Abstract: An adjustable tortilla maker comprises a base plate comprising a lower forming surface and a pressing plate comprising an upper forming surface. When the pressing plate is in a pressing state, the lower forming surface is opposite to the upper forming surface. A rotary shaft assembly comprises a pressing plate pin shaft mounted on a rotary shaft seat, and the pressing plate is rotatably connected to the rotary shaft seat through the pressing plate pin shaft. A mounting post is connected to the base plate, and the mounting post extends along a thickness direction of the base plate. The mounting post protrudes from the lower forming surface of the base plate, and the rotary shaft seat is configured to be movably mounted on the mounting post. A locking portion is configured to lock the rotary shaft seat to the mounting post at a predefined position.

Abstract: An automatic opening and closing device for a mold assembly includes a base, a pivot seat, a first extensible unit, an upper mold mounting unit, two shafts, a second extensible unit, a left arm and a right arm. The first extensible unit can move the upper mold mounting unit downward to clamp or release the mold, and the second extensible unit is used to move the pivot seat between two positions. When the pivot seat is in a first position, the upper mold mounting unit can be lowered down to secure or release the mold by the first extensible unit, when in the second position, the upper mold mounting unit and the mold can be rotated an angle, to perform opening or closing of the mold assembly.

Abstract: An earplug shaping device compresses a compressible earplug prior to insertion of the earplug into a user's ear canal. The device includes a first member and a second member which rotate with respect to each other. The outer surface of the first member and inner surface of the second member define a space that decreases in size as the first and second members rotate with respect to each other, thereby compressing the compressible earplug. Various embodiments of the earplug shaper employ a ratchet mechanism permitting substantially only one direction of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a press platen (1) or endless belt for embossing materials, in particular wooden materials or plastics materials. In order to considerably reduce the production costs and the use of material, it is proposed according to the invention that use is made of a sandwich body which consists of a carrier body (10) and an embossing body (11), wherein said bodies are connected together in a firm and planar manner via a magnetically active and/or metallic adhesive agent (12). As a result of the selection of the adhesive agent, for example in the form of a magnetic film or magnetic materials, a hard or soft solder or a soldering paste, it is thus possible to break the connection in a reversible manner at any time and thus to exchange the embossing body (11).

Abstract: There is provided a rotating structure of a rotary member disposed in a press molding apparatus including the rotary member; a main body; and a rotating block. The rotating block includes a convex strip to be attached to the lower portion of the rotary member and a concave strip to be attached to the main body. The convex strip includes a flat mounting portion and a convex sliding portion, and is formed with bolt holes penetrating through the mounting portion and the convex sliding portion at a plurality of positions. The concave strip includes a flat mounting portion and a concave sliding portion, and is formed with bolt holes penetrating through the mounting portion and the concave sliding portion at a plurality of positions. The convex sliding portion and the concave sliding portion are positioned at slidable positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a plurality of independently formed solid components is provided thereby forming a single delivery vehicle for a pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical-like product. The solid components can be held and fed to the apparatus via a plurality of magazines. Pusher rods and the like can be used for positioning each of the solid components. Where the components are connected via a bonding liquid, a sprayer is provided and compression pins or the like press the components with the bonding liquid together to form the final product. A rivet or other connection structure can also be used and driven through holes in each of the solid components to form the final product.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing tostones, referred to herein as a tostonera, has a base member with an upper surface including a plurality of concave recesses therein and a relatively planar bottom surface. A first press member is connected to the base member along a first periphery, and has a plurality of punches equal in number and co-located with the plurality of concave recesses. The first press member hingedly connected to the base member is capable of engaging the base member when pressure is applied to the first press member. A second press member hingedly connected to the base member along a second periphery, has at least one depression therein. The depression within the second press member may be configured to permit either a series of tostones or an entire half banana to be pressed at a single time.

Abstract: An exemplary method for making a mold used for molding lenses includes the following. First, a base is provided. The base has parallel lines marked on a surface thereof. Second, a dispenser is provided. The dispenser dispenses lumps of molding material on selected positions on the surface of the base guided by the lines. Third, a roller is provided. The roller has a peripheral side surface. The peripheral side surface has spaced molding surfaces defined thereat, each molding surface corresponding to a surface of a lens to be formed. The roller is applied above the base, with the molding surfaces press-molding the lumps of molding material, thereby forming molding portions on the base. Thus, a mold including the base and the molding portions formed on the base is obtained.

