Abstract: Systems and methods of generating a recycled output are disclosed. This recycled output may include a fabric produced by fusing reclaimed plastic bags. The reclaimed plastic bags are fused together using a material manufacturing system. This system is typically configured to heat the plastic bags to a temperature wherein the plastic bags fuse together but do completely melt. Some embodiments include the addition of different types of plastic or non-plastic materials to the recycled output. Also disclosed are systems and methods of controlling textures and patterns within the recycled output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which uses activation members for incrementally stretching a web at a low strain rate. The activation members include an activation belt and a single activation member wherein the activation belt and single activation member comprise a plurality of teeth and grooves that complement and engage one another at a depth of engagement in a deformation zone. The depth of engagement can be controlled to increase linearly over at least a portion of the deformation zone such that a web interposed between the activation belt and the single activation member in the deformation zone is incrementally stretched at a low rate of strain.

Abstract: A dimpled fabric creation system and method is provided to form a dimpled fabric using a mold or machine having a plurality of protrusions and grooves, while avoiding the repetitive steps to manually shape each protrusion individually by tying portions of fabric individually. The protrusions may be of complex three dimensional shapes to form dimples in the fabric having corresponding complex three dimensional shapes. The system and method provide for creation of a dimpled fabric container, wherein the dimpled fabric container may be utilized in gift wrapping.

Abstract: A process and system for briquetting particulate matter such as moisture-containing bituminous and sub-bituminous coal includes partially drying and feeding the particulate matter to a briquetting apparatus under conditions such that water vapor is released from the particulate matter during feeding. The released water vapor substantially displaces or prevents the ingress of a large proportion of other gaseous components from the atmosphere surrounding an/or intermixed with the particulate matter. The particulate matter is surrounded by and intermixed with a gaseous component containing 70% to 100% by volume of water vapor where it enters the briquetting apparatus, such that when the particulate matter is compressed, the water vapor liquefies and the pressure buildup in the thus-formed briquettes is minimized. This reduction in the pressure buildup reduces blow-back of gases as the coal fines are formed into briquettes.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of an auxetic foam, comprising a tunnel (17) comprising a compression section with an inlet and an outlet for compressing foam in at least one axis as it moves from the inlet to the outlet, means (13, 14, 15, 16) to propel a foam material through the tunnel (17) from the inlet to the outlet, and heating means to heat foam passing through the compression section (11) to a temperature higher than its glass transition temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously activating two or more portions of a web in different directions. The apparatus includes a pair of intermeshing activation rolls with three-dimensional surface features disposed thereon. The three dimensional surface features are arranged in discrete regions on the rolls such that at least two of the regions provide different directions of activation. The rolls include one or more buffer regions positioned between the discrete regions on the roll that provide different directions of activation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pressing apparatus for fabricating a dense, rigid, durable panel from a molten composite material, such as a composite of wood fibers and thermoplastic. The apparatus features a first platen in spaced and angled relation to a second platen to define a gap between said platens. The gap decreases uniformly from first ends of the platens toward second ends of the platens, and conveyer belts, movably disposed along opposing surfaces of said platens, move molten composite material through the decreasing gap to compress the molten composite material between the platens, while substantially simultaneously the material undergoes first passive and then active cooling into a rigid sheet.

Abstract: A mechanical activation system has a first activation member, a second activation member, an activation zone, and a non-slip zone. The first activation member has a first plurality of teeth, and the second activation member has a second plurality of teeth. The first plurality of teeth is capable of intermeshing with the second plurality of teeth. The activation zone includes a first portion of the first plurality of teeth and a first portion of the second plurality of teeth. The first portion of the first plurality of teeth and the first portion of the second plurality of teeth include teeth having continuous tips. The first non-slip zone includes a second portion of the first plurality of teeth or a second portion of the second plurality of teeth. The second portion includes a tooth having a discontinuous tip.

