Abstract: An apparatus of manufacturing a rubber member includes an extruder; a mouthpiece; and a support surface which faces the mouthpiece in an opposed manner. The support surface and the mouthpiece are moved relative to each other thus molding a rubber member on the support surface. The apparatus further includes: a rubber pool portion formed between the mouthpiece and the support surface; and a closing surface having an inclined surface shape and capable of closing a moving-direction front side of the rubber pool portion.

Abstract: A system for the continuous extrusion, molding, and curing of tread for tires. An elongated strip of rubber material can be molded and cured shortly after extrusion such that the material retains much of the heat energy of extrusion and does not have to be stored. A plurality of discrete mold assemblies are conveyed adjacent to each other. As the mold assemblies are advanced sequentially, the uncured and unmolded strip of rubber material are extruded and positioned onto the mold assemblies. While the rubber strip advances, individual portions are sequentially molded and cured by passing through a mold press and then a curing press. A plug assembly is used to prevent the backflow of rubber material during the molding and curing.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printer comprises a conveyor having a surface configured to convey a three-dimensional object in a first direction; and a leveling assembly configured to level a surface of the three-dimensional object as the conveyer conveys the three-dimensional object in the first direction, the leveling assembly comprising (i) a roller having a cylindrical shape, the roller having an outer surface that moves upon the surface of the three-dimensional object to level the surface of the three-dimensional object; and (ii) a guide device arranged between the roller and the planar surface of the conveyer, the device being configured to mechanically interact with the roller to maintain a constant distance between the outer surface of the roller and the planar surface of the conveyer.

Abstract: A tapering assembly compresses a butt end of a barrier into a tapered end for enhanced installation. The barrier includes sheet rock panel. A plurality of rollers and at least one taper roller pass through a front end of a plate portion. The barrier passes through a predetermined distance between the taper roller and the plurality of rollers. The taper roller includes a gradient taper. The plurality of rollers guide the barrier against the taper roller. A rear end of the plate portion includes a bearing that enables the taper roller and plurality of rollers to pass through. A taper roller shaft extends from a rear end of the plate portion. A variable speed drill rotates the taper shaft to provide rotation and torque to the taper roller. The barrier butt end is tapered without causing damage to the barrier from the position and precision calibration of the rollers.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for making patterning tools from one or more discrete elements. Such tools can have one or more “seams” or joints where the individual elements abut which can limit the tools' performance and utility in roll-to-roll manufacturing. Methods are described herein for producing “near-seamless” tools, that is, tools having seams that exhibit minimum disruption of the tool pattern and thus improved material produced by such tools. The patterning tools can be cylindrical and/or closed in shape.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrophotographic blade member includes a continuous molding groove in an peripheral surface and an endless belt, in which the blade member includes a polyurethane resin cured a polyurethane composition having a viscosity of 500-3,000 mPa·s and including A)-D), and a position at which the composition is injected is set, on the belt, opposing to the groove, the position being away from a portion at which the molding drum and the belt are first contacted on an upstream for a moving direction of the belt: A) polyisocyanate; B) adipate-based polyester polyol having a number average molecular weight of 1,000-4,000; C) chain extender having a molecular weight of 200 or less; D) isocyanurate-forming catalyst at 20 to 500 ppm and a urethane-forming catalyst at 200-1,500 ppm.

Abstract: A film patterning system includes: a first rotary member having a first shaft that defines a first axis, and a cylindrical first screen mold that is rotatable about the first axis; a second rotary member spaced apart from the first rotary member, having a second shaft that defines a second axis parallel to the first axis, and rotatable about the second axis; a second screen mold trained on the first and second rotary members and circumferentially stacked on the first screen mold; and a suctioning box mounted in the first rotary member for suctioning the film that is guided onto the second screen mold.

Abstract: The present invention leads to a method for preparing a dough piece rolled up with separator sheet, comprising supplying in a transport direction, a dough piece positioned on a separator sheet, the dough piece and the separator sheet having a length and a width, wherein a leading edge of the separator sheet exceeds the dough piece at least a first side, rolling up the at least one side of the dough paper that exceeds the dough piece, thus forming a cylinder of separator sheet, extending in a width direction of the dough piece and rolling up the rest of the separator sheet with the dough piece around the cylinder. The invention further relates to a device for performing the method and a roll formed by the method and/or device.

