Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100135621 | MULTI-ELECTRODE SYSTEM WITH VIBRATING ELECTRODES - A multi-electrode system includes a fiber holder that holds at least one optical fiber, a plurality of electrodes arranged to generate a heated field to heat the at least one optical fiber, and a vibration mechanism that causes at least one of the electrodes from the plurality of electrodes to vibrate. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum. The system can be used for processing many types of fibers, such processing including, as examples, stripping, splicing, annealing, tapering, and so on. Corresponding fiber processing methods are also provided. | 06-03-2010 |
20100226613 | MULTI-ELECTRODE SYSTEM - A multi-electrode system comprises a fiber support configured to hold at least one optical fiber and a set of electrodes disposed about the at least one optical fiber and configured to generate arcs between adjacent electrodes to generate a substantially uniform heated field to a circumferential outer surface of the at least one optical fiber. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum. | 09-09-2010 |
20110052135 | LIQUID METAL CLAMP AND FIBER CLEAVING USING SAME - The present invention is directed to a liquid metal clamp, and a clamp system and method including same. A clamp system includes a first clamp configured to hold a first portion of a set of fibers and a second clamp configured to hold a second portion of the set of fibers, the second clamp comprising a liquid metal that takes a liquid form at a first temperature for receipt of the second portion of the set of fibers and that takes a solid form at a second temperature to secure the second of the set of fibers. The set of fibers can be a single fiber or a plurality of fibers. The fiber or fibers can have a circular or non-circular cross section. | 03-03-2011 |
20110277511 | MULTI-ELECTRODE SYSTEM WITH VIBRATING ELECTRODES - A multi-electrode system includes a fiber holder that holds at least one optical fiber, a plurality of electrodes arranged to generate a heated field to heat the at least one optical fiber, and a vibration mechanism that causes at least one of the electrodes from the plurality of electrodes to vibrate. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum. The system can be used for processing many types of fibers, such processing including, as examples, stripping, splicing, annealing, tapering, and so on. Corresponding fiber processing methods are also provided. | 11-17-2011 |
20120183265 | THERMAL MECHANICAL DIFFUSION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Provided is a thermal mechanical diffusion system and method. In accordance with the present invention, one end of a fiber under tension is vibrated while a portion of the fiber is heated. A push-pull action of one end of the fiber forces increased (or rapid) diffusion of dopants in the portion of the fiber that is in a heat zone, which receives the heat. By controlling the amplitude and frequency of the vibration, a diffusion profile of one or more fibers can be dictated with precision. Heat sources having narrower thermal profiles can enable greater precision in dictating the diffusion profile. As an example, this can be particularly useful for creating a diffusion taper within a fiber to be spliced, where the taper is a result of thermal expansion of the fiber core. Diffusion can occur much more rapidly than is typical. | 07-19-2012 |
20120183266 | MULTI-STAGE FIBER PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A multi-stage fiber processing system comprises first and second fiber holders configured to hold respective portions of at least one fiber and a plurality of heat sources arranged between the first and second fiber holders and configured to provide a heat zone that axially extends about the at least on fiber. The first and second fiber holders can be configured to translate away from each other for tapering. The plurality of heat sources can include two 3 electrode heat sources that deliver an extended, substantially isothermic heat field axially about the fiber. All but one heat source can be turned off to splice the fiber. The two 3 electrode heat sources can generate 9 arcs to from the heat zone, wherein arcs between the two 3 electrode heat sources can be rotated about the at least one fiber. | 07-19-2012 |
20130228021 | LOAD FLEXURE ASSEMBLY - In accordance with present invention, a load flexure assembly is provided. The load cell assembly includes a plurality of load cells (i.e., two or more) connected between a top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate and bottom plate can be arranged substantially in parallel, one above the other, with the plurality of load cells coupled in between the two. | 09-05-2013 |
20140331719 | MULTI-ELECTRODE SYSTEM WITH VIBRATING ELECTRODES - A multi-electrode system includes a fiber holder that holds at least one optical fiber, a plurality of electrodes arranged to generate a heated field to heat the at least one optical fiber, and a vibration mechanism that causes at least one of the electrodes from the plurality of electrodes to vibrate. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum. The system can be used for processing many types of fibers, such processing including, as examples, stripping, splicing, annealing, tapering, and so on. Corresponding fiber processing methods are also provided. | 11-13-2014 |
