Abstract: A method of constructing a tower is provided, the method including the steps of providing an elevation mechanism including a dynamic engaging mechanism realized to engage with a tower surface, arranging a 3D printing device on the elevation means, actuating the dynamic engaging mechanism to effect a vertical elevation of the elevation mechanism, actuating the 3D printing device to deposit an essentially horizontal material layer including at least a tower body region, and repeating the steps to obtain a tower structure. A tower constructed using such a method, and a 3D tower printing apparatus, is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff starting materials which are suitable for consumption, in particular a meat mass. The method comprises the steps of filling a mould cavity, which is open on one side, with the mass of foodstuff starting materials which are suitable for consumption, which mould cavity is defined by a boundary comprising walls and base, in order to mould a moulded three-dimensional product, and the removal of the moulded three-dimensional product from the mould cavity. In the method according to the invention, during removal the adhesion forces between the moulded product and the boundary are eliminated virtually simultaneously along all the interfaces.

Abstract: Punch arrangement for a press, in particular a rotary press, comprising at least one press punch having a punch head, a tool region and a punch shank extending between the punch head and tool region, further comprising at least one punch guide having at least one guide bore in which the punch shank of the at least one press punch is guided in an axially movable manner and at least one variable length sealing sleeve at least partially surrounding the shank, which sealing sleeve is retained with its first end against the punch shank or against the tool region of the press punch, the sealing sleeve being retained with its second end against an inner wall of the guide bore, the second end of the sealing sleeve, with the punch shank located in the guide bore, being captured between the inner wall of the guide bore and the punch shank. The invention further relates to a press and a rotary press.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for manufacturing a ball joint that are capable of reducing a torque applied between a ball stud and a ball seat. The ball joint manufacturing apparatus includes an upper mold having a shape configured to injection-mold a ball seat formed of a synthetic resin material and surrounding the outside of a spherical head part of a ball stud; a lower mold installed under the upper mold and having a molding surface for forming a portion of the ball seat; a fixing jig configured to fix the ball stud to a molding position of the upper mold and the lower mold; and a rotary member configured to rotate the fixing jig.

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 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: An apparatus includes a transferring arrangement for transferring objects obtained by compression-molding doses of synthetic plastics from a forming arrangement of a forming unit and a supporting arrangement for rotatably supporting the transferring arrangement. In order to avoid blows and/or damage between the transferring arrangement and the forming arrangement, the apparatus includes a moving arrangement connected to the supporting arrangement and configured for moving the transferring arrangement at least between a first operating position nearer the forming unit, in which the transferring arrangement interacts with the forming arrangement to transfer the objects, and a second operating position, in which the transferring arrangement is spaced away from the forming unit so as not to interact with the forming arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring objects (2), in particular caps (2), from a molding carousel (3) on which the caps (2) are molded, to an evacuating device (6), comprises: —a supporting element (11) that is rotatable around a rotation axis (X1) and is suitable for receiving said objects (2) and, —arm means (13) that is rotatable around said rotation axis (X1) and comprising seat means (16) that is suitable for receiving said caps (2); the arm means (13) is movable so as to vary the distance of the arm means (13) from said rotation axis (X1), in particular it is movable radially with respect to the rotation axis (X1) to slide the objects (2) on the supporting element (11).

Abstract: An apparatus and process for depositing slurry upon a moving forming web. The apparatus includes a pivotally mounted headbox for depositing slurry from the inner bottom surface of the headbox down an inclined spillway as a continuous curtain onto a moving web. The headbox is mounted transverse to the direction of travel of the moving web. The headbox also has vertical edge boards, including a headbox back edge board and two opposed headbox side edgeboards, on three respective sides of the headbox to prevent slurry from spilling over the sides and back of the headbox. The headbox is supplied with slurry from a slurry mixer by a feed line mounted on a reciprocating trolley which moves, transverse to the direction of travel of the moving web, back and forth along the length of the headbox.

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: Provided is an apparatus and method for manufacturing a ball joint that are capable of reducing a torque applied between a ball stud and a ball seat. The ball joint manufacturing apparatus includes an upper mold having a shape configured to injection-mold a ball seat formed of a synthetic resin material and surrounding the outside of a spherical head part of a ball stud; a lower mold installed under the upper mold and having a molding surface for forming a portion of the ball seat; a fixing jig configured to fix the ball stud to a molding position of the upper mold and the lower mold; and a rotary member configured to rotate the fixing jig.

