Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for producing phenolic foam laminates with improved surface appearance. The process involves applying pressure on the foam forming mixture through one of its facings by a flexible member. The member is sufficiently flexible to allow continual rise of the foam but also smoothes out any uneven rise under the applied pressure thereby producing a laminate which has a surface immediately below the facing substantially free of any voids, craters or wrinkles.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing pavement joints or seams are disclosed. The apparatus includes a wheeled support platform which serves to mount a cylindrical storage container suitable for holding a selected amount of an asphaltic emulsion sealing composition. An applicator is coupled to the bottom of the storage container and controls are provided to selectively vary the volume of the stream of sealing composition and to permit the stream to be completely extinguished. In order to prevent the asphaltic emulsion sealing composition from breaking down or settling out during application an agitator device is provided which propels the sealing composition upward from the bottom of the storage container and mixes the sealing composition. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the agitator device is gear driven in response to movement of the wheeled support platform.

Abstract: An improved heat transfer or chill roll is disclosed employing a static mandrel, and agitation within the roll together with longitudinal distribution of the heat exchange fluid provides increased uniformity of surface temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming double-side polished sheet of thermoplastic resin has a first cooling roll for forming a sheet of thermoplastic synthetic resin thereon along a contact angle .THETA..sub.1, a second cooling roll having a smaller diameter than the first cooling roll and mounted adjacent the first cooling roll for engaging the outer surface of the sheet formed on the first cooling roll and nipping the sheet between the cooling rolls for receiving the sheet from the first cooling roll onto a part of the surface thereof along a contact angle .THETA..sub.

Abstract: A method for producing a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) film by slot-die extrusion from an extrudate having an inherent draw resonance tendency whereby draw resonance is eliminated in the production of film at high speeds. Film of commercially uniform gauge thickness is obtained having significantly improved strength over films formed by conventional slot-die extrusion of LLDPE.

Abstract: A coating method and apparatus in which a coating composition is uniformly coated onto a continuously moving web without accumulation of thickened composition in the coating head. Auxiliary supply pipes open into the cavity of the coating head at both ends of the cavity. Liquid is either supplied through the auxiliary supply pipes to the coating head, or a portion of the coating composition contained in the coating head is discharged through the auxiliary supply pipes. Preferably, the supply or discharge of the liquid through the auxiliary supply pipes is at a rate such that a ratio of a velocity component of the liquid flowing through the auxiliary supply pipes to that of the coating composition onto the moving web is in a range of 0.01 to 10.

Abstract: In an extrusion process a feed conduit for the die is positioned axially in the extruder barrel to provide minimal surface roughness on the extrudate. Increased extrusion rates of quality product are obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying a hot melt adhesive to a web of heat sensitive material in which the adhesive is heated and extruded in a continuous flat bead having a substantially rectangular cross-section onto a rotating chill roll, cooled, contacted by a web of heat sensitive material and thereafter pressed together so that the adhesive conforms to the web material and bonds thereto, and the bonded adhesive and web stripped from the chill roll.

Abstract: A process for reducing draw resonance of a polymeric molten film susceptible to draw resonance under conditions which would cause draw resonance by extruding the film from a die and rapidly cooling said film in a rapid cooling zone containing a pressure roll and chill roll by providing a tensioning device between said die and the nip of said pressure and chill roll, said tensioning device providing a substantially friction free surface with respect to said moving film.

Abstract: A support surface is formed into a trough, a liquid polymer which expands on reaction is dispensed onto the support surface, and the support surface is inclined to cause flow of the polymer to a region in which the polymer expands. The polymer is introduced onto a supporting liquid which supports the polymer in a zone which is substantially coextensive with at least a major portion of the expansion region. The supporting liquid has a specific gravity higher than that of the polymer, whereby the polymer floats on and advances across the supporting liquid in the form of an expanding mass having left and right sides, a flat bottom and a top which slopes upwardly in the direction of the advance. Conveyors support the expanding mass at the respective left and right sides thereof. The conveyors are submerged in the liquid at their upstream ends, and the direction of advance of their polymer-supporting active surfaces is substantially parallel to the sloping top of the polymeric bun as it expands.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a device for production of plastic sheets of high optical quality, used particularly in laminated glasses.According to the invention, a liquid mass is applied to a plane mobile support consisting of a horizontally taut flexible strip, this flexible strip passing over two horizontal and longitudinal rectilinear supports, contact of each with the flexible strip being limited approximately to a generatrix, these two supports extending over the entire length useful for production and being placed along the side edges of the strip, this latter being stretched crosswise on these two rectilinear supports like a drumhead.

