Abstract: Nonwoven laminates are made by a multi-station line comprising at least one spunbond die assembly and at least one meltblowing die assembly. Each station includes (a) a melt spinning die which can be selectively equipped with a spunbond die insert or a meltblowing die insert and (b) a moveable support structure for adjusting the proper die-to-collector distance, depending on the spunbond or meltblowing mode of operation. The multi-station line permits the selective manufacture of a variety of spunbond (S) and meltblown (M) laminates, including the S-M-S laminate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinning line for producing a plurality of endless synthetic filament yarns. The spinning line comprises a spinning apparatus for melt spinning the yarns and a takeup apparatus for winding the yarns. Between the spinning apparatus and the takeup apparatus, a yarn collection device is arranged which cuts and removes the yarns by suction upon occurrence of a disturbance in the yarn path of at least one yarn. To this end, the yarn collection device comprises a movable yarn guide with a yarn guide groove in the yarn advance plane, a cutting device, and a suction device. The cutting device and suction device are arranged in the yarn advance plane on one side of the yarn web. The yarn guide is arranged on the opposite side of the yarn web and moved in direction of the cutting device for cutting the yarns.

Abstract: An extruder apparatus has an extruder flow channel 10 for an extruder head having a pair of flow passages 40, 50 and a flow dam 12 interposed between the flow passages and a flow splitter 14 that locally increases or locally decreases the flow area of the first flow passage 40 relative to the second flow passage 50. The preferred flow channel 10 adjusts the mass balance of the flows 6, 7 between passages 40, 50 automatically.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for electrospinning polymer fibers and membranes are described. The methods include in one aspect electrospinning a polymer fiber from a conducting fluid containing the polymer in the presence of a first electric field established between a conducting fluid introduction device and a ground source and modifying the first electric field with a second electric field to form a jet stream of the conducting fluid. In another aspect the methods include forming an electrospinning jet stream of the conducting fluid and electrically controlling the flow characteristics of the jet stream. In yet another aspect the methods include forming a plurality of electrospinning jet streams of the conducting fluid and independently controlling the flow characteristics of at least one of the jet streams.

Abstract: A noodle-making machine comprises a motor, a cylindrical casing, a screw disposed rotatably inside the cylindrical casing, a perforated nozzle plate provided at an end of the cylindrical casing, and a hopper attached to the casing. A groove is formed inside one end of the casing. The nozzle plate has a recess portion formed therein. A coupling formed of female and male coupling members is provided to connect the motor to the screw.

Abstract: An extruder flow channel 10 has a pair of flow passages 40, 50 and a flow dam 12 interposed between the flow passages and a flow splitter 14 that locally increases or locally decreases the flow area of the first flow passage 40 relative to the second flow passage 50. The preferred flow channel 10 adjusts the mass balance of the flows 6, 7 between passages 40, 50 automatically.

Abstract: A spinning die for spinning mesophase pitch into carbon fibers. The die includes a central cavity having a bottom and at least one side wall which intersects the bottom. At least one capillary for forming a fiber is in fluid communication with the cavity, the capillary having a first open end, a second open end, an axis and a diameter (d). A flow disruption shoulder is positioned at the juncture of the bottom of the central cavity and the first open end of the capillary to create turbulence at the capillary entrance.

Abstract: A die and a die assembly are disclosed for use in association with an underwater pelletizer. The die has unique coiled heating elements which allow for uniform heating of the extrusion orifices which pass through the die, reducing or eliminating polymer solidification within the die, thereby allowing the manufacture of uniform pellets of a specific geometry. The heating elements are contained within the die plate of the die, and in a preferred embodiment occupy annular grooves formed therein which are concentric with the extrusion orifice pattern. The die assembly includes thermally-insulating adaptors and gaskets which cover the annular grooves containing the heating elements.

Abstract: A metal mold for molding a hexagonal honeycomb structure, having feed holes for feeding a material, pool grooves formed in the shape of a triangular lattice and communicated with the feed holes, and slit grooves formed in the shape of a hexagonal lattice and communicated with the pool grooves. Each hexagonal lattice of the slit grooves is so formed as to come into agreement with a hexagon shaped by combining six triangular lattices of the pool grooves. The invention is further concerned to a method of producing a metal mold for molding a hexagonal honeycomb structure, having feed holes for feeding a material, pool grooves formed in the shape of a triangular lattice, and slit grooves formed in the shape of a hexagonal lattice.

