Abstract: An extrusion molding apparatus for a product having a wood pattern and an extrusion molding method are disclosed, in which a second synthetic resin containing a wood powder of 80˜120 meshes at a predetermined ratio is fed to a die through a second extruder and then is coated on a surface of the product, thereby providing an esthetic surface and an improved durability.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding a coloring agent to a material used to manufacture brick includes an extrusion container having an opening defined in the sidewall thereof A coloring agent supply communicates with the opening for delivery of the coloring agent to the interior of the container as brick making material passes through the container. A storage device stores the coloring agent supply amount data corresponding to a supply amount for each of a plurality of brick types, each of the plurality of brick types having a different appearance. A controller is adapted to control a supply of a coloring agent from said coloring agent supply into said extrusion container in accordance with a selected brick type. A computer can be connected to the controller for data transfer. Accordingly, the computer can be used as an interface between a user and the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process useful for producing patterned gelatin ribbons for forming patterned soft gelatin capsules are disclosed. The apparatus and process use multiple spreader boxes to form a wide variety of possible patterns.

Abstract: A novel process for creating aesthetically pleasing multicolor designs and patterns in cast materials, particularly cementitious materials, which may be used to imitate natural stone in appearance. The process includes the steps of preparing multiple colors of the casting material, geometrically loading these colors in a three dimensional array in a holding container according to formulas corresponding to particular patterns to be created, placing the geometrically loaded colors into a mold by means which include pouring, extruding and spraying, consolidating the mixtures in the mold and allowing them to set, and removing the cast structure from the mold followed by polishing and sealing if required. A removable matrix in the holding container provides the ability to reliably repeat patterns according to the loading formulas.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process useful for producing patterned gelatin ribbons for forming patterned soft gelatin capsules are disclosed. The apparatus and process use multiple spreader boxes to form a wide variety of possible patterns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing artificial acrylic marble of wave/wood patterns by use of an apparatus comprising a rotational body and a liquid resin feeder. The liquid resin feeder comprises at least two liquid resin inlets, a single liquid resin outlet, and a mobile molding belt. The rotational body has a rotating shaft with a plurality of spaced wings and is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in the partially intermixed liquid resins on the mobile molding belt to form a wave/wood pattern while the liquid resins are cured. The wings are fixed along the shaft of the rotating body and alternately approach the bottom and the top of the liquid resins on the belt during the rotation of the rotating body. Thus, the artificial acrylic marble is provided with new patterns like wood and wave patterns and can be aesthetically harmonized with wood materials.

Abstract: Cellulose-polymer composites characterized by the cellulose component being thoroughly encapsulated by the polymer component, varying density which allows high strength over a wide range of temperatures and generally low weight are provided. Composites may be extruded or coextruded into a variety of products including wood-like decking materials with natural wood coloring and texture. Processes related to the manufacture of the composites are also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing no-stick multi-color incense is to mix wood powder and an adhesive in powder form evenly and then the mixture is added into a liquid containing pigment and fragrance, stirred into a one-color glutinous paste and compressed into a single-color chunk by machines. The same procedures above-mentioned are repeated several times to obtain chunks with different colors. These mono-color chunks are cut into small cubes. The cubes are mixed together, piled on top of each other with different colors and then extruded by extruding machine to form incense with multiple colors. After drying, no-stick multi-color incense is obtained.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method and apparatus for making multicolor gelatin ribbons and softgel capsules is provided which uses a modification of the gelatin spreader boxes by incorporating especially designed pipelines that are bifurcated with a tee.

Abstract: An extrusion-based freeform fabrication method for making a three-dimensional object from a design created on a computer, including (a) providing a support member; (b) operating a dispensing head having at least one dispensing nozzle with a discharge orifice for dispensing continuous strands of a material composition in a fluent state at a first temperature onto the support member, the material composition including a reactive prepolymer with a melting point above 23° C.

