Abstract: A twin screw extruder for mixing carbon black with rubber and with a first mixing zone with screw elements for heating rubber to about 130.degree.-220.degree. C., and a second port for adding carbon black and a third port for adding oil.

Abstract: The invention is an improved hose clamp of the type formed of a band of heat shrinkable polymer having a diameter reducing released temperature, an inside band surface and an outside band surface. It is improved by the inclusion of a shrinkage indicator.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing elastomeric compositions by forming a mixture of polymeric material, a reinforcing agent, a processing aid and a vulcanizing agent. The process of the invention is continuous and includes the repeated, sequential steps of admixing the polymeric material along a first mixing zone defined by a space wherein the gross energy applied induces a first operating temperature range. The mixture of the first zone is continuously passed into and through a second mixing zone while adding and admixing the reinforcement agent and processing aid therewith, the second mixing zone being defined by a space wherein the gross energy applied induces a second operating temperature range. The mixture of the second zone is then continuously passed into and through a third mixing zone while adding and admixing the vulcanizing agent therewith, the third mixing zone being defined by a space wherein the gross energy applied induces a third operating temperature range.

Abstract: A process for preparing: (1) a generally dry fibrated admix; (2) a powdered elastomer/fiber composite master batch or fully compounded stock; or (3) an elastomer/fiber composite master batch or fully compounded stock; by mixing a partitioning agent and, optionally, plasticizers or adhesives with a generally dry defiberized material to define the fibrated admix; and blending the fibrated admix with a powdered polymer to define a powdered master batch or compounded stock; or dispersing the fiber in a viscoelastic mass to define a master batch or fully compounded stock or formed article, and then curing the mass to define an improved fiber composite structure.

Abstract: A process for preparing: 1) a generally dry fibrated admix; 2) a powdered elastomer/fiber composite master batch or fully compounded stock; or 3) an elastomer/fiber composite master batch or fully compounded stock; by mixing a partitioning agent and, optionally, plasticizers or adhesives with a generally dry defiberized material to define the fibrated admix; and blending the fibrated admix with a powdered polymer to define a powdered master batch or compounded stock; or dispersing the fiber in a viscoelastic mass to define a master batch or fully compounded stock or formed article, and then curing the mass to define an improved fiber composite structure.

Abstract: A method for curing vulcanizable elastomeric articles positioned between a mold surface and a pressure chamber including the steps of introducing into the chamber a hot fluid of relatively high heat capacity, e.g., steam, under pressure for a sufficient period to soften the article, introducing into the chamber a gas of relatively low heat capacity and pressurizing the gas in the chamber at a pressure substantially greater than the pressure under which the hot fluid was introduced, and thereafter vulcanizing the elastomeric article.