Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for flame-perforating polymeric films with an oxygen-enriched flame. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, a support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, an oxygen-enrichment system for increasing the amount of oxygen in the combustible mixture, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a stable flame, and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is directed towards the film to cause the film to be perforated. One embodiment of the method of flame perforating a polymeric film includes igniting an oxygen-enriched combustible mixture to form a stable flame, wherein the flame generated by the oxygen-enriched combustible mixture provides more uniform perforations.

Abstract: There is provided a tool roll with a cylindrical base and a first ribbon having an inner face, an outer face, and first and second major sides located therebetween. The outer face of the first ribbon includes a plurality of depressions or holes formed therein and the first ribbon is wound in helical coils around the base roll such that the inner face is proximate the base roll. The plurality of depressions or holes in the outer face of the first ribbon form a plurality of discrete mold cavities with each of the discrete mold cavities including a mold opening at the outer face of the first ribbon.

Abstract: A screw feeder is provided for a powder roller compactor machine. The machine includes a hopper for holding powder and a pair of rollers for compacting the powder. A screw feeder transfers powder from the hopper to the rollers. The screw feeder includes an upper tapered section with a tapered shaft and a lower straight section with a straight shaft. Auger flighting is provided on the tapered and straight sections of the screw feeder. The auger flighting preferably has a fixed depth along the length of the screw feeder.

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 heated ink material is then extruded through an extrusion orifice to form an extruded element. A forging element is then pressed against the extruded element to form an ink stick.

Abstract: A detachable roller mold press includes two rollers that can rotate relative to each other. The rollers are securely fastened to a predetermined location, which can drive a press mold or a knife mold plate. The roller mold press of the present invention is detachable so as to save storage space. The detachable roller mold press includes a roller mechanism, a chassis, a bottom cover and two bridges. The roller mechanism includes two rollers that can rotate relative to each other. The front and the rear portions of the chassis include an opening. The opening and the two rollers form a space for allowing a knife mold or a press mold plate to move therein. By rotating the two rollers, one can move the knife mold or the press mold plate to rapidly carve or engrave on a piece of paper or a piece of cloth.

Abstract: Stretched polymeric films can be used in a variety of applications, including optical applications. The stretching conditions and shape of the stretching tracks in a stretching apparatus can determine or influence film properties. Methods and stretching apparatuses can include adjustable or zone-defined stretching regions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embossing lines and methods for their use. In one embodiment an embossing line comprises: an embossing belt disposed about a heating roll and a chill roll, a joining roll disposed between the heating roll and the chill roll, and a pre-embossing heater disposed between the joining roll and the heating roll such that the substrate film can be heated by the pre-embossing heater prior to the embossing belt contacting the heating roll. In another embodiment, a film making process is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing and producing a surface of a material with a reproducible degree of lustre and to a press for carrying out said method. The aim of the invention is to increase the stability of the press. To achieve this, a press is provided with a coating that consists of carbon with diamond-like layers and that adheres to the surface of the press. Said coating has a layer thickness of between 0.1 and 10 ?m and a surface hardness in excess of 1800 HV (Vickers). The attrition of the surface of the press is thus significantly reduced during the processing of abrasion-resistant materials.

