Utilizing Added Agent (e.g., Flux, Plasticizer, Dispersing Agent, Etc.) Patents (Class 264/211)
  • Patent number: 6245271
    Abstract: Process for die extrusion of melted polymers that reduces die lip buildup and its deleterious effects. Direct extrusion of mixed polymer pellets and filler concentrate pellets in one embodiment avoids a precompounding step and reduces the tendency of polymer and filler particles to adhere to the exit portion of the die. In other embodiments a reduced die lip radius and lower melt processing temperatures further enhance the benefits obtained. For co-extruded muitilayer film embodiments elimination of fillers and antiblock additives in skin layers add to the levels of die lip buildup reduction obtained. Hours of continuous operation without excessive die lip buildup in one arrangement have been increased from a level of 4 to 6 hours, for example, to in excess of 20 hours. Reduced product defect levels have also been attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Rob Lee Jacobs, Billy Ray Jones, Jr., Steven Edward Knothe, Daniel Kenneth Schiffer
  • Patent number: 6241220
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a polymeric foam, wherein foam components are brought together under pressure and are passed through a permeable discharge head where the pressure is reduced. The permeable discharge head comprises a diffuser element having a structure such as to require division, divergence and convergence of flow paths in three dimensions within its axial thickness, considered in the direction of flow therethrough. The diffuser element comprises plural individual woven wire meshes sintered together to form a composite element. The invention also provides the diffuser element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Beamech Group Limited
    Inventors: James Brian Blackwell, Geoffrey Buckley, John James Blackwell, Stephen William Blackwell
  • Patent number: 6238615
    Abstract: The present invention provides method of molding a polyolefin-based resin comprising the steps of dissolving at least one dibenzylidene sorbitol compound in a molten polyolefin resin, cooling the molten resin to a temperature not higher than the sol-gel transition temperature during the cooling cycle to form network-like crystals of the dibenzylidene sorbitol compound, and molding the resulting resin composition at a temperature not lower than the melting temperature of the polyolefin-based resin but not higher than the sol-gel transition temperature during the heating cycle; and a polyolefin resin molded article obtainable by this molding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: New Japan Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kobayashi, Kiyoshi Sadamitsu
  • Patent number: 6238608
    Abstract: The process produces vacuole-free coarse polyamide monofilaments having diameters of from 0.8 to 1.5 mm. It includes preparing a mixture including from 75 to 85 percent by weight polyamide 66 and from 25 to 5 percent by weight polyamide 6; immediately after preparing the mixture, extruding and spinning it to form crude monofilaments and after the extruding and spinning, cooling down the crude monofilaments in a liquid. Addition of at least 30 ppm of Cu to the mixture prior to extruding and spinning produces heat-protected coarse monofilaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Rhodia Filtec AG
    Inventors: Werner Haeller, GĂ©rard Lagarrigue
  • Patent number: 6228301
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a simulated wood product utilizing pulverized powders obtained from recycled building members as raw material, in which the building members have recycled wooden members made of wooden materials and resinous members made of resinous materials, the manufacturing method further including a mixing process for mixing the recycled wooden members, a pulverization process for pulverizing the mixed materials obtained in the mixing process to form pulverized powder, a kneading process for kneading the pulverized powders obtained by the pulverizing process, and a molding process for molding the kneaded materials obtained in the kneading process either by an extrusion or injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Misawa Homes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenori Taguchi, Keishiro Umemura
  • Patent number: 6210616
    Abstract: An extrusion process and apparatus is described for the manufacture of a thermoplastic resin-filler composite product having a desired resin-filler mixture comprised of 60-20% by weight of a thermoplastic resin and 40-80% by weight of a filler. A resin-filler mixture, in homogeneous form, is extruded through a die at a temperature above the softening point of the resin to form an extrudate having a desired cross-sectional shape. The extrudate is then passed through a die land at a temperature of above the softening point. From the die land the extrudate is cooled in a cooled shaper and transferred thereto through a thermal barrier insert member which is disposed in contact between the die land and the cooled shaper whereby radial pressure to counteract radial expansion tendencies of the extrudate is maintained during the passage. The cooled shaper cools the extrudate to a temperature of about at least 20° C. below the softening point of the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: CRF Technologies Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Dedo Suwanda
  • Patent number: 6207755
    Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition comprising an unreacted mixture of a poly(lactic acid) polymer; a polybutylene succinate polymer or a polybutylene succinate adipate polymer, or a mixture of such polymers; and a wetting agent. The thermoplastic composition exhibits substantial biodegradable properties yet is easily processed. The thermoplastic composition is useful in making multicomponent fibers or nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Fu-Jya Tsai, Brian T. Etzel
  • Patent number: 6200404
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a starch-bound matrix reinforced with fibers and optionally including an inorganic mineral filler. Suitable mixtures for forming the sheets are prepared by mixing together water, unmodified and ungelatinized starch granules, an auxiliary water-dispersible organic polymer, fibers, and optionally an inorganic mineral filler in the correct proportions to form a sheet having desired properties. The mixtures are formed into sheets by passing them between one or more sets of heated rollers to form green sheets. The heated rollers cause the auxiliary polymer to form a skin on the outer surfaces of the sheet that prevents the starch granules from causing the sheet to adhere to the rollers upon gelation of the starch. The green sheets are passed between heated rollers to gelatinize the starch granules, and then to dry the sheet by removing a substantial portion of the water by evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Per Just Andersen, Shaode Ong, Bruce J. Christensen, Simon K. Hodson
  • Patent number: 6190591
    Abstract: Controlled release, discrete, solid particles which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component such as a heat sensitive destruction or readily oxidizable pharnaceutically, biologically, or nutritionally active component are continuously produced without substantial destruction of the matrix or encapsulant. A release-rate controlling component is incorporated into the matrix to control the rate of release the encapsulant from the particles. the additional component may be a hydrophobic component or a high water binding capacity component for extending the release time. The plasticizable matrix material, such as starch, is admixed with at least one plasticizer, such as water, and at least one release-rate controlling component under low shear mixing conditions to plasticize the plasticizable material without substantially destroying the at least one plasticizable material and to obtain a substantially homogeneous plasticized mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernhard H. van Lengerich
  • Patent number: 6187856
    Abstract: An antistatic composition containing a crosslinked thermosetting resin formed by reacting, in the presence of a water-soluble solvent, (a) a polyaminoamide having unreacted primary and secondary amine groups and (b) a polychlorohydrin derivative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Incorvia, Stephen A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6180039
    Abstract: Process for fabricating a conveyor component having germicidal properties, in which a blend of a polymeric material and a composition comprising a polymerizable monomer and a germicidal agent is molded to form a conveyor component having germicidal properties comprising a solid unitary polymeric material and a polymerized salt of a polymerizable monomer and a germicidal agent grafted to the polymeric material and distributed uniformly throughout the polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Rainbow Industrial Products Corp.
    Inventors: Mohan L. Sanduja, Carl Horowitz, Mohammed Kamruzzaman, Paul Thottathil, Earl A. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 6177506
    Abstract: In a first step, basic components including (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane gum, (B) 5-100 parts by weight of a reinforcing silica filler, and (C) 0.1-30 parts by weight of a processing aid are fed batchwise to a closed mixer for mixing them until uniform. In a second step, the mixture is continuously fed into a kneader/extruder for heat treating. The first step achieves quick dispersion and cooperates with the second step for the efficient production of a heat-curable silicone rubber compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaharu Takahashi, Yutaka Hagiwara, Minoru Igarashi, Keiji Shibata
  • Patent number: 6162536
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manufacturing a conductive fiber-PVC composite which exhibits less than 10.sup.12 hms/sq. resistivity. The process entails incorporating into rigid PVC under heat and shear, a composite of parallel, conductive long fibers embedded in a PVC-dispersible matrix. The process is conducted under the same melt process conditions encountered in the compound processing of rigid PVC, and the long conductive fibers are incorporated a long fiber composite of substantially parallel fibers embedded in a PVC dispersible matrix. The pellets comprise from about 20% to 80% by weight of conductive fiber and 80% to 20% PVC-dispersible thermoplastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Lawrence V. Montsinger
  • Patent number: 6162379
