Abstract: The present invention provides: (a) a method for producing a poly(arylene sulfide)(PAS) resin composition: (b) a PAS resin composition produced by the inventive resin composition production method; (c) a method which utilizes the inventive PAS resin composition in the production of a continuous fiber-reinforced composite; and (d) a PAS composite produced by the inventive composite production method. The PAS resin composition produced by the inventive resin composition production method comprises a crystallizable arylene sulfide polymer and a nucleating agent. The nucleating agent is admixed with the crystallizable arylene sulfide polymer by adding said nucleating agent to the polymerization reaction system. The inventive PAS resin composition solidifies to a fine-grained crystalline morphology and is well suited for use in the production of continuous fiber-reinforced composites, molded articles, and other products.

Abstract: Polymer blends of non-crystalline mesomorphous polypropylene and a polymer compatible with such polypropylene and the method of making such polymer blends are provided. Such compatible polymer blends exhibit substantial maintenance of structural integrity after exposure to gamma irradiation and provide heat sealing properties, puncture resistance, and tear strength. Films, fibers, and other articles made from such blends may be used in various applications, including medical articles such as medical packaging films, ostomy pouches, and transdermal delivery patches, which may require sterilized storage prior to usage.

Abstract: A method of extrusion of a profiled strip of plastic material having a smooth surface finish without any shock line defects by riding the plastic strip on a unidirectionally rotatable roller positioned between the extrusion die lips and the water cooling bath.

Abstract: Process for making wireless twist ties including extruding and quenching molten polymeric materials to form ribbon or perforated sheets. Wireless twist ties include polymeric material, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer and polystyrene and particulate rubber impact modifier. Wireless twist ties, when elongated, exhibit deformation before failure of at least 50%.

Abstract: In a method of feeding a plastic material to a using apparatus such as a molding press or an extruder, a moldable or extrudable plastic material in elongated strand form is provided. The moldable or extrudable plastic material is arranged such as in a package comprising a plurality of convolutions. The package is supported adjacent to the using apparatus and successive increments of length of the elongated strand material are payed out and fed into the using apparatus.

Abstract: A method of forming an elongated trim strip product by first 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.

Abstract: A method of making a lightweight hose assembly including a step of extruding the inner liner. A nonmetallic material is then braided about the exterior of the liner. The inner liner and braided layer are then passed through a reservoir containing a solution of the fluorocarbon polymer. The solvent is then removed, leaving a fluorocarbon polymer coating dispersed throughout the braided layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calibrating device for extruded plastics sections, having a number of calibrating units 5 to 7 disposed successively in the drawing-off direction. The calibrating units 5 to 7 are mounted on a guide 1, 2 floatably in the plane normal of the drawing-off direction and disposed on the guide 1, 2, securably in the drawing-off direction. A calibrating device of the kind specified ensures that the precise positioning of the successively disposed calibrating units 5 to 7 is superfluous. Since therefore the section passes the individual calibrating units without lateral deflection or jamming, the individual calibrating unit can be designed with close dimensional tolerances, utilizing the loadability of the section, without introducing an excessive shrinkage into the section.

Abstract: A method for the production of fiber reinforced palstic composites, in which a continuously moving array of fibers is impregnated with resin and fast cured as it passes through a shadow boundary created by a source of radiant energy such as ultraviolet light. The method is useful for the production of axial composites such as tubes, pipes, conduits, ducts and the like, which may be created without mandrels by passing the array of fibers through closed dies. The method is also useful with open or rolling dies to create nonaxial composites such as wall panels, guard rails, vehicle body parts, and the like.

Abstract: Plasticized polyvinyl butyral sheet optionally containing a gradient color band is formed by continuously extruding a sheet having a predetermined region across its width formed from melt issuing from a die at an increased mass flow rate in comparison with other portions of the melt forming the rest of the sheet and then forwardly distorting such sheet immediately after forming by preferentially stretching the side containing the predetermined region to form an arcuate shape of substantially uniform thickness. Arcuately shaped sections are then cut from the sheet to form discrete, shaped interlayer blanks having improved thickness uniformity and dimensional stability providing improved performance when used in laminated safety glass.

