Abstract: A dethatching device comprising a dethatching shaft assembly. The dethatching shaft assembly comprises at least one shaft and a plurality of flexible, non-metallic dethatching lines. Each of the plurality of flexible, non-metallic dethatching lines extend from the shaft and rotate with the shaft to engage the ground and loosen and remove any thatch on the ground and in the lawn.

Abstract: A tractor for over the row in line towing of a trailer along a row of plants, wherein either the trailer or the tractor itself has the capability of carrying mechanisms for performing certain operations on a row crop. Such mechanisms include crop harvesters, plant pruners, plant sprayers or device for tilling the ground adjacent the plant rows. Use of these mechanisms in sloping fields is specifically envisioned. A portion of the tractor is designed to carry these mechanisms and is maintained in a level configuration in fields of row crops without substantial elevation of the tractor center of gravity. The main elements of the tractor are kept near ground level for easy access in all types of row crop terrain, sloping or otherwise, so that fueling and maintenance tasks may be readily performed and ground access to an operator's station is always available.

Abstract: A self-set yarn made from bicomponent fibers forms helical crimps that lock in twist and form bulk.

Abstract: An improved guide fixture is disclosed. The guide fixture includes two portions forming a guide passage. The first portion funnels a discrete element into a second portion. A knife edge located adjacent a slot in the guide passage separates the discrete element from a holder while the discrete element is inserted into a cartridge.

Abstract: A double helix jewelry chain is constructed from a series of interconnected chain links. Each link is formed with an open mouth defined between a pair of end faces. The end faces are aligned with one another in various predetermined geometrical and dimensional relationships in order to maintain a minimum projected gap or clearance opening equal to or less than the major dimension of an elongated cross section of each link.

Abstract: The present invention providing a control and method having for starting and stopping gas turbine engines in a set of such engines controlled from a master controller. Incorporated in the master controller is a predetermined optimum life schedule selected to make maintenance intervals predictable. The actual age of each engine is compared to its optimum age as determined by the schedule. When power demand increases, the master controller will always start the engine whose actual age is the farthest below its optimum age and when power demand decreases, the master controller will always stop the engine whose actual age is the farthest above its optimum age. Thus, over the life of the site, the aging of the engines will converge on the predetermined optimum life schedule making maintenance intervals predictable.

Abstract: A multiplexed hydraulic control system includes a pressure transducer fluidically connected to the multiplexer for sequential or periodic connection to a plurality of channels. The multiplexed hydraulic control system provides hydraulic control flows to a plurality of second stage valves while simultaneously multiplexing the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer may be multiplexed to multiple second stage valves or actuators to provide multiplexed feedback for closed loop control of the second stage valves. The system may be used to split or throttle fuel flow to the nozzles of a combustion chamber in turbine engines.

Abstract: The ion beam concentration apparatus for a plasma thruster having closed electron drift comprises:a) an essentially frustoconical flared magnetic pole piece (63) open at both ends and designed to be situated downstream from the outlet plane of a plasma thruster having an annular ionization and acceleration channel (1) and peripheral and central pole pieces (3, 4) disposed on either side of the annular channel (1) to produce an essentially radial magnetic field in an outlet plane (14) perpendicularly to the axis of the annular channel (1); andb) an additional peripheral magnetic circuit (60; 80) connecting the downstream end of the flared magnetic pole piece (63) to said peripheral pole piece (3), the flared magnetic pole piece (63) co-operating with the additional peripheral magnetic circuit (60; 80) and with the peripheral and central pole pieces (3, 4) to define the shape of the magnetic field downstream from the annular channel (1) in such a manner as to constrain the ion beam emitted by the annular channe

Abstract: A turbine engine includes a gear driven booster connected to a high pressure shaft of the engine. A gear assembly connects the booster to the high pressure shaft. The booster is a high speed orthogonal booster that includes a plurality of rotor blades and a plurality of stator vanes. The booster rotates in a direction that is opposite to a direction the high pressure shaft rotates.

