Abstract: A process for preparing an extruded thermoplastic resin elongate foam body comprising an alkenyl-substituted aromatic resin characterized as having a density of between about 0.9 to about 3.5 pounds per cubic foot is described. The process comprises the steps of (A) heat plastifying the thermoplastic resin; (B) adding at least one fluid blowing agent comprising at least one of 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane; (C) uniformly mixing the blowing agent in the resin under a pressure sufficient to prevent blowing of the resin thereby forming a blowable resin mixture; (D) extruding the mixture into a region of reduced pressure which is less than atmospheric pressure wherein the blowable resin mixture expands into a foam body; and (E) cooling the foam body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a foamable, pressurized solution of a gas and a high viscosity polymeric material in a manner which produces a foamed bead having a hollow core. Initial foaming occurs in a nozzle through which the solution is dispensed to atmosphere, at a core of the bead. Subsequent foaming of of the bead exteriorly of the core occurs outside the nozzle, and results in an extruded, foamed bead of high viscosity polymeric material having a tubular shape and particularly suitable for form-in-place gasket applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously taking off a thermoplastic synthetic resin sheet foamed by a vertical foaming furnace which has a rail fixedly disposed horizontally, two bodies mounted obliquely at the same angle in a linear symmetrical manner with respect to a vertical line and moving in parallel along the rail, a driver for driving the bodies, two holding roll rows having a plurality of holding rolls disposed in a zigzag manner along the longitudinal direction of the body, a pair of supports respectively wound on the holding rolls, and sensors having optical fiber sensors electrically connected to the driver and provided at each of the upper ends of the bodies. The interval of the two bodies is defined to be narrow at its top and wider toward the lower interval. The degree of the width of the foamed sheet is determined by the angle. The sensor includes two casing halves. One casing half contains a light emitting unit of the optical fiber sensor.

Abstract: The method of making polystyrene foam for foam products which includes utilizing atmospheric gases as the blowing agents or preferably mixing one or more of these gases and a blending agent which is non-volatile at the extrusion temperatures, introducing the mixture to a molten thermoplastic polystyrene resin containing nucleating agents such as sodium bicarbonate and citric acid and extruding the thermoplastic in the form of a foam. The resultant foam has substantially no residual blowing agent, is dimensionally stable at ambient temperatures and when used with a non-volatile blending agent can be made with small amounts of blowing agent permitting cooling of the melt without high loading on the extruder. The foam may be coextruded with one or more layers of thermoplastic films so that the resultant product is adpated for use for plates, cups, food containers or packaging and for labells for containers such as glass and plastic containers and for labels that are shrunk in place on a container.

Abstract: A method of producing a polyurethane foam comprising the steps of dissolving rapidly and substantially completely a non-condensible non-reactive gas in a liquid isocyanate component or a liquid polyol component or both while the isocyanate and polyol components are maintained separate from one another, while controlling the flow of the non-reactive gas to maintain a predetermined dissolved gas to liquid ratio, and while maintaining the component in which the nucleating agent is being dissolved under pressure sufficient to maintain the gas in solution and to hold substantially constant the dissolved gas to liquid ratio and mixing the previously separated isocyanate and polyol components together while reducing the pressure to nucleate the dissolved gas in the isocyanate and polyol components and while impinging liquid streams of the composition together thereby enhancing mixing and permitting the mixture to foam so as to form a fine celled polyurethane foam.

Abstract: An improved static mixer for use in a plural component dispensing apparatus is disclosed having a spacer intermediate a plurality of mixing elements to enhance the mixing and blending of the plural components. The static mixer may employ an air assist to increase the mixing energy within static mixer.

