Into A Liquid Bath Patents (Class 264/178R)
  • Patent number: 6123887
    Abstract: A composition containing cellulose formate and a solvent system. At a temperature at least equal to a value T.sub.f the composition is a solution, and at a temperature appreciably less than T.sub.f the composition is an elastic, thermoreversible gel.A process for preparing a regenerated cellulose article by the transformation of this composition. Gel spinning in order to obtain a fibre or a film. A regenerated cellulose fibre having an excellent resistance to fibrillation in particular, wherein the said fibre may be a monofilament fibre.These fibres or these films may be used in textile applications or in technical applications, for example for reinforcing other articles, particularly tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique
    Inventors: Rima Huston, Philippe Esnault, Jean-Paul Meraldi
  • Patent number: 6093350
    Abstract: An extrusion system utilizes single or tandem extruders and a mixer-cooler to extrude a foamable extrudate through a die in a sealable chamber. The foamable extrudate is shaped and calibrated within the chamber. The die is mounted on the end of a gel tube projecting through a gland seal in a fixed bulkhead forming the upstream end of the chamber. The gel tube and mixer-cooler are mounted on a movable carriage, movement of which may be used to adjust the die with respect to shaping and calibrating equipment inside the chamber. The mixer-cooler achieves a selected narrow range of uniform viscosity of the melt at the die depending on the size of the product and density. The chamber is preferably a vacuum chamber producing low density foams. The product exits the chamber to atmosphere on a continuous basis through a submerged orifice in a water baffle immersion seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Sadinski
  • Patent number: 6036465
    Abstract: The cooling of extruded melt film is improved by passing the film sequentially through two cooling baths one arranged above the other. A cooling roller is rotatably mounted in a first lower bath and passes with its cylindrical wall through a second upper bath communicating with the first bath in such a way that a cooling medium level in the second bath is maintained at a higher elevation than a cooling medium level in the first bath that has a discharge positioned at an elevation for maintaining a desired cooling medium level in the first bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Lindauer DORNIER Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Andreas Rutz, Thomas Fischer
  • Patent number: 5932158
    Abstract: An optically anisotropic solution containing cellulose and inorganic acids of phosphorus contains 94-100 wt % of the following constituents: cellulose; phosphoric acid and/or its anhydrides; and water; and 0-6 wt % of other constituents. This solution can be prepared in an apparatus in which intensive mixing is made possible by the shearing forces generated by mixers and kneaders in the apparatus. The solution can be used in making pulp, hollow fibres, staple fibre, membranes, nonwovens, or films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Hanneke Boerstoel, Bernardus Maria Koenders, Jan Barend Westerink
  • Patent number: 5919370
    Abstract: Membranes suitable for use in haemodialysis include a separating layer A with a cut-off between 500 and 5,000,000, a support layer B and a layer C which partly determines the hydraulic permeability. The cut-off and hydraulic permeability can be set independently of one another. The membranes are integral, multi-asymmetric, semi-permeable membranes made from .epsilon.-caprolactam-soluble polymers. The membranes may be in the form of flat, tubular or hollow fiber membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel NV
    Inventors: Henning Rottger, Friedbert Wechs
  • Patent number: 5911928
    Abstract: A method for producing polyolefin resins granules are disclosed, which comprises extruding by using a homodirectional (co-rotating) twin-screw kneading extruder a polyolefin resin from a die nozzle having a diameter of less than 2 mm and a discharge amount per hole of 0.5-8 Kg/hr into warm water of 5-90.degree. C. which is lower than a temperature of the resin by 140-220.degree. C., and cutting the extrudate with a cutter blade in the warm water. According to this invention, uniformly dispersed compounds are obtained, and switching of a raw resin can be done speedily and economically, and further, resin granules of a desired shape can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignees: Kanegafuchi Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kaneka Belgium N.N.
