Abstract: Wide panels of UHMWPE having exceptional flatness and surface quality are ram extruded through a slit die equipped with a plurality of individually adjustable cooling zones proximate the panel exit slit and transverse to the machine direction which cool the by a back pressure device and preferably a vertical movement restraint. The process is robust and can be run for long product campaigns.

Abstract: A method of solidifying a fluid comprising a material into an oriented film. The method includes pumping the fluid into a channel at an input end thereof at a predetermined pressure sufficient to push the material to an output end of the channel. The channel is at least partially defined by a substantially smooth outer surface of an inner tube and a substantially smooth inner surface of an outer tube. The method also includes subjecting the material to laminar shear at a predetermined rate by rotating one of the inner tube and the outer tube relative to the other. The predetermined rate is selected to promote solidification of the fluid into the oriented film. Also, the method includes cooling the material at a predetermined rate as the material moves through the channel from the input end to the output end to promote solidification of the fluid into the oriented film.

Abstract: A screw machine, in particular an extruder, has a housing which has a supply opening at a supply end. At least one bore with a longitudinal axis is provided, in which a screw shaft is rotatably arranged. The drive takes place by means of a drive motor using a gear, the output shaft of which has a rotary drive connection to the screw shaft. Provided between the housing and the gear is a slide connection, which allows a displacement of the housing relative to the gear in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a honeycomb structure having a plugged portion, wherein a mask is applied to the honeycomb structure, a plugging material is supplied on the mask or on the same plane as a surface of the mask, and a pressurizing apparatus disposed at an acute angle with respect to the surface of the mask and having a pressurizing face for pressurizing the plugging material is moved to fill the plugging material into the cells of the honeycomb structure. The pressurizing apparatus is moved on the mask with a part of the region of the pressurizing face being brought into surface contact with the mask via the plugging material to pressurize the plugging material toward the cell side and to push out an extra plugging material in the direction of movement to further pressurize and fill the material into the cells with forming the region of the surface contact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of production of tubes comprising, on an extruder, extruding molten plastics through die formations of a die head so as to extrude tubes each including at least one internal longitudinal web, and subsequently cooling the extruded tubes. In addition, when advancing molten plastics through a die hole (110) of the die head, the die head includes a die mandrel (122) having a first portion (124) attached to the die body and a second portion (126) extending in the die hole (110) so as to extrude the tube with at least one internal longitudinal web, the advancing including conveying molten plastics along a flow passageway (134) in the first portion (124) of the die mandrel (122) towards a central longitudinal region of the die hole at the second portion (126). The die body advantageously has a die mandrel locating device (118) arranged at the upstream side of the die body for locating the die mandrel (122) centrally of the die hole (110) of the die body.

Abstract: The invention is made to accelerate extrusion forming by reducing a friction between a forming rubber formed to cover a cord or formed to extrude and an inner wall face of a path at inside of a die as the die used for an extrusion forming head, a portion of an upstream portion of a rubber forming path (2) reaching a front end outlet (4) from a rubber storing portion (3) at inside of a die main body 1 is provided with a fluid sending inlet (8) for sending a fluid between an outer peripheral face of a forming rubber (R1) at inside of the rubber forming path (2) and an inner wall face of the path and a resistance of passing the forming rubber (R1) on a downstream side is reduced by the fluid.

Abstract: Into a molding path moving in a direction of conveyance is extruded an internal tube from a first extruder and an external tube from a second extruder, the external tube being concentric with the internal tube. During the production of a normal compound pipe, the smooth internal tube is welded together with the external tube which is provided with transverse grooves. At the transition from the normal compound pipe to the expanded pipe socket, the extruder speed of the first extruder is increased from a speed n1,1 to a speed n1,2. During the production of the pipe socket, the speed of the first extruder is reduced to a speed in1,3, wherein n1,2>n1,3>n1,1 applies.

Abstract: A process of co-extrusion of a thin electrode sheet with a thin electrolyte polymer sheet directly onto a current collector sheet for a lithium polymer battery.

