Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow capillary device and uses thereof comprising a unipath bibulous capillary flow matrix and at least two reservoirs each in fluid communication with the capillary flow matrix wherein a reservoir contacts the capillary flow matrix through a passage having a rim pressing the matrix. The pressure that the rim applies on the matrix prevents leakage of liquids out of the capillary flow matrix at the reservoir/matrix interface, allowing accurate sequential draining of liquid from the reservoirs.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a material includes a central longitudinal axis, a plurality of levers, and a plurality of jaws, wherein each jaw is attached to a lever, and wherein each jaw has a compression surface having an area. The apparatus also includes a compressing mechanism configured to move each lever in a non-linear motion such that the area of a compression surface exposed to the material decreases with the inward movement of that compression surface; and a shaping element associated with at least one compression surface. The apparatus can include a plurality of shaping elements projecting from at least one compression surface, wherein the plurality of shaping elements is configured to impart a pattern in the material. The apparatus can include a plurality of shaping elements each projecting from a compression surface, wherein the plurality of shaping elements is configured to impart a plurality of grooves in the material.

Abstract: A device for the production of rotor blades (1) for wind power plants with a multi-part manufacturing mold (20, 21, 22) for a rotor blade (1) that along a longitudinal extension, which extends from a rotor blade root (2) substantially to a rotor blade tip (3), has at least one area in which the rotor blade (1) has an aerodynamic airfoil section (4), which has an airfoil leading edge (5) and an airfoil trailing edge (6) that are connected via a suction side (8) and a pressure side (7) of the airfoil section (4), wherein at least two partial molds (21, 22; 34, 35) are provided for at least two shell parts (23, 24; 36, 37) of a rotor blade (1), of which a first shell part (23; 36, 37) and a second shell part (24; 36, 37) substantially lying flat on each other in the area of the airfoil trailing edge (6) are to be connected together.

Abstract: To efficiently feed a molten resin to the resin holders. An intermittently feeding device works to intermittently feed a transfer unit equipped with resin holders, and has a cam supported by a motor via a support. The cam is rotated by the motor. A cam follower of a moving block meshes with the screw of the cam, and the moving block moves along a support rail accompanying the turn of the cam. The motor rotates at a constant speed, and the transfer unit 3 is fed intermittently depending on the shapes of the cam and of the cam follower.

Abstract: A device for shaping of an article of composite material. The device includes a tool including a top surface and side surface for shaping at least one blank of composite material into an article having a predetermined profile; and a air-tight foil. The device further includes at least one support arranged to be in supporting contact with the underside of the protruding part of the blank.

Abstract: The invention describes a mold for non-metallic wind turbine blade shells that comprises two semi-molds, upper and lower, hinged with a pivoting system and equipped with stiffening ribs that hold a system of air conduits on it, and which is partitioned transversely in at least two parts (1A, 2A) and (1B, 2B) that are joined together with some fastening ribs (13A, 13A?, 13B, 13B?). The invention likewise describes the manufacturing method for this mold and the method to obtain a wind turbine blade by replacing an already constituted part of the mold to obtain a geometry differentiated from the original in one of its parts, and to manufacture another family of wind turbine blades.

Abstract: A moulding device for moulding three dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff starting material suitable for consumption, includes a moulding member having a moulding surface provided with at least one mould cavity delimited by a bottom and a peripheral wall defining a cavity opening in the moulding surface. The mould cavity has a cavity height defined between the bottom and the cavity opening. The moulding member can be moved along a movement path from a fill position for filling the mass into the mould cavity to a product release position for releasing a moulded product from the mould cavity and from the product release position to the fill position. A mass distribution device is arranged at the fill position along the movement path of the moulding member for filling the mass into the mould cavity.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tabbing ribbon for connecting at least one solar cell is provided, wherein the tabbing ribbon at least partially extends in a non-planar manner and includes a non-planar section.