    Abstract: A process for producing plexifilamentary products by spinning from a spin fluid of a polyolefin dissolved in a primary spin agent selected from the group consisting of 1,1,2-trichloro-2,2-difluoroethane and isomers thereof; 1,1,3-trichloro-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropane and isomers thereof; 1,2-dichloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropane and isomers thereof; and 1,2-dichloro-1-fluoroethylene; and a co-spin agent; and also a spin fluid of a polyolefin dissolved in a primary spin agent selected from the group consisting of 1,1,2-trichloro-2,2-difluoroethane and isomers thereof; 1,1,3-trichloro-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and isomers thereof; 1,2-dichloro-3,3,30-trifluoropropane and isomers thereof; and 1,2-dichloro-1-fluoroethylene; and a co-spin agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Hyunkook Shin, Roger Keith Siemionko
  • Patent number: 6153003
    Abstract: A simple method of preparing a homogeneous cellulose solution is disclosed, which comprises the steps of (a) preparing fibrillar cellulose powder; (b) injecting a molten liquid tertiary amine oxide solvent into a twin screw extruder; (c) feeding the cellulose powder of step (a) into a section of the twin screw extruder where the molten liquid tertiary amine oxide solvent fed in step (b) produces a well swollen paste with the cellulose powder fed in step (c); (d) dissolving the well swollen cellulose paste in the following melting sections in the twin screw extruder; and (e) stabilizing the solution obtained in step (d) in a storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignees: Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hanil Synthetic Fiber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wha Seop Lee, Byoung Chul Kim, Seong Mu Jo, Jong Su Park, Seong Joo Lee, Young Geun Park, Seung Lak Lee, Young Se Oh
  • Patent number: 6149850
    Abstract: A process for introducing additives into a polymer melt comprising dispersing at least one additive in an at least partially volatile liquid vehicle with a dispersant and a stabilizer for the dispersion; feeding the resulting dispersion to a vented extruder which is extruding a polymer; and removing the fed volatiles through the extruder vent to achieve a substantially homogeneous system containing the polymer and at least one additive is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventor: Oliver Keith Gannon
  • Patent number: 6143219
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a generic method for producing void and gas occlusion free materials, as well as apparatuses for batch and continuous production of same. This generic method can be utilized in the production of a wide variety of polymeric compounds and composites and specifically encompasses the two ends of the polymeric composite spectrum, that is, polymer concretes on the one hand, and fiber-reinforced polymer composites on the other. The composite materials of the present invention are characterized by visual count as being void and gas occlusion free to the level of 1 micron at 1250.times. magnification. Concomitantly, the invention produces useful polymer concrete materials which exhibit substantially improved integrity for easy machining at high speeds, and high dielectric and mechanical strength, as compared with composite materials produced by conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Mardela International Inc. S.A.
    Inventors: Victor H. Vidaurre, Wilfredo G. Bendek, Jorge L. Dufeu
  • Patent number: 6140257
    Abstract: An absorbent, composite fibre comprising a matrix of from 10% to less than 50% of water insoluble alginate having dispersed therein at least 40% of another polysaccharide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: David Kershaw, Peter M. J. Mahoney, Paul Hanmer, David Pritchard
  • Patent number: 6129877
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for fabricating an elastomeric article, and comprises the steps of: providing a predetermined quantity of a comminuted rubber composition; heating the comminuted rubber composition to a predetermined processing temperature which effects at least a partial devulcanization thereof; forming a homogeneous dispersion by combining with that rubber composition a predetermined quantity of an additive composition; mixing with the homogeneous dispersion a predetermined quantity of a plastic composition and heating the resulting mixture to a predetermined extruding temperature to form a viscous compound composition; and, mechanically processing the viscous compound composition to form the elastomeric article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: John Kuc, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6127438
    Abstract: A polyethylene microporous film excellent in mechanical strength, permeability and productivity and having a very high reliability such that the safety of a battery may be secured even under severe circumstances which film has a crosslinked structure and has a porosity of 20-80%, a gel fraction of 1% or more, and an average pore diameter determined by the permeation method of 0.001-0.1 .mu.m, and a process for producing the polyethylene microporous film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuya Hasegawa, Takahiko Kondo
  • Patent number: 6120718
    Abstract: A process for producing hollow polyamide filaments having at least one continuous void that adds to a fiber-forming polyamide from about 0.05% to about 5% of a triazine compound prior to extrusion of fiber. The process results in a greater closure of voids and larger void space than when the triazine compound is not used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Kotek, Wei Li, Gary W. Shore, Ling Yeh