Abstract: A visual effect, such as a granite-look, is produced in a thermoplastic product by directly applying a sufficient amount of at least one color-containing thermoplastic resin system to the surface of an extruded sheet of a thermoplastic resin. The color-containing thermoplastic resin system is applied onto the extruded sheet after it emerges from the die and prior to it entering the rollstack.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication process and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object. The process comprises the steps of (1) operating a material deposition sub-system for dispensing droplets of solidifiable liquid compositions on demand onto selected spots of an object work surface, for using a focused heat source to maintain a heat-affected zone on the work surface, and for creating a weld pool of molten materials on this work surface by injecting selected powder particles into this heat-affected zone and (2) during the material deposition process, moving the deposition sub-system and the work surface relative to each other in an X-Y plane defined by first and second directions and in a Z direction orthogonal to the X-Y plane so that the materials are deposited to form a first layer of the object. The material in the weld pool solidifies after the heat-affected zone moves away to build portions of a layer. These steps are repeated to deposit multiple layers for forming a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for introducing various additives in solid form into a soap mass for the ultimate manufacture of soap bars. Specifically, the invention is directed to producing soap bars having a multicolored or marbleized appearance and made from a variety of different colored soap materials. Soap pellets having a color are introduced into a soap plodder as is customary. A second or alternate color of soap pellet is separately introduced into the interior of the plodder just before that point where the helical screw of the plodder enters the barrel of the extruder portion of the plodder.

Abstract: A visual effect, such as a granite-look, is produced in a thermoplastic product by directly applying a sufficient amount of at least one color-containing thermoplastic resin system to the surface of an extruded sheet of a thermoplastic resin. The color-containing thermoplastic resin system is applied onto the extruded sheet after it emerges from the die and prior to it entering the rollstack.

Abstract: Multi-colored products, particularly food products, are obtained by preparing a base mixture suitable for preparing an emulsion, pumping the base material mixture to an emulsifier device and supplying a coloring solution to the emulsifier device and emulsifying the base material mixture and coloring solution to obtain a colored material mixture emulsion, passing the colored emulsion to a distribution valve which is connected to a plurality of parallel piping lines connected in series to extruders to pass differing colored emulsions to the extruders for extrusion.

Abstract: A process for producing an article having a surface color swirl effect comprising:

Abstract: An automotive trim product is made as follows. A single or multiple layer sheet is extruded so as to include at least one color pigmented and/or metallized layer therein. The sheet is then thermoformed into a three-dimensionally shaped preform via vacuum forming or the like. The preform is placed into a cavity of an injection molding apparatus and heated semi-molten material is injected thereinto. The semi-molten material bonds to the preform in the cavity. After cycling, the molding apparatus ejects a final automotive trim part. Optionally, some processing (e.g. trimming) may be performed following ejection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a multi-colored, injection molded product. A nozzle which has at least two separate feed passageways receives the primary resin stream from the primary feed tube. Two separate fluid-operated cylinders add different colorant masses to the separate portions of the feed stream through lateral openings into the two passageways. Blending of the two different masses is prevented in the nozzle and blending with the primary resin stream is minimized during feed to the mold to optimize the brightness of the colors in the end product.

Abstract: An exterior automotive trim product, and method of making the same. In certain embodiments, a color pigmented thermoplastic layer is provided. A transparent clear coat is calendared to the color pigmented layer to form a composite or laminate. The laminate is subsequently vacuum-formed into a three dimensional shape approximating the desired shape of a final trim product. The vacuum-formed laminate is then inserted into an injection molding device, and semi-molten resin injected into the mold cavity behind the laminate. The resin fuses with the vacuum-formed laminate with the result being the final automotive trim product. Thus, no spray painting or spraying of solvents is required, and burdensome dry paint transfer techniques may be avoided.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for fabricating a colorful three-dimensional object in accordance with a computer aided design (CAD) image of the object.

Abstract: A semi-crystalline film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing a semi-crystalline film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process useful for producing patterned gelatin ribbons for forming patterned soft gelatin capsules are disclosed. The apparatus and process use multiple spreader boxes to form a wide variety of possible patterns.

Abstract: An extruded article having elongated variegations is described. The variegated extruded article has a plurality of elongated variegations that are substantially parallel to the direction of extrusion of the article. The number of elongated variegations in the article and the widths of the variegations can be adjusted by modifying processing conditions.

