Miscellaneous Patents (Class 264/349)
  • Patent number: 5643516
    Abstract: A process of manufacturing an article having high load absorption, durability and wear resistance properties with increased lubricity including mixing particles of polyurethane and polytetrafluoroethylene, extruding the mixture of polyurethane and polytetrafluoroethylene particles, reducing the extruded polyurethane/polytetrafluoroethylene product to particle form and molding the polyurethane/polytetrafluoroethylene extruded particles to form the article in a selected configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Farathane Corporation
    Inventors: Irfan F. Raza, Ronald D. Walther
  • Patent number: 5637268
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for minimizing the flow instability of molten plastics caused by slippage of the melt at the die wall during the extrusion process. The slippage, and therefore the flow instability, is minimized by removing the air from, or "degassing", the polymer prior to the extrusion process, preferably by subjecting the molten polymer to a vacuum for an extended time, typically 24 hours. Further, air is preferably prevented from being introduced into the molten polymer, the extrusion die or the extrusion process from the ambient conditions surrounding the extrusion process during the extrusion process by creating a vacuum over the polymer hopper, the feed region of the extrusion system, the exit portion of the die, the entire extrusion system or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Texas A & M University System
    Inventors: John C. Slattery, A. J. Giacomin
  • Patent number: 5626806
    Abstract: A loose admixture of polymer pellets and carbon black primary aggregate (together with any other desired fillers) is subjected to a first shear and smear action to incorporate the filler(s) into the polymer and subsequently to additional shear and smear actions to deagglomerate and blend the mixture, all of these actions being carried out at temperatures well below the plasticizing temperature of the polymer so that smearing of the filler(s) into the polymer is facilitated. Each shear and smear assembly is made of similar hammer and anvil components comprising a milling tool acting as a hammer by rotating adjacent an array of stationary pegs acting as anvils. The end face of a milling tool presented to the pegs has oblique surfaces at the downstream ends of its channels and these smear the mixture against the confronting corners of the pegs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Holroyd Associates Limited
    Inventors: Eric Holroyd, Colin Holroyd
  • Patent number: 5620646
    Abstract: A cooling method that involves circulating a liquid coolant through the motor housings and mounting surfaces for electrical/electronic components, such as the electric motors and associated electronic drives, in electric plastic processing machines. Specifically, the motors are provided with a housing having an integral heat exchanger, such as stainless steel tubing cast into a cylindrical aluminum stator housing. The various electrical/electronic components are mounted to the surface of a plate type heat exchanger (chill plate) that is contained within the electrical cabinet for the primary electrical circuitry. In addition, the air within the electrical cabinet is continually circulated over the chill plate to provide a more uniform temperature distribution within the enclosure and minimize condensation on the surface of the plate. The heat generated by the motors and electronics is absorbed from the motor housings and chill plate by the circulating liquid and released through a heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Sparer, Edward A. Chorey, Gregory L. Seibert
  • Patent number: 5597522
    Abstract: A smooth-surfaced tape or sheet of composite syntactic material made up of a polyolefin and, as filler, hollow microspheres, is formed by extrusion through a die having a land length to thickness ratio less than 7:1 at a temperature of about 215.degree. C. Such tapes are wrapped around pipes to provide insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Shell Research Limited
    Inventors: Alan D. Curzon, Ronald G. White, Aidan P. R. Jones
  • Patent number: 5597525
    Abstract: A method for injection molding polyethylene terephthalate by employing a vent type injection unit as means for omitting preliminary drying the resin, wherein the unit does not develop a poor screw biting, and even when the molding material is an undried uncrystallized or crystallized PET, can feed a certain amount of the material at all times to injection mold a desired transparent molded form such as a preform, and use the preform to produce a thin-wall container at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: A. K. Technical Laboratory Inc.