Abstract: A process for producing tubular film from a thermoplastic molten material, including supplying an annular stream of thermoplastic material through a passageway substantially free of flow interurptions having a plurality of axially aligned-annularly spaced feed ports, funneling and recombining the annular stream of thermoplastic material after being supplied through the feed ports to evenly recombine the thermoplastic material, and forming a tubular stream of thermoplastic film having a substantially uniform thickness throughout.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making a lightweight article which involves the steps of: (1) feeding a thermoplastic resin composition into an extruder, wherein the thermoplastic resin composition contains (a) from about 94 to about 99 weight percent polyethylene terephthalate, and (b) from about 1 to about 6 weight percent of at least one polyolefin; (2) mixing an inert gas into the thermoplastic resin composition in the extruder while the thermoplastic resin composition is in the molten state; (3) extruding the thermoplastic resin composition containing the inert gas through a sheet forming die to produce a substantially amorphous cellular sheet which contains a sufficient amount of inert gas cells to provide the cellular sheet with a density which is within the range of about 0.4 to about 1.25; and (4) thermoforming the cellular sheet in a heated mold to produce the lightweight article. Dual-ovenable trays and other types of food containers can be made utilizing the process of this invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to the manufacture of flexible porous irrigation pipe having an essentially uniform porosity throughout its length which is produced by extruding an essentially moisture-free non-homogeneous, mixture of pre-vulcanized elastomeric particles such as reclaimed crumb rubber from vehicle tire treads in major amount and a thermoplastic polymer binder such as low-density polyethylene in minor amount. The mixture is intimately mixed and extruded from an unvented extruder through an annular extruder die at a precisely-controlled temperature and then through a lengthy cooling liquid bath, the rate of pull-off through the extruder die and liquid bath being maintained constant. The leak rate of the fluid delivered from the porous pipe is substantially uniform over a lengthy prescribed dimension exhibiting a delivery variation of less than about 5 percent per unit of length.

Abstract: A foamed and expanded low density polyethylene sheet or tube possesses both superior buoyancy and thermal resistance characteristics. The sheet or tube is made by a process including mixing a low density polyethylene with a blowing agent, surface activation agent and, preferably, a separation agent, heating the mixture at different temperatures to first melt the mixture and then gasify the blowing agent to expand the polyethylene cells, cooling the melted mass to partially harden and shrink the expanded cells, further expanding the cells by introducing a second gaseous blowing agent, cutting, extruding and cooling the expanded mass, forming a sheet or tube from the cooling mass, and finally cooling the sheet or tube for at least 24 hours. A buoyant, thermal resistant, water-repellent and moisture resistant sheet or tube results, which can be used, for example, as a liner for garments, including sports, business and military garments and other related equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a foam product, wherein an elastomeric base material, which is solid at ambient temperatures, and a liquid material are combined to form a foam product, comprising heating the base material to melt the material, heating the liquid material to maintain the liquid at an elevated temperature above ambient, metering simultaneously portions of the base material and liquid material, mixing the portions, thereafter heat conditioning the mixture at a temperature above the melting temperature of the base material, subsequently conditioning the mixture to a lower temperature below that of the melting temperature of the base material and finally elevating the temperature of the mixture to about the melting temperature of the base material to provide a product suitable for use as a sealant such as a gasket. The temperatures and pressures of the materials throughout the dispensing are controlled thereby producing a uniformly consistent and repetitively formed foam product.

Abstract: The method of forming a porous pipe including extruding in a plasticized state two particulate incompatible resins, one of which is a thermosetting resin and the other a thermoplastic resin, and passing a gas through the wall of the extruding pipe and into the atmosphere to form a maze of gas passages between the particles of the incompatible resins.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing tubular film from thermoplastic molten material including a tubular housing having an axially-aligned interior defined inner surface, an elongated member including an outer surface disposed within the inner surface of the housing and spaced therefrom providing a passageway, and an alignment member having a plurality of annularly-spaced feed ports defining an inside surface, the alignment member securely connecting the elongated member to the housing, wherein the inner surface of the housing, the outer surface of the elongated member and the plurality of annularly-spaced feed ports define an annular-axially aligned passageway for allowing a balanced flow of thermoplastic material therethrough.

