an entrance station to a paint station within a dispensing area. The method further includes applying paint on the mold surface to form a layer of paint on the mold surface at the paint station. The method still further includes spraying curable polyurethane elastomer on the painted surface at a spray station within the dispensing area. The paint and spray stations may be coincident.

Abstract: A dry-cast concrete block molding machine for molding concrete blocks. The machine includes a weigh hopper system which senses when the proper amount of concrete, as determined by the weight thereof, has been placed in the weigh hopper to dump the weigh hopper. The machine also includes end plates in the mold box thereof which may be interchanged so that the configuration of the concrete block may be easily changed. The machine also includes a conveyor system which not only conveys mold trays into the mold box of the machine but which also is used to push the molded block outwardly from the compaction chamber of the mold box when the block has been molded.

Abstract: A dry-cast concrete block molding machine for molding concrete blocks. The machine includes a weigh hopper system which senses when the proper amount of concrete, as determined by the weight thereof, has been placed in the weigh hopper to dump the weigh hopper. The machine also includes end plates in the mold box thereof which may be interchanged so that the configuration of the concrete block may be easily changed. The machine also includes a conveyor system which not only conveys mold trays into the mold box of the machine but which also is used to push the molded block outwardly from the compaction chamber of the mold box when the block has been molded.

Abstract: An assembly and related process for mass producing a resin coated article including an input line transporting a plurality of inserts and an output line removing the resin coated articles. One or more mold supporting and closed loop conveyor lines extend between the input and output lines, the conveyor line including a mold assembly line and an empty mold return line. A first lift and transfer mechanism communicates between the input line and mold assembly line for collecting, in succession, an insert and an upper mold half for installation with a lower mold half supported upon the assembly line. A mixing and dispensing station communicates with each mold in succession to fill an interior thereof with a viscous and curable resin material.

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

Abstract: A powder press has a lower die having an upper face and forming a cavity open upward at the face, a vertically shiftable lower piston downwardly closing the cavity, an upper piston vertically shiftable downward into the cavity, and filler shiftable between an inner position closely juxtaposed with the cavity and an outer position remote from the cavity for pouring a fluent powder into the cavity in the inner position and forming therein a powder mass. An actuator upwardly shifts the lower piston and thereby pushes up the powder mass such that a portion of it projects above the face. An element carried on the filler and shiftable over the surface scrapes away the portion of the mass projecting above the surface.

Abstract: Method for compression molding plastic articles. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of molds mounted for travel around a first axis. Each mold includes upper and lower mold sections, with at least one of the mold sections being moveable in a non-circular first endless path, and being moveable with respect to the other mold section to form a mold cavity. A mold charge delivery system is provided to deliver individual mold charges to the mold cavities and includes at least one delivery mechanism that travels in a second endless path around a second axis spaced from the first axis, wherein the second endless path overlies a portion of the first endless path. At least one of the mold sections is moved radially relative to the first axis during at least a portion of the first endless path wherein the second endless path overlies the first endless path.

Abstract: A molding device is provided with a holding portion for clamping the end of an extruded portion, and a cavity for forming a molded portion. The holding portion has holding cores to come in contact with the end of the extruded portion, and at least a part of the holding cores is formed by a material with a low thermal conductivity. Thus, the molding method of a weather strip includes, clamping the end of the extruded portion by the holding portions, then, ejecting or injecting a rubber material for molding the molded portion in the cavity, and then, molding the rubber by vulcanization.

Abstract: An injection molding mechanism capable of shortening an injection molding process is generally applied to a processing process of a power cord, and comprises a material-feeding machine, a storage tank, a compression type material-supplying device, a conveying device and at least one robotic arm. The material-feeding machine, the storage tank and the compression type material-supplying device are arranged in series. The conveying device is a closed-loop conveying platform for conveying molds repeatedly. The robotic arm and the material-feeding machine are located above the conveyance path of the conveying device. In addition, the storage tank and the compression type material-supplying device are connected to the front end of the material-feeding machine to decrease the time spent on melting the plastic materials.

