Abstract: A process and plant for laying a pipe in a trench comprising placing a flattened tubular preform in the trench, the perform having a reinforcement surrounding an inner seal, the reinforcement being impregnated with a resin, and inflating the perform in the trench.

Abstract: A drawn film production method including steps of drawing a crystalline thermoplastic resin film in the TD direction is characterized in that the orientation coefficient of the c-axis of the crystal of the thermoplastic resin in the film to the MD direction of the film is 0.8 or higher.

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.

Abstract: An internal bubble cooling air control system in a blown film apparatus has sensors arranged to increase response time and reduce interference, and includes a high speed valve for fast actuation of air flow from a controller in response to signals received from the sensors.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printed, laminated pickup truck bed and bed liner includes the steps of forming by extrusion or another process a single or double layer substrate of a desired thickness and strength. If a single layer, it will preferably be formed of a thermoplastic material such as high density polyethylene (HDPE). If a double layer, the lower layer may be HDPE or HDPE reinforced with random fibers or a fibrous material to improve its strength and ruggedness. Additionally, a cast or blow film upon which may be printed a desired pattern such as, for example, camouflage or indicia, is utilized as the top layer of the material. The two or three layers are laminated together either with or without the use of an adhesive and then formed into a bed or bed liner by a thermoforming process.

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: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of producing polyurethane rubber bands.

Abstract: A method of making a polypropylene product for use in making films and preferably biaxially oriented films and more preferably biaxially oriented films wherein a tenter-frame processing line is employed. The method includes the addition of low concentrations of a nucleating system in a mini-random polypropylene that allows for better processability and improved tensile properties. In one embodiment the nucleating system comprises a blend of a monocarboxylic acid nucleating agent and dicarboxylic acid nucleating agent. The nucleating system is combined with the polypropylene material and the resultant hot melt blend is further processed into biaxially oriented film. Alternately, the hot melt blend is formed into a convenient raw material for later use in a biaxial oriented film production facility. The resulting films possess superior processing and material characteristics.

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: A plastic product, and method and device for producing such plastic products are disclosed. The present invention produces a plastic product having a completely sealed sidewall defining at least one cavity therein, or a plastic product filled with a filler, such as urethane foam, in the cavity, or a plastic product having both a sidewall with both open end portions and a filler contained in the cavity. The plastic forming process and device of this invention effectively produces a variety of plastic products, such as a variety of panels, pipes, channels, columns, boats, oil tanks, door panels, vehicle door panels, bumpers, vehicle hoods, and small-sized submarines, which are not produced by conventional plastic forming processes or devices.

Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide a blown film which is excellent in terms of the optical characteristics, the tear strength and the rigidity as well as a method for producing the same, and the present invention provides a blown film whose surface morphology is a spherulite structure in which spherulites having diameters of about 3 &mgr;m or more exist and whose surface mean roughness Ra is about 30 nm or less as well as a method for producing the same.

Abstract: Provided is a resin guiding device for an inflation molding apparatus, which guides a molten resin extruded and blown into a tubular resin from an inflation molding die, to a pair of take-up rolls, wherein the resin guiding device comprises a pair of guiding members placed between the inflation molding die and the pair of take-up rolls, and the guiding members respectively have curved contact faces which are in contact with the tubular resin where the curved contact faces are mutually outward curved, and each of the curved contact faces has a shape corresponding to a rein shape so as to fold the tubular resin into a flat shape.

Abstract: An internal bubble cooling air control system in a blown film apparatus has sensors arranged to increase response time and reduce interference, and includes a high speed valve for fast actuation of air flow from a controller in response to signals received from the sensors.

