Abstract: A core puller device for a block machine, a block machine with such a device as well as a method for the preparation of shaped stones in which at least one core puller arranged on the sliding facility of the core puller device is temporarily inserted into a stone mould of the block machine and retracted after a packing operation in the block machine are provided. Here, the core puller device is constructed or the method is configured such that the operative connection between the at least one core puller and the sliding facility of the core puller device is temporarily neutralized.

Abstract: A mold for forming tilt boss includes a slider part, a main part and a core pin. The slider part is formed with a tilt groove. The main part is formed with a tilt channel. When the slider part and the first main part are engaged, a tilt-boss forming cavity is formed. The tilt-boss forming cavity is communicated with the tilt channel and coaxial with the tilt channel. The core pin penetrates the tilt channel and one distal portion thereof is slidably engaged with the tilt groove, another distal portion thereof is protruded into the tilt-boss forming cavity. When the slider part is separated from the main part for allowing the core pin to be moved from a high point to a low point of the tilt groove, the core pin is downwardly moved along the tilt channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a baked product 2, which may be a wafer, comprising a plurality of product sections 6, adjacent product sections 4 mutually separated by a frangible portion 6, said frangible portions 6 including at last one rib 8 extending across at least one of the frangible portions 6 and interconnecting the adjacent product sections 4. The invention further provides a mould for making the products of the invention, and also a method for making them.

Abstract: A mold for forming tilt boss includes a slider part, a main part and a core pin. The slider part is formed with a tilt groove. The main part is formed with a tilt channel. When the slider part and the first main part are engaged, a tilt-boss forming cavity is formed. The tilt-boss forming cavity is communicated with the tilt channel and coaxial with the tilt channel. The core pin penetrates the tilt channel and one distal portion thereof is slidably engaged with the tilt groove, another distal portion thereof is protruded into the tilt-boss forming cavity. When the slider part is separated from the main part for allowing the core pin to be moved from a high point to a low point of the tilt groove, the core pin is downwardly moved along the tilt channel.

Abstract: A dynamic concrete form includes a sleeve defining a passage extending between first and second open ends. A first attachment feature extends outwardly in a first direction from the sleeve at the first open end and a second attachment feature extends outwardly in a second direction that is opposite the first direction at the second open end. In a first position, the passage has a first axial length, the first open end lies in a first plane, and the second open end lies in a second plane. In a second position, the passage has a second axial length that is greater than the first axial length, the first open end lies in the first plane or a first new plane that is parallel to the first plane, and the second open end lies in the second plane or a second new plane that is parallel to the second plane.

Abstract: The present invention includes an injection molding factory system and an associated facility that comprises a building having a series of injection molding machines array on a first floor with the resin supply placed on a mezzanine level. The injection molding machines are arranged with automatic product conveyors to move injection molded product from the injection molding machines without the need for human operators or separate vehicles.

Abstract: A method of making an aircraft component is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a mold (1) for the receipt of a material (3) from which the aircraft component is to be made providing the mold with said material providing an intensification tool (14) in spaced relationship to the mold and heating the material, tool and mold so that the tool expands and applies pressure to the material and so as to form the component and wherein the linear coefficient of thermal expansion of the tool in a first direction is matched to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the component in the first direction, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the tool in a second direction is greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the component in the second direction, the tool being provided with at least one contacting surface for contacting the material and through which pressure is applied to the material, the expansion of the tool in the second direction causing the at least one contact

Abstract: A novel design and method of attachment of a retention device to a monolithic thin walled deep drawn core provides an efficient system to produce a complete conjunct nozzle assembly. The design of the molded retention device contains the provision for joining the parts together without the use of adhesives or ancillary parts. Additional polymer in the correct amount is molded into the retention device in close proximity to the location where a mechanical lock must be formed to join the two components together. An inventive tool enables the technique for shut off of the monolithic core from the heated thermoplastic polymer allowing formation of a ledge that overhangs the flange of the core. Execution of the process is rapid, low cost and it eliminates damage to the thin wall of the core that would occur if the retention device were molded around the core.