Abstract: There is provided a rotating structure of a rotary member disposed in a press molding apparatus including the rotary member; a main body; and a rotating block, wherein the rotating block includes a convex strip to be attached to the lower portion of the rotary member and a concave strip to be attached to the main body, and the convex strip includes a flat mounting portion and a convex sliding portion, and is formed with bolt holes penetrating through the mounting portion and the convex sliding portion at a plurality of positions, the concave strip includes a flat mounting portion and a concave sliding portion, and is formed with bolt holes penetrating through the mounting portion and the concave sliding portion at a plurality of positions, and the convex sliding portion and the concave sliding portion are positioned at slidable positions.

Abstract: A balloon folding device comprises a first die having an external contacting surface and a second die having a cavity. A portion of the cavity comprises a contacting surface shaped complimentary to the external contacting surface of the first die. The second die is movable with respect to the first die. A balloon catheter having a primary balloon and a secondary balloon is oriented with the secondary balloon located between the first die and the second die. The secondary balloon is folded by moving the second die toward the first die until the contacting surfaces of the dies contact, fold and deflate the secondary balloon. In some embodiments, the dies are moved until at least a portion of the external contacting surface of the first die is oriented within the cavity of the second die.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasing a lens moulded in a cavity between posterior (21) and anterior mould (22) sections and adhered thereto. A post (30) is configured to support a flange (20) of the posterior section whilst the anterior section remains spaced from the post. Posterior section is compressed between a pin (40) applied to, an outer concave surface (29a) of the posterior section and the post, thereby initially releasing peripheral regions of the posterior section and subsequently the remaining portions thereof. Upon separation, the anterior section together with the lens (10) drops onto the post so that its outer convex surface (29a) rests on the post. A collar unit (50) with gas channels (53) presses against a flange (200) of the anterior section whilst blowing jets of gas towards an interface between a “monomer” ring (11) formed around the lens. In this manner, initially the “monomer” ring and then peripheral regions of the lens are separated from the anterior section.

Abstract: Fluffy powders, such as calcined kaolin clays or air floated clays, can be compacted using a process which comprises applying increasing amounts of pressure to a powder moving through a confinement area. The compacted product has an improved bulk density and improved wet out and slurry incorporation times as compared to the non-compacted starting material feed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for moulding a plastic article in which the article is obtained by the compression of a quantity of plastic material (3) in the molten state between the two parts of a mould, comprising at least one supply of plastic material (1), a rod (11), sliding in a sleeve (8) suitable for temporarily supporting said quantity of plastic material (3), a mould for the head of the article (6, 7) and a mandrel (18) cooperating with said mould (6, 7), characterized in that it comprises non-elastic retaining means (12-14, 23, 24) which are suitable for limiting the bidirectional displacement of the rod (11) in the sleeve (8). The invention also relates to a method using the aforementioned device.

Abstract: An assembly device of a support mat for a ceramic catalyst carrier includes: a push-in device provided in a vertically movable tool base and capable of pushing a ceramic catalyst carrier together with a support mat into a recession of a shaping die; a first and a second pressing unit pressing both end portions of the support mat from side faces so as to curve the both end portions of the support mat along an arc-shaped upper surface of the ceramic catalyst carrier; first pressing pieces and a second pressing piece provided in tip portions of the first and second pressing units; and a push-up unit provided on a bottom of the recession and capable of pushing up the ceramic catalyst carrier together with the support mat.

Abstract: A tostonera comprises a first press member, a base member having the first press member movably associated therewith, and a second press member movably associated with the base member opposite the first press member and having one or more punches projecting outwardly from a surface facing the base member. One or more relatively shallow recesses are formed in the base member facing the first press member, and one or more relatively deep recesses formed in the base member facing the second press member, the one or more punches matingly coupling therewith.

Abstract: A press assembly is shown having a plurality of aligned press modules having a lower platen and an oppositely-disposed upper platen, the press modules defining a channel through the press assembly. A resinous wood fiber mat is fed into the channel. The upper and lower platens are driven along synchronized circular paths of travel such that the mat is compressed between the platens and is propelled by the platens through the channel. The platens are connected to eccentric shaft drive assemblies that move the platens along the desired circular path. The action of the eccentric shafts of each module are interconnected and coordinated by gear box units, and the gear box units are interconnected by intermediate gear boxes to synchronize the press assembly. A plurality of motors drives the eccentric shafts, and the supplied power may be distributed by the gear boxes.