    Inventors: Hisao Shimazu, Kenichi Senda, Hirofumi Sakaguchi, Ronald A. Smets, Van Ravestyn Pierre
  • Patent number: 5879554
    Abstract: A synthetic membrane consisting of a mixture of polysulfone and sulfonated polysulfone and not more than 20 wt. % of other polymers, characterized in that the mixture contains 0.5 to 8 wt. % sulfonated polysulfone, possibly as the salt of sulfonic acid, and a method for manufacturing this synthetic membrane, characterized in that one or more solvents are added to a mixture composed of 0.5 to 8 wt. % sulfonated polysulfone, possibly as the salt of sulfonic acid, polysulfone and not more than 20 wt. % of other polymers, the mixture is dissolved to form a polymer solution, the latter is shaped, and precipitated to form a membrane in a precipitating bath by means of one or more precipitating agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Walter Loffelmann, Jurgen Passlack, Harald Schmitt, Heinz-Dieter Sluma, Michael Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5851290
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a collagen fiber having microparticulates coated on the surface of the fiber and the method for forming the fiber are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Tissue Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Fofonoff, Eugene Bell
  • Patent number: 5833904
    Abstract: In a for the production of biaxially stretched films, a take-off roll 4 is arranged downstream of a draw-off roll 3 . A plastic melt is formed into an initial film by means of a slot die 1, cooled on the draw-off roll 3 and passed over the take-off roll 4 which has a predetermined surface roughness. The film is then biaxially stretched and heat-set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Winfried Muskalla, Robert Schmidt, Karl-Heinz Kochem
  • Patent number: 5797081
    Abstract: An improvement in a method of extruding a plasticized powder mixture having a thermally gellable binder carried in an aqueous vehicle, by passing the mixture through an extruder and then through a die to produce an extrudate, the improvement being the additional step of contacting the extrudate directly after it leaves the die with an agent for simultaneously lowering the gel point of the binder and dehydrating the extrudate. The result is a stiffening of the extrudate in a shorter time than it would be, absent the additional step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin R. Brundage, Devi Chalasani, Ronald E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5785997
    Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for the formation of monofilaments having a diameter of from 60 .mu.m to 500 .mu.m from filament-forming polymers by melt-spinning the polymer, optionally quenching the formed polymer filaments below the melt-spinning head with a cooling medium, cooling the filaments in a liquid bath having a temperature of from -10.degree. C. to 150.degree. C., removing the entrained water and post-treating the filaments by spin finishing, drawing and fixing at a filament delivery speed which is greater than 600 to 4000 m/min after the fixing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jurgen Budenbender, Eckhard Gartner, Jakob Jansen
  • Patent number: 5783124
    Abstract: A cellulose acetate membrane composed of a mixture comprising a cellulose triacetate and a cellulose diacetate and having an improved heat stability, which does not substantially show a melting peak of cellulose diacetate but substantially shows a melting peak of cellulose triacetate, in a differential thermal analysis. By mixing a cellulose triacetate and a cellulose diacetate at an appropriate ratio, crystallization or orientational crystallization of each component due to a high pressure stream sterilization can be avoided and a cellulose acetate membrane with improved water permeability and sieving coefficient of myoglobin after a high pressure steam sterilization can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tohru Uenishi, Isamu Yamamoto, Kazutake Okamoto, Hideo Sato, Yasuhiro Shiota, Hidehiko Sakurai, Seiji Watanuki, Mitsuru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5776387
    Abstract: Porous pipe formed by extruding a mixture of particles of vulcanized rubber dispersed in a binder resin such as linear low density polyethylene preferably having a Melt Index below 1.0 and a broad distribution of molecular weights, through a pipe die to form porous pipe and then cooling the pipe in a cooling trough. The pipe is stabilized to reduce degradation by ultraviolet light by dispersing in the binder resin an effective amount of an ultraviolet stabilizer such as 0.1 to 10% by weight of carbon black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Aquapore Moisture Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Prassas, Shannon Bard
  • Patent number: 5772944
    Abstract: A high strength polyester strap, preferably polyethylene terephthalate, suitable for higher load applications that typically require steel strapping. The strap is made by a process in which an extruded strand or sheet of polyester is subjected to a plurality of stretching steps with a final stretch ratio of at least 5 to 1. Raising the temperature of the strap in at least one of the stretching steps is preferred. In a preferred embodiment, the strap is surface treated to reduce the brittleness of the strap and to improve weldability. The profile of the strap is flattened as part of the surface treatment which treatment enhances the weldability of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Samuel Manu-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandro DiPede, Russell J. Gould