Abstract: In the production of polymeric foam in particular polyurethane foam slabstock, a mixture of foam reactants is allowed to expand in a closed mould while substantially atmospheric pressure is maintained above the upper surface of the foam. After expansion is completed, air is supplied to the foam upper surface and noxious gases in the foam are removed through one or more apertures in the lower region of the mould. Preferably, the air supplied is dry. Removed gases may be collected for re-cycling. Air may be supplied during foam expansion. Various mould aperture arrangements and means for progressively covering the mould are described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing film without melt fracturing in which a flow of a polymer solution having a high viscosity extruded from a die slit onto a running and spreading plane is extruded through the die slit together with a low viscosity solution with the polymer solution is covered by the low viscosity solution. In a first preferred embodiment, the low viscosity solution is passed through a confluence tube so as to surround the high viscosity solution in the form of a coaxial cylinder after which the two solutions are passed through a slit die which maintains the covering relationship between the high and low viscosity solutions. In another preferred embodiment, a slit die is provided which has a central passage into which the high viscosity fluid is supplied and side passages of a slit-like shape similar to that of the main passage into which the low viscosity solution is supplied.

Abstract: A crosshead (10b) and a method are provided for extruding a tubular layer of a thermoplastic material, or for coextruding tubular layers of various thermoplastic materials, without incurring a weld line. The crosshead (10b) includes a supply passage (46) which provides an annular flow of thermoplastic material around a mandrel (18b) by providing separate flows that merge distal from a supply passage (52), a first compressive forging passage (72) that provides static mixing by transverse viscous shear, a longitudinal shear mixer (44a) that provides static mixing by longitudinal viscous shear, and a second compressive forging passage (94) that provides static mixing by longitudinal shear, and an extrusion opening (110).

Abstract: A rotary roll-type rubber extruder including a roll having an outer cylindrical surface rotatively driven by driving means, a housing having a stationary concave surface spaced from and in opposition to the rotating outer cylindrical surface of said roll between a pair of sidewalls close to the outer cylindrical surface of the roll to form a define chamber with the roll, and a mouthpiece detachably secured to the housing to form a defined extruding opening with the roll at an outlet of the defined chamber.The concave surface of the housing is determined such that pressure gradients at mouthpieces are within a quadrilateral area having four corners corresponding to pressure gradients 65 and 150 kg/cm.sup.3 at a 1 mm opening mouthpiece and pressure gradients 11 and 23 kg/cm.sup.3 at a 5 mm opening mouthpiece in a graph having an ordinate in logarithm showing the pressure gradients ##EQU1## and an abscissa in logarithm showing heights mm of openings of the mouthpieces.

Abstract: A plywood is manufactured by applying an aqueous plywood adhesive fluid to the peripheral surface of a heating roll rotating at a given speed by means of a roll coater to form an adhesive fluid film, drying the adhesive fluid film into a tacky-dry film while it is carried on the surface of the heating roll, stripping the tacky-dry adhesive film from the roll surface by pulling it under tension with or without the aid of a stripping knife, interposing the adhesive film between a pair of veneers, and pressing the veneers to each other to bond them.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of manufacture for discrete elastomeric material components comprising extending material through a die onto the surface of a component holding member, securing the leading end of the extrudate to said member, effecting relative movement to lay the extrudate on the holding member so that the component is produced on said member. The invention also provides for transfer of the component from the member.

