Abstract: A method and apparatus for entraining gas as a blowing agent in a thermoplastic melt to provide a foamed thermoplastic extrudate wherein an annular sheet-like flow of gas under pressure is impinged on a tubular configuration of melt to entrain the gas in the melt is disclosed. Also disclosed is an improved method and apparatus for controlling the pressure in the thermoplastic melt.

Abstract: The density of the foam is reduced and the thickness of the sheet obtained by extrusion/expansion is increased by grasping the sheet between confining walls which are permeable to gas and movable together with the sheet, and which diverge from each other in the direction of advance of the sheet, and by applying a subatmospheric pressure to the faces of the sheet and through the said walls while the sheet is in its thermoplastic state, after which the foam is gelled by cooling to stabilize the thickness achieved.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of porous tubing. One extrudes a homogeneous mixture of at least two components, one component a meltable polymer and the other component a liquid inert in relation to the polymer, both components forming a binary system which in liquid aggregate state displays a range of complete miscibility and a range with a miscibility gap, at a temperature above the separation temperature, substantially vertically upwardly using a circular slot nozzle and blowing of gas or dosing-in of liquid into the interior of the nozzle, into a bath, which displays a temperature below the separation temperature, allows the tubing to solidify, and extracts or lixiviates the tubing. Preferred embodiments include the use of water at a temperature from 15.degree. to 90.degree. C.

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: A method for treating foamed polymer comprising exposing said polymer to an atmosphere of at least substantially carbon dioxide at a temperature sufficient to cause transpiration, absorption and/or dissolution of carbon dioxide into said polymer and decrease the density thereof on subsequent heating.

Abstract: In the process of preparing a thermoplastic resin foam the improvement comprising extruding a molten resin-blowing agent combination from a high pressure region to a lower pressure atmosphere of carbon dioxide, water vapor or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Particulate absorbents of a water-insoluble water-swellable polymer having a gel capacity of at least 10 are immobilized with a composition comprising the absorbent in a liquid polyhydroxy organic compound. The composition may be employed by applying to an appropriate surface and subjecting the liquid film to solidifying conditions. The solidified film product has high absorptive capacity and is free of undesirable movement when positioned in absorbent articles. A foam product having both absorptive and cushioning properties is prepared from a solid, particulate, water-insoluble, water-swellable polymer having a gel capacity of at least 10, a solid, particulate blowing agent, and a liquid polyhydroxy organic compound.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of rigid polyvinyl chloride foams with a density of below 200 kg/m.sup.3, in which method rigid polyvinyl chloride which is provided with a melt-flow improver is foamed with a physical blowing agent via an extruder, in which method in a first step, rigid polyvinyl chloride, together with and preferably mixed with 0.1-15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polyvinyl chloride of a melt-flow improver is fed to an extruder and extruded therewith to form a granulate, this granulate is subsequently impregnated, in a second step, with a physical blowing agent and finally, in a third step, the impregnated granulate is fed, to a foaming extruder in which the granulate is extruded while it passes through a temperature profile in which process the rigid polyvinyl is foamed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the average cell size of a plastic foam structure continuously emerging from a production extrusion source which include means and process steps for magnifying an image of an area of a cross-section of said foam structure, developing said image and comparing the cell size of the image with a known standard and controlling production process parameters to obtain a foam structure of predetermined average cell size.

Abstract: Cellular thermoplastic resin is made by the method and extrusion apparatus that is characterized by a compaction section where the resin is densified, a choke section where a barrier of the densified resin is formed that is substantially impervious to a gaseous blowing agent, and a mixing section where the particulate resin is mixed with a blowing agent and then melted before being extruded into a zone of lower pressure whereby the blowing agent expands to form the cellular product. By mixing the blowing agent with a solid rather than a molten resin, the resulting mixture can be melted at a substantially lower temperature.

Abstract: A process is described for improving the rate of production, other conditions being equal, of extruded polymer products, containing foaming- and/or cross-linking agents, which particularly resides in using a "melting torpedo" rotatable element in the melting section of the extrusion apparatus.

