Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a movable molding surface with molding cavities, a pressure shoe with a stationary outer surface that defines in cooperation with the molding surface a pressure zone, and a resin source configured to introduce molten resin into the pressure zone to be forced into the molding cavities by pressure in the pressure zone. The molding surface is movable with respect to the pressure shoe to introduce molding cavities to the pressure zone to be filled with resin while the outer surface of the pressure shoe and the molding surface define in between an entrance gap of decreasing width upstream of the pressure zone. The outer surface of the pressure shoe is spaced from the molding surface in the pressure zone to define a minimum gap at which the outer surface of the pressure shoe has a slope parallel to the molding surface.

Abstract: A punch for the compression molding of plastic material for forming capsules for containers closure, wherein the punch includes a stem portion made of steel and a head portion made of copper alloy screwed to the stem portion, wherein a separation interface between the stem portion and head portion includes a passage for gas that reaches a bottom surface of the punch delimitating one forming cavity where the compression molding of the plastic material occurs, and wherein one channel internal to the head portion communicates with the passage for gas to enable extraction of gas out of the forming cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming pressed food products can utilize up to 98% chicken breast meat in high profit margin products. Breast meat is marinated and then extruded into a slab which is then frozen and shaped into a plank. The plank is sliced into unit portions which are then pressed into shaped portions with a preferred, or other, press. One preferred press linearly reciprocates unit portions into the press. This or another preferred press imparts three dimension exterior shape to the pressed food products.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming pressed food products can utilize up to 98% chicken breast meat in high profit margin products. Breast meat is marinated and then extruded into a slab which is then frozen and shaped into a plank. The plank is sliced into unit portions which are then pressed into shaped portions with a preferred, or other, press. One preferred press linearly reciprocates unit portions into the press. This or another preferred press imparts three dimension exterior shape to the pressed food products.

Abstract: A device includes a chemical hydride fuel pellet having a plurality of holes extending from a first end to a second end. A plurality of tubes formed of water vapor permeable and hydrogen impermeable material extend from the first end to the second end through the tubes. A container has an inlet for water vapor containing gas coupled to the first end of the tubes and an outlet coupled to the second end of the tubes. A hydrogen outlet is coupled to the fuel pellet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mote molding machine which comprises a molding chamber (3), a front plate (1) closing the molding chamber at a front end and a rear plate (2) closing the molding chamber (3) at a rear end, opposite the front end. The plates shift gradually during the mote compression and extraction phases. The machine comprises a first shifting system for shifting the front plate and which comprises at least one first electric motor (4), and a second shifting system for shifting the rear plate and which comprises at least one second electric motor (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for making a food product (2), said product having a solid outer shell (3) with top (4), bottom (5) and side (6) walls, and optionally an inner core (7) filled with liquid, semi-solid and/or solid filling, characterized in that said apparatus comprises: (i) a support frame (8) holding at least one matrix (9) that goes through said support frame (8) and has opposed openings, (ii) two punches (11a, 11b) disposed respectively each side of said matrix (9) and facing said openings, said punches having a cross section that corresponds to the cross section of said openings, and being movable along a common axis that corresponds to the longitudinal axis of said matrix, said matrix and said pair of punches defining respectively the side and the end walls of a mold (12), (iii) filling means for filling the mold (12), with a predetermined quantity of food product in a liquid or semi-solid form, (iv) actuating means for moving said punches (11a, 11b) and exerting a longitudin

Abstract: The present invention features the present invention features a tablet including at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient, wherein the shape of said tablet includes at least one major face wherein: (i) the peak penetration resistance at the perimeter of said major face of the tablet is at least about 10% greater than the peak penetration resistance at the center of said major face; and (ii) the tablet disintegrates in the mouth when placed on the tongue in less than about 30 seconds, and a machine and method for manufacture of such tablet.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprinting apparatus or an imprint transfer method in which uniformity of curing quality by UV light is maintained and a uniform application thickness of a UV curable resin is achieved, even if glass is contaminated with dust and/or smudges or has a flaw.