Abstract: A method of continuous production of foamed material, wherein foam forming materials are fed from below at a controlled rate and the foamed material is drawn away from above at a corresponding rate. Foaming takes place in a diverging expansion enclosure bounded by moving sheet material in the form of webs or in tubular form constrained to follow a diverging path and drawn away from above so as to travel with the foaming material at a rate corresponding to its rate of travel. The enclosure is defined above by foam already expanded, at the sides by the sheet material, and below by a feed zone sealed to contain the foam forming materials. The enclosure leads into an upwardly directed take off path for the foam. Appropriate machines for practicing the method utilize either webs of sheet material or sheet material in tubular form, which tubular form may itself be made by the machine from webs.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a continuous length of tubing having an annular wall formed of polyurethane, including a forming cylinder having a mandrel extending centrally therethrough. Two strips of paper material are pulled through the forming cylinder, one surrounding the mandrel and one being disposed at the interior surface of the cylinder, and a curable plastic mixture is injected into the annular space between the paper strips. A sensor is provided to determine the point at which curing of the plastic mixture begins in the annular spacing within the cylinder, and the speed of travel of the paper through the cylinder is regulated as a function thereof. The control system shuts the apparatus down if a break in the paper strips is detected, or if the paper supply approaches exhaustion, or if the point of full curing is within a predetermined minimum spacing from the inlet end of the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing continuous webs of polymer foam obtained from a mixture of liquid reagents, wherein the volume of a container is determined to form a zone of retention of the mixture of reagents in liquid phase and wherein the level of this mixture is maintained at a level slightly higher than the plane upon which the mixture in the liquid state flows, so that the primary phase of expansion of the mixture and its further expansion are produced outside the container on a moving surface of the conveyor, which surface is maintained in a substantially horizontal plane. The invention is particularly applicable to the production of webs of supple foam or of panels of rigid foam.

Abstract: In a continuous extrusion machine in which feedstock is admitted to a peripheral groove in a rotating wheel, is enclosed in that groove by a cooperating shoe, is frictionally dragged along an arcuate passageway formed by said groove and a projecting portion of said shoe towards an abutment carried by said shoe, and is continuously extruded as a metal product through a die, is flash extruded through clearance gaps between cooperating wheel and shoe surfaces, is intercepted and broken off periodically in short lengths by teeth which project radially or transversely from the wheel, the arcuate passageway has a radial depth which progressively decreases in the direction of wheel rotation in a zone extending upstream from the abutment.

Abstract: A method of producing a thermoplastic sheet or film characterized in that a molten thermoplastic resin sheet extruded through a T-die is cooled by introducing it into a multi-stage slit in which a cooling water is flowing. The water level in the first slit of the multi-stage slit is maintained at as low a level as possible. The method produces various advantages over conventional methods; for example, the sheet or film is free from unevenness in thickness, wrinkles, and curls, and is of high uniformity, and the sheet or film can be formed by high-speed molding of at least 10 m/min. The sheet or film is suitable for use in wrapping of, for example, foods and medicines.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a polyacetylene film by polymerizing acetylene gas in contact with Ziegler-Natta catalyst comprising: in a vessel to be introduced with acetylene gas a film producing container for storing Ziegler-Natta catalyst, a pair of feed rollers provided adjacently to draw out the polyacetylene film polymerized on the surface of the catalyst and reversely driven in roll contact with each other, a cleaning member for cleaning the drawn polyacetylene film, and a winding unit for winding the polyacetylene film. Thus, the polyacetylene film can be continuously produced with good productivity, and since the speed for drawing the polyacetylene film is varied to regulate the thickness of the film, the films of various size can be readily fabricated in mass production, thereby reducing the cost of the polyacetylene film.