20150040615 | PARTIAL VACUUM OPERATION OF ARC DISCHARGE FOR CONTROLLED HEATING - An electrical discharge, suitable for heating optical fibers for processing, is made in a controlled partial vacuum, such that saturation of available ionizable gas molecules is reached. The workpiece temperature is thereby made to be a stably controlled function of the absolute air pressure and is insensitive to other conditions. A system and method accomplishing the foregoing are provided. | 02-12-2015 |
20150096968 | THERMAL MECHANICAL DIFFUSION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Provided is a thermal mechanical diffusion system and method. In accordance with the present invention, one end of a fiber under tension is vibrated while a portion of the fiber is heated. A push-pull action of one end of the fiber forces increased (or rapid) diffusion of dopants in the portion of the fiber that is in a heat zone, which receives the heat. By controlling the amplitude and frequency of the vibration, a diffusion profile of one or more fibers can be dictated with precision. Heat sources having narrower thermal profiles can enable greater precision in dictating the diffusion profile. As an example, this can be particularly useful for creating a diffusion taper within a fiber to be spliced, where the taper is a result of thermal expansion of the fiber core. Diffusion can occur much more rapidly than is typical. | 04-09-2015 |
20150378103 | MULTI-ELECTRODE SYSTEM WITH VIBRATING ELECTRODES - A multi-electrode system includes a fiber holder that holds at least one optical fiber, a plurality of electrodes arranged to generate a heated field to heat the at least one optical fiber, and a vibration mechanism that causes at least one of the electrodes from the plurality of electrodes to vibrate. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum. The system can be used for processing many types of fibers, such processing including, as examples, stripping, splicing, annealing, tapering, and so on. Corresponding fiber processing methods are also provided. | 12-31-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130192348 | SENSOR-ENABLED GATE VALVE - Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve including a body and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body with a sensing bore; a bonnet contacting the body; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192350 | SENSOR-ENABLED GATE VALVE - Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve including a body, a stem, and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body, a stem, and a sensing bore; a bonnet contacting the body; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore. | 08-01-2013 |
20130199625 | FLUSHING HYDRANT - A device for flushing a hydrant includes a stem connected to a valve of the hydrant; and an actuation system including a biased translational system coupled to the stem. An actuation system for flushing a hydrant includes a fluid; a piston assembly movable by the fluid; and a biasing element at least indirectly biasing the piston assembly towards a stop position. A method of flushing a hydrant includes operating an actuation system coupled to the hydrant, the actuation system including a stored energy device, a piston assembly coupled to a stem of the hydrant; and a biasing element coupled to the stem, the stem connected to a valve of the hydrant; and opening the valve of the hydrant by releasing energy from the stored energy device against a piston plate of the piston assembly. | 08-08-2013 |
20130206241 | FLUSHING HYDRANT WITH FAIL-SAFE - A device for flushing a hydrant includes a stem connected to a fluid valve of the hydrant and an actuation system including a biased translational system coupled to the stem, a compressed gas, and a normally-open gas discharge valve. An actuation system for flushing a hydrant includes a fluid, a piston assembly movable by the fluid, a manual bleed valve in communication with the fluid, and a biasing element at least indirectly biasing the piston assembly towards a stop position. | 08-15-2013 |
20130314239 | POSITION INDICATOR FOR VALVES - A device for indicating the status of a valve includes a position indicator, wherein the position indicator includes a monitoring element, and a communication element. A method for indicating the status of at least one valve includes monitoring positions of a device enclosed by a first valve with a position indicator and communicating the positions of the device enclosed by the first valve with a communications element. | 11-28-2013 |