Abstract: A method of pressing an outer wall of polymer pipe is provided. The method includes extruding a layer of polymer onto a pipe to form an outer wall of pipe; conveying the pipe including the outer wall of pipe through a pressing apparatus having a pressing element configured to rotate about the pipe; and urging the pressing element against an exterior surface of the outer wall as the pressing element rotates about a pipe conveyed through the pressing apparatus. An apparatus for pressing an outer wall of polymer pipe is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a spinneret plate for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric, having multiple non-round holes, which are similar to trilobal or multiarmed holes in particular, for polymer flow outlet to produce filaments, in which identical holes are positioned in rows offset relative to one another. At least a first row has a positional arrangement of the holes that differs from the positional arrangement of a second row of rows through rotation of the holes.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of a system and method to fabricate custom shaped flat silicone encased cable assemblies. The cable assemblies can include various numbers and types of multiple individual flexible systems for example communication cables, optic fibers, junction devices, tubing and electrical conductors arranged into a shaped grouping. The custom shaping allows for very precise cable routing. The silicone encasement maintains the custom shape and provides protection against contamination. The result is a single silicone encased flexible shaped cable for use in efficient space saving installations in the cable routing space available in a device or series of devices and can be customized for a wide range of applications.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of a system and method to fabricate custom shaped flat silicone encased cable assemblies. The cable assemblies can include various numbers and types of multiple individual flexible systems, for example, communication cables, optic fibers, junction devices, tubing and electrical conductors arranged into a shaped grouping. The custom shaping allows for very precise cable routing. The silicone encasement maintains the custom shape and provides protection against contamination. The result is a single silicone encased flexible shaped cable for use in efficient space saving installations in the cable routing space available in a device or series of devices and can be customized for a wide range of applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming mouldable bodies (57) from a mouldable mass by means of a matrix grid (19), in which at least one cavity (21) is formed by lateral limiting elements (20), and at least one tool (17, 18) which compresses the mouldable mass into the cavity (21). The inventive device is characterised by a compression partition (38) that can be displaced on the matrix grid (19) for portioning the mouldable mass. Said compression partition (38) comprises lateral limiting elements (39) that correspond to the lateral limiting elements (20) of the matrix grid (19). The invention also relates to a method for forming mouldable bodies (57) consisting of forming a mouldable mass and guiding it to a matrix grid (19) such that it rests on the front face (45) of the lateral limiting elements (20) of the matrix grid (19).

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of a system and method to fabricate custom shaped flat silicone encased cable assemblies. The cable assemblies can include various numbers and types of multiple individual flexible systems, for example, communication cables, optic fibers, junction devices, tubing and electrical conductors arranged into a shaped grouping. The custom shaping allows for very precise cable routing. The silicone encasement maintains the custom shape and provides protection against contamination. The result is a single silicone encased flexible shaped cable for use in efficient space saving installations in the cable routing space available in a device or series of devices and can be customized for a wide range of applications.

Abstract: Improved extruders and methods for the extrusion cooking of comestible products such as human foods or animal feeds are provided wherein the products may be produced with very low specific mechanical energy (SME) inputs as compared with conventional processing. The methods preferably involve introduction of very high levels of steam into the extruder barrel (12) during processing, which concomitantly reduces necessary SME inputs required to achieve desired cook and expansion levels in the products. In accordance with the invention, fully-cooked pet foods can be fabricated with SME inputs of up to about 18 kWhr/T, whereas aquatic feeds can be fabricated with SME inputs of up to about 16 kWhr/T.

Abstract: The apparatus is for forming a resin film from a resin for a middle portion to form a resin film main body of the resin film and a resin for edge portions to form both side edge portions in a crosswise direction of the resin film. The apparatus comprises: a feed block which includes a joining part where the resin for the middle portion in a molten state and the resin for the edge portions in a molten state are joined in such a manner as to enclose both side edges in the crosswise direction of the resin film main body with the resin for the edge portions; and an extruding die through which the joined resins are extruded to form the resin film. Thus, a method and apparatus for forming the resin film can avoid the inclusion of the resin for the middle portion in the trimmed-off selvages while preventing the film separation of the resins for the middle portion and for the edge portions, and therefore, increase the recyclability and the productivity of the resin film.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and moulding devices for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff which is suitable for human consumption, in particular from a mass of meat, in particular chicken. The method comprises filling a mould cavity with a portion of the mass under the influence of a filling pressure exerted on the mass and for a filling period via a filling opening associated with the mould cavity, closing the filling opening of the mould cavity and holding the mass in the mould cavity for a fixing period. Then, the mould cavity is opened and the moulded product is removed from the mould cavity. The method uses fixing-pressure-exerting means which are designed to exert a fixing pressure which acts on the mass in the mould cavity after the filled mould cavity has been closed.

