Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A high-pressure self-cleaning mixing apparatus adapted to mix at least first and second reactive polyurethane-forming components and feed the mixed components to a mold is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least a mixing chamber, first and second feed passages, first and second recycle passages, and a cleaning member having at least first and second longitudinally-extending recycle grooves spaced from each other. The cleaning member is movable between an open position in which the first feed passage radially feeds the first polyurethane-forming component to the mixing chamber and a closed position in which the first longitudinally-extending recycle groove communicates the first feed passage with the first recycle passage to recycle the first polyurethane-forming component instead of feeding the first polyurethane-forming component to the mixing chamber. The second feed passage may be communicated with a longitudinally-extending passage of the cleaning member to permit the second polyurethane-forming component to be fed into the mixing chamber along an axial direction of the mixing chamber. A valve member may be provided to prevent the flow of the second polyurethane-forming component to the mixing chamber by recycling the second polyurethane-forming component to the second recycle passage. Spacing between the first and second grooves seals the first feed and recycle passages from the second feed and recycle passages.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim