Abstract: A dough dividing system includes a hopper for receiving dough constituent including a hopper inlet and a hopper outlet, a divider assembly including a divider block including a divider block cavity, and a first actuator, and a receptacle including a receptacle inlet. The first actuator moves the divider block to align the divider block cavity with the hopper outlet, the dough constituent enters the divider block cavity when the divider block cavity is aligned with the hopper outlet, the divider block moves to shear a dough form from the dough constituent, and the divider block moves the dough form over the receptacle inlet such that the dough form can empty from the divider block cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device (101 . . . 106) for a dough extrusion machine (2), comprising a moveable frame (3), a wire (41) or a blade (42) mounted on said frame (3), and a first drive (51, 52) coupled to said frame (3) causing a movement of the frame (3) in a first direction (x). Moreover, the cutting device (101 . . . 106) comprises a second drive (61, 62, 62?) coupled to said frame (3), which causes a movement of the frame (3) in a second direction (z) transverse to the first direction (x). The second drive (61, 62, 62?) can be actuated independently of said first drive (51, 52). In addition, the invention relates to a method of cutting dough by means of said cutting device (101 . . . 106), wherein the first drive (51, 52) and the second drive (61, 62, 62?) are simultaneously actuated during movement of the wire (41)/blade (42).

Abstract: A liquefier assembly for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system includes a liquefier tube compositionally comprising a metallic material, and having a first end and a second end offset along a longitudinal axis, and a flow channel extending from the first end to the second end. The assembly further includes an extrusion tip compositionally comprising a metallic material and coupled to the second end of the liquefier tube, the extrusion tip having a cavity having an interior shoulder wherein the cavity terminates in an opening. The liquefier includes a hardened insert compositionally comprising a material that is harder than the metallic material of the extrusion tip and the metallic material of the liquefier tube. The hardened insert has an exterior shoulder that engages the interior shoulder of the extrusion tip such that the insert is press fit within the extrusion tip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for providing a dough piece on a movable substrate, comprising a substrate, movable in a transport direction for dough pieces with a substrate speed, at least one dough supplier, configured for continuously supplying a dough stream in a supply direction with a supply speed to at least one dispensing opening, arranged above a movable substrate; wherein the plane of the dispensing opening has a directional component perpendicular to the transport direction, a knife, arranged movable with respect to the dispensing opening, with a directional component parallel to the plane of the opening for cutting the dough stream into pieces and a directional component in the supply direction of the dough for moving along with the dough, a controller, for controlling the movement of the knife, and configured to repeatedly move a cutting edge of the knife along the dispensing opening for cutting the dough stream into pieces; and move the knife with a directional component in the supply

Abstract: A flow speed control plate is provided for use in combination with a die for forming a monolith. The flow speed control plate includes: a base plate having both a clay supply surface and a clay outflow surface that is to be superposed on a clay inflow surface of the die; clay flow holes which each penetrate the base plate and through which the clay flows from the clay supply surface to the clay outflow surface; and a positioning mechanism provided to position the flow speed control plate with respect to the die so that each of the clay flow holes of the flow speed control plate has its central axis arranged coaxially with a central axis of a corresponding one of clay inflow holes of the die. Moreover, a diameter of the clay flow holes is set to be smaller than a diameter of the corresponding clay inflow holes.

Abstract: Rice-washing work can be easily performed by anyone, and proper rice-washing of various kinds of rice can be performed irrespective of an amount of rice. Namely, conventional apparatuses have not dealt with water absorption, infiltration, swelling, weakening, dissolving, and unpleasant taste, making it difficult to secure Japanese style rice quality in a white rice state. The present invention provides a rice-polishing technique for reproducing the quality. Provided is a rice washer that can be installed in a saved space not to cause obstruction even when installed in a kitchen. The rice washer according to the present invention includes a charging part into which milled rice is charged; a pressurized-stirring part provided at a rear-stage of the charging part and configured to, while pressurizing, stir and sequentially feed the milled rice charged from the charging part; a first water supply part configured to supply water to the pressurized-stirring part.

Abstract: The disclosure defined by this invention describes a method for preparing a flour tortilla (including whole wheat or multi grain) which utilizes a fatty substance in the form of a powder, granulate or crystal to improve the properties of the tortilla.

