Abstract: An air ring has a main body including a plenum through which pressurized air enters the air ring, the main body including a generally circular interior that is unobstructed vertically above the main body. A generally circular forming-cone assembly is received in the generally circular interior of the main body, and includes at least one annular lip defining a passage through which pressurized air from the plenum exits the air ring for impingement upon the polymer tube. A plurality of fasteners secure the forming-cone assembly in the interior of the main body, the fasteners and forming-cone assembly being unobstructed vertically above the air ring, wherein the fasteners are accessible from vertically above the air ring and the forming-cone assembly is removable from the main body by vertical lifting without removal of other components from the air ring.

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.

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.

Abstract: In a blown film extrusion plant comprising a blow head and an air cooling ring, between the blow head and the air cooling ring at least one cooling device should be provided.

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.

Abstract: In a blown film extrusion plant comprising a blow head and an air cooling ring, between the blow head and the air cooling ring at least one cooling device should be provided.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-layer or multilayer tubular food packaging film that can be smoked, air-dried and peeled, in particular peeled in a fully automated manner, in particular a sausage casing, for smoked and/or air-dried sausage or meat goods, wherein the polymer-based food film is manufactured of a homogeneous molten plastic material in a (co-)extrusion film blow molding plant by means of (co-)extruded plastics supplied to a nozzle of a blow head and biaxially stretched in the triple-bubble process, the homogeneous molten plastic material being produced of a plastic blend of PS or a blend of various PSs and PVOHs and/or PEBAs. The present invention moreover relates to a method for the manufacture of the food film.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a stent, from a tube with desirable mechanical properties, such as improved circumferential strength and rigidity, are described herein. Improved circumferential strength and rigidity may be obtained by inducing molecular orientation in materials for use in manufacturing an implantable medical device. Some embodiments may include inducing molecular orientation by expansion of a molten annular polymer film. Other embodiments may include inducing circumferential molecular orientation by inducing circumferential flow in a molten polymer. In certain embodiments, circumferential orientation may be induced by expansion of a polymer tube. Further embodiments may include manufacturing an implantable medical device from a biaxially oriented planar polymer film.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus and method for producing a resin film product from a thermoplastic resin in a stable manner without damage to the product, wherein the resin film product is thin and has a uniform, flat surface. A mandrel 7 that comes into proximity or contact with the surface of a moving resin film to guide the movement of the resin film when a resin film in continuous form is continuously produced, the mandrel comprising: a mandrel main body 71 having an opening; and a guide part 72 that is composed of an elastic member attached to the opening 71a and that can advance and retract relative to the resin film, and an apparatus and method for producing a resin film using the mandrel.

Abstract: The method comprises the step of forming pipes (12) by clamping a bag between shells (13, 14) and by injecting an inflating agent via an inflating connector. The circuit comprises a bag (126) and a press (10) comprising two shells (13, 14) clamping said bag in a state in which pipes (12) are formed between the films (25, 26) of the bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the removal of a tube blank (3) located on a support core (2). The tube blank (3) is detached from the support core (2) by means of the introduction of a medium through a device (10), whereby a detachment may be alternatively or additionally achieved by the application of a vacuum to a sleeve (4) enclosing the tube blank (3).

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling a molten plastic film tube exiting the outlet of an extrusion die is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inlet passage adapted to direct cooling air through the extrusion die to the interior of the plastic film tube. The apparatus includes at least one air dispensing device coupled to the inlet passage. The air dispensing device is configured to receive the cooling air and to direct a flow of the cooling air out of the air dispensing device in an approximately circumferential or tangential direction. The circumferential or tangential flow of the inlet air inside the plastic film tube cools the molten tube while reducing impact on the molten tube.

