Abstract: Biodegradable starch-based extruded products and methods of manufacturing those products are provided. In particular, extruded starch products processed by compression, stretching or compression and stretching provide excellent flexibility, pliability, dimensional stability, resiliency, abrasion resistance and other properties making them attractive for use as packaging materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a thermoplastic film having low-birefringent, low stress and at least one polished surface for optical media applications as well as low stress film for non-optical applications using a continuous extrusion process. The apparatus consists of a novel calendering roll in a calendering roll stack wherein, at least one roll consists of an inner steel shell, a resilient covering over the inner steel roll and a multi-layer metal sleeve outer covering of at least two layers. The metal sleeve preferably consists of three layers. The inner layer of the multi-layer outer sleeve is preferably nickel, the intermediate layer is preferably copper and the outer layer is preferably chrome with a highly polished surface.

Abstract: An extrusion die for extruding biodegradable material, the extrusion die comprising: a mandrel; an outer member positioned near the mandrel; an extrusion orifice between the mandrel and the outer member; a member in communication with at least one defining member of the extrusion orifice, wherein the member is capable of producing relative movement between the outer member and the mandrel, wherein the relative movement has a component transverse to an extrusion direction of biodegradable material through the extrusion orifice; a flow control device which controls flow of biodegradable material through the extrusion die; and a positioning device which positions the outer member and the mandrel relative to each other.

Abstract: Microfibers and microfibrillated articles are prepared by imparting fluid energy to a surface of a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt-processed polymeric film. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.

Abstract: A method of making a high gloss, multilayered thermoplastic film by pinning the extruding the molten thermoplastic film material onto a polished casting roll having a mirror finish. The thermoplastic film produced by this method has a superior gloss finish and has a ratio of distinctness of image in the machine direction to distinctness of image in the cross direction in the range of 1.3:1 to 1.0:1, and has a 20° gloss in the machine direction and the cross direction of at least 40.

Abstract: A vacuum extrusion line of the horizontal barometric leg type includes a vacuum chamber having an extrusion die at one end and a water baffle immersion cooler at the other end for extracting the extrudate to atmosphere, extrudate shaping and sizing equipment downstream of the die, a large diameter fixed bulkhead at the die, and first and second large diameter movable sections surrounding the shaping and sizing equipment, a smaller fixed section of the chamber. The first section sealing against the second section and the fixed section and telescoping over the fixed section to form a gap with the second section being movable within the limits of the gap. The second section also seals against the large diameter fixed bulkhead. In this manner the downstream equipment can be fully exposed by movement of one or both movable sections and adequate volume and spatial working environment is provided for large through-put. A simplified lock mechanism facilitates the quick opening and closing of the chamber.

Abstract: A method of making a radially expandable device having a body constructed of a generally inelastic, expanded fluoropolymer material. The body is deployable upon application of a radial expansion force from a reduced diameter, collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a pre-defined and fixed increased diameter. The body has a singular, unitary construction of generally homogenous material that is characterized by a seamless construction of expanded fluoropolymer material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and is preferably constructed through an extrusion and expansion process. The body is further characterized by a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils in which substantially all the nodes of the body are oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A process for producing an electrode for an electric double layer capacitor, which comprises extruding a mixture comprising a carbonaceous material, a polytetrafluoroethylene and a processing aid by paste extrusion, and rolling the obtained extruded product by rolling rolls to form it into a sheet shape.

Abstract: A process for producing an electrode for an electric double layer capacitor, which comprises extruding a mixture comprising a carbonaceous material, a polytetrafluoroethylene and a processing aid by paste extrusion, and rolling the obtained extruded product by rolling rolls to form it into a sheet shape.

Abstract: A branched pipe (5) is manufactured by continuous extrusion in such a manner that a manifold (5a) of a branched pipe (5) is manufactured by extruding plastic material into the space defined by moving chill molds (1, 2) and a mandrel (10) arranged therein with an extruder (4). The manifold (5a) is provided with branch pipes (5b) simultaneously with the extrusion thereof.

Abstract: A mold block which is used in a moving mold tunnel comprises first and second mold block sections which meet at their parting faces to close the mold block. Each mold block section has a product shaping interior surface and an air movement passage having an entrance at the base of each mold block section, a first opening to the interior surface and a second opening to the parting face of each mold block section. An air flow controller is provided between the parting face opening and the interior surface opening of the passage in the first mold block section and an air flow controller is provided between the entrance and the interior surface opening in the passage in the second mold block section.

Abstract: An embossed, cast polyolefin film or an embossed, oriented polyolefin film comprises: (a) a core layer comprising a propylene polymer; (b) an embossed outer layer on one side of the core layer, the embossed outer layer comprising an olefin polymer capable of being embossed; and (c) an additional outer layer on a side of the core layer opposite to the embossed outer layer, the additional outer layer comprising an olefin polymer. The embossed film can then be metallized to produce a shiny, metallic film having a prismatic or holographic appearance.