Abstract: A multicolored foam product and a method for the preparation thereof. Heat-plastified foamable gel of a thermoplastic resin or resins containing blowing agents are combined with different coloring materials added sequentially and extruded through an orifice of a die which is extended in length to facilitate laminar flow in the resin. This resin is expanded to form a multicolored layered foam product, such as multicolored foam planking, in a single extrusion. Multicolored foam planking produced is suitable for use as the body material for surfboards, body boards, and other recreational products.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained apparatus and method for expanding loose fill foam material for packaging includes an eductor having a fan, a venturi chamber, and a wire mesh cage arrangement for automatically feeding expandable loose fill material to a hopper. The loose fill material is then uniformly fed through the hopper by air pressure in conjunction with gravity to an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber includes a stepped conveyance platform disposed over a stepped steam chamber, and a track arrangement for simultaneously conveying and tumbling the loose fill material across each conveyance platform step. A condensing unit disposed above the expansion chamber removes excess moisture from the expansion chamber and provides warm dry air to a discharge housing from which the expanded loose fill material is discharged from the expansion chamber.

Abstract: The method enables the manufacture of a weather strip including a profiled section with a cross-section in the form of a web terminating in a head, the extent of the web being variable between a minimum value and a maximum value. For this purpose, an extrusion is formed which includes a tab part having a transverse extent greater than the maximum value: immediately the tab has been extruded, it is divided into first and second flows of extruded material; the section of the first of these flows has an area at least equal to the area of the section of the profiled section of the weather strip to be manufactured. The proportions into which the tab is divided in the two flows are altered in dependence on the advance of the extrusion, in correspondence with the variations in the transverse extent of the web of the profiled section it is desired to produce.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the continuous production of microcellular plastic web material having integral unmodified laminar skin. In accordance with the invention a web of plastic material impregnated with an inert gas is delivered continuously to a degassing device in which the degree to which gas diffuses out of the surfaces of the web can be selectively and continuously controlled, whereupon the web enters a foaming station where it is reheated to induce foaming. The temperature of the reheated web and the duration of the foaming process prior to quenching are also selectively controllable to produce the desired web characteristics.

Abstract: A method for obtaining expanded polystyrene products comprising portions of comparatively very different densities and thus of different mechanical strengths, in which a first mass of pre-expanded polystyrene beads of greater density is caused to partially cohere by means of steam, the resultant mass is placed in a mould of greater dimensions, said mould is completely filled with polystyrene beads of density less than the preceding, and cohesion is completed therein.

Abstract: Plastic foam insulation panels are fabricated in a continuous elongated strip by an apparatus comprising upper and lower generally horizontally extending conveyors which form a support for the foam material during the expansion and solidification thereof. The thickness of the panel is determined by the vertical spacing between adjacent runs of the respective conveyors and the panel width is determined by spaced apart longitudinally extending sideplates which, together with the upper and lower conveyor runs define the cross-sectional dimensions of the insulation panel. The sideplates are mounted on laterally extending arms secured to spaced apart support stanchions and the position of the respective sideplates may be adjusted to vary the width of the panel.

Abstract: A foamed thermoplastic article having an integral outer unfoamed skin layer is formed from a mixture of thermoplastic resin containing a blowing agent by removing at least a portion of the blowing agent in the die of the extruder. The blowing agent is removed, e.g., by modifying the die so that it incorporates a porous section whcih allows the blowing agent to be removed from the mixture.

Abstract: A high pressure mixing head for mixing reactive components in reaction injection molding includes a mixing chamber discharging into a quieting chamber and an injection valve for injecting reactive component into the mixing chamber. Recirculation passages for the reactive component are provided in the mixing chamber and internally of the injection valve. The recirculation passage internally of the injection valve is selectably opened and closed as is the outlet from the injection valve into the mixing chamber. Both the injection valve outlet and the recirculation passage internally of the injection valve are selectably throttleable.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for optimizing a method of producing a foam or expanded thermoplastic material, the material usually being mixed with a propellant. The apparatus comprises a filter unit which is disposed between and connects, a fusing and homogenizing extrusion device and a dynamic cooling device. The material is fed into the apparatus at one end of the extrusion device and passes sequentially through the extrusion device, the filter unit and the cooling device. Separate drive means are provided for the fusing and homogenizing extrusion device and the cooling device respectively. Both the extrusion device and the cooling device are disposed on a common longitudinal axis. The connections of the two devices to the filter unit is effected by means of flange mountings. The filter units also includes interchangeable filters which are traversed by the material. In the filter unit, the material flows through a conduit which flares conically outwardly from the filter to the inlet of the cooling device.