Abstract: As a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a process for making a heat-shrinkable annular film, comprising: (A) extruding an annular extrudate downward from an annular die; (B) quenching the annular extrudate by applying a quenching liquid to the annular extrudate; (C) reheating the extrudate to an orientation temperature of from 130° F. to 210° F., resulting in a reheated annular extrudate; and (D) orienting the reheated annular extrudate while the reheated annular extrudate is in the solid state, the orientation being carried out with a total orientation factor of at least 2, so that the resulting oriented, heat-shrinkable film has a total free shrink at 185° F. of at least 10 percent. The extrudate comprises at least one semi-crystalline polyamide selected from the group consisting of: (i) polyamide 6, (ii) polyamide 66, (iii) polyamide 6/66, and (iv) polyamide 6/12. The semi-crystalline polyamide makes up at least 5 volume percent of the annular extrudate.

Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for producing a cross-linked, tubular film or “tape” that uses a motor driven nip roll assembly and a product driven idler roll to pump gases contained within the film in a desired direction. The process eliminates the need to create slits to vent gases that are trapped within the film. The motor driven roll comprises a driven nip roll and a driven peristaltic roll that cooperate to drive the film forward and nip the film. The driven peristaltic roll includes a pumping section that comprises a plurality of pumping rollers that pump gases contained within the film in a direction that is the reverse direction of film travel. The product driven roll comprises a spool roller and a plurality of pumping rollers that are circumferentially spaced around the spool roller. The pumping rollers trap and pump gases contained in the film in the reverse direction of film travel.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus is provided for manufacturing a tubular resin film of high quality and little thickness variations, which is stretched and given an orientation, and suitable as retardation film or the like. It comprises a stretching section (6) for stretching the tubular resin film (20), and a maintaining section (7) for maintaining a shape of said tubular resin film (20) stretched. Further, said stretching section (6) is arranged to apply a stretching force to said tubular resin film for longitudinally and/or circumferentially stretching said tubular resin film (20).

Abstract: The invention provides polylactic acid (PLA) films substantially free of plasticizers and methods of manufacturing same by blown film process are provided. PLA films are environmentally degradable and have applications in, at least, packaging and labeling.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel prosthesis or patch, made from a biocompatible polymer with microporous, finely-fibrillated structure and a method for improving the e-modulus of said vessel prostheses or patches. According to the invention, the vessel prostheses or patches are subjected to a full stretching (extension) with a degree of extension between 30% and 250% and subsequent restoration.

Abstract: In a blown film extrusion plant comprising a blow head and an air cooling ring, between the blow head and the air cooling ring at least one cooling device should be provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for vulcanising and corrugating rubber tubing includes a mold with a corrugated inner surface. The mold is heated by electrical resistance heating elements. A length of uncured straight tubing is placed in the mold and its external surface is forced into contact with the corrugated mold surface by the combination of a positive gas pressure within the tubing and a negative gas pressure outside the tubing. The tubing is maintained in the heated mold for long enough for it to be vulcanised and take the internal shape of the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling a molten plastic film tube exiting the outlet of an extrusion die is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inlet passage adapted to direct cooling air through the extrusion die to the interior of the plastic film tube. The apparatus includes at least one air dispensing device coupled to the inlet passage. The air dispensing device is configured to receive the cooling air and to direct a flow of the cooling air out of the air dispensing device in an approximately circumferential or tangential direction. The circumferential or tangential flow of the inlet air inside the plastic film tube cools the molten tube while reducing impact on the molten tube.