Abstract: A process to produce an article having a granite-like appearance is disclosed which consists essentially of (a) extruding a first mixture to form a second mixture; and (b) using the second mixture to form an article having a granite-like appearance. The first and second mixtures are in the form of particles where the first mixture consists essentially of about 99 to about 90 wt. % of a first particle composition and about 1 to about 10 wt. % of a second particle composition. The first particle composition consists essentially of a first polymer which consists essentially of a thermoplastic (co)polymer of ethylene and the second particle composition consists essentially of a colorant and a second polymer which consists essentially of a crosslinked thermoset (co)polymer of ethylene.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyglycolic acid sheet obtainable by melt-extruding a thermoplastic resin material into a sheet in a temperature range of from the melting point, Tm of the polymer to 255.degree. C., wherein the thermoplastic resin material comprises polyglycolic acid having a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## and the following physical properties: (a) the melt viscosity, .eta.* ?as measured at a temperature of (the melting point, Tm of the polymer+20.degree. C.) and a shear rate of 100/sec! being 500-100,000 Pa.s;(b) the melting point, Tm being at least 150.degree. C.;(c) the melt enthalpy, .DELTA.Hm being at least 20 J/g; and(d) the density being at least 1.50 g/cm.sup.3 as measured in an unoriented, crystallized form, and the sheet has tensile strength of at least 60 MPa, and a production process thereof.

Abstract: A process for making stain resistant nylon fibers from a mixture of nylon and highly sulfonated nylon copolymer is disclosed. The highly sulfonated nylon has greater than about 4.0% weight of aromatic sulfonate incorporated into the polymer structure and an unexpectedly low solid particle content as measured by Flow Vision Particle Analyzer and melt filtration studies. Also disclosed is the process and composition of the highly sulfonated nylon copolymer.

Abstract: A new and useful a plastic article, particularly plastic siding, with an accent color pattern incorporated therein, a specially formed accent color pellet which is useful in manufacturing such an article, and a process for producing the article using the pellets are provided. The process contemplates extruding a plastic product from a base material formed of powder-sized particles and specially formed accent color pellets. The accent color pellets are alloyed masses of resins and pigment which are larger than the powder particles of the base material, and have a higher vicat softening point temperature than the base material. The alloyed pellets are designed to melt controllably and to mix controllably with the base material.

Abstract: A new and useful a plastic article, particularly plastic siding, with an accent color pattern incorporated therein, a specially formed accent color pellet which is useful in manufacturing such an article, and a process for producing the article using the pellets are provided. The process contemplates extruding a plastic product from a base material formed of powder-sized particles and specially formed accent color pellets. The accent color pellets are alloyed masses of resins and pigment which are larger than the powder particles of the base material, and have a higher vicat softening point temperature than the base material. The alloyed pellets are designed to melt controllably and to mix controllably with the base material.

Abstract: Process and device for producing two-colored or multicolored switchboard films, dashboard films or dashboards for motor vehicles produced therefrom using at least one backing film or backing layer, at least one upper film or upper layer which is arranged thereon and contains dyes and/or color pigments. The polymer melts for these films or layers come from two or more extruders and are supplied first to an adapter or a black box having at least one opening or a gap for the backing film or layer and at least one further opening for the upper film or upper layer. According to the invention, an adapter or a black box is used in which a wedge-shaped projection or a projection of triangular cross section is arranged. At least two different-colored polymer compositions in melt form, having identical viscosity or virtually identical viscosity (difference in MFI at 230.degree. C./2.16 kg of 0 to 0.

Abstract: Process and device for producing two-colored or multicolored switchboard films, dashboard films or dashboards for motor vehicles produced therefrom using at least one backing film or backing layer, at least one upper film or upper layer which is arranged thereon and contains dyes and/or color pigments. The polymer melts for these films or layers come from two or more extruders and are supplied first to an adapter or a black box having at least one opening or a gap for the backing film or layer and at least one further opening for the upper film or upper layer. According to the invention, an adapter or a black box is used in which a wedge-shaped projection or a projection of triangular cross section is arranged. At least two different-colored polymer compositions in melt form, having identical viscosity or virtually identical viscosity (difference in MFI at 230.degree. C./2.16 kg of 0 to 0.

Abstract: For the extrusion of extruded profiles with a color pattern or their coating with such a color pattern, a plasticized material of at least two-colors is used, which is separated into at least two partial flows. These partial flows are combined before they exit the extruding head (1), whereby the partial flows are largely maintained. These partial flows can in turn be separated into further partial flows. The extruding head (1) is equipped with a distribution plate (4) in which distribution channels (8a, b) as well as a ring channel (11) are formed as grooves, with the ring channel connected to an the exit channel (38) through a ring slot (19, 20). The plasticized material entering through the ring slot (19, 20) into the exit channel (38) coats the pre-manufactured extruded profile (39) inserted through the guidance part (13) and the die arbor (24).