  • Patent number: 5759288
    Abstract: It is known to wash dispersion noodles in a `batchwise` fashion in which the noodles are retained in a kettle or kettle and water is sprayed onto the surface of the noodles. Agitation is achieved by bubbling air into the kettle from the bottom. Described herein is a method and apparatus for continuously washing dispersion noodles. The apparatus includes continuous pipe work in which the noodles are washed, the pipe work including at least one separating device (10) for separating the noodles from the water in which they have been washed. The device (10) comprises a housing (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (16). A separating element (22) is located in the housing (12) between the inlet (14) and the outlet (16) and is surrounded by a collection chamber (24), the element (22) comprising a tube of mesh material through which water passes into the collection chamber (24) and which is then drained off through drain (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David John Young, Edward Charles Glover
  • Patent number: 5756030
    Abstract: A method of extruding a homogeneous plastic rod substantially free of shrink voids, the method having the steps of: extruding a rod central portion of plastic material having a glass transition point and a Vicat softening point below the glass transition point, the rod central portion having a center core and an outer skin; cooling the rod central portion while maintaining the outer skin above the Vicat softening point until the center core is cooled to approximately the Vicat softening point; using an extruder to extrude around the rod central portion a sheath of the same plastic material, the sheath having an outer skin and inner and outer portions, such that the rod central portion acts as a heat sink for the inner portion of the sheath, and such that, at the extruder, the plastic material forming the outer skin of the rod central portion is melted upon contact with the plastic material forming the sheath and the plastic material of the rod central portion and the plastic material of the sheath form the ho
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Daniel Cykana, Steven F. Schick
  • Patent number: 5753161
    Abstract: A horizontal vacuum extrusion line includes a fixed bulkhead, a die inside the bulkhead, a telescoping vacuum chamber section and a fixed chamber section. A dam in the fixed section forms a pond for immersion cooling of the extrudate. A truss extends from the dam to the bulkhead supporting, shaping and calibration equipment and extends through the telescoping section. Fluid pressurizable seals at each end of the telescoping section are operable after the telescoping section is closed against the bulkhead and the telescoping and fixed sections are locked together. The telescoping section provide a more compact line and easier access to the complex equipment downstream of the die. The extrudate from the die passes down into the pond and then through an orifice in a hood projecting from the chamber into a lower level portion of the pond exposed to atmosphere. The hood also includes a tractor drive to push the extrudate through the underwater orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodger D. Lightle, Robert L. Sadinski, Robert M. Lincoln
  • Patent number: 5738941
    Abstract: By utilizing the process of the present invention, a free-flowing crumb rubber composition can be easily prepared on a commercial scale. This invention more specifically discloses a process for preparing a free-flowing crumb rubber composition which comprises the steps of:(1) extruding a rubbery polymer into a wax emulsion; wherein the rubbery polymer is extruded into pellets having a diameter which is within the range of about 1 mm to about 15 mm; wherein the wax emulsion is comprised of about 35 weight percent to about 89 weight percent water, from about 10 weight percent to about 50 weight percent of a wax, and from about 1 weight percent to about 15 weight percent of an emulsifier; wherein the wax has a melting point which is within the range of about 40.degree. C. to about 175.degree. C.; and wherein the wax emulsion is at a temperature which is within the range of about 5.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Comoany
    Inventors: Gregory David Pero, Michael Kenneth Stockdale
  • Patent number: 5720914
    Abstract: A method for producing a polyolefinic film having ultraviolet stabilizers by extruding a hot molten polymer into a water quench bath for solidification of the film. An active halogen is added to the water quench bath in order to reduce the water carryover when the polyolefinic film is withdrawn from the water quench bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Scott & Fyfe Limited
    Inventors: David Henry Bremner, Joseph William Simpson Miller
  • Patent number: 5674442
