Abstract: An assembly of fibers composed of at least two dissimilar fiber-forming polymers, characterized by the fact that(1) it consists of numerous fibers,(2) at least 90% of said fibers have a non-circular cross-sectional shape,(3) the cross-sections of at least 50% of said fibers differ from each other in at least one of shape and size, and(4) at least 50% of said fibers each have in their cross-section taken at right angles to the fiber axis at least two side-by-side coalesced blocks of at least two dissimilar fiber-forming polymer phases with at least a part thereof being exposed to the peripheral surface of the fiber, at least one of the number, shape and size of the blocks varying from fiber to fiber.

Abstract: A molten polymer containing a blowing agent and, usually, a nucleating agent, is spun into fibers with screen packs or equivalent structures upstream of the spinning apertures. The use of screen packs enables the production of fibers with finer bubbles, which are therefore susceptable to greater melt-drawdown and postdrawing and can have better tensile properties. Foamed polyamide fibers are produced with average bubble diameters one-twentieth or less, compared to the effective fiber diameter.

Abstract: A passage for transferring molten plastic material processed in an extruder contains distributing elements for dividing the molten stream into partial streams and for recombining said partial streams in a different relation to each other. In order to minimize boundary layer faults which result from the distribution of the partial streams, the molten stream is divided into partial streams by at least one annular distributing disc, which is provided on its entrance side with an annular series of openings, and in which adjacent ones of said openings are succeeded by bores which extend radially outwardly and radially inwardly, respectively, so that the molten stream is divided into sectorlike partial streams which are conducted radially inwardly and radially outwardly, respectively, in adjacent bores and are then recombined.

Abstract: Sintered bauxite particles having defined physical and chemical properties are disclosed as being surprisingly eminently suitable as filtration media for molten polymer, such as polyester polymer. Broadly, the particles have a roundness of at least 0.8, and an API standard mesh size of at least 12; in addition, such particles inherently contain significant amounts of ferric oxide. It is preferred that the sintered bauxite particles (i) be microcrystalline, and therefore sintered under critical conditions; (ii) exhibit high crush strength; (iii) be compaction and fracture resistant up to pressures of 6000 psi by defined permeability tests; and (iv) have an API standard mesh size not greater than 70. Also, the sintered particles may have a microporous internal structure and surface.Also disclosed is an improved annular melt-spinning pack, including a bed of sintered bauxite particles, and means for preventing the bed of free-flowing particles from being deformed during use of the pack.

Abstract: A spinneret assembly which includes a filter bed holder containing a filter element. The filter element increases in porosity from its center to its periphery.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus is disclosed which is adapted for forming a plurality of synthetic filaments from a molten polymer. The apparatus comprises a spin block composed of a spin plate having a plurality of transverse ducts, a cover plate overlying the spin plate, and a cavity formed between the two plates and communicating with the ducts for receiving the molten polymer. A pair of side plates are disposed along respective opposite sides of the block, and the block and side plates include mating inclined contact surfaces whereby tightening of the side plates against the block causes the spin plate and cover plate to be pressed toward each other, whereby a seal is formed between the plates which prevents leakage of the molten plastic from the cavity.

Abstract: A sealable discharge die for thermoplastics, comprising a housing, a dieplate which closes the latter except for perforations for discharge of the plastic melt in strands or filaments, and a perforated plate located immediately below or above this dieplate, one of the plates being slidable or rotatable and the perforated plate having orifices which can be brought into alignment with the perforations of the dieplate.