Abstract: A material layering device may include a first pinning roller and a second pinning roller. A distance between the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller is less than a diameter of a substrate. The device also includes a return system, wherein the return system comprises a plurality of rollers. The device also includes a belt, which may have a first loop portion disposed between and protruding beyond the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller. The first loop portion also wraps about an intended substrate along an arc greater than about 180 degrees. The device further includes a feed portion coupled to the first loop and extending outwardly from the second pinning roller opposite the first loop and providing a surface upon which a sheet can be placed. Furthermore, the device also includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to one of the rollers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming gum, the method including providing a pair of moving walls including a first wall and a second wall; and sizing a gum mass into a gum sheet having a substantially uniform thickness between about 0.3 mm to 10 mm using the pair of walls, the gum mass maintaining substantially continuous contact with at least one of the walls before and after the sizing.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for molding three-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff. The systems include a rotatable drum provided with mold holders that accept removable molds that are filled with the mass of foodstuff to form the three-dimensional products. The method includes use of the system to fill removable molds in filling operations to form the three-dimensional products.

Abstract: A cut-off device is used for providing a deposit of known portion weight of the ground meat or paste. This deposit is dropped accurately onto a conveyor belt for transport to a press wheel the height of which, from the conveyor, can be adjusted to provide a finished product of correct thickness. The press wheel has a system of vacuum ducts around the circumference in four chambers that pull paper from a de-nesting tray situated at the top of the press wheel, at the correct interval as to meet up with the deposit at the base of the wheel. This results in the deposit being pressed to the required thickness onto the conveyor, with the interleave paper attached to the top of the now formed patty.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master and bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein and a surface area that is approximately the same as an outer embossing surface of the embosser drum to be formed. Advantageously, a single, one-piece metallic shim can subsequently be generated, appropriately shaped and welded at a single seam to form the embosser drum outer embossing surface.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for microreplication is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cooling unit that contains a bottom layer, a plurality of side walls, and an intermediate layer. The bottom layer has an outer perimeter, and the plurality of side walls surround the outer perimeter of the bottom layer. The intermediate layer is positioned between the bottom layer and an upper portion of the side walls. The intermediate layer may include a plurality of openings, which may either hold a device that dispenses cooling agents or be used for drainage of cooling agents. The method utilizes the apparatus after heating and pressing of a polymer film during microreplication.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master, bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein, creating a replica of the bonded replica structure and electroforming a metallic layer onto the bonded replica structure replica to create a single, one piece, metallic shim which can be used to create a weld-less embosser drum.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing from heated plastic sheet material a molded siding product having a rough-textured surface includes a rotatable backing roll having an elastically deformable rim and an embossing element having a moveable embossing surface in compressive engagement with the backing roll. The circumferential surfaces of the backing roll and embossing surface define a contact patch and a nip point. A rough-textured pattern is impressed onto the heated plastic sheet material moved through the nip point. A supply of cooling liquid at least partially sets the heated plastic sheet material to retain an impression of the rough-textured pattern. Respective first and second guide rollers are located higher than the nip point and create a valley defined by the heated plastic sheet material, such that the cooling liquid is collected in a puddle on the heated plastic material proximate the nip point.

Abstract: A sailor roll includes pressing rolls and a center roll provided between the pressing rolls the center roll configured to press a central region of a web. The portions of the web pressed down by the pressing rolls serve as a fold origin from which the web is folded. Each of the pressing rolls has a tapered shape in which the diameter becomes smaller toward the outer side in the cross direction CD. In other word, the pressing rolls respectively have tapered surfaces tapered toward a side region of the web.

Abstract: Techniques, methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed that are useful for creating addressable three-dimensional elements formed on a flexible substrate using continuous roll-to-roll fabrication methods. An array of conductive elements can be formed on a first flexible substrate layer, over which is disposed a second polymer layer containing a three-dimensional micro-scale relief pattern. The second layer can be formed in registration with the underlying electrode pattern. The lowest areas of the micropattern can be etched away, in order to expose the underlying electrode elements. The 3D micropattern can include a volumetric structure capable of being filled with various materials, where the contents of the 3D structure may be further processed by chemical, electrochemical, or physical treatment. The 3D structure may consist of elements in the general form of microvessels disposed in a periodic or non-periodic array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for curling up dough slices, comprising a conveyor for the dough slices, a gripping element, arranged above the conveyor, for curling up a dough slice conveyed under the gripping element by the conveyor, pressure means, for pressing curled up dough slices on the conveyor, wherein the distance along which the gripping element grips dough slices is adjustable in the direction of conveyance.