Abstract: A gear pump for injection molding and extrusion of elastomer material, where the material is inserted in strip form through slots into tooth spaces in a known manner. The gears have circumferential grooves in their mid portions, and a tongue is inserted into the groove in the region of gear engagement. Dividing-and-sealing members are fitted into the gear grooves at locations between the region of engagement and the insertion slots for the elastomer strips.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing thin layers, such as thin gel layers useful in electrophoresis, wherein a liquid layer material is introduced to the space defined between two parallel mold surfaces on first and second mold elements. Initially, the mold surfaces overlap each other to a small extent, and liquid is introduced to the space between the surfaces adjacent the leading edge of the top mold element. The mold elements are then shifted with respect to each other while maintaining their parallel relationship, and additional liquid layer-forming material is introduced to the space during the shift. In a preferred embodiment, a third mold element is situated adjacent to and spaced a small distance from the bottom mold elements, and liquid material is introduced to the space between the bottom mold elements during shifting of the top mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of reconstituted tobacco foil comprises a uble sheet former with two movable endless screens in a y-shaped arrangement. A wedge-shaped box fills most of the space where the screens approach one another and with its upper side forms a reservoir for the aqueous suspension, from which the foil is precipitated.

Abstract: A method of continuous upwards production of foamed material by feeding foam forming materials from below and taking foamed material away from above, wherein foaming takes place in diverging expansion enclosure (1) the walls (13, 14) of which are provided with surfaces (15, 17) travelling with the foaming material, which enclosure (1) is defined above by foam already expanded, at the sides by said walls (13, 14) and below by a feed zone for the foam forming materials, and leads into an upwardly directed take off path for the foam.

Abstract: An apparatus for laying a mat of wood strands, particularly long strands, in the process of producing a composite product such as waferboard is disclosed. In the past it has not been possible to lay long wafers in an oriented mat except by hand. The present invention provides a means for forming a pile of wood strands of substantially uniform depth, a plurality of spike rolls located at one side of the pile of wood strands to pull the wood strands out of the pile and form a uniform curtain of falling strands and a conveyor to force the pile of wood strands against the spike rolls. Beneath the spike rolls are a pair of counter-rotating spreader rolls spaced apart to receive the curtain of strands and having spikes to distribute the strands in an even mat beneath. A horizontal adjustment is provided to position the spreader rolls beneath the curtain and vary the distance between the rolls.

Abstract: In the continuous production of block-foam from liquid reaction components, the danger of over-rolling exists in installations having low throughputs and in installations having high throughputs, which over-rolling results in faults in the finished block. These over-rolling phenomena are avoided by providing a conveyor belt in the mixture charging zone which belt transports on its conveying surface a foil which has trough-shaped indentations which can correspond to trough-shaped indentations in the conveying surface. The reaction mixture is portioned into the indentations of the foil. These portions are only spread out once the reaction mixture has reached the creamy phase.

Abstract: Novel rotary processors and methods which provide extremely efficient devolatilization of particulate materials which contain substantial amounts of volatiles and in which the boiling point of the volatiles presents separation problems. The processors and methods involve a rotatable element carrying a plurality of annular channels and a stationary element providing a coaxial closure surface operationally arranged with the channels to provide enclosed processing passages. Each passage includes inlet means, outlet means and a channel blocking member all associated with the stationary element and arranged and adapted so that material fed to the inlet can be carried forward by the rotatable channel walls to the blocking member for discharge from the passage. The passages are interconnected by material transfer grooves formed in the closure surface and are arranged to provide at least a melting stage and a devolatilizing stage which operationally communicates with a vacuum source.

Abstract: A process for producing polymeric film substantially free of draw resonance under conditions and at rates which would otherwise cause draw resonance in polymeric film susceptible to draw resonance wherein a fluid medium is directed against the moving film at a location between the extrusion die and the film take-up zone.

Abstract: In a modified "Conform" machine for continuous friction-actuated extrusion of metals, especially particulate copper, the abutment at the outlet end of the working passageway does not fully block the end of the wheel groove. Instead a substantial clearance is left, and metal extruding through it adheres to the wheel to re-enter the working passageway at the entry end. Preferably the abutment is of semicircular cross-section. For a given output rate, a significant reduction in torque, and working stresses, is obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable sliding mold assembled of two angular mold pieces slidably engaging each other at two mating surfaces. Adjusting means, preferably in the form of a spindle, is hinged to an outer side of a mold part to move the same transversely to the extrusion channel. The movable mold part is formed with an arcuate guide surface extending transversely to the extrusion channel and cooperating with a stationary complementary bearing surface so that during adjustment of the width of the extrusion channel the guiding surface automatically adjusts the taper of the channel.