Abstract: Fiber grade resin, fiber obtained therefrom, and fiber-containing articles wherein the resin comprises an amide-imide polymer having repeating units of the following general formula: ##STR1## said resin having an inherent viscosity of from about 0.3 to about 1.3 dl/g; an M.sub.n of at least about 5000 g/mole; a ratio of M.sub.w /M.sub.n in the range of from about 1.7 to about 3.3; and a ratio of M.sub.z /M.sub.w of not greater than about 2.

Abstract: Biaxially stretched thermoplastic tubes are made in an apparatus having a plastic extruder, the output of which is controllable on an open-circuit or closed-circuit basis and which has a too head for the extrusion of a highly viscous exiting tubing, a stretching mandrel and a speed-controllable draw-off device. In the region of the run-on part there is disposed a surrounding temperature control bath for controlling the temperature of the tube to the stretching temperature while a cooling bath is disposed in the region of the draw-off part. A Raman spectrometer operating with laser waves is disposed in the zone downstream of the cooling bath. The frequency of the laser waves is adapted to the plastic used and the energy of the laser waves is so adapted to the wall thickness of the tube produced that in addition to the radiated wave scattered or reflected by the plastics, at least one wave corresponding to a Raman spectral line is radiated from the tube.

Abstract: Provided is a molecular composite comprising a rigid-rod aromatic heterocyclic polymer, a flexible, coil-like thermoplastic polymer and a thermosetting polymer.Also provided is a method for fabricating a molecular composite film or fiber which comprises the steps of forming a biphasic, stir opalescent solution of a rigid-rod aromatic heterocyclic polymer, a thermoplastic polymer, a thermosetting polymer and a solvent which is common to the three polymers, adding solvent to the solution until the solution becomes isotropic and stir opalescence has ceased to determine the critical concentration of polymers in the solvent, adding additional solvent to the solution so that the polymer concentration is below the critical concentration, extruding the solution into a non-solvent for the polymers to form the desired film or fiber, drying the film or fiber and hot drawing the film or fiber at a temperature above the Tg of the thermoplastic, but below the polymerization temperature (Tpoly) of the thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A process for cooling a heated polymer film by applying to both surfaces of the heated film, a cooling liquid adapted for wetting contact with the film surfaces. The viscosity of the layers of liquid adhering to the film surfaces is significantly reduced to facilitate removal of such liquid layers. The viscosity can be reduced by significantly raising the temperature of the adhering liquid layers after the film has been sufficiently cooled or by changing the adhering liquid to a different liquid of lower viscosity. Preferably, the liquid layers are removed for the film surfaces by conveying the liquid carrying film upwardly to cause the liquid layers to each form into a generally triangular shape with the vertex extending upwardly and blowing air stream downwardly against each such vertex.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the formation of polybutylene pipes having improved mechanical properties, by reduction in the rate of cooling of the extrudate used to form the pipe sections. Preferably, the ratio of the cooling bath residence time in minutes divided by the cooling water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit is selected to be in the range of from about 0.004 to about 0.010.

Abstract: A method for continuously controlling the pressure in a bubble formed of a continuously extruded seamless blown thermoplastic film tubing which is being conducted generally upwardly through a cooling water bath. More particularly, the method contemplates controlling the internal bubble pressure through the intermediary of a Photohelic pressure controller which is utilized to monitor the differential prevailing between the internal bubble pressure and that of the water bath encompassing the bubble. The invention also relates to an apparatus for controlling the internal pressure of a bubble constituted from a seamless blown thermoplastic film which is extruded and conducted through an external cooling water bath, employing the method pursuant to the invention.

Abstract: An improved cooling process for thermoplastic film webs, profiles, or shapes and interlocking closure profiles extruded onto film webs for use on reclosable bags or containers is provided. A mixture of a surfactant and water is used to cool film webs or closure profiles which have been extruded and secured onto a film web. The surfactant lowers the surface tension of the water, improving its wetting properties and providing faster cooling of the film. The resulting film structures are more stable and consistent in structure.

Abstract: A method of producing an oxygen barrier film, and the resulting film, includes the coextrusion of a multi-layer extrudate having an outside ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer layer which has been passed through a hot water system to soften and wet the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer. The wetted film can be more easily oriented to produce a shrinkable film.