Abstract: A method and device for the production of thermoplastics containing coarse-scale and/or nanoscale, coated, de-agglomerated magnesium hydroxide particles that are supplied to the thermoplastic in the form of a dispersion or suspension in an aqueous or organic solvent, and mixed with the themoplastic. The thermoplastics filled with magnesium hydroxide particles demonstrate improved mechanical properties, particularly an improved modulus of elasticity and low brittleness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gear type extruder for rubber, which is capable of preventing deterioration of tire uniformity level such as RFV caused by pulse-like changes in rubber extrusion rate during extruding a ribbon-shaped rubber from the gear type extruder. Gears 11, 12, 21, 22 are structured as helical gears, of which flow rate profiles, representing temporal changes in discharge flow rate of rubber discharged by the tooth of respective gears, are respectively represented by a trapezoidal profile constituted of a flow rate monotonously increasing portion, a constant flow rate portion following the monotonously increasing portion, and a flow rate monotonously decreasing portion following the constant flow rate portion.

Abstract: A building product which includes a hollow extrudate, unitary reinforcing ribs resisting collapse of the hollow extrudate and, in an embodiment, an exterior surface comprises a low gloss, textured pattern having a gloss level of less than about 50 on a 60° glossmeter, in which the textured pattern extends for about 2-20 feet. Methods and an apparatus for manufacturing such products are also provided by this invention.

Abstract: A protective member (14) and a nozzle assembly (11) incorporating the protective member (14) are provided. The protective member (14) is for use with a nozzle (12) having a strand guide passageway (18) for receiving a strand (16) of material. Protective member (14) comprises a body (60) configured to be received in the strand guide passageway (18) of the nozzle (12). The body (60) of the protective member (14) has a passageway (63) for the strand (16) and is disposed between the strand guide passageway (18) and the moving strand (16). The body (60) of the protective member (14) is composed, at least in part, of a material having a wear resistance sufficient to resist wear caused by the strand (16) being guided thereby. Alternatively, a portion of the body (60) may be coated with a material having a wear resistance sufficient to resist wear caused by the strand (16).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to extrusion dies for making extruded synthetic wood and methods relating thereto. The dies include adapter dies, transition dies, stranding dies, and molding dies. The adapter dies include a channel with a restricted cross-sectional area. The stranding dies include a plurality of non-uniform channels that differ in length, cross-sectional area, cross-sectional shape, or combinations thereof. The transition dies are coordinately configured with the stranding die to adjust the flow rate of the extrudate. Particular configurations of dies upstream of the molding die allow for higher compression ratios in the molding die than previously feasible. Each of the dies described herein may be used individually with standard dies known in the alt. Alternatively, the dies may be used in combination to form integrated units. The dies described herein allow for making stronger, more consistent synthetic wood at greater output rates than previously possible.

Abstract: An extrusion head may be provided. The extrusion head may include an inner flow path, an outer flow path, and at least one sealant flow path. The inner flow path may be configured to direct a flow of an inner layer around a conductor. The outer flow path may be configured to direct a flow of an outer layer around the inner layer. The at least one sealant flow path may extend to a connecting point with the inner flow path and the outer flow path. The at least one sealant flow path may be configured to direct a sealant to fill at least one sealant channel region between the inner layer and the outer layer. The connection point may be configured to cause the flow of the inner layer and the flow of the outer layer to join before the sealant fills the at least one sealant channel region.

Abstract: A positionable gas nozzle assembly for injecting and directing pressurized air or other gas having an inert nature into a pellet slurry so as to increase the velocity of the slurry from a pelletizer to and through a dryer. The variably positionable nozzle can be inserted, retracted and/or intermediately positioned to facilitate start-up of the pelletization process, reduce or eliminate pellet hang-up points, maximize and optimize the velocity of the pellet slurry throughput, and to adjust the aspiration level of the pellet slurry such that the internal heat of the pellets is retained for improved degrees of crystallization and/or drying.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and devices for manufacturing moldable materials including various types of natural and synthetic clays, edible materials such as cookie dough, and modeling compound by forming a moldable billet through various techniques, and reducing the cross section of said moldable billet such that features in the moldable billet appear in a similar arrangement in the resulting extruded product.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for producing a rolled snack piece using an extruder having typically a plurality of orifices through which an extrudate exits the extruder. Each of these orifices is spiral shaped. When a desired length of extrudate stream or rope protrudes from an orifice, it is cut at its base, thus producing individual snack pieces that appear to have been rolled after being sheeted.

