US3671026A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for expansion of expandable polymer beads
Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Co
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Filing: 1970-11-02
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Granted: 1972-06-20
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Expires: 1990-11-02
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus is provided wherein large low-density interlocking particles are made by expanding thermoplastic polymer beads containing a normally liquid organic blowing agent. The beads are expanded by heating to the temperature of expansion with steam in a rotating tube. Gentle agitation is provided by a combination of the tumbling action of the rotating tube and the action of the steam rising through the expanding beads. The resultant uniformly expanded particles are not crushed or shredded. The particles are suitable for use in loose-fill packaging of shock-sensitive materials.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank J Mills
- 👤 John T Sadowski
- 👤 Harwood H Squires
- 👤 James J Uebelhart
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 04:55
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C44/00; B29C44/34; B29C44/3461; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S264/00; Y10S264/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
Apparatus for expanding expandable thermoplastic polymer beads comprising: a. a first cylindrical tubular member having end closures in one end of which there is an aperture; b. means connected to said tubular member for supporting and rotating said first tubular member about an axis; c. a second cylindrical tubular member surrounding said first tubular member in spaced apart relation and forming an annular space with said first tubular member; d. a plurality of fluid conduits arranged and supported in said annular space, each said conduit having one or more nozzles extending through said second tubular member; e. means for flowing a heated fluid in said fluid conduits; f. means for introducing said beads into said first tubular member; g. means for rotating said first and second tubular members while said heated fluid flows into said first tubular member whereby said beads expand into foamed polymer particles; and h. means to remove the foamed polymer particles from said first tubular member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
Apparatus for expanding expandable thermoplastic polymer beads comprising: a. a first cylindrical tubular member having end closures in one end of which there is an aperture; b. means connected to said tubular member for supporting and rotating said first tubular member about an axis; c. a second cylindrical tubular member surrounding said first tubular member in spaced apart relation and forming an annular space with said first tubular member; d. a plurality of fluid conduits arranged and supported in said annular space, each said conduit having one or more nozzles extending through said second tubular member; e. means for flowing a heated fluid in said fluid conduits; f. means for introducing said beads into said first tubular member; g. means for rotating said first and second tubular members while said heated fluid flows into said first tubular member whereby said beads expand into foamed polymer particles; and h. means to remove the foamed polymer particles from said first tubular member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: a. said one end of said first tubular member is frusto-conical in shape.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: a. the means supporting said first tubular member comprises an opposed pair of hollow shafts journaled in bearing supports; and including b. means flowing steam in one shaft and means flowing beads in the other shaft; and c. means conveying steam from said shaft to said fluid conduits.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein: a. said means for flowing a heated fluid in said conduits includes a header conduit disposed in said annular space and fluidly connected to said fluid conduits.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for the expansion of expandable thermoplastic polymer beads comprising: a. a tube having a closed end and an open end; b. means for rotating said tube; c. means for introducing expandable polymer beads into one end of said tube as said tube rotates; d. means for heating said expandable polymer beads in said tube whereby said beads expand into foamed polymer particles; e. means for separating said particles from said beads; and f. means for removing said particles from said tube.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for the expansion of expandable thermoplastic polymer beads comprising: a. a tube having a closed end and an open end; b. means for rotating said tube; c. means for introducing expandable polymer beads into one end of said tube as said tube rotates; d. means for heating said expandable polymer beads in said tube whereby said beads expand into foamed polymer particles; e. means for separating said particles from said beads; and f. means for removing said particles from said tube.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The aPparatus of claim 5 wherein: a. said means for heating said expandable polymer beads comprises a plurality of injection nozzles through which steam flows into said tube and into contact with said beads.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3132846A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-20 | 1975-12-20 | 1976-06-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-20 | 1979-12-20 | 1980-06-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-20 | 1983-12-20 | 1984-06-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |