Abstract: A closed loop system for separating materials of differing melting points includes an ultrasonic bath including a solution configured to supply thermal energy and cavitation to the materials of differing melting points, a solution reservoir configured to adjust levels of the solution in the ultrasonic bath, and a filter configured to remove particles of one of the materials of differing melting points from the solution.

Abstract: A method of increasing the intrinsic viscosity of polyester by means of solid state polymerization, wherein a polyester plastics melt is granulated and after granulation is conveyed into a thermal treatment container (13) for thermal treatment therein, the granules being produced slightly below their melting temperature and being fed into the thermal treatment container (13) immediately after granulation so as to utilize the residual heat in the granules, as well as an arrangement for increasing the intrinsic viscosity of polyester by means of solid state polymerization with a granulating and a thermal treatment unit, with an unheated, thermally insulated container (13) or a container (13) having wall heating means (15) being provided as the thermal treatment unit, which is directly connected to the granulating unit via a conveying device (11, 36, 37).

Abstract: An apparatus for melt spinning and winding up synthetic yarns comprising a spinning appliance, a treating appliance and a windup machine. The treating appliance comprises a runoff godet for guiding the yarns before entry and distribution of the yarns into a plurality of winding stations in the windup machine, the runoff godet being arranged above the windup machine and guiding the yarns in a parallel side by side arrangement on its circumference. The runoff godet is arranged transversely to a winding spindle and above the windup machine, the windup machine comprising a plurality of head yarn guides which are disposed upstream of the winding stations and are arranged in a vertically oriented runup plane.

Abstract: A Styrofoam densification machine for melting used Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam) products. It includes a hopper for holding the disposed Styrofoam and a hopper discharge area for melting the used Styrofoam. The Hopper discharge area contains a heated tray compartment which holds a receiving tray for collection of melted Styrofoam. The compartment shall have two or less access area doors for the retrieval of the collection tray. The discharge and compartment tray areas have silicone heating pads on the outside of the panels for heat. The hopper is surrounded by a paneled cabinet which includes up to two inches of installation. The machine is loaded by way of mechanical hopper lid(s) which includes up to two lid panels, high temperature seals, hinges and handles for ease of opening. The machine sits on up to four (4) casters along with anchoring plates. The machine operates on 120 volts, 208 volts and 240 volts.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel methods of producing a composition, such as, but not limited to, a polyimide composition. The methods in their most general form comprise providing a workpiece, suspending the workpiece and subjecting the suspended workpiece to processing such that the workpiece undergoes a transformation from a first state to a second state. By maintaining the workpiece in a suspended state during processing, processing-related defects are reduced or eliminated. Using such methods, the present disclosure provides compositions that are have no or reduced processing-related defects. In addition, the compositions are more consistent in chemical and physical properties and are cheaper and more economical to produce (since less product is rejected as unsuitable).

Abstract: A system for flexing a web is disclosed. The web passes over two co-rotating members, such as rollers or belts, which are separated by a small adjustable gap. The web travels around the first rotating member, is peeled off in the vicinity of the gap, bent back on itself in a small radius and reattached on the second co-rotating member. The location of the small radius is fixed with a closed loop control system sensing the radius location and controlling the relative velocity of the two members. Strain in the web is adjusted with the size of the small radius, which is controlled by the adjustable gap and radius location.

Abstract: A dough-like confectionery material contains a solid particulate, a liquid, and a diffusion controller. The dough-like confectionery material is an effective replacement for panned coatings, and it can be applied to an edible substrate, such as candy or chewing gum to form a layered confection. Methods and apparatus for forming layered confections are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making shaped bodies, such as carbon-based, inorganic cement, or ceramic bodies. Methods disclosed herein may comprise applying a bidirectional gas flow to at least one heat treatment and/or controlled oxidation step. Also disclosed herein are methods of making shaped bodies comprising a single-step controlled oxidation firing process. Further disclosed herein are shaped bodies made by a process comprising applying a bi-directional gas flow to at least one heat treatment and/or controlled oxidation step, and shaped bodies made by a single-step controlled oxidation firing process. Further disclosed herein is a bidirectional gas flow furnace for the heat treatment and/or the controlled oxidation of a shaped body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for continuous firing of shaped bodies in one cycle, in particular a continuous method for heat treatment and/or control oxidation of shaped bodies by passing them through a roller hearth furnace on furnace trays.

