Abstract: An array of nozzles is disclosed for forming multiple cellulose fibers. Each nozzle has a longitudinal central axis and includes a tube with a cross-section having a diameter through which an aqueous solution of cellulose and a solvent can be extruded into a molten filament. A first opening is present which surrounds each of the tubes. The first opening has a cross-section with a diameter, and each of the first openings is capable of emitting a pressurized gas which surrounds one of the extruded molten filaments. At least three second openings are spaced away from each of the first openings. Each of the second openings is capable of emitting a pressurized gas stream essentially parallel to the longitudinal central axis of each of the nozzles, and each of the pressurized gas streams functions to shroud one of the extruded molten filaments.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for extruding cellulose fibers. The apparatus includes a first member, a second member and a third member all secured together. Multiple nozzles extend outward from the first member and each is designed to direct an aqueous cellulose solution therethrough. As the aqueous solution is extruded, it is accentuated and accelerated by pressurized gas flowing through the first member and the second member and out through first openings formed in the third member. The pressurized gas at least partially surrounds each nozzle and shelters the molten filaments extruded therefrom. The third member also has multiple second openings formed therethrough which are also connected to a source of pressurized gas. The pressurized gas streams exiting each of the second openings function to keep each of the molten filaments from contacting an adjacent molten filament.

Abstract: A process is disclosed of forming cellulose fibers. The process includes extruding an aqueous solution of cellulose and a solvent through a first member to form molten filaments. The first member has multiple rows of first and second openings with a nozzle positioned in each of the first openings. At least one of the nozzles in one row is staggered from at least one of the nozzles in an adjacent row. At least a portion of each of the molten filaments is shrouded in a pressurized gas emitted through each of the first openings. Each of the molten filaments is contacted with a liquid to remove some of the solvent and transform each of the molten filaments into a continuous solid fiber. The continuous solid fibers are then collected on a moving surface to form a non-woven cellulose web.

Abstract: An array of nozzles is disclosed for forming multiple cellulose fibers. Each nozzle has a longitudinal central axis and includes a tube with a cross-section having a diameter through which an aqueous solution of cellulose and a solvent can be extruded into a molten filament. A first opening is present which surrounds each of the tubes. The first opening has a cross-section with a diameter, and each of the first openings is capable of emitting a pressurized gas which surrounds one of the extruded molten filaments. At least three second openings are spaced away from each of the first openings. Each of the second openings is capable of emitting a pressurized gas stream essentially parallel to the longitudinal central axis of each of the nozzles, and each of the pressurized gas streams functions to shroud one of the extruded molten filaments.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for extruding cellulose fibers. The apparatus includes a first member, a second member and a third member all secured together. Multiple nozzles extend outward from the first member and each is designed to direct an aqueous cellulose solution therethrough. As the aqueous solution is extruded, it is accentuated and accelerated by pressurized gas flowing through the first member and the second member and out through first openings formed in the third member. The pressurized gas at least partially surrounds each nozzle and shelters the molten filaments extruded therefrom. The third member also has multiple second openings formed therethrough which are also connected to a source of pressurized gas. The pressurized gas streams exiting each of the second openings function to keep each of the molten filaments from contacting an adjacent molten filament.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid heat transfer using surface-to-surface heat transfer of a solid or semi-solid feedstock against an inner surface of a containment vessel. The vessel is torus or helically shaped so that a feedstock (and products) can be conveyed through the vessel at a velocity which sustains the feedstock against the outer periphery of the internal surface of the vessel as it transits the vessel. The reaction vessel can be used for pyrolysis of materials such as waste rubber, municipal solid waste, plastics or papers so as to recover valuable petrochemical-based liquid reaction products as well as solid reaction products. The reaction vessel may also be used for gasification and combustion reactions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel apparatus and process for melt-blowing fiberforming thermoplastic polymers at high rates to form high-loft, low density fine fiber webs suitable for insulation applications. The high rates are achieved by mounting melt-blowing spinnerettes on the surfaces of a polygonal cylinder and spinning fibers in a radial fashion, then deflecting the fiber streams 90 degrees by a secondary stream of cold air.

Abstract: A queue has a plurality of serially connected transparent latches forming individual storage locations. The queue includes an entry storage latch for receiving data signals into the queue and an exit storage latch for communicating data signals out from the queue. The output terminal of each latch is connected to the input terminal of a succeeding latch so that data signals received by the entry storage latch may propagate uninterruptedly through one or more storage latches to a predetermined storage location.

Abstract: Apparatus for compacting and advancing a mass of particulate or fibrous material to a discharge end of a conduit combines an auger with a reciprocating annular piston. The improvement of the invention is in driving the piston by way of a flywheel equipped crankshaft which also drives a dynamically counter balancing member to reduce vibrations transmitted to the frame of the apparatus. Special hydrostatic guide sleeves are used to guide the reciprocating piston at a high speed. Further improvements include gas and liquid vents and a cooling jacket, both associated with the conduit to increase efficiency of the compacting. A density sensor controlled conical choke member at the discharge end assists in maintaining uniform density of the highly compacted plug of the material. Also, it breaks up the exiting plug to improve subsequent processing of the material.

Abstract: A press for continuous expressing of a liquid from a particulate liquid/solid mass of the type including a conveyor screw or auger advancing the mass through a tubular housing which is provided with drainage perforations. The compression and advancement of the material through the perforate section is effected by the face of a reciprocating annular sleeve, the stroke of the sleeve being so arranged that at least one-half of the travel of said face takes place within the perforated area. The frequency of the reciprocating movement of the sleeve is three cycles per second or more, to reduce resistance to the passage of the mass through the housing. The device is capable of a considerable increase in dewatering performance, as compared with known devices of the type operating more or less solely with a conveyor screw.

Abstract: Particulate or fibrous material, after treatment with gaseous reagents in a vessel under pressure in a continuous process, is discharged from the pressure vessel by entering a discharge conduit in pressure communication with the pressure vessel, and is conveyed through the discharge conduit by means of a feed conveyor located therein. The feed conveyor compacts the material to form a dense, substantially gas impervious plug thereof in the discharge conduit against the outlet end thereof. The outlet end of the discharge conduit comprises an exit passage of small cross-sectional area so as to cause compaction of the material therein by means of the conveyor. A valve means is provided, movable rapidly between a fully open position and a fully closed position to permit passage of the cooked material therethrough, from the dense, compact plug formed in the outlet end of the discharge conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying particulate material of the type wherein it is desired that the material be simultaneously pre-compacted from a generally loose state to a more or less solid "plug" state. A screw conveyor is arranged to deliver loose particulate material to an intermediate chamber at the end of the screw conveyor means wherein the material is pre-compacted by the action of the screw conveyor. Following the intermediate chamber, a piston reciprocating coaxially with the screw conveyor further urges the material in a direction coaxial with the centerline of the screw conveyor to further advance the material through a straight coaxial conduit within which the material becomes compacted to an increased degree of compactness, solely by the action of the reciprocating piston. The reciprocating piston has preferably an annular face, whose outside diameter is generally the same as that of the I.D. (inside diameter) of the conduit.