Abstract: An improved method and an improved device for producing a monoaxially or biaxially stretched plastic film are distinguished, inter alia, by the following features: In the intermediate space (Z) tapering in a wedge shape to the contact line (111, 11?) between the melt film or plastic film (5, 5?) and the roller jacket (9) spaced apart therefrom or the roller surface (9?) spaced apart therefrom of the cooling roller (1, 1?), at least one device for preventing precipitation of condensate (K) in the intermediate space (Z) is used and is designed such that precipitation of condensate (a) on the underside (5a) of the melt film or plastic film (5, 5?) facing the roller jacket (9) or on the roller jacket (9) of the cooling roller (1, 1?) is prevented, and/or a condensate (K) which has precipitated there evaporates or vaporises, and/or condensate disposed in the intermediate space (Z) is transported away, suctioned off, or blown out and/or runs out to the side.

Abstract: An apparatus according to various embodiments can be configured to use a cryogen for cooling articles, particularly having applications for chilling extrusions. The apparatus removes thermal energy from an article by conductive and convective heat transfer. The apparatus allows for heat transfer from an outer surface of an article, and from an inner surface of the article.

Abstract: A vacuum raising apparatus for the production of an expanded foodstuff is disclosed, comprising a fluid permeable mould for constraining the foodstuff. The permeability of the mould is substantially uniform throughout so that during vacuum raising fluids from the foodstuff can escape uniformly through the entirety of the mould. The invention also provides a method of vacuum raising a foodstuff comprising constraining an unraised foodstuff within such a mould according to and subjecting the foodstuff within the mould to heat under vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a cooling process and system that can be utilized in the manufacture of flexible elongate extruded materials, such as tubing or jacketed electrical wire and cable. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cooling trough for cooling flexible elongate extruded materials after extrusion. Cooling trough embodiments have a base, a wet cooling chamber above the base, and an air dry chamber above the wet cooling chamber. The base contains a reservoir for collecting and storing a cooling liquid. An extruded material, such as a cable, enters the wet cooling chamber, where the cooling liquid from the reservoir is sprayed onto the material, the material is then passed to the air dry chamber where it is dried.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of a thermoplastic blown film is provided having a blower head for extruding a film tube of a thermoplastic material. An annular ring is provided for blowing a cooling gas on an outside surface of the film tube to solidify the film tube. This cooling gas is directed in a flow direction parallel to a wall of the film tube. The cooling gas is drawn off the tube by means of a suction ring positioned around the tube prior to flattening the tube to form a film tube.

Abstract: A system and methods for collecting and managing air discharged from a melt spinning apparatus. The air management system includes an outer housing defining a first interior space, an intake opening for receiving the discharged air into the first interior space, and an exhaust opening for discharging the air. Positioned within the first interior space is an inner housing defining a second interior space coupled in fluid communication with the exhaust opening and an opening fluidically coupling the first and second interior spaces. The air management system includes a flow control device inside the first interior space that controls the flow of air from the first interior space to the second interior space and an air-directing member outside of the first interior space near the intake opening that extends in a cross-machine direction for dividing the intake opening into two portions in a machine direction.

Abstract: A drying apparatus 10 for casting machine 80, including tunnel 20 divided into first chamber 41 and second chamber 46 by barrier 35. Each chamber 41,46 includes gas inlet 50 connected to gas source 100 for introducing inert carrier gas into chamber 41,46 and gas outlet 60 connected to condenser 71 for removing carrier gas with dissolved solvent from chamber 41,46. Porous diffuser 55 and slotted cover 63 cooperate to maintain smooth plug flow of carrier gas in chamber 41,46. Carrier gas flow is parallel to movement of support strip 91 in first chamber 41 and counter to movement of strip 91 in second chamber 46. Slurry 102 is converted to gel in first chamber 41. Gel is dried to green tape in second chamber 46. Gas pump 76 and flowmeter 77 determine flow rate of carrier gas in chamber 41,46. Partial pressure of solvent vapor is near saturation in first chamber 41; cover heat means 37 prevents condensation of solvent vapor inside tunnel 20. Condenser 71 removes solvent vapor from carrier gas for reuse.

Abstract: An aromatic polycarbonate extruder which is a twin screw extruder for kneading components into a molten aromatic polycarbonate, the extruder having at least one module consisting of a kneading unit, a material seal unit, a back kneading unit and full-flight unit which are arranged from an upstream side to a downstream side and a method of kneading components into an aromatic polycarbonate by using the above extruder. The present invention also provides a kneading apparatus and method for producing an aromatic polycarbonate which has an extremely small content of foreign matter and is free from residence deterioration such as coloration, crosslinking or gelation when the aromatic polycarbonate is to be kneaded with various components.

