Abstract: A facility-based dual-purpose conditioned air blower system includes a heat exchange unit, a diverter apparatus, and a centrifugal blower. The heat exchange unit includes an ambient air inlet, heat exchange elements, and a conditioned air outlet. The diverter apparatus includes a diverter inlet fluidly coupled to the conditioned air outlet of the heat exchange unit, a first diverter outlet to the facility, and a second diverter outlet. The diverter apparatus is moveable between a first position wherein the first diverter outlet is closed and the second diverter outlet is open, and a second position wherein the first diverter outlet is open and the second diverter outlet is closed. The centrifugal blower includes a blower inlet fluidly coupled to the second diverter outlet of the diverter apparatus, and a blower outlet positioned to ventilate a trailer interior with conditioned air from the conditioned air outlet of the heat exchange unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for a half-cell structure to make a hexagonal-cell honeycomb core. The structure has a plurality of peaks and valleys and a diagonal surface between each consecutive peak and valley. The apparatus comprises a stack holder for stacking the structure so that as one sheet is placed on top of a stack comprising at least one sheet, the peaks of one sheet contact the peaks of an adjacent sheet. The apparatus also comprises an air blower disposed beneath the top of the stack for reducing the air pressure surrounding the stack to a pressure below the air pressure on the top of the stack, thereby pressing the layers together to form the core. The present invention also relates to a transfer head and a process for holding a half-cell structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for a half-cell structure to make a hexagonal-cell honeycomb core. The structure has a plurality of peaks and valleys and a diagonal surface between each consecutive peak and valley. The apparatus comprises a stack holder for stacking the structure so that as one sheet is placed on top of a stack comprising at least one sheet, the peaks of one sheet contact the peaks of an adjacent sheet. The apparatus also comprises an air blower disposed beneath the top of the stack for reducing the air pressure surrounding the stack to a pressure below the air pressure on the top of the stack, thereby pressing the layers together to form the core.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a honeycomb half-cell structure into sheets includes a blade for cutting the structure and a conveyor for positioning a length of the half-cell structure so that the blade cuts across the diagonal surface of the half-cell structure, thereby forming the sheets. The conveyor comprises platens including a plurality of bars contacting the valleys on one side of the half-cell structure and a space between each consecutive bar. The half-cell structure is cut along the diagonal surface alternating between one side of a first predetermined bar and one side of a second predetermined bar. A process for cutting a half-cell structure into sheets includes positioning a length of the half-cell structure so that the diagonal surfaces of the structure are positioned adjacent a blade for cutting and cutting across the diagonal surface to form the sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for applying at least one adhesive component to a honeycomb half-cell structure. The half-cell structure has a plurality of peaks and valleys on each side thereof and a diagonal surface between each consecutive peak and valley. The apparatus comprises a first and second back-up roll and a first and second gravure roll. The first and second gravure rolls are disposed in a bath of a first adhesive component and a second adhesive component, respectively. Each of the first and second back-up rolls includes a plurality of spaced bars. The peaks of the half-cell structure face away from the bars of each respective back-up roll, and the peaks on the other side of the half-cell structure contact each respective first and second gravure roll, so that the first adhesive component contacts the peaks on the one side and the second adhesive component contacts the peaks to apply the first and second adhesive components to the half-cell structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for advancing the leading edge of a corrugated web for positioning the web for a secondary operation, such as a cutting operation to cut a discrete sheet from the web. The web has a plurality of alternating peaks and valleys. The apparatus comprises an endless loop conveyor including a plurality of spaced support bars for contacting the valleys of the web. At least one vacuum source holds the web against the support bars. A motor and a distributed control system repeatedly advance the conveyor and the leading edge of the web from the entrance end to the exit end of the conveyor. A rotary encoder and a sensor sense the presence of a support bar near the position for applying the cutting operation. The vacuum source is de-activated, and at least one pressure source is activated to remove the cut sheet from the support bars.

Abstract: A method of producing crimped tow by continuously feeding a tow against an adjustable counter pressure means; the tow is maintained at an average predetermined thickness and steam enters the chamber and is exhausted from the chamber in a manner to provide uniform heating of the tow to provide a fiber that is uniformly annealed as determined by measuring light reflectance for yarn dyed with a structural sensitive Milling Blue "B" dye or shrinkage uniformity determined by thermal analysis.

Abstract: A method of producing crimped tow by continuously feeding a tow against an adjustable counter pressure means; the tow is maintained at an average predetermined thickness and steam enters the chamber and is exhausted from the chamber in a manner to provide uniform heating of the tow to provide a fiber that is uniformly annealed as determined by measuring light reflectance for yarn dyed with a structural sensitive Milling Blue "B" dye or shrinkage uniformity determined by thermal analysis.

Abstract: Controlling the cross-sectional characteristics of moving tow lines by providing monitors and positioning devices so as to improve stuffer box crimp uniformity. The mass distribution profile of a filamentary tow band is continuously measured as a function of the width of the band, and the information obtained is used to change the position of the band when a deviation from a predetermined value is noted. Positioning devices are used to carry out the movement or adjusting of the band in accordance with a signal so as to correct the deviation and present to a crimping apparatus, such as a stuffer box crimper, a band having a uniform mass distribution profile.

Abstract: A method for producing para-aramid pulp by using gravity-induced orientation of anisotropic para-aramid solutions. The solutions are those in which the para-aramid is still actively polymerizing. The process can be practiced on immobile inclined supports or on a moving inclined support in the form of a conveyer.

Abstract: Packing apparatus for packing layers of cylindrical articles in a container. The apparatus includes means for accumulating a layer of alternately staggered lines of cylindrical articles arranged end-to-end at a pickup position. The apparatus also includes means for making vacuum contact with each article and transferring the entire layer to the container where it is released and forms a tightly packed flat layer. The packing apparatus also includes means for folding back the top flaps of each empty container as it is conveyed to the loading station.

Abstract: Packing apparatus for packing layers of cylindrical articles in a container. The apparatus includes means for accumulating a layer of alternately staggered lines of cylindrical articles arranged end-to-end at a pickup position. The apparatus also includes means for making vacuum contact with each article and transferring the entire layer to the container where it is released and forms a tightly packed flat layer. The packing apparatus also includes means for folding back the top flaps of each empty container as it is conveyed to the loading station.

Abstract: Network preforms for battery grids are prepared from cross-lapped assemblages of spaced bundles of inorganic filaments which are bonded at crossover points by ice.