Including Deformation By Application Of Fluid Pressure Patents (Class 264/564)
  • Patent number: 11787088
    Abstract: A method of recycling a first polymer from a multi-component polymer product may include subjecting the multi-component polymer product that includes a first polymer and at least one additional component to conditions to melt the first polymer; and filtering the at least one additional component from the molten first polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Braskem S.A.
    Inventors: Marcelo Farah, Bárbara Iria Silva Mano, Ana Paula Rodrigues Camilo
  • Patent number: 11001651
    Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film comprising a propylene homopolymer or propylene-ethylene copolymer having an ethylene content of at most 1.0 wt % based on the propylene-ethylene copolymer having an Mw/Mn in the range from 5.0 to 12, wherein Mw stands for the weight average molecular weight and Mn stands for the number average weight and wherein Mw and Mn are measured according to ASTM D6474-12, an XS in the range from 1.0 to 6.0 wt %, wherein XS stands for the amount of xylene solubles which are measured according to ASTM D 5492-10, a melt flow rate in the range of 1 to 10 dg/min as measured according to IS01133 (2.16 kg/230° C.) and a crystal size distribution as indicated by a height/width ratio of the highest peak of the first cooling curve of at least 0.70 W/g° C. as determined by ASTM D3418-08 using a heating and cooling rate of 10° C./min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Patrick Elisabeth Luc Voets, Abderrahman Meddad, Henrica Norberta Alberta Maria Steenbakkers-Menting, Akhlaq Moman
  • Patent number: 10875267
    Abstract: Methods and systems for making a film made of dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomeric material are provided herein. The subject methods and systems achieve dimensional stability of an elastic film by applying thermal treatment as part of the film making process and enhance the shrinkage of the film by intentionally with stretching the film while hot and freezing the film in the stretch. The systems and methods are useful in controlling shrinkage of DVA post film extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Anna C. Claerbout, Peter W. Manders, Stefan B. Ohlsson, Willy J. J. Leysen
  • Patent number: 10526476
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure polymerisation process for the preparation of polyethylene. A polymer is added to the extruder via a side feed dosage unit wherein the MFIsf of the polymer added via the side feed dosage unit has a higher value than the melt flow index (MFLend) of the polyethylene end product and wherein the Mw/Mn of the end product increases at least 15% compared to the product wherein no polymer is dosed via the side feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus Christinus Josephus Franciscus Tacx, Franciscus Petrus Hermanus Schreurs, Diego Mauricio Castaneda Zuniga
  • Patent number: 10011451
    Abstract: A reversing device for a film web, which has a take-off device, has at least one turning device and at least one deflecting roller. The film web can be guided by the take-off device via the at least one turning device and the at least one deflecting roller to a winding device. The axes of the take-off device, the at least one turning device, and the at least one deflecting roller are adjustable in angle relative to one another. The at least one deflecting roller is formed as an expander roller having an expanding capacity which increases towards the end faces of the deflecting roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER KG
    Inventors: Markus Bussmann, Tim Kirchhoff, Frank Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9346910
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueously dispersible epoxy resin E, comprising building blocks derived from an aliphatic polyether polyol A, an epoxy resin B having at least two epoxide groups per molecule, an epoxy resin B? having at least two epoxide groups per molecule, which may be identical to B, or different from B, an epoxy-functional fatty acid ester D, and an aromatic polyol C, a process for the preparation thereof, and a method of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Allnex Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Fischer, Elfriede Prucher
  • Patent number: 9028732
    Abstract: A single-sided, slip resistant, self-adhesive material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior layer capable of being treated or coated to accept a pressure sensitive adhesive, a middle layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent to produce a single-sided slip resistant material. A number of in-line rollers are optionally provided after a pair of nip rollers, which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies) the film prior to the film being coated on one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Multi Technologies Industrial L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael C. Sullivan, Thomas Zickell, II, George M. Orlych
  • Publication number: 20150069671
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding device for guiding a blown film between a film blowing die and a take-off roller device, comprising at least two lateral guides located opposite one another for laterally guiding the blown film, wherein at least one lateral guide is provided with a first guide segment and a second guide segment, which are connected to one another in an articulated manner. At least one lever kinematics is provided, which is in drive connection with a drive device, and which is interconnected with the two guide segments such that when the drive device is actuated by way of the lever kinematics, the angles of attack (?a, ?e) of the two guide segments to the conveyance direction (F) of the blown film can be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Tim Oberdalhoff