Abstract: A process for producing a poly(arylene ether) resins includes oxidatively coupling a monohydric phenol in the presence of a solvent and a catalyst to form a soluble poly(arylene ether) and an insoluble poly(arylene ether), separating the soluble poly(arylene ether) and the insoluble poly(arylene ether), and recycling the soluble poly(arylene ether). The process is particularly useful for synthesizing poly(arylene ether) copolymers in which the monomer compositions of soluble and insoluble copolymers may vary.

Abstract: A method of preparing a poly(arylene ether) includes oxidatively polymerizing a monohydric phenol in solution, concentrating the solution by removing a portion of the solvent to form a concentrated solution having a cloud point, Tcloud, adjusting the temperature of the concentrated solution to at least about (Tcloud−10° C.), and combining the concentrated solution with an anti-solvent to precipitate the poly (arylene ether). The method reduces the formation of undesirably fine particles in the product poly(arylene ether).

Abstract: An air handler for collecting air discharged from a melt spinning apparatus. The air handler includes an outer housing having walls defining a first interior space. One of the walls has an intake opening for receiving the discharge air. Another wall has an exhaust opening for discharging the air. The intake opening is in fluid communication with the first interior space. An inner housing is positioned within the first interior space and has walls defining a second interior space. At least one of the walls of the inner housing has an opening. The first interior space communicates with the second interior space through the opening. The second interior space is in fluid communication with the exhaust opening.

Abstract: A method for recovering VOC and HAP emissions in the production of a lignocellulosic product is provided. The method comprises forming a mat of lignocellulosic material by bonding together and mat in a product formation press with an adhesive material to produce the lignocellulosic product. VOC and HAP emissions are produced during the formation of the lignocellulosic product in a product formation press. The VOC and HAP emissions produced are withdrawn during the formation of and lignocellulosic product prior to removal of the lignocellulosic product from the product formation press. Then, the VOC and HAP emissions which are withdrawn from the formation press are recovered without releasing same to the atmosphere. The product formation press is substantially closed to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: Prophylactic devices are made in an inert atmosphere by cooling mandrels on which the devices are to be deposited, dipping the mandrels into a polymeric material in a solvent/carrier and a mold release agent, rotating the mandrels during and after the dipping, and evaporating the solvent after dipping. The apparatus includes an air lock between a section in which these functions are performed and a section located in an air atmosphere for removing the devices from the mandrels, followed by cleaning the mandrels for use in a subsequent production run for making devices.

Abstract: A process and screw in barrel apparatus (10) for expanding cellulosic materials is described. The expanded cellulosic material is useful as an animal feed and a nutrient source for fermentation processes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reclaiming expanded synthetic resin wastes in a form suitable for subsequent injection molding. The apparatus includes a tank containing a solvent having a pump for pumping dissolved resin wastes to an evaporator. The evaporator comprises an endless belt on which dissolved resin waste is deposited and precipitates in the form of a thin film. A heater is disposed below the belt to expedite separation of solute and solvent by evaporation. A blower disposed within a housing enclosing the endless belt establishes air circulation over the belt, further promoting evaporation. The thin film is wound on a roller and subjected to a heated roller to fuse the many thin film strata into a solid, generally cylindrical mass. The solid mass is then comminuted by a granulator. Evaporated solvent is recovered in a condenser and is reused.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for producing flexible fibers (30) of superconducting material includes a crucible (12) for containing a charge of the superconducting material. The material is melted in the crucible (12) and falls in a stream (18) through a bottom hole (16) in the crucible (12). The stream (18) falls through a protecting collar (22) which maintains the stream (18) at high temperatures. The stream (18) is then supplied through a downwardly directed nozzle (26) where it is subjected to a high velocity of a heated gas (36') which breaks the melted superconducting material into ligaments which solidify into the flexible fibers (30). The fibers (30) are collected by directing them against a collection filter (32).

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for cooling asphalt, which includes a cooling zone, such as a cooling chamber through which coolants such as air and water are blown or drawn, and an elongated conveyor for transporting asphalt molds through said cooling zone after said asphalt molds have been lined with plastic and filled with hot asphalt.