Abstract: Pressurized colored liquids are inserted in the base mass, immediately upstream or in correspondence with the last homogenizing means; then a rotor arranged between the last perforated refining means and the extrusion hole, provides for a partial mixing of the paste. The speed of rotation of the rotor is adjustable from outside of the extrusion head, and independent of the speed of the extrusion screw.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is set forth for extruding honeycomb structures having cohesive cellular walls from an extrusion die. Deflector means are provided within flow passageways of the die, wherein the deflector means has a secondary feed system such that the batch flow from the main feed system is broken up into a multi-channel stream system which improves the flow of the batch material into the discharge slots, thus improving product quality and knitting or cohesiveness of the material prior to discharge from the die.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is set forth for extruding honeycomb structures having cohesive cellular walls from an extrusion die. A baffle member is provided within the flow passageways of the die so as to provide impedance to longitudinal batch flow through certain of the discharge slots such that the impedance to flow in all of the slots is substantially equal, thus improving product quality and knitting or cohesiveness of the batch material prior to discharge from the die.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling extrusion back-pressure in a face cutting apparatus having an extrudate feed means, a die and a cutter is provided. The apparatus consists of a pair of nested dies, one upstream and one downstream, each die having a plurality of areas, each of the areas having a plurality of extrusion orifices. The nested dies are movable relative to another. In one relative position, the orifices of the upstream die exactly aligned with the orifices of the downstream die. Means are provided for relative movement of the dies in response to a change in the pressure adjacent the extrudate delivery end.

Abstract: In an extruder of the type including an extruding cylinder with an outlet at one end thereof and an extruding screw rotatably disposed in the cylinder and circumferentially formed with a feed flight member for forwarding a plasticized material through the outlet of said cylinder for extrusion through a screen located at the fore end of the extruding cylinder, a screen/diverter changing mechanism including a retainer box fixed to the fore outlet end of the extruding cylinder and internally defining a flow passage of the plasticized material to be extruded; a slide body movable transversely in a guide bore of the retainer box across the flow passage thereof; a screen unit detachably fitted in the slide body and having a screen and a plurality of nozzles; a diverter unit detachably fitted in the slide body and having a diverting flow passage for diverting the flow of the plasticized material from the cylinder; a drive mechanism linked to the slide body for selectively positioning either the screen unit or divert

Abstract: The material flow within an extrusion die body is adjusted by a metering device to alter the product perforation pattern of an extrusion product produced in the extrusion die without changes of or modifications to any of the various other parts of the extruder system being required. The extruder system is an apparatus which includes, in addition to a hydraulic cylinder powered press, a basic extrusion die, a die body, a set of perforation forming die pins and a ported cover or pin support plate.

Abstract: Sheath-core bi-component fibers are formed by an improvement of the method and apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,936,482 whereby molten sheath polymer is issued in ribbons into a recessed portion of the top surface of the spinneret from locations between rows of raised spinneret channel inlets. Ribbon flow of the sheath polymer is achieved in slot-like channels which are inter-leaved with rows of core polymer flow passages to optimize space utilization and spinneret channel density. Filtering of the core and sheath polymer is achieved in separate manifolds leading to the core flow passages and sheath slot-like flow channels which are kept to minimal length to minimize polymer residence time downstream of the filters.

Abstract: Sintered bauxite particles having defined physical and chemical properties are disclosed as being surprisingly eminently suitable as filtration media for molten polymer, such as polyester polymer. Broadly, the particles have a roundness of at least 0.8, and an API standard mesh size of at least 12; in addition, such particles inherently contain significant amounts of ferric oxide. It is preferred that the sintered bauxite particles (i) be microcrystalline, and therefore sintered under critical conditions; (ii) exhibit high crush strength; (iii) be compaction and fracture resistant up to pressures of 6000 psi by defined permeability tests; and (iv) have an API standard mesh size not greater than 70. Also, the sintered particles may have a microporous internal structure and surface.Also disclosed is an improved annular melt-spinning pack, including a bed of sintered bauxite particles, and means for preventing the bed of free-flowing particles from being deformed during use of the pack.

Abstract: A screening apparatus for molten plastic material flowing from an extruder comprising a housing mounted on the extruder and having a feed channel for flow of the plastic material therefrom and a slide member mounted for slidable movement in the housing with a clearance therebetween. The slide member contains replaceable screen elements adapted for being positioned in the path of flow of the plastic material flowing from the extruder to effect screening thereof. In order to seal the clearance between the slide member and the housing to prevent outflow of plastic material therefrom, a flange is mounted on the housing to surround the slide member with a gap therebetween. This permits normal free-sliding movement of the slide member in the housing. The flange contains cooling channels to permit flow of a coolant to cool plastic material in the gap and solidify the plastic material to prevent outflow of plastic material from the gap.

