Abstract: This invention relates to the field of multiple layer plastic extrusion, and more particularly to assemblies in which thin or micro-layers of polymer material are formed which polymer material may be from two or more individual extruders, and delivered to a multilayer combining adapter in association with an extruder die or other utilizations. The combining adapter of this invention is referred to herein as a flow velocity profiler (FVP) and includes a cartridge assembly body that is formed with individual cavities that receive one of a plurality of individual precision layering inserts. Changing individual inserts is less time intensive than changing an entire body as required in prior art.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of multiple layer plastic extrusion, and more particularly to assemblies in which thin or micro-layers of polymer material are formed which polymer material may be from two or more individual extruders, and delivered to a multilayer combining adapter in association with an extruder die or other utilizations. The combining adapter of this invention is referred to herein as a flow velocity profiler (FVP) and includes a cartridge assembly body (20) that is formed with individual cavities (26) that receive on of plurality of (60). Changing individual inserts is less time intensive that changing an entire body as required in prior art.

Abstract: A thermal actuator system controls the position of a moveable die lip (32, 34) on a flat film extruder die (30) to control the gauge of the extruded plastic film, and includes thermal actuators each of which has an outer thermal bolt (70) and an inner bolt (80) extending through the outer bolt. The inner and outer bolts have outer ends which are connected together, while the outer bolt is connected to the die body and the inner bolt has an operative end connected to a die lip. An air passage (90) is formed between the inner and outer bolts and through which air is applied for cooling the inner bolt with respect to the outer bolt. Thermal expansion of the outer bolt is controlled by an external heater (75) mounted on the outer bolt.