Abstract: Sheeting head apparatus for rolling and flattening a quantity of dough, includes a sheeting head, an infeed conveyor, and an outfeed conveyor. The sheeting head defines a dough path therethrough and includes a plurality of opposed roller pairs. The first roller of each roller pair is mounted for rotation and for independent movement toward and away from the dough path. The infeed conveyor conveys a quantity of dough to the sheeting head, and the outfeed conveyor for conveying a quantity of rolled and flattened dough from the sheeting head. A sensor, adjacent the infeed conveyor, senses an unduly thick or double quantity of dough being conveyed by the infeed conveyor to the sheeting head. A control is responsive to the sensor and causes the sheeting head to move the first roller of each roller pair away from the dough path.

Abstract: The method for forming tablets uses a roll press type apparatus for forming powdery material. The apparatus comprises two rolls for compressing tablets, wherein the rolls have a cylindrical shape and are arranged in the same direction, and can rotate toward their inner sides. When only one of the rolls has the plurality of cavities for forming tablets that are disposed on its outer surface, the speeds of their outer surfaces are controlled so that the speed of the roll that has the plurality of cavities on its outer surface is slower than that of the roll that has no cavity. Further, when both rolls have the plurality of cavities for forming tablets that are disposed on their outer surfaces, the speeds of their outer surfaces are controlled so that the speeds of the rolls differ. Consequently, tablets that have a high dimensional accuracy and no burrs formed around them can be produced.

Abstract: A film material formed of thermoplastic polymer material is processed so as to have linearly extending regions (A) linked together by linearly extending webs (B), regions (A) and webs (B) each being oriented, the dominant direction of orientation in regions (A) forming an angle (V) to the direction on which (A) extends and webs (B) comprising arrays of linear furrows of thinner material or splits forming angles (U) higher than (V) to the direction in which (A) extends. The method of producing the new film involves passing an orientated film through a pair of intermeshing grooved rollers to cold-stretch the film in a direction at an angle to the predominant original orientation, at least one of the grooved rollers having crests with sharp edges to form the division between regions A and webs B and to stretch the material to form webs B while stretching the material less or not at all to form regions A. Preferably at least one of the grooved rollers has crests with a waved surface shape.

Abstract: A stretching apparatus for thermoplastic synthetic resin improved so as to ensure that a web can be easily stretched over its entire width. The stretching apparatus 2 for a thermoplastic synthetic resin web 1 comprises a plurality of first stretching members L arranged in a circumferential direction on a peripheral surface of a drum 6 rotating in a machine direction M. The drum 6 is provided around its rotating shaft 8 with rotatable members 7 adapted to rotate in synchronization with the drum 6 in the direction in which the drum 6 rotates. The rotatable members 7 are respectively provided with a plurality of second stretching members U operatively associated with the first stretching members U.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roller nanoimprint apparatus capable of preventing a workpiece film with nanostructures having been transferred from the mold roller from being uneven in thickness and allowing easy replacement of the mold roller. The present invention is a roller nanoimprint apparatus including a mold roller and continuously transferring nanosized protrusions to a surface of a workpiece filmby rotating the mold roller, wherein the mold roller is a cylindrical body, having an outer circumference surface with nanosized recesses formed thereon, the roller nanoimprint apparatus further includes a fluid container having an elastic film inflatable by injecting fluid into the container, the fluid container being arranged in a region defined by an inner circumference surface of the mold roller, the mold roller is mounted or demounted when the elastic film is shrunken, and the mold roller is supported from the inside when the elastic film is inflated.

Abstract: A dough moulder including a dough conveyor operable to receive a strip of dough, the conveyor having a first run operable to co-operate with a curling element to curl or roll the dough strip into a dough piece and a second run operable with a pressure rolling board to mould the dough piece, wherein the pressure rolling board has an upper section and a lower section, the lower section including a plurality of formed channels or troughs.

Abstract: Clipping both right and left side edge parts of a sheet or film by right and left pitch-variable clips having flow-directional clip pitches variable along with travel movements, respectively, having positions (AR, AL) for initiation of enlargements of flow-directional clip pitches changed between right clips and left clips, and enlarging flow-directional clip pitches along with travel movements of clips to thereby make an oblique stretch.