Abstract: A method of making a cathode assembly for a metal-air battery includes extruding a composition having a catalyst, a fibrillatable material, and a lubricant, to form an extrudate; calendering the extrudate; connecting the extrudate to a current collector; and heating the extrudate to remove at least a portion of the lubricant to make the cathode assembly. The method can further include laminating a separator to the cathode assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing gas barrier film, in which the coating film produced has excellent, oxygen gas barrier properties and is influenced little by moisture. The method comprises extruding a polyvinyl alcohol which contains not more than 19 mol % of &agr;-olefin units with not more than 4 carbon atoms, onto a substrate film, then stretching it at least 3-fold and subjecting it to heat treatment at a temperature not lower than 120° C.

Abstract: A method of making a mixing element for a static mixer, comprising: providing a split die set having a first die and a second die in axial alignment, each of the dies having an opening forming an extrusion pattern, each of the extrusion pattern mating with the other; rotating the first and second dies so that the extrusion patterns are aligned and mated with each other to allow axial flow of extrusion material through aligned portions of the extrusion patterns; extruding extrusion material through the aligned portions of the extrusion patterns of the first and second dies to form an extruded shape; rotating the aligned first and second dies simultaneously while maintaining alignment during said extrusion to provide an angular variation to the extruded shape; and rotating at least one of the first-and said second dies independently so that the extrusion patterns are misaligned to prevent the flow of extrusion material except through the center of the extrusion patterns.

Abstract: A three-layer microwaveable, plastic wrap having a core layer between a cling layer and a release layer is disclosed, along with a method for making the plastic wrap. The cling layer comprises a base resin and an effective amount of a tackifier to provide sufficient cling to different surfaces such as, for example, glass, plastic, ceramic, stainless steel laminated cardboard, and aluminum. The release layer includes an effective amount of an anti-blocking agent to facilitate dispensing of the wrap from a dispensing roll.

Abstract: The invention refers to an apparatus for applying a plastic edge strip (28) on an edge of a plate-like workpiece (16), such like a wooden board, a chip or particle board, a board of wood-like particles or the like, comprising extrusion means (18) for extruding a strand of plastic material (20) on an edge (14) of the workpiece (16) and forming means (24) for forming the extruded strand of plastic material (20) in a desired profile. The invention further refers to a method for applying a plastic edge strip (28) on an edge of a plate-like workpiece (16) and to a plate-like workpiece (16) having such a strand of plastic material (20) extruded thereon.

Abstract: A producing apparatus is used, in which a metallic endless belt having a mirror face is wound on and extends between a first cooling roller covered with an elastic member and a second cooling roller, and a third cooling roller having a mirror face on its surface and touching the first cooling roller through a molten thermoplastic resin sheet and the endless belt oriented therebetween to hold the molten thermoplastic resin sheet pressed with the endless belt. While the temperature of the third cooling roller and the endless belt directly touching the molten thermoplastic resin sheet is retained at less than 50° C.

Abstract: A flexible hose which has a hose body made of soft synthetic resin, a reinforcement made of hard synthetic resin wound spirally and joined to the hose body by fusion, and a conductor arranged inside the reinforcement in its longitudinal direction. The conductor does not adhere to the reinforcement and is movable. The hose body is formed by: extruding a tube made of soft resin from a head of an extruder; pressing and flattening the tube to form a strip; and winding the strip spirally with the adjacent side edges joined together.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a mechanical fastener including engaging stems having heads with demarcation lines. The present invention also provides a method of making a mechanical fastener that includes placing a layer of heated material on stem ends to soften the stem ends and deforming the softened stem ends into convex heads.

Abstract: Lids, for example lids for machine-lidding of e.g. beakers, dishes, menu dishes, goblets, small packages etc., containing a substrate material featuring, with respect to a container on which the lids are used, a smooth outward facing surface bearing printing. On the inward facing side of the lid is a sealing layer deposited by extrusion laminate coating. The sealing layer exhibits on the free surface embossing with a depth of roughness of up to 50 &mgr;m. The embossing is transferred to the sealing layer in the form of a roughness pattern on the cooling roll on depositing the laminate coating of the substrate material and extruded sealing layer. The free side of the substrate material is smooth and exhibits no embossing. Printing on the free surface is therefore of higher quality. The extruded sealing layer on the substrate material exhibits embossing on the free side. If the lids are drawn from a stack of lids, for example in a filling machine, the embossing allows them to be separated individually.

