Abstract: Undesired and unforeseeable shrinkage may occur in a tube of plastic material containing optical fibres following its manufacture, especially during storage when the tube is wound on a reel. As a result, there may be uncontrollable variations of the ratio between length of the tube and length of the optical fibre contained therein (“excess fibre variation”). A method and equipment for limiting the excess fibre variations in a plastic tube, by stretching the tube by a predefined amount during manufacturing are described. The present invention also relates to a plastic tube subjected to a predefined stretching, a cable made of such a tube and the equipment suitable for manufacturing such a tube.

Abstract: An improved low shear extrusion and dehydrating apparatus (10) and method is provided for the continuous extrusion of various starting materials (e.g., starch-bearing grains or starch fractions thereof, proteinaceous materials and/or nutraceuticals) to yield improved products, especially cold water swelling or soluble starch products. The invention is also useful for forming pre-gelled starch products and for processing starch-bearing materials using little or no surfactant. The apparatus (10) preferably includes an elongated extruder (18) together with a tubular die assembly (20) coupled to the outlet of the extruder barrel (32), wherein the volumetric ratio of the die assembly (20) to the free volume of the extruder (18) is at least about 2, and the ratio of die assembly retention time to the extruder retention time is at least about 5.

Abstract: An improved low shear extrusion and dehydrating apparatus (10) and method is provided for the continuous extrusion of various starting materials (e.g., starch-bearing grains or starch fractions thereof, proteinaceous materials and/or nutraceuticals) to yield improved products, especially cold water swelling or soluble starch products. The invention is also useful for forming pre-gelled starch products and for processing starch-bearing materials using little or no surfactant. The apparatus (10) preferably includes an elongated extruder (18) together with a tubular die assembly (20) coupled to the outlet of the extruder barrel (32), wherein the volumetric ratio of the die assembly (20) to the free volume of the extruder (18) is at least about 2, and the ratio of die assembly retention time to the extruder retention time is at least about 5.

Abstract: A take-off apparatus for plastic blown sheet that is collapsed has a deflecting roller rotatably mounted for transporting the blown sheet and an air turning bar for receiving the blown sheet from the deflecting bar along a transport plane defined therebetween. The blown sheet passes around a peripheral portion of the air turning bar thereby defining a support arc region of the at least one air turning bar about which the blown sheet is supported. The air turning bar has air outlet openings disposed in the support arc region through which compressed air is ejected to support the blown sheet. The air turning bar has an arc-shaped axis defining a plane of curvature which is oriented such that the peripheral portion presents a concave surface in which the air outlet openings are disposed and which opposes the blown sheet.

Abstract: A compact in-line high-speed apparatus and method for producing thermoplastic synthetic fibers includes a melt spinning device with a spinning block and a tow drawer; wherein the spinning block has at least one extruder, at least one spinneret block, and heating devices, and the tow drawer draws fibers spun from the spinning block as a bundled tow. Also provided is a drawn tow accumulating device equipped with at least two tow feeding rolls and a tow accumulating conveyer, wherein the tow feeding rolls feed the tow obtained from the tow drawer onto the tow accumulating conveyer, and the tow accumulating conveyer accumulates the tow fed from the tow feeding rolls. A high-speed tow stretching device is used for stretching tie tow supplied from the drawn tow accumulating device at high stretching speed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making a first and a second plurality of fully oriented multifilament yarns on a fully oriented yarn spinning machine. This process includes spinning a plurality of filaments from a spin pack containing a spinneret plate; cooling the filaments in a quench chimney; applying finish on the filaments and converging the filaments into a first and a second plurality of the multifilament yarns; and drawing the first plurality of the multifilament yarns with a first stepped roll assembly and drawing the second plurality of the multifilament yarns with a second stepped roll assembly to increase their length by a fixed amount.