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 control and actuation system is provided for a molding machine for producing expanded-grain cakes. The system includes a control unit, a temperature-regulated heating system, multiple motors operated by the control unit for separately actuating mechanical functions, multiple sensors for providing grain level and mechanism positional data to the control unit, control inputs for programming and otherwise providing input to the control unit, and a display device allowing the control unit to provide operational status information. The control unit regulates the thermal energy input to the mold, the molding cycle frequency, and the size of the grain charge. Several interrupts are used to ensure conformance to the control parameters and to enhance operator safety.

Abstract: Apparatus, comprising a rotating carousel and a plurality of handling elements supported by said carousel and movable in relation to said carousel, said handling elements being so shaped as to remove a container from a blow-moulding mould arrangement, wherein said apparatus further comprises a plurality of further handling elements associated with said handling elements, said further handling elements being so shaped as to deliver a dose of plastics to a compression-moulding mould arrangement, each of said further handling elements being fixed to a corresponding handling element.

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: An apparatus comprising a transferring element for transferring a dose of flowable material, said dose being provided with an elongated body having a transverse dimension and an end zone, a receiving member for receiving said dose from said transferring element, wherein said transferring element comprising an end-forming arrangement for forming said end zone in such a way as to decrease said transverse dimension in the vicinity of said end zone. A dose of plastics comprises an elongated body provided with a transverse dimension, said elongated body comprising an end zone provided with a respective transverse dimension that is less than said transverse dimension.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an extruding device having a dispensing opening for extruding a flowable material along an exit direction through the dispensing opening, and a cutting arrangement for separating a dose from the flowable material, the cutting arrangement being movable with a motion component that is parallel to the exit direction.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for a rotary tablet press, which itself being arranged stationarily is associated to a circulating die plate of a rotor of the tablet press, with a filling chamber, which features an upper inlet opening for powder-shaped compression material and a filling opening aligned with die bores of the die plate, and with a conveying means in the filling chamber driven by a drive motor, wherein the filling chamber is circular, one single disc-shaped filling wheel is rotatably mounted around a vertical axis in the filling chamber, which has plural wings on the perimeter, spaced apart in the perimeter direction, which sweep over the filling opening upon rotation of the filling wheel, and the inlet opening is arranged in a distance above the filling wheel, preferably approximately centered with the axis of the filling wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises: forming means movable along a first path for compression moulding doses of plastics; a plurality of transfer means for transferring said doses to said forming means; a plurality of arm means, each arm means being associated with a corresponding transfer means for moving said transfer means along a second path having a portion substantially coinciding with a further portion of said first path.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring objects includes a receiving arrangement, a transferring arrangement for transferring an object towards the receiving arrangement, the transferring arrangement having a recess for receiving the object, the recess being defined by a wall arrangement, and a driving arrangement arranged for moving at least part of the wall arrangement so as to change a passage section of the object through the recess.

Abstract: A molding apparatus is configured by a first, a second sliding die, a first, a second fixed die, and a sliding film forming chamber. The first, the second sliding dies are moved in directions reverse to each other to take a primary molding position, a film forming position and a secondary molding position. The sliding film forming chamber includes a first, a second masking plate and are arranged to be remote from the first, the second fixed dies. Further, the sliding film forming chamber is slid in an up and down direction. The first, the second sliding dies are respectively formed with recess portions and cores, the first, the second fixed dies are respectively formed with cores and recess portions.

Abstract: A molding method involves a first and a second sliding die, a first and a second fixed die, and a sliding film forming chamber. The first, the second sliding dies are moved in directions reverse to each other to take a primary molding position, a film forming position and a secondary molding position. The sliding film forming chamber includes a first, a second masking plate and are arranged to be remote from the first, the second fixed dies. Further, the sliding film forming chamber is slid in an up and down direction. The first, the second sliding dies are respectively formed with recess portions and cores, the first, the second fixed dies are respectively formed with cores and recess portions.

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 system for automating the casting of concrete panels in which a bed position indicator is fed to a program which compares the bed position to CAD drawings concerning the concrete to be cast and sends the drawing detail for the position of the bed which is then shown on the bed by a laser.

