Abstract: A method of handling components for a sheet extrusion system including the steps of: obtaining a carriage configured to support different components each making up a part of a sheet extrusion system; placing a first of the different components in a supported staging position on the carriage; and performing an operation on the first of the different components in the supported staging position to at least one of: a) transport the first of the different components; b) perform a maintenance step on the first of the different components; c) repair the first of the different components; or d) set the first of the different components up for installation. The method further includes the steps of: separating the first of the different components from the supported staging position on the carriage; and reconfiguring the carriage to maintain a second of the different components, that is different in configuration than the first of the different components, in a supported staging position on the carriage.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a heated flexible sheet, with oppositely facing surfaces, that is advanced in a processing path. A first cooling roll has a first peripheral surface for contacting one of the sheet surfaces. A second cooling roll has a second peripheral surface for contacting the other sheet surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a formable material having at least first and second relatively repositionable units. The first unit has a sheet die, with the second unit having a rotary drum with a peripheral forming surface for receiving flowable material from the sheet die. The first and second units can be selectively changed between an operating relationship and a setup relationship, with the latter causing at least one space to be defined/enlarged and within which an operator can maneuver to gain access to a region of at least one of the first and second units. With the first and second units in the operating relationship, moldable sheets can be processed by causing the moldable sheets to be applied, and conformed, to the peripheral forming surface on the rotary drum.

Abstract: An extruder assembly has a frame with upstream and downstream ends. A barrel assembly on the frame has a passage. At least one material advancing component resides at least partially within the passage and is configured to be turned around an operating axis to thereby cause material to be conveyed from a passage inlet to a passage outlet. A drive assembly turns the at least one material advancing component around its operating axis and has a motor on the frame situated so that at least a part of the motor is in lengthwise overlapping relationship with the barrel assembly. The drive assembly is configured to turn the one material advancing component around its operating axis at a speed of at least 300 rpm.

Abstract: A die assembly through which flowable material from a supply is controllably delivered to a processing assembly at which a sheet layer is formed. The die assembly has a main frame and a support assembly for the main frame. The support assembly includes components cooperating between the main frame and a base upon which the main frame is supported to allow controlled relative vertical movement between the main frame and base to thereby permit controlled alignment between the main frame and an upstream component that delivers flowable material from the supply to the die assembly.

Abstract: A polymer filter assembly through which flowable material from a supply is directed for processing before passing to a die assembly through which the flowable material is delivered to form a sheet layer. The polymer filter assembly has a polymer filter frame that supports processing components for the flowable material and a support assembly for the polymer filter frame. The support assembly includes components cooperating between the polymer filter frame and a base upon which the polymer filter frame is supported to allow controlled relative vertical movement between the polymer filter frame and base to thereby permit controlled alignment between the polymer filter frame and at least one of: a) an upstream component that delivers flowable material from the supply; and b) the die assembly.

Abstract: A support system through which a first extrusion roll is operatively mounted upon a frame. The first extrusion roll has a shaft that has a first operating axis and axially spaced first and second ends. A first support assembly at the first shaft end has a first housing. A second support assembly acting between the frame and the first support assembly and has a second housing. The second housing is movable relative to the frame to selectively change a relationship between the first extrusion roll and a second extrusion roll on the frame that has a second operating axis and cooperates with the first extrusion roll during formation of a product. The first housing is movable guidingly relative to the second housing along a first path to thereby change an angular relationship between the first and second operating axes.

Abstract: A roll stand assembly for processing a sheet product with a plurality of rolls on a frame. A first roll has a first sheet engaging surface and a first shaft assembly. A second roll has a second sheet engaging surface and a second shaft assembly. The first and second rolls are relatively movable between: a) an operating relationship; and b) an open relationship. A safety assembly prevents inadvertent changing of the first and second rolls from the open relationship into the operating relationship. The safety assembly includes a first chuck component mounted for movement relative to the frame between: a) a running position wherein the safety assembly is in a disengaged state; and b) a lockout position.

Abstract: A roll stand assembly for processing a sheet product with a plurality of rolls on a frame. A first roll has a first sheet engaging surface and a first shaft assembly. A second roll has a second sheet engaging surface and a second shaft assembly. The first and second rolls are relatively movable between: a) an operating relationship; and b) an open relationship. A safety assembly prevents inadvertent changing of the first and second rolls from the open relationship into the operating relationship. The safety assembly includes a first chuck component mounted for movement relative to the frame between: a) a running position wherein the safety assembly is in a disengaged state; and b) a lockout position.