Abstract: A bypass turbojet-engine thrust reverser comprises at least one hollow, pivoting door (3) with an inner conduit (10), defined between an outer structure (4) of the door (3) and an inner structure (5) of the door (3), which guides flow through the door (3) when the door (3) is in a reverse thrust position. At least a downstream part of the outer structure (4) of the door (3) is independent of and displaceable relative to the inner structure (5) of the door (3) and is driven in a centrifugal direction relative to the inner structure (5) by a mechanical drive system such that a downstream exhaust cross-section (S2) of the inner conduit (10), which is less than an intake cross-section (S1) of the inner conduit (10) when the door (3) is in a forward thrust position, is at least equal to the intake cross-section (S1) when the door (3) is in the reverse thrust position.

Abstract: A failure judging device of the present invention is a device for diagnosing a failure of an exhaust purifying apparatus having a purifying catalyst for purifying an exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine, and an adsorbing member for adsorbing an unburned gas component in the exhaust gas. The failure judging device judges a failure on the basis of temperatures of the adsorbing member and the purifying catalyst when oxidating reaction of the unburned gas component occurs in the adsorbing member or the purifying catalyst, i.e., a change in temperature of the adsorbing member or the purifying catalyst distinctly appears.

Abstract: The apparatus is an automatic changeover system for a vehicle exhaust ventilating pipe. The exhaust pipe on a vehicle is fed into a valve which changes its output to either the conventional vehicle mounted exhaust outlet pipe or a bypass pipe low on the chassis to which a ventilating hose can easily be attached. The activating arm of an electrical switch is located at the end of the bypass pipe where it is held down by the ventilating hose when the hose is installed. Thus, when the vehicle is moved and the ventilating hose pulled off, the switch arm is released, and the switch activates a powered activator which moves the valve to close the bypass and open the output to the exhaust outlet pipe for normal operation.

Abstract: The invention concerns an exhaust silencer arrangement with a transverse exhaust silencer in a four-chamber type of construction, in particular for very small passenger-transporting motor vehicles, with a 3-cylinder rear-mounted engine and an exhaust gas turbocharger. The silencer comprises a housing which is composed of two half shells and accommodates a catalyst module in an integrated manner. The catalyst module, which does not have its own housing, forms a silencer system partition which divides the silencer into a 3-pot main chamber and an additional chamber which is in particular a resonator chamber and communicates with the main chamber via connection ducts formed in the half-shell housing.

Abstract: A variable exhaust resonance chamber valve system for internal combustion engine. The engine includes a cylinder having an exhaust port with an axial extent along the axis of the cylinder structure. An exhaust passage having a resonance port extends from the exhaust port to exhaust the engine. A resonance chamber extends from the resonance port and communicates with the exhaust passage through the resonance port. A port valve is adjustable between a second position, in which the port valve exposes the exhaust port throughout its axial extent and occludes the resonance port, and a first position, in which the port valve restricts the axial extent of the exhaust port and exposes the resonance port. A valve control module is connected to the port valve and functions to adjust the port valve between first and second positions in response to engine conditions. At low speeds and low output conditions, the valve is in its first position.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered fan system for the cooling system of a vehicle. Two hydraulic motors, powered by a hydraulic pump, drive a common fan which cools a radiator. When hydraulic flow in excess of that required to power a single motor is present, a second motor is placed in parallel with the single motor, thereby reducing system pressure, and reducing the power consumed by the pump.

Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine which includes a turbocharger which includes a compressor and a turbine in communication with ambient air wherein that air is pressurized by the compressor to greater than ambient pressure. An intercooler, in communication with the outlet of the compressor, reduces the temperature of the greater than ambient pressure air. An intake manifold, in communication with the outlet of the intercooler, distributes the cooled and above ambient pressure air into an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine, which may be a diesel engine, a spark ignition gasoline engine or a direct ignition gasoline engine, is provided with an exhaust manifold in communication with the turbine of the turbocharger.

