Abstract: Combustible packages for containing a fuel source and a fire started are provided. A combustible package may include a cardboard outer wall and top and bottom lids for substantially closing top and bottom openings defined by the outer wall. Each lid may define a central panel for extending across an opening and a plurality of tabs for facilitating a press fit between the lids and the outer wall. Each lid may also define a central opening for receiving an end of a fire starter. The fire starter may be wound paper tube impregnated with an accelerant. The fuel source may be a plurality of charcoal briquettes contained between the outer wall, the top and bottom lids and the fire starter. The outer wall may define one or more ventilation openings between the bottom edge and the bottom lid. Or the bottom edge may be scalloped to provide ventilation openings.

Abstract: An arcuate die board formed as a multi-layered paperboard structure. The die board is initially produced as a full cylindrical paperboard tube, which is subsequently cut lengthwise to form two or more part-cylindrical portions each of which is used to fabricate a die board. The die board is then cut to form the slots in its outer surface for mounting die tools. The multi-layered paperboard tube can be spirally wound, convolutely wound, or formed by a linear draw process. The part-cylindrical wall is formed predominantly, substantially entirely, or entirely of paperboard plies adhesively laminated together.

Abstract: Combustible packages for containing a fuel source and a fire started are provided. A combustible package may include a cardboard outer wall and top and bottom lids for substantially closing top and bottom openings defined by the outer wall. Each lid may define a central panel for extending across an opening and a plurality of tabs for facilitating a press fit between the lids and the outer wall. Each lid may also define a central opening for receiving an end of a fire starter. The fire starter may be wound paper tube impregnated with an accelerant. The fuel source may be a plurality of charcoal briquettes contained between the outer wall, the top and bottom lids and the fire starter. The outer wall may define one or more ventilation openings between the bottom edge and the bottom lid. Or the bottom edge may be scalloped to provide ventilation openings.

Abstract: Continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of a polycaprolactam includes forming a reaction mixture by bringing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator into contact with one another, and then subjecting the reaction mixture to anionic polymerization reaction conditions in the reactor zone to obtain a molten polycaprolactam. The molten polycaprolactam is the directly (i.e., without intermediate solidification) transferred to, and extruded through, a fiber-forming orifice of a spinneret to form a fiber thereof. A spinneret zone downstream of the reactor zone thus receives the molten polycaprolactam directly from the reactor zone and forms a fiber therefrom by extruding it through the spinneret's fiber-spinning orifice.

Abstract: Continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of a polycaprolactam includes forming a reaction mixture by bringing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator into contact with one another, and then subjecting the reaction mixture to anionic polymerization reaction conditions to obtain a molten polycaprolactam. The molten polycaprolactam is the directly (i.e., without intermediate solidification) transferred to, and extruded through, a fiber-forming orifice of a spinneret to form a fiber thereof. One exemplary system to achieve such continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of polycaprolactam includes a mixer for receiving and mixing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator, and a reactor and melt-spinning apparatus downstream of the mixer.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for injecting an additive directly into a polymer melt stream. The method comprises supplying a melt flow of a polymeric host material to a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly and injecting at least one additive into at least one predetermined location in a cross-section of the melt flow of the polymeric host material while the melt flow passes through the die assembly. The method achieves uniform dosing of the one or more additives in the extrusion direction in the polymeric host material without homogeneously mixing the one or more additives and the polymeric host material. The apparatus for directly injecting one or more additives into a polymer melt stream comprises a pumping system, a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly, and a distribution line.

Abstract: Continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of a polycaprolactam includes forming a reaction mixture by bringing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator into contact with one another, and then subjecting the reaction mixture to anionic polymerization reaction conditions to obtain a molten polycaprolactam. The molten polycaprolactam is the directly (i.e., without intermediate solidification) transferred to, and extruded through, a fiber-forming orifice of a spinneret to form a fiber thereof. One exemplary system to achieve such continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of polycaprolactam includes a mixer for receiving and mixing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator, and a reactor and melt-spinning apparatus downstream of the mixer.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions include a nonaqueous additive system having dispersant-coated pigments physically dispersed in a liquid nonaqueous polymeric carrier which may be added directly to a melt flow of a polymeric host material. The additive system employed in the polymeric systems is most preferably in the form of a particulate paste which can be added in metered amounts (dosed) to a melt flow of the polymeric host material prior to being spun into filaments. By providing a number of additive systems having a number of different additive attributes, and controllably dosing one or more into the melt flow of host polymeric material, shaped objects of the polymeric material (e.g., melt-spun filaments) having different additive attributes may be produced on a continuous basis without shutting down the shaping operation.

Abstract: Spinnerette assemblies for forming synthetic fibers whereby a relatively thin orifice plate is compressively sealed against a planar face of a mounting block. The spinnerette assemblies preferably include a mounting block having a planar mounting face and a least one supply bore having a discharge opening at the mounting face. A planar orifice plate is positioned in contact with the mounting face of the mounting block and includes a capillary opening in fluid communication with the discharge opening of the supply bore. A series of attachments (preferably screws) circumferentially surround the capillary opening of the orifice plate so as to compressively rigidly fix the orifice plate to the mounting face of the mounting block and thereby seal the capillary opening against fluid leakage. Most preferably, the attachments (e.g.

