By Cutting At Point Of Extrusion Patents (Class 264/142)
  • Publication number: 20020165087
    Abstract: Described are preferred processes for producing extrusion-granulated supernucleophilic 4-amino-substituted pyridine catalysts, and granular products obtainable thereform. Also described are preferred activation-substitution-deactivation processes for producing 4-aminopyridine compounds, which involve the use of acrylic acid or acrylamide or analogs thereof for activation, and substitution steps conducted under mild basic conditions in an excess of the amine reagent for 4-substitution. Such processes provide improved reacted masses which are more readily processed to recover the products in pure, heat-stable form. Further, described are processes for preparing 4-substituted-pyridines via pyridine betaines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Joe W. Curtis, Charles R. Hopper, Ramiah Murugan, L. Mark Huckstep, Marudai Balasubramanian, Joel R. Calvin, Eric F.V. Scriven
  • Publication number: 20020145223
    Abstract: A method of making a feedstock for injection molding, including the steps of: mixing at a temperature of at least 100° C. polymeric materials having a thermal conductivity in the range of 0.001 to 0.01 cal/cm-sec-° C. wherein the polymeric materials are selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polystyrene, polyester, and polycarbonate or combinations thereof, and one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ceramics, ceramic composites, metals and metal alloys in a blended relationship to form a viscous phase mixture, the materials in the viscous phase mixture being selected so that when in a solid phase it has a density greater than 4 grams/cc and a thermal conductivity greater than 0.101 cal/cm-sec-° C. and; cooling the blended viscous phase mixture to form the feedstock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Syamal K. Ghosh, Dilip Chatterjee, Donn B. Carlton
  • Publication number: 20020145222
    Abstract: A method of making an injection molded article having a marbled appearance, including the steps of: mixing at a temperature of at least 100 degrees ° C. polymeric materials having a thermal conductivity in the range of 0.001 to 0.01 cal/cm-sec-° C. wherein the polymeric materials are selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polystyrene, polyester, and polycarbonate or combinations thereof, and one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ceramics, ceramic composites, metals and metal alloys in a blended relationship to form a viscous phase mixture, the materials in the viscous phase mixture being selected so that when in a solid phase it has a density greater than 4 grams/cc and a thermal conductivity greater than 0.101 cal/cm-sec-° C. to form a feedstock; cooling the blended viscous phase mixture to form the feedstock; and using the feedstock in an injection molding machine having a zero compression screw to form the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Donn B. Carlton, Dilip K. Chatterjee, Syamal K. Ghosh
  • Patent number: 6441086
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions which can be prepared from at least one polyorganosiloxane, boric acid and water, and which may serve as a pelletizing additive for crosslinkable silicone rubber formulations. A small proportion of the pelletizing additive, when added to a ore component crosslinkable silicone rubber, or to individual components of a two or more component silicone rubber formulation, allow production of free flowing pellets which retain storage stability for extended periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Wacker - Chemie GmbH
    Inventors: Dietrich Wolfer, Wilhelm Marsch
  • Publication number: 20020100997
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin that ensures efficient removal of alcohol without worsening the working environment. The method comprises introducing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer solution containing at least 50 parts by weight of an alcohol having a boiling point of not higher than 100° C., relative to 100 parts by weight of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer therein, into an apparatus, and contacting it with water in the apparatus, thereby letting the alcohol along with water out of the apparatus and taking the resulting aqueous ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer composition that contains from 0 to 10 parts by weight of the alcohol and from 10 to 1000 parts by weight of water, relative to 100 parts by weight of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer therein, (step 1), and a step of feeding the aqueous ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer composition into an extruder, kneading it in melt therein, and then extruding the copolymer out of the extruder (step 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaharu Kawahara, Toshio Tuboi, Yukihiro Ohara, Masao Hikasa, Hiroshi Kawai
  • Publication number: 20020091106