20140278246 | SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING PROPERTIES OF WATER IN A WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - Systems and methods of measuring properties of water in a water distribution system are provided. An analysis system, according to one embodiment, comprises a plurality of water sensors connected at various points to the water distribution system, each of the plurality of water sensors configured to measure a property of water. The analysis system also includes a computer server configured to communicate with the plurality of water sensors via a network and receive water measurement data from the plurality of water sensors. The computer server comprises a processor, a database configured to store the water measurement data, and a system health monitoring module configured to evaluate the health of the water distribution system to obtain health data. The analysis system further includes at least one client device configured to communicate with the computer server via the network and receive the health data from the computer server. | 09-18-2014 |
20140352800 | SYSTEM FOR CONTAMINANT ISOLATION AND FLUSHING - Disclosed is a hydrant including an upper barrel; at least one hose nozzle; a valve associated with the hose nozzle; an electric motor to open and close the valve; and a controller coupled to the hydrant | 12-04-2014 |
20150219223 | SENSOR-ENABLED GATE VALVE - A gate valve includes a body, a stem, and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body, the body defining a sensing bore; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore. A method of sensing an aspect of a water control system includes gaining access to the water control system through an access bore in a gate valve; at least temporarily removing water for testing from the access bore; and sensing an aspect of the removed water. | 08-06-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110139386 | WET LAP COMPOSITION AND RELATED PROCESSES - A microfiber-containing wet lap composition is provided. The wet lap composition comprises a mixture of a sulfopolyester dispersion and a plurality of water nondispersible synthetic polymer microfibers. The microfibers have an equivalent diameter of less than 5 microns and a length of less than 25 millimeters. The sulfopolyester dispersion comprises at least one sulfopolyester and water. | 06-16-2011 |
20120157614 | WATERBORNE COATING COMPOSITIONS THAT INCLUDE 2,2,4-TRIMETHYL-3-OXOPENTANOATE ESTERS AS REACTIVE COALESCENTS - Waterborne coating compositions are disclosed that include a latex emulsion polymer, and, as a reactive coalescent, a 2,2,4-trimethyl-3-oxopentanoate ester. The coating compositions of the invention have a reduced VOC content, and provide improved coalescing activity. | 06-21-2012 |
20120175074 | NONWOVEN ARTICLE WITH RIBBON FIBERS - Ribbon fibers, nonwoven articles derived therefrom, and their process of manufacture are provided. The ribbon fibers are derived from multicomponent fibers having a striped configuration and have a length of less than 25 millimeters, a minimum transverse dimension of less than 5 microns, and a transverse aspect ratio of at least 2:1. The ribbon fibers are formed from a water non-dispersible synthetic polymer. The nonwoven articles containing the ribbon fibers may be used for a wide array of products. | 07-12-2012 |
20120175298 | HIGH EFFICIENCY FILTER - A high efficiency filter comprising at least one nonwoven web layer is provided. The nonwoven web layer comprises a plurality of first fibers, a plurality of second fibers, and a binder. The first fibers comprise a water non-dispersible synthetic polymer and have a different configuration and/or composition than the second fibers. The first fibers have a length of less than 25 millimeters and a minimum transverse dimension of less than 5 microns. The nonwoven web layer comprises at least 15 weight percent of the first fibers, at least 10 weight percent of the second fibers, and at least 1 weight percent of the binder. The high efficiency filter has a filtration efficiency of 85% (DIN EN 1822) or higher. Also disclosed is a process for producing the first fibers and the multicomponent fibers from which they are derived. | 07-12-2012 |
20120177996 | NONWOVEN ARTICLE WITH RIBBON FIBERS - Ribbon fibers, nonwoven articles derived therefrom, and their process of manufacture are provided. The ribbon fibers are derived from multicomponent fibers having a striped configuration and have a length of less than 25 millimeters, a minimum transverse dimension of less than 5 microns, and a transverse aspect ratio of at least 2:1. The ribbon fibers are formed from a water non-dispersible synthetic polymer. The nonwoven articles containing the ribbon fibers may be used for a wide array of products. | 07-12-2012 |
20120178331 | NONWOVEN ARTICLE WITH RIBBON FIBERS - Ribbon fibers, nonwoven articles derived therefrom, and their process of manufacture are provided. The ribbon fibers are derived from multicomponent fibers having a striped configuration and have a length of less than 25 millimeters, a minimum transverse dimension of less than 5 microns, and a transverse aspect ratio of at least 2:1. The ribbon fibers are formed from a water non-dispersible synthetic polymer. The nonwoven articles containing the ribbon fibers may be used for a wide array of products. | 07-12-2012 |
20120180968 | NONWOVEN ARTICLE WITH RIBBON FIBERS - Ribbon fibers, nonwoven articles derived therefrom, and their process of manufacture are provided. The ribbon fibers are derived from multicomponent fibers having a striped configuration and have a length of less than 25 millimeters, a minimum transverse dimension of less than 5 microns, and a transverse aspect ratio of at least 2:1. The ribbon fibers are formed from a water non-dispersible synthetic polymer. The nonwoven articles containing the ribbon fibers may be used for a wide array of products. | 07-19-2012 |
