Abstract: The invention comprises a die apparatus including a flexible lip for adjusting a gap between the flexible lip and a second lip. The apparatus includes linear moving members that are moved through pivoting pivot members. The pivoting members pivot by adjusting a slide bar. The apparatus may also include a cross-bar contacting the lip and extending substantially the length of the lip, where the cross-bar is connected to the linear moving members that are moved through the pivoting pivot members. As a result, the dimensions of the gap may be changed by moving the slide bar in a first direction or a second direction.

Abstract: The invention comprises a die apparatus including a flexible lip for adjusting a gap between the flexible lip and a second lip. The apparatus includes a rotating shaft that cooperates to move the flexible lip. The rotating shaft may communicate with linear moving members to move the flexible lip. The apparatus may also include a cross-bar contacting the lip and extending substantially the length of the lip, where the cross-bar is connected to the linear moving members that are moved by the rotating shaft. As a result, the dimensions of the gap may be changed by moving the rotating shaft in a first direction or a second direction.

Abstract: The invention comprises a die apparatus including a flexible lip for adjusting a gap between the flexible lip and a second lip. The apparatus includes linear moving members that are adjusted through operative communication with gradients on a slide bar. Ball bearings may be in operative communication with the gradients of the slide bar. Movement of the slide bar causes the ball bearings to move linearly, which, in turn, cause the linear moving members to move in a similar linear direction. The moving members operatively communicate with the lip. As a result, the dimensions of the gap may be changed by moving the slide bar in a first direction.

Abstract: The invention comprises a die apparatus including a flexible lip for adjusting a gap between the flexible lip and a second lip. The apparatus include a cross-bar contacting the lip and extending substantially the length of the lip, where the cross-bar is connected to linear moving members. The linear moving members may be moved, for instance, through pivoting pivot members. The pivoting members may pivot by adjusting a slide bar. As a result, the dimensions of the gap may be changed by moving the slide bar in a first direction or a second direction.

Abstract: A dual-chamber vacuum box for pinning a thermoplastic web to a cooling roll includes a primary vacuum chamber connected to a first vacuum source. The primary vacuum chamber has a first side located proximate a surface of the web at a line of contact between the web and the cooling roll and a second side opposite the first side. A secondary vacuum is chamber connected to a second vacuum source and is positioned adjacent the second side of the primary vacuum chamber. Apparatus is disposed between the primary and secondary vacuum chambers for creating a pressure variation along the line of contact between the web and the cooling roll.