Abstract: A process for recycling a thermoplastic resin covered with a thermosetting-resin paint film includes the steps of decomposing the paint film by bringing the thermoplastic resin covered with the paint film into contact with a paint-film-decomposing agent in a molten state, and removing decomposed products, resulting from the paint film and the paint-film-decomposing agent, and the residual paint-film-decomposing agent by degassification to prepare a recycled resin. The paint-film-decomposing agent can be primary amines and/or secondary amines having a boiling point of 250.degree. C. or less, or being decomposed at 250.degree. C. or less, or can be tertiary amines and/or quaternary amines having a boiling point of 250.degree. C. or less, or being decomposed at 250.degree. C. or less to which water and/or alcohols is added.

Abstract: A device for the encapsulation of syringes and other hazardous plastic waste having needles or other sharp elements, the device having a melt chamber with a reciprocating compaction head, the weight of the compaction head providing the force to conform molten plastic into a puck covering the needle points. Flow release apertures allow for escape of gases and provide an overflow conduit for excess molten plastic. The puck adheres to the compaction head and is ejected back into the melt chamber for removal and disposal.

Abstract: A waste plastics compacting apparatus has a tubular accommodating container for accommodating waste plastics, a bottom plate sliding up and down inside of the accommodating container for varying an inner volume of said accommodating container, a bag provided beneath said bottom plate, an air pump for inflating or deflating said bag, an outer container provided outside of said accommodating container, a lid for loading and unloading the waste plastics provided above said accommodating container, and a hot air generating part having a heater and a blower.

Abstract: A process which includes comminuting a first thermoplastic material, e.g. polypropylene, reinforced with short glass fiber (10-400 .mu.m). 100 parts by weight of the comminuted material are mixed with 11-43 parts by weight of chips of a second thermoplastic material, which is reinforced with long glass fiber (about 10-20 mm). The melts of the two thermoplastic materials should be mutually mixable. The mixture is subjected to thermoplastic forming.

Abstract: An apparatus for recycling previously used agricultural plastic film mulch in which the plastic film mulch is fed by a conveyor along a predetermined path of travel, while being agitated and shaken on the conveyor to dislodge and remove dirt, debris and the like therefrom, shredding the plastic film mulch into discreet pieces in a shredder while removing additional dirt, debris and the like therefrom, conveying the shredded plastic film mulch through a vertical separator along a second, tortuous path of travel, while drying the shredded plastic mulch by heated air and agitating the plastic film mulch by projections extending into the second path of travel to dislodge and remove still further dirt, debris and the like therefrom, and extruding the cleaned and shredded plastic film mulch into a reusable form in an extruder, which melts the plastic film mulch, screens solids from the molten plastic, and extrudes the molten plastic into a reusable form, such as pellets.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid rubber adaptor for converting an existing sheet metal highway barrier. The method includes the steps of: mixing and knead melting a mixture of: 80 to 90 percent by weight particles of recycled waste rubber; 10 to 20 percent by weight virgin rubber; and an accelerator composition; forming the mixture to a selected adaptor configuration thus defining an adaptor; curing the mixture within a chamber at a temperature of 350.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. for a period of time from 3 to 5 hours; and removing the cured barrier from the chamber.

Abstract: A close loop thermoplastic recycling process includes the step of testing particulated processed plastic material to determine the properties thereof. The tested properties are compared with targeted near virgin properties of the processed plastic material to determine any difference(s) therebetween. Additives based on the property differences determined during testing are admixed with the particulates in a twin screw extruder. During extruding, volatile constituents are simultaneously withdrawn from the fused particulates. The twin screws of the extruder are provided with a number of screw sections, each having a thread with predetermined degrees of chamfer and pitch length. Kneading blocks are mounted on certain screw sections prior to a vacuum vent port disposed along the feed path of the melt stream in the extruder. The extruded material is tested to determine if any property differences exist.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for energy efficient recycling of reinforced rubber products, such as tires, conveyor belts, and the like, wherein the rubber is reinforced by cords or belts of steel, nylon, fabric and the like. The presence of the reinforcement materials poses not only a necessity to separate the rubber therefrom but also poses a problem of disposing of the reinforcement materials. By placing the reinforced rubber in an environment of ozone (O.sub.3) and applying a force to the rubber, the rubber breaks down leaving the reinforcement materials for ready disposal. The method and apparatus thereby provide an energy efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally safe and acceptable technique for recycling reinforced rubber products.