    Inventors: Hideaki Koda, Hisashi Nakajima
  • Patent number: 5595700
    Abstract: Non-baked color pencil leads are obtained by forming a blend composition from a filler, a coloring agent, a binder without any wax, and a water/oil repellant substance, kneading the mixture with a solvent and/or plasticizer, extruding the kneaded material, drying the extruded articles to remove the solvent and/or plasticizer therefrom to form open pores therein owing to the less wettability of the water/oil repellant substance, and then impregnating the pores with an oil, a fat and/or a wax. Since the oil, the fat and/or the wax is not blended into the composition, bleeding does not occur at the time of the drying, which permits drying the articles at a high temperature for a short period of time, whereby the manufacturing cost can be decreased. The thus obtained non-baked color pencil leads are remarkably excellent in physical properties such as bending strength and pointed end strength and have a smooth writing performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsunori Kitazawa
  • Patent number: 5593707
    Abstract: An auger conveyor assembly for heating and feeding polymer coated powder from a powder supply assembly to a shuttle assembly for ultimate delivery to the die cavity of a compacting press. The auger conveyor has an auger tube having near its rearward end an inlet connected to the powder supply assembly and near its forward end an outlet for delivery of heated polymer coated powder to the shuttle assembly. A hollow tubular auger with flights on its exterior surface is rotatably mounted in the auger tube and is rotatable therein by a motor and gear assembly to advance the polymer coated powder. For the majority of its length the auger tube is surrounded by ceramic band heaters. An air heater is mounted on a manifold at the driven end of the auger. An air tube connected to the manifold extends through the length of the auger. The tube has perforations at the discharge end of the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Cincinnati Incorporated
    Inventors: Bryan W. Goe, Robert C. Hertlein
  • Patent number: 5589126
    Abstract: This invention relates to polyester/plasticizer blends which are useful as heat-shrinkable films or sheet in low temperature shrink packaging applications. The plasticizer is injected into the melt of the polyester. The plasticizer lowers the glass transition temperature, on-set temperature and shrink rate of the polyester. Film or sheet produced by the polyester/plasticizer blends is clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Wayne K. Shih, Ronald R. Light
  • Patent number: 5589203
    Abstract: A vacuum kneading and extruding method includes the steps of separately and continuously measuring plural types of material and continuously feeding the material into a kneading and degassing tank; kneading the plural types of material fed, and degassing the material by decompressing a material accommodating space into a vacuum; kneading and transporting the material in a decompressed condition through a multi-stage kneading mechanism; and forming and extruding kneaded material in a predetermined shape. An apparatus for use in executing this method is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Sato Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Sato
  • Patent number: 5585054
    Abstract: A process for producing composite cellulose fiber reinforced polyolefin. The process includes preparing and mixing a blend of molten polyolefin, a coloring concentrate and a coupling agent in a kneading extruder, preheating cellulose fibers in an enclosed cram feed and mixing the blend of polyolefin, preheated cellulose fibers and ozone gas in a ozone chamber to form a polyolefin and fiber matrix. The polyolefin and fiber matrix is then fed to a twin screw extruder where it is further heated, mixed and then conveyed to a die to extrude in a desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Daniel W. Evans
  • Patent number: 5575966
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid rubber adaptor for converting an existing sheet metal highway barrier. The method includes the steps of: mixing and knead melting a mixture of: 80 to 90 percent by weight particles of recycled waste rubber; 10 to 20 percent by weight virgin rubber; and an accelerator composition; forming the mixture to a selected adaptor configuration thus defining an adaptor; curing the mixture within a chamber at a temperature of 350.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. for a period of time from 3 to 5 hours; and removing the cured barrier from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Guenter A. Baatz
  • Patent number: 5569713