Abstract: A melt is converted into pieces by being converted to individual quantities that are dropped onto a cooling surface. Disposed above the cooling surface is a hood having a suction outlet for conducting waste air to a cleaner. Disposed in the hood upstream of the suction outlet is an arrangement of surfaces defining a serpentine flow path for the waste air so that a vaporous component of the waste air crystallizes on the surfaces. The surfaces are formed by plates mounted on a common transport carrier which periodically moves the plates against a scraper for scraping off the crystallized material. Alternately, the surfaces can be defined by endless belts which move against scrapers.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an air compressor (13), which is cooled by direct oil injection, and an air cooler (14) connected downstream of it which serves as a condensate separator. Connected to it is a heat exchanger (18) which is heated by the waste heat from the oil discharged from the air compressor (13). The temperature of the air is raised thereby to a level at which the separators (4) downstream thereof develop their optimum efficiency. The nitrogen flowing out of the separators (4), the purity of which is predetermined by a downstream throttle (3), flows into an inflatable reservoir (5) which is connected to the suction side of a high pressure compressor. The latter discharges into a high pressure storage container which for its part supplies an injection moulding machine. The nitrogen is conveyed in a closed circuit between the injection moulding machine and the inflatable reservoir.

Abstract: A packing sheet is formed on a calender having a rotatable large diameter heated cylinder and a rotatable smaller diameter unheated cylinder, with a gap between the cylinders, by feeding a preformed mixture of rubber material, fiber and solvent into the gap between the cylinders while the cylinders are rotating in opposite directions to form on the circumference of the large diameter cylinder a layer of progressively increasing thickness of the mixture during successive rotation of the cylinders. While the cylinders are thus rotating, heat from an external heat source is applied to the outer surface of the layer of material on the large diameter heated cylinder so that the material is heated both by heat from the large diameter heated cylinder and heat from the external heat source and is thereby vulcanized to form a cylindrical packing sheet. The cylinders are then stopped, the packing sheet is cut lengthwise of the cylinder and is stripped from the cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an ophthalmic lens pumps monomer into one end of a gas permeable tube along its interior length while a chamber surrounding the gas permeable tube is maintained at a subatmospheric pressure by means of a vacuum pump. Preferably, the gas permeable tube is made of silicon rubber. Static mixers introduce mixing into the flow of the monomer within the tube in order to expose the bulk of the monomer to the gas permeable walls of the tube. Under such conditions in the gas permeable tube, the majority of the dissolved gasses are removed from the monomer and continue to be drawn out of the chamber by the pump connected to the chamber. The degassed monomer is then transferred into a mold where it is polymerized into an ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: In a device for producing granules or tablets from fluid materials, the material is fed to the press-slot between a rotative hollow cylinder with an inner toothing and a press-cylinder with an outer toothing that engages the inner toothing. Bores extend from the bottom of the teeth of the inner toothing of the hollow cylinder up to its outer side. The material is pressed through these bores when the hollow cylinder engages the press-cylinder and is laid as tablets or granules on a cooling surface. At least one part of the outer circumference of the hollow cylinder remote from the cooling surface is surrounded by a heating shell. Outside the heating shell and spaced apart from it is arranged another shell in such a way that, between the heating shell and the other shell, a waste gas shaft is formed in communication with a suction nozzle for withdrawing the gases that emanate from the deposited material as it cools.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of reinforced plastic objects uses a body form around which a casing having a cover is placed. The cover includes two cover units which between them defines an opening having an adjustable size and position. The opening provides access into the body form so that reinforced plastic material may be applied therein. The size of the opening is minimized to reduce the amount of environmentally harmful substances escaping therefrom, such as styrene. The position and size of the opening relative to the body form is adjustable to provide a convenient access into the body form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming sheets of a first material, such as a metal, plastic, rubber, or the like, having a primary tank for heating a second molten material and containing the second molten material to form a surface upon which the first material is floated in a molten state. The temperature of the second molten material is maintained below the melting temperature of the first molten material, and the second molten material has a higher specific gravity than the first molten material. Thus, the first molten material floats upon the surface of the second molten material while it solidifies into a sheet of material, which is then withdrawn from the surface of the second molten material. A hood is disposed over the primary tank to remove fumes and vapors which, when removed, are discharged into water where they condense.