Abstract: Microporous or open ultrafiltration poly (tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoro-(alkyl vinyl ether)) (PFA) or poly (tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene) (FEP) film membrane or hollow fibers having open pores are formed from a melt blend of 10 to 35 weight percent of the PFA or FEP and a chlorotrifluoroethylene oligomer solvent. The melt blend is shaped and one or more surfaces of the shaped melt blend are coated with the solvent prior to phase separation of the melt blend. Coating the membrane with solvent during shaping results in membrane having larger pores on that membrane surface as compared to membranes not coated with solvent. The shaped melt blend is cooled to effect phase separation and crystallization of the PFA or FEP from the blend. The solvent is separated from the PFA or FEP by extraction and the porous PFA or FEP is heat set under restraint to prevent shrinkage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for manufacturing biaxially oriented film. A tubular original film which has been extruded by an extruding die is biaxially oriented by heat and air injected to the inside portion thereof being conveyed to nip rolls each having an individual circumferential speed. The temperature of heat to be applied to the film is controlled on the basis of the detected film thickness for the purpose of obtaining a uniform film thickness distribution. Furthermore, the film can be made uniform by adjusting the outer diameter of the bubble-shaped oriented film by adjusting the distance between two sets of nip rolls on the basis of the measured width of the film. In addition, when the thus-oriented film is subjected to a heat treatment, temperature of heat is arranged to be a predetermined temperature as to prevent adhesion of the films.

Abstract: Provided is a molecular composite comprising a rigid-rod aromatic heterocyclic polymer, a flexible, coil-like thermoplastic polymer and a thermosetting polymer.Also provided is a method for fabricating a molecular composite film or fiber which comprises the steps of forming a biphasic, stir opalescent solution of a rigid-rod aromatic heterocyclic polymer, a thermoplastic polymer, a thermosetting polymer and a solvent which is common to the three polymers, adding solvent to the solution until the solution becomes isotropic and stir opalescence has ceased to determine the critical concentration of polymers in the solvent, adding additional solvent to the solution so that the polymer concentration is below the critical concentration, extruding the solution into a non-solvent for the polymers to form the desired film or fiber, drying the film or fiber and hot drawing the film or fiber at a temperature above the Tg of the thermoplastic, but below the polymerization temperature (Tpoly) of the thermosetting resin.

Abstract: This invention relates to the manufacture of flexible porous irrigation pipe having an essentially uniform porosity throughout its length which is produced by extruding an essentially moisture-free non-homogeneous, mixture of pre-vulcanized elastomeric particles such as reclaimed crumb rubber from vehicle tire treads in major amount and a thermoplastic polymer binder such as low-density polyethylene in minor amount. The mixture is intimately mixed and extruded from an unvented extruder through an annular extruder die at a precisely-controlled temperature and then through a lengthy cooling liquid bath, the rate of pull-off through the extruder die and liquid bath being maintained constant. The leak rate of the fluid delivered from the porous pipe is substantially uniform over a lengthy prescribed dimension exhibiting a delivery variation of less than about 5 percent per unit of length.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of highly stretchable high-molecular weight polyolefin gel articles and polyolefin gel articles prepared therefrom having combined high tensile strength and high modulus, wherein an initial shaped article of the polyolefin is exposed to or contacted with a swelling agent to form an intermediate swollen article, which is then converted to the gel state and then subsequently subjected to stretching at up to relatively high draw ratios.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling excess fiber length (EFL) in a loose tube optical fiber buffer tube which includes traversing a just extruded plastic buffer tube, containing optical fibers and a filling compound, through a vertical cooling tower along a buffer tube path of travel in the cooling tower where the cooling tower contains a water blocking device disposed at a predetermined point along the buffer tube path of travel and the water blocking device has a body containing (a) a chamber with inlet and outlet ports, defining a buffer tube path of travel aligned with the cooling tower path of travel, a conical shaped portion circumscribing a part of the buffer tube path of travel and an annulus shaped portion circumscribing the buffer tube path of travel and a portion of the conical shaped portion; (b) a device disposed near the outlet port for providing a stream of gas directed at the buffer tube path of travel; and, (c) a drain port to remove accumulated water from the annulus-shaped portion.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification module has an enclosed cylindrical housing in which at least twelve purification elements are mounted in a uniform, spaced parallel fashion. Each element consists of a long flat member having a thermoplastic sheet backing formed into a slightly curved cross section and having a semi-permeable membrane disposed thereon. The backing has three-dimensional porosity for purified water such that water passing through the membrane portion of the element travels along the backing member to an end. The ends of the module are mounted in a collection manifold which is sealed off from the remainder of the housing interior. A method of manufacturing the elements continuously is also provided wherein a continuous length of flexible backing material is fed sequentially through a heater, a forming die to impart a curved cross-section to the backing material, an extruder wherein membrane forming fluid is extruded around the periphery of the backing, a chill bath and a heating bath.