    Abstract: A close loop thermoplastic recycling process includes the step of testing particulated processed plastic material to determine the properties thereof. The tested properties are compared with targeted near virgin properties of the processed plastic material to determine any difference(s) therebetween. Additives based on the property differences determined during testing are admixed with the particulates in a twin screw extruder. During extruding, volatile constituents are simultaneously withdrawn from the fused particulates. The twin screws of the extruder are provided with a number of screw sections, each having a thread with predetermined degrees of chamfer and pitch length. Kneading blocks are mounted on certain screw sections prior to a vacuum vent port disposed along the feed path of the melt stream in the extruder. The extruded material is tested to determine if any property differences exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: American Commodities, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Lieberman
  • Patent number: 5569429
    Abstract: An apparatus provided for extruding a polymer in an extruder barrel having an upstream portion and a downstream portion with a discharge port. A hopper is positioned for delivering polymer to the upstream portion of the extruder barrel and a screw shaft is mounted for rotational movement in the extruder barrel. A drive means is connected for rotating the screw shaft. The screw shaft has a conveying screw flight and a metering screw flight arranged for conveying and metering the polymer through the barrel. A seal is provided for sealing against polymer flow and includes at least two different passageways positioned between a seal barrel and at least one seal shaft mounted for rotational movement within the seal barrel. The passageways are oriented to urge the polymer toward the screw shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Randcastle Extrusion Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Luker
  • Patent number: 5562872
    Abstract: A chopping board of the present invention is formed in a manner that synthetic rubber (NBR) and hard chloroethene as a basis are kneaded into wherein an anti-bacterial agent is mixed. Definitely, a stiffening agent of synthetic rubber, low-pressure polyethylene resin, white carbn black which is the reinforcing extender of rubber, zinc flower as a reinforcing accelerator of rubber, titanium as a coloring agent and stearic acid as a dispersion accelerator are mixed with the base of synthetic rubber (NBR) and hard vinyl chloride. The mixture thus obtained is agitated under kneading by a kneader exclusively for rubber and then a ceramic power and an inorganic antibacterial agent are mixed with the kneaded mixture so as to mold the chopping board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Daikyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadao Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5556581
    Abstract: A method of injection molding whereby a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) without being predried or with having an irregular-shape is fed by a feed screw from a material feeder to an injection cylinder and plasticated by an injection screw. The rotational torque of the injection screw is detected in correspondence with the revolution speed of the feed screw during material feed, and a flection point of the rotational torque is determined. The feed screw is operated at a revolution speed within a range around the flection point of the rotational torque to provide a stable feed rate of the PET and to avoid difficulty in rotating the injection screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidemi Aoki, Yasuhiko Takeuchi, Kazuo Anzai
  • Patent number: 5536462
    Abstract: A process for the extrusion of rigid PVC profile other than pipe is disclosed in a twin conical screw extruder, equipped with high shear screws. The process includes extruding a compound specially adapted for the process, the compound contains a polyvinyl chloride resin with an average particle size of from 130 to about 200 microns, a lubricant system containing no more than about 3.5 parts of one or more lubricants, an organo metal salt, from 0 to less than 0.75 parts of a polymeric processing aid, at least one filler/pigment, and a stabilizer for PVC. The process achieves extrudate surfaces characterized by a smooth, dull finish. The process advantageously operates at high extrusion output rates under the conditions specified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: The Geon Company
    Inventor: Roman B. Hawrylko
  • Patent number: 5534212
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for the manufacture of soap forms which includes the step of treating a soap feedstock by passage through a twin screw, intermeshing, counter-rotating extruder and apparatus for the manufacture of soap forms according to the process, said apparatus containing a twin screw, intermeshing, counter-rotating extruder, wherein the extruder includes two oppositely-threaded, closely intermeshing screws, the screws being non-matching and such that the ratio of the length to the diameter is greater than 1:1, mounted for rotation within a barrel having a first end and a second end, said screws having a minimal screw-to-screw and screw to barrel clearance such that as the feedstock passes along at least a part of the barrel from said first end and towards said second end it is divided into a plurality of discrete, substantially C-shaped segments bounded by the screw and barrel surfaces and conveyed in a path whereby the bulk of the feedstock move substantially parallel to the rotational a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco,Inc.