Abstract: A burger press includes a base having upward extending sidewalls, a lifter sized and shaped to fit within the base, and a plunger having a handle attached to a first side of a generally planar plate that is sized and shaped to fit within the base. At least one of a second side of the plunger plate and the lifter are shaped to include a surface feature selected from a plurality of ribs and a raised portion, the plurality of ribs and the raised portion being structured to press into a burger as the burger is formed in the burger press by compressing the burger between the plunger and the lifter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for curing a composite assembly may include a base tool, a growth control apparatus, and at least one engagement filling. The base tool may have a different thermal expansion growth rate than a composite assembly to be cured using the apparatus. The growth control apparatus may have a different thermal expansion growth rate than the base tool. The engagement fitting may be movably disposed relative to the base tool and connected to the growth control apparatus. The engagement filling may hold a composite assembly being cured against the engagement filling. The growth control apparatus may grow a pre-determined amount during curing of a composite assembly to produce a cured composite assembly having a pre-determined design dimension.

Abstract: A bladder is made to be expandable and contractible at a vulcanization position within a lower mold assembly and to be expandable and contractible also at a tire delivery position which is spaced a predetermined distance from the vulcanization position along a center axis of the lower mold assembly. With a centering shaft passing through an upper mold, the bladder and the lower mold assembly, a green tire loaded into the tire delivery position is held by the bladder by expanding the bladder and is loaded by the bladder into the lower mold assembly. After a vulcanization processing, the bladder removes the vulcanized tire from the vulcanization position to the delivery position, and after the centering shaft is drawn out from the lower mold assembly and the bladder, the bladder is contracted at the delivery position to make it possible to release the vulcanized tire from the bladder.

Abstract: A system for providing shape and/or surface features to a moldable material includes, in an exemplary embodiment, at least two first opposed flat endless belts spaced apart a first distance, with each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The system also includes at least two second opposed flat endless belts disposed substantially orthogonal to the first two opposed endless belts and spaced apart a second distance. A mold cavity is defined at least in part by the inner surfaces of the at least two opposed flat endless belts. The system further includes a drive mechanism for imparting motion to at least two of the opposed flat endless belts.

Abstract: A stretching apparatus for thermoplastic synthetic resin improved so as to ensure that a web can be easily stretched over its entire width. The stretching apparatus 2 for a thermoplastic synthetic resin web 1 comprises a plurality of first stretching members L arranged in a circumferential direction on a peripheral surface of a drum 6 rotating in a machine direction M. The drum 6 is provided around its rotating shaft 8 with rotatable members 7 adapted to rotate in synchronization with the drum 6 in the direction in which the drum 6 rotates. The rotatable members 7 are respectively provided with a plurality of second stretching members U operatively associated with the first stretching members U.

Abstract: A process for the production of virtually full density polyolefin suitable for further processing by drawing to form a high tenacity, highly oriented polyolefin sheet comprising: a) feeding a metered amount of polyolefin powder into the nip between two heated calendar rolls initially set at a gap smaller than the size of the smallest polyolefin powder particle and at a temperature above the melting point of the powder; b) rolling the powder through the nip under these conditions until a coherent sheet of polyolefin is produced: and c) once a coherent sheet of polyolefin exits the nip lowering the temperature in the nip to a temperature below the melting point of the polyolefin powder and increasing the gap to a desired level above the thickness of the largest powder particle. Apparatus for the performance of such a process is also described.

Abstract: A process for the production of virtually full density polyolefin suitable for further processing by drawing to form a high tenacity, highly oriented polyolefin sheet comprising: a) feeding a metered amount of polyolefin powder into the nip between two heated calender rolls; b) rolling the powder through the nip under these conditions until a coherent sheet of polyolefin is produced. According to a highly preferred embodiment, initially, the nip is set at a gap smaller than the size of the smallest polyolefin powder particle and at a temperature above the melting point of the powder and once a coherent sheet of polyolefin exits the nip the temperature in the nip is lowered to a temperature below the melting point of the polyolefin powder and the gap increased to a desired level above the thickness of the largest powder particle.