Abstract: A process of preparing a homogeneous amorphous polymeric blend of polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT) which includes intimately mixing the PET and PBT at a weight ratio of about 10:90-90:10, melting the mixture at 290.degree.-330.degree. C., cooling the mixture to 0.degree.--194.degree. C. by extruding it onto rollers maintained in a cooling bath and orienting the polymer of the resulting continuous shaped object at room temperature to a draw ratio of about 5:1, with subsequent annealing at about 120.degree.-180.degree. C. for about one hour.

Abstract: A die spool for the extrusion of thermoplastic materials includes an axially split elongate spool body so as to be separable into first and second spool segments. The spool segments collectively establish the spool body and also define an axially oriented extrusion cavity through which thermoplastic material is conveyed. An alignment system ensures that only a single orientation of the extrusion axis is possible when the die spool is coupled to another similar die spool (or to an extrusion die associated with an extruder). A die spool assembly may therefore be provided which is comprised of a number of individual die spools. Preferably, a decreasing temperature gradient is established within the extrusion cavity of the die spool assembly (as may be accomplished by controllably operating electrical resistive heater elements) so as to at least partially solidify the thermoplastic extrudate therewithin.

Abstract: A molten film extruded from a slot die onto a take-off drum in a cooling system is first cooled on the circumferential surface of the take-off drum and by the ambient air, is subsequently passed into the water bath of a water trough in which the take-off drum is immersed, and finally is transferred from the water bath of the water trough into a post-cooling water bath, in which the film solidifies to an intermediate film having a desired final temperature of approximately 40.degree. C. When the film leaves the take-off drum, the partially solidified molten film has a mean temperature T.sub.u of between 100.degree. C. and 120.degree. C. For optimization of the dwell time of the molten film in the cooling system and in the post-cooling water bath, the drum diameter D of the take-off drum and the length L of the post-cooling water bath are determined by a specific relationship.

Abstract: Microporous poly (tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoro (alkyl vinyl ether)) (PFA) or poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene) (FEP) membrane or hollow fibers are formed from a melt blend of 10 to 35 weight percent of PFA or FEP and a chlorotrifluoroethylene oligomer solvent. The melt blend is shaped and cooled to effect phase separation of the PFA or FEP from the blend. The solvent is removed from the PFA or FEP by extraction and the porous PFA or FEP is dried under restraint to prevent shrinkage.

Abstract: A method of extruding a continuous profiled fastener onto a thermoplastic film substrate, and more particularly, a method for the continuous bonding of a profiled fastener assembly to a thermoplastic cuff film substrate through the intermediary of hot extrusion.

Abstract: Microporous poly (tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoro (alkyl vinyl ether)) (PFA) or poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene) (FEP) membrane or hollow fibers are formed from a melt blend of 10 to 35 weight percent of PFA or FEP and a chlorotrifluoroethylene oligomer solvent. The melt blend is shaped and cooled to effect phase separation of the PFA or FEP from the blend. The solvent is removed from the PFA or FEP by extraction and the porous PFA or FEP is dried under restraint to prevent shrinkage.

Abstract: A method of vulcanizing a tubular article by extruding a sheath of unoriented polyethylene terephthalate about the article followed by quenching the sheath to an amorphous state. The sheathed article is then subjected to vulcanizing conditions in order to convert the sheath from the low density amorphous state to the higher density crystalline state, thus compressing the article to effect a smooth finish.

Abstract: In a process of producing a high-temperature resistant film or a polyimide polymer, a solution of the polymer in an organic solvent is caused to flow out through a slots spinneret of a film forming arrangement and to coagulate in an aqueous precipitation bath containing the organic solvent. The film made up of coagulated liquid is stripped, the organic solvent is removed and the film is dried. In order to attain sufficient strength properties without subsequent orientation and, thus, achieve a better dimensional stability at elevated temperatures, the liquid film formed in the slot spinneret is allowed to fall directly freely into the aqueous precipitation bath through a short air gap. The film formed is drawn off the precipitation bath and is subjected to a subsequent thermal treatment to achieve a transparent homogeneous film. The organic solvent is then removed by treatment with an aqueous extraction agent, and the film is finally dried.