Abstract: A flow splitter can include an inlet conduit and first and second outlet conduits separated by a junction portion. The inlet conduit can include an inlet end and a junction end. The inlet conduit is disposed along a main flow axis extending between the inlet end and the junction end. The inlet end defines an inlet opening. The junction end defines first and second junction openings. The first junction opening is disposed in spaced relationship to the second junction opening. The junction portion is disposed at the junction end of the inlet conduit between the first and second junction openings. The junction portion includes a substantially planar wall region that is substantially perpendicular to the main flow axis. The flow splitter can be placed in fluid communication with a cementitious slurry mixer and a slurry distributor with the flow splitter disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A secure valve access system includes a cover mounted over the valve stem of a valve. The cover is attached to a support which is mounted on the valve so the cover cannot be removed. Fasteners extend through the support and are selectively jammed against a wrench flat thereby providing a torque transmitting connection between the cover and a valve operator. Retraction of the fasteners breaks the torque transmitting connection allowing the cover to free wheel thereby preventing unauthorized operation of the valve. Rotation of the fasteners is done by an unusual drive socket.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for cutting material used in fused deposition modeling systems are provided, which comprise a ribbon including one or more perforations. Material is passed through at least one perforation and movement of the ribbon cuts the material. A further embodiment comprises a disk including one or more blade structures, each forming at least one cavity. Material is passed through at least one cavity and a rotational movement of the disk cuts the material. A further embodiment comprises a slider-crank mechanism including a slider coupled to a set of parallel rails of a guide shaft. The slider moves along a length of the rails to cut the material. Yet another embodiment comprises one or more rotatable blade structures coupled to at least one rod. The rotation of the blade structures causes the blade structures to intersect and cut extruded material during each rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drying-/degassing device (7) for drying or degassing a polyester granulate, which has a temperature-control zone, a cooling zone, an inlet (6) and an outlet (6) for polyester granulate and also in addition a separate removal possibility (14) for removing hot polyester granulate. In addition, the present invention relates to a device for the direct production of molded articles from polyester melts which comprises the drying-/degassing device according to the invention. In addition, the present invention describes a method for the production of molded articles from polyesters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a flour tortilla comprising providing a flour tortilla dough in a portion sufficient to prepare the tortilla; applying a fatty substance to at least part of the surface of the dough portion; thereafter forming the dough into a tortilla shape; and thereafter baking the dough.

Abstract: Provided is a kneaded dough dividing apparatus including a divider having a single dough inlet receiving kneaded dough and two dough outlets for discharging the received kneaded dough as two streams of kneaded dough. The apparatus includes a dough supply pipe continuously supplying kneaded dough to the dough inlet of the divider, and a pressure distribution changing plate provided in the dough supply pipe. The pressure distribution changing plate having a width in a direction traversing a cross-section of the dough supply pipe as seen in the cross-section and a length extending from an upstream end to downstream end of the pressure distribution changing plate. The pressure distribution changing plate is twisted so that a direction of the width at the downstream end is generally at a right angle to a direction of the width at the upstream end.

Abstract: A dough depositing machine adapted for use in the manufacture of non-traditional baked goods and methods related thereto. Non-traditional dough (e.g., gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegetarian, or vegan dough) may have properties that are more difficult to accommodate during manufacturing than the properties of traditional dough. Accordingly, various components of the dough depositing machine may be adapted to operate with non-traditional dough. For example, at least one of a dough delivery mechanism, a forming portion, a cutting assembly and a controller of the dough depositing machine may be adapted for use with non-traditional dough. These components of a dough depositing mechanism may be provided as originally manufactured equipment or may be retrofit to an existing dough depositing machine designed for use with traditional dough.

Abstract: A granulating device for granulating thermoplastic materials. The device has a die head, a cutting chamber housing, and at least one insulating element comprising thermally insulating material. The insulating element is situated between a die head element and a cutting chamber housing element. At least one tempering device situated between the insulating element and cutting chamber housing element or adjacent to the insulating element is provided. The tempering device acts to remove unwanted heat introduced in its vicinity, or to replenish heat undesirably removed from its vicinity.