Abstract: A rotary drive die nozzle machine for an extruder comprises at least one rotatable nozzle having at least three openings. A compression head directs food material from the extruder toward at least one rotating nozzle. A drive assembly including at least one drive gear rotates the at least one nozzle. The at least one nozzle is axially removable from the drive gear to allow replacement with nozzle openings of different sizes and shapes. The machine includes a series of seals to prevent the extruded food product from getting into the drive assembly and to prevent grease and other matter from the drive assembly from getting into the food material.

Abstract: Robust homofilament fibers are meltspun from a differently shaped dual capillary spinneret design to induce differential fiber morphology to produce crimping. Crimping may further be aided by quenching and drawing of the fibers.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are provided whereby the morphology of bulked continuous filament (BCF) yarns can be variably controlled. More specifically, according to the present invention, the BCF yarn is melt-spun, drawn and textured, most preferably in a one-step spin-draw-texture (SDT) process, wherein prior to texturing, the yarn is subjected to a differential temperature condition. Most preferably, such differential temperature condition is accomplished using the duo rolls employed in drawing the BCF, such that one of the rolls is maintained at a greater temperature as compared to the other of the rolls. Most preferably, it is the upstream-most roll (relative to the general conveyance path of the filament toward the texturizer) which is the hotter of the duo rolls.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus for spinning continuous polymeric filaments including a first stage gas inlet chamber adapted to be located below a spinneret and optionally a second stage gas inlet chamber located below the first stage gas inlet chamber. The gas inlet chambers supply gas to the filaments to control the temperature of the filaments. The melt spinning apparatus also includes a tube located below the second stage gas inlet chamber for surrounding the filaments as they cool. The tube may include an interior wall having a converging section, optionally followed by a diverging section.

Abstract: An adjustable extrusion die shapes a melt into a non-circular cross-sectional profile form. The wall thickness of the profile is adjustable by moving two adjustment plates orthogonal to each other and transverse to the flow of the melt. Movement of each adjustment plate is restricted to prevent rotation relative to a melt-shaping bushing.

Abstract: Nonwoven laminates are made by a multi-station line comprising at least one spunbond die assembly and at least one meltblowing die assembly. Each station includes (a) a melt spinning die which can be selectively equipped with a spunbond die insert or a meltblowing die insert and (b) a moveable support structure for adjusting the proper die-to-collector distance, depending on the spunbond or meltblowing mode of operation. The multi-station line permits the selective manufacture of a variety of spunbond (S) and meltblown (M) laminates, including the S-M-S laminate.

Abstract: The auger dough pump of the present invention provides for the uniform dividing of a single stream of dough into a plurality of uniform sub-streams of dough by providing an auger that will present to a dough divider in the dough transport device substantially equal portions of dough to different portions of the dough divider, thus helping ensure that each of the sub-streams created by the divider are uniform with respect to each other, without substantially increasing resistance to the dough.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes extrusion apparatus, wherein and by which ground meat replicates selected cuts of natural, unground meat. A ground meat product substantially free of bone and heavy tissue is extruded through a die having a perforated area extending sidewise of the die and constituting at least one row of a series of elongate openings extending closely end-to-end along the perforated area in preferably multilayer rows, the openings of the outer layers of which preferably intercommunicate end-to-end, or even interconnected end-to-end so that a continuous ribbon-shaped, stranded, intermediate product is extruded and may be cut transversely to make final, stranded meat products, both intermediate and final products being preferably enclosed substantially peripherally by an envelope of side by side, substantially merged, longitudinal strands of ground meat that substantially replicates a cut of natural, unground meat.

