Patent ID: 7794224
Filing Date: 2010-09-14
Classification: B29C,B30B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for continuous production of a molded composite product, said apparatus comprising: a first, closed loop cleated belt conveyor comprising a first cleated belt with a plurality of cleats and a chain, each said cleat comprising a notch, wherein said plurality of cleats are coupled to said chain with attachment plates; a second, closed loop cleated belt conveyor opposed to said first, closed loop cleated belt conveyor comprising a second cleated belt with a plurality of cleats and a chain, each said cleat comprising a notch, wherein said plurality of cleats are coupled to said chain with attachment plates, a first endless mold belt positioned at least partially within said notch of said plurality of cleats of said first cleated belt; a second endless mold belt positioned at least partially within said notch of the plurality of cleats of said second cleated belt, said first and second endless mold belts being opposed to one another to form a mold cavity, wherein moldable material is introduced to said mold cavity formed between said first and second mold belts; a first pressurized air cylinder coupled to said first cleated belt conveyor and configured to provide positive pressure to said mold cavity; a heating element for imparting heat to said mold cavity substantially at a first end portion of said apparatus; a cooling element for imparting cooling to said mold cavity substantially at a second end portion of said apparatus, wherein the heating and cooling elements together provide control of an operating temperature for the moldable material controlling skin and strength characteristics of the composite product; drive sprockets at said second end portion of said apparatus coupled to said chains of said first and said second cleated belts and further coupled to variable speed motors; idler sprockets at said first end portion of said apparatus leading the chains around said first end portion of said apparatus and taking up any slack in the chains; plates extending a length between said drive sprockets and said idler sprockets of said first and said second cleated belt conveyors; and channels in the length of said plates, wherein said chains are disposed in said channels and wherein said channels together with said plates provide support, pressure application and alignment to said chains.