Abstract: A method for making crayons is provided. The method employs an apparatus which includes a base that houses a heating component, a melt pan disposed to absorb heat from the heating component, a mold, and a cover. The melt pan receives crayon material and contains it as the heating component increases the temperature, causing the crayon material to liquefy. The liquefied crayon material can then be drained by the user of the device, into a mold with crayon-shaped cavities. A timer and a cover prevents access to the melt pan and the mold during particular operating conditions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A moulding plant, notably intended for the production of electrodes, includes a hopper, at least a first mould and a second mould, two compression devices, each device including a working table and a pressing form. The plant is characterized in that there is fixed intermediate laying plane, interspaced between the compression devices, and vertical to the hopper, and there is a displacement device to position each either at a working table, or at the intermediate laying plane.

Abstract: A block forming apparatus comprises a frame, a compression case and compression bodies. The compression case is movably engaged with the frame in a manner enabling movement of the compression case along a longitudinal reference axis of the compression case. The compression case has a compression body receiving passage extending between opposed end faces thereof along the longitudinal reference axis. The compression case includes a media fill opening within an upper wall thereof and a block discharge opening within a lower wall thereof. The media fill opening and the block discharge opening are each communicative with the compression body receiving passage. The compression bodies are movably mounted within the compression body receiving passage of the compression case in a manner enabling movement of said compression bodies along the longitudinal reference axis of the compression case.

Abstract: A dry forming apparatus includes a carrying table (mold-transfer mechanism) which transfers a mold containing a die and punch units at least between a powder supply stage, a pressing stage, and a formed-product removing stage, a pressing driving mechanism which drives the punch units for pressing in the pressing stage, a connecting mechanism which connects punch units to the pressing driving mechanism when the mold is transferred to the pressing stage, and releases the connection of the punch units, and a unit holding mechanism which holds the punch units while the units are transferred to the next stage.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing lightweight concrete composite blocks includes a form, a station conveyor, a form-loading station, a form assembly station, a curing oven, and a block removal station. The station conveyor conveys the form or a multitude of forms around the apparatus in a continuous loop to produce a desired rate of production of lightweight concrete composite blocks. The form-loading station fills the form with a lightweight concrete composite. The form assembly station assembles the form to seal the composite within the form. The curing oven cures the lightweight concrete composite into a lightweight concrete composite block. The block removal station removes the lightweight concrete composite block from the form prior to the return of the form to the form-loading station for re-use.

Abstract: An apparatus for making crayons is provided. The apparatus includes a base that houses a heating component, a melt pan disposed to absorb heat from the heating component, a mold, and a cover. The melt pan receives crayon material and contains it as the heating component increases the temperature, causing the crayon material to liquefy. The liquefied crayon material can then be drained by the user of the device, into a mold with crayon-shaped cavities. A cover prevents access to the melt pan and the mold during particular operating conditions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing unitary concrete blocks includes a form that defines the desired shape of the unitary concrete block. A form loading station delivers a lightweight concrete composite into the form. A station conveyor conveys the form from the form loading station through a curing oven. In the curing oven, the composite-filled form is cured into a unitary concrete block. The station conveyor conveys the form to a block removal station that removes the unitary concrete block from the form. The station conveyor returns the form to the form loading station to manufacture more unitary concrete blocks. For increased production, multiple forms can be conveyed between stations simultaneously. Additionally, a metering ingredient assembly may be used to deliver appropriate amounts of desired ingredients to a mixer for producing the lightweight concrete composite.

Abstract: Forming a novelty (such as a sticked ice cream product) from a mouldable material which involves extruding the materials into a cavity temporarily provided with a bottom. Relative movement is thereafter caused so as to shear the cavity contained quantity of material from any such material remaining in the cavity filling nozzle prior to subsequent discharge of the moulded quantity from the cavity at a time when it no longer has a bottom.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding process uses the thermoplastic molding apparatus to mold a part of variable thickness from a slab of material heated during extrusion. The thermoplastic molding system includes a thermoplastic extrusion die for the extrusion of a thermoplastic slab. The extrusion die has adjustable die gate members for varying the thickness of the extruded material in different parts of the extruded slab. A plurality of molds are mounted to the platform to feed one mold into a loading position while a second mold is in a release position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of compacts, preferably a tabletting machine, comprising a rotary cavity block table and a stationary filling shoe associated therewith for feeding the material used which is to be compacted in the cavity block, wherein the filling shoe is adjustable in height with respect to the surface of the rotary cavity block table via a servomotor.