20120181720 | SULFOPOLYESTER BINDERS - A versatile binder comprising at least one or more sulfopolyesters is provided. These sulfopolyester binders can enhance the dry tensile strength, wet tensile strength, tear force, and burst strength of the nonwoven articles in which they are incorporated. Additionally, the water permeability of these binders can be modified as desired by blending different types of sulfopolyesters to produce the binder. Therefore, the binder can be used in a wide array of nonwoven end products and can be modified accordingly based on the desired properties sought in the nonwoven products. | 07-19-2012 |
20120183861 | SULFOPOLYESTER BINDERS - A versatile binder comprising at least one or more sulfopolyesters is provided. These sulfopolyester binders can enhance the dry tensile strength, wet tensile strength, tear force, and burst strength of the nonwoven articles in which they are incorporated. Additionally, the water permeability of these binders can be modified as desired by blending different types of sulfopolyesters to produce the binder. Therefore, the binder can be used in a wide array of nonwoven end products and can be modified accordingly based on the desired properties sought in the nonwoven products. | 07-19-2012 |
20120183862 | BATTERY SEPARATOR - A battery separator comprising at least one nonwoven web layer is provided. The nonwoven web layer comprises a plurality of first fibers, a plurality of second fibers, and a binder. The first fibers comprise a water non-dispersible synthetic polymer and have a different configuration and/or composition than the second fibers. The first fibers have a length of less than 25 millimeters and a minimum transverse dimension of less than 5 microns. The nonwoven web layer comprises at least 10 weight percent of the first fibers, at least 10 weight percent of the second fibers, and at least 1 weight percent of the binder. The battery separator exhibits an enhanced combination of strength, durability, and ionic resistance. | 07-19-2012 |
20120184164 | PAPERBOARD OR CARDBOARD - A paperboard and a cardboard comprising at least one nonwoven web layer are provided. The nonwoven web layer comprises a plurality of first fibers, a plurality of second fibers, and a binder. The first fibers comprise a water non-dispersible synthetic polymer and have a different configuration and/or composition than the second fibers. The first fibers have a length of less than 25 millimeters and a minimum transverse dimension of less than 5 microns. The nonwoven web layer comprises at least 1 weight percent of the first fibers, at least 10 weight percent of the second fibers, and at least 1 weight percent of the binder. The paperboard and cardboard can incorporate a large amount of post consumer recycled fibers and still exhibit high strength and durability. Also disclosed is a process for producing the first fibers and the multicomponent fibers from which they are derived. | 07-19-2012 |
20120219766 | HIGH STRENGTH SPECIALTY PAPER - A high strength specialty paper comprising at least one nonwoven web layer is provided. The nonwoven web layer comprises a plurality of first fibers, a plurality of cellulosic fibers, and a binder. The first fibers comprise a water non-dispersible synthetic polymer and have a different configuration and/or composition than the cellulosic fibers. The first fibers have a length of less than 25 millimeters and a minimum transverse dimension of less than 5 microns. Also disclosed is a process for producing the first fibers and the multicomponent fibers from which they are derived. | 08-30-2012 |
20120251597 | END PRODUCTS INCORPORATING SHORT-CUT MICROFIBERS - Various fibrous articles incorporating a water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfiber are provided. The water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfibers can be incorporated into a number of different fibrous articles including personal care products, medical care products, automotive products, household products, personal recreational products, specialty papers, paper products, and building and landscaping materials. In addition, the water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfibers can be incorporated into nonwoven webs, thermobonded webs, hydroentangled webs, multilayer nonwovens, laminates, composites, wet-laid webs, dry-laid webs, laminates, composites, wet laps, woven articles, fabrics and geotextiles. These various end products can incorporate the water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfibers in varying amounts based on the desired end use. | 10-04-2012 |