Abstract: The processes and apparatus of the present invention concerns melt spinning high viscosity fluoropolymers into single filaments or multi-filament yarns at high spinning speeds, the melt spinning being carried out at a temperature which is at least 90° C. greater than the melting point of the polymer or in the case of perfluoropolymer, at a temperature of at least 450° C., and the yarns produced by the process, wherein the filaments exhibit a greater axial orientation in the center of the filament than at the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for applying finish to an expanded filament array in a quench system with air directed inward to the filament bundle. The applicator may be used inside or proximate quench zones in a radial, pneumatic, or cross-flow quench system. The apparatus includes a spinneret, a quench zone located below said spinneret, wherein cooling gas is directed inward to an expanded filament array inside said quench zone, and an applicator inside or below said quench zone, wherein the applicator contacts the filament and delivers the finish to the expanded filament array.

Abstract: A method for monitoring characteristics of materials includes placing a material in an application zone, measuring a change in at least one property value of the application zone caused by placing the material in the application zone and relating changes in the property value of the application zone caused by the material to at least one characteristic of the material An apparatus for monitoring characteristics of a material includes a measuring device for measuring a property value resulting from applying a frequency signal to the application zone after placing a material in the application zone and a processor for relating changes in the property value caused by placement of the material in the application zone to at least one desired characteristic of the material. The application zone is preferably a resonant cavity.

Abstract: Novel spinnerets for producing multi-grooved filaments have a row of apertures connected by slots that correspond to the grooves in the periphery of the resulting filaments.

Abstract: A synthetic fiber forming apparatus is disclosed for the manufacture of a variety of synthetic fibers at an improved rate of efficiency and uniformity. The synthetic fiber forming apparatus includes a distribution plate and a metering plate which is positioned downstream of the distribution plate. The distribution plate contains at least one flow path which is in fluid flow connection with at least one exit hole in the distribution plate. The metering plate contains at least one orifice which is desirably positioned immediately downstream of the distribution plate exit hole, and which is adapted to meter the flow of a flowable material therethrough. The metering plate orifice is desirably smaller than the distribution plate exit hole and preferably a plurality of orifices are in fluid flow connection with a single distribution plate exit hole. The metering plate acts to provide a flowable material at a consistent pressure to the spinneret.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of forming a treated fiber. A molten polymer is delivered to a fiber spinning assembly adapted to form and distribute polymer streams. At least one treatment is applied in a liquid state to at least one region on the surface of at least one molten polymer stream within the fiber spinning assembly. A substantial portion of the treatment remains on the surface of the resulting fiber within the treated region. One or more regions on the surface of the molten polymer may be treated with one or multiple treatments. The degree of coverage may vary from little coverage to complete coverage of the fiber surface. The treated regions may be in contact with one another or may be separate and distinct. A nonwoven web may be produced with selectively treated fiber regions by designing one or more fiber spinning assemblies to treat selected fibers or to apply multiple treatments. The regions of the nonwoven web may vary in treatment type, amount, or degree of coverage.

Abstract: A die for manufacturing resin pellets capable of processing a die plate easily, and achieving simplification of a construction of heat channels and enhancement of heating efficiency. A die 1 for manufacturing resin pellets provided with a number of nozzle orifices 7 in the outer surface of the die, there are provided a plurality of rows of heat channels 8 which extend in a direction crossing the resin channels 5 in the vicinity of the outer surface of the die and are arranged along the resin channels 5. At least one of an introducing course and a discharging course for a heat medium in the plurality of heat channels 8. (FIG.

Abstract: A spunbond web formation apparatus includes a spinneret (1) of a spin pack (2) that extrudes an array of fibers (5) that are drawn into an aspirator (6). The attenuated fibers (8) discharged from aspirator (6) are deflected sideways by a Coanda device (7) that entrains the exiting air stream along with the fibers. The fibers are deposited on a vertically moving belt (9) and subsequently bonded by calender rolls (20, 21) to form a non-woven spunbond web. The spinning distance L is adjusted by vertically moving the aspirator (6), while the laydown distance M is adjusted by horizontally moving the belt (9) or aspirator (6) or by adjusting the size of the Coanda device (7). Deflection of the fibers exiting the aspirator permits the spinning distance L to be adjusted independently of the laydown distance M, without having to move the spin beam or adjust the height of the web-forming belt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spinning a synthetic yarn, wherein a heated polymeric melt is extruded through a spinneret and the resulting filaments are combined and wound to a package by means of a take-up device located downstream of the spinneret. A cooling tube for the filaments is positioned below the spinneret, and an inlet cylinder which has a gas permeable wall is positioned between the inlet cylinder and the cooling tube. The cooling tube connects to an air stream generator in such a manner that an air stream develops in the cooling tube in the direction of the advancing yarn. The air stream is formed by a quantity of air that enters the cooling tube via the inlet cylinder, and the inlet cylinder is subdivided in the direction of the advancing yarn into several zones, each with a different gas permeability, for controlling the quantity of air entering the inlet cylinder. It is thereby possible to influence with advantage the precooling of the yarn and the formation of the air stream.