    Inventors: Kalyansundaram D. Chokappa, Vijay M. Naik
  • Patent number: 5525276
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high strength isotropic graphite including a kneading step to mix an aggregate consisting of carbonaceous fine powder with a pitch binder a molding step to mold the raw material prepared by re-pulverizing the kneaded mixture using rubber press method and a carbonizing and graphitizing step to fire carbonize and graphitize the molded product. The aggregate uses a fine mosaic coke powder as the aggregate, which mosaic coke powder is finely pulverized in a jet mill to an average particle size of 1 .mu.m or less and a maximum particle size of 5 .mu.m or less, and has a surface average electrostatic field intensity of 1.2.times.10.sup.4 esu/cm.sup.2 or more. The invention provides a high strength isotropic graphite having a high bending strength of 120 MPa or more, which is suitable for piston components of gasoline engines and provides a method for manufacturing high strength isotropic graphite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Tokai Carbon Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Okuyama, Katutoshi Mizumoto, Sakae Ikegami
  • Patent number: 5518672
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for extruding a polymer which is subject to periodic surges. The apparatus includes a barrel with an upstream portion for receiving polymer, a downstream portion and a discharge port near the downstream portion. The apparatus also includes a shaft mounted for rotational movement about a longitudinal axis within the barrel as well as drive means connected to rotate the shaft. The apparatus has a surge suppressor for urging polymer upstream toward the discharge port while permitting a portion of polymer to flow downstream into the surge suppressor. A sensor is positioned within the apparatus to detect surges in the polymer and a controller is connected to the sensor and to the drive means for adjusting shaft rotation in response to polymer surges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Randcastle Extrusion Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Luker
  • Patent number: 5516476
    Abstract: A multiplate spin pack receives metered molten polymer and metered amounts of additive components selectively proportioned to produce desired characteristics in extruded fiber. The additive components are mixed together and blended with the polymer by passage through a pattern of mixer channels formed in opposed faces of spin pack mix plates immediately upstream of the spinning orifices of a spinneret. Mixing is produced by splitting the fluids into multiple paths and repeatedly converging the paths into boundary layer contact. Short flow paths of mixed polymer minimizes time and waste in change over procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Hills, Inc,
    Inventors: Jeff S. Haggard, Bryan Norcott
  • Patent number: 5512617
    Abstract: Described are materials based on a starch which has been thermomechanically digested at elevated temperatures and pressures and upon the addition of water and/or lower molecular weight plasticizers and which contains oxidatively cross-linkable alkyd resins having been incorporated in an intimate admixture. Preferably, these alkyd resins have been at least predominantly composed of key substances based on re-growable raw materials.The starch blends thus modified are suitable for the manufacture of shaped articles which in the presence of air will be reactively cured and thereupon are imparted with an increased strength, and especially an increased resistance to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ritter, Michael Beck
  • Patent number: 5510073
    Abstract: A planetary gear for a multiple-screw extruder includes a circular stationary housing having internal teeth, a sun wheel formed from at least one toothed portion of a spindle, and a plurality of main planet wheels formed from at least one toothed free end of a plurality of screws and arranged in a circle. The plurality of main planet wheels are spaced from one another, from the sun wheel and from the internal housing teeth. A plurality of internal and external intermediate planet wheels are arranged between the sun wheel and the main planet wheels and between the main planet wheels and the internal housing teeth, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Ems-Inventa AG
    Inventors: Werner Kaegi, Gerhard Schmidt, Joachim Ensinger
  • Patent number: 5506336
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing materials, a process for mixing, finishing and de-volatizing polyamide to make 66 nylon and the 66 nylon made by this process. The apparatus comprises an agitator section having an outlet adjacent the bottom thereof; a transfer screw disposed adjacent the outlet of the agitator section; a spiral ribbon extending upwardly from the transfer screw; a ring disposed vertically above the spiral ribbon, at least one baffle disposed vertically above the spiral ribbon and connected to the ring and a wall-wiping spur connected to the ring. Preferably, the apparatus has two baffles--an upper one for pumping the material downwardly and a lower one for pumping the material upwardly. The diameter of each baffle is preferably about 80% of the diameter of the agitator section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: John M. Iwasyk