Abstract: A device for producing pellets from a melt material. The device can have a perforated plate with nozzles from which a melt material emerges. Located opposite the perforated plate is a cutting chamber with a motor-driven cutter arrangement having a cutter head with at least one blade, and a cutter shaft. A coolant is introduced into the cutting chamber from an inlet apparatus. The inlet apparatus has a separate inlet chamber that circumferentially encloses the cutting chamber in the area of rotation of the at least one blade, and has an adjustable annular inlet nozzle arrangement. Coolant is introduced into the cutting chamber circumferentially and substantially radially inward from the outside. A substantially centripetal flow of the coolant is produced in the area of rotation, and the coolant and the pellets are conveyed to an outlet of the cutting chamber.

Abstract: A granulating device for granulating thermoplastic materials. The device has a die head, a cutting chamber housing, and at least one insulating element comprising thermally insulating material. The insulating element is situated between a die head element and a cutting chamber housing element. At least one tempering device situated between the insulating element and cutting chamber housing element or adjacent to the insulating element is provided. The tempering device acts to remove unwanted heat introduced in its vicinity, or to replenish heat undesirably removed from its vicinity.

Abstract: A cutter head holder for blades of an underwater granulator for granulating pellets from a plastic melt that emerges from a perforated plate into a process chamber of a housing of an underwater granulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pelletizing at least one strand of material to be pelletized. Said device comprises a cutting device with two blades that can be displaced relative each other, at least one feed roller and at least one strand feeder for feeding the strand to the cutting device. An additional tab-shaped rectification guide is arranged downstream of the strand feeder in the region directly in front of the feed roller and next to the same, said guide being adjustable and movable in relation to the strand feeder. The rectification guide can be used to adjust the angle at which the strand is fed to the feed roller.

Abstract: A dough depositing machine adapted for use in the manufacture of non-traditional baked goods and methods related thereto. Non-traditional dough (e.g., gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegetarian, or vegan dough) may have properties that are more difficult to accommodate during manufacturing than the properties of traditional dough. Accordingly, various components of the dough depositing machine may be adapted to operate with non-traditional dough. For example, at least one of a dough delivery mechanism, a forming portion, a cutting assembly and a controller of the dough depositing machine may be adapted for use with non-traditional dough. These components of a dough depositing mechanism may be provided as originally manufactured equipment or may be retrofit to an existing dough depositing machine designed for use with traditional dough.

Abstract: A food product press having a mold base, a press assembly having a plurality of press bodies, and blade spaces between the press bodies, a plurality of blades slidable within the blade spaces, and a blade operating mechanism for moving the blades relative to the press bodies.

Abstract: In a process and a device for producing blocks of expanded polystyrene, a loose mass (7) of polystyrene spheres is expanded in a mold (2-3), where a rear surface (9) of the polystyrene block (8) previously produced delimits the mold forming chamber. Therefore, through adherence the newly formed block (7-8) is joined to the rear end (9) of the block previously formed, and the block (8) made in this way is fed forward until it forms the rear end (9) for another newly expanded block (8), and so on to produce a sort of continuous block (8), which can be formed for cutting to any desired size, without producing any waste.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device for a granulator for obtaining granules from cutting plastic strands which are discharged from nozzles, said cutting device comprising a cutting rotor which is connected to the drive shaft by means of a Cardan joint piece comprising a driven part and a drive part. Said drive part and the driven part comprise a force transfer piece, respectively having a prong like shape such that the prongs rotate about the force transfer piece when they are pivoted at about 90 degrees in relation to each other. Each prong supports the axis which extends through the force transfer piece and both axes are offset in relation to each other essentially about 90 degrees.

Abstract: Described herein are extrusion processes to produce hollow pellets. Also disclosed are pelletizer devices that can be used to produce the hollow pellets. The processes and devices make use of an extrusion die having a die orifice and an insert that is placed in the die orifice to produce the hollow pellets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for granulating plastic strands having a cutting wheel (15), the individual blades of which graze past a counter blade (2) disposed in a blade carrier (1) when the cutting wheel is rotated, thus cutting the plastic strands (13) being guided over the counter blade into a granulate (14), wherein a rail (3a, 3b) composed of hard material running parallel to the counter blade is disposed adjacent to the counter blade and after said counter blade in the rotational direction of the cutting wheel that collects cut granulate and conducts said granulate into a discharge channel.