Abstract: A compress/melt waste processor includes a frame; a chamber housing having walls which define a chamber therein; a ram movably disposed in the chamber; a sensor which senses pressure applied by the ram; an actuator operatively connected to the ram to move the ram; a chamber hatch upon which the housing is mounted, the chamber housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch defining a space therebetween; and a device for feeding contaminated plastic waste into the chamber. The apparatus also includes a device for heating the housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch; a device for cooling the housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch, a device for detecting temperature of the housing walls, the ram, the chamber hatch and the contaminated plastic waste in the chamber; and a control device for controlling the actuator and the heating and cooling devices.

Abstract: A process for reclaiming waste plastics having a paint film which includes subjecting the paint film to a hydrolysis treatment by immersing the waste plastics having a urethane paint film or an amino resin paint film in a treating liquid, or contacting the waste plastics with the vapor of a treating liquid, to decompose the paint into lower molecular weight compounds. The resulting waste plastics are then heated and kneaded to disperse the products of the hydrolysis in the waste plastics, and there is recovered a reclaimed waste plastics product having good mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a plastic product having a paint film, including the steps of: obtaining crushed particles by crushing a plastic product having a paint film into particles of a predetermined size; supplying the crushed particles to a screw-type extruder; kneading and fusing the crushed particles while supplying water thereto; and obtaining a plastic by discharging a gas produced by decomposing the paint film and vaporized water.

Abstract: A closed loop thermoplastic recycling process includes the step of testing particulated processed plastic material to determine the properties thereof. The tested properties are compared with targeted near virgin properties of the processed plastic material to determine any difference(s) therebetween. Additives based on the property differences determined during testing are admixed with the particulates in a twin screw extruder. During extruding, volatile constituents are simultaneously withdrawn from the fused particulates. The twin screws of the extruder are provided with a number of screw sections, each having a thread with predetermined degrees of chamfer and pitch length. Kneading blocks are mounted on certain screw sections prior to a vacuum vent port disposed along the feed path of the melt stream in the extruder. The extruded material is tested to determine if any property differences exist.

Abstract: Cohesive composite material is formed by forming a mixture of a melt of thermoplastic polymer and wood having a weight average particle size of about 0.1-0.5 inches in the X-axis, about 0.2-0.8 inches in the Y-axis, and about 0.5-1.5 inches in the Z-axis; shaping the resultant wood-filled polymer melt into a compressible shape; compressing this shape to establish additional intimate contact and bonding sites between the polymer melt and the wood disposed therein; and cooling the resultant compressed shape to solidify the polymer. The composites can be readily produced from abundant, low-cost recycled raw materials. Excellent cohesiveness is achieved, preliminary processing of the wood to introduce chemical functional groups therein is not required, and the composites can be readily worked by various techniques such as shaping, planing, sawing, surface grinding or polishing, and nailing, to yield highly decorative end products.

Abstract: This invention relates to automating a process for manufacturing articles from plastic, particularly recyclable plastic waste. A lengthened separator head is flanged to a plasticizer to supply melting serially to several molds, by way of mold inlet shut-off mechanism. A preprogrammed control device monitors the filling of a respective mold by way of a pressure sensor in the mold. When the desired filling of the mold has occurred, the inlet shut-off mechanism is closed by the control device and another mold that is ready to be filled is filled with melting by the opening of the corresponding inlet shut-off mechanism at the another mold. In addition, the control device controls the locking and tightening of the mold as well as its opening and emptying.

Abstract: Used foils made of polyethylene are shredded and, in a solvent bath containing an organic solvent, subjected under intensive motion, for example through mechanical stirring, to a frictional surface cleaning, and simultaneously to an extraction without dissolving the plastic material. By the extraction, ingredients added to the foils and PE waxes are separated from the shreds, and the printing inks are removed especially through the frictional surface cleaning.