    Abstract: In an apparatus and process for manufacturing a thermoplastic sheet or film having superior optical characteristics such as improved transparency, gloss and surface smoothness, a thermoplastic sheet is extruded, passed between a cast drum and an endless metallic belt while being compressed and subjected to a primary cooling by the belt and drum. The sheet or film is secondarily cooled in a water bath, after which it is dewatered and subjected to a thermal treatment at a temperature in the range of 40.degree. C. below, to 15.degree. C. above the thermal deformation temperature of the resin sheet to produce the improved sheet of the invention. In addition to producing a film or sheet with improved characteristics, the apparatus of the invention allows production of sheets or films at a rate up to about 10 m/min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: IPEC Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Keita Morita
  • Patent number: 5665809
    Abstract: The invention provides for a method of making simple or complex extruded gel profiles and the created article. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method involves the extrusion of a silicone gel composition through a die into a heated fluid to complete the cure of the gel as well as to produce the desired gel profile shape. Shapes such as stars, trapezoids, cusped squares, cusped triangle, triangles and the like can be fabricated according to the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventor: Janusz Wojtowicz
  • Patent number: 5659007
    Abstract: A process for producing an aromatic polyamide film comprising forming a thin layer of an optically isotropic dope in which an aromatic polyamide is dissolved in a polar amide, immersing the thin layer dope in a polar solvent kept at a temperature not higher than -20.degree. C. to coagulate the dope to form a film and drying the film in the presence of an isocyanate compound. Said process can produce directly a transparent film from an aromatic polyamide dope without requiring the step of dissolving the aromatic polyamide in conc. sulfuric acid, does not require any acid resistant equipment and is inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kazunori Akiyoshi, Katsuhiko Iwasaki, Masahiro Niwano, Yoshitaka Ohbe
  • Patent number: 5611962
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the process and apparatus for compounding and pelletizing of chemical foaming agents in a high melt resin carrier and producing unique, uniform encapsulated and pelletized chemical foaming concentrates. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the compounding, encapsulating and pelletizing in a high melt resin carrier a highly loaded concentration (5 to 70 wt %) of foaming agents which include an endothermic foaming agent, an exothermic foaming agent or hybrid combinations of these two such that when incorporated into a thermoplastic resin to produce a foamed product will chemically react to form carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrogen or mixtures thereof as the active foaming gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: GAIA Research
    Inventors: Rodrigo A. Garcia, Joseph G. Gho
  • Patent number: 5607638
    Abstract: A vacuum sizing apparatus and method of cooling and sizing plastic extrusions. In one embodiment the molten plastic extrudate enters a first vacuum chamber, passes into an ambient air environment, and then passes into a second water chamber. The first vacuum chamber includes entry and exit sizing plate manifolds to impart and maintain the size and shape of the plastic extrudate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Charles E. Cadwell
  • Patent number: 5607700
    Abstract: A synthetic resin pelletizing machine includes an extrusion cylinder forming, with a horizontal plane, an installation angle .theta. which is in the range of 0.degree.<.theta.<90.degree., a raw material feed passage extending upwardly from said extrusion cylinder at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis of said extrusion cylinder, and a cooling unit disposed below a die head and having a double bath construction composed of a first cooling bath and a second cooling bath disposed in the first cooling bath. The pelletizing machine thus constructed is compact in size and is capable of assuring a smooth feed of a raw material to the extrusion cylinder as well as a smooth passage of an extruded strand through the cooling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Kando, Hiroshi Yoshida, Kazuki Kuse
  • Patent number: 5597587
    Abstract: An apparatus to manufacture a cellulose food casing including a nonderivatized cellulose film precipitated in tubular form from an extruded thermoplastic solution of cellulose and an amine oxide cellulose solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Viskase Corporation
    Inventors: Myron D. Nicholson, Edward M. Kajiwara, Paul E. Ducharme, Jr., Merlan E. McAllister, Joseph R. Walta
  • Patent number: 5595695
    Abstract: An elastomeric article having a matte finish is prepared by curing a hydrolyzable composition under conditions of elevated humidity, or by including short aramid fibers therein. Disclosed herein are particular processes for the preparation of matte finished silicone rubber articles in a continuous extrusion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Sealex Inc.