Abstract: A facility for using powder materials to produce a solid product having multiple layers includes a supply of powder material(s), a die for receiving the powder material(s) and shaping the solid product, the die being secured in a reversible manner to a die-holding table secured to the frame of the facility, and translatable upper and lower punches that engage with one another at the die to compress the powder material(s). The lower punch is connected to a system for uncoupling the members that provide the movement thereof, the system having a brake for limiting the downward travel of the lower punch to keep it in contact with the powder material contained in the die when producing the solid product to avoid the generation of additional compression during the receipt of powder material in the die during the intermediate filling phases for each layer of the product.

Abstract: A compaction tool is provided for compacting an element from metal powder where the element has uniform axially displaced protrusions, and the tool comprises a die and a top and a bottom punch with punch surfaces. The top and bottom punch comprises displaceable opposing punch surfaces for displacing the metal powder there between before compacting the element. Additionally provided are a method for compacting an element from metal powder and an element made from such a method.

Abstract: A method for operating a rotary press, comprising a rotor rotatably driven about a vertical axis that has a die-plate and upper and lower rams which, while being guided vertically in guides of the rotor, interact with holes of dies in the die-plate wherein at least one compression station is provided and has an upper and a lower pressing roller past which the presser rams run along and by which they are moved towards the die-bore for the purpose of compacting the material in the die-hole, wherein the upper and lower rams are lifted subsequent to the compression procedure, causing the lower ram to eject a compact from the die and the compact to be stripped by a stripper in the direction of a discharge chute, characterized in that while an compact ejection procedure is under way the upper ram stands upright on top of the compact and is lifted therewith and the stripper seizes the compact laterally while the upper ram is still standing upright on top of the compact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the refurbishing of compaction tooling components, particularly the tips and heads of compaction punches.

Abstract: A rotary tablet press comprises a housing and a rotary die table having dies arranged circumferentially. Each die is associated with a punch having an end receivable in the die and being arranged for compression of a powder or granular material in the die by reciprocation of the punch by rotation of the die table. The rotary tablet press comprises a feeding device and a tablet discharge device. Each die opening and its corresponding punch end are enclosed in a compression chamber comprising a dust extraction nozzle. The compression chamber communicates with the surroundings of the tablet press through a non-return valve arranged to prevent outflow from the compression chamber to the surroundings of the tablet press.

Abstract: A housing has a cylindrical side wall with an upper end and an open lower end. A circular disk with an aperture closes the upper end. A circular pusher plate is reciprocable within the housing between a raised orientation adjacent to the circular disk and a lowered orientation. A drive rod has lower and upper ends and a central extent extending through the aperture. The upper end is spaced above the disk. The drive rod has threads at its upper end and a nut removably coupled to the upper end. A handle has an interior end attached to the housing. The handle has an exterior end extending away from the housing. A coil spring encompasses the central extent of the drive rod. The bottom end of the spring contacts the disk. The top end of the spring contacts the nut.

Abstract: A powder press, with a press frame, which comprises an upper and lower frame section, an upper linear drive attached to the upper frame section and a lower linear drive attached to the lower frame section, wherein the drives are connected to an upper and lower punch plate or a die table, respectively, wherein the punch plates have a clamping system for an upper or a lower punch, a die clamping system on a die table with a die, and at least one force measuring device for measuring the pressing force on at least one punch, characterized in that at least one force measuring device is disposed between a punch plate and the associated clamping system.

Abstract: A device and a method for forming a ceramic ferrule blank are provided. A shaped wire (2) is disposed in a mold cavity (1) for form a blank, a knock pin mold (4) is disposed in a lower opening of the mold cavity (1), an axle hole (5) for the shaped wire (2) to pass through is opened in the knock pin mold (4), two punching half dies (6) and corresponding half die press heads (7) are disposed over the mold cavity (1), a wire groove (8) for receiving the shaped wire (2) is opened on a side of the half die press head (7), one end of the shaped wire (2) is fixed over the knock pin mold (4), and the other end is clipped by a wire clip unit (9).

Abstract: A powder particle shaping device is provided, which includes a closed cavity capable of changing between multiple shapes as an external pressure changes, and the closed cavity compresses and moves powder particles with which the closed cavity is filled full while the shape changes. A powder particle shaping method is further provided, which includes a. filling a closed cavity full with powder particles to be shaped; and b. applying a varying external pressure to the closed cavity, such that the closed cavity changes repeatedly between multiple shapes, thereby making the powder particles under compression move and be subject to friction. The shaping device and method according to present invention have highly controllable shaping processing intensity of powder particles and stable processing strength, and thus are applicable to shaping and pulverization of various powder particles, and also applicable to pulverization and further shaping processing of dispersed agglomerates.