Abstract: Apparatus for working pliable material comprises a body, at least two rotatable shafts coupled to the body, an embossing assembly detachably coupled to an end of at least one of the shafts, and a cutting assembly and/or a creasing assembly being alternatively coupled to the end of the shaft in place of the embossing assembly. In one embodiment, the apparatus is powered by hand via a rotatable handle coupled to at least one of the shafts. The assembly may further comprise an adjustment wheel and an adjustment shaft for accomodating various material types.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously producing elongated siding panels is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor, a plurality of mold plates, and a die for extruding a sheet of material onto the mold plates. The mold plates are formed of a rigid material and positioned adjacent one another and supported by the conveyor for forming the elongated siding panels. Each of the mold plates has an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion with an intermediate portion therebetween. The intermediate portion has an aesthetic pattern for imparting the pattern to the sheet of material with the adjacent mold plates having different aesthetic patterns. The lower edge portion has a lower leg extending substantially perpendicular from the intermediate portion defining a horizontal plane and a projection portion between the lower edge portion and the intermediate portion extends beyond the horizontal plane for imparting a jagged pattern to the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A sheet electrode with a predetermined thickness for an electric double layer capacitor is made by carrying out a roller rolling step in which a long sheet intermediate is made from a material containing a carbonaceous powder, a conductive assistant and a binder and thereafter. The sheet intermediate is passed between a pair of rolling rollers to be wound up by a winding section while being drawn out of a drawing section. The roller rolling step includes drawing the sheet intermediate out of the drawing section under a predetermined tension applied to the sheet intermediate, and controlling a widthwise position of the sheet intermediate immediately before the rolling rollers by an edge position controller, and winding the sheet intermediate rolled by the rollers onto a winding section while the winding section is applying a predetermined pressure to a rolling side drive roller located adjacent to the winding section and rotated at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A calender arrangement for calendering a material web, in particular a paper web, having a shoe roll and a mating roll, between which an extended nip is formed, through which the material web can be guided. The shoe roll includes a revolving shell, which is fixed to two rotatably mounted terminating elements arranged at the ends and can be loaded in the direction of the mating roll via a press shoe matched to the outside of the mating roll. The shell includes a radially inner base layer and an adjacent, radially outer functional layer. The base layer includes a resilient matrix material reinforced by embedded fibers, and the functional layer includes a matrix material with a lower fiber content than the base layer.

Abstract: In a dough billet kneading machine, in order to be able to remove and clean the partitioning cylinders, which are radially moveable in the partitioning drum, they are grouped in a linear manner into cylinder bars along a generatrix, and these cylinder bars can not be removed in axial direction, but in radial direction, greatly reducing the space required for maintenance operations.

Abstract: A method for producing an embossed web product comprising at least two plies (V1, V3) bone to one another by gluing, wherein: at least a first of said plies is embossed producing on it a first series of protuberances (P9) and a second series of protuberances (P10), the protuberances of the first series being of greater height than the protuberances of the second series; an adhesive (C) is applied to the protuberances of said first series; the first ply is glued to the second ply (V3), the protuberances (P9, P10) of the first ply projecting inside the web product, towards the second ply (V3). The protuberances of the first and of the second series form in combination with each other complex decorative patterns (D). Each complex decorative pattern is formed by at least a protuberance of the first series and at least a protuberance of the second series. Moreover, the complex decorative patterns are distributed with a density equal to or less than 2 patterns per cm2.

Abstract: Method for forming large-dimension ceramic tiles comprising the following operative stages: feeding a determined quantity of powders into the mould cavity of a first pressing station; pressing said quantity of powders to obtain a slab of congruent material the thickness of which is reduced by a quantity between 20 and 40%; feeding said slab to at least one decorating station which deposits in a controlled manner at least a second layer of powders; feeding said decorated slab to a second pressing station; pressing the decorated slab.

Abstract: An impression device for food items, which is a rolling device designed to create images upon a variety of foods for decoration and/or marketing purposes. As the device is hand-rolled along the food, the decorative letters and images create a repeated pattern of impressions upon the food. The roller device is particularly suitable for impressing narrow foods such as pizza crusts, certain pasta noodles, lattice pie tops, breadsticks, or the edges of melons. The device provides a firm, comfortable grip for all hand sizes that can be used with one or two hands.

Abstract: Improved powder compacting apparatus for feeding powder between rollers to form a compressed material with enhanced physical properties including uniformity to facilitate forming tablets and similar items therefrom. Side seals confine the powder between the rollers and can be movable independently from the rollers and optionally independently from one another to enhance even compaction. A housing defines a guide channel with a linear feed and shearing zone immediately prior to the nip zone for smoothing and leveling powder flow. One or more vents are provided for releasing gases generated.