Abstract: A pelletizing system and a method for pelletizing a polymer are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of compressing a quantity of polymer flake of a predetermined size to produce a pellet and heating at least one of the polymer flake and the pellet to remove contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: A nonwoven production machine includes a spun-bond tower for extruding filaments and associated apparatus for forming the filaments into a web that is consolidated by water jets, a web that is calendered and then softened by water jets, or a web that is only calendered.

Abstract: A microlens is affixed in the far field of an optical fiber to spatially transform a beam either entering or exiting the fiber. In a first embodiment, a droplet of photo polymer is placed on the end of an optical fiber and the fiber is spun to create an artificial gravity. The droplet is cured by UV radiation during the spinning. In a second embodiment, nanoparticles are mixed into the droplet to increase the refractive index of the photo polymer. A third embodiment employs artificial gravity to attach a microsphere to the end of the optical fiber. A fourth embodiment chemically treats the surface of the microsphere so that the requirement of artificial gravity is either reduced or eliminated. In a fifth embodiment the droplet is cured under equilibrium or nonequilibrium conditions to obtain different final shapes for the lenslet. A sixth embodiment discloses fabrication of microlens arrays.

Abstract: A device for melt spinning, treating and winding synthetic threads includes a spinning unit, a treatment unit and a winding unit. The spinning unit, the treatment unit and the winding unit are arranged in tiers one above the other and form a plurality of single-thread or multi-thread production positions along the longitudinal side of a machine. To permit a rapid, simple operation, in particular at the start of a process and during interruptions of the process, an operator walkway is located at a height between the treatment device and the winding device.

Abstract: Curing blanket having a clear or transparent first layer and a second layer airlaid on the first layer. Another embodiment has a first layer, a second layer airlaid on the first layer, and a third layer disposed on the said second layer, with the second layer interposed between the first layer and the third layer. The first layer and said second layer are thermally bonded and/or latex bonded. The third layer includes a polymer release agent composed of bi-component fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for finishing and calibrating preforms (10) which are removed from a multiple injection tool in an unstable shape, and proposes an air cooler integrated into the water cooled cooling sleeves (21) for the outer side of the open end face of the preform (10). Particularly in the case of special preform varieties, the areas which are unsupported in the cooling sleeves (21) can be pre-strengthened on the outside, from the beginning of the transfer from the open molds (8, 9) to the removing and cooling sleeves, respectively, by means of a cooling which uses cooling air or low-temperature air. With the novel solution, the highest quality can be assured, in particular with respect to dimensional stability and the absence of pressure points under load, by means of a calibration in the cooling sleeves (32) and the treatment in the area of the aftercooling.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for vapor smoothing a rapid manufactured three-dimensional object. A cabinet housing has a sealable interior. A heated vapor chamber in the interior of the cabinet housing contains solvent that is vaporizable to fill the vapor chamber with vapor for smoothing the object when the object is placed in the vapor chamber. A drying chamber is also provided in the interior of the cabinet housing that is separate from the vapor chamber for drying the object when the object is moved from the vapor chamber to the drying chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.

Abstract: Disclosed are a molded article picker for a post-mold device and a related method for the use of the molded article picker for handling a molded article. The molded article picker includes a structure having a surface defining an interior that is configured to surround an end portion of the molded article. A sealing surface disposed on the structure is configured to sealingly cooperate with a surface of an outwardly projecting portion of the molded article in response to an evacuation of the interior, wherein the seal allows for the molded article to be retained with the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are a molded article picker for a post-mold device and a related method for the use of the molded article picker for handling a molded article. The molded article picker includes a floating element being configured to be movable between an extended position and a retracted position and biased in the extended position. Furthermore, the molded article picker comprises a pressure structure extending through the floating element. The floating element is cooperable with the molded article to define a substantially enclosed volume including the pressure structure. The pressure structure is configured such that by evacuating the substantially enclosed volume the molded article is sealed to the floating element and the floating element is drawn into the retracted position, thereby transferring the molded article to the molded article picker.