Abstract: A sheet processing system for continuously producing plastic sheet which is continuously supplied to an intermittent take-up device, utilizing a sheet forming apparatus, a conveyor, an accumulator and take-up apparatus, the sheet being fed along the conveyor to an accumulator positioned integrally with the conveyor, the accumulator being controlled in a cyclic operation which provides for the accumulation of the continuously fed sheet material to permit intermittent operation of the take-up apparatus, and the edge trimming of the sheet subsequently to the action of the accumulator.

Abstract: The present invention that also possesses provides a method for producing a seamless tubular film based on cellulose comprising extruding an aqueous cellulose-N-methyl-morpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) spinning solution through an annular die in a spinning bath, wherein the spinning solution forms the tubular film. The film is laterally drawn in an air gap between the annular die and the spinning bath by stabilizing air pressure in the tubular film. The level of hydrostatic pressure from an inner spinning solution formed inside the tubular film extends above the spinning bath, the inner spinning solution comprising an aqueous NMMO solution that supports and intensifies said lateral drawing. The tubular film that has been expanded by the lateral drawing process is passes by a turning point in the spinning bath, and directed out of the spinning bath.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molding extrusion machine comprising a pair of delivery rolls arranged forward continuously with a die attached to the end of an extruder by which a molten resin material is extruded through the die toward a rolling part between the delivery rolls and further extruded through a pair of the delivery rolls, wherein gas-sealing molds in intimate contact with both sides at least at the top of the die at the side of the discharge opening are provided to close openings in both sides of the rolling part so that supporting parts in both sides of a pair of the delivery rolls are formed into an air-tightness keeping part by said gas-sealing molds.

Abstract: A method of converting a plastics material into a yarn in which the plastics material comprises one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of nylon, polyesters, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyphenylene sulphide, polystyrene. The method comprises heating the material to melt it, pumping the melted material through an extruder to form an extruded filament, and cooling the extruded filament. The cooled filament is passed through a first draw roller assembly while elevating the temperature of the filament. The filament is then heated in a heating zone as it exits the first draw roller assembly and, thereafter, the filament is passed through a second draw roller assembly operating at a different linear speed to the first draw roller assembly. The filament is spooled after exiting the second draw roller assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for spinning and crimping a multifilament yarn, and wherein a thermoplastic melt is extruded through a spinneret to form a filament bundle. The filament bundle is divided into a plurality of bundle components before being crimped. Each bundle component is separately crimped and combined to a multifilament yarn after being crimped. The yarn is subsequently wound to a package.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing a corrugated pasta sheet, facilitating the adherence of the sauce to the surface, in which the pasta sheet is obtained by forcibly extruding the dough through a slot in a die plate, comprising the stages during which at least one surface of the sheet is crimped repeatedly using at least one raised arm-type flexible, elasticized blade whose free end comes into contact with the sheet. The blade is inflected reciprocally by the dragging action exerted on it by the sheet as it passes through the slot and by the returning action produced by its elastic properties. An apparatus putting into operation the method described above also forms part of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spinning a synthetic yarn, wherein a heated polymeric melt is extruded through a spinneret and the resulting filaments are combined and wound to a package by means of a take-up device located downstream of the spinneret. A cooling tube for the filaments is positioned below the spinneret, and an inlet cylinder which has a gas permeable wall is positioned between the inlet cylinder and the cooling tube. The cooling tube connects to an air stream generator in such a manner that an air stream develops in the cooling tube in the direction of the advancing yarn. The air stream is formed by a quantity of air that enters the cooling tube via the inlet cylinder, and the inlet cylinder is subdivided in the direction of the advancing yarn into several zones, each with a different gas permeability, for controlling the quantity of air entering the inlet cylinder. It is thereby possible to influence with advantage the precooling of the yarn and the formation of the air stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an extruded film tube and supplying said tube to a collapsing and roller assembly includes a die for extruding a molten material in the form of a tube which is in a molten state below a frost line and in a solid state above the frost line. A blower system supplies and exhausts cooling air to and from an interior portion of the tube, and is regulated by a valve. At least two sensors are provided, one below the frost line for sensing the position of said tube, and one located proximate the tube in a position above said frost line. The upper sensor is used for sensing the position of the tube prior to collapsing and flattening it. A controller receives feedback signals from both sensors and controls operation of the valve.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus and a method for spinning a synthetic yarn, wherein the yarn is formed by combining a plurality of filaments and wound to a package by means of a takeup device downstream of the spinning apparatus. Downstream of the spinneret, an inlet cylinder with a gas-permeable wall and a cooling tube are arranged. The cooling tube connects to a suction device such that an air stream forms in the cooling tube in the direction of the advancing yarn. This air stream assists the advance of the filaments and leads to a delayed cooling. To ensure adequate cooling of the filaments within the cooling zone, an air supply device is provided for generating an additional cooling air stream which flows in the axial direction of the cooling tube for cooling the filaments downstream of the inlet to the cooling tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing an extruded cooked food product including use of an extruder having a barrel, at least one screw contained therein, a feed element at the discharge end of the screw, and a die head containing an expansion chamber. The discharge feed element is formed with a large pitch for pushing a large volume of cooked food mix into the expansion chamber. The large volume of cooked food mix is extruded as extrudate strands through relatively large orifices extending through the die plate of the die head to dimensionally expand upon exiting the orifices. The extrudate strands are conveyed over a sole support bar located a significant distance from the die head and then to a cutter. An air flow is applied to the extrudate strands for further cooling and drying before being cut. The cutter is located approximately 90 inches from the die head. The extruded food product is uniform in cross-section.