Abstract: Cellular chlorinated polyvinyl chloride resin is made in an extruder that is characterized by a combination of multiple flights and a plurality of open slots in the mixing section to facilitate mixing of the resin and a blowing agent whereby a rigid thermoplastic cellular product of low density is made that has a predominantly closed cell structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the continuous manufacture of foamed sheets of thermoplastic material having an extreme width to thickness ratio, small thickness tolerance, a uniform cell structure and, over the whole cross section on both sides of the sheet a thin, non-foamed outer skin. The plastic, which already contains the foaming agent is, on emerging from a wide-slit nozzle, allowed to foam freely without any restriction and cool. The sheet or strip formed in this manner is then heated locally at the surface and calibrated to final dimension.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat insulating pipe having a foamed insulating layer around the outer surface of said pipe. The foamed insulating layer has an expansion ratio of at least 4. It has three integral sub-layers, said sub-layers including a cellular middle foamed sub-layer which is integral with a cellular inner foamed sub-layer and a cellular outer foamed sub-layer, said inner and outer sub-layer being on opposite sides of said middle sub-layer, said cellular inner foamed sub-layer being the innermost sub-layer with respect to said pipe and surrounding the outer surface of said pipe. The cells of said inner and outer sub-layers are smaller than the cells of said middle cellular sub-layer, the ratio .mu..sub.1 /.mu..sub.2 of the cell dimensions of said cellular middle sub-layer are between 0.3 and 0.9, wherein .mu..sub.1 is the average cell dimension measured in the radial direction of said pipe and .mu..sub.2 is the average cell dimension measured in the axial direction of said pipe.

Abstract: The adaptor, which can be applied to the delivery end of the extruder barrel, comprises a plurality of ducts for feeding corresponding extrusion heads, radiating from a common manifold chamber and each provided with a butterfly valve for the mutual adjustment of the flows of thermoplastic material in the respective ducts. Preferably the ducts with their respective valves are identical to each other and the valves are adjusted to give extruded products which are identical to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming, shaping and surface finishing a foam extrudate as it expands and passes from an extrusion die to obtain, in particular, foam or cellular bodies having a substantial thickness in relation to their width. The apparatus comprises opposed extrudate shaping members located on opposite sides of the die orifice of the extrusion die and extending immediately downstream therefrom. The upstream end of each shaping member is hingedly supported adjacent and preferably slightly upstream from the die orifice, and the hinged supports at the upstream ends of the shaping members are uniformly adjustable towards and away from the central transversely extending plane of the extrusion die. The downstream end of each shaping member is hinged to a respective conveyor or surface finishing member of a conveyor or surface finishing assembly.

Abstract: In the pultrusion of a fiber-reinforced plastic, an elongated fiber material impregnated with a thermosetting resin prior to setting is introduced into a long-land die, in which a thermoplastic resin and a lubricant are successively applied onto the outer surface of the impregnated fiber material thereby to make possible smooth drawing of the material through the die. As a result, the thermosetting resin is substantially set within the die, and, moreover, an elongated, fiber-reinforced, plastic composite article is produced at a reasonable speed.

Abstract: In a process for producing a plate-like polystyrene resin foam which comprises extruding a molten mixture consisting of a polystyrene resin and a volatile blowing agent by an extruder into a zone having a lower pressure than the inside of the extruder; the improvement wherein said volatile blowing agent is a mixture consisting of dichlorodifluoromethane, ethyl chloride and methyl chloride in which dichlorodifluoromethane accounts for 50 to 70% by weight of the mixture and the remainder consists of ethyl chloride and methyl chloride and the amount of ethyl chloride is at least 30% by weight based on the total amount of ethyl chloride and methyl chloride; and wherein said volatile blowing agent is present in said molten mixture in a proportion of 8 to 17 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polystyrene resin component.

Abstract: Extrusion apparatus and method for making a cellular resin product are characterized by a conduit that extends into the extruder whereby a blowing agent is injected therethrough into the resin through a plurality of ports provided in the conduit in order to disperse the blowing agent more uniformly through the resin before it is extruded through a die into a zone of lower pressure whereupon the blowing agent expands to form numerous cells within the resin structure.