Abstract: In the production of elongate plastic profiles (10), which usually takes place by the pultrusion process, the cured plastic profile (10) emerging from a die (14) is pulled through the stationary die (14) by a take-off device. This process only makes it possible to produce straight plastic profiles (10). The invention envisages producing curved plastic profiles (10) by using a die (14) corresponding to the curvature of the plastic profile (10). For moving the cured part of the plastic profile (10) out of the die (14), it is provided that the die (14) is moved back step by step in relation to the stationary plastic profile (10) counter to the direction of production (19). In order that the plastic profile (10) remains stationary in relation to the die (14) as this takes place, it is securely held outside the die (14) by a holding means (20) during the moving back of the die (14).

Abstract: A dope (24) containing a solid electrolyte and an organic solvent is cast onto a web (111) to form a casting membrane (24a). The casting membrane (24a) is contacted with a first liquid (65a). A remaining solvent on the casting membrane (24a) is reduced. The casting membrane (24a) is peeled off as a membrane (62) from a belt (82). In a tenter device (64), the membrane (62) is dried while being stretched. Thereafter, the membrane (62) is contacted with a second liquid (66a). The membrane (62) is transported to a drying chamber (69) and dried while being supported by plural rollers (68). Since the membrane (62) is dried after substituting the first and second liquids (65a) and (66a) for the organic solvent, it becomes easy to evaporate and remove the remaining organic solvent in the membrane (62) together with the first and second liquids (65a) and (66a).

Abstract: A dual-filled gum piece is provided having a first cavity filled with a liquid filling and a second cavity filled with a powder filling. The gum pieces are produced by extruding a gum rope having two separate channels respectively filled with liquid and powder, sizing and shaping the gum rope, cooling the gum rope, cutting the rope into discrete gum pieces, and finally cooling the gum pieces. The gum pieces optionally can be coated with a hard coating. In other aspects for single- and dual-filled gums, a process for making the gum pieces employs a rope sizer that reduces the diameter of the gum rope and shapes it to have a non-round cross-section, and a multi-story cooling tunnel having individually motor-driven conveyors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a solid product such as orthopedic appliances, dental splint mouthpieces, dentures, lined dentures and the like from flowable materials such as silicones, acrylics, polyurethanes and dental casting investments. The container in which an article is treated will develop 80-100 psi and has opposed curved surfaces between which a seal is formed without leakage.

Abstract: There are provided a golf ball molding die in which a mold deposit produced when a gas is discharged can be removed easily, and the area of a venting opening per unit area of the tip end of a pin can be increased tremendously, and a golf ball manufactured by using the golf ball molding die. A golf ball molding die in accordance with the present invention includes at least two die bodies which are configured so that a cavity for forming a golf ball is formed by joining the die bodies to each other; a venting hole which is provided in at least one of the die bodies to discharge a gas in the cavity; and a pin which is present in the venting hole, the pin being configured so that a plurality of layers are lapped on each other from the center thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, methods, and processes for making solid dosage forms comprising at least one active ingredient, a core and shell configuration, wherein the shell comprises a hardenable material, such as a thermal-gelling polymer, for example gelatin; and the shell is provided with at least one opening. The opening(s) are formed while the shell is still in a softened state.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for smoothening rough edges of lithographic patterns on semiconductor wafers and thus improving quality of the elements that constitute the target pattern by softening the surface layer of the rough edges to the extent at which smoothening may occur under the effect of forces of surface tension. The pattern is treated under normal pressure in the atmosphere of a phase of the aforementioned organic substance selected from vapor of an organic vapor or mist of organic substance in nitrogen or another gas. Two modes are possible: 1) direct diffusion of organic molecules into the surface layer of the pattern material; or 2) condensation onto the pattern surface with the formation of an extremely thin organic film, which also leads to diffusion of the organic molecules into the pattern material.

Abstract: A drying jig of the present invention is a drying jig for a pillar-shaped honeycomb molded body having a large number of cells longitudinally placed in parallel with one another with a cell wall therebetween, comprising: a fixing member for preventing separation or opening of the drying jig; and a piling member which enables the drying jig to be piled up in multi stage at the time of drying.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system, method and apparatus for producing a molding system component. A method for manufacturing a molding system component having a tubular configuration, at least in part, the molding system component for use with a molding system, is provided. The method comprises disposing a metallic work piece heated to a re-moldable state within a female cavity; impacting the heated metallic work piece with a male mandrel to form the molding system component between the female cavity and the male mandrel, at least partially; cooling the so-formed molding system component.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an air dehumidifying sub-system and a method for use in a molding system. For example, the air source device for use with a post-mold treatment device for treating a molded article, the air source device comprising: an air inlet and a refrigerating unit operatively coupled to the air inlet, the refrigerating unit and the air inlet arranged such that air is forced between the air inlet and the refrigerating unit for cooling the air; an air outlet coupled to the refrigerating unit for connecting the refrigerating unit to an air management device of the post-mold treatment device, the air management device configured to direct, in use, cooled air onto a portion of the molded article being treated.

