Abstract: A molding machine has a mold material supply device, a die setting device, a separating device and a deburring device. The supply device includes a mold material feeding device, an extruding device for receiving a mold material from the mold material feeding device and extruding the mold material so as to form an extruded mold material, a cutting device for cutting the extruded mold material, and a transfer device for receiving the extruded mold material from the cutting device and transferring the same.

Abstract: A heating and extruding method for a bulk preform of a fiber reinforced composite material, including a stabbing machine for forming an unpenetrated hole in the bulk preform, a heating machine connected to the stabbing machine for heating the bulk preform by a nitrogen gas, and an extruding machine connected to the heating machine for heating and compressing the bulk preform heated by the heating machine to discharge a predetermined amount of the bulk preform, wherein at least the heating machine to the extruding machine has a sealing structure sealing a nitrogen gas therein. An extruding lip of the extruding machine has a thickness restriction plate and a width restriction plate for respectively adjusting an extrusion thickness and an extrusion width of the melted composite material. Accordingly, oxidation and degradation of resin composing the fiber reinforced composite material can be prevented.

Abstract: A method of producing a stress free sheet of dough having uniform height and width can be economically and conveniently used with a batch dough system. Individual dough batches are deposited into a retention hopper from which equal volumetric dough portions are sectioned by a pair of oppositely rotating co-acting cutters. Each cutter includes a number of blades which cooperate with corresponding blades on the opposing cutter to section the dough into portions. The dough portions are deposited onto an inclined conveyor positioned below the hopper so that a leading end of each dough portion overlaps a trailing end of the previous dough portion. A photo-electric detection device ascertains the trailing end of the previous dough portion and signals the cutters to section the next successive dough portion.

Abstract: A load of plastic material is formed from two sheets cut successively from a roll of strip material. The first sheet is cut to a roughly constant length, weighed and loaded on to a conveyor. The second sheet is cut to the length calculated according to the weight of the first sheet and is loaded on to the conveyor in a predetermined position in relation to the first sheet. Each sheet is positioned by transferring it from the cutting station to a transfer structure moved in relation to a stop structure set each time to a given programmed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a stress free sheet of dough having uniform height and width can be economically and conveniently used with a batch dough system. Individual dough batches are deposited into a retention hopper from which equal volumetric dough portions are sectioned by a pair of oppositely rotating co-acting cutters. Each cutter includes a number of blades which cooperate with corresponding blades on the opposing cutter to section the dough into portions. The dough portions are deposited onto an inclined conveyor positioned below the hopper so that a leading end of each dough portion overlaps a trailing end of the previous dough portion. A photo-electric detection device ascertains the trailing end of the previous dough portion and signals the cutters to section the next successive dough portion. The overlapping dough portions are then formed into a dough sheet having uniform height and width by a pressing roller and a combination of side guide wedges and side pressing rollers.

Abstract: A product and process for imparting decorative appliques to the sidewalls of tires during the curing operation are presented. In one embodiment, a spool of applique composite material is maintained for feeding into a tire mold or onto a transfer device, thereby defining a ring for vulcanization to a tire. The applique consists of a laminate received upon a carrier, the laminate having a first barrier layer and a congruent second decorative layer. The laminate is received by a tire sidewall between two grooves which serve to isolate the decorative layer from the tire itself. In another embodiment a laminate of white and barrier rubber stock is formed and then configured into a cylinder. A plurality of bands are cut from the cylinder then transferred to a fixture by reorienting the bands to conform to the angle of the sidewall of the tire at the point with which the band is to be adhered.

Abstract: A twin screw extruder compounds a thermoplastic resin material with a randomly oriented fiber reinforcing material to produce a molten fiber reinforced thermoplastic extrusion from a die. The extrusion is cut into preforms which are immediately inserted into a compression mold for making parts. A unidirectionally oriented fiber reinforcing material can be added in the die. The fibers are monofilaments which are debundled and heated before entering either the extruder or the die.