    Inventor: Peter R. Hagen
  • Patent number: 5587181
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic cable insertion tube is cantilevered from a polymeric conduit extruder and separates an electrical and/or optical cable being pulled through the conduit from the inner surface of the conduit until it has solidified. A d.c. current source is applied to a coil surrounding the cable insertion tube upstream or downstream of the extruder so as to induce a magnetic flux in the tube and create a north pole at the downstream free end of the tube and a south pole at the upstream free end of the tube. An array of magnets is assembled about the insertion tube at the downstream free end or north pole thereof. The magnets are arranged with their north poles confronting the north pole of the insertion tube so that the repulsive forces between the like poles magnetically levitate the free end of the insertion tube and keep it from sagging into contact with the extruded conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Steve C. Owens, Richard V. Lovvorn, Albert B. Elder
  • Patent number: 5536459
    Abstract: An extrusion molded article is extrusion molded through an extrusion opening of a die. Then, in a vulcanizing bath, the cross-sectional configuration of the extrusion molded article is modified by utilizing shaping means during the process from the start of vulcanization of the extrusion molded article to a semi-vulcanization thereof, and subsequently, vulcanization of the extrusion molded article is completed. In this way, a long elastic member having required elasticity and having a cross-sectional configuration changed to a required one can be easily manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Morita
  • Patent number: 5534207
    Abstract: A method for forming an article from recyclable plastic materials includes progressively heating thermoplastic solid particles simultaneously with mixing, melting and conveying the particles, prior to delivery of molten material to an extruder. The process is particularly suitable for the continuous extrusion of elongated members having a plurality of internal wall surfaces defining elongated cavities within the member. The apparatus embodying the present invention includes a heated mixer-conveyor that simultaneously heats, melts, mixes and conveys thermoplastic material from an inlet port at which the material is received in solid particulate form, to a discharge port at which the material is in a substantially liquid state. A die particularly adapted for the continuous extrusion of an elongated member having internal walls shaped by surfaces within the die cavity is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Natural Resource Recovery, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas N. Burrus
  • Patent number: 5516270
    Abstract: A sizing tool for extruding plastic tubing is disclosed. The tool includes a peripheral wall having an inner surface that defines the outer dimension of a plastic tubing advancing from an extruder through the tool under influence of an internal pressure exceeding the pressure prevailing in the tool. The tool also includes a lubricating water channel system in the peripheral wall and extending along the tool length and having at least one opening communicating with the inner surface of said peripheral wall. The tool also includes a cooling medium channel system in the peripheral wall and extending along the length. The cooling medium channel system being substantially closed within the peripheral wall and being separate from the lubricating water channel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: JRT-Finland Oy
    Inventor: Reijo Lehtinen
  • Patent number: 5505859
    Abstract: A dialysis membrane is made of a regenerated cellulose polymer in the form of a hollow fiber with a continuous internal cavity filled essentially with a gas. The hollow fiber has a porous inner and an outer surface. The outer surface of the hollow fiber is formed by a thin skin which has fine lengthwise grooves. The inner surface of the hollow fiber is positively modified by physical and/or chemical means.The invention also includes a method for manufacturing such a dialysis membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Akzo NV
    Inventors: Gustav Dunweg, Hans G. Breidohr, Ulrich Baurmeister, Hans G. Tilgner, Uwe Stein
  • Patent number: 5505890
    Abstract: A dialysis membrane in the form of a hollow fiber with a continuous internal cavity is made of cellulose acetate or a cellulose acetate derivative. The membrane has a maximum screen coefficient of 0.04 for albumin with a molecular weight of 68,000. A dialysis membrane in the form of a hollow fiber with a continuous internal cavity may be made in a process using a spinning solution containing an organic carboxylic acid and a cavity-forming liquid. Modification agents and/or water are optionally added and the solution is extruded through a spinneret suitable for the manufacture of hollow fibers. The precipitation of the resultant dialysis membrane and the usual further aftertreatment take place in a precipitation bath. The organic carboxylic acid preferably is acetic acid and the precipitation bath preferably is a dilute acetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Akzo N.V.
