Abstract: A woven panel is formed from at least one first polymer yarn and at least one second polymer yarn wherein the second polymer yarn has a core. The core yarns provide mechanical strength for the woven material in supporting the coreless yarns when used in load bearing articles such as the seat or back portions of an article of furniture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent polypropylene based sheet and its manufacturing method capable of: providing proper properties as a transparent sheet such as tensile characteristic, impact resistance, rigidity and little generation of whitening when being folded as well as maintaining transparency; preventing generation of a gum-like material in molding; and realizing continuous production. A manufacturing machine 1 includes: an extruding unit 11 for melting and kneading a raw material and extruding the material into a sheet-like shape; a first cooling unit 12 for cooling the melted sheet-like resin composition 20a to obtain a sheet (sheet-like article) 20; a preheating unit 13 for reheating the sheet 20; a heat treatment unit 14 for heat-treating the sheet-like resin composition 20; and a second cooling unit 15 for cooling the heat-treated sheet 20. The raw material of a resulting sheet 21 contains a polypropylene resin (a) and a metallocene-type ethylene-?-olefin copolymer (b).

Abstract: To provide a process for efficiently producing a perfluoropolymer having unstable terminal groups reduced. A process for producing a fluorination-treated perfluoropolymer, which comprises melting a thermoplastic perfluoropolymer to form strands and contacting the polymer strands with a fluorine gas. For fluorination-treatment of the perfluoropolymer, an apparatus 10 is used, which comprises a melt extruder 11 for melting and extruding the perfluoropolymer, a die 12 for forming the melt extruded polymer into continuous strands 1 and a fluorination tank 13 for contacting the continuous strands 1 with a fluorine gas.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for making a polymer-additive composite particle from a dope by jet spinning the dope to obtain a pulp, fibril or fibrid, wherein the solvent of the dope is selected from N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N,N?-dimethylformamide, N,N?-dimethylacetamide, tetramethylurea, and 4 to 75 wt % of a composition consisting of 2 to 95 wt % of a para-aramid polymer and 5-98 wt % of a solid additive material, to a total of 100 wt %, and wherein the aramid polymer is dissolved in the solvent; or coagulating the dope by means of a rotor-stator apparatus in which the polymer solution is applied through the stator on the rotor so that the precipitating polymer-additive composite particle is subjected to shear forces while they are in a plastic deformable stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for cooling material during continuous vacuum forming. The apparatus includes one or more cooling regions positioned adjacent one or more vacuum regions. A rotatable support belt including perforations therein supports a flexible patterned belt. The flexible patterned belt includes apertures spaced along the length and width thereof. The one or more cooling regions provide a cooling fluid to be drawn through the apertures in the flexible patterned belt to form an area of cooling fluid on the flexible patterned belt which contacts a bottom surface of a hot material received on the flexible patterned belt in order to cool the bottom surface of the material and the flexible patterned belt. The vacuum regions are in fluid flow communication with the perforations of the support belt and the apertures of the flexible patterned belt for drawing the material onto the flexible patterned belt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellulose carbamate spinning solution, the cellulose carbamate being dissolved in an ionic liquid. The invention relates furthermore to a method for the production of nonwovens in which the cellulose carbamate spinning solution is pressed through the holes of a nozzle bar and stretched by a multiple by means of an air flow. The formed fibre curtain is laid on a perforated conveyer belt, washed and dried. Likewise, the invention relates to nonwovens of this type and also the use thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for cooling an extruded thermoplastics pipe (1) by directing a gaseous cooling medium tangentially towards the inner surface of the thermoplastics pipe (1) along its whole periphery, whereby the interior of the thermoplastics pipe (1) is divided by means of a protecting pipe (8) into an outer ring-shaped flow channel (9) for the cooling medium along the inner surface of the thermoplastics pipe (1), and a central return channel (10) through which a part of the cooling medium is intended to be sucked back influenced by the flow of cooling medium in the outer ring-shaped flow channel (9), and to be redirected towards the inner surface of the thermoplastics pipe (1).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be directed to producing high-density pellets by molding waste plastic and to producing high-strength coke by mixing the pellets with coal and dry-distilling the mixture in a coke oven. As feedstock is used waste plastic that contains polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene, which are plastics that soften at a low temperature, at a total rate of about 50% or greater. The waste plastic is molded using a molding method of extruding it from a nozzle of a screw-type stuffing machine. In the method of this invention, the waste plastic can be heated to about 180˜260° C. in the molding machine and gas in the molding machine is sucked out. By this operation, the polyethylene, polypropylene and/or polystyrene are made molten and the amount of gas in the plastic is reduced. The plastic in this state is compression-molded by extrusion from a nozzle of about 15˜60 mm diameter.