Abstract: A method for producing a masticated rubber, which comprises the steps of masticating rubber at a shear rate of from 500 to 4,500 (l/s); and obtaining masticated rubber having a weight-average molecular weight of from 100,000 to 1,300,000.

Abstract: A system for forming a molded object out of a plastic material includes an extrusion die assembly for forming a molten parison, a molding assembly for molding the molten parison into a molded article and a surface treatment assembly for changing the surface energy of at least a portion of a molten parison while the parison is in a molten state. The surface treatment assembly is interposed between the extrusion die assembly and the molding assembly to permit a surface energy of the parison to be changed prior to molding. This facilitates printing on the molded article while the molded article is still in the mold assembly. A method of making a molded object out of a plastic material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spinning apparatus comprising one or more exits for extruding liquid, and an exit for ejecting gas, located upstream of the exits for extruding liquid, wherein the apparatus comprises a columnar hollow for liquid, in which the exit for extruding liquid forms one end of the columnar hollow; the apparatus comprises a columnar hollow for gas having the exit for ejecting gas; a virtual column for liquid, extended from the columnar hollow for liquid, is adjacent to a virtual column for gas, extended from the columnar hollow for gas; the central axis of the columnar hollow for liquid is parallel to the central axis of the columnar hollow for gas; and there exists only one straight line having the shortest distance between an outer boundary of the cross-section of the columnar hollow for gas and an outer boundary of the cross-section of the columnar hollow for liquid, is disclosed.

Abstract: A film feeding machine includes a drawing device to draw a continuous film out of a film base to a predetermined position. The film is held by a feeding device and cut off by a cutting device to have a film piece. The film piece is fed to external equipment by the feeding device. The film feeding machine of the present invention is incorporated in a molding process having advantages of lower cost, lower defective ratio and high production efficiency.

Abstract: Ceramic nanopowder was sealed inside a metal container under a vacuum. The sealed evacuated container was forced through a severe deformation channel at an elevated temperature below the melting point of the ceramic nanopowder. The result was a dense nanocrystalline ceramic structure inside the metal container.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with extrusion tools. It comprises a nozzle structure which is provided with coaxially arranged nozzle elements (1, 2, 3, 4) and is arranged to form one or more layers which cover a flexible elongated element (6) on the surface of the flexible elongated element (3), which passes through the innermost nozzle element (4), and a guide member (5) corresponding the diameter of the elongated element (6) for controlling the flexible elongated element (6). The guide member (5) is arranged to be pushed in the direction of the elongated element (6) into its position inside the two innermost nozzle elements (3, 4) defining a first melt channel (7). The guide member (5) is arranged to provide a tapered space (52) between the elongated element (6) and the guide member (5), and the tapered space (52) is in fluid communication with the first melt channel (7).

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a molten resin is operated for extended periods of time maintaining stability without permitting volatile components of the molten resin to adhere on the surfaces of conveyer means. An extruder in the apparatus for feeding the molten resin to the compression-forming machine has an extrusion unit which discharges a molten resin through an extrusion opening of an extrusion nozzle. An air injection nozzle for injecting the cooling gas is provided along the outer circumference of the extrusion nozzle, and the cooling gas is blown onto the surface of the molten resin extruded from the extrusion opening to cool the surface of the molten resin.

Abstract: Surface coverings, such as vinyl flooring, carpeting and the like, comprising reclaimed VCT material, are disclosed. Vinyl composition tile (VCT) having at least 5% by weight reclaimed vinyl composition tile material which can include a surface adhesive, and filler, where the mixture is a thermoformed solidified material in individual tile form is disclosed. Methods for making these surface covering materials and using them to provide floor coverings are also disclosed. A system for presorting and grinding reclaimed VCT to provide feed material for these and other uses is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for the production of center-filled confectionery pieces. The apparatus includes an extruder, a feedback system, and a forming device. The feedback system ensures that a strand of center-filled confectionery produced by the extruder has a substantially uniform size when the strand enters the forming device. The forming device forms the strand into center-filled confectionery pieces having 15%-25% by weight of a center-fill material without producing leakers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catalyst, a catalyst precursor, or a catalyst support comprising: (a) mixing a refractory metal oxide or precursor thereof with a liquid to form a paste; (b) adding said paste to an extruder, the extruder having a die plate comprising one or more dies, each die having a plurality of apertures, the outlet of each aperture having a cross sectional area of 6 mm2 or less; (c) extruding the paste through the apertures to form catalyst support extrudates; wherein the inlet of the apertures has a greater cross sectional area than the outlet of said apertures; and wherein for at least one die the combined cross sectional area of all apertures at the inlet relative to the total cross sectional area of the die at the inlet is higher than 50%.

