Monsanto Company

Timothy J Fowler

Peter H Farmer

John C Hoagland

Paul G Kanan

Edward T Bielski

John R Long

An improved slit die for extruding thermoplastic sheet and having the capacity for fine gauge control comprises a die blade and an opposed surface in which the local separation between the two is variable by the generation of localized expansion and contraction forces in the body of the die blade while isolating the die blade lip from temperature variations by the provision of a heat barrier means.

Extrusion die blade

The ends of refractory-lined rotary kilns are often subjected to such intense heat flux that the steel shell of the kiln at either or both ends is subjected to substantial thermal expansion in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions, resulting in premature cracking and failure of the refractory. The present apparatus is a rotary kiln wherein either or both ends of the steel shell thereof are provided with a plurality of substantially longitudinal slots which accommodate circumferential expansion and the refractory is affixed to the steel shell at such end(s) with sliding anchors to accommodate longitudinal expansion.

Rotary retort

A lightweight, unitary plastic pallet adapted for handling heavy powder loads. The pallet has a substantially rigid lower deck, a flexible, reinforced and continuous upper deck adapted to deflect against the lower deck under load, and a plurality of integral legs permitting forklift transport of the pallet.

Unitary plastic pallet for handling heavy powder loads

A hollow molded unitary plastic pallet is provided for use in handling and transporting cargo, particularly with forklift trucks. The pallet comprises upper and lower surfaces with legs disposed on the lower surface. Reinforcement of the pallet is achieved by means of holes through the pallet surfaces and by means of reinforcing grooves disposed on the legs and on the lower surface of the pallet. The grooves on the lower surface extend from the holes to the legs and continue down along the length of the legs to their bases.

Growing community of inventors

St. Louis, MO, United States of America

Timothy J Fowler