Abstract: An apparatus imparts concaves/convexes to a sheet-like object by passing the sheet-like object between a pair of rollers facing each other. At least one of the rollers is a roller a surface of which is formed by laminating a single or a plurality of circular plates each provided with concaves/convexes at a peripheral edge thereof. An interval keeping mechanism is provided between the circular plates provided with concaves/convexes at the peripheral edges. At least one of the rollers is formed with a roller surface by laminating a single or a plurality of circular plates each having only convexes of concaves/convexes portions at a peripheral edge thereof. By the roller, convexes can be imparted to one face of front and back surfaces of a sheet-like object.

Abstract: This is a domestic rolling machine for homemade pasta with the surface of the rolling rollers formed by anodizing metal to provide a micro-rough surface that considerably increases adherence thus reducing the number of passes for the sheet of pasta to reduce the thickness of the sheet of pasta from the initial to the final thickness.

Abstract: The device for satinizing and embossing flat materials comprises an embossing roll and at least one mating roll, said rolls being connected to a driving system and adapted to be driven individually or in common and to be resiliently pressed against one another while the individual teeth are flattened, and the embossing teeth being designed such as to produce in the corresponding locations of said flat material during its passage embossed marks whose appearance varies according to the viewing angle of the observer and/or the kind and/or the position of the lighting source, the embossing teeth which produce said variable marks having a different geometrical shape and/or surface than the satinizing teeth intended for satinizing. To this end, the surfaces of said embossing teeth and/or portions of the tooth space bottom are provided with microstructures. These microstructures allow producing largely forgery-proof marks which may furthermore provide a very decorative effect.

Abstract: A process for stretching films is described. The process preferably stretches films in a uniaxial fashion. Preferably, optical films are stretched including multilayer optical films. Other aspects of the invention include a roll of stretched film and an apparatus for stretching films.

Abstract: A high density microwall ePTFE structure and a method for making, involving the manipulation of a standard extruded ePTFE graft. The final product has the desired characteristics of high density, reduced wall-thickness, above-average radial strength and enhanced suture retention.

Abstract: The invention relates to fastener molding. In one aspect, a molding apparatus for forming a sheet-form fastener product includes a first ring defining a plurality of voids extending inwardly from a circumferential surface of the ring. The voids are circumferentially spaced apart from one another by portions of the ring including recessed regions that partially define molding cavities. The molding apparatus also includes multiple plug members configured to be disposed within the voids. The plug members and the portions of the ring therebetween cooperate to define the molding cavities when the plug members are disposed within the voids. The molding cavities are shaped to mold, from molten resin forced into the molding cavities from a peripheral surface of the molding apparatus, an array of fastener elements having overhanging heads for releasable engagement with a mating fastener product.

Abstract: Several methods and machines for continuously forming a fastener product having an array of fastener elements extending from a continuous, sheet-form base, employing a mold belt on which the sheet-form base of the product is formed and from which it is subsequently stripped. The belt defines an array of cavities extending from its outer surface, for molding either the array of fastener elements or an array of preform stems that are subsequently reformed into the fastener elements. In some cases the cavities are blind, such as for forming hook-type fastener elements; in other cases, the cavities extend through the belt, such as for forming mushroom-type fastener elements. Various belt constructions and fastener element shapes are also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for forming a web of fibrous media wherein at least one formed layered portion is attenuated from a first die source selectively unto a first collector and successively combining such portion with at least another formed layered portion which is attenuated from a second die source selectively unto a second collector, at least one of the outer surfaces of the web of fibrous media being of comparatively smooth skin-like nature to minimize projecting fiber ends.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing press molded bodies having at least two separate layers of material is disclosed. The method comprises providing a pair of cooperating parallel arranged rollers (1, 2) defining a nip (3) therebetween and having cavities defined on their outer surfaces, each cavity on one of the rollers (1, 2) cooperating with another cavity of the other roller (2, 1) to form die means, the axes (4, 5) of the rollers (1, 2) being arranged substantially horizontally, feeding at least two contiguous separate streams of different particulate materials into die means adjacent to the nip (3), so that each die means will be filled with portions of different material and counter-rotating the rollers (1, 2) so that the materials contained in the die means will be compressed into press molded bodies (briquettes) having at least two separate layers of material. An apparatus for the manufacture of press moulded bodies is also disclosed.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for forming a sheet-form fastener product includes a mold roll that is rotatable about an axis of rotation and has a circumferential surface defining a plurality of apertures that extend inwardly from the circumferential surface. Multiple inserts having first and second ends are retained within corresponding apertures of the mold roll such that the first end of each insert is directed toward the circumferential surface of the mold roll. The inserts have surfaces that at least partially define blind molding cavities shaped to mold, from molten resin forced into the molding cavities from the circumferential surface of the mold roll, an array of fastener elements having overhanging heads for releasable engagement with a mating fastener product.