Abstract: A sheet processing system for continuously producing plastic sheet which is continuously supplied to an intermittent take-up device, utilizing a sheet forming apparatus, a conveyor, an accumulator and take-up apparatus, the sheet being fed along the conveyor to an accumulator positioned compactly beneath the conveyor, the accumulator being controlled in a cyclic operation which provides for the accumulation of the continuously fed sheet material to permit intermittent operation of the take-up apparatus.

Abstract: An improved low shear extrusion and dehydrating apparatus (10) is provided for the continuous extrusion of various starting materials (e.g., starch-bearing grains or starch fractions thereof, proteinaceous materials and/or nutraceuticals) to yield improved products, especially cold water swelling or soluble starch products. The invention is also useful for forming pre-gelled starch products and for processing starch-bearing materials using little or no surfactant. The apparatus (10) preferably includes an elongated extruder (18) together with a tubular die assembly (20) coupled to the outlet of the extruder barrel (32), wherein the volumetric ratio of the die assembly (20) to the free volume of the extruder (18) is from about 3-20, and the ratio of die assembly retention time to the extruder retention time is at least about 5.

Abstract: A spinning cell for dry spinning spandex by extruding filaments from a nonuniform array of spinneret capillary groups in a rectangular bar and contacting them with a cross-flow of hot, inert gas is provided.

Abstract: A food preparation system is disclosed comprising a food products container, a pump, and an extrusion horn that allows food products to be shaped to a uniform cross-section and deposited onto a moving surface for further processing. The pump provides a regulated, continuous flow of food products to the extrusion horn and may be a centrifugal pump with sine-wave shaped impellers. The extrusion horn has an opening which is preferably oblong-shaped, with an average width much greater than its average height. The food products are pumped through enclosed conduits, continuously extruded through the extrusion horn with a uniform thickness and width, and then directly deposited onto the moving surface for further processing, such as heating, freezing, breading, or the like.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus including at least one conical stator, and at least one conical rotor. The rotor is adapted for defibering or orienting a plastic material. The apparatus has an opening for receiving an elongate product or mandrel. The product or mandrel may be disposed in the apparatus such that, with the product or mandrel received in the opening, an extrusion conduit is defined in the opening between the product or mandrel and the rotor and stator. The rotor and stator are disposed with respect to one another to form a supply opening wherein the plastic material flows between the stator and rotor and is pressed into the extrusion conduit.

