Abstract: A material processing apparatus for thermo flow melt spinning having temperature control characteristics. The apparatus includes a spinner head with a chamber that has a continuous perimeter for centrifugal force and a heater element substantially continuous with the perimeter for providing heat to the head. The spinner head includes means for rotating and a power source connected to the heater element. The apparatus includes temperature detecting means integral with the heater element to detect a processing temperature and generate a temperature detection signal accordingly. Also included is a power controller for controlling the power source in accordance with the temperature detection signal. The processing temperature may be controlled such that a substantially constant temperature is maintained.

Abstract: A material processing apparatus and method for flash flow processing by melt spinning. The invention includes a feed rate controller in combination with a spinner head assembly including a spinner head with a continuous perimeter for providing heat and centrifugal force to a material being processed. The spinner head assembly also includes a spinner drive connected to the spinner head for generating the centrifugal force. The material processing apparatus can also include support for supporting the spinner head assembly, where the feed rate controller is electrically connected to the support. The feed rate controller determines a detected load of material in the spinner head from data provided by the support, compares it to a preselected load for the material being processed and generates a feed rate control signal indicative of a difference between the detected and preselected loads. A feeder assembly supplies the feedstock material to the spinner head at a feed rate defined by the feed control signal.

Abstract: A material processing apparatus for flash flow processing by melt spinning includes a feed rate controller in combination with a spinner head assembly including a spinner head with a continuous perimeter for providing heat and centrifugal force to a material being processed. The spinner head assembly also includes a spinner drive connected to the spinner head for generating the centrifugal force. The material processing apparatus can also include support for supporting the spinner head assembly, where the feed rate controller is electrically connected to the support. The feed rate controller determines a detected load of material in the spinner head from data provided by the support, compares it to a preselected load for the material being processed and generates a feed rate control signal indicative of a difference between the detected and preselected loads. A feeder assembly supplies the feedstock material to the spinner head at a feed rate defined by the feed control signal.