Abstract: Hose continuously manufactured with an extruded elastomeric liner with a flexible strand reinforcement laid on the outer surface thereof together with a foam/sponge insulation layer thereon which is attached to the liner between the reinforcement strands. The apparatus comprises a ram air extruder mechanism for extruding the elastomeric foam outer insulation layer, or by addition of chemical blowing agents to the insulation compound.

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: An apparatus for manufacturing insulating construction profiles having two metal profiles spaced from each other to define a channel filled with an insulating compound includes a supporting table to support a plurality of metal strands successively positioned in advanced movement along the table by transport rollers. Each strand includes a pair of metal profiles spaced from each other and connected with a temporary bridging strip in their advancing path. A first pouring device is positioned in the path of the advancing profiles to fill an insulating material into the channel between two metal profiles in each strand to form a first insulating core and a second pouring device is provided to introduce insulating material into the same channel to form a second insulating core. Between the two pouring devices a strip supply roll, a guide arrangement and a pressure roller are arranged to apply a separating strip between the two insulating cores which is vertically spaced from the temporary bridging strip.

Abstract: The sealing strip includes a channel-shaped attachment profile of rubber, in which a metallic reinforcing strip is embedded; this profile has an external coating layer of sponge rubber with an outer surface rendered velvety by abrasion.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus and method for concurrently manufacturing at least two semiround tubing structures. An extruder including plasticizing means for a plurality of plastic resins extrudes semiround and linear strips of plastic material in generally two back to back D-shaped sleeves. Between the D-shaped sleeves, a strip of adhesively non-compatible material is extruded so that the D-shaped sleeves may be separated. The rounded portions of the D-shaped sleeves are molded in a continuous blow molding arrangement to form the top wall of the semiround tubing. The tubing is cooled, and the two semiround tubing lengths separated from the adhesively non-compatible strip inbetween. Optionally, the base of the semiround tubing may be perforated. The two lengths of semiround tubing are folded with the base inside the top wall and coiled into large reels.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus using edge shaping and traction rolls is disclosed for shaping and forming plastic foams as a foamable extrudate is extruded through an arcuate orifice of an extrusion die. Immediately adjacent and downstream of the die orifice are opposed sets of curved rolls, each having substantially the same center of curvature as the die orifice and being positioned, respectively, on opposite sides of the extrudate pass line. Moreover, two pairs of traction shaping rolls downstream of the curved rolls engage edge portions of the extrudate further to assist in shaping the same especially in connection with the shaping and forming of relatively wide bodies of plastic foam material. Several parameters of the traction rolls may be adjusted to selected values affecting the force and direction applied by such rolls to the extrudate.

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.

Abstract: Insulated sheathing, such as a covering for a bundle of flexible tubes which deliver chilled beverages to a dispensing head, may be covered on their outer side by a seamless flexible sheath and similarly on the inner side of the insulation which surrounds the bundle of tubes. Flexible sheathing for the inner sheath is loaded bunched together on the outer surface of a hollow core near its downstream end. Similar larger diameter sheathing is bunched together on the upstream end of an outer concentric sleeve, whose downstream end is mounted on a slide. The downstream end of a bundle of tubes is inserted through the core, and connected to the downstream end of the inner sheathing and to the upstream end of the outer sheathing. The outer sheathing is then inverted by moving the sleeve upstream over the connected ends which are then drawn downstream together.

