Abstract: This relates variously to techniques for comminuting polymeric foams, to techniques for preparing polymeric foams containing that comminuted foam, and to the resulting comminuted foam powder and polymeric foams. The procedures may be used on foams containing production contaminants such as polyolefins, paper, and foam skins and on other foams containing consumer contaminants such as wood, metal, leather, etc. The comminuted foam powder, with or without contaminants, preferably is screened or sifted to obtain a foam powder having a particle size of about 2 mm or less.

Abstract: The present system comprises an apparatus and a process for continuously dispersing fine particles in a liquid. The apparatus comprises a mixer that has at least on inlet for receiving the fine particles and liquid and an outlet. The mixer further comprises a barrel that has an inlet for accepting the fine particles and an outlet for dispersing the fine particles and tank for holding the liquid. The tank has a top surface in which the barrel is disposed such that the outlet of the barrel is disposed under the surface of the liquid. An inlet of a vacuum centrifuge is coupled to the outlet of the mixer to receive a mixture of liquid and fine particles. A surge tank is coupled to an outlet of the vacuum centrifuge, wherein the mixture is dispersed from an outlet of the surge tank.

Abstract: The disclosed device is directed towards a mixer apparatus comprising a barrel defining an interior and an exterior. The barrel has a first end and a second end opposite thereof. The barrel defines at least one inlet proximate to the first end and an outlet proximate to the second end. A motor unit is in operative communication with the barrel. A moving element is disposed in the interior of the barrel. The moving element is configured to move material through the barrel to the outlet of the barrel. At least one first mixing element is fluidly coupled to the outlet.

Abstract: This relates variously to techniques for comminuting polymeric foams, to techniques for preparing polymeric foams containing that comminuted foam, and to the resulting comminuted foam powder and polymeric foams. The procedures may be used on foams containing production contaminants such as polyolefins, paper, and foam skins and on other foams containing consumer contaminants such as wood, metal, leather, etc. The comminuted foam powder, with or without contaminants, preferably is screened or sifted to obtain a foam powder having a particle size of about 2 mm or less.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of recycling polyurethane-containing material. The method comprises combining a polyurethane-containing material with a solvent and forming a solution of the polyurethane-containing material and the solvent. Next, a non-solvent is added to the polyurethane solution to form a suspension of polyurethane in a solvent/non-solvent mixture. Finally, the solvent is removed to form a suspension of polyurethane in solvent. The solvent is preferably a polar, aprotic solvent. The solvent may be chosen from the group consisting of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), hexamethylphosphoric acid triamide (HMPT) and mixtures thereof. The polyurethane-containing material may be chosen from the group consisting of foam trimmings, foam buns and foam skin, changeover blocks, off-specification material, polyurethane powder, molding mushrooms, fabrication scrap and post-consumer waste.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of recycling polyurethane-containing material. The method comprises combining a polyurethane-containing material with a solvent and forming a solution of the polyurethane-containing material and the solvent. Next, a non-solvent is added to the polyurethane solution to form a suspension of polyurethane in a solvent/non-solvent mixture. Finally, the solvent is removed to form a suspension of polyurethane in solvent. The solvent is preferably a polar, aprotic solvent. The solvent may be chosen from the group consisting of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (THF), hexamethylphosphoric acid triamide (HMPT) and mixtures thereof. The polyurethane-containing material may be chosen from the group consisting of foam trimmings, foam buns and foam skin, changeover blocks, off-specification material, polyurethane powder, molding mushrooms, fabrication scrap and post-consumer waste.

Abstract: This relates variously to techniques for comminuting polymeric foams, to techniques for preparing polymeric foams containing that comminuted foam, and to the resulting comminuted foam powder and polymeric foams. The procedures may be used on foams containing production contaminants such as polyolefins, paper, and foam skins and on other foams containing consumer contaminants such as wood, metal, leather, etc. The comminuted foam powder, with or without contaminants, preferably is screened or sifted to obtain a foam powder having a particle size of about 2 mm or less.

Abstract: This relates variously to techniques for comminuting polymeric foams, to techniques for preparing polymeric foams containing that comminuted foam, and to the resulting comminuted foam powder and polymeric foams. The procedures may be used on foams containing production contaminants such as polyolefins, paper, and foam skins and on other foams containing consumer contaminants such as wood, metal, leather, etc. The comminuted foam powder, with or without contaminants, preferably is screened or sifted to obtain a foam powder having a particle size of about 2 mm or less.

Abstract: Described are methods of grinding foams and foam powders produced by grinding foams. The methods include mixing foams together prior to grinding the foams. By mixing the foams together, the foams become easier to grind.

Abstract: This relates variously to techniques for comminuting polymeric foams, to techniques for preparing polymeric foams containing that comminuted foam, and to the resulting comminuted foam powder and polymeric foams. The procedures may be used on foams containing production contaminants such as polyolefins, paper, and foam skins and on other foams containing consumer contaminants such as wood, metal, leather, etc. The comminuted foam powder, with or without contaminants, preferably is screened or sifted to obtain a foam powder having a particle size of about 2 mm or less.