    Abstract: Chemically stable, insecticidally active pellets having a low moisture content and at least about 95% active ingredient are described, as well as a method for manufacturing them. The active ingredient is selected from a class of N-hydrocarboyl phosphoroamidothioate and phosphoroamidodithioate compounds as described in the specification. The pellets generally have a moisture content of about 0.5% by weight or less, preferably less than about 0.3% by weight. The pellets can be produced by one of two types of processes as described in detail, including a high pressure axial extrusion process and a low pressure basket extrusion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: VALENT U.S.A. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary L. Cummings, Young-Jin Lee, James L. Platt, Matthew Hikade, Vernell Stornes
  • Patent number: 6410141
    Abstract: Spherical particles having a diameter between 0.007″ and 0.040″ are formed from melt extruded thermo-plastic material suitable for casting on a heated mold surface and melting thereon to form a thin layer of material having a nominal thickness of 0.040″ that is cooled and removed from the mold surface as a part having a porosity less than a visually observable threshold. The process includes the steps of providing microspheres formed of blended and melt extruded thermo-plastic, plasticizers and pigment additives that constitute less than 5% by weight of the blend and shaped as a smooth round spherical particle; providing a heated casting surface and distributing a predetermined charge of such microspheres against the heated casting surface; melting the microspheres as a layer of thermoplastic material having a porosity less than 0.003 inches and thereafter cooling and removing the non-porous layer from the casting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Grimmer
  • Publication number: 20020074680
    Abstract: A process prepares expandable propylene polymer beads by mixing propylene polymer melt with a volatile organic blowing agent and with a nucleating agent in an extruder, whereupon the extrusion and pelletization of the extrudate takes place in a water bath under conditions of temperature and pressure at which practically no foaming of the pellets takes place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Maletzko, Klaus Hahn, Isidor De Grave, Gerd Ehrmann, Franz-Josef Dietzen
  • Patent number: 6399188
    Abstract: Porous products of thermoplastic polymers and the like are formed by sintering pellets, especially micropellets and/or pellets made by rapid water quenched pelletizing of the polymers, such as by underwater pelletizing or water ring pelletizing. The pellets are of a uniform size and shape, each having approximately equal dimensions along three mutually perpendicular axes, thereby producing porous products having smooth surfaces, narrow pore size distributions, greater strength and other improved characteristics. The porous products include antiperspirant and deodorant applicator heads, wastewater treatment bubblers and selective filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Porex Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Smith, Daniel Fullerton
  • Publication number: 20020053752
    Abstract: A method for producing powder of a thermoplastic elastomer having a sphere-reduced average particle diameter of 700 &mgr;m or less by an under water cut method which comprises discharging the thermoplastic elastomer in melt state through a plurality of orifice in a dice in into water, and cutting the discharged matter with a cutter blade rotating along the dice surface to obtain powder of the thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the method satisfies the following conditions (a) and (b):
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Takei, Hikaru Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6361720
    Abstract: I have developed an agglomeration process by which granules are formed by the steps of: (a) injecting polymer having sufficient viscoelasticity, and (b) impacting particles on the polymer at the injection point. The present invention is advantageous because it overcomes the problems of previous granulation process and subsequent art processes by having a very low recycle rate and allowing for control of granule size. It is particularly useful for fertilizer granule formation using a ureaform polymer and particles comprised of ammonium sulfate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Earl Highsmith
  • Patent number: 6361724
    Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic resin pellet, which comprises melt-kneading a thermoplastic resin to obtain a thermoplastic resin pellet, wherein the thermoplastic resin comprising: (A) at least one thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyphenylene ether-based resins, polyacetal-based resins, polyamide-based resins, polystyrene-based resins, acrylic resins, polyester-based resins, polycarbonates, polyphenylene sulfides, polyetherimides, polyethersulfones, polysulfones, polyether (ether) ketones; and (B) a carbon dioxide gas contained in thermoplastic resin (A) in an amount of from 0.3 to 20.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of thermoplastic resin (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mutsumi Maeda, Hiroshi Yamaki, Hiroaki Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20020031657