Abstract: A foam extrusion die assembly includes a die body and a pair of spaced cantilevered lip members having opposed lips defining an elongated, arcuate die orifice through which extrudate moves both laterally and axially outwardly relative to the lip members. Each lip member further has an axially extending flexible leg and a foot at the end of the leg opposite the lip. Each foot is adjustably and sealingly clamped to the die body by a retainer bar whereas each leg is free to flex to pivot the lips with respect to each other. Adjustment screws journaled in the die body vary the spacing between the feet of the lip members and pivot the lips about the flexible legs to produce a desired die orifice size and shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for making cylindrical polyurethane foam blocks, including an upstanding trough with a weir structure at the upstream end of a fall plate in a molding apparatus, means for passing a first web of a separation sheet below the trough and between a gap formed between the weir and the fall plate leading edge, means for forming the first web into a U-shaped configuration as it advances with the foaming material, and second means for feeding opposite webs of sheet material immediately upstream of the conveyor through molding means for forming the cylindrical block.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for extruding thermoplastic compositions, comprising an extruder; a cooling device positioned downstream of the extruder for cooling the heat plastified thermoplastic resinous composition exiting from the extruder to a uniform temperature desired for extrusion through an extrusion die, the cooling device including at least one enclosed flow path for conveying the resinous composition from the inlet of the cooling device to the outlet of the cooling device, structure for circulating a cooling medium about the entire circumference of each of the resin flow paths and a device for maintaining a hydraulic balance between the inlet and the outlet of the cooling means across the entire cross-section of each of the resin flow paths; and an extrusion die positioned downstream of the cooling device.

Abstract: A conductive element (22) is preheated by a preheat power supply (34) to an initial temperature which is a function of line speed. The preheated conductive element (22) is advanced through an extruder (32) whereat a cellular insulation layer (24) and a solid plastic insulation layer (26) are extruded thereabout to form an insulated conductor (20). The insulated conductor (20) is advanced through an air gap (38) whereat the cellular insulation layer 24 expands about the conductive element (22). The insulated conductor (20) is then quenched at a point to stop the expansion of the cellular insulation layer by passing the insulated conductor into a cooling bath (40).A capacitance monitor (50) measures the coaxial capacitance of the insulated conductor (20) and develops an error signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for continuous distribution of a latex or urethane foam composition on a movable substrate to produce a foamed sheet material such as a foam backed carpet. The distribution apparatus comprises a generally cylindrically shaped rotatable member and at least two attached distribution means which may take the form of either modified doctor rolls or modified doctor blades. The distribution surface of each of these distribution means may differ and may be either smooth or patterned with a variety of grooves or serrations thereby providing means for producing foamed sheet materials with surfaces which are either planar or patterned with ridges and valleys. Means are also provided to readily change the thickness of the distributed foam and for oscillating the distribution apparatus to produce a surface with wavy as opposed to linear patterns of ridges and valleys. All of these operations may be accomplished without interrupting the continuous process.

Abstract: Polymer foam is extruded as a tube or sheet into a cooling liquid which is maintained at a temperature up to about 85.degree. C. Either one or both surfaces of the polymer are cooled as the extrudate emerging from the die orifice passes through the liquid. Styrenic polymer foam extrudate produced by such a method exhibits excellent puncture resistance and tensile properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the continuous production of plates, which are optionally laminated on all sides, from foamed synthetic resins and especially from polyurethane hard foams, in which a foaming synthetic resin is passed through a channel formed by endless running bands, wherein the side bands are subjected to external pressure and press towards the middle of the plate, said side bands being pressed in the course of the foaming by the foaming pressure thereby arising into their actual side-limiting positions, said side bands finally assuming the positions which correspond to the desired plate breadth and contour.The present invention also provides a device for taking up the lateral foam pressure in continuously operating band plants, comprising counterpressure devices which exert on the side bands, adapted to move in the plane of the plate, an optimum counterpressure for the reaction characteristics of the foaming synthetic resin.

Abstract: A continuous production process for making a slab of polyurethane foam comprises preparing a foamable polyurethane composition, continuously feeding the composition to a horizontally moving trough to form a foaming mass on the trough, continuously pressing the top surface of the foaming mass with a pressure means over a zone including a zone extending from the foaming completion point to a point just prior to the completion of curing so as to make flat the top surface of the foaming mass, and horizontally moving the pressure means in synchronism with and in the same direction as the trough. Preferably, the composition is fed to the trough at such a rate as to produce a slab about 40 mm to 250 mm thick. The process can produce at a low cost polyurethane foam slabs which have no cavities and no cracks and which therefore have a uniform density or porosity.