Abstract: A pressing mold for use in press working of a material includes a mold body, a coating film formed on the portion of the pressing mold that comes into contact with the material in the press working, the coating film being formed by PVD method. The coating film includes a TiN layer formed on a surface of the mold body, a Ti(CxNy) layer (wherein, x+y=1, x<1, and x gradually increases to 1 as it becomes more distant from the surface of the TiN layer) formed on the TiN layer, and a TiC layer formed on the Ti(CxNy) layer.

Abstract: A method of compacting material such as but not limited to cathode material for electrochemical cells. A mixture is inserted into a die cavity and the mixture is compacted into a disk shape by the action of a first plunger pressing down on the material and a second plunger pressing upwardly on the material. Flashing of material during ejection of the disk from the die is prevented by fitting a polymeric sleeve around the outer surface of the first plunger. The sleeve flexes to bulge outwardly and does not enter the die cavity during compaction of material and returns to its original position during ejection of the compacted disk from the die. Contact between the disk and sleeve prevents flashing during ejection. Alternatively, a polymeric seal ring is placed around the outer surface of the first plunger. The disk presses against the seal ring preventing flashing of material during ejection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for processing residual material, comprising at least one actuator which acts mechanically upon the residual material and at least a portion of the surface of which is movable relative to a corresponding surface of an adjacent component of the machine.

Abstract: A method of compacting material such as but not limited to cathode material for electrochemical cells. A mixture is inserted into a die cavity and the mixture is compacted into a disk shape by the action of a first plunger pressing down on the material and a second plunger pressing upwardly on the material. Flashing of material during ejection of the disk from the die is prevented by fitting a polymeric sleeve around the outer surface of the first plunger. The sleeve flexes to bulge outwardly and does not enter the die cavity during compaction of material and returns to its original position during ejection of the compacted disk from the die. Contact between the disk and sleeve prevents flashing during ejection. Alternatively, a polymeric seal ring is placed around the outer surface of the first plunger. The disk presses against the seal ring preventing flashing of material during ejection.

Abstract: There is provided a compression molding machine capable of manufacturing briquettes by compression molding a material efficiently. The compression molding machine includes a mold device (12) formed with a molding chamber and a plunger (15) provided so as to be capable of advancing and retreating in the axial direction to compression mold the material in the molding chamber. The molding device (12) includes an axially fixed pressure receiving member (16) facing to a tip end surface (15a) of the plunger (15), an outside mold (44) in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the plunger (15), and supporting means which supports the outside mold (44) so that the outside mold (44) moves in an extrusion direction of the plunger (15) in association with the movement of the plunger (15) in the extrusion direction.

Abstract: A masonry unit forming system including a mold box having a first open side and a second open side; a first mold plate; a second mold plate; a first drive mechanism configured to move the first mold plate into the first open side of the mold box; and a second drive mechanism configured to move the second mold plate into the second open side of the mold box.

Abstract: Compression moulding apparatus is described in which the female mould (18) has a vertical passageway (22) through it. The male mould (20) has surfaces (24) for sealingly engaging corresponding surfaces (26) on the female mould. A plunger (28) comprising a shaft (30) and a ring (32) is provided below the female mould. The ring and shaft form a well (34) for receiving a charge (38) of plastics material which is lifted into the female mould by the shaft. The shaft also exerts the moulding pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a molding with a core by using compression molding means having upper and lower double-structured punches; the method comprising the steps of supplying molding material for the core and molding material for the outer layer respectively, the step of compression-molding the molding material for the core and/or the molding material for the outer layer, and the step of compression-molding the whole molding with a core, wherein: the step of supplying the molding material for the outer layer posterior to the step of supplying the molding material for the core is performed until a tip of the lower center punch finally takes a position protruding from a tip of the lower outer punch; and the step of compression-molding the whole molding with a core is performed with the tips of the lower center punch and the lower outer punch aligned with each other.