Abstract: Polystyrene having a high storage modulus is blended with a polyolefin, and the blend is converted to a mixed melt which is caused to flow and then a cooled and solidified to form a substantially solid two phase composite. The high storage modulus polystyrene provides particularly good results. Especially good properties are achieved at about 35% polystyrene by weight. Either or both components may be recycled materials and may incorporate minor amounts of other plastics as contaminants.

Abstract: A method for reprocessing scrap rubber, which produces reclaimed rubber from comminuted scrap rubber after devulcanization, in a biotechnology-type of process, by holding the comminuted scrap rubber in a bacterial suspension of chemolithotropic microorganisms with a supply of air, until sulphur as an elementary sulphur and/or sulfuric acid is separated from the remaining replasticized reclaimed rubber. This biotechnological reprocessing obtains reclaimed rubber and sulphur in a simplified manner which products can be reused.

Abstract: A moulding process and system for producing small wooden objects such as, for example, pipe heads or furniture handles from a moulding material formed of an aqueous suspension of wood dust. The moulding material is injection moulded into injection mould parts in which electrodes are placed for subjecting moulding cavities to a HF-heating field such that both a rapid curing of a heat setting glue agent in the aqueous wood dust mass and a rapid driving out of a major part of the water is realized. The moulding cavities include exhaust or release channels for steam resulting from the evaporation of the water of the moulding material and an arrangement is provided for maintaining the mould parts together in spite of the high steam pressure developed in the mould cavities.

Abstract: To extract a liquid from a workable mass of material a first force is applied to the material in a first direction. A second opposed force is applied to the material within or slightly downstream of a liquid-extraction location. These opposed forces tend to compact the material to extract the liquid. The extracted liquid moves out of the liquid-extraction location along a path which extends generally transverse to the direction of the first and second forces. Third forces are applied to the material along the path in a direction generally opposite to that taken by the exiting liquid to prevent the material from traversing the path but to permit the liquid to exit. The first, second and third forces form a pinch point on the material within or slightly downstream of the liquid-extraction location to substantially obviate liquid flow countercurrent to the direction of the first force.

Abstract: In general, used thermoplastic liquid containers such as oil and solvent bottles are discarded. When recycling oil bottles, the usual practice is to wash the bottles with a solvent to remove oil therefrom. Washing of the bottles results in large quantities of used, oil-containing solvent, which present a disposal problem. A simple solution to the problem of recycling liquid containers with no preliminary washing or cleaning operation includes the steps of tumbling the bottles to promote liquid separation, shredding the bottles into small pieces and draining the liquid therefrom, grinding the pieces of plastic to yield a particulate thermoplastic, and mixing the particulate thermoplastic and any liquid remaining therein with an additive, e.g. an oil absorbent and a filler such as calcium carbonate, glass, mica or talc, and when the liquid is an oil, an absorbent to produce an extrudable mixture which can be used to form new containers.

Abstract: A process for reclaiming residuals produced from the manufacture of decorative high pressure laminates (HPLs), and composite materials obtained by the process. Such residuals which include cellulose impregnated with thermosetting resins which are partially condensed, are ground to a predetermined particle size and mixed with a melted mass of thermoplastic resin under controlled pressure and temperature conditions. The mixing time is sufficiently long for completion of the reaction during which physical and chemical interactions occur between the partially polycondensed thermosetting resin and the thermoplastic resin. The material so produced can be converted into granules for subsequent injection molding. There is provided an effective solution to pollution problems and excessive expense problems associated with the disposal of scraps and residuals from the manufacture of decorative HPLs.

Abstract: A solvent based plastics recycling process directly reduces large volumes of post consumer plastic waste materials by up to 500% by volume. Minimal sorting and no cleaning is required, and large percentages of contaminants are tolerated. The process yields a highly adhesive resin which cures to a hard wood or masonry type material. The reduced end product, an epoxy sludge, may be formed to provide a lumber or brick substitute. Large percentages of shredded paper and other waste materials, including metals, may be added to the plastic waste materials, if desired.

Abstract: A system for making synthetic wood products from waste wood fiber and recycled plastic material by mixing waste wood fiber having a moisture content of less than about 15% with dry waste plastic material, including low density and/or high density polyethylene; heating and kneading the mixture to form a homogeneous mass; sizing the mass into discrete chunks suitable for use as an extruder feed material; extruding the material to form products having predetermined cross sections; and rolling and cooling the product to prevent deformation of the product shape.