Abstract: Tools for manufacturing composite parts and methods for using such tools are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin part from a plurality of fibers positioned on a tool having a female mold surface. The mold surface can include a first side region, a second side region, an interior region between the first and second side regions, and transition regions between the first and second side regions and the interior region. The method includes positioning a compaction tool over the mold surface. The compaction tool includes a first pressing device and a second pressing device carrying the first pressing device. The method further includes pressing a first portion of the fibers against the transition regions with the first pressing device without generally compacting the portions of the fibers outboard of the transition regions.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed that includes a body, the body having a face, and a plurality of conduits located in the body, each conduit deformable in response to a change of pressure within the conduit, the deformation of the conduit configured to cause a deformation of the face.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to software and mechanics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a personal affector machine. In one embodiment, the invention includes a top frame; a cross-member, the cross-member extending from the top frame, the cross-member configurable to do any of translate and rotate relative to the top frame; an affector head, the affector head coupled to the cross-member, the affector head configurable to do any of translate, rotate, and gyrate relative to the top frame, the affector head having an affector; a bottom frame, the bottom frame coupled to the top frame; and a cassette, the cassette configurable to removably securing material therein, the cassette being removably attachable to the bottom frame, wherein the affector is configurable to affecting the material within the cassette in a plurality of dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for forming concrete blocks having integral alignment nubs and concrete blocks without integral alignment nubs. In particular embodiments, a mold assembly comprises a mold, a first set of mold shoes for forming the blocks having integral alignment nubs, and a second set of mold shoes for forming the blocks without integral alignment nubs. When a manufacturer desires to manufacture blocks having integral alignment nubs, the mold and the first set of mold shoes are installed in a block-forming machine. When the manufacturer desires to manufacture blocks without integral alignment nubs, the first set of mold shoes are replaced with the second set of mold shoes in the block-forming machine.

Abstract: A compression molding machine includes a plurality of plate units that are provided between a lower punch retainer and an upper punch retainer. The plate units each include: a plate having a through bore to be filled with a powdery material that is compressed by an upper punch and a lower punch; and a plate attachment member having a mount portion mounted to a vicinity of an upright shaft, a positioning surface positioning the upper surface of the plate, and a plate attaching portion attaching the plate from below to above, such that the upper surface of the plate is positioned at the positioning surface.

Abstract: Apparatus 200 for forming a composite component is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a deformable mould tool 204 that at least partially defines a mould cavity 212; an interface layer 222 formed on an external surface of the mould tool 204; and at least two peristaltic actuators 206, mounted to contact the interface layer 222 and to generate a peristaltic pressure wave in the mould tool 204. The peristaltic actuators may comprise rollers 206, pistons 306 or bi-metallic blocks 406. A method of forming a composite component is also disclosed, the method employing a mould tool 204 that at least partially defines a mould cavity 212. The method comprises: placing reinforcing fibres into the mould cavity 212, forcing a matrix material into the mould cavity 212 through the reinforcing fibres, and generating a peristaltic pressure wave within the mould tool 204 during forcing of the matrix material into the mould cavity 212.

Abstract: A holding apparatus of the present invention for holding a mold, includes a chuck configured to attract the mold to hold the mold, including a plurality of holding units each of which is configured to hold the attracted mold, and including a support configured to support the plurality of holding units; and an actuator supported by the support and deforms the mold by applying a force. At least one of the holding units is supported by the support unit so as to be displaceable in the direction of the force applied by the actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the manufacture of closures, which are used for closing containers such as glass jars for food. During manufacture, it is essential that sealing compound is prevented from ingress onto the centre of the closure as such ingress could lead to possible contamination of the food. The sealing apparatus and, in particular, the sealing punch of the present invention have features which achieve this control.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nano-imprinting resin stamper including a micro structure layer on a transmissive support basal material, the micro structure layer being formed of a polymer of a resin composition that contains a silsesquioxane derivative as a major constituent having a plurality of polymerizable functional groups, another polymerizable resin component having a plurality of polymerizable functional groups and different from the silsesquioxane derivative, and a photopolymerizable initiator, in which the content percentage of the photopolymerizable initiator is equal to or more than 0.3 mass % and equal to or less than 3 mass % relative to a total mass of the silsesquioxane derivative and the polymerizable resin component, and the micro structure layer permits equal to or more than 80% of light to pass therethrough at a wavelength of 365 nm.

