Abstract: Nanofiber filter media ribbons are flexible elongate strips of polymeric material having a surface on which is formed an array of nanofibers. Ribbons are formable into woven or non-woven mats. The array of nanofibers can be configured to filter a predetermined contaminant from a fluid stream passing through the mats. Filter ribbons are formable by applying a moldable polymer to a first angular location of a rotating cylindrical roll having an array of nanoholes formed in a circumferential surface thereof so that the polymer covers the surface of the roll and infiltrates the nanoholes; cooling the polymer while rotating the polymer-covered roll to a second angular position; and removing the cooled polymer from the roll as an elongate film having an array of nanofibers formed on a surface thereof by the polymer that infiltrated the nanoholes.

Abstract: A mechanical system that assembles or deploys pre-stressed structures. The assembly or deployment process outputs and elastically deforms material to form flexural members having a sinusoidal shape and stored potential energy. The sinusoidal shaped members are oriented and deployed with support members as they take shape. Sinusoidal shaped members are formed from a series of contiguous flexures; each flexure's properties may be engineered using a simulation technique. Each flexure is formed from a region of a sinusoidal member's length that begins and ends at antinodes. During assembly or deployment support members are positioned at antinodes maintaining the flexures' shapes and the assembly's pre-stressed state. By controlling the forces applied to and position of each flexure formed during assembly, the distribution of potential energy within the assembly and its secondary shape can be engineered. Elastic potential energy may be harvested from the material forming the flexural members.

Abstract: An extrusion system (10) is provided that has first and second extruders (12,14) with first and second extrusion barrels (50,52). First and second extruded components (24,26) are transferred through the barrels (50,52) to a die (22) to coextrude tire tread (20) from the first and second extruded components (24,26). A horizontal plane (70) is located above ground in a vertical direction (40) and extends through both the first extrusion barrel (50) and the second extrusion barrel (52).

Abstract: A film forming apparatus includes a die device which extrudes a molten resin in a tube shape to form a film, a measurement unit which measures a thickness profile of a film in a circumferential direction, a plurality of adjustment portions which change the thickness profile of the film, and a controller which controls the plurality of adjustment portions such that the thickness profile approaches a target thickness profile. The controller changes the target thickness profile based on the measured thickness profile.

Abstract: A rubber strip manufacturing method that includes a step of extruding a rubber from an extrusion orifice of an extruder includes: a step of forming a long rubber member by extruding the rubber from the extrusion orifice that is circular; and a step of forming a rubber strip by passing the long rubber member through a gap between a pair of rotating rollers. The gap has a shape that is the widest in a central portion in a direction parallel to rotation axes of the rollers and that narrows as a distance from the central portion increases.

Abstract: Extruders for 3D printing machines are disclosed, which are configured to print with fragile metallic filament substrates. The extruders include two rotating elements, each of which is at least partially cylindrical, with the two rotating elements being positioned parallel to each other (with a first of the rotating elements being configured to rotate in a first direction and a second of the rotating elements being configured to rotate in a second opposite direction). The extruders are operably connected to a transmission, which is configured to drive rotation of the rotating elements in the first direction and the second opposite direction. The extruders further include a metallic filament contact zone located in a cylindrical area of each of the two rotating elements, along with a flexible coating that at least partially covers the metallic filament contact zone. The flexible coating is configured to be removed and replaced by an operator of the 3D printing machine.

Abstract: A mold cavity which is a mold die includes a die body and a plating layer provided on the surface of a mold surface. In this case, the mold surface has a leather-grain transfer surface for forming a grain pattern. The leather-grain transfer surface includes a first uneven-shape part and a second uneven-shape part formed at the surface of the first uneven-shape part and smaller in an uneven-shape width than the first uneven-shape part. The uneven-shape width falls within a range of 10 ?m or more and less than 500 ?m. The plating layer is an electroless-plating layer. A thickness of at least part of the plating layer falls within a range of 0.1 ?m or more and less than 10 ?m.