Abstract: An external stabilizer employed in a plastic film blowing apparatus stacks of swing arm members that create an iris aperture for the extruded film bubble. A tubular die, fed with a supply of molten thermoplastic polymer, extrudes a tube of the molten polymer and injects air into the extruded tube to inflate the tube into a bubble. The wall of the tube expands into a film of a desired thickness; and the tube is drawn vertically upward and collapsed and flattened. The external stabilizer has a frame surrounding the extruded tube above the die. A plurality of swing arms arranged on said frame define the iris aperture. Each of the swing arms is an elongated extrusion of a light-weight material having one end mounted pivotally on the frame and a free end. The swing arm has a mushroom-shaped profile that is rounded on a side that faces the extruded tube. Wear resistant material is disposed on the front surface.

Abstract: In combination with a mixer/extruder of the type designed to mix, heat and extrude a mixture of shredded plastic material and shredded fibrous material, the heated mixture being extruded in the form of a continuous beam from an extrusion nozzle, the improvement which comprises a first matrix spaced horizontally downstream from the nozzle for receiving the beam therein and a second matrix spaced horizontally downstream from the first matrix for receiving the beam therein, the first matrix having a plurality of moveable walls which reciprocate in a horizontal direction against the outer surface of the beam, the second matrix having a plurality of moveable walls which reciprocate in a horizontal direction against the outer surface of the beam, the second matrix having means for conducting cooling water therethrough for cooling the beam as it passes through the second matrix.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed, by means of which microfilament yarns made of synthetic polymers can be produced with increased uniformity of the titer, dye absorption and improved physical yarn properties at increased production speeds by means of a spinning process with spinnerets of high hole density and a central cooling unit.

Abstract: Polyester yarn is made by melt spinning the polyester filaments which are then cooled at least to solidification and heated by counterflow with prestretching to a crystallinity in excess of 24%. The prestretched filaments are gathered and stretched to after-stretching at a temperature of 80.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. to a final titer of 1.0 dtex to 7.5 dtex with a stretching ratio of 1:1.5 to 1:1.15. The yarn is then wound up at a rate of 5000 to 8000 m/min.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an oriented plastic pipe from a plastic tubular material includes a first heated liquid bath for heating the plastic material to the glass transition temperature and a cooled liquid bath downstream of the heated liquid bath for cooling the plastic pipe after orientation of same.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing multifilament threads with at least one hot-air module 6 for drawing or relaxing the thread Y. To manufacture multifilaments with particularly high strength and to avoid the problems of the bearings of the rollers 9, 10 in the hot-air modules 6, at least one apparatus is provided for screening the hot stream of air from the rollers 9, 10, 10' of the or each hot-air module 6. Such apparatus may, for example, take the form of divider sheets 12. To facilitate the introduction of the thread Y into the hot-air module 6, it may be furthermore provided according to the invention that two rows of rollers 9, 10 facing each other are arranged in the or each hot-air module 6, at least the rollers 10 of one row being arranged in the direction of the rollers 9 of the other row and movable beyond these so that a meander-shaped arrangement of the thread Y can be achieved automatically in the hot-air modules 6.

Abstract: A device for laying a molten film 3 emerging from a slot die 2 onto a rotating take-off chill roll 1 has at least one electrode which is arranged parallel to and at a short distance from the surface of the take-off roll 1 and to which a high voltage in the range from 4 to 12 kV is applied. This electrode is, for example, a metal strip 5 which has a tapering sharp edge 6 that is oriented toward the surface of the take-off roll 1. In addition to this metal strip 5, a second electrode 27 is arranged at a distance from the surface of the take-off roll. This second electrode is a metal strip without a strip edge and has applied to it a voltage of a magnitude that is equal to or different from that of the metal strip 5. As a result, electric fields are formed in addition to the electric field from the one metal strip electrode 5.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for spinning, drawing, and winding a synthetic filament yarn, wherein a plurality of filaments are combined in a spin zone to a yarn. Subsequently, the yarn is drawn in a draw zone which includes a draw godet, and then wound in a takeup zone to form a package. To produce a cohesion of the yarn, the filaments are entangled within the draw zone before the yarn leaves the draw godet.

