Patent ID: 6261081
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: A23K,A23P,B29C

Abstract:
An extruder flow restriction element apparatus capable of mechanically controlling the bulk density of an extrudate comprising:an extruder end cap having an end cap bore there through mountable on an outlet end of an extruder barrel where said end cap bore is communicable with an extruder chamber defined by said extruder barrel;an extruder die housing having a die housing bore therethrough and said die housing disposed in said end cap bore and structured and arranged where said die housing bore communicates the extruder chamber with an extruder die; anda flow restriction element disposed between a die housing bore inlet opening and the outlet end of the extruder barrel across the downstream flow of extrudate material and proximate to said extruder die, said flow restriction element further comprising,a fixed component structured and arranged to be fixedly secured within said end cap bore,a movable component disposed adjacent said fixed component, and movable relative to said fixed component to adopt a plurality of positions relative to said fixed component where each of said relative positions of said movable component relative to said fixed component is capable of uniquely restricting the downstream flow of extrudate material,a first seal adapted to seal between the fixed component and the end cap bore and between the fixed component and the die housing,a second seal adapted to seal between the fixed and moving components, andmeans for moving said movable component relative to said fixed component.