  • Patent number: 5502154
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing materials, a process for mixing, finishing and de-volatizing polyamide to make 66 nylon and the 66 nylon made by this process. The apparatus comprises an agitator section having an outlet adjacent the bottom thereof; a transfer screw disposed adjacent the outlet of the agitator section; a spiral ribbon extending upwardly from the transfer screw; a ring disposed vertically above the spiral ribbon, at least one baffle disposed vertically above the spiral ribbon and connected to the ring and a wall-wiping spur connected to the ring. Preferably, the apparatus has two baffles--an upper one for pumping the material downwardly and a lower one for pumping the material upwardly. The diameter of each baffle is preferably about 80% of the diameter of the agitator section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: John M. Iwasyk
  • Patent number: 5500172
    Abstract: A plasticizing method uses an apparatus (10) including a barrel (12) having a bore (14) therethrough. An auger (24) and a rotor (30) are positioned in the bore, each extending from opposed ends (16, 18) of the barrel (12) and having ends (26, 34) that are substantially flush. The auger (24) conveys particulate plastic material along the bore (14), the plastic being frictionally melted before passing the auger discharge end (26). The rotor (30) is provided to uniformly heat the melted plastic. Auger (24) and rotor (30) each are associated with independent means for rotating (28, 32) and means for controlling the speed of rotation (50, 52). The speed of rotation of the auger (24) controls the flow rate of plastic through the bore, and the speed of rotation of the rotor (30) controls the temperature of the melted plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Stephen J. Derezinski, Stephen T. Faulkenberry
  • Patent number: 5500170
    Abstract: A heating and extruding method for a bulk preform of a fiber reinforced composite material, including a stabbing machine for forming an unpenetrated hole in the bulk preform, a heating machine connected to the stabbing machine for heating the bulk preform by a nitrogen gas, and an extruding machine connected to the heating machine for heating and compressing the bulk preform heated by the heating machine to discharge a predetermined amount of the bulk preform, wherein at least the heating machine to the extruding machine has a sealing structure sealing a nitrogen gas therein. An extruding lip of the extruding machine has a thickness restriction plate and a width restriction plate for respectively adjusting an extrusion thickness and an extrusion width of the melted composite material. Accordingly, oxidation and degradation of resin composing the fiber reinforced composite material can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Toshiaki Okumura, Takao Ekimoto, Satoshi Shimamoto, Katsumi Ogawa, Masahiro Tomita, Yoshitaka Nimura, Ryosaku Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 5486327
    Abstract: Apparatus including a barrel including a generally cylindrical inner wall defining a generally cylindrical chamber having a longitudinal axis, an inlet end for receiving solid material, and an outlet end for discharging molten material, the inner wall having therein a recess extending longitudinally of the chamber, a screw which extends along the longitudinal axis and which is rotatably housed in the chamber, a drive mechanism for rotating the screw about the axis, and a conduit for introducing colorant into the chamber, the conduit having a downstream end communicating directly with the recess so that colorant flowing through the conduit flows directly into the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Peter F. Bemis, Loren C. Albrecht, Steven F. Schick
  • Patent number: 5486328
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for extruding an elastomeric polymer which is subject to periodic pressure surges. The apparatus includes a barrel having an upstream portion and a downstream portion, a hopper positioned for delivering polymer to the upstream portion of the barrel, a shaft rotationally mounted within the barrel and a drive means for rotating the shaft. The shaft has a conveying screw flight for conveying polymer downstream from the hopper through the barrel. The barrel has a discharge port located downstream of the hopper. A surge suppressor is provided on the shaft for reducing the pressure and flow rate surges in the polymer. The surge suppressor includes a screw flight downstream of the discharge port for urging the polymer upstream toward the discharge while permitting a portion of the polymer to flow downstream into the surge suppressor. A polymer seal is provided downstream of the surge suppressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Randcastle Extrusion Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Luker
  • Patent number: 5476624