Abstract: A plastic foam-forming mixture (20) is dispensed between upper and lower paper sheets (11 and 17) and the whole conveyed through metering rollers (14 and 15) to spread the mixture. The mixture is allowed to expand under a constant pressure supplied by a floating drag platen (21). Suction is applied to the upper sheet through apertures in the platen. Suitably the platen consists of a series of rigid slats (22) hinged lengthwise transversely to the direction of the sheets, imparting longitudinal flexibility to the platen in that direction. Suction may be applied through apertures in the ends of every third or fourth slat. Improves the evenness of foam board.

Abstract: An improvement in the manufacture of flexible densified polyurethane foam wherein the partially cured freely risen foam is fed through a crush conveyor to minimize the density gradient throughout the vertical cross section. The crush conveyor includes an upper crushing section which is arcuate and has a radius of a dimension such that the ratio of the radius of the arc to height of the partially cured freely risen foam is 1.1 to 1 or greater. The crush conveyor has a bottom crushing section which may be arcuate with a radius of a dimension such that the ratio of its radius to the height of the partially cured freely risen foam is also 1.1 to 1 or greater. The radius of the bottom arcuate crushing section may be the same or larger than the radius of the top arc. As an alternative, the bottom crushing section may be planar and may be horizontal, or inclined with respect to the horizontal.

Abstract: Method for treatment of a solid material submerged in a body of liquid wherein the material is sticky and/or has relatively low tensile strength. The material being treated is supported, while so submerged, by a dynamic boundary layer of a liquid material between the treated material and a stationary porous restraining surface, the layer being created by the forced diffusion of said liquid through the pores of said stationary surface. The method is illustrated by heating and thereby foaming a strip of heat foamable thermoplastic resin while it is held submerged in a denser heat transfer liquid by a dynamic layer of said heat transfer liquid, said layer of heat transfer liquid being created by the forced diffusion thereof through a porous plate in operative communication with a pressurized chamber containing a supply of said liquid.

Abstract: A method for the continuous fabrication of blankets or sheets of expanded phenolic resin displaying a hard skin on each of their sides, according to which a mixture, comprising in particular a resole resin, a blowing agent and a hardening catalyst is placed on an essentially flat surface of a moving element, is brought to foam and is conformed between two parallel surfaces entrained in the same direction, the lower surface being situated in the same plane as the surface of the moving component, characterized in that, in a first stage, the mixture is brought into free air towards the conformation surfaces by being submitted to a heating so as to have it expand and then the expanded mass is conformed by exerting a pressure on its free side, at the moment of entry between the conformation surfaces, and the hardening of the resin is completed while maintaining the pressure and the heating.

Abstract: A method of forming a foam-skin insulation on telephone wires, wherein a homogenuous flow of basic plastic is divided into two separate flows one of which is subjected to mixing with a foam agent while the other, intended to form an outer layer of solid plastic, is bypassed directly to an extruder tool. The apparatus used for the method comprises one single extruder, the extruder head whereof is provided with a flow dividing piece guiding one flow past foam injecting nozzles and the other flow through a separate branch channel to the extruder tool.

Abstract: The invention concerns an extruder head for regulating the temperature of a flow of molten plastic containing a foaming agent. In the flow passage of the extruder head is arranged a mixer which is inductively heated and transfers heat to the plastic flow thereby regulating the temperature thereof during the passage through the extruder head.

Abstract: Method for dispersing a fluid additive within only a portion of a stream of thermoplastic material comprising the steps of(a) flowing said stream of thermoplastic material into a channel having walls of substantially circular cross section, into which there has been placed a rotating mixer head having in the surface thereof a plurality of alternate lands and grooves each of said lands and grooves having an upstream end and a downstream end, said lands alternating with said grooves and being arranged in pairs, each of said pairs having a land in loose clearance with said wall followed by a land in close clearance with said wall, said mixer head having an unobstructed internal passage positioned therein over a substantial portion of its terminal length and a plurality of conduits severally connecting elongated zones between said lands pairs and said hollow internal passage, and(b) injecting said fluid additive into said channel at a position between said upstream and downstream ends of said lands and grooves.

