Abstract: Certain portions of the discharge slots of an existing extrusion die for forming honeycomb structures are blocked off by selectively positioning a plurality of tabs within such discharge slots so as to convert the cellular configuration originally formed by the discharge slots of such die to that of a desired cellular configuration.

Abstract: An extruder head for extruding an elastomeric composition to form a reinforced elastomer article such as a conveyor belt has a substantially rectangular die opening and a guide member disposed in the opening of the die for directing the reinforcing elements into the composition as it is shaped by the die.A device is provided for restricting the streams of composition, which flow on opposite sides of the guide member, to have said flow meet said reinforcement along two parallel fronts.

Abstract: Novel and improved methods and apparatus for processing liquid or viscous materials. Essentially, the methods and apparatus involve feeding liquid materials to an annular processing passage for controlled processing. The annular processing passage is provided by two elements. One is a rotatable element carrying at least one processing channel. The other element is stationary and 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 from the passage, an element near the outlet providing a material collecting end wall surface and an element positioned between the inlet and outlet providing a liquid material spreading surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a plastic pipe having a circular cross-section and elongated longitudinal channels in the pipe wall is disclosed. A mass of synthetic plastic material is pressed through an annular space defined by inner and outer annular supports, the annular space having a plurality of spaced pin supports concentrically disposed therein and regulating the quantity of material flow through the annular space, depending on the shape of the pin supports, by selectively moving the walls of the annular supports closer to each other. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, either the wall of the inner annular support or the wall of the outer annular support, or both, are moved closer to each other in the area between adjacent pin supports.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extrusion die for use in forming extruded honeycomb structures employing a face plate having a plurality of discharge slots and a back plate having a plurality of feed passageways. The face plate and the back plate are joined to one another by means of bonding, e.g. brazing, at the joint formed by abutting surfaces of the plates. Proper orientation between the face plate and the back plate are maintained during brazing such that the feed passageways and discharge slots remain properly associated by means of a plurality of alignment cavities having walls opening to and diverging toward and to the joint between the face plate and back plate.

Abstract: Use of special pin insert in the counterbore-orifice combination of a conventional spinnerette plate provides open structure fibers.

Abstract: An extrusion die for forming a multi-passage, elongated tubular member having transverse passageways formed between adjacent longitudinally extending passageways during the extrusion of the tubular member.

Abstract: A method for continously covering by extrusion, with a cross-linkable or vulcanizable material, a wire conductor around which a separating tape is longitudinally folded with overlapped lips. In the method, upstream of the extrusion step, a force of such a magnitude and orientation as to permit a controlled relative displacement of the overlapped lips, not greater than a pre-determined value, is applied to the separating tape. The extrusion head used in the method of the invention comprises, in the feed cavity for the taped conductor in advance of the male mold, a tubular element having an inner diameter close to that of the taped conductor but not mechanically secured in position within said cavity.

Abstract: An accumulator head is described as having an annular accumulation chamber, an annular ring-piston movable axially through the chamber, an inlet through which plasticized resinous material is forced into the chamber between opposing ends thereof, and a special feature built into the ring-piston which causes material, flowing into the chamber, to wipe the face or tip of the piston and keep it clean and free of any material. A discharge passageway leads from the accumulation chamber to a discharge orifice adjacent which a parison is formed by resinous material from the chamber. Another inlet is provided in the discharge passageways as a means of providing a final, outer layer or laminate of material to that flowing out the discharge passageway from the chamber.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a restrictor bar in a die construction of the type in which such restrictor bar is movable into and out of the internal flow path of the die so as to regulate extrusion of material therefrom. The restrictor bar movement is in axial direction and is accomplished by means of axially restrained, rotatable spools connected to threaded ends of studs in turn extending through the die body and fixedly attached to the restrictor bar. Each of the spools includes a breakable segment to cause the spools to break prior to possible stud overstressing. The spools or portions thereof may be easily replaced at a position located outside of the die and accordingly eliminates die down time.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved extrusion apparatus which prevents the distortion of peripheral cells in extruded honeycomb structures. The apparatus includes a die having an outward surface which is beveled to have a primary face and a surrounding face converging in the extrusion direction. An extrusion mask is provided having a central orifice and an entrance face also converging at the same angle in the extrusion direction. The use of an extrusion mask having an entrance face converging at the same angle as the beveled surface of the die body has been found to reduce peripheral cell crushing. Moreover, also disclosed are spacers situated between the die body and the mask which control the thickness of the gap between the die body and mask thus allowing for the provision of extruded honeycomb structures having skins of varying thickness.