Abstract: A hydraulic press can include a press frame with a press table arranged thereto and a traveling press platen arranged therein, in which at least one rapid motion cylinder with a platen connection can be arranged for the rapid no-load stroke of the press platen, in which at least one working cylinder with a piston directed toward the press table can be rigidly arranged on the upper crosshead of the press frame, in which a coupling device and opposed thereto a crosshead with at least one positioning and synchronizing cylinder for the piston can be arranged on the piston toward the press table, in which the piston can include a centrically arranged cylindrical extension for the sliding guide of a connecting device, such as a toothed rack, in which this connecting device can be connected to the press platen.

Abstract: A compression machine is provided which is adapted to improve the operation efficiency of the machine for achieving the reduction of plant and equipment costs per compact-product weight. A compression machine includes: a first cylinder body 1 constituting a compaction chamber for compacting a subject material S and is formed with an opening through which the subject material S is supplied; a pusher shaft 10 slidably disposed in the first cylinder body 1 and serving to compress and solidify the subject material S; driving means 40 for driving the pusher shaft 10; a second cylinder body 20 disposed in coaxial and tandem relation with the first cylinder body 1; and a pressure receiving member disposed in the second cylinder body 20 and having a pressure receiving surface opposing a distal end surface of the pusher shaft 10, the first cylinder body and the second cylinder body being allowed to move relative to each other in an axial direction.

Abstract: A surface treatment layer 11 is formed on a surface 10 of a through-hole 1 so that the surface 10 has an angle X of contact with solution L which is smaller than an angle Y of contact of a die 2 per se with the solution L. When the solution L is applied, the wetting action of the solution L relative to the through-hole 1 is improved so that the solution L can be extended over the surface treatment layer 11, eventually over the entire surface of the through-hole 1. Consequently, the entire surface thereof can be formed with a crystallized layer by performing water evaporation. As a result, molding at higher temperature can be realized, and high-density compacts can be stably obtained. Further, the solution L in which the lubricant is dissolved in a solvent into a homogeneous phase, is applied to a molding portion 1A, and then evaporated to thereby form crystals thereon, thus forming the crystallized layer.

Abstract: A press for the manufacture of dimensionally stable compacts from powdered material, characterized by the features of a press frame having vertically adjustable columns and cross-connections, a die retainer plate, at least one upper ram retaining plate, at least one lower ram retaining plate, a guide column outside a press main axis which has two parallel guideways on which all retainer plates are adapted to be guided vertically on one side or be selectively locatable, wherein the lower end of the guide column is fixedly coupled to a frame-mounted lower plate and the upper end is located on the press frame, an upper adjustable drive adapted to be located on the press frame, for the upper retaining plate (34), a lower adjustable drive (68) for the lower retaining plate (38, 40) and the die retainer plate, if desired, and which is fixed to the frame-mounted lower plate.

Abstract: A hydraulic sample mounting press utilizes a face seal against the top face of a molding cylinder. The face seal employs a hydraulic cylinder to press a disk-shaped surface of a cap piece against the top annular face of the mold cylinder for a metallographic mounting press. The face seal cylinder is mounted to a hydraulic fluid column that allows the face seal to rotate away from the mold cylinder for access to the molding cylinder and to rotate into place when a metallographic mount is to be molded.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a mold comprises a nubbin positioned within the mold, and an actuator positioned within the mold to align the nubbin. The actuator may be implemented with a piezoelectric material, a magnetorestrictive material, an electrorestrictive material, etc. In one embodiment, the actuator is formed into a cylinder and placed around a nubbin in a mold. When the actuator receives a stimulus, the actuator constricts decreasing the size of the inner diameter. Decreasing the size of the inner diameter causes the actuator to constrict and align the nubbin along a centerline.

Abstract: The apparatus for forming large dimension ceramic tiles includes at least one first pressing unit (2) connected to at least one second pressing unit (4) by a conveying system (3) with which there may be associated at least one decorating unit for surface-finishing the blank formed by the at least one first forming unit, the at least one second pressing unit including two mutually movable superposed dies (7, 6), the lower of which is fixed and is positioned at the level of the conveying system, and the upper of which is movable in level between a raised position in which it awaits the arrival of the blank, and a lowered position in which it compacts the blank.