Abstract: A method for the molecular orientation of plastic material by expanding a tube of plastic material, includes introducing the tube into a container filled with heated liquid, preferably water of a temperature of 70.degree.-100.degree. C. The tube is expanded by introducing a pressurized liquid into the tube. An apparatus for carrying out the method and a plastic material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a profiled strip of polymeric material having a desirable surface finish on the outer periphery of the strip. The method comprising the steps of first extruding a profile strip of polymeric material through an extrusion die in a plastic extruder, laminating a sheet layer having a desirable surface finish on the surface facing the profiled strip to a predetermined area on the outer periphery of the profile strip and then cooling the profiled strip together with the laminated sheet layer such that the laminated sheet layer can be removed from the profiled strip to expose the desirable finish reproduced from the surface of the sheet layer.

Abstract: A process for preparing pellets of a hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer which comprises extruding a solution of a hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in methanol or a mixture of water and methanol into a coagulating liquid in the form of a strand, and cutting the strand into pellets, the coagulating liquid consisting essentially of an organic solvent having a boiling point of not more than 100.degree. C., and being compatible with methanol but not being capable of dissolving the hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. According to the present invention, the pellets from which impurities such as sodium acetate can be efficiently removed, and which have excellent thermal stability and moldability can be obtained in high productivity.

Abstract: A process for forming discrete, shaped interlayer blanks comprising extruding thermoplastic melt into an endless, distortable straight-sided sheet having a gradient color band along one side, the melt forming the region of the sheet laterally of the color band extruding at a greater thickness than that forming the portion containing the color band, stretching the side of the sheet containing the region formed from the greater thickness melt more than the other side while extrusion continues to shape the sheet into an arcuate form of substantially uniform thickness having different radii along each edge, the edge of greater radius being on the side formed from the greater thickness melt, quenching the sheet to set the polymer, advancing the shaped sheet to a cutting station and cutting shaped quadrilateral sections out of the sheet having the gradient color band along one longitudinal side to form the blanks.

Abstract: A foam extrusion system and method employs a horizontal vacuum chamber with a bulkhead and extrusion die at one end of the chamber, the extrusion die being inside the chamber when the bulkhead is closed. A liquid baffle, preferably water, is provided at the opposite end of the chamber through which the extrudate passes from the chamber to atmosphere. The baffle comprises a pond of liquid having a higher level in the chamber and a lower level outside the chamber. The higher level of the pond is formed between a dam plate and a seal plate, the latter forming the opposite end of the chamber. The seal plate includes a size adjustable window through which the extrudate passes, the extrudate being guided by a conveyor to extend inclined downwardly into the pond and to exit through the seal plate and pond with a large radius upwardly curved section.

Abstract: A method of making a filamentary structure comprising a spiral thermoplastic core filament disposed within a thermoplastic sheath component is provided. The method involves extruding together from an extrusion die filaments forming the core filament and the sheath component, with the core filament being extruded at a faster rate than the sheath component which causes the core filament to spiral, and cooling the extrudates to form a unitary structure. A plurality of the filamentary structures may be extruded side-by-side so that their sheath components are joined together to form a fabric structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming discrete, shaped interlayer blanks comprises, in combination, an extrusion die containing a slot for forming a sheet from thermoplastic melt, means associated with the die for causing a portion of the melt to exit the slot at a greater mass flow rate than that of the remainder of the melt exiting the slot, means adjacent the die for quenching the sheet immediately after forming and frusto-conical pull rolls for forwardly shaping the sheet into arcuate form, the surfaces of said rolls adjacent the edges of greatest circumference positioned to contact the portion of the sheet formed from the melt exiting the slot at the greater mass flow rate.

Abstract: Free-flowing plural extrudates of a polar ethylene interpolymer, and method of preparing the same. The extrudates are essentially coated with about 0.001-2 percent, by weight of the composition, fumed silica, preferably about 0.025-0.05 weight percent. The fumed silica has an average primary particle size of about 5-25 millimicrons, a surface area of about 200-250 m.sup.2 /g, and is substantially amorphous and non-porous. The interpolymer has interpolymerized therein polar monomer, such as acrylic acid, n-butyl acrylate, vinyl acetate, or the like, in an amount so that the untreated extrudates have high block. The extrudates are treated by admixture with the silica or by contact with an aqueous dispersion of about 0.01-10 wt. % silica. When the interpolymer contains .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, the extrudates are optionally surface neutralized with a base.