    Abstract: A process for reclaiming waste plastics having a paint film which includes subjecting the paint film to a hydrolysis treatment by immersing the waste plastics having a urethane paint film or an amino resin paint film in a treating liquid, or contacting the waste plastics with the vapor of a treating liquid, to decompose the paint into lower molecular weight compounds. The resulting waste plastics are then heated and kneaded to disperse the products of the hydrolysis in the waste plastics, and there is recovered a reclaimed waste plastics product having good mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho, Toyota-Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norio Sato, Shigetoshi Sugiyama, Takashi Ohta, Mitsumasa Matsushita, Shoichi Suzuki, Takeyoshi Nishio, Toshio Yokoi
  • Patent number: 5468429
    Abstract: A method which includes a flashing process and a process for extruding thermoplastic plastics is provided for achieving more thorough devolatilizing of the solutions of thermoplastic plastics, to ensure that the solutions of thermoplastic plastics are able to be worked continually, wherein the accoustic treatments are introduced into both processes to increase the efficiency of removing volatile components and thus leads to the decrease of the processing time for extruding thermoplastic plastics. In the flashing process, the ultrasonic horns are arranged to scatter the feed stream of the solution which increases the devolatilizing surface of the polymer fluid and, simultaneously, to enhance bubble formation and produce strong agitation in the polymer fluid, thereby increasing the devolatilizing efficiency. In the process of extruding thermoplastic plastics, the ultrasonic horns are arranged in the extruder to enhance both formation and rupture of bubbles, thereby increasing the devolatilizing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventors: Tzu-Li Li, I-Chung Tung, Duncan Yu
  • Patent number: 5462709
    Abstract: An improved process for coloring polymethacrylates or polyglutarimides in an extruder includes admixing the molten thermoplastic, conveyed directly from the polymerization operation, in an extruder mixing zone with a dispersion of at least one pigment, dye, or colorant in a suitable clear carrier, then conveying the admixed colored thermoplastic into an extrusion zone or injection molding zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Atohaas B.V.
    Inventors: Sunil Satija, Daniel M. Wade, Ronald C. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5461089
    Abstract: Compositions suitable for application in powder coating processes are produced by melt atomisation of thermosettable mixtures. The product is characterised by improved particle size distribution and by a generally rounded particle shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Courtaulds Coatings (Holdings) Limited
    Inventors: Timothy M. Handyside, Andrew R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5458838
    Abstract: A heating and extruding method for a bulk preform of a fiber reinforced composite material, including a stabbing machine for forming an unpenetrated hole in the bulk preform, a heating machine connected to the stabbing machine for heating the bulk preform by a nitrogen gas, and an extruding machine connected to the heating machine for heating and compressing the bulk preform heated by the heating machine to discharge a predetermined amount of the bulk preform, wherein at least the heating machine to the extruding machine has a sealing structure sealing a nitrogen gas therein. An extruding lip of the extruding machine has a thickness restriction plate and a width restriction plate for respectively adjusting an extrusion thickness and an extrusion width of the melted composite material. Accordingly, oxidation and degradation of resin composing the fiber reinforced composite material can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Toshiaki Okumura, Takao Ekimoto, Satoshi Shimamoto, Katsumi Ogawa, Masahiro Tomita, Yoshitaka Nimura, Ryosaku Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 5458475
    Abstract: A screw of a screw-in-line type plasticizing device of an injection molding machine has a cylindrical main part and a spiral screw flight on the main part. A portion of the screw flight of the screw facing a resin supply port has a parallelogrammic axial sectional shape which is inclined towards the discharge end of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi Suumen
  • Patent number: 5456868
    Abstract: A method of producing a form-stable sintered porous shaped phenolic resin article with continuous open pore structure and high macroporosity, in which a phenolic resin mixture is partially cured to a solid which is then comminuted to give a comminuted resin. The comminuted resin is admixed with water, hexamethylene tetramine and a cellulose ether, and the resulting comminuted resin mixture is formed into a shaped article which is allowed to come to equilibrium with air having a relative humidity of less than 100% at a temperature below 100.degree. C. The shaped article is then sintered to produce a form-stable sintered porous product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Lear, Stephen R. Tennison
  • Patent number: 5453238