Abstract: In the preparation of polyurethane foam by the provision of foamable urethane composition to a trough and subsequent overflow of the trough to a conveyor belt for final foaming and curing of the urethane composition, improved product is obtained by maintaining temperature uniformity laterally across the trough.

Abstract: A blend of high and low density polyethylene and azodicarbonamid added as blowing agent is heated in an extruder to a temperature above the melting point of the high density component and fed to a shear head having a hollow rotating mandrel through which tubing is fed for depositing thereon a hose at the nozzle exit of the head. A peroxide is fed to the shear head for mixing with the polymer blend and immediately initiating crosslinking; blowing begins just prior to the depositing, the material being already crosslinked to a considerable extent.

Abstract: Material such as panels, boards, and flexible sheets are produced and processed while passing between two or more surfaces at least one of which has a thin layer of pressurized fluid in direct contact with the product. While in this process zone, the item is shaped, coated, smoothed, textured, heated, cooled, compressed, dried, and/or impregnated. For example, expandable resin is deposited in a continuously formed bag of upper and lower sheet material so that the resin may expand and cure as it is drawn in through a fixed rigid mold having upper and lower (and perhaps side) porous material walls through which pressurized fluid is passed to provide a fluid bearing support and molding surface. The temperature, pressure and flow of the fluid is monitored and controlled separately at spaced locations along the length of the mold to control curing rate, foaming rate, surface characteristics and resistance of material moving through the mold.

Abstract: The densified area commonly formed during the manufacture of blocks of pliable polyurethane foam on a web of continuous material in a foaming tunnel is eliminated by controlled heating of the conveyor belt in the tunnel to a range between the densification temperature and the cracking temperature of the foam during the reaction period. An improved apparatus for this purpose comprises an enclosed, insulated housing and means for heating the conveyor belt such as hot air, infrared radiation, steam coils or electrical resistors. A preferred embodiment comprises heating the bottom of the foam block after it emerges from the foaming tunnel to a temperature considerably higher than that in the foaming tunnel. This eliminates completely any need for trimming off irregularities after removal of the web of continuous material.

Abstract: An extrusion system for the production of foam boards, billets and the like products includes an extruder (20) at a first higher elevation (22) extruding foamable resin through a die in the upper end of an elongated vacuum chamber in the form of an inclined barometric leg (26) which extends at its lower end into a shallow but large surface area pool (39) of liquid such as water. An elongated shroud or hood (44) on the lower end of the leg reduces the pressure head of water above the foam product as it exits the leg and moves out of the pool for processing at a lower second elevation. The large area of the pool reduces its depth for a given volume and minimizes fluctuations in the level of the pool and the pressure head above the product when the vacuum changes. In one embodiment the pool extends beneath substantially the entire floor of the building (30) enclosing the second lower elevation (31) in which the subsequent processing occurs.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for the continuous production of foam boards, which may be laminated between facings, from a liquid foamable reaction mixture. The apparatus broadly comprises a conveyor, a foam mixture application device located at or near one end of the conveyor and a transverse foam mixture distribution device located downstream of said application device and above said conveyor, the space between said distribution device and said conveyor being adjustable.

Abstract: A distribution and calibrating system for an expandable reactant mixture. The system comprises a reference plate, a distribution plate associated with a calibrating bar and means for modifying a particular profile of the distribution plate for principal use in the continuous fabrication of rigid foam panels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a panelboard processing line is disclosed for controlling the application of smoothing pressure to a facing sheet of a laminate comprising at least one such sheet and a layer of plastic foam. Smoothing pressure is applied to the facing sheet during continuous production of the laminate in a conventional nip-roll, free-rising foam panelboard system. To this end, provision is made for adjustably suspending a belt-like member generally parallel to, but in variably spaced relation above, the processing line at a region downstream of the conventional nip-roll in the typical free-rising foam system. The belt-like member is flexible along its longitudinal axis but is relatively stiff transversely thereof, and is so suspended as to produce a depending loop or sag intermediate its ends.