Abstract: A granulating apparatus includes a hollow roll equipped on its internal circumference with axially extending toothed ledges and a co-rotating contact pressure roll, equipped with corresponding axial toothed ledges on its outer circumference, and engaging in the hollow roll in the lower area of the latter. The hollow roll is provided with axially extending rows of holes between its toothed ledges. The toothed ledges of the hollow roll and pressure roll intermesh to form a tapering nip zone therebetween. The material to be granulated is fed into the hollow roll and into the nip zone. By means of the cooperation of the toothed ledges, the material is pressed out forcibly and volumetrically in the downward direction. The drops being formed fall onto a cooling conveyor and are allowed to solidify thereon. The mass is extruded forcibly and with a defined volume. By virtue of the cooperation of rotating parts, high production rates are possible.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming discrete granules from a flow of molten plastic material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tube having an end surface through which the molten material flows and a discharge plate having an opening therethrough disposed adjacent the tube. The discharge plate is movable with respect to the end surface of the tube. A pressure medium accumulating region is disposed adjacent the end surface of the tube. In operation, the molten material flows through the tube and into the opening of the discharge plate. The end surface of the tube and the discharge plate move into and out of contact on a periodic basis such that the tube and discharge plate function as a valve.

Abstract: A briquetting machine, primarily intended for briquetting fibrous plant material, includes a pair of rotatable wheels. Each wheel has die means towards its outer periphery and the die means define a circular row of pockets in which the material is received and compressed. During rotation the wheels come together to define a nip between the wheels. To provide for a varying volume of feed of material the wheels are relatively movable to vary the size of the pockets. Furthermore the die means include male and female, overlapping dies. In the bases of the dies are located ejector members which are urged outwards to eject compacted briquettes from the dies. To compress the material prior to entry into the dies there may be a precompression channel which converges toward its outlet end, opposite converging walls of the channels being formed of compression members which move towards one another and towards the outlet end.

Abstract: A perforated granulating plate construction in which conically tapering inlet channels are connected to several outlet channels, the collective cross-sectional area of the outlet channels being substantially equal to the cross-sectional area at the outlet of the associated inlet channel. The outlet channels form an angle of inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis of the associated inlet channel and the discharge outlets of the outlet channels are arranged in a plane about an axis of symmetry which is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the inlet channel.

Abstract: The apparatus is for the continuous mixing of rubber like polymers with chemical additives to form a homogeneous compound, using minimum unproductive work, such as mixing already mixed material, or massive batch blending to correct lean and rich mixtures previously produced. The apparatus consists of a feeding means adapted to continuously and uniformly advance baled polymer into a machine hopper provided with a multi-purpose rotor, adapted to cut the advancing bale into shreds, in the presence of the chemical additives, mix the shredded polymer with the chemical additives and advance the resulting compound into a continuous mixing means. Mixing with minimum waste motion is expected to produce a superior compound not possible to obtain with present day production equipment.

Abstract: A pellet mill includes a conditioning section which mixes dry material, moisture in the form of water, and heat provided by a hot air system for the creation of a mash suitable for pelleting without the use of steam. The hot air section inputs heat by utilizing a blower which pressurizes air across a heat exchanger and into a plenum which interconnects an air duct with the conditioner. Moisture is input to the conditioner with a hot water system which modulates the flow of water and temperature of the water as it is sprayed onto the dry material. An automatic controller controls the process in accordance with temperature measurements made at various points in the pellet mill to select a desired operating temperature or in accordance with other control parameters previously developed.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for a pelletizer having hydraulically adjustable pressing rolls. Specifically, each pressing roll is mounted in two bearing journals and is eccentrically located with respect thereto. The pelletizer includes a hydraulically actuated device for adjusting the position of the outer surface of the pressing rolls relative to the inner surface of the mold, wherein this device utilizes at least one hydraulic cylinder having an end that is connected to a bearing journal which is, in turn, attached to a shaft of a pressing roll. In addition, the pelletizer also includes a hydraulically actuated device for clamping the rolls into a desired position. Oil supply and discharge pipes for each hydraulic cylinder extend through a main shaft of the pelletizer. Through this apparatus, the position of the pressing rolls can be controllably adjusted while the pelletizer is operating, i.e. while the annular press mold is rotating.