Abstract: A system is provided for forming solid ink sticks comprising a molten ink delivery station for introducing molten ink material into a forming tub to form a solid ink stick. The forming tub includes an open top for receiving the molten ink material and a cavity defining a lower portion of a solid ink stick shape. The system includes a top surface conditioning station for altering the top surface of the ink material introduced into the cavity of the forming tub.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and a method for producing ice confection comprising mold cavities arranged on lamellae disposed in an endless belt along which are arranged process means for the production of the ice confection by conveying the lamellae between the process means, wherein the apparatus comprises an uneven number of lamellae and the process means are arranged along the belt in such a way, that the ice confection production process may be completed by two full circulations of one lamella on the belt. Due to the uneven number of lamellae a specific lamella will change stop position for each circulation. Hereby, a number of advantages are obtained through an optimal utilization of the lower lamella sequence, such that the shortest possible apparatus is obtained.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for a rotary tablet press, which itself being arranged stationarily is associated to a circulating die plate of a rotor of the tablet press, with a filling chamber, which features an upper inlet opening for powder-shaped compression material and a filling opening aligned with die bores of the die plate, and with a conveying means in the filling chamber driven by a drive motor, wherein the filling chamber is circular, one single disc-shaped filling wheel is rotatably mounted around a vertical axis in the filling chamber, which has plural wings on the perimeter, spaced apart in the perimeter direction, which sweep over the filling opening upon rotation of the filling wheel, and the inlet opening is arranged in a distance above the filling wheel, preferably approximately centred with the axis of the filling wheel.

Abstract: A machine-side ejector assembly for an injection molding machine having a mold mounting plate includes an ejector plate which is movable relative to the mold mounting plate, and a rotatable shaft having one end received by the ejector plate. An indexing plate is connectable to the rotatable shaft, with a rotary drive, disposed on or in the ejector plate, for rotating the indexing plate via the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: The plant comprises a plurality of shuttles (10) each carrying at least one die part (110), the shuttles being conveyed in a moulding apparatus (20) which is provided with a plurality of punches and a corresponding plurality of seats (21) for holding the shuttles (10), the seats arranged to receive and release the shuttles (10), the moulding apparatus comprising means for inserting the punches into the die cavities (11, 12) of the shuttle and means for withdrawing the punches to achieve a compression moulding cycle for the article. The shuttles (10) are independent of the moulding apparatus. Each shuttles (10)comprises at least one circuit (15) for at least one conditioning fluid for controlling the temperature of the article located in the die, the moulding apparatus (20) comprising at least one feed system (25) for at least one conditioning fluid to feed the conditioning fluid to the shuttles (10) inserted in the seats (21) of the moulding apparatus (20).

Abstract: A food patty molding machine has a reciprocating mold plate. A moldable food product is pumped through a fill passage into a cavity of the mold plate when the mold plate is in its fill position. A fill plate, interposed in the fill passage immediately adjacent the mold plate, has a multiplicity of fill apertures distributed in a predetermined pattern throughout an area aligned with the mold cavity when the mold plate is in its fill position. A fill block is fixed to the fill plate and includes a plurality of inverted L-shaped passages corresponding one-for-one with the fill apertures. The mold plate includes a longitudinal slot to accommodate relative longitudinal movement between the mold plate and the stationary fill block. The mold plate includes a transverse slot open into the longitudinal slot that defines the molding cavity. Loose ground meat can be filled in a horizontal direction into the cavity to provide a customary appearance to the packaged ground meat.

Abstract: A method for separating a portion of extruded material from the continuous strip leaving an extruder, consisting of passing in front of the extrusion nozzle withdrawal means associated with at least one cutting means; said withdrawal means and said at least one cutting means are made to move independently of each other with velocities, in the sense of vectors, which differ from each other and differ in relation to the material portion separated.

Abstract: A compactable mold comprises a main mold frame structure and plural wall structures including two end wall structures and two side wall structures. The plural wall structures define a mold cavity for forming a block from a mixture introduced into the mold cavity. At least two of the plural wall structures are movable wall structures for compacting the mixture. A described compactable mold has end walls and side walls that are shaped for forming tongue and groove features on a compacted block, and the end walls and side walls are movable such that a formed block can be released easily from the mold. A described compactable mold comprises at least one tube attached to at least one of the compacting wall structures. The compacting wall structures are operable to compact the mixture by moving toward the center of the mold cavity while the at least one tube remains stationary.

Abstract: A device for removing doses of plastic material from the outflow orifice of an extruder by means of at least one removal element movable with respect to the extruder and provided with a receptacle for a dose removed from the orifice, the removal element comprising a severing element adapted to cut into the plastic material dispensed by the extruder along a severing edge advancing through the material from one side of the orifice to the other, the receptacle being shaped so as to accomodate the dose and allow its expulsion substantially in the directon of the severing edge.

Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a first conduit of an extruder of a molding system, (ii) an extruder of a molding system, (iii) a molding system, (iv) a hot runner of a molding system, (v) a molding system, including a hot runner, and (vi) a method, amongst other things.

Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a component of a molding system, including a first conduit having a conically-shaped first-conduit distal end being matable with a conically-shaped second-conduit distal end of a second conduit of the molding system, (ii) a molding system, including the first conduit and the second conduit, (iii) a molding system, including a barrel having a conically-shaped first-conduit distal end, and a barrel head having a conically-shaped second-conduit distal end being matable with the conically-shaped first-conduit distal end, and (iv) an extruder, including a barrel having a conically-shaped first-conduit distal end, and a barrel head having a conically-shaped second-conduit distal end being matable with the conically-shaped first-conduit distal end, amongst other things.

Abstract: A machine for imprinting patterns onto uncured concrete in an elongated bed includes a frame for positioning the finishing machine over the bed. A lower patterning unit suspended from the frame is movable backward and forward of the concrete bed and a press assembly moves the pattern in and out of contact with uncured concrete on the elongated bed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for manufacturing dosage forms, and to dosage forms made using such systems, methods and apparatuses are provided. Novel compression, thermal cycle molding, and thermal setting molding modules are disclosed. One or more of such modules may be linked, preferably via novel transfer device, into an overall system for making dosage forms.

Abstract: An apparatus for compression molding of articles made of plastics, comprising: molding means; feeding means for feeding doses of plastic material, which are provided with removal elements for removing in succession said doses from an extruder and transferring the doses onto said molding means; and conditioning means for conditioning temperature of said doses during transfer thereof from said extruder to said molding means.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes an injection piston that is slidable within a nozzle having a movable valve gate pin. The injection piston is movable from a retracted position to an extended position in order to force melt towards a mold cavity. A valve is located at a forward end of the piston to selectively block communication between a recess, which is provided in an outer wall of the piston adjacent the valve, and a melt chamber of the nozzle. Movement of the injection piston from the retracted position to the extended position causes the valve to close so that the predetermined volume of melt located below the valve is forced into the mold cavity, when the valve gate pin opens the mold gate.

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: Plant for forming predetermined quantities of synthetic material comprising a rotary turntable carrying on its periphery a plurality of dispensing devices, and means for feeding the material in the molten state to said dispensing devices; the plant also comprises a fixed part directly connected to the molten material feed, a rotary sealed joint connecting said fixed part to the rotary turntable, operating means for interacting with the dispensing devices positioned on the rotary turntable to operate them in the sense of opening and closing them in response to the rotations of the turntable, and means for rotating the turntable.

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 injection molding apparatus includes an injection piston that is slidable within a nozzle having a movable valve gate pin. The injection piston is movable from a retracted position to an extended position in order to force melt towards a mold cavity. A valve is located at a forward end of the piston to selectively block communication between a recess, which is provided in an outer wall of the piston adjacent the valve, and a melt chamber of the nozzle. Movement of the injection piston from the retracted position to the extended position causes the valve to close so that the predetermined volume of melt located below the valve is forced into the mold cavity, when the valve gate pin opens the mold gate.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding a coloring agent to a material used to manufacture brick includes an extrusion container having an opening defined in the sidewall thereof. A coloring agent supply communicates with the opening for delivery of the coloring agent to the interior of the container as brick making material passes through the container. A storage device stores the coloring agent supply amount data corresponding to a supply amount for each of a plurality of brick types, each of the plurality of brick types having a different appearance. A controller is adapted to control a supply of a coloring agent from said coloring agent supply into said extrusion container in accordance with a selected brick type. A computer can be connected to the controller for data transfer. Accordingly, the computer can be used as an interface between a user and the apparatus.

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

Abstract: A 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: A tablet press machine (10) of the rotary turret type for the production of pharmaceutical tablets (C) comprises: hopper means (1) for containing pharmaceutical material in powder or granular form to be pressed; rotary disc means (11) equipped with matrices (2) designed to contain defined quantities or doses of the pharmaceutical material fed to them by the hopper means (1); reciprocating punch means for compressing the doses inside the matrices (2). The machine (10) has two tablet (C) outfeed stations (Z1,12;Z2,13) located on the disc mean (11) at a defined angular distance from each other.