  • Publication number: 20150061198
    Abstract: A method of making and using a stretchable film includes an extruding operation where molten plastics materials are extruded into a tube and a blowing operation in which the tube is blown to expand a diameter of the tube and form a blown-film tube. The blown-film tube is slit to form a film sheet that may be deformed elastically in a machine direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Davi Velasquez, Michael A Kinnan, Stephen Nenadov, William J Rafier
  • Patent number: 8911660
    Abstract: The production of a biaxially oriented tube from thermoplastic material, wherein a tube in preform condition is extruded from thermoplastic material using an extruder having an extruder die head with an inner die member that forms a lumen in the tube in preform condition. The tube in preform condition is subjected to a temperature conditioning. Use is made of a expansion device comprising a non-deformable expansion part having a gradually increasing diameter to a maximum diameter, which expansion part is contacted by the tube and exerts an expanding force so as to bring about expansion of the tempered tube in circumferential direction. The method comprises drawing the tempered tube over the expansion device using a drawing device, in such a manner that said tube is transformed from a tube in preform condition into a biaxially oriented tube with thermoplastic material which is oriented in axial direction and in circumferential direction of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hoppmann International B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Visscher, Hendrik Jan Carel Jansen Klomp, Jan-Mark Bosch
  • Patent number: 8889047
    Abstract: A micro-voided film comprising high density polyethylene having a molecular weight of at least about 200,000, and low aspect ratio filler having a mean particle size from about 1 to about 25 microns. The film has a thickness of from about 10 to about 75 microns and a void fraction of from about 0.60 to about 0.75. The micro-voided film is made by a process comprising extruding the composition into a film having a thickness of from about 50 to about 300 microns, and orienting the extruded film using a high stalk, blown film process. The process produces a stabilized high stalk for increasing the production rate of blown, high molecular weight polyethylene, while increasing the film's physical and mechanical properties. The high stalk can be stabilized by application of high velocity, low volume flow rate of air over the interior and exterior surfaces of the extruded film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Greenrock, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mary Ruth Lehrter, Adam Pacelli
  • Patent number: 8871320
    Abstract: A manufacturing process for flexible tube skirts including the steps of providing a multi-layer plastic film, cutting out a strip from the multi-layer plastic film, producing a cylindrical sleeve by rolling-welding the strip, and cutting out the sleeve to the desired length to obtain the tube skirts. The strip is cut out from a multi-layer plastic film which has a symmetrical structure in relation to its median plane, with symmetrical layers having the same thickness and made of the same plastic, having the same chemical composition and the same molar mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Cebal SAS
    Inventor: Michel Bosshardt
  • Patent number: 8778256
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a medical article that include radial deformation of a polymer tube are disclosed. A medical article, such as an implantable medical device or an inflatable member, may be fabricated from a deformed tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Huang, Jonathan P. Durcan
  • Patent number: 8734710
    Abstract: A biopolymer blown film extrusion system comprising an extruder receiving polymer pellets and at least two additives, and generating a molten mass having at least one layer; a die receiving the molten extrudates and generating a bubble having at least one layer from a die orifice; an internal bubble blower operably connected to maintain air inside the bubble; a bubble collapsing frame receiving the bubble and generating a biopolymer film having at least one layer, the film having a selected elongation at break of 180% or more in one direction and heat sealing at 195° F. or less; a nip roller operably connected to draw the biopolymer film from the bubble collapsing frame; a turning bar operably connected to change a travel angle of the biopolymer film; and a travel roller operably connected to direct travel of the biopolymer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Georgelos, Pat Montefusco, Roy Speer, Jeanne M. Skaggs, James J. Sanfilippo
  • Patent number: 8658082
    Abstract: Methods to expand polymer tubing with desirable or optimum morphology and mechanical properties for stent manufacture and fabrication of a stent therefrom are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Huang, David C. Gale, Vincent J. Gueriguian
  • Patent number: 8632706
    Abstract: A single-sided, slip resistant, self-adhesive material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior layer capable of being treated or coated to accept a pressure sensitive adhesive, a middle layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent to produce a single-sided slip resistant material. A number of in-line rollers are provided after a pair of rollers, which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies) the film prior to the film being coated on one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Multi Technologies Instustrial L.L.C.