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

Abstract: An assembly device includes: a push-in unit provided in a vertically movable tool base to push a ceramic catalyst carrier together with a support mat into a recession of a shaping die; a first and second pressing units for pressing both end portions of the mat from side faces to curve them along an arc-shaped upper surface of the carrier; pressure rollers provided at the both pressing units to press the both end portions toward the carrier; a tape presser in the push-in unit for pressing an adhesive tape to an upper surfaces of engagement portions of the depression and projection in a gap formed between the both rollers and operating with the push-in unit in pushing the carrier and mat into the recession of the shaping die; and a push-up unit provided on a bottom of the recession to push up the carrier and mat.

Abstract: A mould assembly includes a first mould part (2) and a second mould part (4) for moulding a wind turbine blade of fibre-reinforced polymer. The assembly has a hinge mechanism (6) with a hinge line (7) extending parallel to the two mould parts in the longitudinal direction of the mould to allow turning of the mould parts in relation to each other between an open position and a closed position. It also has a displacement mechanism for a rectilinear translational movement of the second mould part (4) between a partially closed position and a completely closed position. The displacement mechanism has guide rods (8) including drives for displacing them and thus for moving the two mould parts between the partially closed and completely closed positions.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus having a mold with an internal vacuum chamber and a quench for cooling a thermoplastic sheet while it remains on the mold. Because the quench cools the sheet, conventional cooling lines are eliminated from the mold. One method of using the thermoforming apparatus includes pushing a heated sheet towards the mold with a plug assist, drawing the heated sheet over the mold, creating a partial vacuum in the vacuum chamber of the mold to maintain the sheet on the mold and quenching the sheet on the mold in a quenching tank by moving the quenching tank to the mold.

Abstract: There are provided apparatuses and related methods for preforming sheets to form preforms for forming ducts. The preforms can be formed of a thermoplastic material, such as flat sheets of reinforced thermoplastic, which can be lightweight, strong, and perform well in flammability, smoke, and toxicity tests. The apparatus includes a heater for heating the sheet to a processing temperature and a structure for configuring the sheet to a desired shape of the duct. For example, rollers, rods, tubes, or a funnel can be used to bend the sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing rebonded foam blocks in a box mould having a base, a plurality of mutually adjacent mould side walls standing thereupon and a plunger movable in the direction of the base, in which at least one of the mould side walls may be swiveled about a substantially horizontal swivel axis mounted on the base between an outwardly directed position and a substantially vertical position, the method involving mixing the foam flakes with a binder, swiveling at least one of the mould side walls outwards such that the cross-sectional area of the box mould increases from the bottom upwards, introducing the foam flakes into the box mould, adjusting the at least one mould side wall so that the cross-sectional area of the box mould is substantially constant over its height, compressing the foam flakes by means of the plunger to the desired density or foam block height, thereby bonding together the foam flakes and removing the finished foam block from the mould.

Abstract: A tortilla-forming machine for molding dough into a tortilla shell. The forming machine having a base with an upwardly facing forming surface and a push plate with a downwardly facing forming surface. The forming machine further including an actuating mechanism with a first member joined to the base and a second member joined to the push plate which moves relative to the base for molding the dough into the tortilla shell. The relative movement including the upper push plate moving relative to the base axially along an actuating axis which is perpendicular to the upwardly facing forming surface and rotating about the actuating axis.

Abstract: An improved pressware die set includes mechanical ejectors for removing formed product from the punch. A preferred embodiment includes rocker-style ejectors free from edges or other asperities which may tend to snag and mar the product during the production process. Most preferably, the outward surfaces of the rocker members extend beyond the perimeter of a paperboard blank positioned for forming so the paperboard blank does not encounter an obstruent outward edge during forming.

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: A device for applying a thin layer of a powder on a support means (14) includes a device (12) for storing the powder, a screed (30) that includes a shoe (36) with a working surface, as well as a device (28) for guiding in translation in a direction of movement F. The shoe (36) is rotatable and includes a device (32, 34) for inclining the to take at least two positions, the first in which the working surface is parallel to the support (14) for the layers to take up a predetermined volume of powder and a second in which this working surface is inclined at an angle ? relative to the support.