Abstract: To provide a food product molding device and a food product manufacturing method capable of molding foodstuffs into a food product having stacked plural layers with a simple structure. A mold unit in which a first mold plate and a second mold plate are stacked slidingly moves by a drive unit. Through holes respectively provided in the first mold plate and the second mold plate are linked to form molding hole portions. The molding hole portions move to a first filling position in which upper ends of the molding hole portions are connected to first filling openings, a second filling position in which upper ends of the molding hole portions are connected to second filling openings, and a discharge position in which upper ends of the molding hole portions are connected to pusher ports by the slide movement of the mold unit.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing draw resonance of a plastic material in molten state, so-called melt, leaving an extrusion group of a plant for the production of plastic film, includes at least one thermostatically-controlled cylinder, having an embracement angle of the melt on the cylinder that is adjustable on the basis of the process rate, i.e., the linear movement speed of the plastic film, and/or on the basis of the temperature measured in the proximity of or in correspondence with the clamping area of the melt in a thermoforming, calibration and cooling group included in the plant and positioned downstream of the system.

Abstract: A blown film coextrusion line includes a support frame, a plurality of extruders each mounted to the support frame and extending upward at an angle, and a downward facing blown film coextrusion die connected to distal ends of each of the plurality of extruders and receiving individual polymer streams from them. The blown film coextrusion line is compact and sturdy and eliminates much of the floor space and towered mounting structure that was required for conventional blown film coextrusion lines. A corresponding method of making a multilayer coextruded blown film is also provided.

Abstract: A solid state foaming process for generating a microcellular foam sheet for use in forming a container is provided includes a pre-foaming treatment phase prior to a solid state impregnation and foaming phase. The solid state microcellular foam sheet includes a central foamed section defining a foam layer within the microcellular foam sheet having a first population of cells within which are interspersed a second population of cells.

Abstract: A casting apparatus for manufacturing polymer film includes a die for discharging a molten polymer and having discharge direction oriented at a discharge angle offset from horizontal. The apparatus includes a first chill roll having a first diameter and a second chill roll having a second greater diameter. There is a first gap between the first chill roll and the second chill roll. The discharge angle is of a predetermined magnitude to gravity assist delivery of the molten polymer to the first gap. The second chill roll is positioned to gravity support the film exiting the first gap along a first length of a first side of the film. A first polishing roll is positioned downstream first and second chill rolls. The first polishing roll engages and cools a second length of a second opposite side of the film. The first length is substantially equal to the second length.

Abstract: A film casting apparatus includes a die which has a non-zero angled discharge direction relative to a horizontal plane. A chill roll is positioned downstream of the die. A film displacement device is positioned proximate to the chill roll and is configured to position the molten polymer on the chill roll and establish the thickness of the film. The non-zero discharge angle is of a predetermined magnitude to gravity assist delivery of the molten polymer to the chill roll. The chill roll is positioned to gravity support the polymer film along a first length of a first side of the polymer film. A first polishing roll is positioned downstream of the chill roll and engages and cools a second length of a second side of the polymer film which is opposite the first side. The first length is substantially equal to the second length.

Abstract: Equipment of making a substrate of plastic flooring contains: an extrusion unit, a thickness regulating unit, and a rolling apparatus. The extrusion unit includes an outlet, and the thickness regulating unit including an inlet, a channel, and a cooler. The rolling apparatus includes a first roller, a second roller, and a press roller. The press roller at least includes a contacting roller and a pressing roller, wherein the contacting roller is configured to roll a foaming sheet, a printing layer, and an abrasion resistant layer. Furthermore, a heating unit heats the foaming sheet, the printing layer, and the abrasion resistant layer so that the foaming sheet, the printing layer, and the abrasion resistant layer are connected by using the pressing roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a strip of elastomeric material to a surface, the apparatus comprising: a nozzle having an inlet in fluid communication with a pumping means, said nozzle having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the lower surface has a curved shape for mating engagement with an outer surface of a rotatable roller, said lower surface having an opening positioned for engagement with the roller outer surface.

Abstract: A roll stand assembly for processing a sheet product with a plurality of rolls on a frame. A first roll has a first sheet engaging surface and a first shaft assembly. A second roll has a second sheet engaging surface and a second shaft assembly. The first and second rolls are relatively movable between: a) an operating relationship; and b) an open relationship. A safety assembly prevents inadvertent changing of the first and second rolls from the open relationship into the operating relationship. The safety assembly includes a first chuck component mounted for movement relative to the frame between: a) a running position wherein the safety assembly is in a disengaged state; and b) a lockout position.