20120302119 | SHORT CUT MICROFIBERS - A short-cut, water non-dispersible polymer microfiber is provided comprising at least one water non-dispersible polymer wherein the water non-dispersible polymer microfiber has an average fineness of less than 1 denier per filament; and wherein said water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfiber has an aspect ratio of about 300 to about 1000. A process for producing water non-dispersible polymer microfibers and a process for producing nonwoven articles are also provided. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302120 | SHORT CUT MICROFIBERS - A short-cut, water non-dispersible polymer microfiber is provided comprising at least one water non-dispersible polymer wherein the water non-dispersible polymer microfiber has an average fineness of less than 1 denier per filament; and wherein said water non-dispersible short-cut polymer microfiber has an aspect ratio of about 300 to about 1000. Processes to produce the short-cut, water non-dispersible polymer microfiber are also provided as well as process for producing nonwoven articles. | 11-29-2012 |
20130123409 | SOLVENT-BORNE PRODUCTS CONTAINING SHORT-CUT MICROFIBERS - Solvent-borne products enhanced with short-cut microfibers and processes for making such enhanced solvent-borne products are disclosed. The short-cut microfibers can function to impart enhanced physical properties (e.g., enhanced thixotropy) to the solvent-borne products. Solvent-borne products suitable for enhancement with short-cut microfibers include flowable products (e.g., coatings, sealants, caulks, mastics, and adhesives) that can be applied to a substrate and that adhere to the substrate when dried and/or cured. | 05-16-2013 |
20140311694 | PAPER AND NONWOVEN ARTICLES COMPRISING SYNTHETIC MICROFIBER BINDERS - A paper or nonwoven article is provided comprising a nonwoven web layer, wherein the nonwoven web layer comprises a plurality of fibers and a plurality of binder microfibers, wherein the binder microfibers comprise a water non-dispersible, synthetic polymer; wherein the binder microfibers have a length of less than 25 millimeters and a fineness of less than 0.5 d/f; and wherein the binder microfibers have a melting temperature that is less than the melting temperature of the fibers. | 10-23-2014 |
20140311695 | PAPER AND NONWOVEN ARTICLES COMPRISING SYNTHETIC MICROFIBER BINDERS - A process of making a paper or nonwoven article is provide. The process comprising:
| 10-23-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110230394 | Processes Using Antibiotic Alternatives In Bioethanol Production - Methods for controlling the growth of bacteria in ethanol fermentation systems with antibiotic alternatives, which can be nonoxidizing biocides, stabilized oxidizers, or any combinations thereof, are described. As an option, a process or composition of the present invention can include one or more polycyclic antibacterial peptides. The methods can provide improvements, such as increased ethanol yields with minimal carryover of biocide into co-products of the processes. | 09-22-2011 |
20130043194 | Tagged Polymers, Water Treatment Compositions, And Methods Of Their Use In Aqueous Systems - A method and composition is described for controlling the growth of fouling materials, such as scale, in aqueous systems using a tagged (fluorescent) polymer. The tagged polymer can be a fluorescent polymer which has at least one fluorescent monomeric unit derived from a fluorophore which has at least one terminal end comprising an olefinic group. The method of controlling the growth of at least one fouling material in an aqueous system can include the steps of adding the tagged polymer to the aqueous system to be treated, fluorometrically monitoring the concentration of the tagged polymer, and adjusting, as needed, the concentration of the tagged polymer and proportionally used water treatment compound or compounds effective to control the growth of at least one fouling material. The adjustment of pH before determination of the fluorescence signal can be employed to increase sensitivity of the fluorophore and minimize background interference. | 02-21-2013 |
20130292267 | Method And Apparatus For Measuring And Controlling Electrolytically-Active Species Concentration In Aqueous Solutions - A method is provided for measuring an electrolytically-active species concentration in an aqueous or non-aqueous solution for use in providing control of the concentration of the species in a source solution thereof based on the measurements. In the method, a sample containing an electrolytically-active species is added into a measurement cell that has a working electrode and an auxiliary electrode, and a constant current is applied to the measurement cell while the working and auxiliary electrodes are in contact with the sample with monitoring of voltage difference across the electrodes until a change in the voltage difference is detected. A feedback signal is generated based on a parameter of the change in the voltage difference that is directly proportional to the amount of the electrolytically-active species in the sample, which can be used for process control. An apparatus is also described. | 11-07-2013 |
20140088190 | Method And Apparatus For The Enhancement Of The Biocidal Efficacy Of Monoalkyldithiocarbamate Salts - The present invention provides a method of treating an aqueous system for biocide control, by adding an acidified solution that includes monoalkyldithiocarbamate salt and alkyl isothiocyanate to an aqueous system. A biocide feed system is also provided that is configured to generate a reproducible level of alkyl isothiocyanate. The method and system provide effective levels of alkyl isothiocyanate for rapid biocidal activity, along with levels of monoalkyldithiocarbamate salt which can decompose to form additional alkyl isothiocyanate and provide longer-term biocidal activity. | 03-27-2014 |