Abstract: In a device for making shaped objects from plastic refuse plasticized in a roller extruder under pressure and ejected from the nozzle of the extruder a plurality of molds are provided transported to the extruder, filled thereby and transported therefrom. Each mold has at the end face a plate having a filling opening. During the filling process this plate sealingly overlaps the surface surrounding the nozzle so that the mold can be filled with plasticized plastic under the pressure generated in the roller extruder.

Abstract: A soap bar forming apparatus includes a generally hollow housing having an aperture extending therethrough and a removable base. After soaking a plurality of soap particles, or chips, each of which is the residue of a substantially used soap bar, in water to allow the soap particles to become soft and pliable, the soap particles are placed in the housing with its base attached thereto. A plunger, or compressing element, is then inserted into the housing's aperture and manually displaced therein so as to compress the soap particles which adhere to one another in forming a composite bar of soap with a shape defined by the housing, its base, and the plunger. The base is then removed from the housing to permit the composite soap bar to be removed from the housing by continued displacement of the plunger. The base and housing may be coupled by threaded engagement, a flange and slot arrangement, or by virtually any conventional means.

Abstract: A method of shaping a soap bar comprising the steps of obtaining a soap bar, placing the bar in a microwave oven, energizing the oven with sufficient power and time to soften the bar, and forming the softened bar into a desired shape and size.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a mold out of mold material from a previous blank by machining each blank into a desired shape by means of a machine tool controlled by a computer utilizing a dimensioning data set. Each blank is manufactured by feeding an organic polymer material whose melting point is preferably lower than 150.degree. C. in liquid form into a box-shaped container which is open at the top and which corresponds to the dimensions of the desired mold. Waste polymer material from the blank upon machining is recovered and heated to a temperature higher than its melting point, whereupon it is fed onto an existing mold no longer needed, so as to provide a new blank for a new mold.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for converting an expended, hollow article of thermoplastic material, the article having opposite end walls, an opening in one of the end walls and an annular wall extending between the opposite end walls establishing an original configuration, into a new article of a new configuration. Specifically, the expended article is a two-liter soda bottle and the new article is a building block.

Abstract: In order to prepare thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers(a) organic diisocyanate,(b) polyhydroxyl compounds with molecular weights of 500 to 8,000, and(c) chain extenders with molecular weights of 60 to 400 in the presence of(d) catalysts, and optionally(e) auxiliaries, and/or(f) additivesare reacted in two reaction stages at temperatures from 60.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. In the first reaction stage the components are continuously mixed, the reaction mixture is applied to a carrier, preferably a conveyor band of thermoplastic material, and is allowed to react at the reaction temperature until solidified. Subsequently, the solidified reaction mixture is melted in an extruder and the reaction is completed in the second reaction stage.

Abstract: A runner structure composed of a runner and a sprue is discharged from an injection molding machine into a chopping apparatus having a first cutter mechanism and a second cutter mechanism. The runner structure is guided by a guide mechanism in the chopping apparatus toward the first and second cutter mechanisms. The sprue is cut off from the runner by the first cutter mechanism, and then the runner and the sprue are chopped by the second cutter mechanism. The first cutter mechanism has a lower cutter for stopping the runner structure by engagement with the sprue, and an upper cutter movable into coaction with the lower cutter for cutting off the sprue. The second cutter mechanism includes a feed roller for feeding the runner intermittently and a cutter reciprocably movable for chopping the runner on the feed roller. The chopped pieces are discharged through a hopper and delivered into the injection molding machine for recycling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for increasing the density of thermoplastic resin foam waste material having apparent density as low as 5 kg/m.sup.3. The waste material in particle form is uniformly dispersed onto at least one vibrating plate of a furnace, and then heated to a temperature ranging between about 120.degree. C. and about 210.degree. C. The waste material is then compacted at the outlet end of the furnace and ground into particles of uniform size to be reused as thermoplastic resin material.

Abstract: Coextruding an inexpensive multilayered plastic sheet with outer layers of scrap material and a central layer of unqualified scrap having sufficient polyolefin content to provide a moisture barrier.