Abstract: A process for preparing a thermoplastic resin film by extruding a molten thermoplastic film-forming resin in the form of a continuous molten film onto an electrically grounded moving quenching surface, passing the molten film in proximity to but out of contact with at least one electrode which imparts an electrostatic charge to the film across its full width and withdrawing a solidified film thus formed from said quenching surface; which process comprises extruding the molten film onto a quenching surface characterized by having a channel-like microcracked structure.

Abstract: A silicon ribbon growth wheel having a thermal resistance zone between an outer silicon contacting surface and an inner cooling fluid contacting surface to control rate of heat flow from the outer to inner surfaces. In a preferred form the thermal resistance zone is defined by a row of holes through the wheel near the outer surface with said holes isolated from the cooling fluid. A method for controlling the heat flow is also diclosed.

Abstract: A silicon ribbon growth wheel having an internal cooling fluid contacting surface modified to provide a lateral temperature profile on the wheel surface of lower temperature near the wheel edges. In a preferred form the inner surface is provided with grooves near the wheel edges to increase heat conduction to the cooling fluid at the wheel edges. A method for surface temperature profiling the growth wheel is also disclosed. A method for surface temperature profiling the growth wheel is also disclosed.

Abstract: Continuous molding of objects using a rotatable molding wheel with peripheral orifices in accordance with the objects to be molded. Plastic is extruded upon the periphery of the wheel and a knife in substantially eliptical contact is used to skive film from the objects being molded. Following molding, selected portions of the objects can be selectively distended. Suitable distention can be achieved using diverging sprocket wheels. When the continuously molded objects are fasteners with filament-like portions, the diverging sprocket wheels can be used to stretch the filamentary portions and reorient their molecules.

Abstract: A machine for casting concrete panels. The machine disclosed casts hollow core concrete panels in a single casting operation utilizing a slipform technique to fill cores with core material which can be dumped from the core after curing of the concrete has been accomplished. Vibration of the slipform during casting facilitates free flow of concrete around the slipform and core material extruded from slipforms. The slipfom has a closed front portion which is tapered to a reduced cross section. The machine utilizes a casting pallet employing improved side form cleaning apparatus. The machine also includes improved finishing screeds for applying decorative three-dimensional finishes on the top surface of cast panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously discharging dough through a gap or exit (9; 109) to produce a web of dough sheet (15; 115). Dough (16; 116) supplied in a hopper (1; 101) is advanced by a conveying mechanism (2; 103) serving as the moving bottom wall of the hopper toward said exit which is provided at a lower portion of a side wall of the hopper, said exit (9; 109) being defined between a part of said conveying mechanism and the upper end of the exit, a cutter (10; 110) being provided at the upper end of the exit, a cutter (10; 110) being provided at the upper end of the exit so as to be directed inwardly of the hopper. Thus, dough can be smoothly discharged through said exit without jamming it.

Abstract: Sheets of organic thermoplastic polymeric film are contacted with processing rolls having a microgrooved surface to reduce the air layer therebetween, thereby aiding heat transfer between film and roll and consequently increasing processing speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is disclosed for continuously producing an indefinite length strip of material in a mold with monitoring of such operating characteristics as product temperature, product pressure, product quantity, film temperature, film pressure, film quantity, reaction time, processing time, product through speed, and the like, together with comparing such monitored values with "profiles" of the desired characteristics to provide for close and quick control of such characteristics. The profile is a comparison standard for each characteristic and defined as a fixed curve representing the desired change of such characteristic with respect to another characteristic, for example, the desired variable temperature along the length of a molding apparatus. Most preferably, foam products are produced.

Abstract: To increase the rate of production of polyester film in cases where such film is produced by extruding a molten polymer onto the quenching surface of a rotating casting wheel, the shell thickness of the casting wheel is reduced.

