Abstract: An improved procedure and apparatus for introducing liquids within a thermoplastic or thermoset production system are provided. Such an inventive apparatus comprises a storage tank for the desired liquid, a device which connects to a flow channel (such as a manifold or pipe) through which the target thermoplastic or thermoset composition is flowing, and a transfer line connecting the storage tank with the connecting device. The connecting device itself easily attaches and detaches to the flow channel through a spring-loaded or sliding-lock mechanism. Such a novel apparatus permits an ease in changeover from one liquid to another without the need for time-consuming cleaning and without complicated shut-off, removal, and replacement steps.

Abstract: An improved procedure and apparatus for introducing liquids within a thermoplastic or thermoset production system are provided. Such an inventive apparatus comprises a storage tank for the desired liquid, a device which connects to a flow channel (such as a manifold or pipe) through which the target thermoplastic or thermoset composition is flowing, and a transfer line connecting the storage tank with the connecting device. The connecting device itself easily attaches and detaches to the flow channel through a spring-loaded or sliding-lock mechanism. Such a novel apparatus permits an ease in changeover from one liquid to another without the need for time-consuming cleaning and without complicated shut-off, removal, and replacement steps.

Abstract: An improved procedure and apparatus for introducing liquids within a thermoplastic or thermoset production system are provided. Such an inventive apparatus comprises a storage tank for the desired liquid, a device which connects to a flow channel (such as a manifold or pipe) through which the target thermoplastic or thermoset composition is flowing, and a transfer line connecting the storage tank with the connecting device. The connecting device itself easily attaches and detaches to the flow channel through a spring-loaded or sliding-lock mechanism. Such a novel apparatus permits an ease in changeover from one liquid to another without the need for time-consuming cleaning and without complicated shut-off, removal, and replacement steps.

Abstract: An improved procedure and apparatus for introducing liquids within a thermoplastic or thermoset production system are provided. Such an inventive apparatus comprises a storage tank for the desired liquid, a device which connects to a flow channel (such as a manifold or pipe) through which the target thermoplastic or thermoset composition is flowing, and a transfer line connecting the storage tank with the connecting device. The connecting device itself easily attaches and detaches to the flow channel through a spring-loaded or sliding-lock mechanism. Such a novel apparatus permits an ease in changeover from one liquid to another without the need for time-consuming cleaning and without complicated shut-off, removal, and replacement steps.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved injector/valve combination which permits nearly immediate response time to an actuator signal. Such a combination is particularly suited for injecting colorants into polyurethane slabstock foam and permits a substantial reduction in foam waste due to low colorations during an on/off cycle. Specifically, this invention combination comprises a novel ball valve which allows for instantaneous shut-off and -on without appreciable leakage or pressure drop and without the need to utilize a high throughput flow rate. Such a ball valve is used in combination with an injector which is actually attached to the valve, the configuration which permits continuous use and instantaneous on/off without a deleterious pressure drop and minimizes the possibility of turbulence as the liquid polymeric colorant flows through the injector.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved injector/valve combination which permits nearly immediate response time to an actuator signal. Such a combination is particularly suited for injecting colorants into polyurethane slabstock foam and permits a substantial reduction in foam waste due to low colorations during an on/off cycle. Specifically, this invention combination comprises a ball valve which allows for instantaneous shut-off and -on without appreciable leakage or pressure drop and without the need to utilize a high throughput flow rate. Such a ball valve is used in combination with an injector which is actually attached to the valve, the configuration which permits continuous use and instantaneous on/off without a deleterious pressure drop and minimizes the possibility of turbulence as the liquid polymeric colorant flows through the injector.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved procedure and apparatus for making colored polyurethane foam products, such as carpet underlay and the like, as well as the improved colored product itself. Such a procedure entails the utilization of at least one valve assembly within a color dosing manifold such that the valve itself is simultaneously in contact with both the outside surface and the inside surface of the manifold. Such a disposition for a valve assembly permits color to be introduced directly into a binder (i.e., polyol and isocyanate) or polyol stream in order to substantially eliminate any color remaining in contact solely with the inside walls of the manifold. This in turn permits thorough mixing of the binder and colorant and substantially reduces the response time from opening the valve to producing colored polyurethane materials (such as polyurethane foam), thereby effectively eliminating the production of waste polyurethane product.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved procedure and apparatus for making colored polyurethane foam products, such as carpet underlay and the like, as well as the improved colored product itself. Such a procedure entails the utilization of at least one valve assembly within a color dosing manifold such that the valve itself is simultaneously in contact with both the outside surface and the inside surface of the manifold. Such a disposition for a valve assembly permits color to be introduced directly into a binder (i.e., polyol and isocyanate) or polyol stream in order to substantially eliminate any color remaining in contact solely with the inside walls of the manifold. This in turn permits thorough mixing of the binder and colorant and substantially reduces the response time from opening the valve to producing colored polyurethane materials (such as polyurethane foam), thereby effectively eliminating the production of waste polyurethane product.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved procedure and apparatus for making colored polyurethane foam products, such as carpet underlay and the like, as well as the improved colored product itself. Such a procedure entails the utilization of at least one valve assembly within a color dosing manifold such that the valve itself is simultaneously in contact with both the outside surface and the inside surface of the manifold. Such a disposition for a valve assembly permits color to be introduced directly into a binder (i.e., polyol and isocyanate) or polyol stream in order to substantially eliminate any color remaining in contact solely with the inside walls of the manifold. This in turn permits thorough mixing of the binder and colorant and substantially reduces the response time from opening the valve to producing colored polyurethane materials (such as polyurethane foam), thereby effectively eliminating the production of waste polyurethane product.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved injector/valve combination which permits nearly immediate response time to an actuator signal. Such a combination is particularly suited for injecting colorants into polyurethane slabstock foam and permits a substantial reduction in foam waste due to low colorations during an on/off cycle. Specifically, this invention combination comprises a novel ball valve which allows for instantaneous shut-off and -on without appreciable leakage or pressure drop and without the need to utilize a high throughput flow rate. Such a ball valve is used in combination with an injector which is actually attached to the valve, the configuration which permits continuous use and instantaneous on/off without a deleterious pressure drop and minimizes the possibility of turbulence as the liquid polymeric colorant flows through the injector.