Abstract: The thermoforming press has a frame, a forming die assembly affixed to the frame, a mold-supporting table suspended to the frame under the forming die assembly, and a pair of molds mounted side by side on the mold-supporting table. A drive system is provided for imparting a pendulum movement to the mold-supporting table for alternately registering one of the molds with the forming die assembly while the other mold is positioned at a part retrieving station. The part retrieving and stacking mechanism has horizontal and angular displacements only as the vertical component of the retrieving motion is provided by the pendulum system. Spring discs are mounted between the forming die assembly and the press platen to control the forces generated between the forming die assembly and each mold.

Abstract: A process for coating a substrate is provided which includes the following steps: (a) applying a waterborne base coat composition to a surface of the substrate; (b) applying infrared radiation at a power density of 1.5-8.0 kW/m2 and a first air stream simultaneously to the base coat composition such that a pre-dried base coat is formed upon the surface of the substrate; and (c) applying a second air stream in the absence of infrared radiation to the base coat composition such that a dried base coat is formed upon the surface of the substrate. Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed including continuous, batch, and semi-batch processes, which may include additional process steps, such as subsequent application of a topcoat. The process may be used to coat a variety of metal and polymeric substrates, for example, those associated with the body of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A fixing device for moulds for plastic articles, where a pair of half-moulds (3, 4) in which a force plug (11) can be inserted, comprises at least one tie rod (6) for keeping the two half-moulds in a closed position, the said tie rod being hinged, at one end, to the mobile half-mould and having a second end of a hammer-headed shape which hooks to two gripping jaws (60, 61). The tie rod (6) is hinged to a connecting rod which rotates on a pivot fixed to the resting base (14), which, in the movement of rotation, sets the tie rod (6) along the line corresponding to the centroid of the pressure forces produced during the moulding operation.

Abstract: A molding/punching station for molding and punching containers out of a foil strip (2) of thermoplastic synthetic material, which station includes a molding table (5) for holding one half of a mold (4); a frame (9) in which the table (5) is mounted for pivotal movement about a fixed axis of rotation (26) transverse to a longitudinal axis (35) of the table (5); and a single guideway (27) that is mounted on the frame (9) and engages the table (5) for guiding the pivotal motion of the table (5), with the guideway (27) for pivoting table (5) being disposed between the plane of the foil strip (2) in the station and the pivoting point (26′) or axis of rotation (26) of the table (5), if necessary with sectional areas of the guideway (27) being opposite the foil strip (2).

Abstract: A mold battery with provisions for separating one mold member from another by both rotating away and also translating away. A mold member comprises two wheels resting on two rails and a lower roller. While the mold member is rotated to an open angle stopped by the lower roller contacting a stop surface, yet the mold member can also be translated away by rolling along the rails. When joining mold members, a freedom of movement is provided which improves the seal. One embodiment comprises parallel guidance by wheels fixed on a common axle and turning in unison. One embodiment substitutes a fixed pin for the lower roller.

Abstract: The invention of this patent is a method and apparatus used in molding applications. An external applied force causes an actuator rod to move in a linear motion. In turn, a rotary linkage rotates about its pivot point. This causes a series of linkage connectors to cause linkage arms to rotate around such linkage arms' pivot point. This rotary action causes platens to move simultaneously together to form a clean, even mold. While the platens move linearly on tie bars, which guide such linear movement, the linkage arms and rotary linkage are mounted on a mounting plate. This allows the clamping and applied force stresses on the platens to be dependent on the mounting plate, rather than the tie bars. The platens travel at the same speed and distance in relation to each other. The result is an evenly produced part that comprises two die or mold halves which are perfectly centered.

Abstract: Biodegradable, recessed molded receptacles (18) are produced by baking a baking composition between upper and lower baking molds (22, 24) in one baking operation to form a plurality of molded receptacles (18) in a coherent sheet structure (12) having an unbroken surface and containing the molded receptacles (18) which are subsequently separated from the sheet structure (12).