Abstract: In accordance with the subject invention an apparatus is provided which is capable of directly pelletizing a nonparticularized material without substantially destroying the fibrous nature of the material during pellet formation. The apparatus comprises a pair of horizontally-extending cylindrical dies, mounted in parallel planar relation for rotation in opposite directions. The dies are spaced closely apart to form a finely spaced intermeshing nip therebetween, for compressively pelletizing the nonparticularized material. The dies are rotated at a predetermined rate of rotation. Each die includes a horizontally-extending hollow central interior chamber for receiving the compacted pellets. Passageways radially-extend from the hollow central interior chamber to the outer circumference of the dies.

Abstract: A housing for receiving a working amount of dough, a shaft mounted on a central axis within the housing, a first wall, curved on a radius from the central axis and having a plurality of apertures formed through it. A feed cylinder mounted on the shaft, the cylinder having a surface eccentric about the central axis with the highest point of eccentricity approximately equal to but less than that of the radius, so that as it is rotated it traverses the apertures with the highest eccentricity in intimate association with them, for separating portions of dough from the working amount. For dough of heavy consistency, spring means is included for urging touching contact between the cylinder and the curved wall, and a cut-off edge may be provided on the cylinder at its highest point of eccentricity.

Abstract: For forming fibrous crop or like materials into self-supporting products, an apparatus comprising first and second compression members arranged so that opposed closing faces of the compression members co-operate to define the principal pressure-generating surfaces of a compression space for a charge of the material, protrusions extending from one or both of said opposed faces being effective to define walls of the compression space, and drive means operative to reduce the distance between the opposed faces of the two compression members until there is minimal separation of the two members in the vicinity of the leading edges of the protrusions.

Abstract: Carbon black pelletizer comprising a pug-mill and rotor with at least one helix of pins attached to the rotor, the improvement which consists essentially inproviding a double wall cylindrical housing with an annulus therebetween. The inner wall being fabricated of a rigid metal grating, to the inside of which is bonded rubber or a similar resilient material, the annulus being supplied with a means to increase and/or decrease the volume therewithin thereby causing the resilient inner wall to flex removing from the inner wall the build up of black which forms during operation of the pelletizer. The improvement negates the need for alloy metals in the pelletizer housing, eliminates the carbon black build-up on the inner surface of the mill, and lessens the power requirements of the mill, the wear on the mill pins, and the tendency of the mill to discharge irregular, off-specification product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for extrusion of plastic or pulverulent materials having been prepared for the purpose for obtaining an extrudate in the form of rod shaped bodies, whereby the apparatus comprises an annular perforated screen (8), a rotor (10) being rotably arranged on the inside of said perforated screen (8), The rotor (10) is provided with a number of compression surfaces (14) working in close rotation to said perforated screen (8), which surfaces (14) are arranged with an acute angle with said perforated screen (8) in their rotational direction.

Abstract: Attached to the eccentric studs (25) for supporting and positioning press rollers (b 20) relative to an inner surface of the die (21) of a pellet mill are levers (30). Linked to the levers (30) is a cylinder/piston unit (31) that is provided with a position controller (47) whose position measuring means is constructed as part of the adjusting means (31) for the position of the press rollers (20). In this fashion, the gaps between press rollers (20) and die (21) can be regulated very exactly from the outside.