Abstract: The invention provides a blowing agent delivery system for introducing a blowing agent into a polymeric foam processing system. The delivery system is designed to discontinuously introduce blowing agent from a continuous source into polymeric material within an extruder. The system, thus, may improve control over blowing agent delivery in discontinuous polymer processing systems such as injection molding or blow molding. In some embodiments, the blowing agent delivery system selectively directs blowing agent flow from the source to the extruder barrel, or through a bypassing passageway. In this manner, blowing agent may be continuously supplied by the source but discontinuously injected into the extruder barrel. During use, the delivery system may cause blowing agent to flow through the bypassing passageway, for example, when the screw stops plasticating polymeric material.

Abstract: An inner die hole (3) communicates with an outer relief hole (5) having a diameter larger than that of the inner die hole (3) concentrically through a stepped portion (4). A screen (1) has a thickness (T) set larger than a diameter (d1) of the inner die hole (3). The inner die hole (3) has a depth (h1) set substantially equal to the diameter (d1) thereof. The outer relief hole (5) has a depth (h2) set to a remainder (T-h1) of the thickness (T).

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an expanded cereal with the overall shape of an array of touching balls and an extrusion die and an extruder for use with the process. The die includes a feed ring for receiving material from an extruder, a cylindrical distribution chamber having a front wall and rear wall which includes the feed ring, and an array of parallel extrusion tubes provided in the front wall of the distribution chamber. The feed ring is in communication with the array of parallel extrusion tubes through the distribution chamber. The distribution chamber also includes a cylindrical distribution insert that extends axially from the center of the feed ring towards the front wall but spaced from the array of extrusion tubes. The process involves cooking and extruding a mixture of starchy material, sugar, oil, and water in a cooker-extruder and forcing the cooked material through the extrusion die.

Abstract: An extrusion die for making shaped extrudate products has structure which defines a central duct which is convergent from a duct inlet opening to a duct outlet opening and has structure which defines a tubular extrusion duct co-axial with the central duct and which also is convergent from a duct inlet opening to a duct outlet opening. A feed diaphragm member has a portion which converges to an opening which opens to a distribution chamber which diverges so that substance being extruded is distributed to the central and tubular ducts. Diaphragms are provided in the ducts to delimit passage of extrudate substance into the ducts. Additionally, members are provided for altering the position of the central duct and its duct outlet relative to the second duct member and its outlet.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an expanded cereal with the overall shape of an array of touching balls and an extrusion die and an extruder for use with the process. The die includes a feed ring for receiving material from an extruder, a cylindrical distribution chamber having a front wall and rear wall which includes the feed ring, and an array of parallel extrusion tubes provided in the front wall of the distribution chamber. The feed ring is in communication with the array of parallel extrusion tubes through the distribution chamber. The distribution chamber also includes a cylindrical distribution insert that extends axially from the center of the feed ring towards the front wall but spaced from the array of extrusion tubes. The process involves cooking and extruding a mixture of starchy material, sugar, oil, and water in a cooker-extruder and forcing the cooked material through the extrusion die.

Abstract: An apparatus for food extrusion is provided. The apparatus includes a substantially circular plate having a plurality of holes in an offsetting arrangement thereon. The arrangement of the holes provide food extruded through the apparatus with a shape which approximates the arrangement.

Abstract: A die for manufacturing honeycomb bodies includes; a die main body having batch supply holes which are opened to a backside surface of the die, slit channels which are communicated with the batch supply holes and are opened to a foreside surface of the die and a taper worked portion which is formed by working an outer peripheral portion of the foreside surface of the die in a taper manner; and a control plate arranged at a portion opposed to the taper worked portion. In the die having the construction mentioned above, slit channel expanding portions are formed at open ends of the slit channels existing in the taper worked portion in such a manner that the slit channel is expanded gradually toward the open end.