Abstract: To provide a rice-ball making implement by which a properly compacted and good-looking rice ball in a state of being packed can be made easily. Two containers (3), (3) are connected to be openable/closeable by the intermediary of a bend part (5). The container (3) comprises a base element (9) and a standing wall (10) formed on the outer peripheral edge of one side of the base element (9) in a protruding manner. Height of an upper edge of each of two side-part standing walls (16), (16) constituting the standing wall (10) is made to become gradually larger toward the front end. When the two containers (3) (3) are bent in a manner of closing them, a side-part standing wall (16a) and a front-end standing wall (19a) of one container (3a) overlaps an inside of a side-part standing wall (16b) and an inside of a front-end standing wall (19b) of the other container (3b).

Abstract: A hot press for coating work pieces on their upper surfaces and lateral surfaces with a film as well as a work table therefor. The hot press includes a press table with a heating plate in the lower frame, displaceable in reference to the press table, having an upper frame, connections for pressurizing and/or evacuating the volumes circumscribed by the upper and lower frames, as well as at least one work piece carrier for supporting a work piece to be coated. A mold frame is provided in the lower frame at least partially encompassing the work piece carrier, which forms the edge of an area that is curved at least partially convexly or essentially cylindrically.

Abstract: A thermo-forming machine is described for forming three-dimensional work pieces, having extensive relatively thin surfaces of uniform thickness, from flat sheets of a thermoplastic material. The machine includes one or two molds (31, 131) movable vertically between a passive lowered position and a raised forming position, a lower, pressurizable sealed chamber (14) closed at the top by a horizontal reduction plate (12) having a first and a second aperture (12a, 12b), spaced horizontally and of a size enabling a mold (31, 131) to pass through them. First and second counter-frames (29, 30) each hold a sheet to be formed around the apertures (12a, 12b) of the reduction plate (12). Three heating panels (16, 17, 22) are provided, aligned vertically, spaced from each other and movable horizontally between a first position aligned vertically with the first aperture (12a) and a second position aligned vertically with the second aperture (12b).

Abstract: An improved process for producing polybutadiene golf ball cores is disclosed. The golf ball cores are from polybutadiene rubber compositions having a high Mooney viscosity and/or a high molecular weight and a low dispersity is disclosed. The apparatus includes an internal mixer that compounds a batch of golf ball core stock. A sheeter forms sheets of golf ball core stock and has a sheeter inlet proximate the mixer outlet and a sheeter outlet. A preform shaper forms golf ball core preforms from the sheets of golf ball core stock.

Abstract: A work table supports a grid of green brick aligned in longitudinal and transverse row for indexing movement by a hydraulic cylinder actuated pusher. The brick are indexed longitudinally beneath a first transverse row of embossing devices in a transverse row aligned with one embossing device being over every other brick of the transverse row. Following actuation of the first transverse row of embossing devices the brick are indexed beneath a second transverse row of embossing devices each of which is aligned with the brick that were not embossed by the first transverse row of embossing devices. Ramps are provided below the rows of embossing devices to elevate the brick above the next adjacent rows so that the brick being embossed is at a higher elevation than the adjacent brick.

Abstract: A device for processing thermoplastic materials has a melting unit for melting an initial thermoplastic material and forming a flow of liquid thermoplastic material, a pyroliser for processing the liquid thermoplastic material by pyrolysis, an element for connecting the melting unit with the pyroliser, an element for withdrawing from the pyroliser products of pyrolysis, and an element for recirculating at least a part of products of pyrolysis back into the pyroliser.

Abstract: Plant for producing tyres of different types simultaneously, comprising a plurality of operating units operating in succession, comprising a central processing unit capable of causing the sequential execution of a plurality of operating steps at work stations, each of which comprises at least one of the said operating units, according to one or more predetermined sequences of types of tyres. The plant also comprises a local processing unit associated with each work station and capable of identifying the type of tyre corresponding to a drum supplied to each of the said operating units, and of selecting, from a predetermined group of operating procedures for each of the said operating units, a specific procedure for the type of tyre corresponding to the drum being worked on.