Abstract: Glass fiber mats are made for subsequent use in preforming for an RTM or SRIM molding process, for example, such that the binder applied to the mat has two distinct curing stages. In the first stage, a partial cure is provided by visible light upon a free radical generation in response to a photoinitiator mixed in the binder in an exact ratio to give a predictable increase in viscosity to that of a semi-solid so that the fibers are sufficiently bound for subsequent handling, but not sufficient to complete a cure, while leaving a second stage ready for a final cure which is achieved by the use of a cationic-type second photoinitiator which is sensitive to ultraviolet light. During the second curing stage, the mat is formed into a three-dimensional shape of a desired end product and cured with ultraviolet radiation while still in the mold, to obtain a rigid three-dimensional preform structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for cutting small pieces of fabric by means of an ultrasonic horn and a hollow open centered cutting anvil. The cutting operation includes a pick mechanism incorporating two tapered pins and a stripper pad to maintain the fabric position before, during, and after the cutting operation. The pick head mechanism is designed to insure accuracy in locating these small fabric pieces, referred to as chips, in a subsequent assembly operation performed by the pick head.The assembly operation relates to attachment of small pieces of fabric by means of two miniature ultrasonic horns. The horns are combined with a pick and place mechanism which incorporates two tapered pins and a stripper pad to maintain the fabric position during the manufacturing process. This pick and place head, when attached to a robotic arm, is designed to insure accuracy in locating these small fabric pieces repeatedly in a thermoplastic cartridge.

Abstract: A method of producing a spliceless annular tread cap (2), whereby a portion (23) of an extruded tube (21) of green elastomeric material is fed inside an annular body (8), the inner annular surface (17) of which presents a diameter approximately equal to but no smaller than the outside diameter of the tubular portion (23), and negatively reproduces the pattern of the finished tread cap (2). The tubular portion (23) is expanded and calendered against the inner surface (17) of the annular body (8) by means of a roller (34) moved into a position coplanar with and eccentric in relation to the annular body (8).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a uniform strip of bread dough is provided in which a dough mass flows downward from a dough hopper, a dough portion of the flowing dough mass is laterally spread on an outlet conveyor having a weighing table, dough portions are cut and divided from the dough mass into dough pieces when a predetermined degree of the spread of the dough mass is detected by a dough-detecting device, simultaneously the weight of the dough piece is measured, the dough piece is then transferred from the outlet conveyor to a supply conveyor, the divided dough pieces are arranged on the supply conveyor at intervals proportionate to the weights of the dough pieces, and they are stretched to make a strip of bread dough. It has a uniform width and thickness, and is uniform in weight throughout the entire part of the strip of bread dough. Therefore, dough products cut and formed from this strip of bread dough are of a high quality.

Abstract: An apparatus for dividing bread dough or the like is provided, which comprises a dough-cutting member comprising a saw blade means, two dough-supporting members, and a drive means for reciprocating the saw blade means, and by which a plastic material such as bread dough or confectionery dough is smoothly severed, whereby pieces of divided bread dough, each having a plate-like form in which no stress has occurred, are obtained. Further, an apparatus for supplying a uniform strip of bread dough or the like is provided, which comprises the apparatus for dividing bread dough and a stretcher or the like for preparing a sheet of dough. By this apparatus, pieces of divided bread dough, each having a plate-like form, are supplied, and these pieces of bread dough are joined to each other to make a uniform strip of bread dough in which no stress has occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an annular member simply with high accuracy, for example, a side tread and bead filler having a height in the radial direction comparatively larger than its thickness as a constituent member of a tire. A material, for example, a soft and fragile raw rubber at a high temperature is directly extruded through a mouthpiece of an extruder onto a rotating disc-like lower mold so as to adhere onto it. The lower mold is able dividable into plural lower mold segments. An arcuately curved extruded material is formed on the lower mold in this manner. The extruded material is not deformed during being cooled because it is strongly restrained by the receiving surface of the lower mold on which the material adheres. The extruded material is then cut along the divided lines of the lower mold segments. Lower mold segments thus having arcuately extruded materials, respectively, are then transferred to a restoration position and gathered together to form the original lower mold.

Abstract: A product and process for imparting decorative appliques to the sidewalls of tires during the curing operation are presented. In one embodiment, a spool of applique composite material is maintained for feeding into a tire mold or onto a transfer device, thereby defining a ring for vulcanization to a tire. The applique consists of a laminate received upon a carrier, the laminate having a first barrier layer and a congruent second decorative layer. The laminate is received by a tire sidewall between two grooves which serve to isolate the decorative layer from the tire itself. In another embodiment a laminate of white and barrier rubber stock is formed and then configured into a cylinder. A plurality of bands are cut from the cylinder then transferred to a fixture by reorienting the bands to conform to the angle of the sidewall of the tire at the point with which the band is to be adhered.

Abstract: An apparatus for dividing bread dough or the like is provided, which comprises a dough-cutting member (38) comprising a saw blade means, two dough-supporting members (30, 56), a drive means for reciprocating the saw blade means, and a discharge means (57) for regulating the pieces of bread dough cut to have a thickness corresponding to a preset distance from the dough outlet (35) of the apparatus, thereby producing pieces of bread dough having a uniform thickness. A similar apparatus is modified, which has an adjusting means for moving a second dough-supporting member (112) parallel to its stationary position, thereby changing the size of the dough outlet (35) of the apparatus to meet a required thickness of the bread dough to be cut. Also, a similar apparatus is provided, which has a pressing means (160) for pressing the bread dough in a hopper for dough to maintain the pressure in the bread dough at a uniform value, whereby almost all the bread dough in the hopper (15) can be cut.

Abstract: A molding machine has a mold material supply, a die setting assembly, separating and de-burring assemblies. The supply includes a mold material feed, an extruder for receiving a mold material from the mold material feed and extruding the mold material so as to form an extruded mold material, a cutter for cutting the extruded mold material, and a transfer assembly for receiving the extruded mold material from the cutter and transferring the same.

Abstract: For the purpose of mass-producing sheet pallets made of a synthetic resin with a high productivity and without difficulty, an apparatus for manufacturing sheets is provided, which apparatus includes a process (1001) to feed sheet materials in a predetermined shape and having corner portions, a process (1002) to form sheets of a desired shape by cutting at least the corner portions of said sheet materials and a process (280) to stack said sheets

Abstract: An apparatus for providing batches of a mouldable, fibre-reinforced thermoplastic material matched to a moulding to be produced and accompanied by heating, wherein a free-flowing initial product of fibres and thermoplastic material-containing binders are heated as a strand and a matched batch is separated from the strand and supplied to batch further processing. The apparatus includes a melting device with a melting channel, through which the material to be processed is pressed as a continuous strand, as well as a cooling station.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for continuously dividing bread dough. The apparatus consists of a dough hopper, vertical conveyors mounted on the side walls of the hopper, a dough outlet provided at the bottom of the hopper located under the vertical conveyors, a divider having cutting knives for dividing the dough, a weighing conveyor provided under the divider for weighing the dough discharged through the weighing conveyor, and a control means for controlling the timing in the discharging operation of the weighing conveyor according to the weight of the dough. The weight of the divided dough is instantly and successively weighed, while the period to keep the outlet open is controlled so that a belt-like sheet of dough, with sections of a uniform weight, is continuously produced.

Abstract: Systems for and methods of generating three-dimensional objects from a medium capable of selective physical transformation upon exposure to synergistic stimulation, whereby sheets of medium corresponding to cross-sectional layers of the three-dimensional object are dispensed from a source, the dispensed sheets then being selectively exposed to synergistic stimulation thereby forming a layer of the three-dimensional object, the areas not exposed to synergistic stimulation being removed, and whereby successive sheets corresponding to successive cross-sectional layers are dispensed and selectively exposed to synergistic stimulation and integrated together with preceding layers to provide substantially a layer by layer buildup of the three-dimensional object, thereby forming the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: Process for obtaining three-dimensional objects, according to which process a sheet (2A, 2B, 2C) is prepared, which sheet is composed of a material, the solubility of which varies when it is subjected to a specific radiation, and of fibers or of a screen for reinforcement, the sheet having a sufficient rigidity to be handled and being capable of adhering on a similar sheet. The sheet is subjected to said radiation (18) in a defined zone, and then a new sheet is fixed onto it and the passing of radiation is recommenced, and then the stack is subjected to a selective dissolving which causes the desired object (31) to appear.

