Abstract: An adjustable feedblock configured for adjusting the thicknesses of each layer of the juxtaposed extrudates forming a laminate. The feedblock includes at least one pair of opposing combining planes and at least one pair of opposing extrudate distribution blocks that are removably disposed within the housing of the feedblock. As such, the combining planes and the extrudate distribution blocks partially define portions of the flow paths for the extrudates that form the laminate within the housing of the feedblock. A method for forming a laminate having juxtaposed layers of extrudates of adjustable thicknesses is also disclosed.

Abstract: An extrusion device includes a sculpted extrusion die comprising a pair of mating die lips having sculpted surfaces and defining a die exit for an extrudate. The contour of the sculpted surfaces is substantially similar to the contour of a juxtaposed surface configured for receiving the extrudate from the die exit of the sculpted extrusion die. The sculpted extrusion die preferably comprises a die lip adjustment mechanism for adjusting a thickness of the extrudate exiting the die exit and the thickness of the extrudate received on the juxtaposed surface. The air gap between the die exit of the sculpted extrusion die and the juxtaposed surface preferably is substantially eliminated by adjusting the distance between the sculpted surfaces and the juxtaposed surface. A method of adjusting a thickness of a substantially continuous sheet of extrudate formed using an embodiment of the sculpted extrusion die of the invention is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a deckle system for extrusion dies. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods of cleaning an extrusion die equipped with a retractable external deckle system. Also provided in some embodiments is a deckle system having a novel deckle adjustment mechanism. In other embodiments, the invention provides an advantageous internal deckle member equipped with a removable, replaceable internally threaded insert.

Abstract: The invention provides a deckle system for extrusion dies. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods of cleaning an extrusion die equipped with a retractable external deckle system. Also provided in some embodiments is a deckle system having a novel deckle adjustment mechanism. In other embodiments, the invention provides an advantageous internal deckle member equipped with a removable, replaceable internally threaded insert.

Abstract: The invention provides a deckle system for extrusion dies. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods of cleaning an extrusion die equipped with a retractable external deckle system. Also provided in some embodiments is a deckle system having a novel deckle adjustment mechanism. In other embodiments, the invention provides an advantageous internal deckle member equipped with a removable, replaceable internally threaded insert.

Abstract: An adjustable feedblock configured for adjusting the thicknesses of each layer of the juxtaposed extrudates forming a laminate. The feedblock includes at least one pair of opposing combining planes and at least one pair of opposing extrudate distribution blocks that are removably disposed within the housing of the feedblock. As such, the combining planes and the extrudate distribution blocks partially define portions of the flow paths for the extrudates that form the laminate within the housing of the feedblock. A method for forming a laminate having juxtaposed layers of extrudates of adjustable thicknesses is also disclosed.

Abstract: An extrusion device includes a sculpted extrusion die comprising a pair of mating die lips having sculpted surfaces and defining a die exit for an extrudate. The contour of the sculpted surfaces is substantially similar to the contour of a juxtaposed surface configured for receiving the extrudate from the die exit of the sculpted extrusion die. The sculpted extrusion die preferably comprises a die lip adjustment mechanism for adjusting a thickness of the extrudate exiting the die exit and the thickness of the extrudate received on the juxtaposed surface. The air gap between the die exit of the sculpted extrusion die and the juxtaposed surface preferably is substantially eliminated by adjusting the distance between the sculpted surfaces and the juxtaposed surface. A method of adjusting a thickness of a substantially continuous sheet of extrudate formed using an embodiment of the sculpted extrusion die of the invention is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a deckle system for extrusion dies. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods of cleaning an extrusion die equipped with a retractable external deckle system. Also provided in some embodiments is a deckle system having a novel deckle adjustment mechanism. In other embodiments, the invention provides an advantageous internal deckle member equipped with a removable, replaceable internally threaded insert.