Abstract: The manufacturing method of the invention manufactures a fuel filler pipe (branching pipe), where a breather pipe is branched off from a filler pipe main body. The manufacturing method extrudes a first extruded tubular member and a second extruded tubular member, conveys molds arranged on both sides of the first extruded tubular member and the second extruded tubular member, and forms the first extruded tubular member and the second extruded tubular member corresponding to molding surfaces of the molds, so as to mold the filler pipe main body and the breather pipe. The manufacturing method then thermally welds part of the second extruded tubular member with an outer wall of the first extruded tubular member and closes an opening end of the breather pipe to form a welding joint portion. A connection hole for connecting the conduit of the filler pipe main body with the conduit of the breather pipe is formed in the welding joint portion with a tool inserted through an opening of the filler pipe main body.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a hose including a weaving machine and a liner feeder for forming the hose by weaving a jacket about a liner as the liner is being fed into the weaving machine, where the liner is provided with an adhesive layer on an outer surface, the adhesive layer being doped with a radiation absorbing element. The apparatus includes a feeder for receiving and for flattening the hose and an oven located downstream from the feeder, including a bore through which the hose passes, the oven including a module for applying radiation to the hose so that the radiation absorbing element heats following the application of radiation for bonding the liner to the jacket. A winder is located downstream at a predetermined distance away from the oven for pulling and winding the hose and provided with a pressurizer for internally pressurizing a portion of the hose located between the winder and the feeder so that when the hose is in the oven, the pressurizer forces the liner against the jacket.

Abstract: Selected substances are applied to the inner surface of the bubble during blown-film extrusion, with the intent of altering the physical, chemical or biological properties of resin films manufactured by the extrusion process. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed, wherein a fluid preparation of selected substances is atomized from a point on the longitudinal axis of the bubble by one atomizing apparatus fixed on top of the die mandrel of a blown-film extruder. In the embodiments described, the atomizing apparatus is: (1) a tube that delivers fluid in a continuous manner to the center of the top surface of a spinning disc that atomizes the fluid towards the inner surface of the film bubble, or (2) a plurality of spraying nozzles connected to a tube that delivers the fluid to be atomized, and oriented to spray towards the inner surface of the film bubble.

Abstract: A method for producing an endless belt for electrophotography by melt-extruding a thermoplastic resin having a diphenyl sulfone structure represented by the following Formula (1) from a circular die to produce the endless belt continuously 1

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.

Abstract: The invention concerns a continuous manufacturing method which consists in producing a blank (E) by extrusion, bringing said blank to a temperature for molecular orientation, passing said blank around a radial expansion mandrel (12); gauging and cooling while subjecting the blank to axial traction. The radial expansion produced on the mandrel (12) is partial so that the internal diameter (B) of the blank (E), when it leaves the mandrel, is less than the nominal internal diameter (D) of the finished tube, performing an additional radial expansion of the blank, up to its nominal diameter, by internal fluid pressure. In permanent operating conditions, the inner surface of the blank (E) is no longer in contact with the mandrel (12).

Abstract: Process for the production of cellulose shaped bodies through the precipitation of a cellulose solution containing cellulose dissolved in an amine oxide/water system in a precipitation bath, wherein the solution contains additional cellulose fibers.

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 &agr;-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.

Abstract: An extrusion molding method including plasticizing and kneading a raw material (1), composed of a synthetic resin material having high heat-resistance and strength, extruding the material from a molding die (3) to form a tubular body (51), passing the tubular body (51) on a sizing die (4) to give it a final inner diameter, cooling and hardening the tubular body (51). The molding die (3) and sizing die (4) are coupled to each other by a connecting pipe (6). The sizing die (4) is made of a carbon material. A first air (81) is supplied to an interior of the sizing die (4) through the connecting pipe (6). A second air (92) is supplied to an interior of the molding die (3) so that an air lubrication layer is formed between an inner surface (52) of the continuous product (5) and an outer surface (41) of the sizing die (4).

Abstract: At least two techniques can be used separately or together to achieve higher clarity in multilayer blown coextruded films. In a first technique, the core layer is extruded at a higher temperature than the skin layer or layers. In the second technique, the core layer has a higher density than the skin layer or layers. Combinations of these techniques are also contemplated. Either one or both techniques may be used to a sufficient degree to improve clarity (generally lower haze).

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for producing oriented plastic tube comprising the steps of extrusion, temperature conditioning, diametrical expansion and cooling, characterized by the step of inducing axial draw of the tube between first and second haul-off means located upstream of the expansion step.