Abstract: This invention is related to a moulding device (90; 92; 95; 98; 100; 110) arranged to be positioned inside a tubular member (17). The moulding device (90; 92; 95; 98; 100; 110) comprises a second closing part (1), a shaft (6) loosely connected to the second closing part (1) and able to glide snugly through an opening in a first closing part (7, 8). When inserted into the tubular member (17), the moulding device (90; 92; 95; 98; 100; 110) defines a chamber together with the inner surfaces of thereof. To form a cast, this chamber is filled with moulding material which thereafter cures. To remove the cast and the moulding device (90; 92; 95; 98; 100; 110) from the tubular member, a drawing force is applied to the first closing part (7, 8), which provides a pulling out of the rest of the moulding device (90; 92; 95; 98; 100; 110) and the cast.

Abstract: A method of making an aircraft component is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a mould (1) for the receipt of a material (3) from which the aircraft component is to be made providing the mould with said material providing an intensification tool (14) in spaced relationship to the mould and heating the material, tool and mould so that the tool expands and applies pressure to the material and so as to form the component and wherein the linear coefficient of thermal expansion of the tool in a first direction is matched to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the component in the first direction, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the tool in a second direction is greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the component in the second direction, the tool being provided with at least one contacting surface for contacting the material and through which pressure is applied to the material, the expansion of the tool in the second direction causing the at least one co

Abstract: A method for producing a component (3) comprising a backing layer, a decorative layer and an additional molded part (1) attached to the component. The method includes the following steps: A plasticized mat comprising fiber fractions, which is a starting material for the backing layer (12), is introduced together with a blank, which is a starting material for the decorative layer (14), into a compression molding tool (20) composed of a first tool half (21) including a low pressure injection unit (10) for producing the additional molded part and a second tool half (22). The tool halves (21, 22) are pressed together to join the starting materials; a predetermined quantity of plastic in a fluid state is simultaneously or subsequently introduced into the cavity (23) of the compression molding tool through a supply conduit (25), and a slider (24) is thereafter extended to an end position inside the cavity (23).

Abstract: A method and an injection mold for the production of profiled and at least partially elongated components out of liquid or viscous solidifying molding compounds, by said injection mold, the molding compound being injected into the mold cavity and transported away under steady extension of the mold cavity and under steady elongation of the component to be formed after the initial filling of the mold cavity. The molding compound transported away is transported out of the mold while molding compound is continuously being injected until the forming component reaches its final length. The mold has at least one mold insert whose surface is part of the peripheral surface of the mold cavity and which is supported in the mold in a movable way in longitudinal direction of the component to be formed so that the mold cavity forming the component can be expanded to the desired size and shape of the component inside and outside of the mold by a movement of the mold insert.

Abstract: A mold for cementitious blocks comprises a main body having at least one pair of spaced apart lateral walls with at least one pair of spaced apart divider walls extending therebetween. The lateral walls and divider walls define a cavity therebetween for receiving cementious material to be compacted into a block. The cavity includes open top and bottom faces. At least one of the spaced apart lateral walls is movable inwardly into the cavity. A vertically movable actuator element acts on this movable lateral wall. This actuator extends outwardly of the main body such that when it is moved inwardly it so acts on the movable wall as to move it inwardly into the cavity thereby providing a cementitious block with a sloped lateral side.

Abstract: A hip spacer mold forming a spacer with a spacer stem connected to a spacer head has a stem portion for forming a spacer stem. The hip spacer mold also has a plurality of interchangeable head modules configured for alternatively forming spacer heads of a plurality of different predetermined sizes. The head modules are configured to be disposed adjacent the stem portion.

Abstract: This invention is related to a moulding device (90; 92; 95; 98; 100; 110) arranged to be positioned inside a tubular member (17). The moulding device (90; 92; 95; 98; 100; 110) comprises a second closing part (1), a shaft (6) loosely connected to the second closing part (1) and able to glide snugly through an opening in a first closing part (7, 8). When inserted into the tubular member (17), the moulding device (90; 92; 95; 98; 100; 110) defines a chamber together with the inner surfaces of thereof. To form a cast, this chamber is filled with moulding material which thereafter cures. To remove the cast and the moulding device (90; 92; 95; 98; 100; 110) from the tubular member, a drawing force is applied to the first closing part (7, 8), which provides a pulling out of the rest of the moulding device (90; 92; 95; 98; 100; 110) and the cast.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mould divided into three parts for the direct moulding of a membrane equipped with a series of suction cups having the particular shape of an open hourglass or of bellows or of a cylinder onto a support made of breathable, waterproof or hydrophilic material positioned on the intermediate mobile part of the mould which is pressed against the lower part of the mould during the moulding phase and raised after moulding has been completed thanks to a series of springs that bring it back to its original position permitting automatic removal of the moulded suction cups without damage to their particular shape.