Abstract: An extrusion die configured to have an interior chamber sealed from the atmosphere is disclosed. The extrusion die includes an extrusion die head disposed at a downstream end of the interior chamber; and a vacuum seal disposed at an upstream end of the interior chamber; wherein the vacuum seal is configured to selectively form a seal between the extrusion die and a product disposed in the interior chamber. The vacuum seal includes an annular sealing surface disposed at an inner diameter of the vacuum seal; a hollow, interior chamber; and a plurality of bellows disposed between the annular sealing surface and the extrusion die; wherein the vacuum seal is configured to selectively form a seal between the extrusion die and a product disposed in the interior chamber. A method of selectively sealing an end of an extrusion die is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for forming a fibrous porous ceramic substrate that employs a screw extruder, and illustratively, a twin screw extruder to form a substrate by directing a homogeneous, wetted and mixed group of substrate components through a screw extruder die under pressure. The components of the mixture can be initially mixed in a substantially dry state by an appropriate mixer to form a homogeneous powder with a high dispersal of materials therein. The powder can be continuously mixed and conveyed to a feeder of the extruder. Along the path of the extruder, fluid can be introduced at a metered rate, along with other additives, such as colloidal silica (glass binder). The extruder's twin, co-rotating shafts include a combination of screw elements for feeding the mixture and shear-inducing mixing elements (kneading blocks) for thoroughly mixing fluid into the dry components.

Abstract: Prepare an extruded filled polymer composite having a highly disperse and uniformly distributed filler by extruding a filled polymer composite through a die with a Flow Restriction Zone, a Flow Redistribution Zone and a Land Zone. The Flow Restriction Zone is proximate to the extruder and increases polymer melt backpressure in the extruder sufficient to induce high dispersion of the filler but not enough to cause undesirable degradation of the polymer melt components.

Abstract: A plugging apparatus for plugging channels in a honeycomb structure used to form a particulate filter. The apparatus includes an extrusion apparatus that holds plugging material and that has an opening through which the plugging material is extruded. An extrusion plate having first through holes that correspond in location to a subset of honeycomb channels is arranged adjacent the opening. An annular flow plate is operatively arranged face-to-face with the extrusion plate. The annular flow plate has second through holes corresponding in location to the first through holes but that are smaller to compensate for a radial variation in the extrusion rate when plugging the channels in the honeycomb structure. The plugging apparatus is thus able to fill select channel ends with same-size plugs, which leads to a better-performing filter.

Abstract: The pipe molding system includes a separable cooling plug and an automatic procedure to alleviate problems associated with excess plastic continuing to extrude after a sudden shutdown of the extrusion system. The separable cooling plug and shutdown procedure includes accommodating any excess plastic in a created void between the cooling plug and the extruder. This arrangement simplifies removal of the excess plastic and reduces the time required to return the equipment to normal production. Preferably, a controller monitors operating conditions of the system and automatically releases the cooling plug based on the monitored operating conditions.

Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for producing a cross-linked, tubular film or “tape” that uses a motor driven nip roll assembly and a product driven idler roll to pump gases contained within the film in a desired direction. The process eliminates the need to create slits to vent gases that are trapped within the film. The motor driven roll comprises a driven nip roll and a driven peristaltic roll that cooperate to drive the film forward and nip the film. The driven peristaltic roll includes a pumping section that comprises a plurality of pumping rollers that pump gases contained within the film in a direction that is the reverse direction of film travel. The product driven roll comprises a spool roller and a plurality of pumping rollers that are circumferentially spaced around the spool roller. The pumping rollers trap and pump gases contained in the film in the reverse direction of film travel.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for producing pipes having a transverse profile from thermoplastic material, mold segment halves are used on a molding path and are circulated in pairs. A main conveying device is provided for returning the mold segment halves, the main conveying device being designed like a gantry crane. A conveying bridge encompassing the molding path is provided with two conveying carriages which are displaceable at right angles to a direction of production and in opposite directions relative to each other and to which is in each case attached a downwards facing conveying arm comprising a holding device for in each case one mold segment half. Downstream of the downstream end of the molding path are provided parking positions for additional mold segment halves. Disposed downstream of the molding path is an auxiliary conveying device which is provided for removing the additional mold segment halves from the molding path in order to subsequently return them to the parking positions.