Abstract: The system and method for molding a shaped snack chip use various components to form chips having depth such as a bowl-shaped tortilla chip. Essentially flat chip preforms are fed to a series of molds disposed about a mold conveyor. The preforms are then passed along for shaping by a mold and plunger conveyor. A continuous conveyor with plungers extending outward is synchronized to operate in conjunction with the mold conveyor. At desired and determined intervals, a multiple of plungers extend downward and into the molds thereby molding the chip preforms into shaped chips. The shaped chips are evacuated from the molds and subjected to additional processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting a molten material using a phase-change material. A funnel means is provided that includes a reservoir containing a phase-change material. The funnel means is used in conjunction with a mold. The phase-change material is heated to a temperature above its melting point. A molten material is poured into the mold, and an excess amount of the molten material is retained in the funnel means after the mold is filled. The latent heat of fusion of the phase-change material provides heat to the funnel means as the phase-change material changes from a liquid to a solid. The heat from the phase-change material maintains the temperature of the molten material within the funnel above its melting point as the molten material within the mold begins to solidify and contract, thereby permitting the excess material within the funnel means to feed into the mold and fill any voids or porosities formed by the contraction of the material within the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus, mold assembly and related method for manufacturing a personalized lipstick is described, the apparatus including a housing or cabinet, a plurality of different color blends each held within a separate pot fitted with a dispensing system, an ultrasonic wave heating/mixing probe, a mold assembly held within the probe and a transport rail for moving the probe from one station to another within the housing. The lipstick mold assembly includes a sheath containing a solidified base wax formed with a well for receiving color pigments.

Abstract: A powder molding apparatus comprises a mold comprising a die having a powder molding space and upper and lower punch units, and a compression driving mechanism for performing compression molding by driving the upper and lower punch units independently, wherein molded articles formed by the compression molding are held by engaging lower first and second punches serving as a formed article holding mechanism at the time of transporting the molded articles. Thus, the molded articles can be prevented from falling or shifting while being transported between stages, thereby providing a powder molding apparatus capable of high speeds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles such as closures include a plurality of tools mounted in opposed pairs with the tools of each pair including opposed male and female mold sections. The tool pairs are mounted for motion in an endless path. The tool pairs and associated mold sections are closed during motion in the path for compression a molding charge in the mold cavity formed between the mold sections of each pair, and opening the mold cavity to release an article formed between the mold sections. A latch mechanism is associated with each pair of tools for holding the tools and mold sections in the closed position during motion in the path independent of the mechanism for closing the tools and mold halves. In this way, forces imparted to the mold halves and tools to hold the mold closed are isolated from the machine frame. The latch mechanism is selectively unlatched to permit opening of the mold halves and release of the article compression-molded between the mold halves.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a moulded soft confectionery item. The soft confectionary item is relatively soft at room temperature and therefore difficult to handle mechanically at room temperature. The confectionery item can be selected from the group consisting of at least one of caramels, fudges, fondant creams, toffees, and jellies, the confectionery item further based on at least one of starch, gelatine, pectin, agar-agar, gum Arabic, and soft fondant creams. The process and apparatus includes a method and apparatus for depositing a liquid form of the confectionery item into a mold, by the use of gravity, subjecting the mold, together with the liquid confectionery item deposited, to a low temperature environment between 0° C. and −196° C. so as to solidify at least the exterior of the deposited confectionery material, and demolding the resulting solidified item of confectionery.

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for making comestible units. The comestible units made in accordance with the present invention can include active ingredients and are capable of dissolving in the mouth of the consumer within several seconds. They are particularly useful as antacids and as delivery vehicles for biologically active ingredients, especially those which are ideally combined with antacid ingredients.

Abstract: A contact lens production line pallet system transports contact lens mold materials throughout a facility for producing ophthalmic lenses. Specifically, the contact lens production line pallet system includes a pallet for carrying one or more contact lens mold assemblies throughout a contact lens production line, the pallet having one or more first recesses formed in a surface thereof for receiving either a first mold half or a complementary second mold half, the first and second mold halves when placed together constitute an individual contact lens mold assembly. A conveyor device for transporting the pallet from station to station throughout the production line facility is provided, as is a locating device formed in the pallet surface for enabling precise positioning of the pallet at one or more manufacturing stations in the production line facility.