    Abstract: A resin molding product of the present invention is a sandwiched molding product provided with a core layer and a skin layer having at least an electrophotographic toner. Further, it is preferable that the core layer contains an additive resin, which is compatible with a binder resin that is used for the electrophotographic toner and can give an elasticity to the core layer when the additive resin and the binder resin are dissolved with each other. According to the arrangement, it is possible to utilize as a raw material a nonstandard toner, which is produced during a manufacturing process of the electrophotographic toner, but cannot be used as a commercial product, and a discard toner, which has been used in an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic method, thereby realizing a resin molding product of a high quality at a low cost, while the resin molding product can improve its impact resistance by use of the additive resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Satoshi Kimura, Shoichi Itoh, Hiroshi Ishii
  • Patent number: 6355194
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of microsynthetic carrier comprising the melting of a mixture of binder resin, magnetic component, colorant and optionally charge control additive, thereby forming a polymer melt, and mixing said mixture in a melt mixing device, cooling and pelletizing said mixture, and thereafter grinding and classifying said pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Enno E. Agur, Hadi K. Mahabadi, Sheau V. Kao, Gerald R. Allison, John A. Creatura
  • Patent number: 6337138
    Abstract: The present invention is a cellulosic, inorganic-filled plastic composite. The composite includes about 30% to about 70% by weight of the composite of cellulosic material, about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composite of talc, and about 25% to about 40% by weight of the composite of polyethylene. An extruded article and a method of making the cellulosic, inorganic-filled plastic composite are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Crane Plastics Company Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Burch E. Zehner, Bryan K. Buhrts
  • Patent number: 6332765
    Abstract: A cutter hub holder for blades acting against a die plate of an underwater pelletizer including a resilient axially biased blade holder that is drivingly connected with a driven shaft and biased axially toward the die plate by a piston and piston rod engaging a resilient device by a variably controlled pressure. The motor shaft has a through bore to introduce the variably controlled pressure to vary the resilient axial bias exerted on the cutter hub holder. In one embodiment, the driving connection between the shaft and cutter hub holder includes a quick connect and disconnect drive coupling to enable the blade holder to be quickly replaced. In another embodiment, the driving connection between the shaft and cutter hub holder includes an axially movable keyed connection and the piston rod includes two axially spaced pistons to increase the axial force exerted on the cutter hub holder through a resilient device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Juergen Spelleken
  • Patent number: 6315931
    Abstract: A method for producing a foamed granulate, wherein a thermoplastic synthetic material is placed in an extruder, the synthetic material is melted, a pressurized expanding agent is fed through one or several injection nozzles, the molten material enriched with the expanding medium is foamed as it exits through a perforated plate arranged at the outlet of the extruder and is granulated by a cutting device arranged behind the perforated plate. Also disclosed is a device for implementing the method and the foamed granulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Gefinex Polymerschaeume GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Bruning, Otto Deseke, Joachim Meyke
  • Patent number: 6296468
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing an expanded cereal with the overall shape of an array of touching balls and an extrusion die and an extruder for use with the process. The die includes a feed ring for receiving material from an extruder, a cylindrical distribution chamber having a front wall and rear wall which includes the feed ring, and an array of parallel extrusion tubes provided in the front wall of the distribution chamber. The feed ring is in communication with the array of parallel extrusion tubes through the distribution chamber. The distribution chamber also includes a cylindrical distribution insert that extends axially from the center of the feed ring towards the front wall but spaced from the array of extrusion tubes. The process involves cooking and extruding a mixture of starchy material, sugar, oil, and water in a cooker-extruder and forcing the cooked material through the extrusion die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Roman Deutsch, Ernst Heck, Jean-Pierre Martin
  • Patent number: 6284176
