Patent ID: 6022205
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
A system for producing blocks of open-cell, flexible polyurethane foam material and for conditioning each manufactured block to impart thereto optimal physical properties, said system comprising:A. a production station into which is poured chemical constituents for producing the foam material to be manufactured, the constituents interacting at the station to create said block, said production station including means enveloping the block in a casing that seals the block except for a leading end and a trailing end thereof which remain exposed;B. a conditioning station having a gate provided with a port, and an air duct having an inlet coupled to the port at a front end of the gate;C. conveyor means for transporting the block manufactured and encased at the production station to the conditioning station for abutting the exposed leading end of the block against a rear end of the gate which then blankets the exposed leading end of the block; the block undergoing an exothermic reaction and reaching the gate at a time when the block as a result of this reaction is permeated with hot fumes and other contaminants; andD. a suction fan coupled to the duct producing a negative pressure in the block which draws ambient air therein through said trailing end to evacuate said contaminants from the block, thereby cooling the block and inhibiting a subsequent exothermic reaction.