Abstract: A cup thermoforming machine includes a frame, a movable upper platen, a clamping grid and a movable lower platen. The movable upper platen is supported for vertical reciprocation by the frame, and carries a male die. The clamping grid is carried by the frame above a sheet of thermoformable material and has a clearance aperture for the male die. The lower platen is supported for vertical reciprocation by the frame beneath the clamping grid and carries a female die.

Abstract: A compression molding system comprising first and second mold halves is provided for an electronic device wherein a plurality of cavities are formed in the first mold half corresponding to molding locations on the electronic device. A plurality of plungers are located in the first mold half, each of which is drivable against a side of a respective cavity for applying a compacting force to encapsulation material located in the cavity during molding. A motor is operatively connected to the plungers for driving the plungers relative to the cavities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mold structure including: a concavo-convex pattern formed on its surface, wherein the mold structure is used for transferring the concavo-convex pattern onto an imprint resist layer formed on a surface of a substrate having a thickness of 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm by placing the concavo-convex pattern against the imprint resist layer, and wherein a thickness Dm (mm) of the mold structure, a thickness Ds (mm) of the substrate and a curl amount C (mm) of the mold structure satisfy the relationship 0.01?10,000×(Dm3/Ds3)1/2×C2?250.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device according to the preambles of claims 1 and 10, and also to the use of a nanopatterned die, a disc with a defined nanopattern and a hard disk drive comprising a disc of this type. In order to propose a more rapidly operating device as well as a corresponding method in which the smallest-possible patterns can be applied to discs, and in order to provide discs, which are produced as cost-effectively as possible, for hard disk drives, said discs having smaller patterns and thus being able to be produced rapidly and cost-effectively, the invention proposes using microcontact printing (?CP) in the production of micropatterned and/or nanopatterned products/substrates of this type.

Abstract: A method for producing a component (3) comprising a backing layer, a decorative layer and an additional molded part (1) attached to the component. The method includes the following steps: A plasticized mat comprising fiber fractions, which is a starting material for the backing layer (12), is introduced together with a blank, which is a starting material for the decorative layer (14), into a compression molding tool (20) composed of a first tool half (21) including a low pressure injection unit (10) for producing the additional molded part and a second tool half (22). The tool halves (21, 22) are pressed together to join the starting materials; a predetermined quantity of plastic in a fluid state is simultaneously or subsequently introduced into the cavity (23) of the compression molding tool through a supply conduit (25), and a slider (24) is thereafter extended to an end position inside the cavity (23).

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present disclosure concerns embodiments of an apparatus and method for making a wall block, such as for constructing retaining walls or fences, that has at least one surface formed with a pattern resembling the faces of multiple blocks. In particular embodiments, the surface of the wall block has a plurality of discrete surface portions that are separated by one or more elongated recessed surface portions or scores such that each surface portion resembles the face of a separate block. The surface portions can be provided with roughened surface textures resembling the surface of a split block, which can be formed by roughening or texturing the uncured block as it is removed from a mold.

Abstract: An imprinting apparatus and an imprinting method that prevents movement of an imprinting mold during an imprinting process. The imprinting method includes coating a resin on a substrate; aligning an imprinting mold on the resin; temporarily securing the imprinting mold on the substrate; pressing the imprinting mold; hardening the resin; and detaching the imprinting mold.

Abstract: A mold unit for molding a centrifugal fan that has blades arranged in a circumferential direction, each blade extending in a direction that is inclined in a circumferential direction at a predetermined angle relative to a direction parallel to a rotation axis, has a fixed mold and a movable mold. The fixed mold and the movable mold provides a cavity for molding the fan therebetween. At least one of the fixed mold and the movable mold has a blade-molding core member for molding the blades. When separating the blade-molding core member from the blades, the blade-molding core member is moved in a spiral manner along inclination of the blades and about the rotation axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoforming machine including: a frame; a first plate and a second plate for receiving form sections, wherein at least one of the plates is adjustable relative to the frame; drive means for adjusting the plates relative to each other; and a pulling mechanism for pulling the second plate in the direction of the first plate, wherein the pulling mechanism includes at least one pulling device mounted to one of the plates, the pulling device including a pulling rod, which can be clamped by a friction locked coupling with an associated clamping device, mounted at the other one of the plates, when adjusting the first and second plates relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for discharge or outfeed of a pasty product, preferably foodstuff, from a container. A piston means (11) is brought to perform a discharge movement in a discharge direction (F) for discharge or outfeed of the product (2) from the container (3). At least one retraction or withdrawal means (24) is provided for imparting to the piston means (11) a retraction movement in a retraction direction (R) opposite to the discharge direction (F), such that the pressure from the piston means (11) against the container (3) is relieved for accomplishing non-drop operation, after discharge. At least one stroke setting or stroke determining means (30) is provided for determining the stroke of the piston means (11) and thereby, the dose volume during each discharge or outfeed of product (2) from the container (3).