Abstract: A cartridge filter is provided in which a powdered filter medium is encapsulated between screens which are sealed to the side wall of the cartridge. The side wall has a flange which engages the upper surface of a holder into which the cartridge fits. The holder is part of a spin-pack assembly in which the cartridge filters fiber-forming material immediately before the material passes through spinneret capillaries and is formed into filaments.

Abstract: Extrusion die assembly for forming honeycomb structures, which comprises a die having a discharge surface provided with grid-shaped slits for discharging a honeycomb shaped body and an inlet surface provided with a plurality of independent feed inlets, a mask having an orifice for determining the outer shape and dimension of the extruded honeycomb structure and a ring having an orifice for restraining supply of the batch material into the feed inlets at the periphery of the inlet surface.

Abstract: A spinerette assembly wherein tapered passageways and distribution chambers of diminishing length are so arranged as to provide equal back pressure over all orifices thereby providing extrudates of improved uniformity of diameter after stretching.

Abstract: An improved replaceable filtration unit for high viscosity fluids, of the self sealing semi-disposable type and having inert granular material supported by a screen within a housing, wherein the improvement comprises having the screen's rim swaged into the housing, preferably with an interference fit within the range 0.005 to 0.015 inches. The invention improves the performance of packs used to filter and extrude molten polymer into shaped articles.

Abstract: A ceramic sponge made from plastic is described. Because of the ease of cutting the plastic in various shapes before converting to ceramic several unique applications are possible. In case of a column packing better contact between liquid and gas is made. For an auto catalytic converter better contact between gas and catalyst is realized. By cutting in other ways a filter to remove solids is made, permitting longer use before clogging, also a scrubber to remove particulates. A rotary ceramic filter is described; it is also a composite of fibers and ceramic which retains small particulates without excessive pressure drop upon passage of fluid through the filter. An acid resistant collector plate for an electrostatic precipitation is described.

Abstract: Dough is extruded from a screw extruder through a nozzle, preferably a twin-slot nozzle, and an apertured blocking plate is placed between the tip of the extrusion screw and the nozzle assembly for making the pressure distribution across the dough in a pressure equilization chamber between the blocking plate and the nozzle more uniform and for controlling the rate of flow of the dough towards the extrusion nozzle slots. The blocking plate has two series of parallel channels arranged on two opposed arcs of the same circle centered on the central axis of the nozzle (the axis of the extrusion screw) and the series are symmetrical about a plane of symmetry of the nozzle.

Abstract: A spinneret assembly that includes a filtration cavity and a spinneret has a plate between the cavity and spinneret. The plate has an enclosed channel connecting the cavity and spinneret. The channel contains a plurality of stationary mixing elements and lies in a plane substantially parallel with the spinneret.

Abstract: A foreign material removing device in a synthetic resin reclaiming machine including an extruder having a screw shaft, a filter cylinder connected to the extruder, a resin filter mounted within the filter cylinder so as to form a resin chamber therebetween, a scraper shaft positioned within the filter cylinder and including projected strips as scraper which protrude aslant to the axis of the scraper shaft such that the strips contact the inner surface of the filter and interconnect with the screw shaft, a body fixed to the filter cylinder which includes a first guide hole, one end thereof being connected to the inside of the filter cylinder, an ejecting port, and a second guide hole disposed in an orthogonal direction with respect to the axis of the scraper so as to connect the first guide hole to the foreign material ejecting port further including a plurality of resin passages communicating with the resin chamber, a plurality of dies fixed to the body which include connecting passages for ejecting resin and

Abstract: A die for extruding a honeycomb structural body capable of preventing the deformation of the honeycomb structural body when the honeycomb structural body is extruded.

Abstract: For the homogenization of the spinning fluid in spinning devices, packing material is arranged before the nozzle plate in the free spaces of a static mixing apparatus.