Abstract: An optical film characterized by a high degree of flatness that can be used as a phase difference film of a liquid crystal display, and a method for manufacturing this optical film according to melt-casting film forming method. A melt including a cellulose resin is extruded onto a rotary support member 5 (cooling roll) from a flow casting die 4. A rotary pinch member 6 (touch roll) is energized to the rotary support member 5, and a nip is formed between them. When the melt is sandwiched and pressed by the nip, a die line and irregularity in thickness are removed. The linear pressure of the rotary pinch member 6 and the temperature of the melt immediately before the melt is sandwiched and pressed by the nip are set within a predetermined range, whereby effective correction of the film flatness is achieved.

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 molding machine for manufacturing an optical film includes a hopper, a first cylindrical roller, a second cylindrical roller, and an ultraviolet light source. The hopper defines a narrow outlet. The first cylindrical roller is rotatable around its central axis parallel to the narrow outlet. The second cylindrical roller is a transparent hollow structure rotatable around its second central axis. The first central axis is parallel to the second central axis at the same level. The first and second cylindrical rollers are located at two opposite sides of the narrow outlet and below the narrow outlet, and define a gap therebetween to feed the raw material. The ultraviolet light source is located in the second cylindrical roller. An emission direction of the ultraviolet light source is orientated toward a space between the narrow outlet and the second cylindrical roller.

Abstract: A preforming device and method of use thereof, the device including a rack, a pinion, belt, belt tensioning feature, and mechanism for supporting a variably appliable enhanced pressure, such as may be applied using a bladder or bladders having one or more valves, the device capable of engaging a mandrel to form at least one ply and a binder against the exterior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A material layering device. A material layering device may include a first pinning roller and a second pinning roller. The distance between the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller is less than a diameter of an substrate. The device also includes a return system, wherein the return system comprises a plurality of rollers. The device also includes a belt, which may have a first loop portion disposed between and protruding beyond the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller. The first loop portion also wraps about an intended substrate along an arc greater than about 180 degrees. The device further includes a feed portion coupled to the first loop and extending outwardly from the second pinning roller opposite the first loop and providing a surface upon which a sheet can be placed. Furthermore, the device also includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to one of the rollers.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus for forming fine structure lithography comprises: a belt-like mold having a fine structure for imprint lithography formed on a surface of the belt-like mold; a cylindrical pressurizing mechanism including a pair of opposed rolls for pressurizing the belt-like mold against the surface of the imprinting object; and a supporting member for supporting the imprinting object at a position between the rolls of the cylindrical pressurizing mechanism. The belt-like mold, the imprinting object and the supporting member are configured to move to the cylindrical pressurizing mechanism in a mutually non-contact state, and then at the position between the rolls, be pressurized by the cylindrical pressurizing mechanism in a state where the imprinting object is positioned between the belt-like mold and the supporting member.

Abstract: Apparatus's and methods of stretch-forming pre-preg material are provided. In one example embodiment a variable material stretch forming apparatus comprises a stretch-forming assembly configured to stretch-form at least one section along a width of a sheet of pre-preg material to a longer length than at least one other section along the width of the sheet of pre-preg material before the sheet of pre-preg material is applied to a tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing nonwoven and nonwoven obtainable by said method. Particularly, the invention relates to a nonwoven provided with improved tactile and absorbent characteristics, which make it suitable for use in the field of surface cleaning, personal hygiene, or formation of garments.