Abstract: A process for producing solid creatine-containing dosage forms, wherein

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating hollow chamber sheet extruded lines out of thermoplastic resin includes a vacuum housing and a planar intake area at a first end of the vacuum housing. The planar intake area is configured to receive the extruded line. Support rollers within the vacuum housing are configured to support the extruded line. The extruded line exits the vacuum housing through a planar outlet area located at a second end of the vacuum housing opposite the first end.

Abstract: A producing apparatus is used, in which a metallic endless belt having a mirror face is wound on and extends between a first cooling roller covered with an elastic member and a second cooling roller, and a third cooling roller having a mirror face on its surface and touching the first cooling roller through a molten thermoplastic resin sheet and the endless belt oriented therebetween to hold the molten thermoplastic resin sheet pressed with the endless belt. While the temperature of the third cooling roller and the endless belt directly touching the molten thermoplastic resin sheet is retained at less than 50° C.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for melt extrusion of polymeric compositions, particularly conductive polymers, in which a gear pump delivers molten polymeric composition to an extrusion orifice. Overfeeding of the composition due to pressure variations is avoided by means of a polymer relief means, preferably a second, smaller gear pump, which removes a portion of the molten composition when the pressure exceeds a selected level.

Abstract: From about 50 to about 90% by weight of fibers, in particular wood fibers, and/or pellets made from cellulose or from wood, are mixed with from about 10 to about 50% by weight of a hot-curing resin, each of the percentages by weight being based on the total weight of the mixture. Instead of a single resin it is also possible to use a mixture made from two or more hot-curing resins. The mixture made from fibers and/or pellets and resin is kneaded and homogenized and then passed on to an extruder which has various heating zones in which the mixture is heated. Care has to be taken here that the maximum temperature, arising at the extruder exit, does not exceed about 120° C., since above this temperature the resin(s) begin(s) to cure.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a mechanical fastener including engaging stems having heads with demarcation lines. The present invention also provides a method of making a mechanical fastener that includes placing a layer of heated material on stem ends to soften the stem ends and deforming the softened stem ends into convex heads.

Abstract: An improved process for producing polybutadiene golf ball cores is disclosed. The golf ball cores are from polybutadiene rubber compositions having a high Mooney viscosity and/or a high molecular weight and a low dispersity is disclosed. An apparatus for producing the polybutadiene golf ball cores is also disclosed. The apparatus includes an internal mixer that compounds a batch of golf ball core stock. A sheeter forms sheets of golf ball core stock and has a sheeter inlet proximate the mixer outlet and a sheeter outlet. A preform shaper forms golf ball core preforms from the sheets of golf ball core stock.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.

Abstract: A method and a device manufactures a fastening element with interlocking elements integrated with a backing. The interlocking elements are produced by introducing a thermoplastic into the gap between a pressure roller and a shaping roller. The shaping roller has a screen with cylindrical openings produced by etching, electroplating or a laser so that the finished interlocking elements result exclusively from hardening the thermoplastic, at least in part, in the openings, in the screen. This method allows preparation of the shaping roller at very low cost. In addition, a previously customary second method step in formation of the interlocking elements is eliminated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of producing a fastener product having a multiplicity of fastening members with stems integrally molded with a strip-form base, along with a product and a preform product so produced. Molten resin is applied to a rotating mold roll having an outer surface for forming one side of the base, and a multiplicity of cavities extending inward from the outer surface for molding the stems. A preform product is stripped from the mold roll having a multiplicity of upstanding, preform stems extending from a side of the base. The preform product is passed through a post-forming nip between a heading roll and a backing member to form overhanging heads at the distal ends of the upstanding stems. The heading roll has a multiplicity of cavities about its periphery for forming the heads. Various means are disclosed for aligning the preform stems and the heading roll cavities.

Abstract: A novel composition is disclosed comprising about 80 to about 99 weight percent based on the composition, of a linear ultra low density polyethylene (LULDPE) and about 1 to about 20 weight percent of a propylene polymer comprising 0 to about 40 weight percent olefin comonomer units having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and from about 60 to about 100 weight percent propylene, based on the propylene polymer, the propylene polymer having a Brookfield Thermosel viscosity of about 1 to about 30,000 mpa·s at 190° C. and a needle penetration of about 5 to about 300 dmm at 23° C. Also disclosed are films produced from the composition, both blown and cast, and both monolayer and multilayer. Also disclosed are processes for stretch wrapping and forming blown and cast film.

Abstract: An improved process for producing polybutadiene golf ball cores is disclosed. The golf ball cores are from polybutadiene rubber compositions having a high Mooney viscosity and/or a high molecular weight and a low dispersity is disclosed. An apparatus for producing the polybutadiene golf ball cores is also disclosed. The apparatus includes an internal mixer that compounds a batch of golf ball core stock. A sheeter forms sheets of golf ball core stock and has a sheeter inlet proximate the mixer outlet and a sheeter outlet. A preform shaper forms golf ball core preforms from the sheets of golf ball core stock.