Abstract: A degradable plastic film for use as an agricultural mulch film comprises two longitudinal bands each adjacent to a respective longitudinal edge of the film, and a middle section between the bands. The bands and middle section contain degradants. In use, the bands along the edges of the mulch film are buried in the soil and the middle section is exposed to sunlight. By reason of different degradants in the bands and middle section respectively, or different levels of the same degradants, the entire film degrades by the time of the next cycle of cultivation. The film is produced by means of extrusion from two extruders through one circular die which has a die opening with one segment which receives resin with one degradant and another segment which receives resin with a second degradant. The extruded cylindrical film is blown and then slit longitudinally.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a touch-and-close fastener element comprising a multitude of hook means, which are provided with a support as one piece and in the shape of stems with hook heads located at the ends thereof. Each of the hook heads is provided, at least in part, with an addition head part made of an additional material. A fastener system is produced from the respective head part being made from a duroplastic molding compound serving as the additional material. The fastener system can withstand a high temperature and mechanical stresses and lead to improved adhesion values and peel strength values during use.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a cooling process and system that can be utilized in the manufacture of flexible elongate extruded materials, such as tubing or jacketed electrical wire and cable. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cooling trough for cooling flexible elongate extruded materials after extrusion. Cooling trough embodiments have a base, a wet cooling chamber above the base, and an air dry chamber above the wet cooling chamber. The base contains a reservoir for collecting and storing a cooling liquid. An extruded material, such as a cable, enters the wet cooling chamber, where the cooling liquid from the reservoir is sprayed onto the material, the material is then passed to the air dry chamber where it is dried.

Abstract: A method for forming a polycomponent fibre comprising a first, fibre-forming component comprising a polymer, and a second, component comprising an active ingredient that will selectively reduce or remove components of tobacco smoke, the method comprising the steps of: i. forming a dispersion, second solution or liquid comprising the second component; and ii. coextruding the first component and the dispersion, second solution or liquid through a jet or aperture to form a fibre comprising a first portion formed from the first component, and a second portion formed from the second component.

Abstract: A method of regulating the composition of the cellulose-containing extrusion solution in the production of cellulosic molded articles, whereby (a) cellulose is mixed with an aqueous amine oxide solution; (b) the mixture is converted to the extrusion solution by evaporation of water in vacuo at an elevated temperature and by input of shearing energy; (c) the extrusion solution is extruded, forming the cellulosic molded article, and is coagulated in a coagulation bath, and (d) the resulting molded article is washed to remove the residual amine oxide, characterized in that in step (a) the cellulose/amine oxide ratio is kept at a predetermined level by preregulation, and the water content of the extrusion solution is kept at a predetermined level by a main regulation after leaving step (b). This method allows accurate regulation of the composition of the solution.

Abstract: A process for crystallizing a polyester polymer by introducing a molten polyester polymer, such as a polyethylene terephthalate polymer, into a liquid medium at a liquid medium temperature greater than the Tg of the polyester polymer, such as at a temperature ranging from 100° C. to 190° C., and allowing the molten polyester polymer to reside in the liquid medium for a time sufficient to crystallize the polymer under a pressure equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid medium. A process flow, underwater cutting process, crystallization in a pipe, and a separator are also described.

Abstract: Novel gelatinous compositions and articles are formed from an intimate melt blend admixture of one or more of a selected block SEEPS copolymers in combination with one or more polymers of poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene-butadiene)n, poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-isoprene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene)n, polystyrene, polybutylene, poly(ethylene-propylene), poly(ethylene-butylene), polypropylene, and polyethylene, and a plasticizing oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-component composite separate membrane and a method for preparing the same, and to a multi-component composite membrane comprising a support layer and active layers, wherein the support layer is located between the active layers.

Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are demonstrated herein. Such fibers are manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat tape fibers thereafter. Such fibers include rigidifying nucleating compounds that nucleate polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. Specific methods of manufacture of such inventive tape fibers, as well as fabric articles made therefrom, are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A method of producing a synthetic resin rod (wire), comprising: an extruding step of extruding a synthetic resin rod; a pre-cooling step of spraying a cooling medium on the rod to pre-cool the rod extruded down to a temperature (T° C.) satisfying the following condition: T?{(a softening point of the synthetic resin)+5} [° C.]; and a main cooling step of letting the rod thus pre-cooled pass through water to cool the rod.

Abstract: The present invention provides ultraviolet (UV) curable powders for powder coatings comprising one or more than one free radical curable epoxy resin and one or more than one second free radical curable resin, or, alternatively, one or more than one free radical curable unsaturated polyester resin in combination with one or more than one wax, and one or more than one free radical photoinitiator, wherein the coating powder has an average particle size of 5 to 25 microns. Further, the present invention provides a method for making a powder for thin (1.0 to 4.0 mil), smooth coatings having an average particle size of from 5 to 25 microns, the method preferably comprising jet milling dry powder or spray drying an aqueous emulsion, fluid mixture, or a supercritical suspension of a powder or of the composition for making the powder.

Abstract: Methods of making multilayer structures useful for packaging bone-in meat or other like products are provided. More specifically, the multilayer structures made by the methods provided have sufficient rigidity and strength to contain bone-in meat or other like products, while also maintaining good oxygen barrier properties. In addition, the multilayer structures made by the methods provided can easily seal to themselves or to other structures to provide the packages for the products. Moreover, the multilayer structures made by the methods provided may be biaxially oriented and heat-shrinkable.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing multiple channel membranes includes extruding a polymer solution through an extrusion nozzle wherein several needles are arranged through which a gas or liquid containing a coagulating agent is injected during extrusion, wherein the outer side of the extruded material is first brought into contact with a mild coagulation agent and subsequently with a strong coagulation agent. By using the method a membrane is obtained having parallel channels extending in extrusion direction, in which an active layer is situated in the channels, whereas the outer surface with respect to the active layer has no or hardly any resistance to flows of liquid. By using the method it is possible to make shapes, such as recessed portions, in the membrane circumference. Also disclosed is the use of such membranes in filtration and separation techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for industrially stably producing a stretched polyamide film having uniform properties at a high speed. The polyamide film production method comprises the steps of: extruding a molten polyamide resin from a die into a sheet form on a rotary cooling roll having a roughened surface; pressing the sheet against the surface of the cooling roll with an air layer being present between the cooling roll and the sheet by blowing air onto the sheet from an air knife apparatus for cooling the sheet, the air layer having a widthwise thickness distribution such that an average air layer thickness Te in lateral edge regions of the sheet is greater than an average air layer thickness Tc in a middle region of the sheet; and biaxially stretching the sheet.

Abstract: A method including forming a semi-crystalline polymer material into a lamella; and stretching the lamella into a polymer including a node of folded lamella and a fibril orientation. A method including extruding a pseudo-gel including an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene material into a lamella; stretching the lamella into a polymer including a node of folded lamella and a fibril orientation; and annealing the polymer at a temperature sufficient to define the node and fibril orientation. An apparatus including a body portion formed of a dimension suitable for a medical device application and including a semi-crystalline polymer arrayed in a node of folded lamella and a fibril orientation. An apparatus including a body portion including an ultra-high molecular polyethylene material arrayed in a node of folded lamella and a fibril orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a tubular member made of synthetic material, the method being of the type in which the tubular member is extruded. In the method, during extrusion of the tubular member, the extruded synthetic material is subjected to a flow of water in liquid or steam form that comes into contact with the inside or the outside surface of the tubular member in such a manner as to form crevices in the surface of the tubular member that comes into contact with the flow of water. The extruded synthetic material is preferably subjected to a flow of water in liquid form. The surface including the crevices forms a low-friction surface. Application to making optical fiber cable networks in which the cables are inserted into tubes by carrying or blowing methods.