    Inventors: Gustav Duweg, Lothar Steinfeld, Wolfgang Ansorge
  • Patent number: 5480295
    Abstract: A sizing device having a series of sets of sizing dies each composed of first and second die elements for use in extruding articles. Each die element is made of a plate having two opposite faces bounded by a peripheral edge. The edge further defines a notch through the plate. The notch in each die element has an open end extending inwardly to a closed end. The first and second die elements can be moved relative to each other from an open position in which the notches are unoccluded to a closed position in which first and second die elements overlie each other in the direction of extrusion and abut with the notches partly occluded by the abutting complementary die element. When the die is closed, the interior closed ends of the notches of the abutting elements of each die overlap to form a passage through the die that determines the shape of the extrusion. Support structure maintains the series of die sets at spaced apart locations in a vacuum extrusion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Greve
  • Patent number: 5478516
    Abstract: A method of forming an elongated trim strip product includes extruding a first strip of thermoplastic material from a die having an outlet with an area at least substantially as great as the desired cross-sectional area of the strip product in planes perpendicular to the direction of extrusion. Immediately subsequent to the step of extruding and while the extruded strip is still in a plastic state, it is passed longitudinally between cooperating forming rolls to shape the cross section of the extruded strip to the desired shape and cross section of the strip product. Further, while passing between the rolls a logo or lettering is formed on the strip. While the extruded strip is passing between the cooperating forming rolls, a backing strip of foil or thin metal is directed between the rolls in alignment with the extruded strip to bond the backing strip to the extruded strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: The Standard Products Company
    Inventors: Douglas N. Malm, Johnny R. Socausky, Lorne J. McLelland
  • Patent number: 5470526
    Abstract: The invention provides a compostable thermoplastic polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a transition metal salt selected from cobalt, manganese, copper, cerium, vanadium and iron, and a fatty acid or ester having 10 to 22 carbon atoms providing unsaturated species and free acid. The composition will oxidatively degrade to an embrittled state within at least 14 days at 60.degree. C. and a relative humidity of at least eighty percent. The invention also provides degradable multilayered polyolefin structures incorporating a transition metal in the form of a salt, degradable and compostable multilayered barrier films, degradable, radiation-resistant compositions and articles, and methods of forming and using such compositions, structures and articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Debra L. Wilfong, Denise R. Rutherford, Richard J. Rolando
  • Patent number: 5445775
    Abstract: Porous pipe formed of particles of vulcanized rubber dispersed in a binder resin such as polyethylene are stabilized to reduce degradation by ultraviolet light by dispersing in the binder resin an effective amount of an ultraviolet stabilizer such as 0.1 to 10% by weight of carbon black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Aquapore Moisture Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Prassas, Shannon Bard
  • Patent number: 5427165
    Abstract: A reinforcement assemblage formed at least in part of continuous monofilaments of liquid crystal organic polymer or polymers, characterized by the following features:(a) the diameter D.sub.m of the monofilaments is at least equal to 40 .mu.m and less than 400 .mu.m;(b) the tenacity T.sub.a of the assemblage is greater than 80 cN/tex;(c) the secant tensile modulus M.sub.a of the assemblage is greater than 2000 cN/tex;(d) at least one of the monofilaments is practically wound helically around an axis, the acute angle .gamma. which each monofilament makes with this axis, which is assumed rectilinear, being less than 30.degree.;(e) the twist of each monofilament on itself is less than 10 turns per meter of assemblage.Articles reinforced by these assemblages, in particular automobile tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Balestra, Joel Ribiere
  • Patent number: 5424023