    Inventors: George M. Orlych, Michael C. Sullivan, Thomas Zickell
  • Patent number: 8550154
    Abstract: In a resin heat exchanger unit, a resin pipe having straight portions and curved portions and a plurality of resin fins are integrally molded and there can be realized high reliability, high heat exchange efficiency, and a simple manufacturing process. The resin heat exchanger unit includes a resin pipe (1), which has straight portions (2) and curved portions (3) provided alternatively and continuously, and a plurality of resin fins (4) connected to the pipe (1), the pipe (1) and the fins (4) being integrally injection-molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: RP Topla Limited
    Inventors: Minoru Ojiro, Yaushiko Hata, Hiroyuki Minezaki, Tomoyoshi Sakamoto, Hiroki Katagiri
  • Patent number: 8518502
    Abstract: An inflatable device, in particular a device including a body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface accessible through an orifice in the body, the body including a prolamine protein that exhibits air or gas impermeability for a suitable period of time, and yet is biodegradable upon exposure to the environment. The device can be utilized as a balloon for personal uses such as toys, gifts or balloon releases at events, or as a medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: Frank Bona, David A. Schiraldi
  • Patent number: 8496868
    Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced growth in the cross direction with concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of manufacture is disclosed which includes a post-extrusion temperature conditioning step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Plastic Suppliers, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph B. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8480836
    Abstract: A double-sided, slip resistant material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior heat sealable layer, a core layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent and optionally grit to produce a double-sided slip resistant material. A number of rollers are provided after nip rollers have fused the film together, and which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies in the film) prior to the film being wound onto a roll for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Multi Technologies Industrial L.L.C.
    Inventors: George M. Orlych, Mike C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8425829
    Abstract: Use of thermoplastic molding compositions comprising A) from 10 to 89% by weight of a polyethylene terephthalate which can comprise up to 65% by weight, based on 100% by weight of A), of another polyester, B) from 0.01 to 50% by weight of B1) at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polycarbonate with an OH number of from 1 to 600 mg KOH/g of polycarbonate (to DIN 53240, part 2), or B2) at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polyester of AxBy type, where x is at least 1.1 and y is at least 2.1, or a mixture of these, C) from 10 to 60% by weight of a fibrous or particulate filler, and D) from 0 to 20% by weight of further additives, where the total of the percentages by weight of components A) to D) is 100%, for the production of moldings by means of the internal-gas-pressure process and/or the water-injection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Andreas Eipper, Rainer Klenz, Thomas Fritzsche, Mark Völkel
  • Patent number: 8377354
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a film comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic fluoro-polymer and at least one layer of another polymer (A). The inventive method consists in using extrusion blow molding to coextrude a fluoro-polymer and polymer (A) which adhere to one another; with a layer of another thermoplastic polymer (B) such that it forms a layer which is adjacent to the fluoropolymer/polymer (A) layer According to the invention, the thermoplastic polymer (B) is incompatible with the fluoro-polymer and polymer (A) and has adequate extrudate behavior to support the layers of fluoro-polymer and/or polymer (A). Once the coextrudate has been cooled, by separating the layer(s) of (B), at least the film is recovered, said film comprising at least one layer of a polymer selected from among thermoplastic fluoro-polymers and polymers (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Arkema France
    Inventors: David Silagy, Gérard Reignier, Philippe Bussi
  • Patent number: 8372332
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device with improved fracture toughness through annealing, nucleating agents, or both are disclosed herein. A polymeric construct that is completely amorphous or that has a very low crystallinity is annealed with no or substantially no crystal growth to increase nucleation density. Alternatively, the polymer construct includes nucleating agent. The crystallinity of the polymer construct is increased with a high nucleation density through an increase in temperature, deformation, or both. An implantable medical device, such as a stent, can be fabricated from the polymer construct after the increase in crystallinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Yunbing Wang, Lothar Kleiner