Abstract: A die for the extrusion of a tube of plastic polymer consists of at least two coaxially mounted die parts forming one or more annular die gaps between them from which the tube is extruded. The die parts have two respective axial cylindrical surfaces. There is provided between these surfaces an annular member of material of higher coefficient of expansion than the material from which the die parts are made. As the die becomes heated this annular member also becomes heated and its additional expansion causes its outside diameter to expand and its inside diameter to contract into forcible engagement with the surfaces thereby stabilizing the radial gap between the die lips.

Abstract: Ribbon cable extrusion crosshead comprising a die having interconnected extrusion passages and a guide block provided with wire guiding holes axially aligned with the passages. Top and bottom distribution channels are located, respectively, above and below the die and are connected to an inlet bore by top and bottom feed bores, respectively. Upper and lower flow channels intersect at the openings of the die passages and extend across the full width of the sheet of wires extending from the guide block to the die. Top and bottom flow compensating channels, connect the top and bottom flow channels, respectively, to the top and bottom distribution channels, respectively.

Abstract: A die and a process are provided for extruding thermoplastic film with a controlled bead thickness. The die includes inserts at the ends of the die to alter flow of molten thermoplastic material.

Abstract: Forming plates for the extrusion of foam from a slot die are provided which are adjustable in relationship to a generally adjacent die face. A movable plate portion is disposed adjacent the die face. The movable portion has a semi-cylindrical groove disposed therein. A pivoting forming plate having half-round edges has one edge disposed within the movable plate. The opposed half-round edge of the pivoting plate rests in a semi-cylindrical groove within a fixed forming plate. A similar opposed plate arrangement is employed on the opposite side of the die slot.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for simultaneously forming a flow of extruded material, especially dough, into a plurality of downwardly extending ribbons each at a substantially uniform flow rate and for controlling the tendency of such ribbons to curve as they emanate from the die. The apparatus is an extrusion device which includes a housing adapted for attachment at the exit of the extruder barrel and includes an inlet passage for directing the flow of extrudant downwardly and an outwardly flared section in fluid communication with and downstream of the inlet passage. A die plate is supported by the housing downstream of the inlet and across the flared section and includes a plurality of dies having orifices for forming the extrudant into a plurality of ribbons. A generally cone-shaped mandrel is supported within the flared section of the housing in spaced apart relationship from the die plate surface and the flared section wall defining an annular flow channel for the extrudant.

Abstract: A viscous flow thermoplastic film is extruded as a variant thickness profile curtain by means of an extrusion die having a flow choke rod extending longitudinally parallel with the die jaws and positioned within one die jaw for chordal projection into the die flow channel. The choke rod is surface relieved by chordal flats at locations corresponding to film zones of greater thickness. A single rod may be provided with as many profile pattern sequences as space and dimension allows chordal segments around the rod circumference. Pattern selection may be changed under die running conditions by rotating the profile rod about its axis to align the flats of the desired pattern within the die flow channel.

Abstract: A flexible lip die blade is provided in which local flexing of the blade is brought about by activation of heaters located in connector members connecting the flexible lip with the body of the die blade.

Abstract: A mold has a core surrounded by an outer sleeve which defines with the core an annular axially extending passage. An adjustment element in the form of a ring or sleeve is displaceable in this passage so as to vary the radial dimension of a tubular blank that is extruded from the outlet end of the passage. The adjustment ring or sleeve may be elastically deformable by means of hydraulic cylinders or screws so as to create the desired thickness at the desired location, and may even be displaced during operation of the apparatus so as to vary the thickness of the blank from one region to another in the direction in which it is extruded.

Abstract: Using a conventional spinneret plate with suitable pins inserted in the counterbore-orifice combination thereof, hollow fibers are provided.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method and machine for slip forming concrete wall structures such as median barrier walls for highways. The slip form comprises a pair of opposite side walls each of which has a skirt member retractable and extensible relative to the lower portion thereof. A top wall separate from the side walls is mounted on the machine frame between the upper portions of the side walls, and each side wall and associated skirt member is movable as a unit relative to the top wall and each skirt member is independently movable relative to an associated side wall. The side walls are adjustably supported on the machine frame for adjustment laterally of the machine frame to accommodate top walls of varying widths and the top wall is verticaly adjustable relative to the machine frame independently of the side walls.