Abstract: Solvent-resistant polybenzimidazole membranes, methods of making them and crosslinking them and composite membranes and hollow fiber membrane modules from them are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in: a) forming by extrusion an extruded thermoplastic tube (20) having, when coming out of the extruder, a diameter D1; b) then subjecting said extruded tube of diameter D1 to a radiation treatment, so as to produced a cross-linked tube (21); c) after bringing said cross-linked tube (21) to a temperature not less than a temperature substantially equal to the melting point of its crystalline phase, subjecting it, in displacement, to a radial monoaxial expansion for form an expanded tube (22) of diameter D2, then cooling it down to a temperature, typically room temperature, at which it can be cut into tube portions (23) with length substantially equal to the height of said caps (1); and e) assembling or forming a head (10, 100, 101, 102, 103) on said tube portion (23), so as to obtain a cap or top (1), with heat-shrinkable skirt, economical and having a homogeneous skirt (11, 12) free of axial connection line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-sealable polyester composition having an amorphous processing window ranging from a Tg in the range of about 40° C. to about 70° C., to a Tcg in the range of about 70° C. to about 150° C. The composition preferably contains a mixture of poly(ethylene terephthalate) homopolymer or copolymer and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) homopolymer or copolymer, either as a physical blend or as a copolyester oligomer or polymer prepared from the respective monomers. The resulting composition is heat-sealable at low temperatures, retains barrier properties and is non-flavor-scalping.

Abstract: Process for producing fibres, film, casings and other products from modified soluble cellulose wherein the initial cellulose is hydrothermally treated at a temperature in the 100-200° C. range, under a pressure in the range from about 0.1 to 1.5 Mpa in a water/cellulose ration on a weight basis of at least 1:1 in the presence of a complex activator composed of Lewis acids and/or bases and/or their salts in an amount of at least 0.0001% by weight calculated on cellulose. The obtained modified cellulose pulp after, a possible purification, is in a dry or never dried condition, dissolved in an aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxides. The dissolving is carried out at a temperature not lower than 0° C. for 1-120 minutes to obtain a homogenous spinning solution with the cellulose concentration at least 1% by weight. The alkaline cellulose solution is filtered, deaerated and coagulated by contacting it with water or aqueous acidic solutions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a rubber sheet containing short fibers. The method includes the steps of: mixing short fibers in a flowable rubber matrix; forming the flowable rubber matrix with the fibers therein into a cylindrical shape with a circumferential extent; separating a portion of the circumferential extent from the cylindrical shape, and forming the cylindrical shape with the portion separated into a sheet form.

Abstract: A condrapable hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers includes a hydrophobic nonwoven web of continuous fibers, and a fiber surface-modifying agent on the web to form therewith a condrapable hydrophobic web. The agent is essentially an amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane. The condrapable hydrophobic web is characterized by a substantial hydrophobicity, as measured by a strike-through of over 180 seconds and by a substantial increase in condrapability, as measured by a Handle-O-Meter decrease of at least 15% average for MD and CD.

Abstract: Solvent-resistant polybenzimidazole membranes, methods of making them and crosslinking them and composite membranes and hollow fiber membrane modules from them are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a guidewire having a discrete length. The method includes the steps of feeding a first end of a corewire into an extrusion device, gripping the first end of the corewire with a gripping apparatus, and extruding a first extrusion material onto an outer surface of the corewire while the gripping apparatus pulls the corewire through the extrusion device to form an extrusion jacket on the outer surface of the corewire. The corewire has a predetermined length corresponding to a length of the guidewire.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating plastic strips and an extruder structure therefor, a plastic extruder is used to melt plastic or acrylic raw materials and to extrude the same in the form of soft plastic strips, which can be bent by hand to form a shape by following a pattern that is a line or a recess formed in a mold plate. The plastic strip is allowed to cool to form a product with the desired shape.

Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. Such fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.

Abstract: Embossed oriented thermoplastic films and a method of making same are described. The embossed oriented thermoplastic films have substantially the same mechanical properties as unembossed oriented thermoplastic films. The method includes providing an oriented thermoplastic film having first and second major surfaces, softening at least one of the first and second major surfaces to produce a softened surface, embossing the softened surface to produce an embossed oriented thermoplastic film, and cooling the embossed oriented thermoplastic film.