Abstract: Polyethylenes made from ethylene and a series of &agr;-olefins using a catalyst that copolymerizes ethylene and &agr;-olefins usually have excellent melt processing characteristics, especially in uses where high zero shear viscosity and low high shear viscosity are desirable. These polyethylenes are preferably made by forming the &agr;-olefins in situ from ethylene during the polymerization process. The polyethylenes are especially useful in blow molding, extrusion or extruded blown film processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to high gas barrier packaging films exhibiting good shrinkage and containing an antifog composition for modified atmosphere packaging of foods and the like. The films are useful for producing modified atmosphere packages that preserve and enhance the shelf life of food and non-food oxygen sensitive items. The films exhibit excellent shrinkage, permanent antifog, easy processing and low cost of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problems left unaddressed by the prior known processes by providing a method to produce foamed-thermoplastic films of sufficient strength for use in consumer trash-bag applications utilizing high strength thermoplastic resins. Most broadly, the present invention comprises a blown-film bag formed from a material comprising a matrix of foamed polyolefin-based film and gaseous cells formed from a foaming agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an extruded film tube and supplying said tube to a collapsing and roller assembly includes a die for extruding a molten material in the form of a tube which is in a molten state below a frost line and in a solid state above the frost line. A blower system supplies and exhausts cooling air to and from an interior portion of the tube, and is regulated by a valve. At least two sensors are provided, one below the frost line for sensing the position of said tube, and one located proximate the tube in a position above said frost line. The upper sensor is used for sensing the position of the tube prior to collapsing and flattening it. A controller receives feedback signals from both sensors and controls operation of the valve.

Abstract: A process produces a belt-shaped member to be used in an image-forming apparatus is disclosed in which a toner image held on a latent-image-bearing member is electrostatically transferred under application of a voltage via the belt-shaped transfer member. The process includes the steps of melt-extruding a material containing a thermoplastic resin, from a circular die into a cylindrical film; forming the resultant cylindrical film by stretching in such a way that the cylindrical film comes to have a thickness smaller than the die gap of the circular die; and cutting the cylindrical film thus formed, into a seamless belt having a thickness of from 40 &mgr;m to 300 &mgr;m and a modulus in tension of 600 MPa or higher. The stretched cylindrical film is formed to have a thickness not larger than ⅓ of the die gap of the circular die. A belt-shaped transfer member may be produced by the above-described process.

Abstract: An internal bubble cooling air control system in a blown film apparatus has sensors arranged to increase response time and reduce interference, and includes a high speed valve for fast actuation of air flow from a controller in response to signals received from the sensors.

Abstract: A process for orienting and drawing multiple-layer thermoplastic materials, in particular of a tubular type, wherein a tube exiting from a heating tunnel is brought up to an orienting temperature of a first material having the highest orienting temperature, while the material of the remaining layers is still in a plastic state. The first material is subjected to a first partial drawing process, while the remaining layers plastically deform to follow its expansion. The temperature of the tube is dropped to the orienting temperature of a second layer and a second layer is drawn, while at the same time continuing to draw the previous layer. Steps of dropping the temperature and drawing the second layer are repeated for the subsequent layers, until the maximum allowable degree of drawing is achieved for each layer.

Abstract: Toughened biaxially oriented polyamide films prepared by dry blending i) a polyamide homopolymer, copolymer, or blends thereof; and ii) a functionalized polyolefin terpolymer comprising maleic anhydride, ethyl acrylate, and an olefin, to thereby form a dry mixture. The dry mixture is melted to form a polymer blend, which is then formed into a polymer film. The edges of the film are pinned to a casting roll, and the film is plasticized in at least one water bath. The polymer film is subsequently biaxially oriented. The result is a toughened biaxially oriented film which is resistant to pinholes, cracks, and other structural defects. Such films are particularly suited for making packaging materials for various food products.

Abstract: An improved blown film extrusion apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an annular die for extruding a film tube. At least one tube position transducer is provided and located adjacent to the extruded film tube. The tube position transducer transmits interrogating pulses to the extruded film tube and produces a position signal corresponding to a detected position under the extruded film tube. A bubble position control system is provided for receiving and processing the position signal. A valve is provided for varying a quantity of air within the extruded film tube in response to the bubble position control means. This urges the extruded film tube to a desired position. The apparatus further includes a collapsing frame assembly for receiving the extruded film tube and collapsing it. The collapsing frame assembly includes several frame boards. Typically, two opposing main boards and two opposing side boards are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for startup of extruded film tubes. A controller member is utilized to provide control signals to a supply blower which supplies air to the extruded film tube in an amount corresponding to a supply control signal, and an exhaust blower which exhausts air from the extruded film tube in an amount corresponding to an exhaust control signal. The controller member executes program instructions which define at least one control routine for automatic and coordinated control of the supply blower and the exhaust blower during starting of the extruded film tube, by directing a series of supply control signals to the supply blower and exhaust control signals to the exhaust blower.