Abstract: A melt spinning pack, including a pack case, a spinneret having many spinning holes positioned at the bottom of the case, a pack cap having a polymer introducing hole at the center positioned at the top of the case, and a flow arranging plate having many flow arranging holes with restricted portions reduced in cross sectional area compared to the inlets of the holes positioned between the spinneret and the pack cap, satisfying the requirement that the contraction percentage R be 50% or less, respectively contained in the case.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus and a method for spinning a synthetic yarn, wherein the yarn is formed by combining a plurality of filaments and wound to a package by means of a takeup device downstream of the spinning apparatus. Downstream of the spinneret, an inlet cylinder with a gas-permeable wall and a cooling tube are arranged. The cooling tube connects to a suction device such that an air stream forms in the cooling tube in the direction of the advancing yarn. This air stream assists the advance of the filaments and leads to a delayed cooling. To ensure adequate cooling of the filaments within the cooling zone, an air supply device is provided for generating an additional cooling air stream which flows in the axial direction of the cooling tube for cooling the filaments downstream of the inlet to the cooling tube.

Abstract: A spin beam for spinning a plurality of synthetic filament yarns with a melt distributor block, which acommodates a spin pump and a plurality of spinnerets. In accordance with the invention, the melt distributor block consists of two structural members, which are interconnected in pressure-tight manner. In a separating line formed between the structural members, distributor lines are formed by grooves, which connect each a melt channel leading from the spin pump to a melt channel leading to the spinneret.

Abstract: An applicator for applying streams of a sealant onto a glass block and a method for applying streams of a sealant onto a glass block. The applicator is guided manually along the edges of the vertical surfaces of the glass block, while the sealant is being dispensed onto it, thereby accurately positioning the correct amount of the sealant at the intended location along the edges onto the vertical surfaces. The applicator can be easily used on-site and is appropriate for sealing glass blocks to obtain oddly shaped or oddly sized glass walls.

Abstract: A spinning cell for dry spinning spandex by extruding filaments from a nonuniform array of spinneret capillary groups in a rectangular bar and contacting them with a cross-flow of hot, inert gas is provided.

Abstract: From such a state that the steady running of a kneading extruder is temporarily stopped in the heating state where it is supplied with resin material, the operation of a cutter device (5) is stopped, the heating quantity of a die (2) is reduced, and an external surface (2a) of the die is covered with cooling water, the heating quantity of the die (2) is increased so that softened resin material filling the inside of the nozzles (7) is melted, and the cutter device (5) as well as the kneading extruder are started to be driven at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing yarns comprising a first yarn feeding roller, a second yarn feed roller, winders for winding the respective yarns, yarn breakage detectors and detect yarn breakage, and yarn cutting and sucking devices disposed upstream from the yarn feed rollers and operative in response to a yarn breakage detection signal to cut the group of yarns being wound to which the broken yarn belongs. The respective one yarn cutting and sucking device and the respective one winder form winding units, respectively, and at least two such winding units share at least one of the yarn feed rollers. Therefore, it is possible to increase the yield of yarns.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing die module for mounting on a manifold incudes (a) a die body having formed therein polymer and air flow passages, and a valve for selectively closing the polymer flow passage and (b) a die tip or die nozzle detachably mounted on the die body. The die tip or die nozzle is secured to the die body by a pair of clamping members depending from the die body and adapted to engage die tip or die nozzle therebetween. The clamping members can selectively be moved toward one another to clampingly secure the die tip or die nozzle therebetween or moved away from one another to release the die tip or die nozzle, permitting it to be replaced without the need to remove the die module from the manifold.

Abstract: A die head assembly for meltblowing thermoplastic material comprising a first chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid, a second chamber for receiving a pressurized molten thermoplastic material, the second chamber defining an outlet through which the molten thermoplastic material exits the die head, and a fluid tube removably securable to the first chamber and defining a passageway having an inlet in communication with the first chamber and an outlet extending at least into the outlet of the second chamber. The die head assembly of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the second chamber defines a longitudinal axis, and the outlet of the second chamber and the outlet of the fluid tube define at least one elongated opening therebetween elongated in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the molten thermoplastic material passing through the elongated opening as it exits the die head.