Abstract: An aqueous frothed and filled vinyl chloride and/or vinylidene chloride polymer latex containing an emulsified plasticizer is used to coat and impregnate the back of a carpet. The carpet containing the froth is heated to drive off or evaporate the water and gel the vinyl polymer. While still hot or soft, the froth on the carpet is densified to obtain uniform dimensions or thickness. The resulting laminate is then cooled and cut to the required shape and size for carpet tiles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for extruding thermoplastic compositions comprising an extruder, a die, and a cooling device positioned between the extruder and the die for cooling the heat plastified resinous composition exiting from the extruder to a uniform temperature desired for extrusion through the extrusion die. The cooling device includes at least one enclosed flow path for conveying the resinous composition from the inlet of the cooling device to the outlet of the cooling device, structure for circulating a cooling medium about the entire circumference of each of the resin flow paths, and flow control orifices at the inlet and the outlet of the cooling means across the entire cross-section of each of the resin flow paths.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of and apparatus for moulding from an expandable plastics material such as expandable polystyrene beads, an elongate article which has a length greater than the length of the mould. The method includes the steps of introducing the unexpanded plastic material into a mould, expanding the material in such a manner that the material at one end of the article is not fully expanded, moving the article along the mould partially through an opening in its end, introducing fresh material into the mould to be in contact with the partially expanded material at one end of the article and fully expanding and bonding the fresh and partially expanded material in the contact zone between the two.

Abstract: Described is a process for preparing extruded functional fluid and solid-containing thermoplastic foamed particles using chemical blowing agents or direct gas extrusion processes, uses of such foamed particles and articles produced from said foamed particles. The process described involves the use of a single screw or double screw extruder wherein the resin particles are added upstream from the functional fluid or solid which, in turn, is added to the extruder upstream from the point of addition of the liquid or gaseous blowing agent.

Abstract: Uniformly porous foamed erasers and process for the production thereof, the process comprising continuously mixing air or other gas into a flowable plasticized mixture and gelling the mixture by introducing the same continuously to a heating mean.

Abstract: An extruder for delivering foamed glue from a foamer selectively to a plurality of spaced apart outlet orifices for extrusion onto a substrate surface and to bypass passageways for diverting the foamed glue to a defoamer for subsequent return to the foamer, is formed of three elongated flat blocks secured together releasably in face-abutting relationship. The surfaces of the outer, inlet and bypass blocks facing the center coupling block are recessed to provide a plurality of passageways all of which extend substantially equal distances from inlet and bypass ports in the inlet and bypass blocks, respectively, to a plurality of coupling ports in the coupling block. An air pressure operated selector valve in the bypass block is operable to communicate the coupling ports selectively with the bypass passageways for bypassing foamed glue to the defoamer and with the outlet orifices for extruding foamed onto a substrate surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continually metering a gaseous blowing agent in an accurate and precise manner into a molten resin charge, such as polystyrene. This is accomplished by a free piston-cylinder combination which is actuated by the gas blowing agent and which continually meters discrete uniform volumetric charges of the gaseous agent into the molten resin. The blowing agent is uniformly distributed throughout the resin charge and extruded into a region of lower pressure to yield a foamed structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for extruding thermoplastic resinous compositions, comprising the steps of heat plastifying the resinous composition in an extruder; cooling the heat plastified resinous composition exiting from the extruder to a uniform temperature desired for extrusion through an extrusion die, including conveying the resinous composition through at least one enclosed flow path in a cooling device, circulating a cooling medium about the entire circumference of each of the resin flow paths and controlling by the means of orifices the flow of thermoplastic at the inlet and the outlet of the cooling device across substantially the entire cross-section of each of the resin flow paths; and, extruding the cooled thermoplastic resinous composition through an extrusion die downstream of the cooling device.