Abstract: A fiber spinning device and process for manufacturing a web of fibers comprising a homogeneous mixture of fibers of different characteristics. Monocomponent fibers of different polymers can be extruded side-by-side from the same die system. Sheath/core bicomponent fibers can be alternated with monocomponent fibers formed of the same core polymer as used in the bicomponent fibers. Bicomponent fibers having a common core polymer and different sheath polymers can be extruded from alternate spinneret orifices in the same die plate. Multiple distribution plates are provided with surface grooves or depressions to direct polymer materials from independent sources to only selected spinneret openings in an array of spinneret openings while maintaining the polymers segregated from each other.

Abstract: A lenticular pattern forming roll, used for forming a lenticular screen, includes a chill roll and a lenticular sleeve positioned on the chill roll. The lenticular sleeve has a lenticular pattern formed on an outer surface for forming a corresponding lenticular pattern in a plastic sheet. The sleeve may be readily manufactured and transported to a desired location to be installed on the chill roll. The lenticular pattern forming roll may be readily used in combination with an extruder for extruding a hot plastic sheet to form the lenticular screen. The sleeve may also be removed from the chill roll and transported for resurfacing and without requiring transporting of the chill roll. The lenticular sleeve may preferably comprise a nickel-phosphorous composition defining at least a radially outermost portion of the sleeve in which the lenticular pattern is formed.

Abstract: A polishing roll, used for forming a smooth plastic sheet, includes a chill roll and a polishing sleeve positioned on the chill roll. The polishing sleeve has a polished outer surface for forming a corresponding smooth surface in a plastic sheet. The sleeve may be readily manufactured and transported to a desired location to be installed on the chill roll. The polishing roll may be readily used in combination with an extruder for extruding a hot plastic sheet to form the smooth plastic sheet. The sleeve may also be removed from the chill roll and transported for resurfacing and without requiring transporting of the chill roll. The sleeve may preferably comprise a nickel-phosphorous composition defining at least a radially outermost portion of the sleeve in which the polished surface is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus is used in the continuous extrusion of blown films which includes a die suitable for use in forming a blown film bubble, and one or more primary gas outlets for use in stretching and drawing the extruded film prior to it stabilizing. The primary gas outlets direct cooling gas streams on the interior and/or exterior surface of an unstabilized portion of the blown film bubble as it emerges from the die. Secondary cooling gas outlets are also provided to introduce secondary gas streams into an upper stabilized portion of the blown film bubble above the bubble frost line. An exhaust conduit in gaseous communication with an interior of the bubble is used to maintain the gas pressure in the blown film bubble interior at a desired pressure. The exhaust inlet is located at a position adjacent the bubble frost line spaced away from the primary cooling gas outlets and marginally towards the secondary gas outlet.

Abstract: A bubble guide unit according to the present invention comprises two concentric frames, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, through which the film bubble passes. At least four bubble guiding rods are arranged symmetrically to each pivotally engage one frame at one end and to freely engage the other frame near its other end. Freely engage here means that the other end of each rod is free to pivot to some extent as well as to move in the direction of its length beyond the pivoting point and back. This is most easily accomplished by a pivoting ring through which the rod passes or, less elegantly, by a fixed ring having an aperture larger than the rod diameter.

Abstract: In heavy extrusion equipment where alignment with downstream equipment is necessary, adjusters 34 are provided for adjusting the position of the extrusion die (14) with respect to the extruder (12). In practice it is possible to provide a die with a split housing one part of which is adjustable with respect to the other, one of the die parts (14) being fixedly connected to the extruder (12), or by providing a two part die, the parts of which are adjustable with respect to each other. The invention may be utilized for alignment of an extrusion die with downstream equipment such as tooling, tooling dies, sizing tables, etc. and also in corrugations for single and double walled pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for spinning, drawing, and winding a synthetic filament yarn, wherein the yarn is subjected during its drawing in a draw zone to a multi-stage heat treatment by heated surfaces. In the first heat treatment, the yarn is heated to the range of the glass transition temperature of the yarn material, and the yarn is guided over the heating surface while partially looping thereabout. The second stage of the heat treatment is formed by an elongate heating surface, and at least one of the heating surfaces is heated to a surface temperature above the melt point of the yarn material. In the draw zone, the yarn is subjected to a tension, which is necessary for a plastic deformation in or directly downstream of the first stage of the heat treatment. The process performed by the apparatus causes the yarn to be drawn and set.

