In various embodiments, an electrode precursor material may be flowed into a manifold extrusion die having first and second manifold inlet openings. Further, an electroactive polymer precursor material may be flowed into the manifold extrusion die via a third manifold inlet opening such that the electroactive polymer precursor material is layered between alternating layers of the electrode precursor material from the first and second manifold inlet openings. Moreover, the electrode precursor material and the electroactive polymer precursor material may be extruded through a manifold outlet opening of the manifold extrusion die. Various other methods, systems, apparatuses, and materials are also disclosed.

In various embodiments, an electrode precursor material may be flowed into a manifold extrusion die having first and second manifold inlet openings. Further, an electroactive polymer precursor material may be flowed into the manifold extrusion die via a third manifold inlet opening such that the electroactive polymer precursor material is layered between alternating layers of the electrode precursor material from the first and second manifold inlet openings. Moreover, the electrode precursor material and the electroactive polymer precursor material may be extruded through a manifold outlet opening of the manifold extrusion die. Various other methods, systems, apparatuses, and materials are also disclosed.

A method of producing an elastic profile with longitudinally recurring transverse protrusions includes extruding a primary profile at a primary extruder; extruding a secondary profile at a secondary extruder, the secondary profile includes a substrate layer and transverse protrusions, the secondary extruder includes an extrusion die, wherein a rotating molding wheel forms a wall of the extrusion die, the molding wheel having recesses functioning as molds for the transverse protrusions within the extrusion die; joining the primary profile and the substrate layer of the secondary profile at a joining point for fusion bonding forming a composite structure. A rotating pressing wheel, may press on the composite structure against a bedding separate from the molding wheel. The primary profile may travel along an entirely straight path from the primary extruder to the joining point. The joining occurs at a nip formed between the molding wheel and a flat and stationary bedding.

A molding apparatus defining a processing direction includes multiple molding modules spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the processing direction and a common reaction surface. Each molding module includes a frame and a mold roll that defines molding cavities. Each mold roll defines a respective pressure zone in cooperation with the reaction surface and each mold roll is movable with respect to the reaction surface by controlled operation of the frame. Molten resin is introduced into the pressure zones and forced into the molding cavities to form arrays of fastener elements extending from base layers of resin formed on the surfaces of the mold rolls. The fastener elements are withdrawn from the cavities while stripping the base layers from the peripheral surfaces.

A molding apparatus defining a processing direction includes multiple molding modules spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the processing direction and a common reaction surface. Each molding module includes a frame and a mold roll that defines molding cavities. Each mold roll defines a respective pressure zone in cooperation with the reaction surface and each mold roll is movable with respect to the reaction surface by controlled operation of the frame. Molten resin is introduced into the pressure zones and forced into the molding cavities to form arrays of fastener elements extending from base layers of resin formed on the surfaces of the mold rolls. The fastener elements are withdrawn from the cavities while stripping the base layers from the peripheral surfaces.

The invention is directed to a production installation (100) that realizes production of a semi-finished product (50) having at least one unvulcanized elastomeric layer (50a) and a cover layer (50b) assembled therewith. The invention is also directed to a method for producing a semi-finished product (50) for use in tire production.

The invention is directed to a production installation (100) that realizes production of a semi-finished product (50) having at least one unvulcanized elastomeric layer (50a) and a cover layer (50b) assembled therewith. The invention is also directed to a method for producing a semi-finished product (50) for use in tire production.

A method of applying protective sheeting of polymer material to a pipeline, such as on a J-lay rig, includes the steps of driving a carriage along an annular path about the pipeline; extruding and simultaneously winding the protective sheeting about the pipeline via an end extrusion die fitted to the carriage; compressing the protective sheeting on the pipeline, directly downstream from the end extrusion die, so the protective sheeting adheres to the pipeline; and controlling the drive, extrusion, and compression steps so that the time lapse between expulsion of a cross section of protective sheeting from the end extrusion die and compression of the same cross section of protective sheeting is less than one second.

The present disclosure relates to a coextrusion process for manufacturing a profiled element intended to form a tread for a pneumatic tire. The process includes coextruding a first elastomer compound forming an underlayer and reinforcing wedges, a second elastomer compound forming tread pattern blocks supported laterally by the wedges, and a third elastomer compound. The third elastomer compound is different from the first and second elastomer compounds and is interposed between the lateral wall of each wedge and the corresponding tread pattern block so as to form a decoupling interface for separating the mechanical behavior of the wedge from that of the tread pattern block.

The present disclosure relates to a coextrusion process for manufacturing a profiled element intended to form a tread for a pneumatic tire. The process includes coextruding a first elastomer compound forming an underlayer and reinforcing wedges, a second elastomer compound forming tread pattern blocks supported laterally by the wedges, and a third elastomer compound. The third elastomer compound is different from the first and second elastomer compounds and is interposed between the lateral wall of each wedge and the corresponding tread pattern block so as to form a decoupling interface for separating the mechanical behavior of the wedge from that of the tread pattern block.