Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for winding at least a layer of separate fibers or groups of fibers onto a rotating support while modifying the width of the layer by moving the layer between two extreme positions perpendicular to the direction of fiber travel and simultaneously moving each fiber or group of fibers in its own plane of motion, offset in relation to a vertical plane at an angle varying from one plane to the next.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of accumulation and restitution of heat, wherein heat, mainly in the form of latent heat of fusion, is stored, as required, by causing a hot heat-transfer fluid to circulate in the lower part of a bed of material in grain form with considerable latent heat of fusion, the temperature of the fluid being higher than the melting point of the material which melts under the effect of the additional calories from the fluid, and heat stored by the material in the liquid state is restituted, as required, by circulating and bringing into contact the material and the fluid, the temperature of the latter being lower than the melting point of the material, with the result that the latter yields heat to the fluid on solidifying in the form of grains before being transported into a tank for storing the material in grain form. The invention also relates to a heat accumulator for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A heat-transporting fluid F is passed over a material C having a high latent heat of fusion and in direct contact therewith so that the fluid and the material exchange heat at a temperature close to the melting point of the material. By contacting the hot fluid F with the material C, this material melts and accumulates heat in the form of latent heat of fusion while cooling the fluid F. When the cold fluid is contacted directly with the material C, this material solidifies and releases heat which is transmitted to the fluid F.

Abstract: A heat-transporting fluid F is passed over a material C having a high latent heat of fusion and in direct contact therewith so that the fluid and the material exchange heat at a temperature close to the melting point of the material. By contacting the hot fluid F with the material C, this material melts and accumulates heat in the form of latent heat of fusion while cooling the fluid F. When the cold fluid is contacted directly with the material C, this material solidifies and releases heat which is transmitted to the fluid F.

Abstract: A heat-transporting fluid F is passed over a material C having a high latent heat of fusion and in direct contact therewith so that the fluid and the material exchange heat at a temperature close to the melting point of the material. By contacting the hot fluid F with the material C, this material melts and accumulates heat in the form of latent heat of fusion while cooling the fluid F. When the cold fluid is contacted directly with the material C, this material solidifies and releases heat which is transmitted to the fluid F.