The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 15, 2000
Filed:
Jul. 02, 1997
Donald R Speck, Festus, MO (US);
Alfred H Mirman, St. Louis, MO (US);
Ralston Purina Company, St. Louis, MO (US);
Abstract
An adjustable variable flow restriction element and an extruder containing the same are provided for mechanically controlling the bulk density of an extruded material. The adjustable flow restriction element is located in an extruder proximate to the die of the extruder in position to partially block the downstream flow of material through the extruder. The adjustable flow restriction element is structured to be capable of assuming one of a plurality of uniquely flow restrictive positions, where the degree of restriction of flow controls the bulk density of an extruded material. A method of mechanically controlling the bulk density of an extruded material by restricting the flow of the material through an extruder is also provided.