  • Patent number: 8268228
    Abstract: Methods to expand polymer tubing with desirable or optimum morphology and mechanical properties for stent manufacture and fabrication of a stent therefrom are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Huang, David C. Gale, Vincent J. Gueriguian
  • Publication number: 20120181732
    Abstract: A tubing expansion device is adapted to be advanced axially, without rotation, through tubing to be expanded. The device comprises a body and a plurality of expansion members mounted on the body, the expansion members being independently radially movable. The expansion members may be rotatable, or may be non-rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: David Stephenson, Grant Adams, David H. Grant, Neil Andrew Abercrombie Simpson
  • Patent number: 8168112
    Abstract: Blown films and processes of forming the same are described herein. The processes generally include providing a bimodal ethylene based polymer, blending the bimodal ethylene based polymer with at least about 30 ppm peroxide to form modified polyethylene and forming the modified polyethylene into a blown film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyril Chevillard, Jay Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8137599
    Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit expansion method, including: inserting a liner conduit formed from a polyvinyl chloride material at least partially within a host conduit; circulating fluid within an inner area of the liner conduit; and injecting fluid into the inner area of the liner conduit; wherein the liner conduit at least partially expands within the host conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Underground Solutions Technologies Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Smith, Thomas Marti, Bryan St. Onge, Henri St. Onge
  • Patent number: 7934918
    Abstract: In an injection molding tool with at least one hot channel nozzle (1), which is provided with a discharge nozzle opening (1a) and a closure needle (2) for closing the nozzle opening, an element (3) is provided by which at least the closing position of the closure needle can be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Otto Männer Innovation GmbH
    Inventors: Vincenc Selak, Swen Spuller
  • Publication number: 20110081510
    Abstract: The invention relates to blown films and methods of making blown films using a melt-strength enhanced polyester composition. The composition has a zero-shear viscosity and a degree of shear thinning that are comparable to PVC's melt rheology. The polyester composition has a branching agent and/or a fluoropolymer processing additive and an inherent viscosity of at least 0.60 dl/g. The diacid component of the polyester composition comprises 97 to 100 mole percent of residues of terephthalic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, isophthalic acid or mixtures thereof. The glycol component of the polyester composition comprises 97 to 100 mole percent of residues of ethylene glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, diethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Wayne Ken Shih, Rondell Paul Little, JR., Freddie Wayne Williams
  • Patent number: 7892466
    Abstract: Methods of tailoring polyethylenes are contemplated utilizing 0.5 to 70 volume percent oxygen containing gases. The tailoring occurs in a melt-conveying zone of a mixer/extruder, and not in the feed or melting zones of a mixer/extruder. The effect of tailoring is to decrease the haze and/or increase the gloss of blown films made from the tailored polyethylenes compared to similar polyethylenes that are extruded/mixed in the substantial absence of oxygen or oxygen containing gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dongming Li, Ching-Tai Lue
  • Patent number: 7883332
    Abstract: The method makes it possible to produce a seal (1) of an extruded plastics material, including a tubular section (3) with a wall of variable thickness (WT), using a distribution chamber having a terminal die plate (12) with an annular extrusion orifice (15) formed therein, corresponding to the cross section of the tubular section (3). A chamber (18) is formed in the distribution chamber in communication with the extrusion orifice (13) and into which an elastomeric material is fed for forming the tubular section (3). The chamber (18) of the distribution chamber is in open communication with the outside environment by a passage (21) which is separate from the extrusion orifice (13) and is provided to carry a flow of elastomeric material coming from the chamber (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems Italy S.p.A.