Abstract: A catheter molding apparatus that includes a fore-stage extrusion molding device for extrusion molding an inner layer tube of resin so as to fit a core wire material of metal therein, a braided layer attaching unit for attaching a braided layer made by the braiding of a reinforcing thread to the outer surface of the inner layer tube molded by the fore-stage extrusion molding device and once cooled, thereby molding a braided tube. The apparatus also includes a post-stage extrusion molding device for extrusion molding a raw material tube for a catheter by fitting an outer layer tube of resin thereon, and a take-off unit for taking off the raw material tube. The fore-stage extrusion molding device, braided layer attaching unit, post-stage extrusion molding device, and take-off unit are continuously disposed along the longitudinal direction of the tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing a center-filled consumable product. The apparatus and method include an extruder, which extrudes a continuous tubular rope of consumable product, a rope sizer, a relaxation conveyor, and a cutting apparatus for forming individual pieces of center-filled consumable products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (2) for manufacturing splittable fibers (1), by means of which it is possible to conduct the melt streams of the two or more mutually incompatible polymer components (A, B) in the melt spinning process in such a way that the flow of one polymer stream around individual polymer streams, or intermingling of the various polymer streams, is prevented, in particular for greatly different weight proportions of the polymer components (A, B). For this purpose, distribution holes (6) are provided upstream from at least one spinning capillary (4), and the cross-sectional area of the at least one distribution hole (6) associated with a particular polymer component (A, B) is adjusted as a function of the volumetric flow of the particular polymer component (A, B).

Abstract: A molding manufacturing method includes: preparing a molding body including a molding main body made of thermoplastic material and a decorative layer higher than the molding main body in hardness and melt temperature; setting the molding body in a fixed die; heating and softening an end portion of the molding body while maintaining the decorative layer softer than the molding main body, by irradiating an infrared ray onto a back surface of the molding main body corresponding to the end portion; and press forming the end portion of the molding body by applying a movable punch onto the fixed die while the end portion of the molding body is in a softened state to bend the end portion of the molding body to obtain an end cover portion having a predetermined shape.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus (10) for producing a film (2, 70, 170, 270, 370, 470) having a tear guiding region (72, 172, 272, 372, 472). The apparatus includes an extrusion apparatus adapted, in use, to force an extrudable material (8) through a die (14) along an extrusion axis to form an extrudate film. The extrusion apparatus having means for forming a tear guiding region in a film extruded therefrom such that the film comprises at least one primary region (74, 76) and at least one tear guiding region. The means for forming a tear guiding region being adapted such that the tear guiding region has a lower cross sectional area of extrudate than the primary region such that a force applied transverse to the extrusion axis results in a higher stress in the tear guiding region than in the primary region such that a tear in the film will preferentially propagate along the tear guiding region. The invention also provides a method of producing such a film and an extruded film .

Abstract: There is described a twin-screw extruder in which there are provided a pair of die hole sets which are aligned with the extrusion paths from each screw. This arrangement allows all the extrusion path lengths from a plane perpendicular to the screw ends to the outer ends of the die holes to be substantially the same. Preferably two sets of cutter blades cut extrudate at the die hole outlets of each set. The blades are arranged on a pair of rotary assemblies, the axes of rotation of which are substantially coaxial with the axes of rotation of the extruder screws. Optionally a pressure chamber, capable of sustaining a pressure of less than ambient, is in gas tight communication with the outlet of the extruder to receive extrudate to enhance expansion of the extrudate.

Abstract: A pump system comprising a delivery assembly configured to feed a solid material under operational power of a first drive motor, and a screw pump comprising a housing that at least partially defines a barrel of the screw pump, an extrusion tip secured to the housing at a first end of the barrel, a liquefier secured to the housing and intersecting with the barrel, and an impeller extending at least partially through the barrel. The liquefier is configured to receive the solid material fed from the delivery assembly, to at least partially melt the received solid material, and to direct the at least partially melted material to the barrel, and the impeller is configured to drive the at least partially melted material that is directed to the barrel toward the extrusion tip under operational power of a second drive motor.