Abstract: A method, process and apparatus for generating complex shapes without the use of dies, molds, or other fixed tooling. A continuous length or flow of a malleable or fluent material is provided to a forming apparatus which shapes the material, producing a contiguous series of smoothly blended, properly contoured portions of the desired shape. The formation of a shape relies on continuous control of shape-determining variables: the instantaneous cross-section of the shape in a virtual transition surface between the formable and formed material, the rate-of-change of cross-sectional dimensions between sequential cross-sections, the instantaneous angle of movement of the material at any point on the cross-section in the transition surface, and the rate of movement away from the transition surface of the just-stabilized portion of the shape. The material is stabilized as these shape-determining variables achieve the proper values in each portion of the material.

Abstract: Filament stress in a newly spun filament is reduced in that the air friction between the filament and the contiguous air layer is prevented or limited. For this purpose an air current is generated, flowing in the running direction of the yarn at a speed which is the same or approximately the same as the surface speed of the filament. The air current can be guided on to the filament surface through a tube.

Abstract: A device for laying a film 3 emerging from a slot die 2 onto a take-off roll 1 has at least one electrode that is arranged parallel to and at a short distance from the surface of the take-off roll 1 and to which electric voltage in the range from 4 to 12 kV is applied. This electrode is, for example, a metal strip 4, which has a tapering strip edge 6 this is directed toward the surface of the take-off roll 1. In addition to this metal strip 4, one or a plurality of electrodes 5, 8 and 16 are arranged at a distance from the surface of the take-off roll. These additional electrodes have applied to them an electric voltage whose magnitude is the same as or different from that applied to the metal strip 4. As a result, additive electric fields to the electric field of the one metal-strip electrode are formed.

Abstract: Polyester yarn is produced from melt spun filament by prestretching the filaments individually in counterflow with a gaseous medium and then afterstretching the polyester filaments with an individual titer of 1.0 dtex to 7.5 dtex with a stretching ratio of 1:1.5 to 1:1.15 at a temperature of 80.degree. to 250.degree. C. The filaments are collected and then wound up as a yarn at a speed of 5000 to 8000 m/min.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for product recovery of polyolefins, particularly high molecular weight amorphous poly alphaolefins, wherein the use of water during the method is significantly decreased and wherein the intermediate stage of storing and drying the chunk form of the polyolefin is eliminated. Polyolefins produced in a reactor are heated and mixed by sigma blades in a kneader-extruder to remove any unreacted monomer(s). The polyolefin material in a liquid form is then transferred directly to an extruder to further remove any unreacted monomer(s) and catalyst(s). The invention further includes a method of measuring the inventory in a vessel using a gas of known quantity and known thermodynamic properties.

Abstract: A continuous method of and system for fabricating thermoset polymer pellets wherein thermosetting polymeric resin material flows axially in a temperature controlled, mixer-extruder barrel while maintaining the material between a melt temperature and a higher thermosetting reaction temperature, and extrudes from the barrel at an extrusion temperature between the melt and reaction temperatures. The extruded material is formed into generally spheroidal pellets which are cooled in a transporting coolant liquid stream and charged to the interior of an open ended, centrifuge basket having a porous circumferential wall and an interior annular pusher plate. The wall is rotated to demoisterize the pellets by centrifugally removing liquid coolant and while reciprocating the pusher plate and basket relatively to displace the pellets axially along and off the basket wall. Pellets are taken from the basket wall without substantially fracturing them and forming an undue percentage of fines.