Abstract: A process for the production of coated planar moldings of thermoplastics is disclosed. The process entails extrusion of a molded body, cooling of the molding, applying the aqueous-based coating agent and drying. The coating agent, having a pH value of less than 6, contains a salt of sulfondicarboxylic diester, a water-insoluble oxide of metal or semi-metal and an acid/water mixture. It is applied to at least one surface of the molding immediately after the production of the molding and with the aid of an application roll.

Abstract: A method produces an adhesive closing component having a carrier with a plurality of interlocking means on one of its two sides. An adhesive is applied to the opposite side. A silicone-containing separation layer is at least partially applied on the side of the carrier provided with the interlocking means. The interlocking means are formed from stems provided with enlargements on the ends. The silicone-containing separation layer is applied in the cavities of the enlargements in a reinforcing manner. The enlargements form individual interlocking heads. The stems are essentially kept free from the silicone-containing separation layer. An adhesive closing component with adhesive means is improved such that the component can be produced cost-effectively and efficiently. Handling is simplified, and pulling-off characteristics are improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a medical tubing with a pump for administering measured amounts of a beneficial fluid over time to a patient. The method includes the steps of providing a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene homopolymers and ethylene copolymers, wherein the ethylene copolymers are obtained by copolymerizing ethylene with a comonomer selected from the group consisting of alkyl olefins, alkyl esters of a carboxylic acid and lower alkene esters of a carboxylic acid, or blends thereof; providing an extruder with an extrusion die; extruding the material into a medical tubing; providing a surface modifier solution; preheating the surface modifier solution to a temperature within the range of 30-95° C.; applying the preheated solution onto the tubing at it exits the extrusion die when the tubing is in a molten state or a semi-molten state; and pumping fluid through the tubing with the pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of cellulosic flat films whereby a solution of cellulose is extruded in an aqueous tertiary amine oxide by means of an extrusion die which has an extrusion gap whereby the solution is moulded in the shape of a film and the extruded solution is led via an air gap to a precipitation bath. The process in accordance with the invention is characterized in that an extrusion die is used which has an extrusion gap b of 220 &mgr;m≦b≦280 &mgr;m. Moreover, the invention relates to flat films, obtainable by the amine oxide process with a thickness d of less than 20 &mgr;m, a width B of more than 30 cm, and a factor f of 65 or less, whereby f is defined as f=d*(MD/TD), d is used in &mgr;m and whereby MD stands for the tenacity of the film in the longitudinal direction (N/mm2) and TD for the tenacity of the film in the transverse direction (N/mm2).

Abstract: A release-controlled pipe and a related manufacturing method comprise several main steps, which are mixing a formulation, first hot melt extrusion and cooling, grinding into pieces, second hot melt extrusion, molding and cooling. The present invention includes the steps of first mixing elastomer pellets and a binder, then pouring the formulation into a melt extruder for extruding and shaping a rod-like extrudate. Then the rod-like extrudate is ground into pieces and placed into a water-filled container and another dry container. The mixture of dry ground pellets, wet ground pellets including water, and a small amount of lubricant is poured into a melt extruder for extruding, and a release-controlled pipe is shaped via a pipe die head and gathered by a winder after cooling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of cellulosic moulded bodies in the form of flat or tubular films and cellulosic membranes in the form of flat or tubular films whereby a solution of cellulose in an aqueous tertiary amine oxide is extruded using an extrusion nozzle whereby the solution can as the case may be also contain additives such as stabilizing and softening agents, pore formers and so on whereby a moulded solution results which has two surfaces and the extruded moulded solution is led over a gap into a precipitation bath and drawn off from the precipitation bath. The process in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the two surfaces of the moulded solution in the gap are each exposed to at least one gaseous medium whereby the medium to which the first surface is exposed differs from the medium to which the second surface is exposed in composition, properties and/or the state of motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for industrially stably producing a stretched polyamide film having uniform properties at a high speed. The polyamide film production method comprises the steps of: extruding a molten polyamide resin from a die into a sheet form on a rotary cooling roll having a roughened surface; pressing the sheet against the surface of the cooling roll with an air layer being present between the cooling roll and the sheet by blowing air onto the sheet from an air knife apparatus for cooling the sheet, the air layer having a widthwise thickness distribution such that an average air layer thickness Te in lateral edge regions of the sheet is greater than an average air layer thickness Tc in a middle region of the sheet; and biaxially stretching the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fabricating a medical tubing. The method includes the steps of: (1) providing a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene homopolymers and ethylene copolymers, wherein the ethylene copolymers are obtained by copolymerizing ethylene with a comonomer selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl olefins, lower alkyl esters of a carboxylic acid and lower alkene esters of a carboxylic acid, the lower alkyl and lower alkene each have from 3-18 carbons, or blends thereof; (2) providing an extruder with an extrusion die; (3) extruding the material into a medical tubing; (4) providing a surface modifier solution; (5) preheating the surface modifier solution to a temperature within the range of 50-80° C.; and (6) applying the preheated solution onto the tubing at it exits the extrusion die when the tubing is in a molten state or a semi-molten state.