Abstract: A method for forming an annular member simply with high accuracy, for example, a side tread and bead filler having a height in the radial direction comparatively larger than its thickness as a constituent member of a tire. A material, for example, a soft and fragile raw rubber at a high temperature is directly extruded through a mouthpiece of an extruder onto a rotating disc-like lower mold so as to adhere onto it. The lower mold is able dividable into plural lower mold segments. An arcuately curved extruded material is formed on the lower mold in this manner. The extruded material is not deformed during being cooled because it is strongly restrained by the receiving surface of the lower mold on which the material adheres. The extruded material is then cut along the divided lines of the lower mold segments. Lower mold segments thus having arcuately extruded materials, respectively, are then transferred to a restoration position and gathered together to form the original lower mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for precision cutting lightweight, thin-walled tubes that includes transfer drums for transporting rough cut, thin-walled tubes from a source of supply past a first inspection station to determine if the tubes are crushed beyond a predetermined amount, a flaring station to flare the tube ends, an aligning station to align the tubes from cutting, and a cutting station to cut the tube into multiple sections. Section drums are provided that have second and third inspection stations to determine if the tubes have been properly cut.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing batter materials, such as food batter, including sausage batter for wieners and the like, without incorporating the use of any casing for the batter. The apparatus forms a blank having a proteinaceous skin made of congealing surface batter materials. Each thus formed blank is ejected onto a conveyor that includes a device for completing the formation of congealed skin on the blank. The thus shaped items can then be packaged and cooked within the package in order to provide an aseptic product. If desired, the items can be cooked and then packaged in order to provide a product having an acceptable shelf-life.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing batter materials, such as food batter, including sausage batter for wieners and the like, without incorporating the use of any casing for the batter. The apparatus forms a blank having a proteinaceous skin made by congealing surface batter materials. Each thus formed blank is ejected onto a conveyor that includes a device for completing the formation of congealed skin on the blank. The thus shaped items can then be packaged and cooked within the package in order to provide an aseptic product. If desired, the items can be cooked and then packaged in order to provide a product having an acceptable shelf-life.

Abstract: A rotating blade is passed beneath an extruder nozzle and employed to cut tails of viscous materials which have been extruded.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing batter materials, such as food batter, including sausage batter for wieners and the like, without incorporating the use of any casing for the batter. The apparatus forms a blank having a proteinaceous skin made by congealing surface batter materials with a treatment fluid. Each thus formed blank is ejected onto a conveyor that includes a device for completing the formation of congealed skin on the blank. The thus shaped items can then be packaged and cooked within the package in order to provide an aseptic product. If desired, the items can be cooked and then packaged in order to provide a product having an acceptable shelf-life.

Abstract: A cutting and forming device for an apparatus for making buns has a base plate, a rotary annular disc and of die pieces combined under the rotary annular disc and on the base plate such that they can be moved by an operating mechanism, to have their front cutting tips gather closely together or retract thus cutting and forming dough into buns.

