Michael C Melton

US Patent:

55995071, Feb 4, 1997

Filed:

Nov 9, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/336446

Inventors:

Gordon Shaw - Charlotte NC
Rainer A. Schaller - 86637 Wertingen, DE
W. Jeffrey Stikeleather - Charlotte NC
Michael D. Melton - Davidson NC
Harmut Hey - D 55283 Nierstein, DE
Roland Schmidt - 55737 Mainz, DE
Rolf Hartmann - 65817 Eppstein, DE
Hans Lohe - 61476 Kraberg, DE

International Classification:

B01F 710

US Classification:

422135

Abstract:

A polycondensation reactor for processing low viscosity polyester or another polymer into relatively highly viscosity polymer comprises a substantially cylindrical horizontal reactor vessel with a polymer inlet and a polymer outlet adjacent its opposite ends and a vapor exhaust opening in the upper side of the vessel at its outlet end. A polymer agitator is rotated axially within the chamber and includes plural alternating annular overflow and underflow baffles and multiple perforated film-forming screens disposed therebetween in parallel spaced relation to one another. The overflow baffles are in peripheral polymer-sealing relation to the vessel while the underflow baffles have multiple underflow recesses in their outer peripheries, whereby the baffles define a tortuous polymer flow path alternately through their respective polymer overflow and underflow openings to control residence time, distribution and viscosity growth as the polymer flows between the baffles. The baffles and screens are integrally fixed coaxially at their outer peripheries by axially extending wiper bars. Aligned openings in the baffles and screens along the rotational axis of the agitator provide for free flow of volatiles to the exhaust opening.

US Patent:

51884569, Feb 23, 1993

Filed:

Nov 29, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/800292

Inventors:

Richard A. Burke - Charlotte NC
James R. Goodall - Charlotte NC
Michael D. Melton - Mooresville NC
Roy S. Osborne - Charlotte NC
Carl D. Patterson - Rock Hill SC

Assignee:

Hoechst Celanese Corporation - Somerville NJ

International Classification:

H01N 318

US Classification:

374 50

Abstract:

The invention provides a fiber testing device for thermomechanical testing of fibers which preferably includes a linear step motor coupled to a first fiber gripping jaw. A second fiber gripping jaw is positioned in linear relation to the first gripping jaw and is coupled to a load cell. Advantageously, the apparatus includes a chamber for maintaining a fiber test specimen in a substantially thermally isolated environment during testing of the fiber. A heating means and a cooling means are connected to the chamber. The heating means and cooling means are controlled by a control means which also controls the position of the linear step motor. The fiber testing device of the invention is capable of performing complicated mechanical and thermal fiber testing protocals without operator involvement except for initiation of the testing sequence.