    Abstract: The present invention has several aspects: an extrusion apparatus, a method of making a curved extrusion, and a curved extrusion made by the method. In broadest terms, the apparatus of the present invention comprises: (1) an extruding means, typically an extruder, adapted to produce an extrudate having a cross-section; (2) a plurality of guide members arranged so as to form a curvilinear path through which the extrusion is passed, each of the guide members having an aperture having substantially the same shape as the cross-section of the extrusion, whereby the plurality of guide members are adapted to form the extrusion into a curved shape while maintaining the cross-section of the extrusion; and (3) mechanical means adapted to conduct the extrusion through said plurality of guide members, such as an extrusion puller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Crane Plastics Company Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bobby D. Riley, William Taylor
  • Patent number: 5419867
    Abstract: A seamless tube useful in making a roofing batten is extruded from a polymeric material consisting essentially of a major amount of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and a minor amount of at least one polyolefin, flattened in a vacuum sizer so as to define two plies, and milled and drawn so as to orient the tube longitudinally. As milled and drawn, the tube is oriented so as to have a tensile strength of at least about 25,000 psi in a longitudinal direction. The plies are punched so as to have holes therethrough at spaced intervals along the tube. When used to make a roofing batten to coact with conventional fasteners, such as roofing screws, the tube exhibits superior characteristics of split resistance and pull-through resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Van Erden, Juergen O. Rathgeber, Parimal M. Vadhar, John P. Wojcik
  • Patent number: 5417997
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously manufacturing a reinforced, flexible, porous, tubular pipe. The reinforced, flexible porous tubular pipe comprises an extruded porous inner layer, spiral wound open mesh webbing surrounding the porous inner layer, and an extruded porous outer layer. A granular elastomeric material is blended with a polyethylene polymer thermoplastic and an emulsifier, heated and passed through a first extruding means to form a flexible, tubular porous inner layer. The porous inner layer is passed through a quick cooling means, then an open mesh webbing is spirally wound about the porous inner layer. The porous inner layer and the open mesh webbing are then passed through a second extruding means to form a porous outer layer. The reinforced, flexible porous tubular pipe is then cut to length and coiled to suit manufacturing preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Donald J. Creed
  • Patent number: 5409653
    Abstract: A method of forming an elongated trim strip product by extruding a first strip of thermoplastic material from a die having an outlet with an area at least substantially as great as the desired cross-sectional area of the strip product in planes perpendicular to the direction of extrusion. Immediately subsequent to the step of extruding and while the extruded strip is still in a plastic state, it is passed longitudinally between cooperating forming rolls to shape the cross section of the extruded strip to the desired shape and cross section of the strip product. While the extruded strip is passing between the cooperating forming rolls, a backing strip of foil or thin metal is directed between the rolls in alignment with the extruded strip to bond the backing strip to the extruded strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: The Standard Products Company
    Inventor: Douglas N. Malm
  • Patent number: 5401781
    Abstract: A process for forming a cured article of consistent shape from a hydrolyzable siloxane composition without the problem of non-uniformity that results from significant die swell upon extrusion and from shrinkage upon curing. The present process comprises extruding a non-self-supporting composition maintained at a temperature greater than 5.degree. C. The composition comprises a polydiorganosiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydrolyzable groups per molecule, a hydrolyzable silicon crosslinker, a filler, and optionally a curing catalyst. The composition is extruded at a constant rate through a shaping die to form a shaped extrusion having a cross-sectional area that is substantially uniform throughout the length of the shaped extrusion. The shaped extrusion is fed in a continuous flow into an aqueous curing bath which is maintained at a temperature of at least 20.degree. C. and which has a density substantially the same as or slightly greater than the density of the shaped extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventor: Peter R. Hagen