Abstract: A device for laying a plastic film on a roller (7), especially a molten plastic film on a drying roller (7), with an air squeegee (15) having an air outlet aperture (25) extending transversely above the foil web (1), is integrated into the air squeegee (15) for edge blowing and is arranged in such a way that a common shared effective pressure application line is produced, and/or the air outlet apertures (27) of the air squeegee (15) can be adjusted along said air squeegee (15) and thus to differing effective widths across the foil web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for melt spinning a plurality of downwardly advancing multifilament polymeric yarns, and winding the advancing yarns into respective packages. Each of the advancing yarns is brought into contact with a separate yarn delivery mechanism which acts to control the yarn tension before the yarn is wound into a package. Thus, the yarn tension of all of the yarns can be made substantially the same when they are wound into packages, which permits all of the packages to have the same winding structure and the same packing density.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the in-line production of composite strand material and the conversion of at least a portion of the strand material into a composite product. The apparatus (10) includes a combining station (48) where glass fibers (14) with a second polymeric material (66) are combined to form composite strand material (16), and at least one mold (54) for receiving a portion of the composite strand material and forming the portion into a composite product. The apparatus also includes transfer equipment for moving the composite strand material from the combining station to the mold, which may include a computer-controlled robotic arm (52). In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a collecting device (18) for accumulating the composite strand material (16) in looped form and equipment for delivering the accumulated portion from the collecting device to the mold (54).

Abstract: A tubular profile made of thermoplastic material is formed by extrusion from an extruder. Downstream from the extruder, the tubular profile is cooled both externally and internally by an external cooling unit and an internal cooling unit mounted on the extruder. A tensile force is exerted on the cooled tubular profile downstream from the cooling units by a pulling device. When the extruder is set in operation to start the production of the tubular profile, the internal cooling unit is left out. When the pulling device applies the tensile force on the extruded and externally cooled tubular profile, the internal cooling unit is introduced into the tubular profile from the open end of the tubular profile and is mounted on the extruder.

Abstract: A process for forming a specific length of extruded thermoplastics material trim strip for automobiles includes the step of extruding the strip directly onto an endless carrier belt moving at a speed matching the emergence speed of the extrudate. The extrudate, therefore, is less subject to stresses causing unpredictable length changes on cooling. It is therefore possible to predetermine the cooled, matured, final lengths of strip and to provide moulded end portions on-line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming fiber-reinforced thermoplastic materials which include the steps of arranging at least two sets of roll-forming dies in an operative relationship, introducing a portion of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic element to said dies for predetermined deformation, heating the element to a temperature above the melting temperature of the thermoplastics in the element and then allowing the element to cool below the melting temperature, but not less than the recrystallization temperature of the thermoplastic, and passing the element in the state through the at least two sets of dies wherein the distance between each consecutive set of dies exceeds the deformation length created by the at least two sets of dies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing continuous lengths of compression-molded material containing thermoplastic resin. Discrete lengths of extruded material are indexed through a compression mold. The mold forms, hardens, and integrally joins two successive extruded segments of material. A first molded segment is indexed forward leaving a trailing portion in the mold. A subsequent segment is extruded into the mold, and is integrally joined to the trailing portion by compressing the mold. Subsequent segments can be joined to produce a continuous profiled length formed from recycled thermoplastic material, while avoiding damage and downtime caused by contaminants in recycled material.

Abstract: A continuous molding machine molds heat sensitive thermoplastic material into a finished product. The material is fed into a mold from a source through a mold inlet that is defined by the mold. The cross-sectional shape of the mold is chosen to conform to the desired cross-sectional shape of the product that is being molded. An endless conveyor and a pusher force the material through the mold. Heating apparatus heats the material as it passes through the mold. As it is heated, it conforms to the shape of the mold and, therefore, to the desired shape of the product. Cooling apparatus cools the mass after it is heated and formed to ensure that the mass remains dimensionally stable as it exits the mold. The finished, molded product exits the mold through the mold outlet that is defined by the mold.