    Abstract: An industrial precursor suitable for making resilient construction materials for use in interior and exterior applications is produced by homogenizing a glassy material together with a plasticizer and suitable solvent. The homogenized material is extruded, dried, and ground into pellets. The industrial precursor may be stored indefinitely, and is processed into construction materials by packing the industrial precursor into a heat-resistant mold, and thermally treating the industrial precursor to sinter it into a construction material having a substantially defect-free surface and strong tensile strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Futuristic Tile, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frantiśek Oujiri
  • Patent number: 6280672
    Abstract: A multiple-orifice extrusion manifold 10 is disclosed which includes a first housing 20 defining an outer chamber 170 and an extrusion wall 140. A plurality of orifices 80, adapted for extruding a first substance from the outer chamber 170, extend through the extrusion wall 140. An inlet pipe 40 is provided in the first housing 20 for flowing the first substance into the outer chamber 170. The inlet pipe 40 is located so as to permit flow of the first substance symmetrically within the outer chamber 170. A second housing 190 which defines an inner chamber 200 is provided within the first housing 20. The second housing 190 is located symmetrically within the outer chamber. A plurality of tubes 210 extend from the second housing 190. Each tube 210 has a first end 212 opening into the inner chamber 200 and a second open end 213 cooperatively aligned with an orifice 80 for extruding a second substance from the inner chamber 200 through the tube 210 and to within the first substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: William T. Keehn, Theodore J. Molski, Edwin L. Morphey
  • Publication number: 20010009307
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for molding a part, such as a point-of-purchase display, is shown. The system comprises a plasticator and press. The molded part comprises an in-molded graphics sheet which becomes molded integral with the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventors: Fredric Louis Abrams, Robert F. Freund
  • Patent number: 6261495
    Abstract: A plunger machine for molding reinforced polymer is provided. The plunger machine has particular application in molding polymer that is reinforced with particles having an aspect ratio greater than 1:1. The plunger machine includes a barrel housing with a smooth barrel bore that defines a main melt chamber. A plunger housing, having a plunger bore, defines an initial melt chamber that is in communication with the main melt chamber. A plunger resides in the plunger bore and is reciprocatable therein. The barrel bore is continuously inwardly to provide a smooth transition and alignment of reinforcing members in the polymer mixture during the melt process. The smooth bore ensures substantial alignment of the reinforcement members with the longitudinal axis of the bore to avoid excessive breakage of the reinforcing particles and prepare the polymer mixture for extrusion into a mold assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Chip Coolers, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, James D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6217804
    Abstract: In a recycling process, granulated plastic material coated with a paint film is melted in an extruder. During extrusion, the paint film is volatilized and removed by vacuum from the melted granulate stream. Additives are admixed with the particulates and any remaining paint film in an extruder. Water is introduced into the melted plastic stream in the extruder to neutralize toxic material levels discharged from the extruder and from the extruded plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: American Commodities, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Lieberman
  • Patent number: 6217802
    Abstract: A polymer pelletizing apparatus includes a device for automatically and electronically indexing (advancing) a set of pelletizer knives by a predetermined distance upon the expiration of a predetermined time period. This advancement is continued for the useful life of the pelletizer knives and is called the advancement cycle. The predetermined distance and predetermined time period are entered into a PLC. The PLC is connected to an external advancing device such that when the PLC determines that the predetermined time period has expired, the PLC causes the external advancing device to index or advance the pelletizer knives by a predetermined distance. This advancement cycle provides consistent wear of the pelletizer knives and accurately provides an estimate of the need for a knife change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Pelletizer Knives, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Messina, Michael A. Tofte
  • Patent number: 6206678