Abstract: A water-wet polymer is extruded through a die plate. Free water formed by extruding action at the die plate is atomized and/or evaporated into an air stream. The die plate assembly discharges the rubber/moisture into a closely adjacent cone/funnel-receiver openly surrounding the die plate, and connecting to and discharging into a lesser diameter conveying tube. The die plate and surrounding funnel are enclosed by a chamber so that air, input tangentially into the enclosure, provides a swirling vortex air flow at the die plate assisting in severing and stripping rubber particles from the die plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a foamed polymeric sheet having comparatively high density skin layers. Molten polymer containing a foaming agent is extruded from a die into a post-extrusion region defined by the die and a spaced pair of rotating chill rolls which are spaced from the die. The post-extrusion region is maintained at a pressure sufficient to at least inhibit expansion of the foamable molten polymer through the use of cooled sealing elements which occupy a substantial portion of the space between the die and the chill rolls, and are spaced from the chill rolls. The rolls and the sealing elements are cooled so that foamable molten polymer in the space between the sealing elements and the rolls becomes solidified, completing the seal. The chill rolls are maintained at a temperature below the temperature of the molten polymer to aid the skin formation on the surfaces of the polymer. If desired, the polymer can pass directly from the chill rolls into a water bath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a substantially uniform thermoplastic foam extruded from an extruder, the molten thermoplastic resin having uniformly distributed therein a foaming agent. A cooling-mixer continuously receives the extruded mass of resin and foaming agent from the extruder and intimately mixes and substantially cools the mass. A substantially adiabatic zigzag mixer is connected to the cooling-mixer and divides the mass into a plurality of separate streams which are at least partially separated and recombined. A die is connected to the zigzag mixer and extrudes the uniformly cooled mass into a lower pressure zone to produce a substantially uniform thermoplastic foam.

Abstract: A fibrillated strand is made by a method wherein first a mass of a powder of a high polymer is compressed into a substrate having a density smaller than that of the high polymer and having a multiplicity of gas-filled voids. Then an intense heat beam is played on the substrate to melt the high-polymer powder and simultaneously heat the gas of the voids to explosively enlarge same while the beam and substrate are relatively displaced so that the substrate is melted along a path. The substrate is cooled at least at the path after irradiation by the beam to form a porous strand extending along the path in the substrate. This strand is separated from the substrate and is then at least uniaxially stretched. The beam is a CO.sub.2 TEM.sub.oo -mode laser beam and the method further comprises the step of focussing the laser beam on the substrate. The fused strand of the substrate is cooled so rapidly that it is normally not melted all the way through from top to bottom and from side to side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entraining gas as a blowing agent in a thermoplastic melt to provide a foamed thermoplastic extrudate wherein an annular sheet-like flow of gas under pressure is impinged on a tubular configuration of melt to entrain the gas in the melt is disclosed. Also disclosed is an improved method and apparatus for controlling the pressure in the thermoplastic melt.

Abstract: An improved machine for the continuous molding of polystyrene is described in which granules of polystyrene containing a heat-activated expansion agent are converted into a coherent agglutinated body. The machine includes an open ended molding chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end. The pre-expanded polystyrene granules enter the molding chamber through the inlet end of the molding chamber and continuously move through the chamber. As the polystyrene granules move through the chamber they are subjected to heat to cause their expansion. The improved molding chamber includes interior wall surface portions that operate to limit the expansion of the polystyrene granules in order to produce a dimensionally stable cross section in the agglutinated body. At least a portion of the interior wall surface portions are stationary.