Abstract: An insulated die plate assembly for use in underwater pelletizing and other granulation processes includes a thin, continuous air chamber formed across the plate assembly generally parallel to the die face such that the heated upstream portion of the die plate assembly is thermally insulated from the downstream portion. The air chamber is atmospherically equilibrated by venting the air chamber to the atmosphere. The plurality of extrusion orifices, either individually or in groups, are formed in extrusion orifice extensions that extend through the insulation chamber so that the process melt to be granulated can pass therethrough. The orifice extensions and the components forming the air chamber around the orifice extensions channel heat along said extensions to maintain the process melt therein at a desired temperature, to help rigidify the die plate assembly and to better seal the air chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a process for making thermoplastic polymer pellets. The process has the following steps: (a) melting a thermoplastic polymer to form a polymer melt; (b) extruding the melt through a die to form a substantially continuous molten polymer extrudate wherein the die has a contact surface bearing a polymer coating having a surface energy of less than 25 mN/m at 20° C.; (c) cooling the extrudate to form a cooled extrudate; and (d) pelletizing the cooled extrudate to form a plurality of polymer pellets. Provided is also a polymer pellet shipping system and a stable thermoplastic polymer pellet.

Abstract: The methods and apparatuses for granulating thermoplastic material emerging from nozzles in a perforated plate are provided. The apparatus can have a motor-driven cutter arrangement having at least one blade located opposite the perforated plate. The at least one blade can pass over the nozzles in the perforated plate and cuts pellets of the emerging thermoplastic material.

Abstract: In a resin granulating apparatus of the present invention, a bracket extending in the outward radial direction over an outer peripheral surface of a sleeve is provided for the sleeve for rotatably supporting a cutter shaft of a cutter for shearing a material extruded from a die. Stopper means cooperating with the bracket to regulate movement of the sleeve toward the die and moving a regulation position in the axial direction is provided on the radially outer side over an outer diameter of the sleeve. With such a configuration, installation space is compactified so as to additionally provide the stopper means in the existing facilities, and a position of the cutter relative to a die surface is precisely adjusted so as to stably produce a pellet of a best shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the pelletization of plastics and/or polymers, in which a melt coming from a melt generator is supplied via a diverter valve having different operating positions to a plurality of pelletizing heads through which the melt is pelletized. The plurality of pelletizing heads have different throughput capacities and are used sequentially for the start-up of the pelletizing process, with the melt first being supplied to a first pelletizing head having a smaller throughput capacity and then the melt volume flow being increased and the diverter valve being switched over such that the melt is diverted by the diverter valve to a second pelletizing head having a larger throughput capacity.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an open feed end. The open feed end is attachable in fluid communication with the extruder for supplying a mash to said elongated extrusion member. An extrusion die is supported on a front of the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die includes an extrusion outlet formed therein. A filling tube is mounted on a rear of the elongated extrusion member and is attachable in fluid communication with the extruder for supplying a filling to the filling tube. A cutter member has a drivable end and a cutter blade with a cutting surface for cutting extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the extrusion die. The cutter member is operably connectable at the drivable end to a drive device of the extruder for reciprocatably sliding the cutting surface of the cutter blade over and away from the outlet of the extrusion die.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the production of granulate grains from a plastic melt, having a nozzle plate with at least one nozzle opening from which a strand of the plastic melt is discharged into a processing chamber, and a cutting tool having at least one cutting blade that may be moved against the nozzle plate by means of a feed device, wherein the plastic strand discharged from the nozzle opening of the nozzle plate can be fragmented into granulate grains by the cutting blade moving relative to the nozzle opening. The nozzle plate has a diamond coating at least on the surface thereof facing the cutting tool, with the hardness of the diamond coating being greater than the hardness of the cutting blade, and with the average roughness of the diamond coating being greater than the average roughness of the cutting blade by at least a factor of two.

Abstract: The dough distribution manifold (10) includes a housing (12) with a perimeter wall (14) forming a dough distribution chamber (20). Removable bottom wall (16) and removable top wall (18) are positioned on the perimeter wall. Top wall (18) includes a cover plate (40) and an insert plate (42), with the insert plate having a protrusion (44) that extends into the dough distribution chamber (20), whereby different sized insert plates may be combined with the cover plate to adjust the height of the dough distribution chamber. The perimeter wall (14) is independently supported with respect to said bottom wall (16) and top wall (18) so that the bottom and top walls may be removed while leaving the perimeter wall in place for inspection and cleaning. Valves (56) and dough dividers (34 and 64) are used to direct the movement of dough in equal amounts through the delivery openings (32).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cutting dough are described. One described dough cutting apparatus comprises a barrel having two ends, a removable die comprising a shaped opening, the removable die adapted to be coupled to a first end of the barrel, and a knife adapted to cut dough extruded from the shaped opening. In one illustrative method for making doughnuts, dough is extruded and cut using such a dough cutting apparatus and the dough is then cooked.

