Patent ID: 7513766
Filing Date: 2009-04-07
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
1. An extrusion apparatus comprising: at least one driven feed segment having an outer circumference, a bore defining an inner circumference, and a first surface extending between the outer circumference and the bore, the first surface of the at least one driven feed segment for receiving molten resin thereon; a support member upon which the at least one driven feed segment is rotatably disposed and wherein said driven feed segment is driven at a rate of rotation that is independent of a flow rate of a molten resin disposed thereon, and wherein the support member includes an inner circumferential wall; a central mandrel about which the driven feed segment is rotatably disposed; an annular gap disposed between the inner circumference of the driven feed segment and the central mandrel, an annular gap disposed between the inner circumferential wall and the outer circumference of the central mandrel, said annular gaps defining an annular fluid pathway through which molten resin flows from the first surface and through the annular gaps, wherein rotation of said driven feed segment causes resin introduced on the first surface to flow in the direction of the annular gaps from where the resin is introduced on the first surface; and a means for preventing molten resin disposed on the first surface from flowing in a direction opposite the annular gap.