Abstract: A process for treating a container comprised of a normally solid, polymer surface with a sulfur-containing compound is carried out by contacting the surface at a temperature of about 120.degree. to about 140.degree. F. with a sulfur-containing compound. Subsequently, the surface is contacted with a neutralizing agent. The process is conducted for a such a period of time and with such concentrations of the sulfur-containing compound and the neutralizing agent that the container has average permeability to unleaded gasoline having octane number of 93 of not greater than about 0.021 g/hr.The surface, after the treatment, comprises about 700 to about 1800 micrograms of sulfur per square inch of the surface and it is penetrated by the sulfur-containing compound to an average depth of at least about 15 microns.

Abstract: For continuous production of a resin film having a plain surface, a resin solution cast in film form over an endless belt is pre-hardened by a gas stream supplied for flow in a direction generally parallel to the surface of the endless belt, and then a jet of gas is blown in the direction of movement of the endless belt whereby the resin is hardened. In the process for resin film production wherein the resin film is cast over the endless belt and then pre-hardened by a parallel gas stream, the cast film being then hardened by a jet of gas, the installation for production is divided by partitions so as to enable various stages to be operated independently.

Abstract: A method of improving solvent vapor containment in a process for extruding a solvent-polymer mixture into a process vessel operated substantially at atmospheric pressure while continuously removing solvent vapor and polymer product from said process vessel is disclosed. The improvement involves connecting, by means of a passage, the process vessel with a containment tank, which containment tank is provided at the bottom thereof with means for solvent vapor removal and recovery. The top of the containment tank is provided with an atmospheric vent to ensure that the solvent vapor in the containment tank is at atmospheric pressure. The passage is further provided with a vapor siphon breaker to prevent siphoning of the solvent vapor from the containment tank back into the process vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the production of building units from an afterhardening mixture containing cement and/or lime as binding material. The raw mixture is continuously fed and pressed by stamping into a die with CO.sub.2 gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric being passed through the raw mixture in the die space. Through an instantaneous reaction of carbonation, the material is hardened to a formed body. The CO.sub.2 gas is prevented from escaping by a gastight seal in the vicinity of the inlet port of the die. Further towards the outlet port, the pressure of the CO.sub.2 gas is decreased. In the vicinity of the outlet port only as much CO.sub.2 gas is fed as is necessary for the completing of the chemical reaction. Thus, any loss of gas will be minimized. The continuously discharged body is cut to size by using a saw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aseptic, particle-free production of articles. A shroud is placed around at least a portion of the device which produces the articles to substantially isolate that portion from the external environment. The device for producing the articles and the shroud are sterilized and the air inside the shroud is filtered and sterilized. A laminar or other type of flow of filtered, sterilized air is imparted through the shroud over the articles being produced. A secondary shroud encloses the corridor or work area adjacent the shroud and device which produces the articles. The corridor and secondary shroud are sterilized, and sterilized and filtered air is continually introduced therein. The articles therefore are particle-free and sterilized for further use. The apparatus and method can be used for any component production process employing high temperatures and/or pressures, including, but not limited to, blow molding, injection molding, and production of semiconductor electronic components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the surface characteristics of wax-based material such as a deodorant or anti-perspirant stick housed in a container is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow walled housing having an inlet and outlet portion. A plurality of rows of horizontally mounted endless conveyors each comprised of a plurality of interconnected conveyor feet are mounted in the housing for moving containers therethrough in reciprocating fashion. A plurality of spaced separators are mounted between the rows and containers move sequentially through these rows from the inlet to the outlet of the housing. A duct system is connected with the housing for circulating air through the housing and creating a reduced pressure therein. A plurality of heating units arranged in sequence are mounted over the rows which units are capable of melting the wax-based material.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system and method for producing a particulate MBOCA product including relatively uniformly sized granules. The system includes a pan granulator, a dust hood enclosing the granulator pan, and a blower for circulating an air stream through the hood to carry away the heat of fusion of the granulation. In a second aspect, the system includes a novel drum charging apparatus having a filler tube extendable into a drum, a dust cup covering the drum opening when the filler tube is inserted therein, and a vacuum for drawing air through the dust cup. Air displaced from the drum and product particles dispersed therein are therefore drawn into the vacuum for subsequent recovery of product particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressing and steam curing a wood-particle mat to produce a wood-particle board includes a pair of pressing belts which are arranged above each other at a distance to define a gap therebetween within which the wood-particle mat is conveyed and shaped. Along its passage through the pressing belts, the wood-particle mat is first moved along a compression zone in which the gap is gradually reduced and then passes along a sizing zone. Cooperating with the pressing is a steam injection unit which includes a steam supply channel system and a steam discharge channel system. Both channel systems border on the pressing gap and are provided with nozzle bores extending towards the gap. Via the supply channel system, steam is injected along the compression zone in direction of the wood-particle mat while the discharge channel system which extends at least along a downstream section of the sizing zone is provided to collect and eventually to discharge steam.