Abstract: A die plate is shown suitable for extruding a viscous material into a convenient form for the preparation of small pellets or particles. The die plate includes solid support portions and perforated portions. Each perforated portion of the die plate includes a major portion of holes through the die plate spaced from each other by a first distance and a transition portion separating the major portion from the solid support portions, with the transition portions having holes spaced from each other by a distance that is greater than the first distances.

Abstract: Nonwoven laminates are made by a multi-station line comprising at least one spunbond die assembly and at least one meltblowing die assembly. Each station includes (a) a melt spinning die which can be selectively equipped with a spunbond die insert or a meltblowing die insert and (b) a moveable support structure for adjusting the proper die-to-collector distance, depending on the spunbond or meltblowing mode of operation. The multi-station line permits the selective manufacture of a variety of spunbond (S) and meltblown (M) laminates, including the S-M-S laminate.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a non-woven polymeric fabric web, such as a spunbond web, having filaments of 0.1 to 5 or higher denier with equivalent production rates is provided. A plurality of continuous polymeric filaments are extruded from an extruder and attenuated by a drawing unit that includes a longitudinal elongated slot strategically positioned at an optimum distance very close to the spinneret to increase the filament velocity by reducing air viscous drag on filaments and a drawing unit slot having a lower slot length of approximately 210 mm or less to increase form drag. A web forming table is positioned below the drawing unit for collecting the filaments and forming the filaments into a non-woven fabric web. Filaments of increased tensile strength are created by stress-induced crystallization resulting from higher filament velocity due to increased force on the filaments with less air viscous drag between the filaments and air streams.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for simultaneously extruding two triple-wall pipes. A first extruder is connected to a first die in order to form the inner and outer wall of a first pipe and a second extruder is connected to a second die in order to form the inner and outer walls of a second pipe. A third extruder is connected to a Y-block which splits the output from a third extruder into two channels, one leading to the first die in order to form the foam core middle wall of the first pipe and the second leading to the second die in order to form the foam core middle wall of the second pipe.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed, by means of which microfilament yarns made of synthetic polymers can be produced with increased uniformity of the titer, dye absorption and improved physical yarn properties at increased production speeds by means of a spinning process with spinnerets of high hole density and a central cooling unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for melt spinning molten polymeric material into filaments, preferably embodied in the form of a spin pack assembly, utilizes an annular polymer filter formed of a screen mesh material to have a U-shaped axial cross-section defining an open end oriented to face upwardly for receiving polymer within the annular interior of the screen to flow outwardly therefrom to a downstream spinneret for extrusion. The filter eliminates any need to utilize sand or other filter material contained by the screen as a primary or auxiliary filtration medium and enables effective polymer flow substantially through the entire surface area of the screen without stagnation of material flow.

Abstract: A pipe molding apparatus for forming double walled plastic pipe comprises an extruder which feeds first and second parisons of flowing plastic material to a moving mold tunnel to make respectively the outer and inner walls of the pipe. The moving mold tunnel includes a cooling plug over which the second parison moves to form the inner pipe wall while the outer wall of the pipe is formed against the interior surface of the mold tunnel. An air assist is provided internally of and helps to move the inner parison onto the cooling plug.

Abstract: An improved short-length, high-speed extrusion device (10) is provided with having increased capacities and the capability of producing high quality extrudates with improved density and pellet integrity properties. The device (10) includes an extruder (14) equipped with a peripheral die (20,118), the latter having die outlet openings (100,120) oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the extruder barrel (16). The die (20) has a plurality of axially spaced series (92-98) of openings (100), wherein each series (92-98) has a different number of openings (100). Alternately, the die (118) is of radially enlarged design relative to the extruder barrel (16) and has only a single series of openings (120). In both instances, an internal flow-directing bullet (108,140) is positioned within the corresponding die (20,118) in order to smoothly direct flow of product from the outlet (21) of the barrel (16) to the transversely oriented die outlet openings (100,120).