Abstract: Novel and improved processes and apparatus for processing particulate materials which can be converted to the liquid state. Essentially, the process and apparatus involve feeding a particulate material to an annular processing passage for melting and controlled processing. The annular processing passage is provided by a rotatable element carrying at least one processing channel, and a stationary element which provides a complementary, coaxial surface arranged with the channel to provide the enclosed processing passage. Also associated with the stationary element are an inlet for feeding material to the passage, an outlet for discharging material, a material collecting end wall surface for the passage and a member or members extending into the processing channel providing a material restraining surface between the inlet and outlet and occupying a predetermined portion of the melt pool space between the end wall and the restraining surface.

Abstract: An unmanned pelletizing device for plastic material for preventing the breakage of strands of the plastic material formed between a cooling roll and a pinch roll. The cooling roll is partially submerged in a tank of cooling water. A cutter includes a fixed knife having a plurality of grooves formed therein for registration with the plastic strands.

Abstract: A novel, improved rotary processor comprising a rotatable element carrying a plurality of processing channels and a stationary element having a coaxial closure surface operationally arranged with the channels to provide a plurality of enclosed processing passages. The plurality of passages provide interconnected processing stages including a first processing stage and a second processing stage having inboard and outboard sections separated by a third processing stage.

Abstract: A film stretching unit movably positioned adjacent to an existing calender installation is described which includes a plurality of strecthing rollers having internal rotary joints for circulating a heating fluid therethrough. Alternate rollers are movable vertically without needing to change their rotational speed in order to easily thread the film through the stretching rollers.

Abstract: Novel, improved rotary processors which include a rotatable element carrying a plurality of annular channels and a stationary element providing a coaxial, closure surface operationally arranged with the channels to provide enclosed processing passages. The so-formed plurality of processing passages provide a highly efficient processing stage particularly for melting polymer material. Each processing passage of the processing stage includes inlet means, outlet means and a channel member associated with the stationary element and arranged and adapted so that material fed to the inlet can be carried forward by the rotatable channel walls to the blocking member for discharge from the passage.In rotary processors of this invention the clearance between the rotary surface carrying the channels and the stationary coaxial closure surface is relatively wide and permits substantial amounts of material to be interchanged between passages of the processing stage.

Abstract: Continuous film production from a high pressure feed stream is achieved in a system which provides methods and means for maintaining pressurized gas in an extrusion zone wherein the extrudate may be cooled to form a solid polymeric film. The product film is withdrawn from the extrusion zone continuously through a standing liquid column in fluid communication with the extrusion zone. The film is passed downwardly into a liquid leg below the extrusion zone and upwardly through the liquid column, which has an upper exit end elevated above the pressurized zone thereby exerting super-atmospheric pressure. The product is recovered from the liquid sealing medium, advantageously water, at ambient pressure. Hot aqueous solutions of polyacrylonitrile may be extruded at elevated pressure onto a cooled casting drum in a gaseous environment wherein flashing of the hot solvent is prevented.

Abstract: An insulating element for use in building walls comprises two rigid slabs preferably of brick, and interposed insulating material preferably of expanded polyurethane. The interposed insulation projects out along the periphery of the slabs and is embedded in a complementary recessed part in the insulation of the adjacent element, leaving an interval between the slabs which is filled with mortar in order to unite the slabs. Adjacent elements are pressed against each other during installation in order to reciprocally compress the insulation along the separation plane. The slabs are fed continuously, on edge, in spaced relation, between superposed conveyor belts, thereby to form a tunnel into which the polyurethane is fed and fills by expansion. The slabs are then cut apart by grinding and the insulation is cut along the midline of the slot thus produced, after which the elements are packaged.

Abstract: A foaming apparatus for manufacturing insulation material includes a mixing chamber, a pump for withdrawing the composition from the mixing chamber and supplying it to the apex of a hollow conical expansion chamber where the apex is located vertically beneath the base of the cone, a cover for the base of the cone including an outlet in the form of a nozzle which imparts a desired shape to the foamed composition.