Abstract: A method of molding a tubular laminate comprising joining flows of a plurality of thermoplasticized resins together to prepare a laminated composite flow having two side edges, and then passing the composite flow having two side edges through an annular extrusion die to abut both side edges of the respective layers to each other in the die, thereby forming an integrated tubular flow.

Abstract: A profiling die for use in processing tubular material where finish is a priority, such as for use in a catheter, the die being composed of a body of heat conductive material having a through passageway composed of a first bore extending from one face and a second coaxial bore extending from an opposite face, the second bore being larger than the first bore and there being an intermediate section between the bores which is tapered from the diameter of the second bore to the diameter of the first bore and wherein the tapered intermediate section and the first bore are aligned by an integral annular insert of Teflon material and preferably a keeper is provided to maintain the insert within the die.

Abstract: A roller die apparatus includes a pair of cylinder rolls which are rotatably and obliquely yieldably mounted on a frame disposed on the output end of a plastic extruding machine. The rolls are biasedly restrained in the frame to permit the obtusely directed movement thereof with respect to the direction of extruded plastic flow. This non-orthogonal movement of the cylindrical roller members facilitates adjustment and cleaning thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a corrugated foamed plastic sheet includes an extruder and a die provided at the extrusion end of the extruder. The die has a plurality of grooves provided on one of its surfaces which make contact with the foamed sheet being produced. The grooves extending from the resin feed inlet toward the resin exit of the die.

Abstract: An improved slit die for extruding thermoplastic sheet and having the capacity for fine gauge control comprises a die blade and an opposed surface in which the local separation between the two is variable by the generation of localized expansion and contraction forces in the body of the die blade while isolating the die blade lip from temperature variations by the provision of a heat barrier means.

Abstract: A T-shaped extrusion die for forming transparent, uniformly thick and edge beads-free synthetic resins with a high efficiency, comprising a die body having a manifold for containing a supply of the synthetic resin in molten state and a slot-like passage for the molten resin, adjustable lips for forming a slot-like discharge orifice, inner deckles useful mainly for varying the edge thickness of the resulting extruded film, support rods for supporting the inner deckles, and inner deckle rods for regulating the width of the resulting extruded film, the inner deckles being moved by moving the support rods in the manifold in sliding contact with the surface thereof to vary the edge thickness of the resulting film, the inner deckle and inner deckle rod being kept somewhat away from each other thereby to permit free movement of the latter even under a high molten resin pressure. In one embodiment, a remover for an oxidized or scorched resin is disclosed.

Abstract: A foam extrusion apparatus employs one or more extruders mounted on horizontal rails for movement toward and away from the end of a vacuum chamber which is in the form of an elongated inclined barometric leg. The upper end of the chamber is closed by two, substantially concentric in the closed position, substantial bulkheads, each also supported on rails and held in an inclined position to close the upper end of the chamber when moved; one against the chamber and the other against the one. A die is positioned on the inside of the other or smaller bulkhead and aligned with the leg when closed. The extruders are connected to the die through a length of pipe extending through the smaller bulkhead and sealed by a bellows. A shaping mechanism is supported on the interior of the one or larger bulkhead surrounding the die when both bulkheads close the upper end of the inclined barometric leg or vacuum chamber. The die is adjustable externally of the bulkhead.

Abstract: The method and apparatus are useful in forming a parison which has a varying wall thickness and an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the annular outlet orifice from which the parison is extruded. Such a parison is obtained by adding additional molten thermoplastic material to the parison while extruding the same to vary the thickness of portions of the parison. The additional molten material is directed radially outwardly from the axis of the parison to increase the wall thickness and to increase the swell of the parison which is defined as the ratio of the inner diameter of the parison to the outer diameter of the outlet orifice. Also the ratio of the outer diameter of the parison to the inner diameter of a mold in which the parison is blowmolded into a container is reduced permitting a larger container to be formed from the thicker portion of the parison while having a small entrance opening formed from a thin wall portion of the parison.

Abstract: A process for extruding a synthetic resin while restricting the resin flow by positively furnishing the resin flow path surface of an extruding die near its resin flow outlet with frictional resistance relative to the resin disclosed also is an extruding die for practicing the above-described method.

Abstract: A multi-stage rotary processor particularly useful as a pump for viscous materials. The multi-stage rotary processor includes a rotatable element having a surface carrying at least one primary processing channel connected to at least one further processing channel and a stationary element providing a complementary coaxial surface arranged with the channels to form enclosed primary and further processing passages. The stationary element also has associated with it an inlet for at least the primary processing passage, outlets for the passages and members extending into each channel for blocking material fed to the processing passages so that liquid material in contact with the rotating channel walls can be dragged forward in each channel. In the primary processing passage the dragged forward material is transferred to the further processing passage for discharge at a uniform pressure and rate.