Abstract: A cup thermoforming machine includes a frame, a movable upper platen, a clamping grid and a movable lower platen. The movable upper platen is supported for vertical reciprocation by the frame, and carries a male die. The clamping grid is carried by the frame above a sheet of thermoformable material and has a clearance aperture for the male die. The lower platen is supported for vertical reciprocation by the frame beneath the clamping grid and carries a female die.

Abstract: A press device for the energy-efficient curing of a sandwich component for an aircraft, includes an open and mechanically adequately loadable core structure with cover layers applied to one side or to both sides. The sandwich component is restrained between a pressure piston, an abutment and sidewalls of the press device, thus forming an essentially closed interior space. At least one of at least one cover layer and the core structure includes a curable duroplastic plastic material. A conveying device feeds heated air through the core structure of the sandwich component in a closed heated-air circuit or preferably in an open heated-air circuit in order to ensure energy-efficient curing of the sandwich component from the inside out. The heated air is temperature-controlled by a heater. In the case of an open heated-air circuit, heat recovery by a heat exchanger is provided.

Abstract: Rotary forming devices and methods of using the rotary forming devices for producing products such as filled and unfilled “pillow” shaped products. In an embodiment, the invention provides a device comprising a housing comprising a die plate defining a plurality of outlets. The housing defines an inlet. A race plate is attached to the die plate. The race plate circumscribes the outlets of the die plate. A forming wheel is rotatably attached to the die plate. A motor assembly is attached to the forming wheel. The motor assembly is constructed and arranged to rotate the forming wheel in a hypocycloid motion.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing structures having a plurality of stems extending away from a fenestrated base to undercut islands projecting over fenestrations in the base. Such structures include slidingly-engaging fastener portions, self-engaging fasteners, uni-directional stepped fasteners, fastening segments integral with larger product components, and other structures with similar aspects. The method includes providing a set of partially bypassing dies to define a fenestrated common cavity contiguous with pluralities of undercut stem chambers and a terminal chamber, filling the cavity with a ductile moldable material, engaging the dies, and releasing the resultant product.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring objects (2), in particular caps (2), from a moulding carousel (3) on which the caps (2) are moulded, 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: A continuous single-stage embossing station comprised of two (2) temperature controlled engraved rollers which is located immediately after the extrusion die in the manufacturing process for multi-layer laminated glass panels and allows for dual simultaneous embossment of both sides of a polymer melt sheet and produces a polymer interlayer sheet with increased permanence, embossed retention values and decreased incidence of mottle and stack sticking peel force values. Also disclosed herein is an embossed polymer interlayer sheet with a first side, a second side and an embossed surface on at least one of the sides, with a surface roughness Rz of 10 to 90 microns on the embossed surface, a permanence of greater than 95% when tested at 100° C. for five (5) minutes and an embossed surface retention of greater than 70% when tested at 140 ° C. for five (5) minutes.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an extruded sheet product having an extruder assembly with a sheet die through which flowable material is delivered for sheet product formation and a roll stand assembly with a main frame and a roll stack sub-assembly on the main frame that cause flowable material from the sheet die to be formed into a sheet product. The apparatus further has a sub-frame assembly and a linear slide bearing assembly with at least one rail defining a travel path for the main frame and through which the main frame is guided in movement relative to the sub-frame assembly, thereby to selectively vary relative positions of the sheet die and roll stand assembly along the travel path.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink stick for use in a phase change ink jet imaging device comprises heating phase change ink material to an extrusion temperature at which the phase change ink material is in a malleable state. The ink material is then extruded through an extrusion orifice to form an extruded rail of ink. The extruded rail of ink is then roll formed to partially form a portion of a shape transverse to the extrusion direction as the rail of ink moves in the extrusion direction. A swaging process is then carried out to further form and divide the extruded rail of ink into ink sticks.