Abstract: At least two different liquid streams are sub-divided into a dense plurality of individually separated parallel pixels oriented in respective misregistered arrays. Therefore, an individual pixel of one of the liquid stream arrays will be surrounded by pixels of the other liquid stream array. These individual pixel arrays are then bought into contact with one another to form a multi-pixel liquid stream comprised of the misregistered pixel arrays of the two different liquid streams. The “pixelated” liquid stream—that is, the liquid stream containing in cross-section the misregistered pixel arrays of the two different liquid streams—may then be further processed. For example, the pixelated liquid stream may be subjected to further mixing by being directed along a tortuous flow path.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for injecting an additive directly into a polymer melt stream. The method comprises supplying a melt flow of a polymeric host material to a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly and injecting at least one additive into at least one predetermined location in a cross-section of the melt flow of the polymeric host material while the melt flow passes through the die assembly. The method achieves uniform dosing of the one or more additives in the extrusion direction in the polymeric host material without homogeneously mixing the one or more additives and the polymeric host material. The apparatus for directly injecting one or more additives into a polymer melt stream comprises a pumping system, a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly, and a distribution line.

Abstract: Continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of a polycaprolactam includes forming a reaction mixture by bringing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator into contact with one another, and then subjecting the reaction mixture to anionic polymerization reaction conditions to obtain a molten polycaprolactam. The molten polycaprolactam is the directly (i.e., without intermediate solidification) transferred to, and extruded through, a fiber-forming orifice of a spinneret to form a fiber thereof. One exemplary system to achieve such continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of polycaprolactam includes a mixer for receiving and mixing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator, and a reactor and melt-spinning apparatus downstream of the mixer.

Abstract: Continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of a polycaprolactam includes forming a reaction mixture by bringing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator into contact with one another, and then subjecting the reaction mixture to anionic polymerization reaction conditions to obtain a molten polycaprolactam. The molten polycaprolactam is the directly (i.e., without intermediate solidification) transferred to, and extruded through, a fiber-forming orifice of a spinneret to form a fiber thereof. One exemplary system to achieve such continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of polycaprolactam includes a mixer for receiving and mixing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator, and a reactor and melt-spinning apparatus downstream of the mixer.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for injecting an additive directly into a polymer melt stream. The method comprises supplying a melt flow of a polymeric host material to a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly and injecting at least one additive into at least one predetermined location in a cross-section of the melt flow of the polymeric host material while the melt flow passes through the die assembly. The method achieves uniform dosing of the one or more additives in the extrusion direction in the polymeric host material without homogeneously mixing the one or more additives and the polymeric host material. The apparatus for directly injecting one or more additives into a polymer melt stream comprises a pumping system, a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly, and a distribution line.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for injecting an additive directly into a polymer melt stream. The method comprises supplying a melt flow of a polymeric host material to a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly and injecting at least one additive into at least one predetermined location in a cross-section of the melt flow of the polymeric host material while the melt flow passes through the die assembly. The method achieves uniform dosing of the one or more additives in the extrusion direction in the polymeric host material without homogeneously mixing the one or more additives and the polymeric host material. The apparatus for directly injecting one or more additives into a polymer melt stream comprises a pumping system, a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly, and a distribution line.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions include a nonaqueous additive system having dispersant-coated pigments physically dispersed in a liquid nonaqueous polymeric carrier which may be added directly to a melt flow of a polymeric host material. The additive system employed in the polymeric systems is most preferably in the form of a particulate paste which can be added in metered amounts (dosed) to a melt flow of the polymeric host material prior to being spun into filaments. By providing a number of additive systems having a number of different additive attributes, and controllably dosing one or more into the melt flow of host polymeric material, shaped objects of the polymeric material (e.g., melt-spun filaments) having different additive attributes may be produced on a continuous basis without shutting down the shaping operation.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for injecting an additive directly into a polymer melt stream. The method comprises supplying a melt flow of a polymeric host material to a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly and injecting at least one additive into at least one predetermined location in a cross-section of the melt flow of the polymeric host material while the melt flow passes through the die assembly. The method achieves uniform dosing of the one or more additives in the extrusion direction in the polymeric host material without homogeneously mixing the one or more additives and the polymeric host material. The apparatus for directly injecting one or more additives into a polymer melt stream comprises a pumping system, a die assembly having a thin-plate assembly, and a distribution line.

Abstract: Relatively thin (e.g., thickness of less than about 2.5 mm, and typically no greater than about 1.0 mm) plates for synthetic fiber-forming spin packs include a first metal layer exhibiting a relatively slow photochemical etching property and a second metal layer exhibiting a relatively fast photochemical etching property which are adhered (laminated) to one another to form a composite substrate structure. The differential etch rates as between the first and second metal layers permit relatively dimensionally larger distribution channels and relatively dimensionally precise through holes to be formed in the composite substrate. In this regard, the second metal layer permits the formation via photochemical etching of dimensionally deeper and/or wider polymer distribution channels. The first metal layer, on the other hand, allows for the formation of relatively dimensionally precise through holes via concurrent (simultaneous) etching with the second metal layer.

Abstract: Multicomponent fibers and methods of producing the same are provided such that an inter-domain boundary layer is interposed between distinct domains formed of incompatible polymers so as to minimize (if not eliminate entirely) separation of the domains at their interfacial boundary. The polymer forming the inter-domain boundary layer therefore is provided so as to be compatible with the otherwise incompatible polymers forming each of the domains between which it is interposed.