20140105808 | Method And Apparatus For Monitoring And Controlling Exothermic And Endothermic Chemical Reactions - A method of controlling an exothermic or endothermic chemical reaction is provided. The method involves measuring a temperature of a first reactant flowing at a first flow rate, contacting the first reactant with a second reactant flowing at a second flow rate to form a reaction product, measuring the temperature of the reaction product, and determining the temperature difference between the temperature of the first reactant and the temperature of the reaction product. The method can further involve adjusting the flow rate of at least one of the first reactant and the second reactant, or shutting down flow, based on the temperature difference. An apparatus to carry out the method is also provided. The method and apparatus can be useful in controlling many different reactions, including the reaction of sodium hypochlorite and ammonia to form monochloramine. | 04-17-2014 |
20150118726 | Processes Using Antibiotic Alternatives In Bioethanol Production - Methods for controlling the growth of bacteria in ethanol fermentation systems with antibiotic alternatives, which can be nonoxidizing biocides, stabilized oxidizers, or any combinations thereof, are described. As an option, a process or composition of the present invention can include one or more polycyclic antibacterial peptides. The methods can provide improvements, such as increased ethanol yields with minimal carryover of biocide into co-products of the processes. | 04-30-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150069652 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING BULKED CONTINUOUS FILAMENT - A method of recycling PET into PET nurdles, comprises: (A) grinding recycled PET bottles into a group of flakes; (B) washing the flakes; (C) identifying and removing impurities, including impure flakes, from the group of flakes; (D) passing the group of flakes through an MRS extruder while maintaining the pressure within the MRS portion of the MRS extruder below about 18 millibars; (E) passing the resulting polymer melt through at least one filter having a micron rating of less than about 50 microns; and (F) forming the recycled polymer into PET nurdles. In various embodiments, the polymer melt is formed into PET nurdles using any suitable technique such as, for example, any suitable strand pelletizing or melt pelletizing techniques. | 03-12-2015 |
20150069655 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING BULKED CONTINUOUS FILAMENT - A method of manufacturing bulked continuous carpet filament which, in various embodiments, comprises: (A) grinding recycled PET bottles into a group of flakes; (B) washing the flakes; (C) identifying and removing impurities, including impure flakes, from the group of flakes; (D) passing the group of flakes through an expanded surface area extruder while maintaining a pressure within the expanded surface area extruder below about 25 millibars; (E) passing the resulting polymer melt through at least one filter having a micron rating of less than about 50 microns; and (F) forming the recycled polymer into bulked continuous carpet filament that consists essentially of recycled PET. | 03-12-2015 |
20150076725 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING BULKED CONTINUOUS FILAMENT - A method of recycling polymers and other plastics comprises: (A) grinding recycled PET bottles (or other suitable recycled polymer) into a group of flakes; (B) washing the flakes; (C) identifying and removing impurities, including impure flakes, from the group of flakes; (D) passing the group of flakes through an MRS extruder while maintaining the pressure within the MRS portion of the MRS extruder below about 5 millibars; (E) passing the resulting polymer melt through at least one filter having a micron rating of less than about 50 microns; and (F) preparing the polymer melt for recycling into a new product. In various embodiments, the above process may be utilized in the recycling of, for example, polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), or any other suitable polymer or plastic | 03-19-2015 |
20150076744 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING BULKED CONTINUOUS FILAMENT - A method of manufacturing bulked continuous carpet filament which, in various embodiments, comprises: (A) grinding recycled PET bottles into a group of flakes; (B) washing the flakes; (C) identifying and removing impurities, including impure flakes, from the group of flakes; (D) passing the flakes through a PET crystallizer; (E) passing the group of flakes through an MRS extruder while maintaining the pressure within the MRS portion of the MRS extruder below about 18 millibars; (F) passing the resulting polymer melt through at least one filter having a micron rating of less than about 50 microns; and (G) forming the recycled polymer into bulked continuous carpet filament that consists essentially of recycled PET. | 03-19-2015 |