Abstract: An automatic control for an extruder has a temperature sensor which monitors the exit temperature of the extrudate and several pressure transducers which monitor the pressure within the extruder to control the cooking of the mash inside the extruder to ensure production of high quality extrudate. The controller monitors and controls the temperature and moisture content of the mash in the extruder by controlling the input of various ingredients and also the cooling or heating of the mash near the exit of the extruder through a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A depositor is provided for the feeding or distribution of particulate food pieces, as for example, raisins, nutmeats, etc. The depositor includes a pair of superposed screws positioned in a hopper over an outlet screen member. By oscillating rotational movement of the screws, the particulates are fed from the hopper through the screen onto a dough sheet or the like under the depositor.

Abstract: A moisture control system is provided for a pelletizing process wherein the moisture content of the pellets leaving the pelletizing process is constantly monitored and differences between the measured moisture content of the pellets and a set point indicating the desired moisture content of the pellets are used to regulate variable process controls in the pelletizing process so that the pellets leaving the pelletizing process will have the proper moisture content. Also, a system for protecting a viewing window of an instrument from contaminants is provided.

Abstract: A pellet mill comprises a die which may rotatably be driven by a suitable drive. At least one press roller engages the inner surface of this die, and material to be pelleted is fed to this press roller by means of a deflector blade situated before. This deflector blade is arranged at least 45.degree. before the related press roller--as seen in the direction of the rotation of the die--so that a free space of at least 45.degree. will result therebetween. Within this free space, the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the die becomes effective and contributes to a better distribution of the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a matrix for the production of pellets from powdered, granular, fibrous or pre-compressed loose material, said matrix having a plurality of pressure canals passing therethrough through which the loose material is forced and having cutting means which divides up the pressed material emerging from the pressure canals into pellets of predetermined length, wherein, on the exit side of the matrix, there are present flanges running between the pressure canals with a constant distance from one another, between which flanges sections of the cutting means extend up to the exit ends of the pressure canals.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing of an oleaginous product in an extruder under pressure and heat and then introducing the product, while under such pressure and heat, into a forming unit for particulating the product into a predetermined substantially uniform size and shape. The operation is continuous with the forming unit comprising an attachment mounted at the extruder product outlet to receive directly therefrom the processed product.

Abstract: A system for adding heat to dry material as it is conditioned in preparation for pelleting in a pellet mill includes a plurality of groups of microwave magnetrons and a control system to control the energization of those magnetrons in response to the throughput of the dry material and the temperature or temperature change of the material.

Abstract: Pre-heated mash is pelleted. The resulting warm pellets are cooled by the ambient air and the ambient air is heated by the warm pellets. The heated ambient air is used to pre-heat the mash.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of granules from flowable media comprises a cylindrical vessel rotatable about a horizontal axle and being provided with circumferentially spaced orifices through which the medium emerges in the form of droplets. The drops fall onto a cooling conveyor in order to solidify thereon. A collector wall is situated within the vessel and oriented obliquely relative to the horizontal. The medium is dropped onto the collector plate and flows downwardly onto the internal surface of the vessel. The medium falls onto the internal surface ahead of a baffle which presses against the internal surface.

Abstract: Rotary molding apparatus particularly for use with "soft"-type baking doughs and like media includes, in combination with a rotary die roll which carries molding cavities in its outer surface, a feed roll for forcibly filling the molding cavities with media from a supply hopper, and media-trapping retention means disposed adjacent the die roll between the feed roll and a take-off conveyor which receives the molded media from the cavities and conveys the shaped media away for further processing. The media-trapping retention means keeps the shaped "soft" media within the molded cavities as the die roll rotates toward the take-off conveyor, and the take-off conveyor preferably is disposed in complementary wrapping engagement with and along at least the lower extremities of the die roll. In its most preferred form the media-trapping retention means includes a shoe with a curved face which is resiliently biased against and in sliding contact with the outer surface of the die roll.

Abstract: Press for producing pellets from bulk material with an annular perforated die rotatable about its axis and with a non-rotatable holder, arranged coaxially therein, of press rollers which virtually touch the die with their circumference, while a wheel which is attached to the shaft of the die exhibits on its circumference projections which can be engaged in each case by a hydraulically slidable ram mounted in the housing of the press and movable counter to a spring force.