Abstract: A system and method for making a frozen confection having a plurality of differently flavored or colored sections are provided. After creating in a mold a frozen outer layer comprising the ingredients for a first flavor or color, a carving means, such as a heated tool or a nozzle ejecting high-pressure gas, removes a portion of the frozen outer layer in accordance with a predetermined pattern. The ingredients for a second flavor or color then are added, and the mold is subjected to freezing to form the final product. Alternatively, a tool having protrusions contacting portions of the inner surface of the mold is inserted into the mold, before or after insertion of the first ingredients, the first ingredients are frozen, the tool is removed, and the second ingredients then are added and frozen. In another embodiment, a first flavor or color is sprayed onto the inner wall of the mold in a pattern and frozen.

Abstract: A molds is filled with cheese by an apparatus that includes an extruder which injects cheese through the opening in the mold. A plunger is located adjacent to the mold and is contacted by moveable wall of the mold as cheese fills a mold cavity. An actuator may be provided to varying the position of the plunger in order to accommodate different size molds. A sensor coupled to the plunger measures the force exerted by the cheese against the moveable wall. Aa controller receives a force signal from the sensor and produces an output signal when the force reaches a predetermined level. The output signal activates a knife blade which cuts off further injection of cheese into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing tablets of moist powder which is produced by adding an additive agent such as an excipient or a binder to medical ingredients, further adding a solvent such as water, ethanol or the like, and kneading the mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing predetermined quantities of particulate material is disclosed which includes a casing defining a dispensing chamber and an inlet tube for delivering material to the chamber. The inlet tube extends into and is surrounded by the chamber. The chamber has an outlet for discharging material from the chamber. A mechanism is provided for effecting relative movement between the tube and the casing whereby to vary the volume of material introduced into the chamber on opening of an inlet valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for manufacturing cushion and mattress elements made of supple, open-cell cellular matter, by casting into a mould, from a head ensuring mixture of at least two basic components, of the product thus formed; said mould is transferred from a preparation station where a demoulding agent is projected, to be presented beneath said head; the latter is displaced along a continuous path covering at least all the surface of the mould and at a speed ensuring, on the one hand, a uniform distribution of the product and, on the other hand, a total time of passage less than the maximum expansion time of the product projected at the beginning of this path; a cover is closed on said mould, and the latter is transferred towards standby stations where it remains thus for a time longer than that of maturing of the cellular matter obtained; the cushion element thus constituted is removed and the mould is transferred back towards the preparation station.

Abstract: The recycling of used polyurethane foam is made possible by a process in which the starting material is first dried to a moisture content of 2 to 4% and is then filled into a multi-part mold (16, 17, 18) that defines the molded part (32). The parts of the mold (16, 17, 18) are then, with generation of the necessary compression pressure of below 20 N/mm.sup.2, pressed together and locked. These molds (16, 17, 18) that are subject to the compression pressure are heated in a tunnel furnace (20) so that the molding material reaches a temperature of approximately 130.degree. C. After a predefined holding time, the molds (16, 17, 18) can be opened under pressure and the molded parts (32) can be removed. Molded parts (32) with a thickness of 42 mm and of corresponding size have been produced successfully with this process. Instead of the molds (16, 17, 18), it is also possible that a two-part tool is used.

Abstract: Articles of ice confectionery are prepared in a cavity formed by a complementary countermould and master mould assembly into which a composition for forming an ice confectionery is introduced. The assembly is cooled for freezing the confectionery composition which then is demoulded in two steps wherein the countermould is heated and removed first and the master mould is heated second for removal of the frozen article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a food product and ejecting the food product onto an appropriate discharge area. One embodiment includes a mold with a three-dimensional mold face. A membrane is mounted on the mold and extends over the mold face such that raw food material directed toward the mold substantially conforms the membrane to the mold face to define a three-dimensional contour for the upper surface of the food product. A plunger assembly which includes a plurality of plungers is thereafter advanced to extend through the mold face to force the membrane away from the mold face and thereby eject the food product from the mold. During ejection the three-dimensional contour of the upper surface of the food product and the substantially planar contour of the lower surface of the food product are substantially reversed. Consequently, a separator may be passed between the membrane and upper surface of the food product.

Abstract: A rotary machine and method for making unit confections of complementary parts which consist of different recipes, flavors, colors, textures and/or mix inclusions having paired groups of complementary molds arranged radially, adjacent to each other in or on sectors of a rotating table, in which a group of first molds radially arranged in a first sector produces physical shapes which fit within and complementarily join all or part of the physical shapes produced in a group of second molds radially arranged in a second sector.