Abstract: In the production of polymeric foam in particular polyurethane foam slabstock, a mixture of foam reactants is allowed to expand in a closed mould while substantially atmospheric pressure is maintained above the upper surface of the foam. After expansion is completed, air is supplied to the foam upper surface and noxious gases in the foam are removed through one or more apertures in the lower region of the mould. Preferably, the air supplied is dry. Removed gases may be collected for re-cycling. Air may be supplied during foam expansion. Various mould aperture arrangements and means for progressively covering the mould are described.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for bringing into proximity and connecting a quench stack and monomer ring for the melt spinning of synthetic polymer fibers. These members are brought into proximity through use of a reel assembly and are connected by means of a clamping device. The clamp, which is mounted on the quench stack, features a drawpiece comprising a rod. The rod is curved into a "U" shape, the base of which engages with a keeper element and the legs of which describe a circle bend prior to terminating in a threaded shank for mounting to the clamp.

Abstract: This invention provides an improvement in a method of cooling molten extruded tube produced by a blown-tube process. The improvement comprises cooling the tube utilizing the heat of evaporation of moisture in steam. The steam is brought into contact with the molten tube after extrusion of the molten tube from an extrusion die, whereby the steam is permitted to expand prior to, during or subsequent to contact with the molten tube. An apparatus is also provided for carrying out the above-described method.

Abstract: An apparatus for making biaxially stretched tubular films of thermoplastic synthetic resin which permits operation in a stabilized manner and economically by using the hot air used in stretching a bubble again in heating a raw film. In said apparatus, a suction ring is provided in the section where a heated raw film is inflated by the gas filled therein under pressure, and the diameter of the resulting stretched bubble reaches its maximum diameter. The suction ring sucks the air used for heating the stretching part simultaneously with the air used for cooling it after stretching to attain a thermal interception effect between the stretching part and the cooling part after stretching. Air flow around the stretching bubble is made uniform.

Abstract: Articles, such as containers, can have their barrier properties improved either by using a small percentage of fluorine or other materials in the gas that is used at the blowing station of an injection blow molding machine. Some of these materials, such as fluorine are a hazard to operators of the machine. This invention encloses the operational stations so that the blowing gas mixture cannot escape into the atmosphere of the shop where the blow molding machine is operating. An inert gas such as nitrogen is mixed with the fluorine gas, and the enclosing housing is purged when the machine is shut down at the end of a run.

Abstract: An apparatus provided for forming articles from thermoplastics sheet by free-blowing, without use of moulds, in which the sheet is pre-heated to elastic state, free-blown by establishing a differential fluid pressure between opposite faces of the sheet and maintained at optimum temperature during the period of free-blowing by heating or cooling by heat-exchange between the sheet and fluid flowing over at least one face. The apparatus comprises a tank divisible into two halves adapted to hold the sheet edgewise in between, the differential fluid pressures being established between the volumes in the two halves and fluid flow over the face of the sheet being established in one half.

Abstract: A machine for treatment of board material with gaseous substances under the influence of negative pressure in which the upper zone of treatment applying the treating gas has a greater surface area applied to the board than the surface area of the lower negative pressure zone applied to the board opposite to the upper zone.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for bringing into proximity and connecting a quench stack and monomer ring for the melt spinning of synthetic polymer fibers. These members are brought into proximity through use of a reel assembly and are connected by means of a clamping device. The clamp, which is mounted on the quench stack, features a drawpiece comprising a rod. The rod is curved into a "U" shape, the base of which engages with a keeper element and the legs of which describe a circle bend prior to terminating in a threaded shank for mounting to the clamp.

Abstract: A briquetting plant for hot briquetting particulate matter, such as mill waste containing a material that softens when heated, such as iron oxide, which includes a low temperature tumbler type heat exchanger, an intermediate temperature tumbler type heat exchanger, a fluid bed furnace and a compactor, with the feed material being fed therethrough in succession. The briquettes produced by the compactor are first fed from the outlet of the compactor into the intermediate temperature heat exchanger, for liberation of heat therein, separated from the feed material by a screen at the outlet of the intermediate temperature heat exchanger and from such screen transported into the low temperature heat exchanger for further imparting of heat to the feed material. A second screen is provided at the outlet of the low temperature heat exchanger for separating and discharging the briquettes in relatively cooled form.