Patent ID: 6050800
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
A sizing sleeve for controlling the outer diameter of an internally pressurized plastic tube traveling through the sizing sleeve, the sizing sleeve having an upstream and a downstream end relative to the tube travel, including at least two pressurized sizing sleeve portions each having means for injecting fluid under pressure substantially about the circumference of the tube to form a lubricating fluid layer between a sizing sleeve inner surface and the tube, each pressurized sizing sleeve portion comprising an inner sizing sleeve member having a plurality of injection apertures extending radially thereacross, an annular injection fluid manifold radially surrounding the inner sizing sleeve member and communicating with said apertures, wherein the inner sizing sleeve member includes a plurality of coaxial rings arranged end-to-end, the injection apertures being formed between end surfaces of adjacent rings, wherein the injection apertures are formed by grooves in one or more of said end surfaces, said manifold for communicating with a fluid supply and said grooves extending to the sizing sleeve inner surface, said injecting means including said injection apertures and said manifold.