Abstract: A method of making photochromic thermoplastic wherein the material is extruded into a length or lengths having at least one relatively small cross-sectional dimension. The length or lengths are treated with a solution of photochromic dye dissolved in a solvent, for example, cyclohexanone, which attacks the material. The length or lengths have a surface area-to-volume ratio sufficiently large to absorb an effective amount of the dye at their surface or surfaces. The length or lengths are dried to evaporate the solvent. The length or lengths are heated during the treating and drying steps. The dried length or lengths are cut into smaller pieces which may be introduced directly into a molding machine to form photochromic articles. Where a plurality of lengths are provided, the surfaces thereof are maintained separated from one another during the treating and drying steps.

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: Disclosed is a process for pelletizing high melt flow crystalline polymers to produce crystalline pellet products. The process includes feeding a polyolefin granular or pelleted polymer into a melting/mixing mechanism to provide a molten polymer material. The molten polymer material is optionally passed through a melt pump and through a die to form a plurality of molten polymer strands. The plurality of molten polymer strands then are passed through or along a water trough declined with respect to the direction of the horizontal arrays where they are sprayed with cool liquid a plurality of times in such a manner that the sprayed cool liquid creates turbulent flow and disturbs a thin film of hot water and/or steam that forms around each molten polymer strand as it is cooled without undesirable axial acceleration of the polymer strands. Subjecting the molten polymer strands to such a cooling procedure produces cooled polymer strands, which then are fed to a cutting mechanism and cut into pellets.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a drip irrigation line, comprising a continuous tubing with spaced-apart drip outlets and a plurality of self-regulating emitter elements for drip irrigation arranged therein, wherein each of said elements is made from a thermoplastic material, injection-molded as a single unit, which material is cross-linked for improved elasticity, said method comprising sequentially introducing a plurality of said emitter elements at predetermined intervals into the extrusion head of a continuous tubing-producing extruder, whereby said elements are each heat-welded within said tubing before the cooling thereof and subsequently cross-linking said thermoplastic material of each of said elements while inside said continuous tubing.

Abstract: A polymeric film extrusion die having a die body with a molten polymer inlet, a molten polymer exit, and forming a molten polymer conduit providing a fluid communication between the molten polymer inlet and the molten polymer exit. The die body includes a peripheral edge at a periphery of the molten polymer exit, which peripheral edge has a thickness less than or equal to about 0.005 inches. The apparatus further includes a molten polymer exit heated gaseous fluid supply adapted to provide heated gaseous fluid proximate the molten polymer exit so as to maintain the die temperature at the molten polymer exit as low as possible without affecting the processability/integrity of the product film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-sealable polyester composition having an amorphous processing window ranging from a Tg in the range of about 40° C. to about 70° C., to a Tcg in the range of about 70° C. to about 150° C. The composition preferably contains a mixture of poly(ethylene terephthalate) homopolymer or copolymer and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) homopolymer or copolymer, either as a physical blend or as a copolyester oligomer or polymer prepared from the respective monomers. The resulting composition is heat-sealable at low temperatures, retains barrier properties and is non-flavor-scalping.

Abstract: A method for forming fibers/composite material having an anisotropic structure, comprising the steps of mixing an effective amount of fibers with a matrix material to form a deformable mixture containing less than about 96 weight percent of the fibers to about parts per billion of the fibers and wherein the fibers are randomly oriented in the deformable mixture. The deformable mixture can be extruded, stretched or otherwise deformed to form an extrudate. Pressure is applied about the extrudate to substantially compress the fibers in the extrudate to provide the fibers/composite material having an anisotropic structure.