Abstract: Soft and moist vegetables are kneaded, severed and partially homogenized by a feed screw which rotates in a barrel and are admitted into a mincing unit wherein the partially homogenized material is severed by knives of a rotor which is surrounded by an apertured cylindrical stator. The comminuted material is thereupon caused to pass through the holes of an extruder and is severed behind the extruder to yield discrete crumbs which can be used as animal fodder or dried and ground to yield flour or farina, particularly flour or farina which can be used for the baking of tortillas. Vegetables which are admitted into the barrel are freshly harvested (such vegetables may include banana peels) or cooked. For example, dried grains of maize can be cooked in the presence of water and rinsed prior to admission into the barrel.

Abstract: A spinneret holder has a pressurizable chamber formed between a cupped base part having a rim centered on an axis and a cover part having a periphery snugly interfittable with the rim. A plurality of spinnerets is provided in the cover part so that a mass to be spun can be introduced into the chamber and exit as filaments from the spinneret. A rod or bolt lying on the axis has threads anchored in one of the parts and the other part is formed at the axis with the throughgoing holes through which the rod passes. Thus an element such as a head or nut on the rods bears axially on the other part and can press the rim of the base part nad periphery of the cover part axially tightly together.

Abstract: A melt spinning process utilizes a spinning pack which contains a filter comprising a shaped, rigid, porous structure comprising inert granular material, e.g. sand or alumina particles, bonded with a permanent binding agent, e.g. sodium silicate or a complex phosphate of aluminium. Synthetic thermoplastic polymers are melt spun, particularly polyesters.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of yarn having a potential crimp which is achieved by varying the viscosity gradient in the mass of polymer upstream of the spinneret. The apparatus includes means for feeding polymer under pressure, a block which is connected to the outlet of the feeding means and a spinning head, including a spinneret formed with at least one row of holes, the spinning head being mounted on the block. At least one passage is defined through the block, for the passage of polymer from the feeding means to the spinneret, this passage having a frusto-conical upstream portion which converges in a downstream direction towards the spinneret. Heating or cooling means are provided on the block for imparting to the polymer, as it passes through the passage, a temperature differential between the polymer at the center of the passage and the polymer at the walls of the passage.Means are also provided for receiving and possibly drafting the yarn which has been extruded through the spinneret.

Abstract: A spin pot, for the extrusion of one or more ends of multifilament, synthetic fibers, which essentially eliminates all stagnant zones caused by nonuniform flow patterns while yielding yarns of high quality at high extrusion rates for an extended period between spin pot changes. "Plug flow" is achieved throughout the passage of polymer through the spin pot by the design of the internal parts wherein: the optimum number and location of polymer delivery channels in the top cap are defined, polymer flow throughout the spin pot is streamlined, and improved sealing characteristics are provided by the design of the top cap and the breaker plate.

Abstract: Plastically moldable ceramic batch material, which may be flowably extruded under pressure into a self-supporting article of desired shape and configuration, is passed through a flow homogenizer positioned within an extrusion cylinder upstream of an article-forming extrusion die positioned on the discharge end of the extrusion cylinder, to thoroughly homogenize such batch material during the extrusion operation and prior to being fed through the article-forming die.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering molten plastics and for extruding plastic strands has a filter combined with a die head into an interchangeable unit. Plastics strands are discharged from the die head. The interchangeable unit is movable transverse to the direction of flow of plastics material.

Abstract: A spin pack assembly for the extrusion of synthetic filaments. Novel features are the polymer flow channels of the breaker plate and spinneret plate which comprise a capillary with open ends, the entrance ends of the breaker plate and spinneret plate and the exit end of the breaker plate defining, respectively, enlarged inlets and outlets, the walls of which intersect with adjacent walls to form a closed, interlocking network of ridges on the top surfaces of the breaker plate and spinneret plate and on the bottom surface of the breaker plate, so as to eliminate areas of low or zero velocity flow of polymer and to reduce pressure differences in polymer in the breaker plate-spinneret plate area.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous filtration and flow of molten thermoplastic polymer from a melt source to a shaping apparatus. The apparatus is characterized by the employment of a melt reservoir whose level is regulated by a level control means. Melt flow to the shaping apparatus is regulated by the level control means which controls the flow rate from the melt source as a function of the level in the melt reservoir.