3m Innovative Properties Company

Thomas J Rieger

Ronald Wayne Ausen

Michael R Gorman

William C Unruh

Anthony B Ferguson

John H Horns

A die comprising two die cavities, with each capable of supplying polymeric material, and a distribution plate interposed between at least a portion of each of the two die cavities. The distribution plate has a dispensing edge and a plurality of extrusion channels. First and second extrusion channels extend from entrance openings at the first and second die cavities, respectively, to exit openings on the dispensing edge. The exit openings of the first and second extrusion channels are disposed in alternating positions along the dispensing edge. A method of extruding with such a die and an extruded article made therefrom are also disclosed. The method includes co-extruding a first polymeric composition and a second polymeric composition. The extruded article comprises a plurality of longitudinal first stripes of the first polymeric composition alternating with a plurality of longitudinal second stripes of the second polymeric composition.

Method of co-extruding, co-extrusion die, and extruded articles made therefrom

A system for conveying fluids, particularly molten polymer in an extrusion melt train. The system has a first element having a first fluid passage. The first element also has a first interface surface thereon, such that the first interface surface is non-orthogonal to the axis of the first fluid passage. The first element also has a first interlocking feature. The system also has a second element having a second fluid passage. The second element also has a second interface surface thereon, such that the second interface surface is non-orthogonal to the axis of the second fluid passage. The second element also has a second interlocking feature. In use, the first element and the second element are placed in a linking position adjacent each other such that the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage.

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Maplewood, MN, United States of America

Thomas J Rieger