Abstract: A method for efficiently manufacturing a magnetic tape in which damage to the side edges of the tape is prevented so as to prevent problems such as signal dropout. A source tape is provided having a magnetic recording layer formed thereon. The source tape is slivered to produce individual tapes of a final product width. The obverse and reverse surfaces of the individual tapes are then smoothed with a calendaring unit composed of a pair of heated work rolls and a pair of backup pressure rolls, and finally the individual magnetic tapes are wound on long rolls.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of concrete roof tiles in an extrusion process, in which a continuous layer of fresh concrete is deposited on pallets supplied in a continuous row to a depositing apparatus and is subsequently compacted by means of a shaping roller and slipper and, if appropriate, profiled, and then the compacted layer of fresh concrete is cut at a cutting station into roof-tile moldings of equal length with a rear edge and a front edge, and the front edge is trimmed. To increase the weathering resistance and the strength of the front edge of the concrete roof tiles produced in this way, and to reduce the efflorescence which occurs in this region, a rounding or bevel starting from the lower cut edge adjacent to the pallet and extending up to the top side of the roof-tile moldings is produced, preferably in steps, on the front edge as a result of a compacting of material.

Abstract: An extrudate cutting apparatus including a generally cylindrically shaped shaping die having an upper surface and a lower surface with an eccentrically positioned opening extending therebetween. The opening releasably receives an orifice fitting for permitting extrudate to pass from the fitting through the opening. A generally tubular housing rotatably receives the shaping die therein. A nozzle knife is integral with the housing and is in facing relation with the lower shaping die surface. The knife includes an aperture for allowing extrudate passing from the orifice fitting to pass therethrough unimpeded when the aperture and the shaping die opening are in registry.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing batter materials, such as food batter, including sausage batter for wieners and the like, without incorporating the use of any casing for the batter. The apparatus forms a blank having a proteinaceous skin made by congealing surface batter materials. Each thus formed blank is ejected onto a conveyor that includes a device for completing the formation of congealed skin on the blank. The thus shaped items can then be packaged and cooked within the package in order to provide an aseptic product. If desired, the items can be cooked and then packaged in order to provide a product having an acceptable shelf-like.

Abstract: A divider head assembly for attachment to a dividing and rounding machine, the divider head assembly incorporating a cover plate and attached plug plate, both of which have a central aperture therethrough. A cutter blade holder has a neck which slidably projects through the apertures, and a cutter blade holder is attachable to a cutter blade subassembly by means of fasteners. Access holes through the cover plate and plug plate permit access to the fasteners which attach the cutter blade holder to the cutter blade subassembly. The cutter blade subassembly is formed of a geometric arrangement of blades, the blades being welded together to form a unitary geometric arrangement.

Abstract: In a system of packaging of foodstuffs in containers of rectangular horizontal section, each open-topped container is sterilized, filled, and closed with a sterilized closure. The closure is of a laminate including a thermoplastics layer of sufficient thickness to fill an internal discontinuity of the container mouth during heat-sealing of the closure to the container. In making the closure, a portion of laminate is partially severed to form a flap and the laminate is clamped around the flap and drawn to form a shallow dish, to the inside of the base of which is heat-sealed a diaphragm including a pull tab. The thermoplastics layer is on a reflective metal layer and incorporates infrared-absorbing particles and infrared-reflective particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for laying a mat of fibrous material which includes an upwardly inclined belt onto which the fibrous material is fed, one or more combing roller located above the belt, a stripping roller at the upper end of the belt for removing the material from the belt and passing it into a mechanism for laying the material into a mat. The angle of inclination of the incline belt and the position of the first combing roller as such that the material can build up to reach a critical angle of repose and then slide back down. A second combing roller located upstream of the first combing roller serves to comb the material to a constant depth, and the speed of the incline belt is adjustable to determine the amount of material leaving the incline belt and thus regulate the thickness of the formed mat.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging an open mold with a plasticized material to produce molded plastic parts has a movable endless belt to define a surface upon which is received a plurality of masses of plastic material in a predetermined arrangement after the material has been plasticized. Each mass has a predetermined shape approximating the capacity of a mold cavity into which the mass is to be fed. The endless belt has a charge station position in which plasticized material is discharge onto the belt and the entire belt can be fed from the charge station position into such a position with respect to an open mold cavity that a mass of plastic material is fed from the belt surface into the mold cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for manufacturing insulation for metallic rod which includes a mechanism for housing a plurality of ingredients, scales for weighing a predetermined quantity of each ingredient, a blender for blending predetermined amounts of each ingredient into one material, a mixer to mix the dry blend of ingredients, a mill to form the blended material into strips, a dicer to transform the strips into pellets of insulation, an extruder for placing insulation around the metallic rod, a conveyor to transport the ingredients and/or material between each of the above steps, a controller for outputting commands to the blender and receiving inputs from the scales to obtain the predetermined amount of each ingredient, and a computer for verifying that the correct amount of each ingredient has been obtained. The ingredients used in the manufacture of this insulation material include plasticizers, fillers, a resin, and modifiers.