Abstract: A molding manufacturing method includes: preparing a molding body including a molding main body made of thermoplastic material and a decorative layer higher than the molding main body in hardness and melt temperature; setting the molding body in a fixed die; heating and softening an end portion of the molding body while maintaining the decorative layer softer than the molding main body, by irradiating an infrared ray onto a back surface of the molding main body corresponding to the end portion; and press forming the end portion of the molding body by applying a movable punch onto the fixed die while the end portion of the molding body is in a softened state to bend the end portion of the molding body to obtain an end cover portion having a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing tire's annular member having a stretch mainly in radial direction by use of simple devices and simple way of pressing with high precision and easiness, as to produce tire product in high quality with no fluctuation of mass and/or uniformity, comprising: a first mold including a profile mold having an annular recess; a second mold which faces the first mold; and an extruder that continuously extrudes a rubber body into the recess of the profile mold. Concurrent with such extruding, the profile mold is rotated by one turn so as to charge the rubber body into the annular recess in a manner as annularly continuous. Then, the first and the second molds are brought abut each other so as to press the rubber body between the profile and second molds; thus shaping the rubber body into a shape defined by the profile mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an adhesive closure element made of a thermoplastic synthetic material, by means of an extruder, which is produced without the need for screens, using a tempered forming cylinder (3) coated in rubber and a pressure cylinder in the form of a tempered pressure and smoothing cylinder. According to the invention, the synthetic material of a strip of film (2) is compressed by a wide split nozzle (1) of the extruder into pin holes (4) embodied as pocket holes in a rubber layer (7) which is arranged on the tempered forming cylinder (3), said layer of rubber (7) and the pin holes being provided with a teflon covering. The pin strip (5) is guided by means of a tempered withdrawal cylinder (10) between a gap with a gap with a pression cylinder (9) heated to a temperature greater than 230° C. and covered with PTFE at a low speed of between approximately 1 m/min. and 20 m/min.

Abstract: The invention relates to forming stuffed mincemeat by producing a continuous lower layer of mincemeat, placing a filling on the lower layer, producing a continuous upper layer of mincemeat covering the lower layer and the filling, then cutting the stuffed mincemeat into portions and shaping the portions by compressing them on each side, in order to form the contour thereof, and also vertically in order to provide them with the desired thickness.

Abstract: A dual-filled gum piece is provided having a first cavity filled with a liquid filling and a second cavity filled with a powder filling. The gum pieces are produced by extruding a gum rope having two separate channels respectively filled with liquid and powder, sizing and shaping the gum rope, cooling the gum rope, cutting the rope into discrete gum pieces, and finally cooling the gum pieces. The gum pieces optionally can be coated with a hard coating. In other aspects for single- and dual-filled gums, a process for making the gum pieces employs a rope sizer that reduces the diameter of the gum rope and shapes it to have a non-round cross-section, and a multi-story cooling tunnel having individually motor-driven conveyors.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for the manufacture of nonwoven fabric the fibers of which have polyethylene on at least part of their surface, where the fibers are thermally bonded and the non-woven fabric exhibits an abrasion of less than 0.5 mg/cm2, in particular of less than 0.4 mg/cm2, and an embossed area fraction of less than 35%, in particular of less than 28%. Furthermore a device is made available for the manufacture of a non-woven fabric, using a polyethylene-containing polymer, with a take-down system underneath a spinning plate that causes the take-down of the polyethylene, where the spinning plate has an L/D ratio of between 4 and 9.

Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for producing a cross-linked, tubular film or “tape” that uses a motor driven nip roll assembly and a product driven idler roll to pump gases contained within the film in a desired direction. The process eliminates the need to create slits to vent gases that are trapped within the film. The motor driven roll comprises a driven nip roll and a driven peristaltic roll that cooperate to drive the film forward and nip the film. The driven peristaltic roll includes a pumping section that comprises a plurality of pumping rollers that pump gases contained within the film in a direction that is the reverse direction of film travel. The product driven roll comprises a spool roller and a plurality of pumping rollers that are circumferentially spaced around the spool roller. The pumping rollers trap and pump gases contained in the film in the reverse direction of film travel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing at least two rubber strips comprising an extruder for extruding compounded rubber into at least two preliminary rubber strips each having a preliminary cross sectional shape, and a pair of calendar rollers for simultaneously forming the preliminary rubber strips into at least two rubber strips each having a finished cross sectional shape.

Abstract: A method may include the steps of: (a) providing a tire mold; (b) providing an extruder operatively connected to a head with a die assembly; (c) inserting at least a first compound into the first extruder; (d) forming an extrudate from the die assembly; (e) applying the extrudate directly from the die assembly into the tire mold to form a tire tread component; and, (f) controlling movement of the tire mold to correspond to the extrudate delivery.

