Abstract: A thermal translator device providing improved performance and faster expansion response, is described. Also described is an extrusion apparatus including a plurality of thermal translator devices operatively arranged for thermally actuated, localized action upon the lip. The thermal translator device includes a thermal energy source disposed within a structural member. The thermal energy source and the structural member are an integral unit. Also described is an extrusion apparatus including tie rods for a support assembly otherwise without support.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus having an internal deckle system, includes a deckle blade that extends through an end of the apparatus into a flow passageway. The apparatus may beneficially include a cold-formable, sealing member for preventing leakage through the apparatus end. In a variation, the apparatus may include an upstream deckle plug that includes a sealing member formable under heat and compression to prevent leakage transversely past the upper deckle plug. In a further variation, a full width, upper deckle plug may extend through an end of the main body into the manifold. A wavy or scalloped edge may be avoided by an extended portion that extends downwardly and terminates at or near the exit orifice.

Abstract: An improved extrusion apparatus having an internal deckle, includes a toothed rack and a rotatable gear for positioning the deckle. The apparatus may include an independently adjustable, upstream deckle. A brake mechanism that assists the control of deckle movement, is also provided. A tongue and groove, sliding fit of the deckles may be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for preparing composites including layers having thermally distinct processing requirements. Beneficially, the process may use a single manifold die. By the process, useful containers may be manufactured.

Abstract: An improved extrusion apparatus having an internal deckle system, is provided. The extrusion apparatus includes a body portion which includes a flow passageway. The deckle system includes a deckle member having a full width, manifold plug portion and a fin-shaped plug portion, each extending through an end of the body portion into the flow passageway.

Abstract: An improved extrusion apparatus includes an adjustable deckle and a flow channel in the deckle that makes possible extrusion of a composite stream, and in particular a side-by-side composite stream. Beneficially, an end plate of the apparatus includes an inwardly projecting portion disposed in precision sliding fit within the deckle channel. Also provided is a process for composite extrusion with width adjustment.

Abstract: An improved apparatus providing for uniformity of web thickness is disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a plurality of gap-controlling, thermal energy sources, and in heat-exchange communication with the thermal energy sources, an assembly for compensating for temperature variation proximate to the thermal energy sources and across the apparatus width. The thermal compensating assembly includes a heat exchange jacket, and in combination therewith, a heat-exchanging, working fluid that undergoes a phase change in performing its heat exchange function.

Abstract: An improved apparatus providing for uniformity of web thickness. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a plurality of gap-controlling, thermal energy sources, and in heat-exchange communication with the thermal energy sources, an assembly for compensating for temperature variation proximate to the thermal energy sources and across the apparatus width. The thermal compensating assembly includes a heat exchange jacket, and in combination therewith, a heat-exchanging, working fluid that undergoes a phase change in performing its heat exchange function.In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes an element disposed along an exit slot-forming lip, that reduces localized thermal gradients along the lip. This element functions as a heat sink and a heat source proximate to the lip gap, and likewise includes a heat-exchanging, working fluid that undergoes a phase change.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel extrusion apparatus including a flow channel having a modified preland channel that functions as a flow transition zone. The flow transition zone changes the widthwise flow volume of a stream passing therethrough so as to provide for substantially equal flow volume of the stream across the flow channel width as the stream exits from the transition zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel extrusion apparatus and process that avoid flow stream divergence. More particularly, an improved end feed, extrusion apparatus and process are provided. Compensation by gap adjustment is beneficially reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extrusion apparatus having an improved mechanism for thermally-controlled, lip gap adjustment. The apparatus includes a flow path for a gaseous cooling medium, in which flow path a plurality of temperature-responsive, lip gap adjustment members are disposed. In contact with each such adjustment member is a heating element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel extrusion apparatus that is advantageous for converging rheologically dissimilar streams. Flow transition of a converging stream can be beneficially effected. For instance, a converging stream may be specially contoured by mere mechanical adjustment of a flow-restricting member of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel extrusion apparatus and process that are advantageous for converging rheologically dissimilar streams. Advantageously, stream convergence is effected proximate to the exit orifice to obviate or reduce the time migration effect. In an edge-laminating extrusion die in accordance with the invention, the width of an edge of an edge-laminated product may be mechanically defined.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extrusion apparatus having an improved mechanism for thermally-controlled, lip gap adjustment. The apparatus includes a flow path for a gaseous cooling medium, in which flow path a plurality of temperature-responsive, lip gap adjustment members are disposed. Structurally associated with each such adjustment member is a heating wire.