Abstract: An apparatus and a process useful for producing patterned gelatin ribbons for forming patterned soft gelatin capsules are disclosed. The apparatus and process use multiple spreader boxes to form a wide variety of possible patterns.

Abstract: An amorphous film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing an amorphous film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing melt spun polymeric fiber made from polymerized amide monomers includes the steps of pigmenting the polymer, incorporating within the polymer sufficient SO.sub.3 H groups or salts thereof to give the polymer a sulphur content of between about 10 and about 160 equivalents per 10.sup.6 grams polymer and thereafter chemically blocking with a chemical blocking agent a portion of amino end groups present in the sulphonated polymer.

Abstract: A process for preparing melt spun polymeric fiber made from polymerized amide monomers includes the steps of pigmenting the polymer, incorporating within the polymer sufficient SO.sub.3 H groups or salts thereof to give the polymer a sulphur content of between about 10 and about 160 equivalents per 10.sup.6 grams polymer and thereafter chemically blocking with a chemical blocking agent a portion of amino end groups present in the sulphonated polymer.

Abstract: A semi-crystalline film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing a semi-crystalline film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and non-fiber-forming, molded article-forming structure for making a non-fiber, multicomponent molded article containing a plurality of components in a predetermined spatial, non-laminate configuration, wherein the method involves feeding the plurality of respectively dissimilar fluid components, mutually separated, into the molded article-forming structure, which contains a plate flow distributor and a non-fiber-forming shaping section; wherein the flow distributor is made up of at least one distribution plate which is preferably thin and has micromachined on at least one facial surface thereof multiple distribution flow paths having a flow pattern effective to distribute and combine the plurality of components in the predetermined spatial, non-laminate configuration; directing the mutually separated components through the multiple distribution flow paths to distribute and arrange the components to form a fluid structure containing the plurality of components in the predetermined spatial, non-lamina

Abstract: An amorphous film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing an amorphous film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new and useful process for producing a plastic article (e.g., vinyl siding) with an accent color pattern incorporated therein, and a specially formed accent color pellet which is useful in such a process. The process contemplates extruding a plastic product from a base compound formed of powder sized particles and specially formed accent color pellets. The accent color pellets are alloyed masses of resins and pigment which are larger than the powder particles of the base compound, and have a higher deflection temperature than the base compound. The alloyed pellets are designed with controlled heat deflection characteristics. During the extrusion process, the accent color pellets begin to soften and disperse later than the base compound, and cause restricted dispersion of the accent color into the base compound, thereby producing accent color streaks in the resulting extrudate. The process is particularly suited for producing a simulated woodgrain or streaking effect in plastic. (e.g., vinyl) siding.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing mouldings with the appearance of natural stones from a composition including a coloured or colourless thermoplastic resin matrix and, per 100 parts by volume of this matrix, 0.2 to 80 parts by volume of at least two fillers chosen from natural fibres, carbon fibres and mineral fillers having a different grain size or dimensions. By chosing the color of the matrix and the number, proportion, grain size and color of the different fillers, the general appearance and colors of a natural stone may be imitated. The mouldings obtained after working may be used due to their aesthetic appearance, particularly as packaging for cosmetic products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cold molding process for the production of a unitary article from a plurality of plastic particles. The process may be conducted without the addition of heat. A plurality of homogeneous or heterogeneous plastic particles are introduced into a mold, softened by exposure to a softening agent, and thereafter compressed to form the unitary article. Preferred softening agents comprise an organic component and an aqueous component. One preferred softening agent-plastic combination comprises aqueous methylethylketone and polystyrene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel eyeplate apparatus which permits logs to be extruded in a dual extrusion process whereby the aesthetic quality of the inner and outer log faces of the extruded logs is comparable. In a preferred embodiment, the eyeplate is used in combination with upper and lower eyeplate baffles in the nosecone of a plodder.