Abstract: A foaming agent charging and mixing device comprises at least one mixing device and one foaming agent metering device, wherein the foaming agent charging and mixing device may be arranged between an plasticating screw and a mold. In order to improve the foaming agent charging and mixing device in a manner that the mixing with foaming agent is facilitated and at the same time a risk of obstruction of the foaming agent metering device is avoided, the foaming agent metering device is alternately opened and closed through the mixing device during operation thereof for supplying foaming agent to the plastic melting.

Abstract: A microencapsulation apparatus is provided which is configured to form co-axial multi-lamellar microcapsules from materials discharged from first and second microsphere dispensers of the apparatus. A method of fabricating and processing microcapsules is also provided which includes forming distinct droplets comprising one or more materials and introducing the droplets directly into a solution bath to form a membrane around the droplets such that a plurality of microcapsules are formed. A microencapsulation system is provided which includes a microcapsule production unit, a fluidized passage for washing and harvesting microcapsules dispensed from the microcapsule production unit and a flow sensor for sizing and counting the microcapsules. In some embodiments, the microencapsulation system may further include a controller configured to simultaneously operate the microcapsule production unit, fluidized passage and flow sensor to process the microcapsules in a continuous manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a resin material to an injection molder comprises a vessel for storing a resin material, gas supplying means for supplying an inert gas to the vessel which is not a super-critical state, and material supplying means for supplying the resin material from the vessel to an injection molder.

Abstract: A process for forming molded articles from particulate thermoplastic material, the process comprising: (a) providing a track having a plurality of process stations, (b) providing a mold assembly comprising a base, at least one hollow mold upstanding from the base, and guide means on the base for moving the mold assembly on the track, (c) preheating the mold assembly at a preheat station on the track, (d) moving the mold assembly from the preheat station to a transfer station on the track, (e) transferring the mold assembly from the transfer station to a molding station, (f) forming the molded articles by fusing particulate material to the at least one mold at the molding station, (g) transferring the mold assembly with the molded articles thereon from the molding station back to the transfer station, (h) moving the mold assembly from the transfer station to a cooling station on the track, (i) moving the mold assembly from the cooling station to an unloading station on the track, (j) removing the mol

Abstract: A business model algorithm and an apparatus for forming landscape edging blocks in which preforms of a dry concrete mix is first formed into a preform after which the preform is formed under pressure into an edging block shaped so as to nest with like edging blocks in such manner that a continuous edging may be formed in linear or non linear shapes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles such as closures include a plurality of tools mounted in opposed pairs with the tools of each pair including opposed male and female mold sections. The tool pairs are mounted for motion in an endless path. The tool pairs and associated mold sections are closed during motion in the path for compression a molding charge in the mold cavity formed between the mold sections of each pair, and opening the mold cavity to release an article formed between the mold sections. A latch mechanism is associated with each pair of tools for holding the tools and mold sections in the closed position during motion in the path independent of the mechanism for closing the tools and mold halves. In this way, forces imparted to the mold halves and tools to hold the mold closed are isolated from the machine frame. The latch mechanism is selectively unlatched to permit opening of the mold halves and release of the article compression-molded between the mold halves.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing articles of fat-containing, chocolate mass in a continuous production-plant having a conveyor for mould elements with mould cavities. The production-plant comprises steps of initially filling mould cavities with liquid mass, cooling of the articles, and releasing the articles from the mould cavities. The number of mould elements per unit time leaving the cooling step is regulated to deviate from the number of mould elements per unit time entering the cooling step. The resulting advantage is that it is possible to regulate the residence time for a certain mould element in a cooling step without changing the residence time in the steps prior to the cooling step. A manufacturer of chocolate articles is thereby provided an easy way of adapting the cooling time to the specific article being produced without influencing other steps of production.

