Abstract: A phase alignment device for alignment of phase between a data signal and a clock signal is described. The phase alignment device includes a signal generator generating an enable signal configured to control shifting of the data signal through an external data buffering device, a reference signal module generating phase reference signals based on the clock signal, the phase reference signals differing in phase from one another, and a data sampler identifying a reference point in the data signal. The phase alignment device further includes a phase capture module identifying one of the phase reference signals closest in phase to the reference point in the data signal as a selected phase reference signal.

Abstract: A system and method for pelletizing extruded materials, such as thermoplastic polymers in various pelletizing applications, including underwater, hot face, and strand pelletizing applications, utilizes a high pressure liquid delivered to one or more nozzles which direct a high pressure liquid jet cutting stream at the extruded polymer strand to cut the strand into pellets. The system and method are particularly applicable to underwater pelletizers utilizing water or water-based solutions. In a preferred underwater pelletizing embodiment, a plurality of nozzles are mounted on a rotating nozzle hub which is fed high pressure water through sealed hollow pelletizer and hollow motor shafts. The high pressure water jet cutting streams exiting the rotating nozzles are preferably in the form of a flat V-shaped spray with a spread angle of about 15° to about 45° and an approach angle between 0° and 60°, depending upon the pelletizing application.