Abstract: A clear, multilayer polymeric film that is desirable for thermoforming applications. The film in its various embodiments include two inner layers of nylon and/or a core layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol or ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer sandwiched between the two inner nylon layers. The film also has an outer layer of a heat sealable polymer and may also have an outer layer of nylon. The film is coextruded, blown into a tubular shape, oriented, and cooled by the method of tubular water quenching. The film has various improved physical properties over the prior art, including properties of “memory”, clarity, gloss and low haze.

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: To prevent socalled fish eyes or to reduce the number of fish eyes per unit of area in plastic films, manufactured according to the casting process or according to the blown film process, the number of fish eyes per unit of area is measured in the tubular film, which is cast or blown or collapsed. When the measurement reveals a number of fish eyes per unit of area that exceed a specified value, nitrogen or antioxidants are blown or put into the hopper until the number of fish eyes per unit of area falls below a critical number.

Abstract: A plastic film or sheet, wherein upon immersing a test piece of the plastic film or sheet in ultrapure water, extracting pure water from near the surface of the test piece and evaluating the cleanliness of a resulting bag based on the concentration (number) of fine particles 0.3 .mu.m or greater in size dispersed in the extracted ultrapure water, the measured concentration is no greater than 5 per ml. The process comprises steps of immersing and running a plastic film or sheet (1) in ultrapure water (4) in a clean room (16), and further spraying and washing the film or sheet (1) with ultrapure water after the film or sheet (1) is drawn out, followed by drying, destaticization, cutting and heat sealing.

Abstract: In order to reduce the weight and cost of LPG pressure-resistant containers, thermo-plastic resin is used in the continuous formation of a hollow container wherein the outer surface of a hollow continuous liner is continuously braided with multiple yarns. The present invention is a system for forming a braided hollow container comprised of a continuous liner forming section 1 which continuously forms the continuous liner 70 for the inner layer 72 of the hollow container in the axial direction through a hollow joining section 71, a braid forming section 2 which uses a braiding machine BR to braid the outside of the continuous liner to form the continuous braided body 73, cutting section 3 which cuts the continuous braided body in the radial direction in the hollow joint section, and a plug welding section 4 which welds a plug 75 to the openings formed by the cutting section; and the pressure-resistant container formed using said system.

Abstract: A seamless cellulose-based tubular film is produced by extrusion of an aqueous cellulose-N-methylmorpholine N-oxide solution.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for removing biopolymer constructs from support structures used to impart a selected shape to the biopolymer. The biopolymer construct and the support structure are in intimate at an interface and adhere to each other. The support structure includes an endcap adapted for introducing a fluid to the interface for reducing adhesion between the biopolymer structure and the support structure by applying a separating force at the interface, thereby facilitating removal between the support structure and the biopolymer construct.

Abstract: A method of producing an inflation film which includes the steps of melting an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyolefin in an extruder, extruding the molten polyolefin from a screw die, and blowing a gas into a molten tubular film formed by extrusion. An apparatus for producing an inflation film which includes an extruder provided with a first screw, and a screw die having an L/D of at least 5 and is provided at the end of the extruder, wherein the screw die includes a second screw which rotates independently of the first screw, a mandrel coupled to the end of the second screw and rotates together with the second screw, an outer tube die in which the mandrel is inserted, and a gas passage extending in the second screw and in the mandrel. An inflation film is composed of an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyolefin having a tensile strength at break of greater than 1660 kg/cm.sup.2 in a machine direction and greater than 1600 kg/cm.sup.2 in a transverse direction, an impact strength of greater than 9500 kg.

Abstract: A film, having two major surfaces, includes an outer layer including a copolymer of ethylene and a C.sub.3 to C.sub.10 alpha olefin, wherein at least one surface has a silicone coating of between 0.1 and 1.2 milligrams per square feet. Multilayer films can also be provided. Films with a combination of good machinability and ink adhesion are obtained. Films with good shrink properties, in combination with good machinability and ink adhesion, are also obtained.