Abstract: A machine for densifying and pelletizing extrudable material is disclosed. The machine includes, in combination, a flat horizontal die plate and pressure exerting means overlying the die plate, the pressure exerting means having various, alternative forms such as a continuous chain means carrying a plurality of spaced pressure members or a reciprocating frame carrying roller means.

Abstract: There is described herein a method of operating an extruder for thermoplastic material to automatically control the output of the extruder. The extruder includes a kneader screw, a hopper having a feed screw for feeding the thermoplastic material in dry particulate form to the kneader screw and an outlet feed screw for removing the plastic material in molten form from the kneader screw. Each of the screws is operated by a separate electric motor. The method includes monitoring the current of the motor for the kneader screw. Variations in the current indicate variations in the opertion of the kneader screw. Upon any variation in the current of the kneader screw motor, the speed of the hopper feed screw and/or the outlet feed screw is varied to compensate for the variation in the operation of the kneader feed screw and return the current to its original value.

Abstract: A compaction mill 10 comprises a rotary die plate 12 and a plurality of compaction rollers 14 spaced circumferentially along the inside of the die plate. Sprockets and chains provide a positive drive connection between the die plate 12 and the compaction rollers 14, ensuring that, in operation, there is substantially no relative slip between the outer peripheries of the rollers and the inner periphery of the die plate, where they are closest together. Guides 44 cooperating with sliding blocks 38, 40 constrain the rollers 14 against rotation about the axis of rotation of the die plate, whilst permitting guided displacement of the rollers in a radial direction with respect to said axis. Wedge members 46, 48, a screw threaded rod 50, and nuts 52 are provided to permit adjustment of the gap between the rollers and the die plate, and to make radial displacement of the individual rollers interdependent.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously extruding and drying/cooling cereal bran is provided. This apparatus comprises a feed screw extending horizontally from the bottom of a hopper, a main screw arranged in the cross direction to said feed screw at a proper position spaced under said feed screw, a frustoconical main screw top which is secured to the end of said main screw, said top being provided with a flight therearound, an agitating means positioned in said hopper, said means being operated intermittently by way of a ratchet gear system being operated by the revolution of said feed screw, a drying/cooling device vibrating at a certain angle of inclination, and a blower system which is connected directly to said drying/cooling device. With use of this apparatus, it is possible to produce even sized enzyme inactivated pellets of bran having a desired size and strength.

Abstract: An insert for use as a void space filler in a pellet mill die cavity is disclosed. Use of the insert improves die capacity and minimizes blockage.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a dust-free blend of additives for use in plastic manufacture wherein the materials are extruded through apertures in a thin die plate supported by a strong die plate support, the apertures in the die plate being larger at their inlet ends than at their outlet ends, and apertures in the die plate support being larger than the die plate apertures, and the product being strand-like pellets of the additive materials.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing and auger drum assembly is mounted to extend from the side of a cubing machine of the type having an annular die assembly, a circular die cavity on the inner periphery of the die assembly, and at least one press wheel that is received in the die cavity. The auger drum carries a rigid blade that forms an auger flight, and which terminates a short distance from the outer end of the drum. A flexible, resilient tip is mounted on the outer end of the rigid blade, and substantially fills the space provided between the auger drum, the housing and the die cavity, the outer edge of the tip being positioned at the die cavity. The tip functions to supply an optimum flow of feed stock to the die cavity, but will flex to allow bypassing when plugging or jamming conditions exist.