Abstract: A superchargeable internal combustion engine with cylinder cut-off has a first cylinder group which operates over the entire operating range of the internal combustion engine. A second cylinder group is cut off or connected up as a function of demand. The engine's response dynamics when the second cylinder group is connected up by providing an exhaust-gas turbocharger which is used exclusively for supercharging the first cylinder group. A mechanical supercharger is provided which is used exclusively for supercharging the second cylinder group.

Abstract: In a method for turbocharging an internal combustion engine multiple turbochargers are arranged in parallel for supplying turbocharged air to the cylinders of the internal combustion engine via a valve device controlling distribution of the turbocharged air to the cylinders. Each cylinder receives turbocharged air from only one turbo charger at a time and each turbo charger supplies one or more cylinders with turbocharged air. The turbochargers are activated and deactivated according to operational states of the engine. At least one cylinder is switched with the valve device from a supply of turbocharged air of one turbo charger to a supply of turbocharged air of another turbo charger when activating and deactivating the turbochargers.

Abstract: A method of operating a Kalina cycle power generation system, includes directing a stream of vaporized binary working fluid to a turbine where it is expanded to produce power. A first portion of the expanded binary working fluid is directed to a distiller/condenser having multiple heat exchangers where, using the multiple heat exchangers, it is transformed into a first concentration binary working fluid, having a first concentration of a component of the binary working fluid, and a second concentration binary working fluid, having a second concentration of the component. At least the first concentration binary working fluid directed to a regenerative heat exchanger. A second portion of the expanded binary working fluid is directed to the regenerative heat exchanger where the first concentration binary working fluid is transformed into a vaporized binary working fluid and the second portion of expanded binary working fluid is transformed into a feed binary working fluid.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system includes a chamber. A gas inlet and gas outlet direct the flow of hot gas from a waste heat source to and from the chamber. A working fluid inlet port and working fluid outlet port direct the flow of multicomponent working fluid to and from the chamber. A plurality of heating surfaces are disposed within the chamber. The heating surfaces are formed of tubes which transport the flow of multicomponent working fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port such that the flow of the hot gas from the gas inlet to the gas outlet transfers heat from the hot gas to the flow of multicomponent working fluid.

Abstract: A catalytic combustor is formed of a plurality of segments which are enclosed within a canister. Each segment includes a metal strip which is folded back and forth upon itself. The strip is coated with catalyst on only one side, and the strip is brazed or welded to the canister only on the uncoated side. The segments of the combustor substantially fill the cross-section of the canister, but these segments are not physically joined to each other. The structure described above makes it possible to make the combustor relatively flat, having a length to diameter ratio of 0.25 or less. The catalytic combustor of the present invention is especially useful in a gas turbine, where space is limited, and where catalytic combustion is useful in preventing the formation of NOx.

Abstract: In gas turbine combustor in which combustion air flows on outer periphery of cylinder body and turns to enter the cylinder body while being mixed with fuel in main burner to form pre-mixture, there is provided upstream of the main burner 101 in the combustor 103 a rectifier 106 or 108 for rectifying the combustion air so as to make flow velocity of the combustion air uniform, thereby shortcomings in the prior art of concentration non-uniformity of the pre-mixture of main fuel and combustion air, high concentration of NO.sub.x generated from the main burner 101 in combustion, etc. are eliminated and larger combustion range to maintain stable combustion is attained.

Abstract: A dehumidifier which includes a thermoelectric cooler having first and second ends on opposite sides, with the first end being cooler than the second end during operation; a first plate which is thermally conductive and has first and second surfaces on opposite sides, wherein the first surface is thermally coupled to the first end of the thermoelectric cooler; a second plate spaced from and facing the second surface of the first plate to form a first air passage therebetween; and a fan positioned to cause air to flow through the first air passage, wherein the air flowing through the first air passage is dehumidified as moisture therein condenses on the second surface of the first plate. The invention also relates to a dispensing machine which includes the humidifier and a method for dehumidifying air in the dispensing machine or in other devices.