Abstract: A readily adjustable tubing extrusion die has a laterally movable die ring which is clamped to the die body and slideable by means of positive positioning devices.

Abstract: A foam extrusion apparatus and method employs tandem extruders mounted on horizontal rails for movement toward and away from the end of a vacuum chamber which is in the form of an elongated inclined barometric leg. The upper end of the chamber is closed by a substantial bulkhead also supported on rails and held in inclined position to close the end of the chamber when moved thereagainst. A die is positioned on the inside of the bulkhead and aligned with the leg when closed. The extruders are connected to the die through a length of pipe supported through the bulkhead by a stainless steel bellows. The pipe externally of the bulkhead is provided with a circulating jacket for temperature control. The die is adjustable externally of the bulkhead. The extruders, die and bulkhead are movable as a unit or separately toward and away from the chamber to provide access to the die and the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: Sealing means for controlling leakage of material between closely spaced apart, relatively moving coaxial annular surfaces. Essentially, leakage is controlled by providing a pumping channel on one of the surfaces and a leakage liquid retaining channel on the other surface. The pumping and leakage liquid retaining channels are cooperatively arranged to resist flow of leakage liquid between the surfaces. The sealing means are particularly adaptable for controlling leakage from processing passages of rotary processing apparatus.

Abstract: A process for producing elongated profile members made of thermoplastic synthetic resins having a coating over at least a portion of their circumference of at least one additional thermoplastic polymeric material which includes the steps of extruding a coating of a thermoplastic secondary material, simultaneously and continuously with the extrusion of the elongated profile member, onto said member while said member is still within the plastic temperature range, and subsequently sizing the resultant coated member.

Abstract: A foam extrusion die of the type including a main die body having a face and two spaced, adjustable die lip members having lips defining an elongated, arcuate die orifice through which extrudate moves both laterally and axially outwardly relative to the lip members. The die includes toe and heel clamp assemblies fastened to the die body for biasing the lip members against the face for continuous sealing line contact therebetween. Choker bars secured to the die body at opposite sides of the face define the ends of the die orifice. Provision is also made for specially fabricated heating or cooling passages in the lip members proximate the die orifice.

Abstract: A retreading envelope is made by extruding a split tube of rubber which is passed over a rotating stretching wheel to stretch the split tube to a predetermined shape. The stretched split tube is removed from the stretching wheel after moving around a part of the circumference thereof and is turned inside out and placed on a table whereat it is formed and cut into an annular shape preparatory to completion of the retreading envelope.

Abstract: This invention discloses an extruder head having a cavity whose shape can be visualized with reference to a model. The model is a circular tube having a wall thickness which is constant at any given distance from one end. The tube is split longitudinally at or near one end and unfolded gradually into the form of a flat sheet at the other end. Extrudate which enters the cavity in a solid, circular cross-sectional configuration is shaped into the form of the unsplit portion of the model by a mandrel in an entrance zone. A divider splits the extrudate longitudinally. The cavity continues as a transition zone in which the split tube of extrudate is unfolded gradually to become a flat sheet in an exit zone. Variations in the shape of the cavity in the exit zone are presented in which the extrudate is formed into shapes more complex than the flat sheet.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is described for varying the profile as seen in cross section of an elongated extrudate article. The method and apparatus provides for varying the profile of an extrusion orifice while an extrudate stock material is being forced through the orifice. An elongated extruded article is formed having a varying profile conforming to the variations in the profile of the extrusion orifice.

Abstract: A die comprising a central core and at least two thickness adjusting rings surrounding the core concentrically therewith and providing a resin passage between the core and the inner thickness adjusting ring and another resin passage between the inner and outer thickness adjusting rings, each of the rings having a planar seat surface. The rings are joined at their seat surfaces to the core, or alternatively, the inner ring is joined to the core and the outer ring to the inner ring similarly, whereby the rings are rendered radially shiftable for adjustment. Each of the resin passages is provided with resin inlets positioned substantially at the same level as the corresponding planar seat surface.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for simultaneously producing, from a single source of homogenized plastics material, at least one product in which the plastics material is modified by the injection of an additive. The apparatus includes a mechanism, such as a screw extruder, for homogenizing the plastics material and a mechanism for dividing the stream of plastics material into at least two separate streams into one of which at least is injected an additive. The injection mechanism includes at least one hollow probe which terminates in the stream of plastics material to be modified and a dispersing mechanism for the additive, for example a gear pump, is provided. The streams of plastics material, modified and unmodified are then fed to a final product forming device, such as a die, in such manner that the streams can be individually extruded, or some at least of the streams can be combined in a die to produce an end product.