Abstract: An improved pellet mill die is disclosed which has improved production efficiency without a corresponding loss in pellet quality or durability. The die comprises a compression side, a discharge side, and a plurality of die holes extending through the die. The die holes have a countersink on the compression side, and preferably at least a portion of die holes have a relief section to thereby define a working section of the die hole where the pellet is formed, and an effective thickness for the die holes which is preferably less than the distance between the compression and discharge side of the die. The die has a ratio of effective thickness to countersink diameter of at least about 1.8 to 1 wherein the countersink diameter is at least about 137% and preferably between about 137-159% of the working section diameter.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting precious metals from their ores in which the ore is particulated and mixed with a binding agent to form a paste. The paste material is discharged into a rotary drum at an extruding station where it is pelletized by forcing it through a perforated sidewall of the drum. The pellets are discharged onto a conveyor belt and are transported to a spray station where they are wetted with a lixiviant solution. The lixiviant coated pellets are then dried by exposure to a heated air stream at a drying station as they are transported to an open air curing stockpile. The cured pellets are heaped in a pile and are then washed with a water spray to yield a pregnant solution of a precious metal salt.

Abstract: An improved pellet mill die is disclosed which has improved production efficiency without a corresponding loss in pellet quality or durability. The die comprises a compression side, a discharge side, and a plurality of die holes extending through the die. The die holes have a countersink on the compression side, and preferably at least a portion of die holes have a relief section to thereby define a working section of the die hole where the pellet is formed, and an effective thickness for the die holes which is preferably less than the distance between the compression and discharge side of the die. The die has a ratio of effective thickness to countersink diameter of at least about 1.8 to 1 wherein the countersink diameter is at least about 137% and preferably between about 137-159% of the working section diameter.

Abstract: An annular die for a pelletizing machine, having a multiplicity of radial bores (12) through which in one direction or the other, material is extruded to form pellets, each radial bore (12) having a portion (A) of constant cross-sectional area and a portion (B) of gradually increasing cross-sectional area, the latter extending to the peripheral surface (14) of the die to which material to be extruded is supplied, the transition between the portion (B) of increasing cross-sectional area and the portion (A) of constant cross-sectional area being entirely smooth such that there is no break in the profile of the internal wall surface of the bore (12).

Abstract: Alfalfa pelletizing apparatus and method wherein pellets are formed in an open ended molding passage or aperture by compressing members entering both ends of the aperture to compress the alfalfa and to extract liquid content for discharge at a passage communicating with the mid portion of the primary mold aperture. The mold apertures are formed in a moving belt upon which the alfalfa is discharged. The pellets are expelled from the apertures after formation thereof and the forming apertures are then cleaned after release of the pellets.

Abstract: Loose hay or the like is delivered into a progressively narrowing axial space between two rows of identical teeth which project towards each other from side locations on a pair of obliquely related wheels. The hay or other material is simultaneously compressed and advanced by the teeth as they come together. The teeth form axial boundaries for pockets or chambers in which the hay or other material is compressed into blocks. The radial boundaries of such pockets or chambers are formed by an annular outer wall carried by one of the wheels and an annular inner wall carried by the other wheel. One of the wheels is mounted for rotation in a fixed position. The other wheel is mounted for rotation by mounting means which can be shifted in position for the purpose of varying the axial space between the two wheels, for adjustment of the pocket size.

Abstract: An improved flat-faced die face cutter is provided which permits flushing of the face with water with minimal chilling of the die. A spindle is provided which minimizes thermal effects on knife die face-positioning.

Abstract: A press for compressing powdery material in which a single roller is rotatably mounted eccentrically within a perforated annular mould. This permits a single roller of relatively large diameter to be employed to apply pressure to the powdery material.

Abstract: A pellet mill with first and second side-by-side rollers disposed in respective first and second hemispheres of rotation of a vertical rotatable cylindrical pellet die member divided along a vertical center line. Pelletizable material is fed in independent first and second conduits for each roller. The first conduit deposits the pelletizable material in the first hemisphere above the first roller; while the second conduit supplies the pelletizable material also in the first hemisphere of rotation below the first roller. Thus, such material is initially deposited on the die member from the conduit and is carried during rotation by centrifugal force to the second roller. Gravity assists retention of the material during rotation to the bottom of the die.