    Abstract: A multiple-orifice extrusion manifold 10 is disclosed which includes a first housing 20 defining an outer chamber 170 and an extrusion wall 140. A plurality of orifices 80, adapted for extruding a first substance from the outer chamber 170, extend through the extrusion wall 140. An inlet pipe 40 is provided in the first housing 20 for flowing the first substance into the outer chamber 170. The inlet pipe 40 is located so as to permit flow of the first substance symmetrically within the outer chamber 170. A second housing 190 which defines an inner chamber 200 is provided within the first housing 20. The second housing 190 is located symmetrically within the outer chamber. A plurality of tubes 210 extend from the second housing 190. Each tube 210 has a first end 212 opening into the inner chamber 200 and a second open end 213 cooperatively aligned with an orifice 80 for extruding a second substance from the inner chamber 200 through the tube 210 and to within the first substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: William T. Keehn, Theodore J. Molski, Edwin L. Morphey
  • Patent number: 6190586
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method for creating a billet for molding a part. A plasticator is loaded with long reinforcing fibers and materials, such as a polyester, a carbocyclic, thermoplastic polymers or mixtures thereof, and heated to a predetermined temperature. The feed is then blended and plasticated to form a molten suspension. Pressure and shear within the plasticator is controlled to provide a process that provides a moldable billet with the length of the reinforcing fibers generally preserved through the plasticating and molding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Composite Technologies Co., LLC
    Inventors: Fredric Louis Abrams, Robert F. Freund
  • Patent number: 6187232
    Abstract: An acoustical insulation foam having, either with or without elastification, an Asker C hardness of less than about 65, a density of about 5 to about 150 kg/m3, a cell size of about 0.05 to about 15 mm, an open cell content of 0 to about 100 volume percent, a thickness of about 1 to about 200 mm, and a width of about 100 to about 3000 mm; comprising; (A) one or more alkenyl aromatic polymers, (B) one or more substantially random interpolymers and (C) optionally, one or more nucleating agents and (D) optionally, one or more other additives; and (E) one or more blowing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bharat I. Chaudhary, Russell P. Barry, Chung P. Park, Martin Reimers
  • Patent number: 6174475
    Abstract: In a knife used in an underwater cutting granulating device for cutting and granulating a fused resin extruded from a die to a water chamber by a cutter rotated in the state where the knife is opposed to the die, the knife of the cutter has a mountain-shaped guide surface for guiding a water flow in the direction of drawing it toward the die, which is formed on the surface opposite to the surface facing the die. In this knife, more specifically, the transition angle B° from the front surface to the back surface and the transition angle D° from the back surface to the rear surface are set so as to be 150°≦(B+D)/2≦180°. The maximum distance A from the cutter surface to the inner surface and the maximum thickness C of the knife are set so as to be C≦1.2A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Shigehiro Kasai, Katsunori Takahashi, Tatsuya Tanaka, Yoshinori Kuroda, Masahiko Kashiwa
  • Patent number: 6167624
    Abstract: A method for producing a polymeric foamed material panel including the steps of providing a polymeric foamed material; and cutting (e.g. hot wire cutting) the polymeric foamed material until reaching a preconfiguration cut point. The method further includes cutting subsequently from the preconfiguration cut point a brace-receiving configuration in the polymeric foamed material; and sliding a brace member into the brace-receiving configuration to produce a polymeric foamed material panel. A method for forming a structure comprising engaging together a pair of polymeric foamed material panels produced in accordance with the method for producing a polymeric foamed material panel. A polymeric foamed material panel comprising a panel consisting of a polymeric foamed material, and a brace-receiving-configured slot disposed in the polymeric foamed material of the panel. A brace member is disposed in the brace-receiving-configured slot in the polymeric foamed material of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: QB Technologies, L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Lanahan, Thomas G. Durham, Stephen C. Foreman
  • Patent number: 6126878
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing an extrudate (e.g., water-dispersable extruded rod-shaped granules) from an extrudable powder-based material (e.g., a finely-divided water-insoluble powder) includes a hopper for the extrudable material having at least one extrusion aperture at its lower end, a rotatable extruder tool at or near the lower end of a first drive shaft for forcing the extrudable material through the aperture(s) and a rotatable feeder at or near a lower end of a second drive shaft for feeding the extrudable material to the extruder tool. The first drive shaft is rotatably mounted within the second drive shaft by axially displaced bearings, the second drive shaft being mounted within a fixed bearing housing by further axially displaced bearings. Drive motors are connected by respective drive trains to the upper ends of the first and second drive shafts, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Collag Limited
    Inventor: John Misselbrook
  • Patent number: 6030558