Abstract: A device and method for forming tableware from biodegradable vegetable fibers includes a device for punching a sheet of vegetable fibers into a preset shape and forming final products from the vegetable fibers. The device and method include a humidifier for humidifying the vegetable fibers, a bender for bend-drawing the vegetable fiber into an intermediate article, a warm-air dryer for keeping and drying the intermediate article, a cool-air dryer for further drying and cooling the intermediate article into a finished article.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a straw tube capable of preventing reduction of pressure inside a drinking container when sucked, an apparatus, and a method for producing the straw tube and for using the apparatus. A straw tube has a tube body having a plurality of grooves extending in the longitudinal direction and a convex streak sandwiched by these grooves and projecting outward from the datum level of the outer circumferential wall. An apparatus has a rotating drum having tube loading grooves, a female rod having grooves and capable of reciprocating within the tube loading grooves by a cam mechanism, and a male roller having convex streaks corresponding to the grooves of the female rod so that the grooves of the female rod engage with the convex streaks through the tube and the female rod and the male roller are synchronized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulfur cured rubber composition particularly suited for use in tire treads. The sulfur cured rubber composition is composed of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, from about 1.0 to 15 parts by weight of a chlorosulfonated polyethylene; from about 1.0 to 15 parts by weight of a carboxylated nitrile rubber; and 98 to 70 parts by weight of a rubber selected from the group consisting of medium vinyl polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene rubber, synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene, synthetic 3,4-polyisoprene, natural rubber, cis-1,4-polybutadiene, styrene-isoprene rubber, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: High viscosity elastomers are often difficult to utilize in rubber compositions without first creating a pre-blend of the high viscosity elastomer and a rubber processing oil to reduce their overall viscosity. This invention relates to utilization of a specialized pre-blend of high viscosity and low viscosity elastomers for use in rubber compositions and to the resulting rubber composition. The use of such resulting rubber composition may be for component(s) of tires, particularly including tire treads. The specialized pre-blend of high and low viscosity elastomers is required to be created by blending individual latices or, alternatively, by blending individual polymerizates of elastomers with diverse viscosities.

Abstract: Flanging or curling apparatus particularly for hollow articles obtained by thermoforming from thermoformable sheet material for use in a thermoforming plant equipped with template or mask conveyor for transfer of the thermoformed objects. The apparatus comprises a support frame which delimits at least one workstation for a sequence of masks supporting hot thermoformed objects carried by the conveyor or at least one head for simultaneous curling of all thermoformed objects in the or each workstation.

Abstract: The invention consists of a machine for continuously reprofiling a corrugated material comprising:support bars (7) for the corrugated material, driven in translation and perpendicular to their direction of displacement,reprofiling bars (2) fixed to an endless chain (11) rotatably driven and movable in translation with respect to said chain (11),counter-forming bars (6) fixed to another endless chain (16), also rotatably driven, and movable in translation with respect to said chain (16),the profile of the counter-forming bars being complementary to that of the reprofiling bars, the reprofiling bars (2) and counter-forming bars (6) being positioned on either side of the plane of the support bars (7) in such a way that parts of said bars are opposite one another and the translation movements of the reprofiling and counter-forming bars opposite one another are made approximately perpendicular to the plane of the support bars.

Abstract: A toroidal semifinished product (5) made of raw elastomeric material is semivulcanized in a semivulcanization chamber (4) defined between two half-molds (2, 3) disposed close to each other. A pressure, preferably equal to the pressure exerted by the gases generated in the semifinished product (5), is created in the mold (1a). The half-molds (2, 3) are moved apart from each other and pressure in the mold is gradually reduced, thereby giving rise to the expansion and consequent transferring of the semifinished product (5) from the semivulcanization chamber (4) to a surrounding final vulcanization chamber (6). When the inner diameter of the semifinished product (5) is larger than the inner diameter of the final vulcanization chamber (6), said chamber is closed at its inner circumferential edge and then, after possible pressure increase in the mold, at its outer circumferential edge, in order to integrally enclose the semifinished product and enable completion of the vulcanization process.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which includes; a tubular duct supported above a rest surface and provided with a compacting member which is arranged to act gently on a freshly formed pasta nest. Any noodle tail sections protruding from the nest can thereby be definitively bent back thereinto.