  • Patent number: 6110405
    Abstract: The invention is a method of coloring melt spun condensation polymers while avoiding hydrolytic degradation and maintaining the melt viscosity of the polymer. The method includes adding a liquid dispersion of a colorant to the melt phase of a condensation polymer, and in which the amount and type of the liquid in the dispersion will not substantially affect the melt viscosity of the condensation polymer; and thereafter spinning the colored melt phase condensation polymer into filament form. In another aspect the invention is a polyester filament including polyethylene terephthalate, a colorant, and a nonaqueous organic liquid that is soluble in melt phase polyester, and has a boiling point above 300.degree. C., but that otherwise does not modify the polymer chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Melvin King, Christopher Waddell Goff, William Timothy Albright
  • Patent number: 6086970
    Abstract: A catheter tube having improved strength and lubricity. The catheter tube can be used advantageously as a guide wire tube for small profile intravascular catheters. The tube can be formed by extruding a mixture of thermoplastic polymeric material, hard particles, lubricating particles, and a lubricant. The lubricant is preferably an external lubricant capable of forming a film over the tube surfaces. One tube is formed of polyamide, molybdenum disulfide particles, PTFE particles, and zinc stearate. Applicants believe the hard disulfide particles and lubricating PTFE particles protrude from the tubular surfaces and are coated with a film of lubricating zinc stearate. The film is believed to reduce the friction and resulting PTFE elongation caused by a guide wire sliding over the PTFE protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brooke Q. Ren
  • Patent number: 6080793
    Abstract: Cosmetic/pharmaceutical/hygienic compositions (e.g., lipcolors) are formulated as homogeneous and stable, supple dough extrudates, said supple dough extrudates having at least one thermally-unmodified but normally heat-sensitive compound (for example a volatile compound and/or a compound having a low flash point) and at least one elevated melting temperature T compound (for example a wax) homogeneously distributed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Societe L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Isabelle Agostini
  • Patent number: 6074578
    Abstract: The invention comprises a plasticating machine for the working and forcing of plastic material into a mold, the machine including an elongated barrel housing having a first or proximal end and a second or distal end, and an elongated screw shaft with a screw flight therearound, the screw shaft being rotatably supported in the elongated barrel housing, for the working of plastic between the screw shaft and the elongated housing. At least one delivery conduit is generally longitudinally arranged within the wall of the housing. The delivery conduit with the housing wall may be arranged to heat or cool the screw and any plastic being worked therethrough. In a further embodiment, it may permit delivery of a medium within the wall, from an upstream location of the housing, into the primary flow path of any plastic being driven from the machine and into a mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventors: Desider G. Csongor, Donald N. Halgren
  • Patent number: 6071999
    Abstract: A process for preparing a styrenic resin is herein disclosed which comprises the step of volatilizing extrudinga styrenic polymer (SPS) powder having a syndiotactic configuration in the presence of water, an alcohol or an antioxidant by the use of an extruder to obtain pellets. According to this process, the operation of volatilization extrusion is done in the presence of water, the alcohol or the antioxidant to stably and efficiently prepare the SPS pellets in which yellowing is inhibited, and the operation of the volatilization extrusion is carried out in the presence of water to stably and efficiently prepare the SPS pellets containing a less amount of a remaining volatile component such as an unreacted monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Onodera, Kazuyoshi Fukada, Takashi Saeki
  • Patent number: 6060007
    Abstract: A dyed braided suture is formed by dry blending a colorant and a thermoplastic resin; extruding the blend by melt spinning to form filaments; drawing the filaments, braiding the drawn filaments and converting the braided filaments to a suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Tyco Group S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Hutton, Barry L. Dumican
  • Patent number: 6051158
    Abstract: Chemical coolant formulations for treating the hot gas formed by an airbag inflator and corresponding methods of inflating an airbag cushion are provided. The chemical coolant formulations include a first ingredient which, when contacted by the hot gas, endothermically decomposes to form a cooling gas and a solid slag component and a second ingredient which, when contacted by the hot gas, forms a liquid slag component. The solid and liquid slag components cooperate to form a unified slag mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Taylor, Michael W. Barnes, Ivan V. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 6048479