Abstract: A method and machine for sealing at least one cut edge of a foam board is disclosed. The foam board has a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one cut edge extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The cut edge is passed over a heated roller to soften the edge and then passed over a second roller having a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the first roller which seals the edge. The cut edge may be milled to square the edge relative to the top and bottom of the board before the cut edge is passed over the heated roller. Additional pairs of rollers may be provided to seal the top surface and the bottom surface of the foam board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a compressible printing layer, comprising a vulcanizing step comprising a first heating process in which one surface of a compressible printing layer including an unvulcanized compressible layer containing microcapsules is heated by bringing the one surface of the compressible printing layer into contact with the surface of at least one heated metal roll while applying tension to the compressible printing layer, and a second heating process in which the other surface of the compressible printing layer is heated by bringing the other surface of the compressible printing layer into contact with the surface of at least one heated metal roll while applying tension to the compressible printing layer.

Abstract: By provision of a plurality of rolling rubber rolls 70 each adapted for a sliding contact with an outer circumferential surface of a central rotational shaft 20 and a sliding contact with an inner circumferential surface of an outer tube 40, an annular space between the central rotational shaft 20 and the outer tube 40 is divided by the rolling rubber rolls 70 in the circumferential direction into a plurality of heat medium chambers 91, 92, 93, and 94, the plurality of heat medium chambers being each respectively configured for individual conduction of heat medium.

Abstract: A dual roller assembly with an ejection mechanism for a food-forming machine serves to make stuffed food pieces. The dual roller assembly is characterized in that one or more rows of equidistant mold cavities are arranged at peripheries of a pair of corresponding forming rollers thereof, wherein each of the mold cavities is equipped with a propping block moved by a cam so that the formed food pieces be ejected from the mold cavities by the propping block smoothly.

Abstract: Clipping both right and left side edge parts of a sheet or film by right and left pitch-variable clips having flow-directional clip pitches variable along with travel movements, respectively, having positions (AR, AL) for initiation of enlargements of flow-directional clip pitches changed between right clips and left clips, and enlarging flow-directional clip pitches along with travel movements of clips to thereby make an oblique stretch.

Abstract: A crosslaminate is formed from two oriented plies of thermoplastic polymer material, arranged so that their orientation directions cross one another, the plies being heat sealed together. Each ply is semi-fibrillated, that is consist of linear thin regions of biaxially oriented material and thicker linear bosses between the thinner regions. The webs are sealed primarily through bonds formed at the intersection of the bosses (thicker regions). The array of bosses has a division less than 2 mm. The laminate has improved aesthetic and strength properties. A method for forming the crosslaminate involves segmental stretching of the material to form the thinner regions, and apparatus comprising intermeshing grooved stretching rollers having sharp-edged crests is described.

Abstract: Provided is a cooked rice mold apparatus that can easily adjust the supply amount of sushi rice. The roller spacing of a top rolling roller pair 31 arranged on the exit side of a hopper 2 of a rolling section 4 is variable.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously activating two or more portions of a web in different directions. The apparatus includes a pair of intermeshing activation rolls with three-dimensional surface features disposed thereon. The three dimensional surface features are arranged in discrete regions on the rolls such that at least two of the regions provide different directions of activation. The rolls include one or more buffer regions positioned between the discrete regions on the roll that provide different directions of activation.

Abstract: An embedment device includes a first integrally formed elongate shaft rotatably secured to the support frame and having a first plurality of axially spaced disks axially fixed to the first shaft, a second integrally formed elongate shaft rotatably secured to the support frame and having a second plurality of axially spaced disks axially fixed to the second shaft, the first shaft being disposed relative to the second shaft to be horizontally aligned and so that the disks intermesh with each other, and wherein, when viewed from the side, peripheries of the first and second pluralities of disks overlap each other.