Abstract: A patty forming system which includes a first generally disc-like mold chamber and a second loading chamber in which a manually operated plunger is mounted for reciprocal movement. When the plunger is moved towards the mold chamber, the mass of material from which a patty is to be formed will be forced into the mold chamber and be molded into the shape of such chamber. Preferably the diameter of the mold chamber is variable depending upon the quantity of material forced into such chamber by the plunger. An automatic spring loaded patty ejector may also be incorporated with the plunger mechanism to facilitate removal of the patty from the mold chamber.

Abstract: The present teachings describe various aspects of a pressing device for manufacturing of shaped compacts from pulverized or granulated material. In one aspect, the pressing device includes a frame structure, which, via a lower connection device adapter-like, can be connected to a lower press frame means of a press and a die holding plate arranged in the frame structure. Moreover, the pressing device may further include a base body arranged within the frame structure, the die holding plate, and the base body being arranged in the frame structure relatively movable one to each other, a plurality of punch carriers, at least one part of them being mounted on the frame structure being movable in press direction relatively to the die holding plate and relatively to the base body, and supporting devices which support the punch carriers relative to the base body in the final press position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and equipment for producing a molded article, especially a flat molded article, which has cavities and webs between the cavities, which webs essentially join two disks, wherein the equipment includes a press mold with a die, which forms the outer circumference of the molded article, and two rams, which are arranged as a lower ram and an upper ram and form the outer surfaces of the disks.

Abstract: A heat pressing die set for forming embossed designs on garments includes a male and a female die seat on which a silicon and a metal die are respectively supported. The silicon and the metal die are cut according to given designs to form complementary male and female die surfaces. Continuous flat belt zones of a predetermined width are separately provided on the silicon and the metal die corresponding to perimeters of the given designs. When an area of a garment is clamped and heat-pressed between the silicon and metal dies, the given designs are embossed on the garment and surrounded by heat-pressed belts, which visually highlight the embossed designs while protect non-embossed areas on the garment against undesired pull and stretch to therefore upgrade the quality of the embossed designs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary press that allows mass production of a molded product. The rotary press has upper and lower punches that may be split in to a plurality of split punches, a means for moving the split punches, and a means for manipulating the plurality of split punches. In addition, the rotary press also has a plurality of molding material supply-charging units for supplying and charging molding materials into the space formed by the tip portions of the split punches, a precompression molding unit and a main compression molding unit for compression-molding the molding materials supplied and charged the entire molded product, respectively. Optionally, a unit to remove residual molding material remaining on the lower punches and/or the temporary molded product may be provided.

Abstract: An improved high pressure apparatus can include a plurality of complementary die segments. The die segments can have inner surfaces which are shaped to form a die chamber upon assembly of the die segments. A pair of anvils can be oriented such that an anvil is at each end of the die chamber. To prevent the die segments from being forced apart during movement of the anvils, force members can be connected to the die segments. The force members can apply discrete forces to the die segments sufficient to retain the die segments in substantially fixed positions relative to each other during application of force by the pair of anvils. Using such a high pressure apparatus can achieve pressures as high as 10 GPa with improved useful die life and larger reaction volumes.

Abstract: A powder compacting method includes the steps of: providing a powder material; loading the powder material into a cavity; uniaxially pressing the powder material, which has been loaded into the cavity, between two opposed press surfaces, thereby obtaining a compact, wherein at least one of the two press surfaces is deformed elastically under a compacting pressure when contacting with the powder material in the cavity; and unloading the compact from the cavity. According to this powder compacting method, even when the powder material has a non-uniform fill density distribution, a compact with a uniform density distribution can be obtained at a high productivity.

Abstract: A hydraulic press for compressing metallic powder or the like to form compacts, comprising a die-plate, an upper ram, and at least one lower ram which interact with a die-bore and are operable each by a dual-action hydraulic press cylinder, whereby a limited dead path length is provided for the return stroke in the force path between the press cylinder and the upper ram in which the upper ram is not carried along, and that a separate pressure generator producing a variable pressure is arranged in parallel with the force path via which a compression force is produced on the upper ram during the dead path length.