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing cellulose fibers or yarns with a reduced tendency to form fibrils includes treating fibers or yarns, which are washed after the filament forming process but not yet dried, with a cross-linking agent. The process includes treating the fibers or yarns with reactive polysiloxanes which are modified with amino, polyalkylene oxide, epoxy or carboxyl functional groups and which cross-link with themselves. The process is particularly suitable for fibers produced according to the NMMO process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel NV
    Inventor: Abdulmajid Hashemzadeh
  • Patent number: 6043168
    Abstract: A nonwoven web material of polymeric fibers having at least one internal surfactant and at least one topical surfactant. The internal surfactant is an organosilicon compound. The topical surfactant is at least one of an ethoxylated hydrogenated fatty oil, a monosaccharide, a monosaccharide derivative, a polysaccharide, and a polysaccharide derivative. The nonwoven web material treated with internal and external surfactants has improved durability and processability over conventional materials treated with only internal or topical surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Colman, Samuel E. Marmon, Xin Ning, Debra J. McDowall, Christopher C. Creagan
  • Patent number: 6042773
    Abstract: A process for producing an aromatic polyester by esterifying a dicarboxylic acid mainly composed of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and a glycol mainly composed of ethylene glycol in the presence of 1 to 30 mmol %, based on the dicarboxylic acid, of a quaternary phosphonium sulfonate having ester-forming functional group(s), and then polycondensing the resulting product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuru Teramoto, Masahiko Kosuge
  • Patent number: 6033514
    Abstract: A biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film with improved barrier properties, and a method of making the film are provided. The MVTR of a multi-layer BOPP film is improved by blending wax in the core layer resin, and providing a polyolefin cap layer on each side of the core layer. Significant additional improvements are seen when the film is heated at a temperature below the melting point of the core layer resin, below the distortion temperature of the film, and above the melting point of the wax for a time generally extending from at least five minutes to several hours or more in length, depending on the temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: QPF, LLG
    Inventors: Alan M. Davis, Thomas M. Krigas
  • Patent number: 6027677
    Abstract: Compatible polymer compositions and optically clear, degradable films containing from 55 to 90 wt % of a poly(hydroxy acid) polymer composition and from 10 to 45 wt % of one or more compatible thermoplastic polymers are disclosed. The films are prepared by melt processing the materials to obtain uniform composition, and forming the composition into a film of thickness from 0.01 to 2 mm. The films can be used in packaging and conventional applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Chronopol, Inc.
    Inventors: George Joseph Ostapchenko, Richard G. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 6022916
    Abstract: Melt extrusion processes involving phosphite stabilized polyolefin compositions subject to solid by-product formation during melt extrusion are improved by the addition of a metal salt of a lactic acid to the composition. The processes involving the improved compositions exhibit reduced levels of screen pack plugging during fiber and film extrusion processes than that achieved with fatty acid salts, such as calcium stearate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William P. Enlow, Roger W. Avakian
  • Patent number: 6017478
    Abstract: Novel bicomponent fibers have a sheath domain and an core domain which is embedded entirely within, and thereby completely surrounded by, the polyamide domain. The core domain is annular and defines a longitudinally extending central void. The preferred bicomponent fibers have a sheath-core structure wherein the polyamide domain constitutes the sheath and a fiber-forming polyolefin polymer constitutes the core. The preferred trilobal bicomponent fibers will exhibit a modification ratio of between 2 to 4, an arm angle of between 7.degree. to about 35.degree., and a total cross-sectional void area between about 3 and about 10 percent. Each lobe of the fiber may optionally contain a lobal void space which, if present, is preferably radially elongate in cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Diane R. Kent, Matthew B. Hoyt, Charles F. Helms, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6017475
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and batch or continuous flow method of thermodynamically reducing and converting household garbage into useful by-products capable of being recycled and reused or otherwise transformed into useful articles. The method of transforming household garbage into useful material comprises the steps of: providing a quantity of household garbage having a first volume and a liquid content; reducing the garbage having a first volume to an aggregate shard having a second volume smaller then the first volume; optionally expelling liquid from the aggregate shard; and heating the aggregate shard under pressure greater than ambient pressure to create an aggregate shard pulp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Bouldin & Lawson, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Cantrell