Abstract: A soap compressor has a movable compressor plate mounted within a container. An extension member is coupled to the compression plate and is forcibly moved along with the compression plate by a drive member to forcibly urge the compression plate into a plurality of small bars of soap to compress the small bars of soap into a single large bar of soap. The drive member is a fluid operated cylinder connectable to the pressurized water system of a building by means of a fluid conduit and quick release valves. Alternately, the drive means is an electric motor having an output shaft rotating a gear along a toothed rack connected to the compression plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles including closures which includes providing co-acting sets of tools including a first set for moving a core and core sleeve into engagement with a cavity mold on a second set of tooling. An actuator is provided between the first set of tooling and a fixed upper cam. The second set of tooling includes an associated actuator supporting the cavity mold and associated with a lower fixed cam. A nitrogen cylinder in the second set of tooling provides for control of the compression molding force. In a preferred form, a plurality of sets of tooling are provided in circumferentially spaced relation on a rotating turret supported by a central column. A common manifold supplies the pressure at accurately controlled pressure to each of the nitrogen cylinders. A control system is provided for monitoring and changing the pressure.

Abstract: A tool for molding the surface of a resin sealant deposited within a generally U-shaped groove formed by two overlapping pieces that includes an elongated member shaped and dimensioned to fit within the groove and contact the surface of the sealant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles including closures which includes providing coacting sets of tools including a first set for moving a core and core sleeve into engagement with a cavity mold on a second set of tooling. An actuator is provided between the first set of tooling and a fixed upper cam. The second set of tooling includes an associated actuator supporting the cavity mold and associated with a lower fixed cam. A nitrogen cylinder in the second set of tooling provides for control of the compression molding force. In a preferred form, a plurality of sets of tooling are provided in circumferentially spaced relation on a rotating turret supported by a central column. A common manifold supplies the pressure at accurately controlled pressure to each of the nitrogen cylinders. A control system is provided for monitoring and changing the pressure.

Abstract: A mill is described for compacting agricultural fibrous matter, such as straw or other agricultural waste, into a structural board. The board is useful as a dominant part of a load bearing and insulating panel replacing many of the load bearing and insulating structures typically used to make small buildings, such as houses. The mill includes many features not found in previous mills of this type, including not only a packer to place material in front of an oscillating ram head as is known, but a precompactor arrangement to regulate the volume of material fed to the packer. Another feature incorporated into the mill to aid in achieving a consistent density is a pressure offset mechanism which adjusts the rate of core formation. The mill has a modular design to facilitate replacement of those components subjected to significant wear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making plastic articles utilizing a plurality of tools, each of which is moved by cams and includes a nitrogen cylinder wherein provision is made for catastrophic overload prevention. For catastrophic overload prevention, one of the cams is supplied by a top plate and held in normal fixed position by a plurality of nitrogen cylinders. Abnormal movement of the top plate is detected and the machine is stopped. For predictive overload protection, a load cell is positioned at the off load position of one of the cams and any excessive load provides a signal for an alarm, interrupting the feeding of plastic charges and stopping the machine.

Abstract: A press for compacting plastic explosive materials comprises a base plate, support column upstanding from the base plate, a tubular housing mounted on an upper end of the column and extending widthwise of the column, a slide member slidably moveable in the tubular housing substantially parallel to the base plate and an elongated handle pivotally mounted at a distal end thereof on the slide member. A press piston is slidably disposed in a bore in the slide member and is slidably moveable in directions normal to the slide member, a distal end of the piston being disposed over the base plate, the piston having at a proximal end thereof a handle housing through which extends the handle, the handle housing having first and second rollers therein with the handle disposed between the rollers. Pivotal movement of the handle is operative to move the piston reciprocally toward and away from the base plate.

Abstract: An earth block machine including opposed compaction chambers each receiving a reciprocal compacting member to form solid building blocks by compacting soil. The compacting members are reciprocated by a hydraulically actuated mechanical leverage system connected to the compacting members to produce a very high compaction force while employing a relatively low hydraulic pressure. Each compaction chamber includes a vertically spaced and aligned inlet and outlet provided with a hydraulically powered openable and closable plate to enable inlet of a quantity of soil into the compaction chamber from a supply bin and discharge of the formed earth block from the compaction chamber.