    Inventor: Rosario Ocera
  • Patent number: 7833468
    Abstract: The improved method and apparatus for longitudinal orientation of a tubular thermoplastic film as it leaves an annular extrusion die aims at a better control of this orientation. On its travel between the exit orifice (21) and the draw-down means, the at least partly molten film passes an annular frictional device (101), and the frictional force set-up hereby is variable in controlled manner. This device is cooled from its interior (105) in controlled manner by means of a fluid cooling medium. The friction may be controlled by airlubrication with air pressed through holes (123) in the frictional device or through microporous metal, (102) or alternatively by sucking the film against the frictional device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Ole-Bendt Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20100180975
    Abstract: A seamless convoluted hose assembly. The assembly includes: a tubular inner liner having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner liner wall therebetween which defines a passageway. The assembly further includes a helical coil or a plurality of annular loops which produce convolutions in the outer surface of the tubular liner when the tubular inner liner is forced through the helical coil or plurality of loops under heat and pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Norman S. Martucci, Michael A. Martucci
  • Patent number: 7713458
    Abstract: A laminated seamless belt having at least a base layer and an outer layer. The base layer contains a polyester thermoplastic elastomer as its main component. The base layer has a volume resistivity set to not less than 1.0×106(?·cm) nor more than 1.0×1011(?·cm). A volume resistivity of the outer layer is set to not less than 1.0×1011(?·cm) and not less than 10 times as large as that of the base layer. The base layer and the outer layer are formed by laminated extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Tanaka, Takayuki Hattori
  • Publication number: 20090319036
    Abstract: Implantable medical devices and methods of forming thereof made from polymers with end groups providing improved thermal stability are disclosed. Implantable medical devices made from such polymers including stabilizing agents are additionally disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Yunbing Wang, Stephen D. Pacetti
  • Patent number: 7604770
    Abstract: A method and a device for producing a film made of a thermoplastic material, wherein a plastic melt is blown up into a film bubble and is shaped into a desired film by a calibrating arrangement, and a downstream arranged flattening device. For providing as contactless as possible a guidance, calibration and flattening, film guidance elements are used with a laminar uniform air cushion between the film guidance element and the surface of the film bubble, without contact between the surface of the film bubble and the film guidance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Reifenhäuser GmbH & Co. Maschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Eike Wedell, Helmut Meyer
  • Patent number: 7550102
    Abstract: A method of making a composite tubular article made up of at least two concentric members, the outer of said members being tubular and the inner of said members being at least cylindrical and preferably tubular, and struts disposed in supporting and positioning orientation between the inner and outer members, by extruding a moldable material into the desired profile; stretching the inner tubular member over a cooling mandrel and disposing a cooling sleeve over the outer tubular member under conditions sufficient to solidify the article; twisting and longitudinally pulling the solidified article, so that it rotates over the cooling mandrel and inside the cooling sleeve while it is moving down stream across the cooling mandrel, whereby causing the extrudate to be twisted into a helical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Proteus, Inc.
