Patent ID: 8029260
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: B29K,D01D,D01F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for extruding cellulose fibers, comprising: a) a first member having multiple nozzles arranged in rows, each of said nozzles having an inside diameter through which an aqueous solution comprised of cellulose and a solvent can be extruded, and said first member having at least one passage formed therein through which a pressurized gas can be routed; b) a second member secured to said first member, said second member having multiple corridors formed therethrough which are connected to said at least one passage formed in said first member, and said second member having multiple openings formed therein through which said multiple nozzles can pass; and c) a third member secured to said second member, said third member having multiple first openings formed therethrough, each of said multiple first openings sized to permit one of said multiple nozzles to pass through, each of said multiple first openings being concentrically aligned about each of said multiple nozzles, each of said multiple first openings being connected to said pressurized gas corridors formed in said second member and each capable of emitting pressurized gas therethrough such that said pressurized gas at least partially surrounds said aqueous solution extruded from each of said multiple nozzles, and said third member also having multiple second openings formed therethrough, each of which are separate and distinct from said multiple first openings, each of said multiple second openings being connected to said pressurized gas corridors formed in said second member, and each of said multiple second openings being positioned adjacent to one of said multiple first openings.