Abstract: Molding press apparatus (20) for simultaneously operating a plurality of molds (M) having multiple mold parts (M1, M2) including, a framework (25), first and second platen assemblies (U,L) supported by the framework for carrying the mold parts of the molds, a third platen assembly (I) interposed between the first and second platen assemblies for mounting mating mold parts in opposed relation to the mold parts carried by the first and second platen assemblies, a drive assembly (80) for simultaneously moving the first and second platen assemblies relative to the third platen assembly for opening and closing the molds. Loading and unloading apparatus (150) may be provided for simultaneously transporting preformed fiber reinforcements (R) to the molds and for transporting molded parts (P) away from the molds associated with the platen assemblies.

Abstract: According to the invention, calibrated rings are obtained by superficially vulcanizing extruded or profiled extrudate at the exit of an extrusion head (T), then by cutting this vulcanized extrudate into portions by means of a conical cutting device (C), subsequently by butting the two ends, in the respective form of a conical tip and a funnel, of each portion (t) together under hot conditions and under a controlled pressure, in order to obtain a ring blank which is then engaged between the half-cavities of a mold (Mo), where it undergoes shaping and vulcanization by the heating of the latter and thereafter deburring as a result of a shearing action produced by a push device (D) causing the half-cavities to slide in the closed position in the frame of the mold, before causing the opening of the latter by means of a device (G) and the release of the calibrated and superficially clean ring obtained.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for formation of an extruded product from material containing fibrous, molecules or other constituents succeptable to alignment, while the extrudate is still molten and moving through the die (5), in the direction of the extrusion axis (11), it is subjected to pulsating displacements in a direction transverse relative to that axis. These displacements give rise to a shearing action within the material, resulting in a degree of transverse orientation of the constituents. This orientation may be "locked in" to the extruded product when the melt solidifies (40), so improving the transverse strength of that product, and/or may correct an unwanted orientation (from 112, FIG. 16) that existed in the melt upstream of the point where the pulsating displacements were applied. The displacements may be applied by the synchronized operation of pistons (20-27), operating in chambers (17) which open into the die cavity (18) at separated locations all lying in the same transverse plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting the length of dough strands, comprising a receiving gutter, V-shaped in cross-section, whose walls are defined by elements which engage a dough strand placed in the gutter at regularly spaced apart locations along the length of the dough strand and can exert axial forces thereon. According to the invention, the elements which define the walls of the receiving gutter and engage the dough strands are formed by rolling members arranged with interspaces and adapted to be driven progressively and selectively from the middle (X--X) of the gutter in either direction, and support members which convey the strands transversely of the gutter are arranged between the rolling members. The mutual arrangement of the gutter and of the support members is variable, at least as to the relative level.

Abstract: An apparatus engages pre-cut lengths of heated thermoplastic pipe against a pair of eccentric wiper arms bending the pipes into elbows. The eccentric wiper arms have an eccentric portion and a constant radius portion. A bending form has an arcuate die adapted to hold a pre-cut length of pipe. Four such bending forms are radially connected to a rotation shaft which is journalled at each end to a support frame. A continuous supply of pre-cut lengths of pipe are transported through a heating chamber by a set of endless chains. Each pipe is then transferred to a bending form which is rotated by the shaft so that the cold end portions of each pipe engages the spaced apart and substantially parallel eccentric wiper arms. The wiper arms urge the end portion of each pipe length slightly beyond the outer edges of each arcuate die to compensate for the effect cooling has on each pipe length. Once the pipe is bent, the rotation of the bending form causes the pipe to drop into a tank of water.

Abstract: A molding machine for rubber belt production that is used in the production of rubber belts mainly for power transmission, to wind canvas, cords, rubber sheet, etc. around a mold. In the molding machine, a plurality of supporting machines each capable of supporting a mold disconnectably and rotatably around the central axis of the mold are mounted on a horizontally rotatable rotary table at a fixed radial distance from the center of rotation of the table. Each supporting machine is arranged to be capable of tilting a mold between a position wherein the central axis of the mold is lateral and a position wherein the central axis is vertical. This molding machine is capable of executing molding on one mold supported by one supporting machine while exchanging a mold of another supporting machine of which molding is completed with a new mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an automotive seat, comprising a revolvable body, plural padding securing members or plural upper molding dies provided around the revolvable body, and a horizontally movable plural lower molding dies disposed under the revolvable body, the lower molding dies being movable horizontally relative to said revolvable body.Disclosed also is a method for manufacturing an automotive seat, using such apparatus.According to those apparatus and method, the manufacturing steps are carried out smoothly, with one step being effected during another step, and by virtue of the lower molding dies being horizontally moved, the apparatus can be installed in a small place.