Abstract: The present disclosure features processes and equipment for forming a variety of textured materials, including both release webs, and finished products such as flooring materials, wall coverings, textured laminates and the like. The processes described herein allow curing radiation to be passed through a texturing medium, rather than through the substrate to which the curable material is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for beating and rolling a fermented dough belt between rolling members to release surplus fermentation gases in the dough belt has a first rolling member having a plurality of rolling rollers. Each rolling roller of the plurality moves sequentially upstream from downstream and beats and rolls the dough belt. A second large diameter conveying rolling member conveys and moves the dough belt between the first and the second rolling members.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a web substrate is disclosed. The apparatus has a pattern roll, at least two rolls juxtaposed in an axially parallel relationship with the pattern roll, and a continuous belt disposed about the at least two rolls. The pattern roll has a circumference and an embossing pattern disposed upon a surface thereof. The continuous belt is capable of providing a compressive force to the surface of the pattern roll and has a circumferential axis generally corresponding to the surface of the pattern roll. The continuous belt is disposed proximate to at least a portion of the circumference of the pattern roll and forms a circumferentially elongate nip therebetween. The pattern roll and the continuous belt are adapted to receive the web substrate at the elongate nip.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a web substrate is disclosed. The apparatus has a pattern roll, at least two rolls juxtaposed in an axially parallel relationship with the pattern roll, and a continuous belt disposed about the at least two rolls. The pattern roll has a circumference and an embossing pattern disposed upon a surface thereof. The continuous belt has a circumferential axis generally corresponding to the surface of said pattern roll. The continuous belt is disposed upon at least a portion of the circumference of the pattern roll and forms a circumferentially elongate nip therebetween. The pattern roll and the continuous belt are adapted to receive the web substrate at the elongate nip. The pattern roll and the continuous belt emboss the web substrate while the web substrate is disposed between the pattern roll and the continuous belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forming head for dry forming a fibrous web, which forming head is positioned above a forming wire opposite a suction unit. The forming head is divided into at least two independent interconnected distribution units, each of which comprises at least one revolving roller provided with protruding spikes. By dividing the forming head into a plurality of interconnected distribution units, a more efficient disintegration of agglomerates, shadows and/or lumps in the fibre material is achieved compared to the known forming heads, thereby ensuring a more homogenous final product.

Abstract: A fabrication method of forming a thermoplastic composite laminate material with tailored and varying thickness in a continuous process. This process utilizes automated equipment or hand lay-up to collate parts or components into a multi-layer stack. Each stack contains all plies, including ply build-up areas, tacked in the proper location to maintain orientation and location. The consolidation tooling contains all necessary part features and is coordinated to the customized multiple ply stacks to form a single integrated thermoplastic composite laminate potentially having areas of differing thickness from these multiple ply stacks.

Abstract: Thin snack chips having a curved or wave shape are obtained by forming, shaping or curling baked chips into a curved or wave configuration before they become too cold and rigid so as to result in breakage during forming. The essentially flat, malleable baked chips, still hot from baking in an oven may be continuously transported on a conveyer belt into a nip or gap formed between the conveyer belt and a rotating forming roller to curve or curl the malleable baked chips around the roller. The malleable baked chips are subjected to a guided curtain of air to cool and set the chips in a curved or wave configuration and to remove or blow the curved or wave chips off of the rotating forming roller onto the conveyor belt.

Abstract: There is provided a fine pattern transfer, belt-shaped mold, with which a fine structure having a high aspect ratio can be formed rapidly and stably using nanoimprinting, and a fine pattern transfer system (a nanoimprint system) that employs this mold. According to the present invention, a nanoimprint mold includes: a belt-shaped support member; a plurality of stampers, for each of which a fine convex-and-concave pattern, to be transferred, is formed on one surface; and an adhesive member, to which the belt-shaped support member and the stampers are to be securely adhered, wherein the adhesive member includes a porous member and adhesive layers, which are deposited on either face of the porous member, for impregnating one part of the porous member, and wherein, for the porous member, a porous area that is not impregnated with the adhesive layers, is provided and positioned so as to sandwich the porous member between portions impregnated with the adhesive layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a foam-in-place cushion in which a foam-forming composition is dispensed between two plastic film portions in a predetermined fashion to selectively control the distribution of the foam in the cushion. A foam dispenser can be moved in a transverse direction as foam is dispensed. A dispersion device can be employed to apply pressure on predetermined areas of the film portions towards each other so as to cause the composition to be redistributed in position in a predetermined manner while the composition is in a less than fully expanded state. The plastic film can then be sealed closed to form an expanding foam cushion that can be placed into a shipping carton where the cushion expands to fill void space, or into a mold where the cushion expands and is molded into a desired shape.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and moulding devices for moulding three-dimensional productions from a mass of foodstuff which is suitable for human consumption, in particular from a mass of meat, in particular chicken. The method comprises filling a mould cavity with a portion of the mass and for a filling period via a filling opening associated with the mould cavity, closing the filling opening of the mould cavity and holding the mass in the mould cavity for a fixing period. Then, the mould cavity is opened and the moulded product is removed from the mould cavity. The method uses fixing-pressure-exerting mechanism designed to exert a fixing pressure which acts on the mass in the mould cavity after the filled mould cavity has been closed.