Abstract: A process for the continuous manufacture of sheeting from thermoplastic synthetic resins includes the steps of applying thermoplastic synthetic resin, in the form of particles, such as shreds, crumbs, cuttings, pieces, chips, or the like, continuously as a sheet-like layer of raw material to a moving support; passing the raw material layer through a heating zone to thereby preheat the material layer to a temperature approximately in the range from 100.degree. to 140.degree. C.; pressing the preheated material layer continuously over its full area during travel through a treatment zone so that, in a first phase, the raw material layer is compacted and welded under the effect of a pressure of from about 10 to 60 kp/cm.sup.2 and at the same time the material layer is heated to a temperature in the range from about 160.degree. to 220.degree.

Abstract: Particulate plastic materials are moved from a supply hopper through a former and formed into a product, the product is cut, and the scrap from the cut product is moved from the cutting area back to the supply hopper by an open conduit pneumatic induction system. The induction system includes a blower and an approximately L-shaped induction conduit with its first leg receiving the exhaust of the blower and its second leg including a Venturi throat. An induction opening is formed in the induction conduit and a scrap feed nozzle is telescopically mounted in the induction opening and has its discharge movably supported in the Venturi throat. The scrap feed nozzle is adjustable with respect to the Venturi throat so as to adjust the system to the most energy efficient position for required operating conditions.

Abstract: A novel system for producing film by extruding and/or casting at least two layers of resin, such as polyacrylonitrile homopolymer or interpolymers. The system provides for co-extruding a continuous multi-layer film with contiguous or tandem dies from a first supply of homogeneous resin solution and a second supply of non-homogeneous redissolved resin scrap. The film may be cast onto a smooth cooled drum surface to form substantially continuous adjacent layers from two or more resin supplies. By stripping the film from the drum as a continuous film strip and stretching the film an oriented structure is provided. Scrap resin, such as selvage trimmed from the stretched film or mill scrap, is comminuted and redissolved in solvent for recycle to the second supply of the extrusion step. The homogeneous layer prevents film disruption by inhomogeneities present in the contiguous layer containing redissolved scrap, which might cause localized stresses in the film and discontinuities during stretching.

Abstract: A regenerating apparatus for foamed plastics comprising two rollers connected to driving means capable of rotation toward inside respectively and mounted horizontally in parallel with each other at a predetermined gap, a heating means incorporated to the inside of the rollers, and a scraping means for molten plastics provided to the outside of at least one of the rollers in contaction with the surface thereof.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a novel process for the production of bonded foam, and particularly polyurethane foam scrap. The process allows for the production of a high quality rebonded product. Significant improvements are seen in the quality of the product, reduction in density, reduction in scrap loss, elimination of density variations in the molded product and overall product consistency.

Abstract: A continuous ribbon of moldable material is fed from a plasticizing mill through a stamping section of a molding machine and is returned to the mill as mill stock. The ribbon of moldable material is carried through the stamping section by an endless chain conveyor having prongs spaced therealong. The prongs are pressed into the ribbon as it is drawn from the plasticizing mill. Then, the ribbon is supported by trays as it is drawn along a feed path through the stamping section. The prongs are pulled from the ribbon once the ribbon has been directed by the conveyor back toward the plasticizing mill.At the stamping section, bites are taken from the edge of the ribbon by a die to provide blanks of molding stock to the molding machine. The ribbon is guided by edge guides along a transversely movable supporting tray. The chain conveyor rides in a trough adjacent the tray. By moving the tray and trough away from the stamping die, the mill may be operated continuously even with the mold shut down.

Abstract: A method of converting scrap or other small pieces of metal into a useful, commercial product while maintaining the metal in a solid state. According to the process, the pieces are maintained together for further processing. They are impacted, while heated, to produce a metal body and thereafter subjected to continued impaction so that the pieces forming the body are welded together into a cohesive, homogeneous slab. There is also disclosure of a novel press and method of operating the press. The press is of the harmonic type. Its novel aspects include control of movement of novel platens during rotation of shafts which drive the platens and perimetral constraint of a workpiece being forged to achieve rapid impaction and self feed of a workpiece.