Abstract: A concrete wall fabrication system includes an endless track, mold carriers movably supported on the endless track for carrying a respective set of formworks for molding concrete into multiple concrete walls at a time, a concrete spouting unit set above the endless track and controlled to discharge a predetermined amount of concrete into each mold carrier, a vibrator unit set above the endless track and operable to vibrate the concrete in each mold carrier, and finished product collector unit set near one side of the endless track for collecting the finished concrete walls from each mold carrier for packing.

Abstract: Foam earplugs (90) are produced by extruding foamable material through a nozzle (12) having a throat (30) where the nozzle diameter is smallest, to produce an extrusion (34) that expands in diameter along an expansion zone (D) as the extrusion moves forward. Applicant moves dies (70, 72) against opposite sides of the extrusion and then moves the dies forward with the moving extrusion while the foam solidifies into earplugs. The earplugs to be formed have sealing portions that seal to a person's ear canal, of a maximum diameter G of about 0.4 inch, and the nozzle throat has a diameter B no more than 0.1 inch to provide a long expansion zone so the dies can begin to mold the extrusion while the extrusion is still expanding in diameter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making fastener products (117) having molded projections (110) or other molded features carried on a surface (130) feature a transfer device (135) having an outer surface with at least one transfer area (H) relatively raised with respect to another area (L) of the outer surface of the device.

Abstract: A method of producing a bicycle rim including, positioning a first quantity of woven fiber strips having a first width and a first length and a second quantity of strips of said woven fibers having a shape different from the first shape to form a first laminated band from the first quantity and the second quantity of strips. A second narrower laminated band is produced. The first band is re-shaped to a V-shaped band before the first band is inserted along the periphery of a mold interior. A core is positioned on the first band and the second band is positioned on the first band. Rim well rings are positioned from outside on the second band, to abut the sides of the second band. A spreader ring is inserted between the rings to join the material near the upper rim flanks and the rim flanges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which uses activation members for incrementally stretching a web at a low strain rate. The activation members include an activation belt and a single activation member wherein the activation belt and single activation member comprise a plurality of teeth and grooves that complement and engage one another at a depth of engagement in a deformation zone. The depth of engagement can be controlled to increase linearly over at least a portion of the deformation zone such that a web interposed between the activation belt and the single activation member in the deformation zone is incrementally stretched at a low rate of strain.

Abstract: Polythiophene may be processed using a method including providing a composition including the polythiophene and a liquid including at least one hydrocarbon having at least 6 carbon atoms; heating the composition to a temperature of at least about 50° C.; and separating solid polythiophene from the heated composition. Alternatively, the method may include providing a composition including polythiophene and an organic liquid; heating the composition to dissolve a portion of the polythiophene in the organic liquid; and separating solid polythiophene from the heated composition.

Abstract: A rib forming apparatus has an elongated support table, a supply of thermoplastic sheet material over the table, a transporting means having at least two transverse carriages mounted on the table to slide along longitudinal edges thereof, a thermal means mounted on one of the carriages for locally heating the sheet material in preparation of a molding press, and at least one press module mounted on another carriage and having a reciprocating press blade positioned at one flat side of the sheet material and a couple of swiveling press blades positioned at the opposite flat side of the sheet material and movable toward the reciprocating press blade to mold the heated section of the sheet material by closing the above three press blades toward each other, whereby a series of vertical rib folds are formed transversely of the sheet material and advanced by the transport means through the closed press blades.

Abstract: A method enables gypsum/fiber board to be manufactured such that recessed areas are formed on the same face of the cut wallboard on all four edges without interrupting the production line. The system accommodates different lengths of cut wallboard as the lateral cut edge recess forming apparatus is adjustable in width to accommodate different lengths of cut wallboard.