    Abstract: Porous products of thermoplastic polymers and the like are formed by sintering pellets, especially micropellets and/or pellets made by rapid water quenched pelletizing of the polymers, such as by underwater pelletizing or water ring pelletizing. The pellets are of a uniform size and shape, each having approximately equal dimensions along three mutually perpendicular axes, thereby producing porous products having smooth surfaces, narrow pore size distributions, greater strength and other improved characteristics. The porous products include antiperspirant and deodorant applicator heads, wastewater treatment bubblers and selective filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Porex Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Michael W. Smith, Daniel G. Fullerton
  • Patent number: 6019916
    Abstract: A first granulating unit A for molding molten resin of one color into pellets and a second granulating unit B for molding molten resin of the other color into pellets are provided in one screw type kneading extruder 1. The first granulating unit A is made to communicate with a discharge port 2a while the second granulating unit B is blocked. After the pellets of one color are molded in this state, the discharge port 2a is made open to the outside of the apparatus, and a thermoplastic resin material of the other color is kneaded and melted by means of the screw type kneading extruder 1, and discharged to the outside of the apparatus to thereby perform cleaning operation. Next, the second granulating unit B is made to communicate with the discharge port 2a while the first granulating unit A is blocked. In this state, the pellets of the other color are molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Mizuguchi, Masaharu Ishida
  • Patent number: 5962033
    Abstract: A cutter hub holder for blades acting against a die plate of an underwater pelletizer including a spring-loaded blade holder that is drivingly connected with a driven shaft and biased axially toward the die plate at a variably controlled pneumatic pressure. The driving connection between the shaft and cutter hub holder includes a quick connect and disconnect drive coupling to enable the blade holder to be quickly replaced. The motor shaft has a through bore to introduce the pneumatic pressure to the cutter hub holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Juergen Spelleken
  • Patent number: 5955418
    Abstract: A process for preparing detergent particles containing secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate surfactant comprises admixing secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate surfactants with powdered detersive ingredients and admixing the resulting powder with a surfactant paste. The resulting detergent dough is extruded through an orifice and sized to provide particles. The particles are coated with a free-flow aid. The resulting detergent particles exhibit improved solubility and are especially useful in laundry detergents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Takashi Kazuta, Fukuji Ebihara, Kinji Ogami
  • Patent number: 5948336
    Abstract: An underwater granulating method in which thermoplastic resin material is kneaded and melted by a kneading extruder while the melted resin material is extruded into cooling water from nozzles of a die with its external surface covered with the cooling water, and the resin material extruded in thin strings is cut by a cutter device driven to move along the external surface of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Yoshida, Hideki Mizuguchi, Nobuhisa Kobayashi, Masaharu Ishida
  • Patent number: 5943775
    Abstract: A method for producing a polymeric foamed material panel including the steps of providing a polymeric foamed material; and cutting (e.g. hot wire cutting) the polymeric foamed material until reaching a preconfiguration cut point. The method further includes cutting subsequently from the preconfiguration cut point a brace-receiving configuration in the polymeric foamed material; and sliding a brace member into the brace-receiving configuration to produce a polymeric foamed material panel. A method for forming a structure comprising engaging together a pair of polymeric foamed material panels produced in accordance with the method for producing a polymeric foamed material panel. A polymeric foamed material panel comprising a panel consisting of a polymeric foamed material, and a brace-receiving-configured slot disposed in the polymeric foamed material of the panel. A brace member is disposed in the brace-receiving-configured slot in the polymeric foamed material of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: QB Technology
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Lanahan, Thomas G. Durham, Stephen C. Foreman
  • Patent number: 5938994