Abstract: The invention concerns a homogenous, in particular multicolored plastic sheet or panel, based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) as binder with a filler content of 30 to 80 wt. % and a process for producing it. In other embodiments the binder contains, in addition to the 70 to 85 wt. % of EVA, polypropylenes to improve the processability (tendency to adhere), EPDM to improve the flexibility, and polyethylenes to reduce the tendency to soiling. In the process described, several additives, each consisting of a binder containing at least some ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, up to 80 wt. % of fillers and up to 5 wt. % of pigments, are mixed, plasticized and granulated or comminuted to form granules or chips of assorted colours which are mixed and, possibly after other processing operations, pressed to form the plastic web or plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) is provided for producing vinyl siding (76) having aesthetically pleasing, wood-like striations embedded therein. Apparatus (10) includes processing structure (12) for processing topcoat compound and substrate compound extruders (18, 20) respectively. Acrylic colorant is discharged from feeders (64, 66) into barrel (34) via adapter (72) and thereby mixed with the topcoat compound. The interval of discharge is four seconds every twenty seconds. Adapter (72) utilizes a water jacket to keep colorant cool prior to its introduction into barrel (34) where it experiences a temperature sufficient for melting, usually about 380.degree. F. Due to the interval of discharge and the twenty second period thereof, striations (82) are uniform and continuous in nature so as to simulate wood grain.

Abstract: In a method of feeding a plastic material to a using apparatus such as a molding press or an extruder, a moldable or extrudable plastic material in elongated strand form is provided. The moldable or extrudable plastic material is arranged such as in a package comprising a plurality of convolutions. The package is supported adjacent to the using apparatus and successive increments of length of the elongated strand material are payed out and fed into the using apparatus.

Abstract: A colored resin molder having a cylindrical input member, a resin material supply mechanism for storing a molding resin material having thermoplastic properties and supplying the stored resin material through the input member, a coloring agent supply device having a nozzle discharge end disposed in the input member for supplying a liquid coloring agent, a feeding mechanism for feeding the resin material from the resin material supply mechanism while mixing the coloring agent with the resin material for resin molding, a sensor device for detecting the status of the feeding by the feeding mechanism, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the coloring agent supply device according to the result of the detection by the sensor device.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for making extruded colored thermoplastic resin sheets is shown and described. In this process, a colored thermoplastic sheet material is encapsulated within a clear material. The colored material as it merges with the clear material is subjected to a clear material flow direction vector which causes the colored material to spread or become wider than the color material orifice. The spreading due to clear material flows in a widthwise direction produces a uniform taper to the colored edge, and the point at which the colored material stops and the finished product is barely perceptible. In this apparatus, a clear flow thermoplastic extrusion die has placed within its manifold a colored material distributing inner pipe which has an orifice for inserting color material into the flow of the clear material. The color insertion occurs at a point where the clear material has a flow vector in the widthwise direction and towards the clear portion of the finished product.

Abstract: Process for producing producer-colored nylon fibers which are stain-resistant to acid dyes are made by adding pigment to nylon copolymers containing 0.25-4.0 percent by weight of an aromatic sulfonate or an alkali metal salt thereof.

Abstract: A marbleized thermplastic-resin strand is made from a matrix resin and an inlay resin in an apparatus having a die forming a passage extending along an axis and havng an upstream inlet end and a downstream outlet end and an extruder for injecting the matrix resin in hot liquefied condition into the passage at the upstream end thereof such that the resin emerges from the downstrea end. An inlay nozzle opens into the passage between its ends and extends through the die along a nozzle axis not parallel to the passage axis. The inlay resin is fed in hot liquefied condition through the nozzle into the passage such that the inlay resin mixes with the matrix resin. The inlay nozzle is rotated substantially continuously about its nozzle axis so long as the extruder is operating. Thus the patterning of the inlay resin in the matrix resin is a function of the rotation speed of the inlay nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) is provided for producing vinyl siding (76) having aesthetically pleasing, wood-like striations embedded therein. Apparatus (10) includes processing structure (12) for processing topcoat compound and substrate compound at extruders (18, 20) respectively. Acrylic colorant is discharged from feeders (64, 66) into barrel (34) via adapter (72) and thereby mixed with the topcoat compound. The interval of discharge is four seconds every twenty seconds. Adapter (72) utilizes a water jacket to keep colorant cool prior to its introduction into barrel (34) where it experiences a temperature sufficient for melting, usually about 380.degree. F. Due to the interval of discharge and the twenty second period thereof, striations (82) are uniform and continuous in nature so as to simulate wood grain.