Abstract: A cutter device includes a fixing holder, a spherical cylinder, and a cutter holder. The fixing holder has a through hole, and a spherical outer circumferential surface in which a key groove is formed. The spherical cylinder includes a through hole that has a spherical inner circumferential surface in which a key groove having a spherical bottom surface is formed, and a spherical outer circumferential surface having a key groove formed at a position shifted around a rotational axis with respect to the key groove. The cutter holder includes a through hole that has a spherical inner circumferential surface in which a through hole having a spherical bottom surface is formed, and a cutter blade. These components are rotationally slidably connected by keys.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for continuously producing a polymer pellet efficiently in which, in storing, transporting or feeding to a processing apparatus, the obtained pellets containing the adhesive polymer do not easily mutually adhere, and handling thereof is excellent. The method comprises a step of deforming at temperatures of about 30 to 150° C. under pressure an adhesive polymer coated with a thermoplastic polymer, and a step of cutting the deformed portion of the coated polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying synthetic resins applicable to a metal mold wheel that rotates at a high speed. A cutter of a cutter unit and a holding fitting are attached to an air cylinder, so that the cutter unit can be advanced and retreated in the radial direction of rotation. When the molten resin is stably blown out from an extrusion nozzle, the air cylinder is expanded to move the cutter to an advanced position to cut the molten resin. When the molten resin is unstably blown out from the extruder, the air cylinder is contracted and the cutter is arranged at a retreated position so will not to come in contact with the molten resin. Despite the cutter wheel continues to rotate, the molten resin is not contacted by the cutters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pelletizer, preferably in the form of an underwater pelletizer. In particular, this invention relates to a cutter and/or grinding head for such pelletizer, comprising a tool carrier which can rotatorily be driven about a tool carrier axis of rotation, and at least one cutting and/or grinding tool, which is attached to the tool carrier and is spaced from the tool carrier axis of rotation, for knocking off plastic melt emerging from a pelletizer die plate and/or for grinding said pelletizer die plate. In accordance with the invention, the cutting and/or grinding tool is rotatably mounted on the tool carrier about an axis of rotation spaced from the tool carrier axis of rotation. This provides a second component of movement for the cutting and/or grinding tool.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of expandable styrene polymers having a molecular weight Mw of greater than 170,000 g/mol, which comprises conveying a blowing agent-containing styrene polymer melt having a temperature of at least 120° C. through a die plate with holes whose diameter at the die exit is at most 1.5 mm, and subsequently granulating the extrudate, and expandable styrene polymers (EPS) having a molecular weight Mw of more than 170,000 g/mol with 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of internal water.

Abstract: A melt cooler and valving system for an underwater pelletizer has a diverter valve that facilitates multiple modes of melt processing. The cooler has a cooler inlet line that conveys the melt to the cooler, and a cooler outlet line that conveys the cooled melt from the cooler. The diverter valve is configured to convey the melt to and from the cooler during a cooling mode of operation, to convey the melt around the cooler during a bypass mode of operation, and to drain the melt from the cooler and the diverter valve during a drain mode of operation. The diverter valve is compact and therefore contains a minimum of product inventory. The valve is streamlined and direct in its bypass mode, and includes a drain capability to allow for faster, easier cleaning of the process line, which in turn provides a fast changeover time with less lost product.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an open feed end. The open feed end is attachable in fluid communication with a manifold of the extruder for supplying a mash thereto. An extrusion die is supported on the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die includes a plurality of extrusion outlets formed therein. A cutter member cuts extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die. The cutter member is slidable on the extrusion member in a direction of elongation of the extrusion member. The cutter member is operably connectable at the drivable end to a drive device of the extruder for reciprocatably sliding the cutting surface of the cutter member over and away from the extrusion die. The shape of the extrusion outlets twist the mash as the mash exits the extrusion die in order to form a twisted food product.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for ductile materials comprises a nozzle having a number of outlet openings separated from each other by separator webs. Next to the nozzle, a rotating cutting tool is provided, having a plurality of cutting knives for cutting off the strands of material discharged through the outlet openings of the nozzle. Each separator web is at least as wide as a cutting knife. For performing a cutting operation, the cutting tool is intermittently rotated. Between two cutting operations, the cutting tool is stopped, whereby its knives remain in a rest position behind the separator webs. For the next cutting operation, the cutting tool is rotated by such an amount that its cutting knives move from a position behind a first separator web to the next adjacent separator web.