Abstract: Polymerized foam material in flat billet form is enclosed in a heat-retaining envelope and heated to forming temperature then promptly loaded into an innovative unheated forming press and accurately formed before cooling below forming temperature. The heat-retaining envelope has an expansive skin on one side and a contractive skin on the other side to facilitate bending without wrinkling or other distortion. The forming press utilizes a rigid male form punch and a spring-tensioned elastic belt, supported on a pair of variably-spaced rollers, initially presenting a flat compliant surface upon which the heated workpiece is placed. Pressure from the form punch progressively deflects the workpiece and the belt, which becomes a compliant mold member conforming itself and the workpiece progressively around the form punch to yield an article of required carved shape, free of wrinkles or tool creep distortions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing a seat by bonding together a top cover member and a foam cushion member of a seat for automobiles, in which there are provided a turntable rotatable intermittently at 90 degrees in a circular direction, four lower dies arranged at the respective four areas which are equally defined in a circular direction on the turn table, each of the four lower dies being adapted to form one seat. In this apparatus, there are also provided a supply station for supplying the top cover member to the lower dies, a heating mechanism for applying a heat to the top cover member affixed to the lower dies, a forming mechanism for forming the top cover member into a predetermined uneven shape, and a pressure bonding mechanism for pressure bonding the top cover member to the foam cushion member. Upon 360-degree rotation of the lower dies permits production of a complete unit of seats for one automobile.

Abstract: The tubular body is laid in a horizontal position on a tapered suction drum and pivoted thereby into a vertical axis which is in coaxial relationship with the axis of a mandrel with a punch. The tubular body is then pushed from the surface of the suction drum on to the mandrel by a thrust member. The mandrel and/or the die is mounted displaceably in a vertical direction, which permits particularly stable and precise guidance. A plurality of dies with mandrels and punches associated therewith is disposed on a rotary member. In the course of a revolution of the rotary member, the tubular body on the mandrel is connected to a squeeze moulding in the die.

Abstract: Apparatus for stretching a parison or a preform which is formed by a blank and where the preform is preferably intended to be reshaped into a container. In accordance with the invention the wall of the blank is provided with two laterally displaced material regions. A mechanical moulding device reduces the material thickness in the material of the wall with commencement in the region thereof where the two material regions are laterally displaced relative to one another.Lateral displacement of the material regions and reduction by the moulding device of the material thickness are selected in order to allow, respectively achieve a reduction in thickness equivalent to that the thermoplastic material obtains when it is stretched so that material flow occurs. In one embodiment the lateral displacement is achieved by the moulding device.

Abstract: The invention provides pastry machinery for forming a multi-layered pastry comprising a dough extruder which forms dough into sheet form, a pre-cooking station for the sheet of dough, a moisturizing station, a cutting station and means for transporting a cut leaf of dough onto a folding device. The folding device folds the pastry through a series of folds once a charge of filling has been deposited on the leaf of dough.

Abstract: A vulcanizer and method for vulcanizing sheets of unvulcanized elastomeric material is presented in which the sheets are formed from generally rectangular small sections of unvulcanized material where the edges of the sections are tapered and mated together along their maximum dimension to form longitudinally extending seams within large sheets. The sheets are wrapped onto a series of concentrically assembled mandrels having different diameters, which serve as individual supports for the multiple wraps of sheet material. Each mandrel is received within the mandrel of the next larger diameter and is supported within the vulcanizing chamber by self-supporting mounting devices or carriage.