Abstract: A method for forming artificial rocks that possess suitable weight and strength and that allows for the formation of artificial rocks with large undercuts is provided. The method consists of creating an outer mold of a natural rock, then using the mold to create a test artificial rock. The test rock is then structurally tested. Structural reinforcement members are added to the interior of a second test rock to structurally strengthen the test rock until a suitable test rock is created. The suitable test rock is then used to create an inner shell conforming to the inside surface of the test rock. Production rocks are created by molding a cementitious material between the outer mold and the inner shell. Additionally, a stand suitable for holding the artificial rock in a stable position during manufacture and that allows for the easy release of an artificial rock after formation is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating a web, such as a web of interconnected disposable absorbent articles. The web is fed in a first direction to an activation system which includes a central disc and at least one outer disc. The central disc has a top surface and a pair of opposing side surfaces. The side surfaces of the central disc have activation tools located thereon while the outer disc includes complementary activation tools, The web is folded about the central disc such that a first zone of the web is positioned adjacent the top surface and a second zone of the web is positioned adjacent one of the side surfaces. The activation tool of the outer disc is then engaged with the activation tool of the central disc. The activation tool of the outer disc is then disengaged from the activation tool of the central disc. The activated web is then removed from the central disc.

Abstract: A mold battery with provisions for separating one mold member from another by both rotating away and also translating away. A mold member comprises two wheels resting on two rails and a lower roller. While the mold member is rotated to an open angle stopped by the lower roller contacting a stop surface, yet the mold member can also be translated away by rolling along the rails. When joining mold members, a freedom of movement is provided which improves the seal. One embodiment comprises parallel guidance by wheels fixed on a common axle and turning in unison. One embodiment substitutes a fixed pin for the lower roller.

Abstract: Angular blocks of foam flocks can be produced with angular edges and a homogeneous density distribution over the entire cross-section in a molding box by first extending the of adjacent mold walls before the flocks are introduced, and, after the flocks have been introduced, reducing it to the envisaged cross-section of the slab to be produced. Wherein, at every corner formed by two adjacent mold walls, one of the mold walls is divided into a wall part and a flap held thereon which can be moved around a swivelling axis perpendicular to the base and can be swivelled between a position pointing outwards and a position parallel with the wall part.

Abstract: Angular blocks of foam flocks can be produced by the composite process with angular edges and a homogeneous density distribution over the entire cross-section in a molding box by first extending the filling cross-section in the corners of adjoining mold walls before the flocks are introduced, and, after the flocks have been introduced, reducing it to the envisaged cross-section of the slab to be produced and thus filling hollow spaces, and compacting the flock filling to the desired density in the corners, so that the slab has a homogeneous density over the entire cross-section.

Abstract: Improved booking drive mechanism for vertically extending mold presses such as SRIM mold presses. Opening and closing of the booking plate relative to its associated moveable ram are actuated by a pair of horizontally disposed hydraulic cylinders. Tension pulleys carried by the extendable pistons of the cylinders are trained around cables that connect the booking plate to the ram. When the pulleys are retracted into their cylinder housings, tension or pull on the cables causes the booking plate to move about a fulcrum to a closed position. Conversely, horizontal extension of the pistons away from the cylinders causes opening pivotal movement of the booking plate about the fulcrum thereby separating the booking plate from the ram.

Abstract: A device for supporting an upper mold tool (7) for movement with respect to a lower mold tool (25). Compared to known devices with simple pivoting supports, in which the space conditions for handling the workpieces with the mold tool opened are very restricted, the upper mold tool (7) is supported on a frame (1) by means of a multi-bar mechanism, such as a four-bar mechanism (10, 11) or a six-bar mechanism to provide a very wide opening of the space between the two mold tools.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for producing formed or molded millwork products includes a workstation supported on a support surface, a lower composite mold/press unit mounted upon the workstation and defining a lower portion of a mold cavity, and upper composite mold/press unit defining an upper portion of the mold cavity, and support members spaced apart from one another along the lower composite unit, movably mounted to the workstation, and extending above the lower composite unit where the support members mount the upper composite unit generally above and for movement toward and away from the lower composite unit. Either of the lower and upper mold/press units can have replaceable plates for different shaped products. The apparatus also includes actuators for the support members and releasable locking mechanisms for the upper composite unit.

Abstract: An automated pretzel forming machine that produces fresh unbaked pretzels with hand formed characteristics by extruding premixed dough onto a folding table. This table is moved by a bi-directional positioning stage, forming the unfolded and untwisted pretzel shape. The folding table twists the ends of the extruded dough rope then folds the twisted portion on top of the main body of extruded dough resulting in the classic hand twisted pretzel shape. The twisted and folded pretzel is transferred from the folding table through the use of a lift and rotate unit and is subjected to a patterned soda spray and salted before being unloaded from the lift and rotate unit to an existing conveyor oven.