Abstract: An extrusion mold head is provided having outer mold tapered cams that form an automatically contracting or expanding mold surface during extrusion of the poles, allowing the formation of tapered outer diameter on each pole. The extrusion mold head also has an inner mold tapered mandrel that is advanced or withdrawn in concert with the movement of the outer mold head pieces. The inner mold surface thereby automatically contracts or expands as required during extrusion of the poles to form either a uniform thickness or a tapering thickness of the wall of each pole.

Abstract: A roll to roll microreplication apparatus is described. This apparatus forms a microreplicated article including a web having first and second opposed surfaces. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, first nip roll and first coating die; the first coating die is disposed adjacent the web substrate first side and the web substrate is disposed between the first patterned roll and first nip roll. The first nip roll touches the web substrate second side and the first patterned roll touches the web substrate first side. The apparatus includes, a second patterned roll, second nip roll and second coating die, the second coating die is disposed adjacent the web substrate second side and the web substrate is disposed between the second patterned roll and second nip roll. The second nip roll touches the web substrate first side and the second patterned roll touches the web substrate second side.

Abstract: Gauge distribution apparatus for plastic film has a frame, a rotor mounted on the frame for sequential reversed rotation about a substantially vertical axis, and at least one slot in the rotor through which two lengths of plastic film can pass upwardly with spaced adjacent faces from below the rotor. First and second turning members are mounted on the rotor for receiving a respective length of plastic film and changing the direction of motion thereof from upwardly to horizontally. A series of upstanding circumferentially spaced film engaging members extend around the rotor, each film engaging member having an outer surface for engagement by the plastic film. Third and fourth turning members are mounted on the frame for receiving a respective length of plastic film after it has engaged at least one of the film engaging members and changing its direction of motion from horizontally to vertically.

Abstract: A telescoping roll stand for use in an extrusion line includes a linkage connecting one or more auxiliary rolls in a spatial relationship relative to each other and other auxiliary web processing components, including conveyors, load cell rolls, draw rolls, and other web handling components, when one of the auxiliary rolls is shifted in relation to a primary roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of a web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll; a second pattered roll; and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 microns, and preferably at least 20 microns.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for thermoplastically forming a contour in a thermoplastic duct defining a passage. The apparatus includes a longitudinal collar that defines a cavity and a rigid inner support structure extending longitudinally in the cavity. The collar and/or the inner support structure define a mold contour. One or more heaters are configured to heat at least a formation portion of the duct to a formation temperature. An expansion member, such as an expandable elastomer, which is disposed between an inner surface of the collar and an outer surface of the inner support structure, is configured to urge the formation portion of the duct against the mold contour to thermoplastically form the duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a flexible substrate with an optically transparent compliant media is disclosed. The complaint media includes an optically transparent imprint stamp with an imprint pattern therein. The flexible substrate is coated with a photopolymer material. The compliant media can be connected with an optically transparent belt material to form an embossing belt or connected with an optically transparent cylinder to from an embossing drum. A coated side of the flexible substrate is urged into contact with the imprint stamp and the imprint pattern is embossed in the photopolymer material and an ultraviolet light passing through the compliant media contemporaneously cures the photopolymer material during the embossing.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous and nondestructive production of plastic panels which are provided with undercut anchoring studs, web profiles or other forms of attachment (28) on one or both surfaces comprises a temperature-controlled chill roll (11), which has peripheral cooling bores (15) in the roll body (17). The roll body (17) is formed at the circumference as a polygon with flat supporting surfaces (25), against which the molding/demolding strips (13) are placed or from which they are lifted. The molding/demolding strips (13) are moved by means of piston/cylinder arrangements (16) and piston rods (18). The piston rods (18) move through transverse bores through the roll body (17). The melt is filled into molds (27) of the molding/demolding strips (13) by the counterpressure between the shaping roll (11) and a counterroll (10) and is cooled down. During the filling of the molds (27), the molding/demolding strips (13) are pressed against the flat faces of the roll body (17).

Abstract: An apparatus for smoothing and cooling of slit nozzle synthetic web passes the web following the smoothing gap between two rollers along a cooled surface and into contact with cold air introduced by cold air chamber open toward the roller surface.