Abstract: To keep a temperature of an interior of an automotive vehicle at least at a level of an external atmospheric temperature even if the vehicle is parked with an engine being stopped for a long time, an automotive air-conditioning apparatus is composed of a cooling device 12 to be controlled by a controller 13, a pre-cooling device 20 for pre-cooling the interior of the vehicle, and a sub-controller 18 for controlling the pre-cooling device. The pre-cooling device is composed of a cooling thermoelectric element module 22, a ventilation fan 23, a solar battery 21 and a pre-cooling storage battery 24 charged by the solar battery.

Abstract: A trapping device is presented to improve production efficiency of vacuum processing devices. The trapping device comprises an exhaust path for evacuating process gas from a hermetic chamber through a vacuum pump; a regeneration path disposed adjacent to the exhaust path and comprising a regeneration means; not less than two trap sections communicable either with the exhaust path or with the regeneration path; and switching means for transposing the trap sections either to the exhaust path or to the regeneration path. A trapping operation and a regeneration operation can be performed concurrently respectively in the exhaust path and the regeneration path.

Abstract: A beverage chilling monitoring and alarm device. The temperature sensing, beverage temperature estimating, and remote alarm device is adapted for use in quick chilling beverages in containers, and thus enables one who attempts to quick chill a beverage to avoid a freeze-ruptured container that messily or catastrophically loses some or all of its contents in the freezer. The device senses the temperature of a beverage container, uses a method which estimates the beverage temperature against a predetermined temperature profile, and provides multi-level alarms based on the temperature of the beverage. The apparatus includes a flexible thermal sensor support that is adapted for being detachably and non-invasively affixed to a container. The sensor support is provided in a stretch type or adjustable length material, such as elastic, or a narrow strip which is adjustably fastened around a container via detachably affixible fasteners, preferably via Velcro.RTM.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing single crystal ice by creating a temperature environment in which a top section of the refrigerating temperature distribution of a hermetically sealed refrigerating space is held to high temperature and a bottom section to low temperature, guiding water to the high-temperature section, and dripping droplets of the water to the low-temperature section.

Abstract: In order to seal in refrigerant in a heat exchanger as much quantity as possible till to reuse the refrigerant at a new place of the heat exchanger after transfer or till to recover the refrigerant at a refrigerant recovery site, even when electricity is suspended to the new place or when outside temperature is lower than a certain temperature at the place where the heat exchanger such as an air conditioner having a separated interior instrument and exterior instrument is being installed, two on-off valves are provided in the refrigerant piping of the interior instrument besides two on-off valves provided in the refrigerant piping of the exterior instrument, or on-off valves are provided in each connecting pipe connecting with the refrigerant piping of the interior instrument and the refrigerant piping of the exterior piping, and the refrigerant is sealed in by closing all the on-off valves.

Abstract: When an air-conditioning is started, a determination is made as to whether a power relay is run so as to keep a compressor in a power-on state. When the power relay is in the power-on state, the running current of the power relay is detected. At this point, if the current value does not reach to a predetermined value, it is determined that the compressor is stopped in an exterior unit for protection.

Abstract: An energy control and transmission system which monitors temperature in piping systems, electronic systems and the like. Energy in the form of a heated or chilled fluid is delivered to the devices and/or regions of interest to maintain temperature conditions thereat within a safe range of values. Electrical energy employed in the system is confined to the location from which the fluid is pumped, eliminating the presence of electricity in hazardous or dangerous areas. Non-electrical temperature indicators are utilized to permit branching flow of the temperature controlling fluid from a closed loop responsive to detection of a temperature condition outside of the desired range of values. The opening of such a branching path triggers operation of a pressure sensitive switch which activates a pump for delivery of the temperature controlling fluid.