Abstract: A hollow plastic product with a substantially tubular section, two open ends and a thread at the outside of one end of the product is removed from a core mold part by closing the threaded end of the molded product and injecting compressed air into the molded product to loosen the molded product from the core mold part. The threaded end of the product is closed by attaching a threaded closure having a matching thread onto the threaded end of the molded product. A robotic arm is used to robotically attach the threaded closure onto the threaded end of the product. The threaded closure is a plastic cap that injection molded in the injection molding system in which the product is injection molded, with the caps being injection molded at the same average rate as the products are injection molded.

Abstract: A turning bar draw-off device for a tubular film extrusion installation, with a plurality of turning bars which can be rotatingly driven around a common axis of rotation or in reverse by rotary drive mechanisms. For the rotating or reversing guidance of the turning bars around the axis of rotation, the ends of each turning bar are connected with guide carriages, which are guided on guide rails arranged in a circle.

Abstract: In a continuous molding apparatus equipped with a long core 10 having a curvature disposed on a plane, a release film supplied from a lower release film feeder 20 is sent onto the core 10, and prepreg sheets supplied from a prepreg sheet feeder 30 are laminated thereon and preformed. A release film supplied from a release film feeder 40 is disposed on top of the laminated body, before the body is sent into a hot press 50. A puller 60 moves the laminated body without loading tension thereto. The laminated body enters a postcure device 70 in which thermosetting of the material is completed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, methods, and processes for making solid dosage forms comprising at least one active ingredient, a core and shell configuration, wherein the shell comprises a hardenable material, such as a thermal-gelling polymer, for example gelatin; and the shell is provided with at least one opening. The opening(s) are formed while the shell is still in a softened state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flexing a web is disclosed. The web passes over two co-rotating members, such as rollers or belts, which are separated by a small adjustable gap. The web travels around the first rotating member, is peeled off in the vicinity of the gap, bent back on itself in a small radius and reattached on the second co-rotating member. The location of the small radius is fixed with a closed loop control system sensing the radius location and controlling the relative velocity of the two members. Strain in the web is adjusted with the size of the small radius, which is controlled by the adjustable gap and radius location.

Abstract: Provided is a method of reducing the incidence of defects caused by die drool or die drips on extruded polymeric products such as films and sheets. The method includes the step of directing a flow of gas towards the die. The flow of gas is substantially parallel to one or more surfaces of the extrudate, and the temperature of the gas is about 50° C. to about 300° C. when it impinges on the surface of the die. Moreover, selecting the temperature or flow rate of the gas provides a method of determining the surface roughness of the extruded polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flexing a web is disclosed. The web passes over two co-rotating members, such as rollers or belts, which are separated by a small adjustable gap. The web travels around the first rotating member, is peeled off in the vicinity of the gap, bent back on itself in a small radius and reattached on the second co-rotating member. The location of the small radius is fixed with a closed loop control system sensing the radius location and controlling the relative velocity of the two members. Strain in the web is adjusted with the size of the small radius, which is controlled by the adjustable gap and radius location.

Abstract: A method (and system) of nanostructure placement using imprint lithography, includes applying a mixture containing an additive exhibiting predetermined properties, to a substrate, bringing one of the substrate and a template containing a relief structure into contact with the other of the substrate and the template containing the relief structure, transferring the relief structure of the template into the patternable material, one of curing and fixing the patternable material, and removing the template, thereby leaving a negative of the relief structure of the template.

Abstract: Disclosed are a molded article picker for a post-mold device and a related method for the use of the molded article picker for handling a molded article. The molded article picker includes a structure having a surface defining an interior that is configured to surround an end portion of the molded article. A sealing surface disposed on the structure is configured to sealingly cooperate with a surface of an outwardly projecting portion of the molded article in response to an evacuation of the interior, wherein the seal allows for the molded article to be retained with the structure.