Abstract: A structure includes a layer which includes a first cured portion and a second cured portion which are formed from a same light curable material. The first cured portion is cured to a first amount, and the second cured portion is cured to a second amount. The first amount is sufficiently different than the second amount to result in a visible discontinuity on the surface of the structure. A method for forming a pattern in a radiation curable material includes providing between a radiation source and the radiation curable material, a pattern that can block a portion of the radiation from the radiation source. The material is cured with radiation from the radiation source to form a pattern in the radiation curable material.

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: The invention relates to an apparatus and method of making a solid film. Viscous material (163) is input into a nip between a patterned roller (165) and a belt (167). The nip between the patterned roller (165) and belt (167) is facilitated by a compliant roller (169). Accordingly, a film may be produced that has discrete optical elements and a smooth backside.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a thermoplastic synthetic resin sheet or film has a casting mechanism having support rollers each mounted to undergo rotation about a corresponding rotational axis and one of which is mounted to undergo non-rotational displacement relative to the other support rollers. A casting sleeve is entrained around the support rollers for rotation therewith. A casting roller is mounted for undergoing rotation relative to the casting sleeve. A synthetic resin material is fed between opposite and confronting outer peripheral surfaces of the casting sleeve and the casting roller while rotating the casting sleeve and the casting roller and while effecting non-rotational displacement of one of the support rollers to holdingly press the synthetic resin material between the casting sleeve and the casting roller and thereby form the synthetic resin material into a thermoplastic synthetic resin sheet or film.

Abstract: Apparatus for the forming of a strip, formable at increased temperature, in particular of a strip consisting of thermoplastic, in a continuous run on the surface of a rotating drum which is to be heated and/or to be cooled in predetermined stationary regions. In order to reduce the energy losses due to the heating and cooling alternation, the thin-walled drum is mounted on a carrier body which can be heated or cooled in the respective regions and is heat-exchangeable with the drum surface at least in these regions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for making patterning tools from one or more discrete elements. Such tools can have one or more “seams” or joints where the individual elements abut which can limit the tools' performance and utility in roll-to-roll manufacturing. Methods are described herein for producing “near-seamless” tools, that is, tools having seams that exhibit minimum disruption of the tool pattern and thus improved material produced by such tools. The patterning tools can be cylindrical and/or closed in shape.

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: A plurality of rolling rollers move sequentially upstream from downstream or downstream from upstream along the food dough belt, while each rolling roller rotates on its own axis. The moving direction of the rolling roller is changed according to technical requirements. The number of beats is regulated by changing the moving speed V1 of the rolling roller. Further, the peripheral speed of the rolling roller is made to be equal to or almost equal to the surface speed of the food dough belt by changing the rotating speed V2 of the rolling roller.

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: 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: There is provided an apparatus and method for consolidation joining a thermoplastic preform to form a duct. The apparatus includes first and second longitudinally extending support structures. The first support structure at least partially defines a cavity for supporting the preform in a desired configuration of the duct. The second support structure extends in the cavity such that the preform can be supported between the first and second support structures. The second support structures can include an elastomeric device that is configured to adjust radially and urge the interface of the preform against the first support structure. A heater is configured to heat an interface of the preform to above a glass transition temperature. The resulting duct is has a longitudinal consolidation joint and defines a passage.

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: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming a continuous sheet of a molten material with particularly viscous, sticky properties. This molten material may be moldable, plasticized or a food product such as cheese. More specifically, the invention includes a manifold that discharges the molten material in a continuous layer upon the surface of a casting belt. This manifold comprises a roller, a chamber with a hollow interior, at least one inlet and a drive mechanism.