SYMMETRICAL FLOW EXTRUSION MANIFOLD

摘要

A multiple-orifice extrusion manifold (10) is disclosed which includes a first housing (20) defining an outer chamber (170) and an extrusion wall (140). A plurality of orifices (80), adapted for extruding a first substance from the outer chamber (170), extend through the extrusion wall (140). An inlet pipe (40) is provided in the first housing (20) for flowing the first substance into the outer chamber (170). The inlet pipe (40) is located so as to permit flow of the first substance symmetrically within the outer chamber (170). A second housing (190) which defines an inner chamber (200) is provided within the first housing (20). The second housing (190) is located symmetrically within the outer chamber. A plurality of tubes (210) extend from the second housing (190). Each tube (210) has a first end (212) opening into the inner chamber (200) and a second open end (213) cooperatively aligned with an orifice (80) for extruding a second substance from the inner chamber (200) through the tube (210) and to within the first substance. Thus, each extrudate substance is flowed to an extrusion orifice (80) through a flow path, which is symmetrical with all other flow paths for that substance. The manifold housing (20) presents a right circular cylindrical outer surface (70) with the extrusion orifices (80) therein. The orifices (80) are equally spaced around the outer surface (70). Three blades (110) with a cylindrically rotating path about the cylindrical outer surface (70) are provided to cut a continuous extrusion at each orifice as the blade or blades pass the orifice. The blades (110) are mounted for rotation around the inlet pipe (40) which supplies an extrudable substance to the housing.