MIXED PLASTICS RECYCLING

Intellectual Property and its Relation with Mechanical Mixed Plastic Recycling

Assignment 2 - Innovation and Technology Transfer

16/02/2001

João LetrasJosé SimõesManuel BóiaPedro Faria

Introduction

What are we going to address:

Strategy: Patent Application.

Patent Activity.

Conclusions.

Patent Application - 1

Title of Invention: Method for producing low-pressure sewage piping by extrusion-calendering using mixed plastic waste.

Cross-Reference to Related Applications : Calendering and Extrusion Processes particularly in flat head extrusion.

Statement Regarding State Sponsored Research or Development: To be decided (IAPMEI)

Patent Application - 2

Background of Invention:

The invention is based on integration of available plastic transforming technologies, establishing an innovative method for production of sewage piping.

The materials used are mixed plastic wastes and virgin or high quality recycled plastic.

Patent Application - 3

Brief Summary of the Invention: The invention consists in the junction of co-extrusion and calendering technologies. A 3 layer co-extrusion produces a continuous plate that is pressure-rolled up by a calender to form a continuous pipe. The semi-fluid state of the plastic coupled with the pressure, joins the 3 layers and subsequently their edges. The pipe can then be cut and fitted as desired.

Patent Application - 4

Brief Summary of Advantages:

This process not only gives one more solution for mixed plastics recycling, but also greatly improves sewerage implementation.

Allows for the production of long life application using waste materials.

Patent Application - 5

Claims:

Technology Integration of Machinery (extruder head and calender) and Process (rollers).

Innovative Pipe Constitution

Patent Activity - 1

Patent Activity in this Field:

MachinesMainly patented by equipment manufacturing companies (all patents consulted)

Machine + AccessoriesMainly patented by companies + individuals (all patents consulted). Individuals seen as users.

Patent Activity - 2

Patent Activity in this Field:

ProductMainly patented by plastic or pipe companies (all patents consulted)

Mixed Plastics Mechanical RecyclingMainly patented by plastic and recycling companies (all patents consulted)

No University activity found patent-wise

Conclusions

The project at hand is an integration of existing technologies with minor improvements. Universities are out of this scope (i.e. Polymer Engineering).

Patent Registration is complicated and bureaucratic.