Cincinnati Milacron Inc.

Christopher P Surface

Siegfried R Wissmann

Extruder barrel temperature control apparatus in the form of a plurality of axially spaced tubular shells positioned in end-to-end relationship on the outer surface of a tubular extruder barrel. Each of the shells includes individual resistance heater elements embedded in the shell wall for providing heat to maintain a desired shell temperature. Each shell includes two groups of outwardly extending cooling fins, each group axially spaced from the other, and each group of fins has an associated air blower positioned below the fins and supported by an outer casing surrounding the extruder barrel. The outer casing includes an internal shroud to confine the cooling air flow so it is directed over and along the cooling fins. The heating elements and the blower motors are connected with a suitable control system for providing and maintaining a desired temperature level at the barrel inner surface. Six such shells defining six respective heating and cooling zones are disclosed. A thermocouple is embedded in the walls of the respective shells for monitoring the shell wall temperature and to permit control adjustments to be made, as necessary to maintain a desired temperature level.

Extruder barrel temperature regulation apparatus

A vent housing for use with an extruder having a rotatable screw positioned within a tubular barrel. The vent housing includes a vent passageway that provides communication between the interior surface of the extruder barrel and a source of reduced pressure in order to draw from within the barrel any gasses and vapors that might be generated or liberated during plastication. The inlet portion of the vent housing is spherically recessed to provide a gap or recess between the barrel inner surface and the vent passageway inlet. The longitudinal axis of the vent passageway is offset from the longitudinal axis of the vent housing axis, and the vent passageway inlet is positioned on the upstream side of the vent housing, relative to the direction of flow of plasticated material. The provision of a spherical recess at the vent housing inlet permits the plasticated material to continue its rolling movement without entering or obstructing the vent passageway, and it avoids the need for mechanical pushing devices to prevent entry of plasticated material into the vent passageway.

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Cincinnati, OH, United States of America

Christopher P Surface