Abstract: A dough-dividing and rounding machine for dividing and rounding dough wherein the machine includes a removable ring and dividing assembly for the convenient cleaning of the machine and to allow for the interchangeability of the dividing assembly with other dividing assemblies for the production of dough or similar materials having different weights, quantities or shapes. The present invention being particularly adapted for use in dividing and/or dividing and rounding machines wherein a predetermined quantity of pieces of equal-sized dough or the like are produced.

Abstract: A conveyor roller (8) has circular-saw-shaped teeth (28) on its circumference. By means of the conveyor roller set in rotation, shavings are pared off cubes of fat (9) and uniformly fill up the tooth gaps (27). The fat is conveyed along a cylindrical housing part (29) to a nozzle space (36). The nozzle space is bounded by an adjustable end portion (30) of the housing part and an adjustable stripper (32). At the end of the nozzle space, a homogeneous strip of fat is discharged through a nozzle orifice (40). The stripper has a control portion which is actuated by the teeth on the circumference of the conveyor roller. Another stripper portion (37) continually removes the fat in each tooth gap. Fats of very different consistencies can be processed. Optimum plasticization takes place during transformation of the cubes of fat into a strip of fat. The fat is warmed only a very little during the transformation operation. Thin strips of fat having great homogeneity can be produced.

Abstract: A pinch-off clamp 20, built into a top 12 of a hollow core 11 within a blow molding machine 10, has jaws 21 and 22 that open to receive a leading end 18 of a parison 15, which descends into the hollow core. Then jaws 21 and 22 close together to pinch off and hold a leading region of parison 15 at top of core 11. Once parison 15 is pinched off and held closed, it can be ballooned and draped over core 11 and then blown into a double-walled box formed between the core and cavity mold parts closed around the core.

Abstract: A dough dividing and rounding machine for dividing and rounding dough wherein the machine includes a removable ring and dividing assembly for the convenient cleaning of the machine and to allow for the interchangeability of the dividing assembly with a second dividing assembly for the production of dough having different sizes, quantities or shapes. The present invention being particularly adapted for use in dividing and/or dividing and rounding machines wherein a predetermined quantity of pieces of equal sized dough are produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing a dough strip of substantially uniform dimensions is provided. The apparatus (2) comprises a hopper (4) having a divider (8) at its bottom, a conveyor (10) with a weighing device (12), a transfer conveyor (13), a thickness defining device (24) mounted on the transfer conveyor (13) and the width defining members (26) between the transfer conveyor (13) and the thickness defining device (24). In this apparatus, the dough portions supplied from the hopper (4) are weighed and supplied onto the transfer conveyor (13) one after another. By regulating the width and thickness of the dough, the length of the dough is made to be proportional to its weight. Thus the dough portion is supplied onto the transfer conveyor when it has conveyed the preceding dough portion a distance proportional to the weight thereof. The dough portions are connected to each other to make a dough strip when they pass through the thickness defining device (24) and the width defining members (26).

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing blanks comprising the production of a batch of fiber-reinforced synthetic resin compound, the production of a piece of fiber mat, depositing the batch of compound onto the piece of fiber mat, and conveying them together into a press for molding them together. In such a process, the initial step of producing the fiber-reinforced synthetic resin compounds and in producing the fiber mat is the production of a running length of fiber, which is then either cut and combined with resin compounds for the production of the noted batches, or placed on a conveyor and combined with additional compound; the process includes operating the fiber producing apparatus and delivering the fibers produced to a cutting means of the equipment for producing the fiber-reinforced synthetic resin compounds for a first period of time and then delivering the fiber to the conveyor for the production of a fiber mat for a second period of time.