Abstract: An extrusion head for moldings to be used in the construction of window, door and the like frames, as well as a molding produced thereby, are provided. A frequently encountered problem in the manufacture of plastics material moldings for window and door frames is represented by the necessity of increasing the mechanical strength and thermal insulation properties thereof, as well as the necessity of minimizing the amount of plastics material utilized. This technical problem is solved by providing an extrusion head affording the possibility of producing in one pass a molding having an outer skin of rigid PVC and an inner lining, adhering to said skin, made of rigid foamed PVC and defining an inner cavity. The extrusion head is provided, for this purpose, with a first mouth and a second mouth, having both a closed contour and being arranged one within the other, which are fed from two supply channels, independent of each other and so constructed as not to interfere with each other.

Abstract: An extruder system has an extruder provided internally with a worm. A source of an additive fluid under pressure is connected to a conduit opening into the barrel. An upstream valve and a downstream valve are provided in this conduit and a pressurizable fluid reservoir is provided in the conduit between the valves. The extruder is continuously rotated in the barrel to plastify a resin therein. The valves are alternatively opened and closed, that is one is open when the other is closed and vice versa, so that a fluid first flows from the source through the upstream valve into the reservoir and then from the reservoir through the downstream valve into the barrel to be mixed by the worm with the plastic resin therein. The reservoir can be a cylinder having a piston advanced when the downstream valve is opened to force the charge of additive fluid in the reservoir into the barrel.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing a continuously molded thermoplastic sheet from heat expandable granules in a heated zone within a molding channel. The disclosed invention includes introducing a predetermined amount of water into the molding channel to wet the granules either prior to or contemporaneously with the introduction of a hot gas into the granules to expand the granules into a continuous thermoplastic sheet. The water is drained from the channel subsequent to the expansion of the granules.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for extruding an expandable thermoplastic composition onto an elongated article is disclosed comprising an extruder housing; a cylindrical extruder screw axially positioned within an extruder barrel within the housing; a device for heating the expandable thermoplastic composition passing through the hollow chamber; a gas input for supplying an inert gas into the extruder barrel; and a die head attached to the output end of the extruder housing through which an elongated article is passed for the extrusion thereon of the expandable thermoplastic composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for extruding thermoplastic compositions, comprising an extruder; a cooling device positioned downstream of the extruder for cooling the heat plastified thermoplastic resinous composition exiting from the extruder to a uniform temperature desired for extrusion through an extrusion die, the cooling device including at least one enclosed flow path for conveying the resinous composition from the inlet of the cooling device to the outlet of the cooling device, structure for circulating a cooling medium about the entire circumference of each of the resin flow paths and a device for maintaining a hydraulic balance between the inlet and the outlet of the cooling means across the entire cross-section of each of the resin flow paths; and an extrusion die positioned downstream of the cooling device.

Abstract: A method of forming a foam-skin insulation on telephone wires, wherein a homogenuous flow of basic plastic is divided into two separate flows one of which is subjected to mixing with a foam agent while the other, intended to form an outer layer of solid plastic, is bypassed directly to an extruder tool. The apparatus used for the method comprises one single extruder, the extruder head whereof is provided with a flow dividing piece guiding one flow past foam injecting nozzles and the other flow through a separate branch channel to the extruder tool.

Abstract: Method for dispersing a fluid additive within only a portion of a stream of thermoplastic material comprising the steps of(a) flowing said stream of thermoplastic material into a channel having walls of substantially circular cross section, into which there has been placed a rotating mixer head having in the surface thereof a plurality of alternate lands and grooves each of said lands and grooves having an upstream end and a downstream end, said lands alternating with said grooves and being arranged in pairs, each of said pairs having a land in loose clearance with said wall followed by a land in close clearance with said wall, said mixer head having an unobstructed internal passage positioned therein over a substantial portion of its terminal length and a plurality of conduits severally connecting elongated zones between said lands pairs and said hollow internal passage, and(b) injecting said fluid additive into said channel at a position between said upstream and downstream ends of said lands and grooves.