Abstract: An adjustable powder flow gate for a rotary pellet press has a movable gate wherein one dimensional motion of the gate across an opening in a powder flow feed frame on the rotating turret of the press is effected with a rotatable shaft having a screw connection to a member attached to the gate. The shaft is maintained in a selected rotational position with a bias member that is movable between an engaged and a disengaged position. The bias member is adapted to engage a selected detent on a member attached to the shaft having several circumferentially spaced detents when the bias member is in the engaged position. The shaft can freely rotate when the bias member is in the disengaged position. An operator can easily adjust the size of the opening by first disengaging the bias member from the selected detent, turning the shaft to move the gate to the desired position, and then engaging the bias member into a newly selected detent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a three-dimensional food product. In one embodiment, a piston is reciprocally positioned within a forming cavity and includes a face which has a three-dimensional contour. An elastic membrane is positioned over the face of the piston to assist in the separation of the product therefrom. In this regard, when a raw food material is provided to the forming cavity, such material stretches the elastic membrane into substantial conformance with the contour of the piston face to thereby form at least one three-dimensional surface for the food product. When the forming cavity is positioned to discharge the product, the elasticity causes the membrane to contract to move the membrane away from the piston face and thereby eject the product from the forming cavity.

Abstract: An automated concrete pipe making machine that utilizes an automatic feeding system in which a feed tray and its feed pan are mounted on a carrier that moves from a retracted position into a feeding position where the feed tray is aligned with and locked to the pan at the top of the form or forms to be filled. At the appropriate time after the forms have been filled, the feed pan is withdrawn onto the feed tray, which is then unlocked from the top of the form and retracted.

Abstract: A plastic molding device for a semiconductor element for plastic molding a semiconductor element on a lead frame, which comprises: an upper platen, a lower platen, and a movable platen movably provided at a tie bar which is provided between said two platens; an upper metal mold and a lower metal mold provided at the upper platen and the movable platen, respectively; a motor for applying a raising force for driving the movable platen; a driving force conversion mechanism for converting the rotation force of the motor into a reciprocative force; and a double toggle mechanism for giving the reciprocative force to the movable platen.

Abstract: Portable brick manufacturing apparatus (20) mounted on a skid pad (21) includes two brick making systems. Each system includes a ring (25, 65) with three open-ended mold boxes (23, 70) mounted to the ring in equiangular spacing thereabout. Drive means (30,32,30',31') and an indexing controls mechanism (51) operate to rotate the ring in steps such that the mold boxes come to rest at a fill station, a compacting station and a brick ejection station, respectively. The two systems share a compacting station and a slide plate (60) provides a bottom for the mold boxes at the fill and compacting stations and in movement therebetween for each systems. In one system, hoppers (52,56) conveyors (54,49) a blender (58) and a spray nozzle (59) deliver soil and additives to a mold box at the fill station. Similar components are included in the second system. The indexing mechanism (51) responds to a sensor signal to control the weight of depost in a mold box.

Abstract: A frame is swingably mounted to a stationary support above an indexing mold tray conveyor. Mounted to the frame is a clay supply device comprising an extruder and a pair of mutually facing belts having vertical runs. Lumps of clay are extruded and deposited by the facing belts in the tray cavities on the tray conveyor.

Abstract: A plant to manufacture elongated concrete elements, particularly railway sleepers of prestressed reinforced concrete. In the plant according to the invention, the forms for the production of said elements are supported on carriages sliding along parallel side-by-side tracks, and the operating machines designed to perform in succession a series of operations on said forms are positioned into a limited working area, housed inside a shed, and are mounted above said tracks, substantially fixed in respect of the longitudinal axis of the tracks but movable transversely thereto. The curing area for the concrete elements is arranged externally to the working area. In the case of prestressed reinforced concrete elements, the tensioning device for the reinforcement strands are mounted directly on each of said slidable carriages supporting the forms.

Abstract: Chocolate mold filling apparatus having chocolate molds having different number of cavity, cavity volume, cavity fill opening height, and cavity fill opening spacing characteristics. Each mold further has a base flange which incorporates a process code keyed to the mold different characteristics. A sensor detects the base flange process codes and controls a connected conveyor, chocolate metering pump, and chocolate mold fill tube.