Abstract: An apparatus 1 for widening a foam sheet S obtained immediately after heating and foaming a foam sheet which has not been yet widened, while the foam sheet S is continuously received or supplied. The sheet widening apparatus 1 comprises: a pair of chains 2 constructed in the form of endless chains composed of links 22 having pin parts 21 and a driving device 3 meshing with these chains 2 and driving the chains 2 along such loci as to widen the space between the chains 2 from sheet receiving start points to sheet receiving end points. A method for widening a foam sheet by the sheet widening apparatus 1 comprises the steps of piercing both the side parts of the foam sheet S with the pins 21 at the sheet receiving start points; widening the space of width between the pins 21 along gently curved loci by drying the chains 2 while the pins 21 penetrating the foam sheet; and receiving the foam sheet S from the sheet receiving start points to the sheet receiving end points while the foam sheet is widened.

Abstract: A distribution plate for use in a fiber-forming spin pack assembly has a thickness of from about 0.004 inches to about 0.060 inches. One or more flow channels are formed in at least one surface of the distribution plate. The flow channels are in the form of slots having a depth less than about 0.016 inches, not exceeding about 75% of the thickness of the distribution plate. There are also apertures through the thickness of the plate which connect to said slots.

Abstract: A spin pack for spinning synthetic fibers from two or more liquid polymer streams includes a supply for at least two discrete polymer streams without mixing with another discrete stream to the spin pack; a spinneret having extrusion orifices; and flow distribution plate sets. The flow distribution plate sets include at least one patterned plate having edges which define a substantially regular two-dimensional geometric shape, a substantially planar upstream surface, a substantially planar downstream surface and at least one flow distribution pattern stenciled therein by cutting through. For each patterned plate, at least one boundary plate stacked sealingly adjacent thereto and having edges which define a substantially regular geometric shape, a substantially planar upstream surface and a substantially planar downstream surface.

Abstract: A mixing device is presented which is suitable for use in the uniform mixing of polymer substances or the uniform mixing of polymer substances with, for example, fillers. This mixing device is composed of one mixing nozzle or two or more mixing nozzles mounted in parallel, which mixing nozzle comprises an orifice portion and an upstream compression zone and/or a downstream diffusion zone. A ratio of the maximum opening cross-sectional area of the compression zone or the diffusion zone to the minimum opening cross-section area of the orifice portion is 10:1 or more.

Abstract: A spinneret assembly that includes a filtration cavity and a spinneret has a plate between the cavity and spinneret. The plate has an enclosed channel connecting the cavity and spinneret. The channel contains a plurality of stationary mixing elements and lies in a plane substantially parallel with the spinneret.

Abstract: For the homogenization of the spinning fluid in spinning devices, packing material is arranged before the nozzle plate in the free spaces of a static mixing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of yarn having a potential crimp which is achieved by varying the viscosity gradient in the mass of polymer upstream of the spinneret. The apparatus includes means for feeding polymer under pressure, a block which is connected to the outlet of the feeding means and a spinning head, including a spinneret formed with at least one row of holes, the spinning head being mounted on the block. At least one passage is defined through the block, for the passage of polymer from the feeding means to the spinneret, this passage having a frusto-conical upstream portion which converges in a downstream direction towards the spinneret. Heating or cooling means are provided on the block for imparting to the polymer, as it passes through the passage, a temperature differential between the polymer at the center of the passage and the polymer at the walls of the passage.Means are also provided for receiving and possibly drafting the yarn which has been extruded through the spinneret.

Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of fibrils of short length by suddenly releasing the pressure acting on a two-phase liquid mixture of molten polymer and solvent and which is at a high pressure and a high temperature. The two-phase liquid mixture is ejected through a pressure release orifice so as to vaporize the solvent instantaneously and solidify the polymer, and the flow path of the two-phase liquid mixture is perturbed at the instant when it enters the pressure release orifice.Spinnerets are provided which have a perturbation chamber containing a supply orifice and a pressure release orifice.

Abstract: Liquids, particularly viscous and nonviscous liquids with at least limited mutual solubility, are admixed by introducing one of the liquids into a stream of the other in the form of thin tubes which usually form droplets and by maintaining the resultant two-component stream at a temperature such that the material of the thin tube diffuses throughout the stream to provide mixing of a desired degree.