Abstract: Multiple extrusion head extrusion-blow moulding apparatus, preferably using a common continuously operating extrusion conveyor, in which apparatus the various extrusion heads have their accumulator pistons driven for identical and simultaneous movement during the extrusion strokes either by means of a common drive means or by separate drive means each controlled from a common control means. Common control may also be exercised over the charging stroke of the accumulator piston.Closed loop control over the wall thickness in dependence upon the final length of the parison, as well as open loop control over the wall thickness in response to a desired program may be imposed simultaneously on the extrusion orifice gap width.

Abstract: A metering pump whose speed is controlled in accordance with product data is provided between an extrusion press and the extrusion die. The speed of the worm is controlled by a pressure/speed regulator and the temperature at the outlet side of the press is maintained constant within .+-.10.degree. C.

Abstract: A cross-head die in which the manifold is provided with means for selectively varying the volume of the manifold at some locations relative to other locations, whereby the relative wall thickness about the annular configuration of the material flowing through the die is selectively adjusted about the periphery of the annular configuration of flowing material. Wall thickness and configuration are further controlled at the outlet orifice of the die by means movable to selectively expand, contract and alter the annular configuration of the die passage at the orifice.

Abstract: Apparatus for extruding a plurality of tubes of plastics material simultaneously for blow molding purposes comprising a plurality of extrusion heads, each having an accumulator chamber from which plastics material can be discharged intermittently to form the tubes, and a mechanism operatively connected to discharge means associated with each accumulator chamber for synchronizing the filling and discharging of the accumulator chambers so that a single source of plastics material can be used to fill the accumulator chambers at a substantially uniform rate and the mold halves of a single blow mold can be opened and closed on the extruded tubes which are discharge simultaneously and will be of uniform length.

Abstract: A die for extruding a honeycomb structural body capable of preventing the deformation of the honeycomb structural body when the honeycomb structural body is extruded.

Abstract: In a ribbon cable extrusion die assembly, a large plurality of fine electrical conductor wires, numbering from 20 up to 50, 60 or more, are led through a core tube via individual quills. Molten plastic insulating material is delivered to the exterior of the core tube, and surrounds the plurality of the conductor wires as they emerge from the core tube to enter the extrusion die. The aligned array of conductor wires and the molten plastic insulating material pass together through the extrusion die, which incorporates a cylndrical die passage for each individual conductor wire, with web passages connectng the cylindrical passages to form a unitary ribbon cable extrusion emerging from the extrusion die. The guiding quills are individually removable from the core tube, in response to the actuation of automatic wire breakage sensing and alarm systems for quick replacement of a broken conductor wire by a new unbroken conductor wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading a stream of particles onto a moving carrier. Uses a chute for containing and delivering particles; a screed bar, movable relative to the moving carrier to control the thickness of a layer of particles delivered from the chute to the carrier; and a pair of rotatable cylindrical doctor blades, substantially coaxial with each other and positioned at opposing ends of the screed bar to control the thickness of a layer of particles delivered from the chute to the carrier at opposing ends of the screed bar. The screed bar and the two doctor blades together control the thickness of the center and the two sides of a continuous stream of powder. Preferably the carrier is the bottom roller of a pair of compaction rollers which receive the stream of powder and compact it preparatory to sintering.

Abstract: A dough sheet spreader through which dough is extruded in sheets of predetermined width and thickness. A multi-part housing having a downwardly distending, outwardly flaring passageway terminating in an egress, the lips of which are lined with dough release members, is adapted to receive and extrude dough-like material. Provision may be made for degassing the dough during the extrusion process. In one embodiment the thickness of the dough sheet can be varied and in another, both the width and thickness can be varied in progressive, finite steps.

Abstract: A dough sheet spreader through which dough is extruded in sheets of predetermined width and thickness. A multi-part housing having a downwardly distending, outwardly flaring passageway terminating in an egress, the lips of which are lined with dough release members, is adapted to receive and extrude dough-like material. Provision may be made for degassing the dough during the extrusion process. In one embodiment the thickness of the dough sheet can be varied and in another, both the width and thickness can be varied in progressive, finite steps.