    Abstract: A wood-plastic composite material is produced in a twin screw extruder with parallel intermeshing segmented screws. The screw segments are positioned on two spline shafts and perform the various required functions of mixing, deaerating and removal of moisture followed by extrusion. A polymer is fed to the main throat of the extruder where the plastic is conveyed along a barrel formed by the case of the extruder. Cellulosic fiber is positively fed into the extruder approximately one-quarter of the way down the extruder barrel by a twin screw side stuffer. A vent is provided for entrained air in the cellulosic material to escape. The molten mixture of polymer and cellulosic material is then conveyed to a devolatilization area having a first atmosphere devolatilization area and a second vacuum devolatilization area separated by a melt seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignees: Kevin P. Gohr, Willard E. Neese, Andrea Savanuzzi
    Inventors: Brent W. English, Kevin P. Gohr
  • Patent number: 5922262
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing of material such as organic waste material by compressing and extruding the material, with subsequent optional pelletization. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a container having inlet and outlet ends. There is a first plate (70) at the outlet end and rotatable about an axis extending between the ends. There is a second plate (28, 46) axially spaced apart from the first plate having a leading radial edge and a surface facing toward the outlet end angled from the leading edge toward the outlet end for forcing material in contact therewith axially toward the outlet end so as to compress material between the first and second plates as the second plate rotates about the axis. The first plate has apertures for extrusion of material. A second embodiment apparatus includes a compression zone at the outlet end including means for exerting compressive forces on material in the zone in an axial direction toward the outlet end so as to compress the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Gerald Lagace
  • Patent number: 5895617
    Abstract: In the underwater cut pellet transport apparatus in which pellets cut formed by an underwater cutting device 4 are delivered to a cooling water dehydrating device 10 and a drying device 11 by means of the head pressure of a cooling water circulating pump 6 and are dehydrated and dried there, and the thus dried pellets are then delivered to pellet silos 15 by means of the head pressure of an air feed blower 17 of a pneumatic feed facility, the above-mentioned cooling water dehydrating device 10 and drying device 11 are respectively disposed above the pellet silos 15, thereby eliminating the need for provision of the above-mentioned pneumatic feed facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Mizuguchi, Masaharu Ishida
  • Patent number: 5876646
    Abstract: A granulating device, and a granulating method for thermoplastic resin material, in which a screw type kneading and extruding machine for kneading, extruding and melting the thermoplastic resin material, a die holder connected to a front end portion of the screw type kneading and extruding machine, the die holder including a passage through which the melted resin material flows, a change-over valve and at least two outlets, the passage selectively connected to the outlets with the change-over valve, a first and a second dies, for forming the melted resin material into a plurality of pieces of string, connected respectively to the outlets to adapt to different ranges of viscosity of the melted resin material, and a first and a second cutter units including cutters moved respectively along extruding planes of the first and second dies to cut the string-shaped resin material into small pieces, and cooling and solidifying sections for cooling and solidifying the small pieces of thermoplastic resin material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Yoshida, Hideki Mizuguchi, Nobuhisa Kobayashi, Masaharu Ishida
  • Patent number: 5846607
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for customizing a thermoplastic resin in which a thermoplastic resin body, a thermoplastic polymeric component, and an additive component are provided in a container with means for mixing. The thermoplastic resin body is at a first temperature that is above the onset temperature of the melt processing range of the polymeric component. A coating that is a mixture of the additive component and the polymeric component is formed on at least a portion of the thermoplastic resin body. After the coating is applied, the resin body is cooled to solidify the coating composition. The customized thermoplastic resins produced according to the invention may be heated to above the onset temperature of the melt processing range of the resin body, mixed to form a substantially uniform mixture and formed into an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Hurley, Bernd B. Brian
  • Patent number: 5842276
    Abstract: A method for producing a polymeric foamed material panel including the steps of providing a polymeric foamed material; and cutting (e.g. hot wire cutting) the polymeric foamed material until reaching a preconfiguration cut point. The method further includes cutting subsequently from the preconfiguration cut point a brace-receiving configuration in the polymeric foamed material; and sliding a brace member into the brace-receiving configuration to produce a polymeric foamed material panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: QB Technologies, L.C.
