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:
Jan. 22, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 28, 2000
Lavon G. Wenger, Sabetha, KS (US);
Bobbie W. Hauck, Sabetha, KS (US);
Wenger Manufacturing, Inc., Sabetha, KS (US);
Abstract
Improved, high-capacity extrusion systems ( ) are provided which minimize product losses and permit the user to conduct multiple, segregated short extrusion runs with a minimum of down time between runs. The systems ( ) include an extruder assembly ( ) having a special, multiple-position die assembly ( ), as well as an upstream preconditioner ( ) and feed bin assembly ( ). A variable speed, variable output discharge screw feeder ( ) is located between the preconditioner outlet ( ) and extruder barrel inlet ( ). A PLC-type controller ( ) coupled to the extruder assembly components establishes a choke full condition at the discharge feeder ( ) so that continuous uninterrupted flow of preconditioned material to the extruder ( ) at a uniform mass flow rate is maintained for as long as possible. In preferred forms, load cells ( ) are operatively coupled to the bin assembly ( ) and preconditioner ( ) so as to monitor material flow through the systems ( ). A multiple stage cascade-type dryer assembly ( ) is provided downstream of extruder ( ). The assembly ( ) is controlled via the controller ( ) in coordination with the extruder assemblies ( ) so as to maintain the segregation between separate product runs throughout the drying operation.