Abstract: An improved process for the pelletization of polymers is disclosed, using a die in which the die holes incorporate a reverse taper along at least a portion of the length thereof. Conditions for operation of an under melt cutter incorporating this die are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an open feed end. The open feed end is attachable in fluid communication with the extruder for supplying a mash thereto. An extrusion die is supported on the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die includes at least one extrusion outlet formed therein. A cutter member cuts extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die. The at least one extrusion outlet is shaped to have at least six straight sides, the shape of the at least one extrusion outlet ensuring that the mash exits the extrusion die in a straight orientation in order to form a straight food product.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a mold charge into a cavity includes a pair of hubs mounted for rotation around parallel axes, a link connected between the hubs at positions off-center relative to the parallel axes and a blade connected to the link. Rotation of the hubs causes the blade to travel in an elliptical path relative to an extrusion orifice to cut mold charges from the orifice and place the mold charges into cavities passing beneath the blade. The apparatus preferably includes a drive member that simultaneously rotates both of the hubs to drive the blade relative to the extrusion orifice and cavities. The blade preferably includes an arm that extends into a cavity to place a mold charge into the bottom of the cavity for consistent and accurate placement of the mold charges from one cavity to the next.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an open feed end. The open feed end is attachable in fluid communication with the extruder for supplying a mash to said elongated extrusion member. An extrusion die is supported on a front of the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die includes an extrusion outlet formed therein. A filling tube is mounted on a rear of the elongated extrusion member and is attachable in fluid communication with the extruder for supplying a filling to the filling tube. A cutter member has a drivable end and a cutter blade with a cutting surface for cutting extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the extrusion die. The cutter member is operably connectable at the drivable end to a drive device of the extruder for reciprocatably sliding the cutting surface of the cutter blade over and away from the outlet of the extrusion die.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an open feed end. The open feed end is attachable in fluid communication with a manifold of the extruder for supplying a mash thereto. An extrusion die is supported on the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die includes a plurality of extrusion outlets formed therein. A cutter member cuts extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die. The cutter member is slidable on the extrusion member in a direction of elongation of the extrusion member. The cutter member is operably connectable at the drivable end to a drive device of the extruder for reciprocatably sliding the cutting surface of the cutter member over and away from the extrusion die. The shape of the extrusion outlets twist the mash as the mash exits the extrusion die in order to form a twisted food product.

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: The invention relates to an arrangement with an extrusion die (1) of an extruder for granulating plastic material with several pass-through openings (4) for allowing the passage of plastic melt, and a granulating die plate (2) with holes (3) arranged on its die face (1?), with the pass-through openings (4) each opening into a separate nozzle-like projection (6) protruding beyond the front die face (1?) of the extrusion die (1), with the free cross section of the holes (3) being larger than the outside circumference of the projections (6) for the contactless reception of the nozzle-like projections (6) in the holes (3) of the granulating die plate (2) by forming a clearance (7), and with an elastic sealing material (10) being arranged between a front face surface (8) of the nozzle-like projection (6) and a supporting element joined with the granulating die plate (2), preferably a holding flange (2?) of the granulating die plate (2).

Abstract: A melt cooler and valving system for an underwater pelletizer has a diverter valve that facilitates multiple modes of melt processing. The cooler has a cooler inlet line that conveys the melt to the cooler, and a cooler outlet line that conveys the cooled melt from the cooler. The diverter valve is configured to convey the melt to and from the cooler during a cooling mode of operation, to convey the melt around the cooler during a bypass mode of operation, and to drain the melt from the cooler and the diverter valve during a drain mode of operation. The diverter valve is compact and therefore contains a minimum of product inventory. The valve is streamlined and direct in its bypass mode, and includes a drain capability to allow for faster, easier cleaning of the process line, which in turn provides a fast changeover time with less lost product.