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:
Mar. 25, 2003
Filed:
Dec. 14, 1999
John W. Swanson, Portland, OR (US);
Lucien M. Rucker, Beaverton, OR (US);
MicroHelix, Inc., Portland, OR (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and method for producing extruded polymer products such as hollow extrusions and conductor coatings having wall thicknesses of 0.002 inches or less. The apparatus may comprise more than one of the following: an external heat source; temperature measurement and heater control; video monitoring equipment to allow magnified observation of the extrudate, thereby providing opportunity to observe any deficiency in the extrudate; and a die holder and die allowing for more expedient die adjustments. A method for producing ultra thin walled extruded polymer products that comprises the following steps: heating the extrudate as it leaves the die, controlling the heat source through either temperature sensing device and heater controller responsive to the temperature sensed, electric current regulation, or electrical voltage regulation; monitoring the extrudate with video equipment to ensure uniformity of the walls of the extrudate; and adjusting the die during extruder operation in response to any observed deficiency in the extrudate.