Abstract: A construction laminate includes a polymeric outer layer and a plurality of alternating polymeric film and foam layers, wherein a first film layer is disposed adjacent the outer layer. The laminate further includes a polymeric inner layer disposed adjacent an innermost of the foam layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for the extrusion a multi-layer parison comprises an extrusion blow molding head having a bore passing through the head with a diverter sleeve located within the bore. There is a first manifold in fluid communication with a first die inlet, the first manifold substantially surrounds the diverter sleeve and is in fluid communication with a proximal end of a flow path formed by the diverter sleeve and the bore; wherein the flow path extends from the proximal end to a head exit and a first land that has a variable width is positioned between the first manifold and the flow path. A second manifold is in fluid communication with a second die inlet, the second manifold substantially surrounds the diverter sleeve and is in fluid communication with the flow path at a first location downstream from the proximal end of the flow path; wherein the flow path has a width that increases at the first location; and a second land that has a variable width positioned between the second manifold and the flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus for the extrusion a multi-layer parison comprises an extrusion blow molding head having a bore passing through the head with a diverter sleeve located within the bore. There is a first manifold in fluid communication with a first die inlet, the first manifold substantially surrounds the diverter sleeve and is in fluid communication with a proximal end of a flow path formed by the diverter sleeve and the bore; wherein the flow path extends from the proximal end to a head exit and a first land that has a variable width is positioned between the first manifold and the flow path. A second manifold is in fluid communication with a second die inlet, the second manifold substantially surrounds the diverter sleeve and is in fluid communication with the flow path at a first location downstream from the proximal end of the flow path; wherein the flow path has a width that increases at the first location; and a second land that has a variable width positioned between the second manifold and the flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus for scraping a lip of an extrusion die includes a scraping surface pressed against the lip. The scraping surface is movable along the lip of the die to clean debris, such as hardened thermoplastic, from the surface of the lip. The scraping surface may be removable and/or replaceable. A method of cleaning the extrusion die includes pressing the scraping surface against the lip of the extrusion die and traversing the scraping surface along the lip in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An improved extrusion die and a method for using the same that minimizes the deflection of the die exit by providing the walls of the extrusion die with areas of increasing thickness that increase from the die ends to a central location. The die wall thickness is varies such that there is minimal deflection created at the die exit.

Abstract: An improved extrusion die and a method for using the same that minimizes the deflection of the die exit by providing the walls of the extrusion die with areas of increasing thickness that increase from the die ends to a central location. The die wall thickness is varies such that there is minimal deflection created at the die exit.

Abstract: An apparatus for scraping a lip of an extrusion die includes a scraping surface pressed against the lip. The scraping surface is movable along the lip of the die to clean debris, such as hardened thermoplastic, from the surface of the lip. The scraping surface may be removable and/or replaceable. A method of cleaning the extrusion die includes pressing the scraping surface against the lip of the extrusion die and traversing the scraping surface along the lip in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An extrusion die includes a pair of die body portions that together define flow passages and toggle clamps that clamp the die body portions together.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus includes first and second die body portions each having a main body and a lip interconnected with the main body wherein the die body portions are joined such that a die outlet is formed between the lips. The apparatus also includes at least one pivoting link coupled to one of the lips and a sliding member coupled to the pivoting link whereby movement of the sliding member causes the pivoting link to pivot and move the one lip relative to the other lip.

Abstract: An extrusion die includes a pair of die body portions that together define flow passages and toggle clamps that clamp the die body portions together.

Abstract: A flow control device is mounted within a channel of an extrusion die, wherein the channel is defined by a base surface and a side surface normal to the base surface. The device includes a main body and an auxiliary body, wherein the main body includes a side portion that sealingly contacts the side surface of the channel when a force is exerted on the side portion, and the auxiliary body is in contact with the base surface of the channel. The device further includes a flexible membrane on a face opposite the auxiliary body which can influence the flow of material through the channel by moving in a direction perpendicular to the direction of material flow. A sealing apparatus is used to prevent leakage of material between the die and the flexible membrane. The sealing apparatus includes a gasket disposed adjacent an end surface of the membrane and means for causing the gasket to apply a force against the end surface such that the gasket seals against the membrane.

Abstract: A membrane assembly for an extrusion die includes a membrane having a deformable main portion and first and second mounting arms integral with the main portion and disposed on opposite sides thereof. The main portion includes a first face and the mounting arms extend away from the first face. The main portion, the mounting arms and a second face opposite the first face form a recess on a side of the main portion opposite the first face and a backing member is disposed in the recess between the mounting arms.