Abstract: A press for forming sheet material into a shaped article comprising a frame, first and second complementary dies, a cam supported by the frame for reciprocally moving the first die along an axis between a first position axially spaced from the second die and a second position fully mated with the second die, the cam including a dwell period when the first die is in the second position. The press includes a bolster supporting the second die for axial movement between upper and lower limits, the bolster being axially spaced from the upper limit by movement of the first die to the second position. The press also includes a hydraulic power circuit responsive to the position of the cam for normally biasing the bolster toward its upper limit under a first hydraulic pressure and for biasing the bolster toward the upper limit under a second hydraulic pressure during the dwell period, the second hydraulic pressure being greater than the first hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A device for spreading layers of dough of circular shape from dough balls comprises a first pair of rollers, a second pair of rollers having axes of rotation, arranged at a lower level than the first pair of rollers and at an angle to the first pair, a sloping plane arranged under the first pair and having an upper portion for taking up a dough layer getting out of the first pair, a rotating plane arranged at a lower portion of the sloping plane for receiving the dough layer from the sloping plane. The rotating plane is tiltable around an axis parallel to the axes of rotation of the second pair of rollers from a first position whereat the rotating plane is aligned with the lower portion of the sloping plane to a second position whereat the rotating plane is aligned with an end portion thereof with the second pair of rollers.

Abstract: A blank is formed out of plasticizable, heated plastic by means of an extruding-type material supply head. A somewhat lenticular profiling of the blank is obtained by appropriately controlling a closing member of the material supply head, which is built as a valve cone. When the closing member is closed off against the lower edge of a tube part of the material supply head, the blank is pinched off from the material supply. A flow of air emerging from the ring nozzle serves to ensure complete severance of the blank from the material supply head. After that has been accomplished, the blank enters an open shaping cavity of a die by free fall. By further movement of the die, which is located on a rotary table, the die removes itself from the permanently located material supply head, so that the blank lying in the cavity can be pressed into a molded article by a stamp. Cooling off too much in certain locations on the blank is prevented by the free fall of the blank into the shaping cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for preforming automobile rooftop coverings made of flexible sheets of vinyl and the like. The flexible material is treated with a thermosetting composition and then applied to an automobile rooftop form. Pneumatic tensioning means are attached to the edges of the material at a plurality of spaced-apart points to tension it over the form to a predetermined orientation and shape while maintaining the forces on the material substantially in equilibrium. The material is heated to set the thermosetting composition. Clamping means lightly engage the material to hold it in the predetermined shape until the setting temperature is reached and then firmly engage it to form maginal flanges thereon. The shaped material is then removed from the form by a vacuum carrier and then cooled and trimmed in the carrier.A pressure-sensitive adhesive and release liner may also be applied to the material so that after it is shaped it can be directly adhesively secured to an automobile rooftop.

Abstract: A machine for fabricating articles such as glass vials from tubular stock includes a plurality of rotating chucking stations which revolve about the central vertical axis of the machine and a plurality of tooling stations which form the vial finish. The plurality of tooling stations are disposed in euqal numbers related to the number of chucking stations on two conveyor assemblies disposed adjacent the periphery of the circle defined by the revolving chucking stations. The tooling stations each include rollers which form the outside of the vial finish and a segmented mandrel which forms the inside of the vial finish including, if desired, a blowback cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automatic, rapid and continuous preparation of generally friable or fragile ready-to-eat food product bacon analog strips of predetermined configuration, simulating natural, cooked bacon, wherein a slab or bulk material of the food product is sliced by a cutting device into individual strips basically having the dimensions of sliced natural bacon strips, and conducted by means of a first endless conveyor arrangement from the cutting device towards a cooking installation. Ahead of the cooking installation, a second endless conveyor mounts a series of strip-engaging members adapted to sequentially contact the sliced strips and to conduct the strips from the first endless conveyor arrangement onto and along guide rod members which extend into and through the cooking installation.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for forming moulded articles such as removable insoles for shoes. A blank is placed between a rigid plate corresponding to the peripheral base contour of the finished article on one side thereof and a mould bed corresponding to the shape of the article on the other side thereof. Peripheral areas of the blank are exposed by the plate and a flexible diaphragm is applied over the plate under pressure or with the aid of a vacuum after heating the blank to the softening point, to define said peripheral base contour, and to conform the other side and the exposed areas of the blank to the shape of the mould bed. In the case of shoe insoles, a range of sizes can be made with the same mould bed, using only different sizes of plate.