Abstract: An apparatus for making wedged plate has an extruder to provide melted plastic material. A die head has a channel with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the die head is connected to an outlet of the extruder. The outlet of the die head has a thick side and a narrow side. A rolling device has two rollers and a space between the rollers. The space has a thick portion and a narrow portion at opposite sides. The space of the rolling device is aligned with the outlet of the die head, so that the plastic material flows into the space of the rolling device via the die head and is rolled by the rollers. A cutting device is arranged behind the rolling device to cut the rolled plastic material to get wedged plates.

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: 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: 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: 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: The invention relates to a feed roll assembly for reducing leakage of an elastomeric material in a feed section of an extruder machine. A shell, feed roll seal plates, and feed roll end plates are used to reduce the leakage of elastomeric material. Elastomeric material is redirected back to the feed section through the use of a varying bore diameter of the shell and grooves contained in both the feed roll seal plates and the feed roll end plates. The shell, feed roll seal plates, feed roll end plates, and a feed roll scraper are each coated with a solid, dry lubricant coating to reduce friction. The invention provides desirable feedback of overflow elastomeric material and permits a retrofitting of the feed roll assembly to existing extruder machines.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for flame-perforating polymeric films with an oxygen-enriched flame. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, a support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, an oxygen-enrichment system for increasing the amount of oxygen in the combustible mixture, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a stable flame, and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is directed towards the film to cause the film to be perforated. One embodiment of the method of flame perforating a polymeric film includes igniting an oxygen-enriched combustible mixture to form a stable flame, wherein the flame generated by the oxygen-enriched combustible mixture provides more uniform perforations.

Abstract: A saddle for a sheeting head includes a pair of semi-circular concave edges configured to seal a pair of rollers. The oppositely facing concave edges each include a tongue that fits in a corresponding groove in the roller and a retracted concave edge adapted to wrap around half the roller surface. The saddle includes a top portion wherein the concave edges downwardly converge, and a bottom portion wherein the concave edges downwardly diverge. A narrow waist is provided at the proximal-most position of the concave edges and adapted to fit in a pinch point between the rollers. A sheeting head assembly incorporating the saddle may include a sidewall to which the saddle need not be fastened. The self-locking characteristics of the saddle enable an assembly to omit sidewalls altogether.

Abstract: A process for stretching films is described. The process preferably stretches films in a uniaxial fashion. Preferably, optical films are stretched including multilayer optical films. Other aspects of the invention include a roll of stretched film and an apparatus for stretching films.

Abstract: Stretched polymeric films can be used in a variety of applications, including optical applications. The stretching conditions and shape of the stretching tracks in a stretching apparatus can determine or influence film properties. Take-away systems can be used to receive the film after stretching. The configuration of the take-away system can, in at least some instances, influence final film properties.