    Inventor: F. John Herrington
  • Publication number: 20090107565
    Abstract: A fuel tank is provided including an integrally formed body. The body includes a generally hollow portion defined by an outer wall and a fill neck extending around an aperture in the outer wall. The body further includes a mounting tab generally extending from the body and a snap-fit retainer configured to engage an accessory mounted to the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Donald S. Hanson, Jim Consiglio, Nicholas Herdegen, Barbara Sammons
  • Patent number: 7465420
    Abstract: The method of manufacturing a film of thermotropic liquid crystal polymer includes extruding a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer of a kind in which any one of activation energies Ea1 and Ea2 of a melt viscosity is within the range of 30 to 90 kcal/mol, with the ratio (Ea1/Ea2) of the activation energy Ea1 relative to the activation energy Ea2 being within the range of 1 to 1.7. The activation energies Ea1 and Ea2 are measured by means of a capillary rheometer, including a nozzle of 1 mm in inner diameter and 10 mm in length disposed at an angle of introduction of 90° and a barrel of 9.55 mm in inner diameter, at respective shear rates of 243 seconds?1 and 2432 seconds?1 under a temperature ranging from the temperature [(Tm?10)° C.], which is lower by 10° C. than the melting point [(Tm)° C.] of the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer, to the temperature [(Tm+20)° C.], which is higher by 20° C. than the melting point [(Tm)° C.] of the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Yoshikawa, Tatsuya Sunamoto
  • Patent number: 7387760
    Abstract: An apparatus for making an inflation film formed by extruding a raw resin in a molten state through a circular die to form a tubular film, and expanding the tubular film by the pressure of a gaseous medium introduced into an inner space thereof, while the tubular film is being cooled. The apparatus includes a cooling ring, at least one air ring coaxial with the circular die, and an adjusting device for adjusting the temperature of a gaseous medium, blown from the air ring, to a range effective to retain the tubular film, then still in a molten phase, in a condition in which the tubular film is inflated. A method for making an inflation film is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Miyata, Katsunori Hatashi, Tatsuya Sunamoto, Tadao Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20080128935
    Abstract: A method and a device for producing a film made of a thermoplastic material, wherein a plastic melt is blown up into a film bubble and is shaped into a desired film by a calibrating arrangement, and a downstream arranged flattening device. For providing as contactless as possible a guidance, calibration and flattening, film guidance elements are used with a laminar uniform air cushion between the film guidance element and the surface of the film bubble, without contact between the surface of the film bubble and the film guidance element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Eike Wedell, Helmut Meyer
  • Publication number: 20080081183
    Abstract: An blow-extrudable film that ensures a reclosing ability after a first opening consists of a support layer on which a connecting layer and an overlying cover layer are arranged. The connecting layer essentially consists of a pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive. Both the support layer and the cover layer are essentially composed of polyethylene. The support layer may e.g. be made of low density and/or high density polyethylene (LD-PE respectively HD-PE). The cover layer consists of up to 100% LLD-PE (linear low density polyethylene) or of a blend of LLD-PE and polyethylene. Due to the LLD-PE content, the cover layer has a higher adhesion on the connecting layer than the support layer. In this manner it is ensured that in the first opening process, during which a portion of the support layer is separated, the connecting layer remains on the cover layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Jurjen DE BOER
  • Publication number: 20080061460
    Abstract: A process of controlling the thickness profile of a blown tubular film, consisting of thermoplastic plastics, around the circumference of same when producing blown film by means of blown film extruders, having a film extrusion die, wherein a measuring device measures the film thickness of the tubular film around the circumference and wherein a control device variably controls the cooling gas flow as a function of the measured film thicknesses around the circumference in sectors, wherein cooling gas flows are supplied from the outside in the direction of production in two separate planes, and wherein the cooling gas flows are controlled variably and in circumferential sectors around the circumference in the two planes in respect of their physical parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Zimmermann, Gerd Fahling
  • Publication number: 20080001333