    Inventors: William V. Asher, Kenneth P. Lanahan, Curtis T. Martin
  • Patent number: 5840229
    Abstract: A method is described for producing a molded article by molding a thermoplastic elastomer powder having a sphere-reduced average diameter of 0.7 mm or less, a bulk specific gravity of at least 0.38 and a failing property of 20 second/100 ml or less, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer contains an elastomeric ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer and a polyolefin resin and has a complex dynamic viscosity .eta.*(1) of 1.5.times.10.sup.5 poise or less when measured at 250.degree. C. at a frequency of 1 radian/sec., and a Newtonian viscosity index n of 0.67 or less, in which the Newtonian viscosity index n is calculated according to the following formula:n=(log .eta.*(1)-log .eta.*(100))/2wherein .eta.*(100) is a complex dynamic viscosity measured at 250.degree. C. at a frequency of 100 radian/sec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sugimoto, Yoshihiro Nakatsuji, Toshio Igarashi, Shigeo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5837177
    Abstract: A method of making a polypropylene product for use in making biaxially oriented films. The method includes the addition of an improved nucleating system that allows for even distribution of a nucleating agent in the polymer material. The improved nucleating system comprises a nucleating agent and a liquid miscible with the nucleating agent. The solution is combined with the polypropylene material, and the miscible liquid is removed during processing. The resulting films possess superior processing and material characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Aristech Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Victor M. DiNardo, Nicholas Z. Karnavas
  • Patent number: 5814350
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hot-cut pelletizer for thermoplastics having a housing which is designed as a hollow rotational body and the interior space of which is supplied with polymer melt, which is forced through channels passing radially through the housing wall and is cut into pellets by cutters which rotate in a substantially water-free space and slide over the openings of the channels along a cutting face running around the housing wall. The housing wall is surrounded by a ring of stationary cooling water nozzles, which direct cooling water jets onto the cutters in the manner of a jacket over the cutting face at such a small radial distance from the latter that the polymer melt is thereby chilled directly after leaving the cutting face and at the same time the cutters are cooled up to the cutting edges by the cooling water with the pellets being flung out radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Siegward Rockstedt
  • Patent number: 5800757
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for molding a part, such as a point-of-purchase display, is shown. The system includes a plasticator and press. The molded part comprises an in-molded graphics sheet which becomes molded integral with the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Modern Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Fredric Louis Abrams, Robert F. Freund
  • Patent number: 5779950
    Abstract: The present invention describes a new and innovative method of making the synthetic fiber containing the infrared energy powder. The present invention generally has three steps. The first step is mixing a quantity of the synthetic material with a quantity of the infrared energy powder to form a mixture of the synthetic material and the infrared energy powder. The second step is adding a quantity of silicon oil into the mixture of the synthetic material and the infrared energy powder to form a blend of ready to draw substance. The third step is drawing one or more strands of synthetic fiber containing the infrared energy powder from the blend of ready to draw substance. It is believed that the innovative use of the silicone oil holds together the infrared energy powder and the synthetic material better then other conventional methods. The silicone oil acts as an epoxy and also as a lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Dong Soon Kang
  • Patent number: 5776533
    Abstract: Precut, solid water-in-oil emulsion compositions are prepared by providing a mold having an outer frame and a plurality of configured partitioning plates disposed within the outer frame. The mold is at least partially filled with a fluid form of the emulsion so as to form precuts in the emulsion corresponding to the partitioning plates. The emulsion is then allowed to set. An extrusion die is advanced into the mold. The extrusion die has grooves configured complimentary to the configuration of the partitioning plates so as to receive the partitioning plates therein. The set emulsion is then discharged from the mold by at least partially passing the extrusion die through the mold so as to discharge the set emulsion with the precuts therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Snow Brand Milk Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Okamoto, Yoshihiko Honda, Mototake Murakami, Shigeru Oniki, Koji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5723082
    Abstract: A method of granulating synthetic resin by extrusion and an apparatus thereof by which a large quantity of pellets can be effectively produced is provided. A plurality of sets of granulating sections are connected with an end of an extruder in parallel. The plurality of sets of granulating sections are simultaneously and independently operated for granulation in a normal operation. When one of the sets of granulating sections is stopped, the other set may still operate for granulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Mizuguchi, Minoru Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5719203
    Abstract: A method of producing a composition which is composed of from 5 to 50 wt. % of caoutchouc, preferably natural caoutchouc; from 4 to 25 wt. % of starch powder; from 10 to 50 wt. % of one of polybetahydroxybutyrate or cellulose; and from 0 to 15 wt. % of auxiliary agent, and which is biodegradable includes providing caoutchouc in one of flaked or granular form; providing initial materials selected from the group consisting of starch, polybetahydroxybutyrate, cellulose, and auxiliary agent, in ground form as one of a powder or granulated; homogeneously mixing the initial materials into the caoutchouc to provide a homogeneous mixture: plasticizing the homogeneous mixture by heating in one of a screw-type extruder or injection molding machine to provide a plasticized mass; and ejecting the plasticized mass from the extruder or injection-molding machine and allowing the mass to cool. Preferably, plasticizing is carried out of a temperature ranging from 170.degree. C. to 180.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Metraplast H. Jung GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Thobor