Abstract: An embedment device for use in a structural panel production line wherein a slurry is transported on a moving carrier relative to a support frame, and chopped fibers are deposited upon the slurry, includes a first elongate shaft secured to the support frame and having a first plurality of axially spaced disks, a second elongate shaft secured to the support frame and having a second plurality of axially spaced disks, the first shaft being disposed relative to the second shaft so that the disks intermesh with each other. The intermeshing relationship enhances embedment of the fibers into the slurry and also prevents clogging of the device by prematurely set slurry particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the continuous production of a strip (6) of dough from a mass (5) of dough, the width of said strip being a multiple of its thickness. The inventive device comprises at least one pair of opposite, interspaced, longitudinal guiding elements (8, 9) for guiding the dough. The dough passes through the gap (15) formed between the guiding elements and is guided by said guiding elements (8, 9), which are driven in opposing rotatory directions, from an intake end (16) of the device to an outlet end (17) of the same. At least one of the guiding elements (8, 9) is profiled on its circumference with a plurality of grooves (20) extending side by side, perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the respective guiding element (8, 9). Said grooves (20) assist the transport of the dough through the gap (15) and enable the bubbles in the dough (5) to be maintained.

Abstract: An improved dough-rolling apparatus and method for rolling sheeted dough. The proposed invention comprises a dough-rolling apparatus having a dough sheeter, a sheeting conveyor having a ramped section, a roll-initiating curtain positioned above the ramped section, and a roll-completing curtain positioned above the conveyor and downstream from the roll-initiating conveyor. Sheeted and cut dough pieces are deposited onto a steel mesh, partially-ramped sheeter belt, where two wire-mesh rolling curtains are draped onto the sheeter belt to induce rolling of the dough pieces.

Abstract: A method for producing a food shaped as a continuous bar by placing a continuous inner material on a continuous strip of an outer layer material that is transferred on a former belt, comprising the steps of placing food material that includes the inner material placed on the strip of the outer layer material in a channel space defined by the former belt while it is running; and shaping part of the former belt that is located at the channel space as a sleeve by pushing and joining edges of the former belt by a pushing device to allow edges of the outer layer material to be joined.

Abstract: A dough moulder for producing moulded dough products of a desired size and/or shape. The moulder includes guide plate (155, 156) which are selectively insertable through respective pairs of slots (151, 152, 153) formed in a pressure rolling board (150). The guide plates (155, 156) extend through the pressure rolling board (150) to define a channel of selectable width depending on which pair of slots (151, 152, 153) is selected. The variable width channel enables dough products of a desired size and/or shape to be rolled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a compressible printing layer, comprising a vulcanizing step comprising a first heating process in which one surface of a compressible printing layer including an unvulcanized compressible layer containing microcapsules is heated by bringing the one surface of the compressible printing layer into contact with the surface of at least one heated metal roll while applying tension to the compressible printing layer, and a second heating process in which the other surface of the compressible printing layer is heated by bringing the other surface of the compressible printing layer into contact with the surface of at least one heated metal roll while applying tension to the compressible printing layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fluoropolymer compound plate comprises the steps of: combining a fluoropolymer sheet and a medium plate as a fluoropolymer compound plate; transferring the fluoropolymer compound plate to a preheat section for being heated uniformly in a lower tension, transferring the fluoropolymer compound plate to a melting section for heating the fluoropolymer sheet of the fluoropolymer compound plate; transferring the fluoropolymer compound plate to a pressing section by rollers; and compressing and annealing the fluoropolymer compound plate. A device for performing the method comprises a plurality of tension adjusting axial seats; a plurality of roller; a pair of first guide wheels; an upper and a lower layer radiating heater; a third guide wheel set; an upper and a lower layer high temperature radiating heater; a guiding roller; a shaping heater; a plurality of temperature controller roller sets and a product winding wheel.

Abstract: A flexible graphite sheet exhibiting enhanced isotropy is provided. In addition, an apparatus, system and method for continuously producing a resin-impregnated flexible graphite sheet is also provided.