  • Patent number: 6013701
    Abstract: A method for continuous preparation of a high consistency or liquid silicone rubber base does not cause abrasive wear of the extruder screw and of the extruder cylinder or blackening of the silicone rubber base even when the latter is admixed with such fillers as an inorganic filler in the form of a diatomaceous earth powder, quartz or a similar large-grained and hard substance, or with a fumed silica, sedimentary silica, or a similar reinforcing silica filler. The method comprises continuously kneading the following components in a multiple-stage shear type single-screw extruder: (A) a freely-flowable powdered silicone rubber mixture having its main components in the form of (a) a cross-linkable polydiorganosiloxane with a viscosity exceeding 1.times.10.sup.5 mPa.multidot.s at 25.degree. C. and (b) an inorganic filler, and (B) a high consistency silicone rubber base having its main components in the form of (a) a cross-linkable polydiorganosiloxane with a viscosity exceeding 1.times.10.sup.5 mPa.multidot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Kunimatsu, Tomoo Kinoshita, Mitsuo Hamada
  • Patent number: 6013217
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing a thermoplastic resin composition by extruding the composition through a nickel die to provide an extrudate having a low degree of surface roughness, said composition comprising(A) 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin;(B) 0.01 to 1 part by weight of a hydroxy-functional diorganopolysiloxane having a number average molecular weight of at least 10,000; and(C) 0.001 to 1 part by weight of an organophosphorous compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Earl Hauenstein, Arnold Wade Lomas, Kevin Edward Lupton, David Joseph Romenesko
  • Patent number: 6005014
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing polymeric foam, wherein reactive foam components and a low-boiling point frothing agent are brought together, sufficient pressure is applied to maintain the frothing agent in a liquid state and the mixture is passed through a permeable discharge head through which the mixture is discharged and wherein the pressure is reduced and froth is formed. The discharge head comprises one or more diffuser elements (80) having a structure such as to require division, divergence and convergence of flow paths in three dimensions within the axial thickness of the diffuser element, considered in the direction of flow therethrough. The diffuser element (80) is made of bonded, or sintered or sintered composite material, such as sintered wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Beamech Group Limited
    Inventors: James Brian Blackwell, Geoffrey Buckley, John James Blackwell, Stephen William Blackwell
  • Patent number: 5997789
    Abstract: A method for melt-spinning synthetic fiber, characterized by using a spinning device of which the part to be contacted with polymer in melt is coated with a film of an oxide, nitride or carbide of any of Si, Ti, Zr, Al, W, B, Ta and Ge or with a film of heat-resistant resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Okumura, Hiroshi Takahashi, Yuhei Maeda, Katsunori Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5998006
    Abstract: An extruded article having elongated variegations is described. The variegated extruded article has a plurality of elongated variegations that are substantially parallel to the direction of extrusion of the article. The number of elongated variegations in the article and the widths of the variegations can be adjusted by modifying processing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Sentinal Products Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Bambara, Michael Bambara, Richard Bambara, Robert F. Hurley, Matthew L. Kozma
  • Patent number: 5985193
    Abstract: Process of producing skin-core fibers and the resulting fibers and nonwoven materials and articles wherein the fibers are composed of a polymer blend of a polyolefin and polymeric bond curve enhancing agents, such as ethylene vinyl acetate polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Fiberco., Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Harrington, Randall E. Kozulla, John F. L. Newport, Edward J. Engle, Elizabeth L. Fahey, Walter J. Freeman, Rakesh K. Gupta, Carl J. Wust
  • Patent number: 5976440
    Abstract: A spinning dope for the stable production of a cellulose diacetate fiber at a high productivity rate, such fiber being almost free from the occurrence of fluffs and excellent in strength and elongation properties. The spinning dope is a composition formed of (1) acetone or a solvent containing acetone and 0 to 5% by weight, based on the acetone, of water or methanol, (2) 24 to 33% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of cellulose diacetate, and (3) at least a phthalate ester, an aliphatic dibasic acid ester, a fatty acid ester, a phosphate ester, an epoxy plasticizer or a glycol-ester-containing plasticizer; and the composition has a thixotropy index (I), represented by the following equation, of at least 1.3,I=.eta..sub.6 /.eta..sub.60wherein .eta..sub.6 and .eta..sub.60 are viscosity measured with a Brookfield viscometer at a rotor rotation of 6 rpm and 60 rpm, respectively, and 35.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Mie Yoshimura, Toshimasa Kuroda
  • Patent number: 5968994
