Abstract: A method of forming fibers from molten mineral material is provided. The method comprising the steps of: rotating a spinner having an orificed peripheral wall, the orificed peripheral wall having a top row of orifices, introducing molten mineral material to the spinner to create a fan of primary glass fibers, creating an annular combustion flow of heated gas and directing the annular combustion flow of heated gas substantially through the primary fibers, creating an annular flow of attenuating air with an annular blower, the annular flow of attenuating air being sufficient to attenuate the primary fibers into secondary fibers, directing the annular combustion flow of heated gas and the annular flow of attenuating air so that they are radially spaced apart at the level of the top row of orifices, and directing the annular combustion flow of heated gas and the annular flow of attenuating air so that they are brought together at a position below the top row of orifices.

Abstract: A method of dispensing valuable media from a self-service terminal. The method comprises: receiving a request from a customer at the self-service terminal to access an account held with a payment service provider. The terminal then forwards the request to the payment service provider and provides the payment service provider with authentication details from the customer at the self-service terminal. The terminal then receives a request to dispense valuable media from the payment service provider, and dispenses valuable media to the customer in response to the received request. The method may also involve charging the payment service provider an amount at least equal in value to the valuable media dispensed.

Abstract: A method of forming fibers from molten mineral material is provided. The method comprising the steps of: rotating a spinner having an orificed peripheral wall, the orificed peripheral wall having a top row of orifices, introducing molten mineral material to the spinner to create a fan of primary glass fibers, creating an annular combustion flow of heated gas and directing the annular combustion flow of heated gas substantially through the primary fibers, creating an annular flow of attenuating air with an annular blower, the annular flow of attenuating air being sufficient to attenuate the primary fibers into secondary fibers, directing the annular combustion flow of heated gas and the annular flow of attenuating air so that they are radially spaced apart at the level of the top row of orifices, and directing the annular combustion flow of heated gas and the annular flow of attenuating air so that they are brought together at a position below the top row of orifices.

Abstract: Apparatus for making dual component fibers is provided and includes a spinner having a peripheral wall. The spinner includes orifices located on the peripheral wall thereof for centrifuging the dual component fibers, with the spinner being divided into a series of generally vertically-aligned compartments by baffles positioned circumferentially around the interior of the peripheral wall. First and second molten thermoplastic materials are supplied to the spinner and directed into alternate ones of the compartments so that adjacent compartments contain different thermoplastic materials. Passages are located in each of the compartments through which the respective molten thermoplastic materials flow to the orifices on the peripheral wall of the spinner. The passages in adjacent ones of the compartments communicate with one another and with the orifices to join the first and second molten thermoplastic materials together into dual component fibers.

Abstract: A nozzle is adapted to receive an ultrasonic transducer. The nozzle includes a cylindrical plenum chamber. An annular passageway circumscribes the plenum chamber. A porous material forms the annular walls of the plenum chamber and separates the plenum chamber from the passageway. The plenum chamber fluidly communicates with the passageway through the porous material. The passageway fluidly communicates with a supply line that, in turn, fluidly communicates with a pump that supplies water. The plenum chamber has a circular exhaust orifice for the exhaust of water from the nozzle. The plenum chamber contains an unobstructed forming space to facilitate the forming of ultrasonic waves. The diameter of the plenum chamber divided by the diameter of the exhaust orifice is a quotient of at least three.

Abstract: Oxide dispersion strengthened metals are ring rolled into a profiled member which can be employed as a spinner in the manufacture of fibrous glass. Sufficient hot working and annealing are provided to develop the desired coarse grain structure.

Abstract: A process for producing an article of glass manufacture is disclosed in which oxide dispersion strengthened alloys are used to produce complicated shapes. The process includes a critical thermomechanical processing sequence to recrystallize the alloy into a coarse grain structure for high temperature service.