Abstract: A heated glass sheet is bent by pressing together with at least one belt made of a heat-resistant material against a bending member. The glass sheet is bent as the glass sheet is conveyed with the belt along the bending member, and the bending member is curved at least in a direction that is vertical to a conveying direction of the glass sheet. According to this invention, the bent glass sheets having surfaces on which defects such as mark of rollers are reduced can be produced efficiently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating discharge of a cover tape detached from a base tape in a tape feeder are disclosed. A section of the cover tape is formed to have a predetermined shape by providing a predetermined stiffness to the cover tape. The apparatus comprises a first rotary body where at least one protruding portion is formed along an outer circumferential surface and a second rotary body where at least one groove for accommodating the at least one protruding portion is formed along an outer circumferential surface. The cover tape is then formed by passing between the first rotary body and the second rotary body.

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: An apparatus for shaping a slab of compressible or cellular polymer material (80), such as polyurethane foam, shapes such slab by cutting portions of the material from one surface. A moving patterned platform (32), preferably an endless belt or a series of interconnected panels, is interposed between a compression roller (56) and a cooperating surface (18) and defines at least one recess (36) or at least one projection (320) or a combination of recesses and projections. When the slab is compressed between the compression roller and the platform, which is supported by the cooperating surface, a portion of the material fills the recess or recesses in the moving platform.

Abstract: This dough shaping machine includes, carried by a frame (12), a station (20) for rolling out dough, a station for rolling up the rolled out dough, a station for shaping the rolled up dough by stretching it and at least one conveyor (14, 16) for transferring the dough from the rolling out station (20) to the rolling up station (24) and the shaping station. Each conveyor (14, 16) constitutes a unitary assembly structurally separate from the frame (12) and is mounted on the latter through removable fixing members (130, 132).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compacting particles or granules in discrete cavities spaced along an article or articles such as a cigarette filter rod moved underneath the compacting system. The compacting system can be provided with spaced lugs or other protrusions that selectively compact particles within cavities, or a smooth outer periphery that results in progressive compaction of the entire article being moved underneath the compaction system. The article having cavities with particles that need to be compacted can be supported on a support rail with side support rails that maintain the shape of the article during the compaction process.

Abstract: An apparatus for the folding of croissants comprising, in series, downstream of at least one preparation station of rolls of pastry, obtained from triangles of pastry rolled up with one pointed central external end, and fed one after another, a positioning station with a pre-determined pitch distance of the rolls in a central position with respect to underlying conveying devices, an oriented positioning station of the pointed end on the underlying conveying devices and a U-folding station of the rolls, in which the folding station comprises front and rear gages for each roll and rotating side gages for the folding of opposite ends of each roll, the oriented positioning station and the folding station being movable alternately forwards and backwards.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imprinting a hose (2) with a continuous grip enhancing texture is disclosed. The texturing device (C, C′) is comprised of a circular guide tube (8) through which the hose (2) to be textured is driven. The guide tube (8) is rotated, by a drive (4). Texturing means mounted at the exit end of the guide tube (8) are also rotated about the hose (2) as the texture is applied to the hose (2). The texturing of the hose is accomplished by at least one roller (6) mounted on a chuck (5) or by at least one scribing pen (28) mounted on a bracket (24).

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously shaping a compressible or cellular polymer material, such as polyurethane foam, by cutting portions of the material from a surface of a slab of the material includes a compression roller, a support surface, a blade and a moving patterned platform interposed between the compression roller and the support surface. The moving patterned platform, preferably an endless belt or a series of interconnected panels, defines at least one recess, and may define a pattern of recesses of complex or simple shapes and at various depths. When the slab of cellular polymer material is compressed between the compression roller and the support surface, a portion of the material fills the recess or recesses in the moving patterned belt. The blade then transversely cuts from the surface of the slab a portion of the material within the recesses in the platform just as the slab emerges from between the compression roller and the support surface.

Abstract: Microengravings are formed on both sides of a film by impressing a microengraving on one side of the film using an embossing process performed at a first temperature and a first pressure within the range of temperatures and pressures normally used for embossing of the film material, then impressing a microengraving on the other side of the film using an embossing process performed at a second temperature lower than the first temperature and a second pressure higher than the first pressure, where the second temperature and the second pressure are selected to avoid distorting or destroying the microengraving previously impressed on the first side.