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a stent, the method comprising: disposing a polymeric tube into a cylindrical mold, the cylindrical mold having a variable diameter along a portion of the inside surface of the mold; radially expanding the tube by blowing a gas or liquid into the cylindrical mold, the outside surface of the tube conforming to the variable diameter portion of the outside surface of the mold, causing the radially expanded tube to have a variable diameter along the conformed length of the tube; and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Klaus Kleine, David C. Gale
  • Patent number: 7182998
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cross-linked heat shrinkable film comprising an ethylene polymer resin which has a gel fraction of 5-40%. Furthermore, this film contains a glycerin fatty acid ester surface active agent in an amount of 2.0-8.0% by weight based on the total weight of the ethylene polymer resin, said surface active agent being present in an amount of 3.0-20.0 mg/m2 on at least one surface of the film. This film has characteristics adaptable to speeding-up of continuous packaging machines, namely, a proper coefficient of dynamic friction and hot tack sealability, with maintaining appearance of the film after being shrunk, such as heat shrink characteristics, fog resistance and gloss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Takagi, Akinori Takeda
  • Patent number: 7160499
    Abstract: An inflation film is formed by extruding a raw resin in a molten state through a circular die to form a tubular film, expanding the tubular film by the pressure of a gaseous medium introduced into an inner space of the tubular film, while the tubular film is being cooled to be solidified by blowing a cooling gas to the outer surface of the tubular film, and drawing the film while being progressively flattened by guide members. During the manufacture, the temperature Tf (° C.) of the solidified tubular film at the time it contacts the guide member for the first time is so adjusted as not to be higher than Tr (5) [° C.]; wherein Tr (5) represents the temperature at which the thermal deformation ratio of the solidified tubular film becomes 5% when it is measured, being loaded with a stress of a value equal to the frictional force received from the guide members under the conditions of manufacture of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Miyata, Katsunori Hatashi, Tatsuya Sunamoto, Tadao Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7063764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a plant for producing polyolefinic transpiring films by means of bubble extrusion of a LLDPE and filler mix, flattening of the extruded tube to obtain a double layer flat film and transversely and/or longitudinally stretching of the double layer flat film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Nuova Pansac S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Lori, Graziano Bortoletto
  • Patent number: 7022280
    Abstract: A flat yarn of a high strength and a high modulus of elasticity, being excellent in solvent resistance, thermal stability and resistance to bending fatigue is provided. The flat yarn comprises polyoxymethylene copolymer containing 0.5 to 10 moles of specified oxyalkylene units per 100 moles of oxymethylene units in the polymer chain principally comprising repeating oxymethylene units and having a melt index at 190° C. with load of 2160 g of 0.3 to 20 g/10 min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Polyplastics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Okawa
  • Patent number: 6982311
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a film having at least one layer comprising an interpolymer of ethylene and at least on comonomer selected from the group consisting of C3-C20 ?-olefins, dienes, and cycloalkenes, wherein the interpolymer is characterized as having a high degree of processability, good optical performance, and good mechanical properties. The subject invention further provides film fabrication processes and polymer compositions which are useful in preparing the subject films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Seema V. Karande, Lonnie G. Hazlitt, Pradeep Jain, Kaelyn Koch, Shih-Yaw Lai, Li-Min Tau
  • Patent number: 6919112
    Abstract: The invention concerns a biaxially stretched and thermoset tubular seamless single- or multi-layered foodstuff skin wherein the layer, or, a multi-layered skin wherein at least one of the layers, contains a block copolymer with “hard” aliphatic polyamide blocks and “soft” aliphatic polyether blocks, the block copolymer corresponding to one of formulae (I) to (III), Ea—(NH—[CH2]x—CO)m—Xa—(A—O)n—A Xa—(CO—[CH2]x—NH)m—Ea (I), (II), —[X—(CO—[CH2]x—NH)o—Y—X—(A—O)p—A]-(III). The invention is particularly suitable as a skin for a sausage which is to be boiled or heated in water, and does not form folds when the filling is introduced manually, with no or only slight pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Kalle Nalo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Delius