    Abstract: The extrusion apparatus proposed effects an extrusion of the roller-spout type onto a cylindrical roller 7 associated with a profiled fixed wall 5 and a second extrusion of the roller die type onto a profiled roller 8 and an associated fixed wall 6, and then superimposes the extrusions in the passage between the rollers 7 and 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin - Michelin & Cie
    Inventor: Daniel Bardy
  • Patent number: 5451362
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making a cured plastics moulding by introducing a pre-heated curable resin composition to a hotter mould which is at a temperature high enough to initiate curing of the resin, and supplying further resin under pressure to compensate for shrinkage of the composition, wherein the curable resin is an epoxy resin formulation comprising an epoxy resin containing more than one epoxide group per molecule on average, an acid anhydride hardener, an accelerator and a filler, the epoxy resin, hardener and accelerator being chosen so that the formulation is stable at 25.degree. C. for at least 14 days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventors: Paul T. Wombwell, Richard J. Martin, Christopher H. Bull
  • Patent number: 5449484
    Abstract: For the production of extrudates such as profiles or granules, pulverulent or finely divided ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is processed on single screw extruders. By the use of a screw with a specific geometry, thermal degradation of the polymer into low molecular weight products is avoided. Furthermore, profiles are obtained which have perfect surfaces, are free of voids and pores, and have no internal stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Meinhard Gusik, Rudolf Kellersohn
  • Patent number: 5443772
    Abstract: A method of reclaiming a plastic product having a paint film, including the steps of: obtaining crushed particles by crushing a plastic product having a paint film into particles of a predetermined size; supplying the crushed particles to a screw-type extruder; kneading and fusing the crushed particles while supplying water thereto; and obtaining a plastic by discharging a gas produced by decomposing the paint film and vaporized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Inoue, Fumiaki Tsuda, Mitsuo Nagai, Tadamoto Sakai, Kazuyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5443775
    Abstract: A process for preparing a pigmented thermoplastic polymer composition which is useful as a low profile additive composition for thermosetting resins comprises the steps of(A) selecting at least one thermoplastic polymer having a refractive index which is within about 0.06 units of the refractive index of the thermosetting resin;(B) preparing a mixture of said thermoplastic polymer and at least one color pigment, dye or mixture thereof under high shear in a high-intensity mixer; and(C) forming a slurry comprising said mixture obtained in step (B) in at least one liquid copolymerizable monomer containing at least one CH.sub.2 .dbd.C< group. In a preferred embodiment, at least one surfactant is included in the slurry obtained in step (C) in an amount sufficient to enhance the uniformity of the pigmentation of a cured composite produced from the thermosetting resin composition and a low profile additive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Plasticolors, Inc.
    Inventor: Selby M. Brannon
  • Patent number: 5439961
    Abstract: A process for producing a polyester film having a high strength and a high modulus of elasticity, which includes preparing a polyester resin composition comprising, adding to a polyester resin, 0.1 to 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the polyester resin, of an additive compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## and compounds represented by the following general formula (II): ##STR2## and subjecting the resin composition to monoaxial or biaxial stretching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Akito Itoi, Akira Takenaka, Isao Nishi
  • Patent number: 5439623
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for controlling the introduction of additives, in the form of a plurality of strands, to a cutter. The strands are cut into pellets, and the pellets are fed to an extruder for making thermoplastic shaped articles. The feeding of the strands to the cutter and extruder involves feeding the strands through a metering device and calculating the feed rate, velocity, and delta position for each strand per feed interval in order to obtain the desired amount of additive in the resulting thermoplastic article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: William A. Fintel
  • Patent number: 5439628
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at polypropylene compositions containing a high level of filler, at a calendering process which uses the compositions to produce polypropylene films and sheets, and at the film or sheet produced from that process. The process of manufacturing polypropylene film involves formulating a polypropylene composition containing a resin, filler, matrix modifier, and processing aid. The resin comprises polypropylene resin ranging in concentration from about 100 to about 70 parts per hundred parts by weight of resin (PHR), and polyethylene resin ranging in concentration from about 0 to 30 PHR. The matrix modifier amounts to about 2 to 40 PHR. The filler ranges in concentration from about 0 to 450 PHR. The processing aid ranges in concentration for about 0 to 5.0 PHR. The composition is then mixed to obtain a homogeneous and plasticized mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Inteplast Corporation