  • Patent number: 5395575
    Abstract: Production line and method for manufacturing strips of foil stabilized plastics moldings featuring a rotary reform machine that has a pair of reform wheels that are rotatably driven to profile the extrudate while matching the output speed of extrudate exiting from the extrusion die of a plastics extruder. The wheels have equal diameters and are motor driven at the same angular velocity so that forming dies in the wheels synchronize and cooperate to pressure mold spaced sections of the extrudate feeding therethrough to form high quality end corners with an offal section therebetween. A haul-off pulls the strip from the extruder die, the rotary reform machine, a water trough and flash trimmer and into a cutter where the offal is removed. The strip is maintained under a predetermined tension load by use of an adjustable friction brake on the stabilizer foil so that the heated plastics exiting the extruder will be uniform in initial profile, providing high quality extrudate feeding into the reforming wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce J. Stribbell, Donald L. Franck
  • Patent number: 5378469
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved collagen threads and methods of making and using such threads, including the production of yarn, as well as braided, knitted, and woven articles of manufacture, comprising such threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Organogenesis, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Kemp, Robert M. Carr, Jr., John G. Maresh, John Cavallaro, Jerome Gross
  • Patent number: 5349804
    Abstract: A seamless tube useful in making a roofing batten is extruded from a polymeric material consisting essentially of a major amount of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and a minor amount of at least one polyolefin, flattened in a vacuum sizer so as to define two plies, and milled and drawn so as to orient the tube longitudinally. As milled and drawn, the tube is oriented so as to have a tensile strength of at least about 25,000 psi in a longitudinal direction. The plies are punched so as to have holes therethrough at spaced intervals along the tube. When used to make a roofing batten to coact with conventional fasteners, such as roofing screws, the tube exhibits superior characteristics of split resistance and pull-through resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Van Erden, Juergen O. Rathgeber, Parimal M. Vadhar, John P. Wojcik
  • Patent number: 5340902
    Abstract: This invention relates to the production of spandex fibers made from segmented polyurethane(urea)s which are prepared from low unsaturation-containing polyols made by polymerizing alkylene oxides in the presence of a double metal cyanide complex catalyst. With the low unsaturation-containing polyols, spandex fibers can be prepared that have better physical properties than fibers prepared with PTMEG polyols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis P. Smith, James M. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 5326508
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing calendered and/or extruded semifinished products with increased surface tackiness from a mixture of rubber and rubber-like plastic materials employs a shock-cooling step for cooling the hot semifinished products at a maximum shock cooling temperature of 0.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michaela Kaefer, Holger Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 5320794
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of a extruded vinyl product to provide a textured stake construction includes an extruder screw and a die having specific structural, and dimensional characteristics and temperature parameters. The extruder screw has a flight depth in the meter zone which is about one half the flight depth in the feed zone and deeper than extruder screws of conventional design. The die includes a frusto-conical section connected to a cylindrical passage. The extruded vinyl stake will have a knobby or textured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Holmes
  • Patent number: 5288437
    Abstract: A process is described to produce ultra thin biaxially stretched film made of thermoplastic where at least two film webs are superimposed and stretched together in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The film webs are subjected to a heat treatment before the first draw step. After stretching, the film webs are separated again from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Guenther Crass, Siegfried Janocha, Gisbert Bammert