Abstract: A sheet of plastics material is continuously extruded onto the upper run of an endless conveyor which carries aluminum vacuum mold plates each defining a cavity with a shingle pattern. The sheet is progressively vacuum-formed into the mold plate cavities, and opposite longitudinal upper and lower portions of the sheet are progressively vacuum-formed, with traveling plug assist in one embodiment, to define shingle panels with hook-shaped lower portions and upper portions defining grooves for receiving the lower portions. The upper portion of the sheet is punched with longitudinally spaced slots to form a nailing flange, and the sheet is then cut laterally at longitudinally spaced intervals to produce elongated siding panels each having integrally connected shingle panels. The shingle panels may have different bottom configurations or profiles and are interchangeable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for producing an unvulcanized rubber member for tire manufacturing. The device includes an extruder with a die that extrudes the unvulcanized rubber member to form multiple rib-protrusions that extend in a direction corresponding to a circumferential direction of the tire. A conveying apparatus receives the unvulcanized rubber member and conveys it in the extrusion direction. A roller has an outer surface with protruding portions that form multiple grooves in the unvulcanized rubber member that extend in a direction radial direction of the tire and intersect the rib-protrusions.

Abstract: An improved process for producing polybutadiene golf ball cores is disclosed. The golf ball cores are from polybutadiene rubber compositions having a high Mooney viscosity and/or a high molecular weight and a low dispersity is disclosed. The apparatus includes an internal mixer that compounds a batch of golf ball core stock. A sheeter forms sheets of golf ball core stock and has a sheeter inlet proximate the mixer outlet and a sheeter outlet. A preform shaper forms golf ball core preforms from the sheets of golf ball core stock.

Abstract: A closure device for a thermoplastic bag which includes two opposing, longitudinally extending interlockable male and female fastening strips having respective male and female closure elements or profiles that are deformed to interdigitate and produce an audible clicking sound and or tactile effect that is perceptible to the touch as the closure device is opened and closed. Interdigitation of the two profiles is achieved by cold forming the profiles while interlocked. The shape of the cold form is a stepped deflection of both profiles so that their shapes are generally congruent. The stepped deflections provide a change in the occlusion and peel force of the interlocking closure device thereby resulting in an audible clicking or popping sound as the closure device is opened and closed and a tactile effect that is perceptible to the touch as the closure device is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for making an unvulcanized rubber tape having a finished thickness TO in a range of from 0.3 to 1.5 mm, comprising an extruder which includes a passage for unvulcanized rubber defining an outlet for the extruded unvulcanized rubber, and a pair of calendar rollers disposed near the outlet for adjusting the thickness of the extruded unvulcanized rubber passing therebetween, wherein the passage is comprised of a transforming part having an inlet for the unvulcanized rubber at its upstream-side end, and a thinning part on the downstream side thereof defining the outlet at its downstream-side end, with the transforming part gradually changing in the cross sectional shape from a circle to a flat shape in the lower course of the passage, and the thinning part having a flat cross sectional shape and gradually decreasing in thickness in the lower course of the passage.

Abstract: The present invention resides in that a plurality of pre-molded inner ducts are fed to a cross-head die, and a melted outer duct is extruded around the inner ducts from the cross-head die, and then the pre-molded inner ducts and a melted outer duct are supplied into the corrugated tunnel of a molding die in which a melted outer duct is molded to have corrugations, thus producing a multiple channel duct assembly which includes a plurality of elongated inner ducts and a corrugated outer duct which encircles the inner ducts over their entire length to retain them. This method of continuously manufacturing a multiple channel duct assembly by using an extrusion molding machine with a cross-head die and a molding means has not been known heretofore.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a single use processing substrate includes the step of extruding a first layer having ridges and troughs between the ridges. The method further includes the steps of placing a second layer into the troughs while the first layer is pliant and compressing the pliant ridges so that the second layer is bound into the troughs.

Abstract: An automatic slug feeding device for delivering slugs to a compression mold for molding golf ball cores is characterized by synchronized rotary transfer, slug conveyance, gripping mechanism transfer and a tray conveyor for transferring slugs from an extruder to a mold loading robotic arm, and subsequently to a mold press. The rotary transfer device receives slugs from the extruder and the slug conveyor linearly conveys individual slugs from the transfer device. The gripping mechanism simultaneously removes a plurality of slugs from the conveyor and deposits them in an array of receptacles in a molding trays which are shuttled to an unload position, where the mold loading robotic arm transfers slugs into a mold press. Storage of extruded slugs prior to compression molding is thus eliminated, cycle time is reduced, core quality is improved, and operator safety is maximized.