Abstract: An intimate fit preform cooling tube with an inner mating surface that includes a polymeric coating to increase its lubricity and thereby reduce friction with a preform to be engaged therewith. The cooling tube of the present invention substantially reduces or eliminates preform ovality and gate stretching problems.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a system for thermally treating a photosensitive element to form a relief structure suitable for flexographic printing. The system of the invention comprises a plurality of consecutively arranged blotting stations for removing uncured photopolymer from the imaged surface of the photosensitive printing element. The flexographic plates produced in the apparatus of the invention are especially suited for use in printing newspapers and other publications.

Abstract: A printing system including a least two printheads, a first one of the printheads printing a first material and a second one of the printheads printing a second material, the first material being cured by a first method and the second material being cured by a second method and wherein the first and second methods are different.

Abstract: A gypsum wallboard core, and methods and apparatus for making the same are disclosed. Methods of making a gypsum wallboard core include extruding a gypsum slurry containing water, gypsum, slip agents, water-reducing agents, surfactants and, optional additives, through a die and onto a substantially flat, smooth, moving surface. The die has provisions at its outer sides for the introduction of slip agents into the slurry, and provisions at its lateral outer edges for the introduction of a strength-enhancing agent. Once extruded onto the conveyor belt, the slurry is chemically-activated to set and form a hardened board core which then may be easily removed from the conveyor belt and dried.

Abstract: A molded disc substrate obtained by injection molding is rotated at high speed before the molded disc substrate has solidified, and a gas is also made to flow in an outward radial direction along a bottom surface of the molded disc substrate while the molded disc substrate is rotating, and the rotation is stopped after the molded disc substrate has solidified. Thus, a disc substrate with little warping is obtained in a short time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently and uniformly treating articles with two or more fluids without transferring the articles from one container to another container.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a system for thermally treating a photosensitive element to form a relief structure suitable for flexographic printing. The system of the invention comprises a plurality of consecutively arranged blotting stations for removing uncured photopolymer from the imaged surface of the photosensitive printing element. The flexographic plates produced in the apparatus of the invention are especially suited for use in printing newspapers and other publications.

Abstract: An optical fiber cooling tube includes an internal cavity through which an optical fiber passes and a set of injection passages that are distributed along the tube, open into the cavity, and are oriented in a contraflow direction relative to the direction in which the optical fiber moves.

Abstract: A post processing apparatus for automated removal of support material from a three-dimensional objected formed from a build material by selective deposition modeling is provided. The apparatus includes a heated main chamber into which is placed the three-dimensional object with the support material attached and first and second liquid heat transfer medium storage reservoirs. The storage reservoirs reversibly provide liquid heat transfer medium to the main chamber to immerse the three-dimensional object and the attached support material for desired periods of time to meltingly separate the support material from the object.

Abstract: Thin and light molded parts released from a die are prevented from sticking by static electricity, by forming the recovery chute of molded part with fine wire gauze. The recovery receptacle 16, 17 for molded parts, molded parts introduction tube 23 and recovery cup 24 of rejected molded parts are made respectively by forming into a cylindrical shape with a wire gauze, metal lath, or punching plate.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an electret processed product, comprising the steps of allowing a section nozzle (22) to come into contact with a nonconductive fiber sheet (S) so as to cross in the lateral direction of the sheet while running the sheet, allowing the surface of the sheet on the opposite side of the contact portion to come into contact with or to immerse into a water surface, sucking water from the suction nozzle (22) so that the water can be passed through the sheet in the thickness direction of the sheet to penetrate the water into the nonconductive fiber sheet (S), and drying the nonconductive fiber sheet (S), whereby a high quality and high performance electret processed product can be manufactured at a low cost.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling molded plastic pieces preferably includes a take out structure/step configured to hold the plurality of plastic parts oriented such that closed ends thereof are disposed toward an inside of the take out structure and open ends thereof are disposed toward an outside of the take out structure. A movement structure/step is configured to cause relative movement between the take out structure and at least one of a first cooling station and a second cooling station. The first cooling station includes a first cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof. The second cooling station includes a second cooling structure/step configured to provide a cooling fluid to an inside of the plurality of plastic parts through the open ends thereof.