    Inventor: Hwang-Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 5437826
    Abstract: A method of extruding a substantially uniform polymer composition made up of polyvinylchloride, a stabilizing additive composition and at least one of two additional constituents, one of which is a mineral filler and the other of which is a normally liquid plasticizer for the polyvinylchloride; the method is achieved while avoiding use of compounded PVC as a starting material and includes the steps of: (I) providing an extruder; (II) operating the rotors of the extruder for essentially synchronous rotation in a common direction while maintaining in the extruder cavity a temperature sufficient to plasticize the polyvinylchloride; (III) feeding particulate polyvinylchloride and the additive composition without substantial premixing of the polyvinylchloride and the additive composition into the cavity at the first inlet (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: ICMA San Giorgio SpA
    Inventors: Luciano Martinello, Giancarlo Colombo
  • Patent number: 5433424
    Abstract: A chopping board of the present invention is formed in a manner that synthetic rubber (NBR) and hard chloroethene as a basis are kneaded into a mixture wherein an anti-bacterial agent is mixed. Definitely, a stiffening agent of synthetic rubber, low-pressure polyethylene resin, white carbon black which is the reinforcing extender of rubber, zinc flower as a reinforcing accelerator of rubber, titanium as a coloring agent and stearic acid as a dispersion accelerator are mixed with the base of synthetic rubber(NBR) and hard chloroethene. The mixture thus obtained is agitated under kneading by a kneader exclusively for rubber and then a ceramic power and an inorganic anti bacterial agent are mixed with the kneaded mixture so as to mold the chopping board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Daikyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadao Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5424013
    Abstract: A closed loop thermoplastic recycling process includes the step of testing particulated processed plastic material to determine the properties thereof. The tested properties are compared with targeted near virgin properties of the processed plastic material to determine any difference(s) therebetween. Additives based on the property differences determined during testing are admixed with the particulates in a twin screw extruder. During extruding, volatile constituents are simultaneously withdrawn from the fused particulates. The twin screws of the extruder are provided with a number of screw sections, each having a thread with predetermined degrees of chamfer and pitch length. Kneading blocks are mounted on certain screw sections prior to a vacuum vent port disposed along the feed path of the melt stream in the extruder. The extruded material is tested to determine if any property differences exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Mark Lieberman
  • Patent number: 5424012
    Abstract: Methods and additives for purging thermoplastic extruders and associated apparatus are included which involve the addition of a purging additive to a follower thermoplastic resin which additive when heated causes the follower resin to froth as it passes through the unit, the passage of frothed resin thereby causing the removal of the contents of the unit, which contents includes resident resin along with resident additives, degraded materials and any other undesired materials which may be present in the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Cylatec Corp.
    Inventors: Raymond T. Ertle, Raymond J. Ertle
  • Patent number: 5422049
    Abstract: A method of thermoplastifying a synthetic resin which is displaced by a worm in a worm housing. High-frequency energy is applied to the plastic in one or more regions along the path of the plastic in which there is no or little frictional heat generated by the interaction of the screw with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Friedrich Theysohn GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Kruger, Helmut Habisohn
  • Patent number: 5422050
    Abstract: This invention provides reinforced composite structures consisting essentially of a matrix and a dispersed phase, where the matrix is a hydrogel containing water and a solubilized vinyl alcohol homopolymer, the dispersed phase contains a plurality of uniformly distributed acicular regions consisting of fibrils formed from a highly oriented crystalline vinyl alcohol polymer, where the diameter of the said fibrils is less than 1 millimeter, the aspect ratio of the fibrils is from 2:1 to 1000:1, and where the composite is characterized by a gradual transition in the degree of crystallinity at the interfaces between the matrix and the fibrils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Mizu Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Graiver, Arnold W. Lomas