Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a cellulose solution suitable for extrusion as a seamless tubular film by providing a pulp of substantially open-ended fibrillated softwood fibers having a mean fiber length less than 2.0 mm and then dissolving the pulp in a suitable solvent to produce the cellulose solution. In addition, the present invention provides a method of preparing a cellulose food casing from a cellulose solution of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for lacing an extruded tube of a non derivatized cellulose through an S-wrap to collapse the tube to a flat width. The lacing to form the S-wrap is accomplished without slowing the extrusion speed. At the start of the extrusion operation, the extrusion path leads between a pair of horizontally lacing members. After the leading edge of the extruded tube has passed downwardly through the space between the lacing members, the members are rotated as a unit to bring them into contact with opposite sides of the extruded tube. This collapses the and creates the S-wrap.

Abstract: A method of applying an indicia to the surface of a cellulose casing by non contact printing wherein the indicium is applied in-line with the casing manufacture at a location between the wet end and the dry end of the casing manufacturing process wherein the indicia comprises an ink that is cured and cross linked with the cellulose prior to the casing reaching the dry end of the process. The indicia preferably is in the form of a dot matrix pattern that is visible yet presents no barrier to the passage of smoke.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a cellulose film suitable for direct food contact by precipitation from a solution of cellulose water and a tertiary amine oxide cellulose solvent. After precipitation of a cellulose gel from the solution, the gel is washed at ever increasing temperatures and then dried to provide a cellulose film having a solvent level to not more than 40 ppm. Portions of the wash water is collected and treated to recover the solvent for reuse.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of extruding a solution of cellulose and an amine oxide cellulose solvent as a tube about a sizing mandrel which diametrically stretches the extruded tube. An aqueous poly(ethylene oxide) solution is introduced into the interior of the extruded tube to facilitate passage of the tube over the sizing mandrel and to extract the amine oxide cellulose solvent from the tube. After such extraction, the aqueous poly(ethylene oxide) solution containing the extracted amine oxide cellulose solvent is contacted with an anion exchanger to remove the poly(ethylene oxide) so the amine oxide cellulose solvent can be recovered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounded fibrous dope compositions of amine oxide cellulose solutions having a uniformly dispersed second fibrous material, methods of producing the compositions, and shaped articles such as fibers, paper, films, and food casings produced from the compositions.

Abstract: A cellulose food casing comprising a nonderivatized cellulose film precipitated in tubular form from an extruded thermoplastic solution of cellulose, an amine oxide cellulose solvent and water.

Abstract: In a method for forming a cellulose tube suitable for use as a food casing or as cellophane film, in which a solution of nonderivatized cellulose, tertiary amine N-oxide and water is extruded through an air gap of at least five inches, and into a water bath, such that a wet cellulose tube is formed. The wet tube is inflated from about 55% to 140% or more and dried thereby substantially retaining its work-to-rupture characteristics, especially when compared to viscose-derived tubes.

Abstract: In a method for forming a cellulose tube suitable for use as a food casing, in which a solution of nonderivatized cellulose, tertiary amine N-oxide and water is extruded through a die gap and the extruded tube is downwardly drawn through an air gap while being internally cooled and then is passed into a water bath, the tube transverse direction tensile strength being increased by drawing the extruded tube through an air length of at least about five inches and exposing the exterior surface of the extruded tube to cooling air in the air gap.