Abstract: Three-dimensional flexible adhesive film structures are described which exhibit tack on demand characteristics. The film is capable of showing minimal or no tack under normal handling conditions, but when pressed against a target surface, exhibits the desired adhesion.

Abstract: A blown film extrusion apparatus and method is provided including a tube position transducer transmits interrogating pulses to the extruded film tube and produces a position signal corresponding to a detected position under the extruded film tube. A bubble position control system is provided for receiving and processing the position signal. The apparatus further includes a collapsing frame assembly for receiving the extruded film tube and collapsing it. A position transducer is provided for detecting the position of at least one of the frame boards. At least one board position actuator is provided for adjusting the position of at least one of the boards. A board control system is provided for receiving the board position information from the board position transducer and for providing control signals to the board position actuator to maintain at least one of the boards in a predetermined position.

Abstract: LLDPE films with superior impact strength are obtained by blowing lightly crosslinked LLDPE resins under film extrusion conditions typically used for blowing HDPE film.

Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide a blown film which is excellent in terms of the optical characteristics, the tear strength and the rigidity as well as a method for producing the same, and the present invention provides a blown film whose surface morphology is a spherulite structure in which spherulites having diameters of about 3 &mgr;m or more exist and whose surface mean roughness Ra is about 30 nm or less as well as a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A process is disclosed producing an intermediate transfer member used in an image-forming apparatus in which an image formed on a first image-bearing member is transferred to a second image-bearing member. The process has the steps of melt-extruding an extrusion material from a circular die by means of an extruder and thereafter making the same into a desired shape to obtain a cylindrical extruded product, and forming the resultant cylindrical extruded product into the intermediate transfer member. The cylindrical extruded product contains a thermoplastic resin and an ion-conductive resistance control agent, and a ratio of the diameter of the intermediate transfer member obtained to the die diameter of the circular die is from 0.5 to 4.0. Also disclosed are an intermediate transfer member obtained by the production process, and an intermediate transfer member having the intermediate transfer member.

Abstract: A multilayer stretch film comprising at least a first layer (i) with cling properties comprising an olefin (co)polymer composition, a second layer (ii) with slip properties comprising another olefin (co)polymer composition and if desired at least one core layer (iii) comprising an olefin (co)polymer composition between the first layer (i) and the second layer (ii). The outer surface of the first layer (i) with cling properties is provided with a non-stretchable thin film of one or more slip agent(s) covering at least 50% up to 100% of the outer surface of the first layer (i), lowering the cling properties of the unstretched composite film. The thin film of slip agent(s) is provided either by direct application of the slip agent(s) onto the outer surface or by use of slip agent(s) having limited compatibility with the (co)polymer composition as additive in the (co)polymer composition of the first layer (i).

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an environmental friendly paper from about 56% to about 80% by weight of inorganic mineral powders, about 43% to 18% by weight of polyethylene, and about 1% to 2% by weight of additives is disclosed. A composition for the manufacture of an environmental friendly paper, comprising about 56% to 80% by weight of inorganic mineral powders, about 43% to 18% by weight of polyethylene, and about 1% to 2% weight by additives is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tubular, multilayer film comprises a central barrier layer and a pair of adhesive layers on opposite sides of the central barrier layer. The adhesive layers completely cover the central barrier layer. Opposing edges of the central barrier layer overlap longitudinally along the tubular, multilayer film. The total thickness of the central barrier layers in the overlapping portion is substantially the same as the thickness of the central barrier layer in the non-overlapping portion. The tubular, multilayer film also includes inner and outer surface layers. The inner surface layer extends completely around the interior of the tubular, multilayer film, and the outer surface layer extends completely around the exterior of the tubular, multilayer film.

Abstract: A compostable multilayer film includes a core layer having a first surface and a second surface, a first blocking reducing layer covering the first surface of the core layer, and a second blocking reducing layer covering the second surface of the core layer. The core layer comprises a lactic acid residue-containing polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) below 20° C. At least one of the first and second blocking reducing layers comprise a semicrystalline aliphatic polyester. The core layer may be peroxide modified polylactide polymer which exhibits bridging between polylactide polymer chains.