Abstract: A process for rendering films, film composites, and articles made therefrom less resistant to passage of water vapor by passing a filled precursor film or film composite through the nip of interdigitating grooved rollers. The films or film composites are generally formed using a precursor film of a film forming polyolefin or polyolefin blend, with a relatively high filler loading and optionally an elastomer. A process is disclosed for making diapers or other disposable items where a relatively high water vapor is coupled with a resistance to liquid strikethrough. In one embodiment of the invention, the interdigitating grooved rollers are maintained in a temperature range of from about 91° F. to about 159° F.

Abstract: The invention provides synthetic polymeric fibers which have utility as temporary acquisition/distribution absorbent structures and permanent storage/distribution absorbent structures in a wide range of absorbent products such as diapers, feminine napkins, and adult incontinent pads. These fibers are short, highly distorted, and bulky characterized by lengths between 2 and 37 mm, short-range distortion factors between 5 and 70, long-range distortion factors between 0.05 and 0.9, and single fiber bulk factors between 0.5 and 10.0. They may or may not have capillary channels on the surface. The advantages of these materials are their increased absorbency, reduced wet collapse at low densities, reduced rewet, reduced loss of liquid under pressure, and their ability to be desorbed by distribution materials such as capillary channeled fibers or by conventional storage materials such as fluff pulp or superabsorbent polymer fiber or powder.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.

Abstract: A polyolefin shaped article having high strength and high modulus is efficiently manufactured without a need to accompany a process of removing a flow modifier or the like. A method is characterized as including the steps of melt forming a composition principally containing 100 parts by weight of high-density polyolefin, such as high-density polyethylene, and 1-30 parts by weight of a polymerizable monomer or oligomer having a preferred affinity for the high-density polyolefin into a sheet or film, calendering and stretching the sheet or film, and then polymerizing the polymerizable monomer or oligomer incorporated in the sheet or film.

Abstract: A method of shaping three-dimensional products by manipulating an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tubular body into a desired three-dimensional conformation. The present invention entails radially expanding a longitudinally expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tube to form a radially expanded ePTFE (rePTFE) tube, engaging the rePTFE tube circumferentially about a shaping mandrel, heating the assembly to a temperature below the crystalline melt point temperature, or sintering temperature, of polytetrafluoroethylene to radially shrink the diameter of the rePTFE tube into intimate contact with the shaping mandrel, and heating the assembly to a temperature above the crystalline melt point temperature of polytetrafluoroethylene to amorphously lock the microstructure of the shaped polytetrafluoroethylene body.

Abstract: A process for creating a seal having a first linear portion and a second curved portion joined thereto is provided. The process includes providing a retaining section including a threaded metal wire with warp fiber disposed therein, forming the carrier section into a predetermined cross-sectional shape using forming rolls, extruding a polymeric material around the carrier section and generating a contacting member onto said carrier section to form a seal, heating the seal within an oven to cure the polymeric material and to break down the warp fiber so that the seal is readily bendable, and heating then cooling the second portion of the seal in a forming device for predetermined times at predetermined temperatures to cause the second portion of the seal to be formed in a curved manner.

Abstract: A cured tread making apparatus and method including a tread extruder from which a hot rubber compound continuously exits, a continuous rotational curing device comprising a heated rotatable drum and a cooperating moving tension belt adapted to provide continuous curing pressure against the rotating drum, and cast segments, incorporating a particular tread design, attached to the exterior circumferential surface area of the heated drum.

Abstract: An extrusion die for extruding biodegradable material, the extrusion die including: a mandrel; an outer member positioned near the mandrel; an extrusion orifice between the mandrel and the outer member; a member in communication with at least one defining member of the extrusion orifice, wherein the member is capable of producing relative movement between the outer member and the mandrel, wherein the relative movement has a component transverse to an extrusion direction of biodegradable material through the extrusion orifice; a flow control device which controls flow of biodegradable material through the extrusion die; and a positioning device which positions the outer member and the mandrel relative to each other.

Abstract: A process for preparing thermoplastics comprising the steps of cooling an extrudate to a temperature T1, drawing the molten extrudate, relaxing the extrudate at a temperature T3 for a duration of at least the average relaxation time of the thermoplastic at the relaxation temperature, and quenching the extrudate to a temperature T4. The process enables the manufacture of films consisting of at least one propylene homopolymer with a thickness of 100 to 250 &mgr;m and having a hot shrinkage of at most 20%, a haze of less than or equal to 3% and a total transparency with respect to air of greater than 70%.