Abstract: A pair of form keys and a method for forming reverse drafts in foam parts are disclosed. A male form key is reciprocally mounted in a first mold half in a retracted position. A female form key is rotatably mounted in a second mold half in a neutral position. The first mold half includes a first drive pin that when engaged, moves the male form key into engagement with a foam sheet to form an undercut as the first and second mold halves are closed. The first mold half also includes a second drive pin that engages the female form key as the first and second mold halves close rotating the female form key into engagement with the foam sheet and the male form key. After closure of the mold and the product is formed, the mold is opened. As this occurs, the drive pins are disengaged and the male form key retracts and the female form key rotates to their neutral positions. The formed product may then be stripped from the mold while maintaining the reverse draft or undercut.

Abstract: A press mold for glass substrate includes an upper mold and a lower mold, and a pressure apparatus for applying pressure to the upper mold and the lower mold, for molding a plate-shaped glass substrate having a predetermined thickness between the upper mold and the lower mold. An engaging projected piece is projectingly provided on the side portion of the upper mold, an engaging projected piece supporting portion for supporting the engaging projected piece is provided on the side portion of the lower mold, and an end portion of the upper mold is formed so as to be released from the lower mold with the engaging projected piece as a rotating shaft. Variance in pressure on mold surfaces between the upper mold and lower mold is detected, and a buffer made of material having lower compressive yield strength than material constituting the lower mold is inserted between the lower mold and the pressure apparatus in a position corresponding to the mold surface portion at lower pressure.

Abstract: A method of forming blister pack packaging is provided including providing a thermoplastic material and placing the thermoplastic material between a pair of opposed male and female thermoforming dies, while cooling a portion of at least one of the dies. The cooled portion of the die is positioned to contact the area of the thermoplastic material in which it is desired to avoid distortion.

Abstract: A press mold for glass substrate includes an upper mold and a lower mold, and a pressure apparatus for applying pressure to the upper mold and the lower mold, for molding a plate-shaped glass substrate having a predetermined thickness between the upper mold and the lower mold. An engaging projected piece is projectingly provided on the side portion of the upper mold, an engaging projected piece supporting portion for supporting the engaging projected piece is provided on the side portion of the lower mold, and an end portion of the upper mold is formed so as to be released from the lower mold with the engaging projected piece as a rotating shaft. Variance in pressure on mold surfaces between the upper mold and lower mold is detected, and a buffer made of material having lower compressive yield strength than material constituting the lower mold is inserted between the lower mold and the pressure apparatus in a position corresponding to the mold surface portion at lower pressure.

Abstract: A press arrangement having ball-screw drive units for providing rapid opening and closing movement of the press, and having a pneumatic closure arrangement for providing a final small-stroke closing movement and holding force for the mold. The pneumatic closure arrangement acts through the mold to cause the ball-screw drive units to be axially displaced a small amount sufficient to cause automatic engagement of a friction brake which nonrotatably holds the screw shaft to prevent back driving thereof due to the mold closure force.

Abstract: A mold press for an electric drive arrangement for controlling opening and closing press movement. The drive arrangement includes a pair of generally identical drive units connected between upper and lower press plates. The drive units in a preferred embodiment each employ a ball-screw arrangement. A screw shaft extends vertically of the press, and engages a ball nut assembly which is mounted on the top press plate for effecting movement thereof toward and away from the bottom press plate. An electric motor is coupled to the screw shafts for effecting high speed opening and closing movement of the top press plate. A force apply device, such as an inflatable hose or bladder, is associated with the bottom press plate to effect application of the desired press closing force.

Abstract: A cavity block and method for manufacturing such a block utilizes a computer assisted machining tool to form a composite cavity in a plurality of cavity block segments such that the segments can be separated after the machining of the cavity and paired in horizontal abutment rather than vertical abutment to reorient the lure or article about a new axis after the cavity has been created.

Abstract: A dough ball loader includes a conveyor belt supported on a frame. A frame plate is fixed in position over the conveyor belt. Loading tubes on the frame plate are aligned over a loading opening in the frame plate. Pairs of flatteners are pivotably attached to the frame plate adjacent to the loading opening. The flatteners preferably have a flat bottom surface. An actuator is linked to the flatteners and pivots the flatteners from an open position for loading dough balls onto the conveyor belt, to a closed position, for flattening the dough balls and fixing them into position on the belt.