Abstract: An advanced liquid cooling system with an advanced cooling characteristic and high reliability, which is small in size and light in weight, is provided. In the liquid cooling system, heating units 2, which are semiconductors, are fixed on a base having high thermal conductivity. A liquid-passage hole 7 in the base 5 allows a liquid refrigerant 6 to pass through. Since the base 5 is made of material with high thermal conductivity, and the liquid-passage hole 7 extends in the vicinity of the heating unit 2 in the base, it is sufficient to transfer the heat of heating unit 2 the liquid refrigerant 6. This enables control of the temperature rise of the heating unit to be maintained low.

Abstract: The walls of a refrigerator or freezer cabinet comprise an inner shell (20) of plastic, an outer shell (22) of plastic and an evacuated heat insulation (28) between the shells. The cabinet is permanently provided with a vacuum pump (30), which keeps the insulation evacuated. Each one of the inner shell (20) and the outer shell (22) has at an access opening (16) of the cabinet an end part (24 and 26, respectively), both of which being directed out from the opening (16) and joined together along a surface (21), which like a band extends around the opening in parallel with its plane (16).

Abstract: The refrigeration recovery system equips with a refrigerated container to cool the recovery tanks in order to have a desirable low pressure inside the recovery tank. This method is essential to accelerate the recovery speed and to achieve a complete recovery of refrigerants.

Abstract: A component configuration for enhancing the serviceability of a dispenser includes a platform positionable on the housing of the dispenser. A refrigeration unit mounts at a center and rear portions of the platform. An electronic control is disposed within a housing that is mounted at a center portion of the platform adjacent to the refrigeration unit. The electronic control housing permits access to the electronic control from the front of the dispenser. An evaporator coil of the refrigeration unit includes concentric coil sections defined by an inner coil section, an intermediate coil section, and an outer coil section.

Abstract: A refrigeration capacity accumulator including a set of parallel transversely spaced tubes arranged in layers. Each tube is closed at both ends and contains a static liquid that solidifies into ice when the tube is exposed to a below-zero temperature. Each tube compensates for the expansion of the static liquid during solidification. Specifically, the tube is arranged in a horizontal position, an expansion space is provided in the gap between the static liquid and the cylindrical wall of the tube, and two internally hemispherical end walls are provided. According to the method, the accumulator is operated and a zigzagging flow of a dynamic fluid is fed through the spaces between and around the tubes. The accumulator may be connected to a refrigeration unit and/or an operating apparatus.

Abstract: Heat transfer apparatus comprises a refrigeration assembly having a low pressure region and a high pressure region. The apparatus may also include a power generation assembly connected to the refrigeration assembly between the low and high pressure regions. The refrigeration assembly and the power generation assembly are so arranged that refrigerant in the high pressure region can be passed through the power generation assembly to the low pressure region of the refrigeration assembly. Power may be generated by the power generation assembly on passage therethrough of the refrigerant. The apparatus may also include an absorption region comprising a piston and cylinder, ejector cycles in combination with absorption cycles, fibre heat exchanges, vortex tubes, and one embodiment comprises lamp or a torch.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring heating and cooling power by means of two heat transfer media, wherein at least one of the heating media is arranged to be evaporated or condensed. To reduce the need for space, the apparatus includes a shell (3) inside which at least one plate heat exchanger (1,2) is arranged loosely, flow slots (19) of the heat exchanger being arranged to be completely or mainly open towards the shell (3) in such a manner that the evaporating or condensing heat transfer medium can flow to the plate heat exchanger or from the plate heat exchanger from different sides of the plate heat exchanger on the whole length of that slot (19) which is open.

Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention pertains to desalination of seawater by eding methane into seawater at a depth generally exceeding 100 meters to form methane hydrate which rises to where it is decomposed into methane and water, and recoverig water. Methane is recycled to depth to form more buoyant hydrate.