Abstract: Long lengths of a heat-shrinkable sleeve for use in splicing electrical cables and the like are manufactured by providing an elongated impermeable core having a smooth outer surface, extruding an elongated sleeve around and in contact with the core, the sleeve having a smooth inner surface conforming to the outer surface of the core, and effecting an initial expansion of a portion of the sleeve to a larger diameter in an expansion zone so that the sleeve separates from the core and leaves a space between the sleeve and core. A fluid is introduced into the space under pressure via a fitting at the downstream end of the sleeve while continuously advancing the sleeve and core through the expansion zone. To begin the process, a permeable core is used, and the sleeve is extruded around and in contact with the permeable core.

Abstract: Machined steel blocks 1 and 2 have ridges 20 facing valleys in the opposite block. Polypropylene tape 3 to be heat-treated has sliding contact transversely over each ridge on each block. The blocks are heated by heaters 4. The gap between the blocks is adjustable to suit the material being processed. The gap is large enough so that the tape passing between the blocks is not constrained to deflect from coplanarity by more than its own thickness.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for producing compacted chopped strands having a high density, wherein flattened wetted chopped strands are prepared and subjected in the wetted state to a rolling action to change the flattened form into rounded rod-like form while being compacted. The chopped strands are conveyed horizontally along a vibrating carrier plate (44, 151, 151') so that the rolling action is imparted to the chopped strands during the convey. The chopped strands moving among the carrier plate (151, 151') is dried by heated air applied from the lower side of the chopped strands.

Abstract: A double-walled plastic box 20 is molded from a single parison 50 in an unlimited depth by closing the bottom of parison 50 and draping it downwardly over a core 60 so that a leading part of the parison forms an inside wall of the box and a following part of the parison forms an outside wall of the box. After parison 50 is draped over core 60, outer mold parts 61 close around the core and the draped parison; and the box is blown in a cavity between the core and the outer mold parts. The parison can be ballooned while draping down over the core to enlarge the parison to stand out from and surround the core, which can be raised during the draping process. Parison 50 can also be deballooned after draping to stay within the confines of outer mold parts 61 while core 60 raises and while the outer mold parts close.

Abstract: An improved machine for manufacturing short cut varieties of Italian pasta ("orecchiette", etc.) comprises three cascaded units: a first unit, with screw feeders, by which pasta mix is fed in and extruded into sticks; a second unit by which the pasta sticks are cut into cylindrical pellets; and a third unit by which the pasta pellets are gathered up and shaped, comprising a first knurled roller and a forming plate with a bead, which operate in conjunction to the end of flattening and curling the pellet, and a second roller in soft material that rotates in the opposite direction to the first roller and interacts with a third roller, carrying a projection, to form the pasta into the typical cup shape of the varieties in question.

Abstract: A process to obtain molecular orientations in perforated plates made of extruded plastic material includes a first heating of the plastic material at an extrusion temperature, the extruding of the plastic material in the form of a perforated plate, a first cooling of said plate, a second heating of the plate at the longitudinal orientation temperature, the longitudinal stretching of the plate, a second cooling of the plate at a temperature approaching room temperature, a third heating of the plate at the longitudinal stabilization temperature, a third cooling of the plate, a fourth heating of the plate at the transverse orientation temperature, the transverse stretching of the plate, a fourth cooling of the plate at the transverse stabilization temperature, and the final cooling of the plate.

Abstract: An ice cream dispenser having a container for receiving and containing ice cream is disclosed. The container has a piston therein which is mounted on a threaded rod to move the piston upwardly in the container through a shearing device. The ice cream is softened by the shearing device and is dispensed from a spout at the top of the container.