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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 30, 1996
Date of Patent:
August 4, 1998
Assignee:
Ecologix Corporation
Inventors:
Frederick M. Barnard, Timothy C. Rozema, Martin J. Walsh, Andrew C. Poste