Abstract: A process for producing an endless belt includes melt-extruding an extrusion material into a cylinder by means of an extruder, where the extrusion material has a tensile break strength of 400 kgf/cm2 or above and a breaking extension of from 3.0% to 250%, and where the extrusion material is extruded in an extrusion ratio of from 1.05 to 2.80 while a gas is blown into the inside of the melt-extruded cylindrical product.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an extruded film tube and supplying said tube to a collapsing and roller assembly includes a die for extruding a molten material in the form of a tube which is in a molten state below a frost line and in a solid state above the frost line. A blower system supplies and exhausts cooling air to and from an interior portion of the tube, and is regulated by a valve. At least two sensors are provided, one below the frost line for sensing the position of said tube, and one located proximate the tube in a position above said frost line. The upper sensor is used for sensing the position of the tube prior to collapsing and flattening it. A controller receives feedback signals from both sensors and controls operation of the valve.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an environmental friendly paper from about 56% to about 80% by weight of inorganic mineral powders, about 43% to 18% by weight of polyethylene, and about 1% to 2% by weight of additives is provided. A composition for the manufacture of an environmental friendly paper, comprising about 56% to 80% by weight of inorganic mineral powders, about 43% to 18% by weight of polyethylene, and about 1% to 2% weight by additives is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer blend comprising high density polyethylene (HDPE), poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN), and a non-functionalised ethylene copolymer. This polymer blend is useful in extrusion blow moulding to make articles such as bottles.

Abstract: An indium oxide/tin oxide powder with 5-15 wt. % tin oxide is subjected to an annealing treatment at T≧1, 000° C. and is then partially reduced and subjected to hot isostatic pressing to produce a sputtering target with a density of at least 95% of the theoretical density and a thermal conductivity of at least 14 Wm−1K−1.

Abstract: A sintered laminated structure including a plurality of ceramic layers made of ceramic materials different from one another, wherein each of the ceramic layers is provided with through-holes passing each of the ceramic layers.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a blown film essentially consisting of an aliphatic polyester, according to which: (1) the polyester is synthesized from at least one cycloaliphatic ester, with the intervention of an initiator comprising at least one metal trialkoxide and/or metal tetraalkoxide, in an extrusion device; (2) the polyester is extrusion blow-moulded, immediately after it has been synthesized in the said extrusion device, fitted for this purpose with an extrusion blow-moulding die, with a swelling ratio of at least 2.5. The invention also relates to a film essentially consisting of an aliphatic polyester, which can be obtained according to the process of one of the preceding claims, in which the modulus of longitudinal elasticity (LE) and the modulus of transverse elasticity (TE) and the longitudinal shrinkage (LS) and transverse shrinkage (TS), these shrinkages being measured at a temperature about 5° C.

Abstract: A method of expanding a tube of plastics material in which a longitudinally travelling tube is progressively diametrically expanded in internal fluid pressure in an expansion zone between an upstream plug and an expandable downstream plug. Expansion of the tube is controlled in response to parameters which directly or indirectly indicate variation in the relative velocity at which material is delivered to and removed from the expansion zone, such as detecting upstream velocity, early expansion diameter, axial force on a sizing device or the tube diameter just before the expansion zone.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to the formation of thick films having a biaxial molecular orientation. Such films are prepared in accordance with the present invention from rod-like extended chain aromatic-heterocyclic ordered polymers. Such films have high tensile strength, modulus, and environmental resistance characteristics. A preferred ordered polymer for use in the present invention is poly (para-phenylenebenzo bisthiazole), (PBT), a compound having the structure: ##STR1## The present invention is also directed to methods and apparatus suitable for producing biaxially oriented films, coatings, and like materials from ordered polymers, preferably PBT.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of manufacturing oriented cellulose films by spinning non-derivated cellulose dissolved in amino oxides into a precipitating bath. The cellulose solution is extruded downward through a film-blowing nozzle and an external air gap into the precipitating bath. The spun cellulose film can be inflated after exiting the film-blowing nozzle.

Abstract: A case for accumulators in which side walls lying in perpendicular planes are connected by a connecting wall. The intersecting planes define a corner and external profile for the container. An adduction tube is formed integral with the outer surface of the connecting wall within the profile.