Abstract: An external stabilizer employed in a plastic film blowing apparatus incorporates one or more extruded members that carry a low-friction plastic wear cover. A tubular die, fed with a supply of molten thermoplastic polymer, extrudes a tube of the molten polymer and injects air into said extruded tube to inflate the tube into a bubble. The wall of the tube expands into a film of a desired thickness; and the tube is drawn vertically upward and collapsed and flattened. The external stabilizer is positioned on a frame surrounding the extruded tube above the die to keep the tube aligned on a predetermined path as the tube is drawn upwards. The stabilizer includes at least one extrusion of a light-weight material having a profile that is rounded on a side that faces the extruded tube so that said extrusion has a rounded front surface. The associated wear cover is made of a wear resistant plastic material and is disposed on said rounded front surface of said extrusion.

Abstract: A foil-blowing apparatus and start-up method utilizes switchable roller pairs and a seal in an upstream primary tube stretch to subdivide the interior of the primary tube into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the lower chamber being in communication with a rising stretch of the primary tube with the tube in a heating chamber which brings the extruded tube to a foil-blowing temperature. The foil is blown by the pressure in the lower pressure chamber, at least during start up.

Abstract: Blown films of linear low density polyethylene are produced by a high stalk process comprising extruding the linear low density polyethylene through an annular die to form an extruded tube of molten material, cooling the extruded tube while drawing the tube so cooled, to maintain the tube diameter identical to that of the annular die and expanding the tube or bubble to attenuate the walls thereof by introducing a gas to the interior of the tube or bubble. The resulting films are characterized by superior impact strength and MD tear resistance.

Abstract: A process for producing LCP films that have improved tear resistance, improved balance of physical properties, and relatively wrinkle-free surfaces. An annular co-extrusion die is used to line the LCP with one or more surface layers of a nonadherent polymer before the LCP becomes shear oriented. The multi-layer tube formed by the co-extrusion is sealed, stretched and cooled by passing it over a sizing mandrel. The tube is slit open into a flat configuration.

Abstract: Medium modulus, polyethylene films and bags with improved tear performance are made for heavy-duty packaging applications and hot-fill uses. Film compositions contain high molecular weight linear polyethylene and linear ethylene/.alpha.-olefin interpolymer. The film is at least about 1.25 mils (31 microns) thick and is characterized as having a calculated film density in the range of about 0.923 to about 0.95 grams/cubic centimeter (g/cc) and typically has a tear strength or impact resistance at least 30 percent greater than current industrial polyethylene film. The novel film has superior dimensional stability and strength properties which allow significant down-gauging relative to industrial films used as heavy-duty overwraps, sleeves and bags.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a tubular thin film of thermoplastic resin in a melted state is described. The apparatus is capable of cooling the thin film from both the inside and the outside thereof while setting its diameter by interposing the film between the mandrel and an external circular coolant storage tank. The mandrel has a cylindrical shape and is connected with the lower side of a circular-shaped extruding die wherein the film is extruded downward from a circular slit in the die. The mandrel includes an air-injecting nozzle for injecting compressed air that maintains the shape of an upper bubble part of the thin film formed between the die and the mandrel. A coolant injecting nozzle which can inject the coolant toward the inner surface of the thin film is provided, the coolant injecting nozzle being formed into a single stage of circular slit or two or more stages of circular slits.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a tubular thin film of thermoplastic resin in a melted state is described. The apparatus is capable of cooling the thin film from both the inside and the outside thereof while setting its diameter by interposing the film between the mandrel and an external circular coolant storage tank. The mandrel has a cylindrical shape and is connected with the lower side of a circular-shaped extruding die wherein the film is extruded downward from a circular slit in the die. The mandrel includes an air-injecting nozzle for injecting compressed air that maintains the shape of an upper bubble pan of the thin film formed between the die and the mandrel. A coolant injecting nozzle which can inject the coolant toward the inner surface of the thin film is provided, the coolant injecting nozzle being formed into a single stage of circular slit or two or more stages of circular slits.