Abstract: An arrangement of a die-plate of a hydraulic press to press powdered material into shape wherein an upper ram and a lower ram interact with a bore of the die-plate wherein the die-plate is supported via vertically arranged supporting standards which, along with upper supporting portions which are cantilevered towards the axis of the die-bore, define upwardly facing bearing areas located close to the die-bore for the die-plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of manufacturing seamless gaskets using expanded intercalated graphite worms, in which an annular die cavity has a central column with a charge inlet in a perimeter wall. Expanded intercalated graphite worms communicate from a source through the charge inlet in the annular die cavity for depositing a charge of expanded intercalated graphite worms within the die cavity. An upper pusher is movable from a first position distally spaced from an open end of the die cavity to a second position within the die cavity for compressing a first charge of expanded intercalated graphite worms. A lower pusher is movable from a first position to a second position during the compressing of the first charge of expanded intercalated graphite worms in the die. The upper pusher causes the lower pusher to move to the second position, so that a second charge of expanded intercalated graphite worms is received in substantially the same volume as the first charge.

Abstract: The present invention aims to prevent heating and ignition of a material powder of a rare-earth alloy while reducing the oxygen content thereof so as to improve the magnetic properties of the rare-earth magnet. A rare-earth alloy powder is compacted by using a powder compacting apparatus including: an airtight container capable of storing a rare-earth alloy powder therein; an airtight feeder box moved between a powder-filling position and a retracted position; and an airtight powder supply device capable of supplying the rare-earth alloy powder from the container into the feeder box without exposing the rare-earth alloy powder to the atmospheric air.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending food dough is provided that is compact and has a relatively long conveying path for food dough that extends the food dough. Also, the apparatus can be easily cleaned and maintained. It includes a lower frame (3) having a food-conveying member to convey food dough in one direction, an upper frame (5) located above the lower frame, and a cluster of a plurality of extending rollers that are located within the upper frame. To extend the food dough the extending rollers are arranged to be endless and rotatable. The upper frame (5) can be moved up and down in relation to the lower frame (3) so that the cluster of the plurality of the extending rollers can be completely separated from the food-conveying member. Thus, the food-conveying member can be easily cleaned.

Abstract: A method and device for the production of a closure cap having a first part (16, 17) and a second part (18), joined together by at least one thinner section (19). The device contains a female mould part (11) and a male mould part (12), which are moveable relative to one another, in order to enclose a mould cavity. After the closing of the mould cavity, an additional mould part (14) is moveable relative to the mould cavity. In order to reduce the volume thereof, until the plastics material fills the mould cavity completely. Consequently the invention ensures that when compression moulding in the mould cavity, the closure cap and in particular also the thinner section (19) are formed completely in the mould provided.

Abstract: A process for the production of tablets with a cavity using a press, equipped with upper and lower punches, the lower punch comprising a ring portion being able to reciprocate, characterized in that a central member is provided within the ring portion of the lower punch, this central member being fixed in a pre-determined position beneath the upper part of the die during the process and that, at some stage before the first compression step, the ring portion of the lower punch is adjusted at a position beneath the level of the upper end of the central member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a die for compacting a powdered material. The die has a die body having a penetrating die cavity to which a couple of punches are adapted to apply for pressing the powdered material to be supplied to form a compact, and a die holder having a bore into which the die body is shrink fitted. The die cavity is provided with a coating composed of a material which is selected from the group consisting of titanium carbide, titanium nitride, alumina, titanium cyanide, hafnium nitride, chromium nitride, tungsten carbide and DLC, and the die holder is composed of a steel material which is prepared by tempering at a temperature higher than a treatment temperature at which the coating is provided on the die cavity. The die cavity is tapered at a ratio within a range of 1/5,000 to 1/1,000.

Abstract: A vibrator device for use in a concrete block maker in which the mold box and the underlying pallet of the device reciprocate in opposite directions relative to each other, providing compaction of the concrete mix within the mold box as supported upon the pallet.

Abstract: A machine makes blocks from pressed earth. A feed drawer having an open lower end and filled with loose earth is moved laterally across a planar surface into registration over a breech. A press foot is lowered to a level in the breech to receive loose earth from the feed drawer. The press foot is raised to a third level against a bucking foot to compress the loose earth in the breech into a block. Upon moving the feed drawer laterally into registration over the breech, the block will be pushed out of the path of the bucking foot. The feed drawer, and likewise a screed, having a lower edge notched to pass over a three dimensional surface of the press foot for pushing the block out of registration and for clearing above the three dimensional surface of the press foot.