Abstract: An apparatus 17 for continuously forming rings of thermoplastic, shrinkable tubular casings 1 includes an unwinding roller 20, a first pair of pinch rolls 2, a ring-forming tool 3, a second pair of pinch rolls 15 and a winding-up roller 21. The tubular casing 1 is passed from the unwinding roller 20 through the pair of pinch rolls 2 and runs along a running-zone A into the ring-forming tool 3, which includes a spiral 19 and guide rollers 7 and 8 on an outer side 5 and an inner side 6, respectively, of the tubular casing 1 as well as a heater 4 for generating hot air. After covering a running-out zone B, the ring casing 16 leaving the ring-forming tool 3 runs through the second pair of pinch rolls 15, which pinches off the gas blown in at low gauge pressure in the section of the tubular casing 1, or of the ring casing 16, between the first pair of rolls 2 and second pair of rolls 15, with the result that said gas remains only in the section mentioned.

Abstract: A non-allergenic resistive exercise device is described. The device is in the form of a relatively thin elongate band of thermoplastic elastomer. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is in the form of a seamless endless band, while in another, the band is substantially strip-shaped. The bands can be textured to enhance the ability of a user to grip them during use, and the bands can also be printed or otherwise ornamented. The exercise devices of the instant invention are latex-free so as to be non-allergenic, do not require supplemental powdering of their surfaces, and are virtually odor-free. Several methods for producing the bands are also described. In one method, the thermoplastic elastomer material is extruded through an elongate-shaped die to form a cast film, which is solidified and cut to the desired length for use. In this method, the die in desirably substantially dog bone-shaped, in order to produce elongate bands having thickened side edges.

Abstract: A composite film of two layers, including a graphic color layer containing at least 50 wt % thermoplastic polyurethane, at least 10 wt % pigment, and a polyester elastomer, and an adhesive layer containing a thermoplastic adhesive. The color layer contains a non-blooming internal wax lubricant constituting less than about 0.1 wt % of the color layer. A combination including a laminate of two layers, one layer of which contains a polyurethane and the other layer of which includes an amorphous polyester directly adhered to a fabric, the improvement including the layer which contains a polyurethane, having an opaque exposed surface substantially free of surface lubricants. In a process for extruding polyurethane film, the improvement including mixing no more than about 0.1 wt % of a non-blooming internal wax lubricant in the polyurethane, prior to extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blown film extrusion apparatus in which film is extruded as a tube from an annular die and then pulled along a predetermined path. The improved blown film extrusion apparatus includes a system for gauging and controlling the surface of the extruded film tube, which includes a number of components which cooperate together. At least one transducer is provided and positioned adjacent the extruded film tube for transmitting interrogating pulses to, and receiving interrogating pulses from, the extruded film tube, and for producing a signal corresponding to a detected position of the extruded film tube. A control system is provided for substituting a filtered position signal derived from a dynamic filtering process in lieu of the detected position signal. An air flow controller is provided for varying a quantity of air within the extruded film tube in response to the control system for urging the extruded film tube to a desired position.

Abstract: Conventionally produced edible tubular casing is improved in its mechanical properties by being exposed to ultraviolet spectra in the range of 180 nm to 420 nm. The so treated casing is humidified, collapsed and wound onto a reel. The reel of tubular casing may be transported to a point of use where it is unwound, inflated, shipped and cut into lengths as desired.

Abstract: A polyamide-based sausage casing of a polymer blend comprisinga) nylon 6,b) 5-50% by weight, based on the total weight of all polymers in the layer, of ab1) aliphatic copolyamide containing units of the formulae --NH--?CH.sub.2 !.sub.5 --CO-- and --NH--?CH.sub.2 !.sub.m --CO--where m is an integer from 7 to 11, orb2) an aliphatic copolyamide containing units of the formulae --NH--?CH.sub.2 !.sub.5 --CO--, --NH--?CH.sub.2 !.sub.n --NH-- and --CO--?CH.sub.2 !.sub.o --CO--, where n is an integer from 6 to 12 and o is an integer from 7 to 10, orboth b(1) and b(2); andc) 0-20% by weight of an amorphous copolyamide containing hexamethylenediamine, and at least one of terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid units; andd) 0-20% by weight of a polyolefin modified by carboxyl groups.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a blend of a MPEP (metallocene catalyzed polyethylene plastomer) and a MPEE (metallocene catalyzed olefin copolymer elastomer); self-adhering film materials made from a blend of these metallocene polymers; and methods of making these self-adhering film materials which are useful for sealing and wrapping applications.