    Abstract: A process for producing a porous film of polypropylene comprises subjecting (1) an air-impermeable biaxially stretched film of polypropylene resin comprised predominantly of polypropylene having a crystallinity of at least 40% or (2) an air-impermeable inflation film of polypropylene resin comprised predominantly of polypropylene having a crystallinity of at least 46.5%, in the substantial absence of a plasticizer or a solvent, to a thermal treatment in the presence of a first liquid substantially incapable of dissolving the film while fixing the film in two orthogonal directions for making the film porous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Akinao Hashimoto, Kazuo Yagi, Hitoshi Mantoku
  • Patent number: 5958328
    Abstract: Provided with a loess-containing fiber and its manufacturing method wherein the fiber contains loess that generates far-infrared rays and has antibiotic and disinfectant properties, the method including the steps of melting a polymer to form a melt polymer, firing loess in a firing furnace, grinding the fired loess into particles having a specified size by means of a mill, and admixing the powder of the ground loess with the melt polymer in a mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Mi-Soo Seok
    Inventors: Mi-Soo Seok, U-Hyon Paek
  • Patent number: 5948713
    Abstract: A method of calcining kaolin, comprising the steps of:a) producing a clay slurry comprised of water and kaolin clay of a specific particle size;b) mixing a water insoluble potassium containing glass forming compound into the clay slurry in an amount wherein the potassium content of the slurry is equal to about 1% by weight of the kaolin clay in the slurry;c) removing sufficient water from the slurry to form a material having an extrudable consistency;d) extruding the material into elongated shapes;e) heating the shapes by continuously moving them through a furnace having a zone, wherein the material is exposed to temperatures of at least 2700.degree. C. for at least 30 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: North American Refractories Co.
    Inventors: William D. Smiley, Robert L. Antram, Randy Lemley, Keith T. Snider
  • Patent number: 5945210
    Abstract: A porous film is here disclosed which is obtainable by stretching a film in at least uniaxial direction, said film being formed from a resin composition containing 25 to 70 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin and 75 to 30 parts by weight of an inorganic filler; said resin composition further containing 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of dehydrated castor oil (a) and 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of hardened castor oil (b) based on the total 100 parts by weight of the polyolefin resin and the inorganic filler; and the amount of the component (a) being 20 to 95% by weight based on the total amount of the components (a) and (b). In this porous film, softness and feeling like cloth, moisture vapor transmission, uniformity of the film thickness and the like are equal to their conventional levels. Furthermore, the adhesive strength of a securing tape does not deteriorate because the third components (a) and (b) do not float on the surface of the porous film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Katsumi Senba, Toshiyuki Ishii, Takayuki Kajihara, Tsutomu Iseki, Toshiyuki Enomoto
  • Patent number: 5939001
    Abstract: The invention pertains to processes for manufacturing objects and in particular moulded components from fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resins. The process involves blending a thermoplastic resin with reinforcing fibers, plasticating the blend with the addition of heat inside a screw-type extruder and extruding a plasticated mass for moulding. The thermoplastic resin is fed to the screw-type extruder in powder form and in a blend with the reinforcing fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Becker Group Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Heber, Reinhard Kreitlow, Leo Rosenkranz, Markus Ingendae, Gunter Nebelung, Rudolf Kleinholz
  • Patent number: 5935508
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of fibre-reinforced intermediates useful in thermoplastic processing methods, including compounding and moulding, which comprises impregnating continuous fibres with a resin composition comprising at least one radiation-polymerizable component, exposing the impregnated fibres to radiation to effect polymerization of such component, and cutting the product to form thermoplastically processible intermediates which, optionally, may be mixed with other polymer and/or additives during mixing or moulding. A process described as above but in which the uncut radiation polymerized fibre-resin product is blended with a least one polymer and/or additive in a continuous mixer, such as an extruder; and the resulting blended product is cut to form thermoplastically processible intermediates, such as mouldable pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Alan Fernyhough, Michael Fryars, Sebastien Paul Yohann Castellier
  • Patent number: 5925300
    Abstract: A process for making shaped articles from nylon polymer by melting the polymer and forming the molten polymer into articles is improved by adding to the polymer at least about 5 ppm of an additive compound selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium and zinc salts of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids having 2 to 14 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Joseph V. Kurian, Ralph Walter Nugent