Abstract: Material such as panels, boards, and flexible sheets are produced and processed while passing between two or more surfaces at least one of which has a thin layer of pressurized fluid in direct contact with the product. While in this process zone, the item is shaped, coated, smoothed, textured, heated, cooled, compressed, dried, and/or impregnated. For example, expandable resin is deposited in a continuously formed bag of upper and lower sheet material so that the resin may expand and cure as it is drawn in through a fixed rigid mold having upper and lower (and perhaps side) porous material walls through which pressurized fluid is passed to provide a fluid bearing support and molding surface. The temperature, pressure and flow of the fluid is monitored and controlled separately at spaced locations along the length of the mold to control curing rate, foaming rate, surface characteristics and resistance of material moving through the mold.

Abstract: A granular polyurethane cellular medium for absorbing water-borne, water insoluble hydrocarbons, method for its preparation and production system. The granular medium is formed by prereacting polyisocyanate or a prepolymer with a linear monohydric alcohol to form a prepolymer. This prepolymer subsequently is reacted with a polyol and blowing agent within a flexible sheet bun mold. Following molding of the bun within the flexible sheet, the bun is transferred to a comminution stage within a predetermined time period whereupon it is granulated. The material is fabricable at low cost and under a broad range of environmental conditions permitting flexibility in selecting the site for production of the material. The material exhibits an unusually high affinity for the water-borne contaminant hydrocarbons, does not absorb water and lends itself to low-cost production procedures.

Abstract: A process is presented for forming flexible foam, polyurethane foam material having an integral skin, and polyurethane foam laminates, from a thermosetting frothed mixture, particularly a mechanically frothed mixture. Also presented is a flexible polyurethane foam material having an integral skin, and polyurethane foam laminates.

Abstract: Gas-flow control apparatus for delivering a constant volumetric flow of gas to an extruder through which a molten thermoplastic resin is being processed. The gas-flow control apparatus consists of a compressor having an intake and a discharge and is operable to produce a constant volumetric gas flow output. A discharge conduit connects the compressor discharge with the extruder and a feedback loop system consisting of a feedback conduit connects the compressor discharge with the compressor intake and includes a bypass valve. The feedback loop system thus is operable to divert a selected fraction of the compressor output back to the compressor intake thereby to control the volume of gas supplied to the extruder. Flow measuring apparatus measures the volume of the supply gas delivered to the compressor which is equal to the volume of the gas delivered to the extruder and regulates the bypass valve so that a predetermined volumetric flow of gas to the extruder is maintained.

Abstract: A foam extrusion apparatus and method employs tandem extruders mounted on horizontal rails for movement toward and away from the end of a vacuum chamber which is in the form of an elongated inclined barometric leg. The upper end of the chamber is closed by a substantial bulkhead also supported on rails and held in inclined position to close the end of the chamber when moved thereagainst. A die is positioned on the inside of the bulkhead and aligned with the leg when closed. The extruders are connected to the die through a length of pipe supported through the bulkhead by a stainless steel bellows. The pipe externally of the bulkhead is provided with a circulating jacket for temperature control. The die is adjustable externally of the bulkhead. The extruders, die and bulkhead are movable as a unit or separately toward and away from the chamber to provide access to the die and the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: Applicator device for flowable reaction masses includes a crossbeam for distributing reaction mass and lines for feeding the reaction mass to the crossbeam, the crossbeam being formed with an inner hollow chamber communicating with the feeding lines for receiving reaction mass therefrom and an outer hollow space external to the inner hollow chamber, an inner wall separating the outer hollow space and the inner hollow chamber from one another, the inner wall being formed at uppermost locations thereof with overflow openings for passage into the outer hollow space of reaction mass fed by the feeding lines into the inner hollow chamber, and an outer wall at least partly surrounding the outer hollow space and formed with discharge openings for discharge of reaction mass received in the outer hollow space from the inner hollow chamber.

Abstract: Bonded non-woven mineral fibre mat is made by a process including the steps of forming a foam from an aqueous solution or suspension of a binder, impregnating a non-woven mat with the foam and then selectively removing a major portion of the water from the mat prior to setting and/or curing the binder.