Abstract: Methods and systems for applying crosslinking agent to a sheet of cellulose fibers are described. The method and system apply crosslinking agent to one or both sides of the sheet and results in a sheet having a high loading of crosslinking agent that is uniformly distributed within the sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for embossing and/or glazing films. The device for embossing includes a first and second embossing roll, through which flat material can be fed under pressure, in order to create a pattern. An additional embossing roll is connected downstream of the second embossing roll, this additional embossing roll interacting with the first or preceding embossing roll. The patterned flat material may be fed between these embossing rolls, in order to be embossed again with essentially the same pattern. In a simplified embodiment, only a total of two rolls are used. In order to achieve as precise an embossing as possible, with special effects, the first driven embossing roll is provided with teeth, while at least one other embossing roll comprises rings or longitudinal ribs, or is smooth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming microstructures in the surface of polymeric web materials for use as optical memory substrates. The microstructures may be formed by laminating a hot stamper to a web of material with a selective time/temperature profile. The stamper may be heated to melt flow the surface of the web and stabilize before separation. The stamper may be carried by a support that is independent of the press. The web of polymeric material may be provided with a flow enhancer to improve image formation. Also described herein are methods and apparatus for making optical memory modules, such as disks, which include novel stampers, coating applicators, and finishing systems.

Abstract: A compliant UV imprint lithography template, which may also act as a thermal implant template, and methods for manufacturing it. The template essentially comprises a relief image and an elastomer adapted to adjust the relief image. In an embodiment, the relief image is arranged in a compliant imprinting layer where the elastomer is arranged between the imprinting layer and a rigid transparent substrate. In an embodiment, the template is compliant to a wafer surface. In an embodiment, layering an elastomer and an imprinting layer on a substrate and patterning a relief image into the imprinting layer, form the template.

Abstract: Stretched polymeric films can be used in a variety of applications, including optical applications. The stretching conditions and shape of the stretching tracks in a stretching apparatus can determine or influence film properties. Methods and stretching apparatuses can include adjustable or zone-defined stretching regions.

Abstract: A patterned element for use in an embossing and adhesive application process. The patterened element comprises a material having an pattern disposed thereon, wherein the material comprises a polymer and has a Shore A hardness of greater than about 70, and has a critical surface energy of less than about 30 dynes/cm.

Abstract: A duct formed of a thermoplastic material is lightweight, strong, flame and smoke resistant, and non-toxic. The duct is formed from a flat laminate and does not require a specialized, disposable mandrel for supporting conventional thermoset plies. Preferably, the duct is formed from a preform, which is cut according to the desired shape and size of the duct so that trimming after the duct has been formed is not required. Additionally, features such as holes and spud locations can be provided by cutting or marking the preform before forming the duct. Each duct can be formed of multiple articulated segments that are joined by connectors.

Abstract: A light guiding plate is manufactured with accuracy and at low cost. This invention comprises a cylindrical roller, which has a heater built-in, rotating while fixing a stamper having a dot pattern formed on its surface, substrate fixing means for reciprocating along a lower portion of the cylindrical roller in accordance with rotation of the cylindrical roller as fixing a resin substrate, and pressing means for pressing the stamper, which is fixed to the cylindrical roller, onto a surface of the resin substrate, which is fixed to the substrate fixing means, with a constant pressure.

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 capping a stem web including a cooled roll, a first heated nip roll positioned to form a first nip with the cooled roll, and a second heated nip roll positioned to form a second nip with the cooled roll. The cooled roll has a diameter that is at least 30% larger than a diameter of the first or second heated nip roll. In an embodiment, the two nips are on opposite sides of a larger central cooled roll positioned between the heated rolls. In an embodiment, the reaction forces between the rolls are measured and controlled at each end of each of the heated rolls. The invention is particularly adapted to making abrasive particles that are attached to a driving mechanism via headed stem fasteners formed by the method.

Abstract: An improved end seal for a sheeting apparatus. A sealing material is formed into a more effective sealing element which locks out doughy material out of associated side sealing parts near the sheeting nip. Such an improved end seal provides improved wiping and sealing functions. Such a seal also reduces wear thus reducing the frequency of seal replacement. Such a seal reduces the amount of installation time and amount of error associated with manual adjustment ordinarily required to replace end seals.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for flame-perforating films. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a flame, and where the flame includes a flame tip opposite the burner and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is in contact with the film, where the burner is positioned such that the distance between an unimpinged flame tip of the flame and the burner is at least one-third greater than the distance between the film and the burner.

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).