Abstract: A cooling chamber for use in in-line association with a continuous extruder for rapidly cooling freshly extruded product, e.g. vinyl fluid hose, to prevent deformation of the fresh extrudate.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing an elastic film of a specific elastomeric composition which is formed by melt blending two particular elastomers, each of which is composed of hard and soft segments made from poly(tetramethylene ether)glycol, 1,4-butane diol and a phenylene dicarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof. One of the elastomers has an inorganic anti-blocking agent compounded in it. The process includes the steps of melt blending, melt extrusion, quenching and providing a draw-down of 12 to 40 to form a film which is particularly suited for use as elastic leg-strips in diapers.

Abstract: An improved method for the production of polyolefin film by extruding molten film from an annular die in a tubular form into an extrusion zone is disclosed wherein physical properties are enhanced by controlling polymeric crystalline growth. The method includes providing a liquid quench medium maintained at a constant temperature range in the extrusion zone immediately adjacent the annular die, extruding the molten film directly into the liquid quench medium, and then orienting the quenched film in a tubular bubble whereby the size and amount of crystalline growth is controlled.

Abstract: Asymmetrical layered structures such as asymmetrical films are disclosed. The main body section contains a multitude of pores (voids). A thin surface skin is free of pores. The entire structure is fabricated from a polyalkylene sulfone resin in which the alkylene moiety contains 6 to 18 carbon atoms. Processes for preparing the structures also are disclosed. The structures are semi-permeable to gases and are used as membranes to enrich the oxygen content of oxygen/nitrogen mixtures.

Abstract: Porous shaped bodies are disclosed, and an apparatus and method of their production by extruding a homogeneous, single-phase liquid mixture of polymer and mixing partner liquid at the temperature of mixture preparation through a nozzle downwardly with a linear velocity v.sub.1 into a cooling liquid that dissolves the polymer insubstantially or not at all at the cooling temperature, the cooling liquid being provided from entry of the extruded mixture until at least the point of start of solidification thereof in a substantially vertically arranged tubular zone surrounded by a wall, velocity v.sub.2 of cooling liquid in this zone being less than v.sub.1. The cooling liquid is preferably contained in a U-shaped tube and its level is controllable by dosing at entry and/or exit points.

Abstract: Interlocking vinyl siding panels are formed from vinyl sheets. A sheet of vinyl is extruded with a V-shaped bend along one of its edges, and a Z-shaped bend intermediate its edges. The extruded sheet of vinyl is then formed, while in a hot, semi-viscous state into the final siding profile. As the siding profile is formed, the V-shaped bend is formed into a first locking profile and the Z-shaped bend is formed into a second locking profile. The first locking profile is dimensioned for a snap-type engagement with the second locking profile of another similarly formed siding member.

Abstract: Pipelines for transporting sewage, water, slurries, liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons, and like materials are interlined with a composite tubular lining having an inner skin layer and a foamed layer contiguous with the inner skin layer. The foamed layer is either contiguous also, along its opposite surface, with the inner wall of the pipe or may be spaced therefrom by an outer skin layer of the composite lining. The lining may be applied either before the pipeline is placed into service or afterward, whether in situ or removed for maintenance or repair. For application in situ the lining is preferably more flexible than will suffice for insertion into new pipes.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming double-side polished sheet of thermoplastic resin has a first cooling roll for forming a sheet of thermoplastic synthetic resin thereon along a contact angle .THETA..sub.1, a second cooling roll having a smaller diameter than the first cooling roll and mounted adjacent the first cooling roll for engaging the outer surface of the sheet formed on the first cooling roll and nipping the sheet between the cooling rolls for receiving the sheet from the first cooling roll onto a part of the surface thereof along a contact angle .THETA..sub.

Abstract: An extruder delivers an extrudate at a temperature in the low end of the extruding range between 250.degree. and 550.degree. F. between opposed rollers carrying mating dies. The dies are sprayed with mold release agent when away from the extrudate. The extrudate is cooled after leaving the region between a pair of rollers and may enter the region between other similar pairs of rollers. Cold plastic inserts may be inserted into molded items.