Abstract: A method for pelletizing liquid and viscous products. A body of the liquid or viscous material is enclosed within a chamber having discharge orifices or nozzles at the bottom of the body of liquid. There is a body of gas above the liquid which is subjected alternately to increased and decreased gas pressures so that the pressure on the body of liquid is first above and then below atmospheric pressure. That causes the product to be discharged from the orifices in droplets. The droplets are then solidified to form pellets. A predetermined liquid level is maintained within the chamber. The changes in gas pressure are produced by operating a valve which connects the body of gas in the chamber alternately to a suction line and supply line for gas under pressure.

Abstract: An improved pelletizing press for producing pressed feed products and the like, of the type comprising a radially perforated die with at least two pressing rollers oppositely mounted therein and driven by frictional engagement with the rotary die. The improvement provided by the invention consists of a large principal pressing roller providing increased pellet production with equal specific energy comsumption of the pelletizing press and at least one oppositely mounted auxiliary pressing roller which has a considerably smaller diameter than said principal pressing roller, and is mounted in opposed relation thereto so as to function as a compensating roller while providing a minor pressing action.

Abstract: An improved die face cutter is provided which is particularly suited for preparing pellets of synthetic resinous extrudable thermoplastics wherein the strand being extruded is surrounded by cooling water on emergence from the die and prior to encountering the cutter blade.

Abstract: An improved die face cutter is provided which has a fluid cooled plate disposed on the die face. Smearing of freshly cut polymer is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved pellet mill die having tapered grooves along each side of the compression surface of the die. The tapered grooves reduce the stresses at the maximum stress areas and thus control the breakage of metal between the first rows of holes and the inner edges of the grooves.

Abstract: A pelletizer of the type of an underwater cutter has its die surface composed of a surface of rotation, e.g., a right circular cylinder, a frustum of a cone, etc., whereby plastic resin materials fed from an extruder under pressure to the outside of the die wall are forced to extrude through a number of die nozzles drilled in the wall of the die to be cut into pellets by a cutter which is rotating in front of the die surface and provided with a plurality of cutter blades the outer edge of each of which is disposed in parallel with the die surface leaving a definite, uniform gap therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for melt-spraying thermally sensitive material of low viscosity comprises a heatable multi-screw extruder having intermeshing, self-cleaning screws of specified clearance between the screws and between the screws and the extruder housing, a heatable pump for delivering molten material from the extruder to a heatable atomizer and a spray tank in which the atomizer is located for cooling and solidifying the melt-sprayed material.

Abstract: The specific embodiments provide for pelletizing plastic material in a system including a device for compacting the plastic material through a plurality of orifices. Air is vented from the compacting device by a conduit, and a pressurized gaseous stream is supplied in the conduit in a direction away from the compacting device. A signal is generated indicative of the temperature of a portion of the compacting device, and the flow rate of gaseous stream is controlled in response to the signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a stable block from paper including means for providing a plurality of moist paper fragments, means for roughening the outer surface of a group of the moist paper fragments, and means for compressing the group of paper fragments to form the group of paper fragments into a stable block without the addition of an adhesive.

Abstract: Method and various embodiments of apparatus for producing granulates from pulverulent, granular, doughy or similar material. Material to be granulated is continuously fed into the apparatus and formed into a skin of the material in the nip spaces between adjacent and cooperating rotating curved surfaces. The skin and material alternately progresses and is moved backwards axially of the rotating surfaces and is periodically and repeatedly kneaded as it is conveyed by the rotating surfaces towards and away from and finally forced through outlet apertures whereupon it is divided up into granulates. The apparatus can be in various embodiments which use paired, skinforming rotating curved surfaces and can be the surfaces of rollers or of at least two rollers cooperating with the internal surface of a drum. Helical lands or grooves can be incorporated in one or a combination of the paired rotating surfaces.