Abstract: The inventive process and associated apparatus are ideally suited for the small-scale liquefaction of natural gas. The current invention provides a methodology and apparatus for the liquefaction of normally gaseous material, most notably natural gas, which reduces both the number of process vessels required and also the associated space requirements over convention apparatus while resulting in only a slight decrease in process efficiency.

Abstract: LPG and gasoline are recovered from catalytic reformer plant treat gas and net gas by refrigeration-induced condensation and separation, using reformer plant waste heat to produce the refrigeration in an ammonia absorption refrigeration unit. Referring to FIG. 2, reformer waste heat from exchanger 21 powers absorption refrigeration unit 22, which supplies refrigeration to chiller 25. Net gas and treat gas is recuperatively cooled in recuperator 24, chilled in chiller 25, and separated in separator 26. Absorption refrigeration may also be supplied to cool FCC compressor inlet vapor to below ambient, either in conjunction with treat gas chilling or independently. Other waste heat streams may also be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for efficiently and cost-effectively removing moisture from pressurized gas stream to any required low level. The invention adopts an irregular matrix of finned pipes to remove the moisture as liquid and solid deposits. Clogging is completely eliminated in the freezer and heat recuperator of this apparatus. The dew-point of the dried gas may be reduced to under -100.degree. F. The method and the apparatus provided by the present invention are universally applicable to the dehydration of all kind of gases, and, hence, can replace all the three major dehydration methods and dehydrators currently in the market, i.e., the solid desiccant absorption, the liquid desiccant absorption, and the refrigeration dehydration. No BTEX pollutant is emitted to the atmosphere when applied to natural gas dehydration.

Abstract: A cut stone having a crown (21) and a pavilion (23), the crown having peripherically four indents orientated face to face and forming a cross, the apparence of the crown of the stone forming a butterfly. The crown defines centrally a table in the shape of a reversed trapeze surrounded by facets defining two wings located toward the outside of the trapeze. The pavilion (23) comprises a number of facets distributed according to orientation angles combined to create a void of brilliance in the area of the indents. Under the table of the crown appears the reflection of the pavilion which uncovers two flapping wings located internally; the flapping wings added to the two wings at the exterior of the trapeze, give the appearance of a lepidopter.

Abstract: Optical quality glass having a selected refractive index is produced by a two stage drying process. A gel is produced using sol-gel chemistry techniques and first dried by controlled evaporation until the gel volume reaches a pre-selected value. This pre-selected volume determines the density and refractive index of the finally dried gel. The gel is refilled with solvent in a saturated vapor environment, and then dried again by supercritical extraction of the solvent to form a glass. The glass has a refractive index less than the full density of glass, and the range of achievable refractive indices depends on the composition of the glass. Glasses having different refractive indices chosen from an uninterrupted range of values can be produced from a single precursor solution.

Abstract: A surface light shaping diffuser (LSD) is formed from a monolithic glass material by recording light shaping structures on a surface of the material during its formation. A surface LSD is produced by embossing or molding light shaping structures onto a high quality optical glass or by embossing light shaping structures on a glass film layer coated onto a substrate. A rubber submaster carrying the light shaping structures is used as the master in such diffusers control the angular spread of transmitted light while homogenizing otherwise spatially noisy light sources such as LCDs and filamented light sources and while maintaining damage thresholds consistent with any glass optical element. The surface LSD has a transmission efficiency of over 90% from the Ultraviolet wavelengths through the physical spectrum and into the near-infrared.

Abstract: Method of patterning or forming color gradients and/or designs on a glass surface are disclosed. Patterns are formed by depositing a film of metal on at least one surface of the glass; forming a layer of photoresist over the metal; exposing the article to light through a mask which contains a desired pattern; developing the piece to remove the exposed photoresist to reveal the underlying metal; removing the underlying metal to reveal the underlying glass; and removing the unexposed photoresist to reveal the underlying metal. To form color gradients or color patterns, the glass article is further treated in hydrogen at a temperature in the range of 300-600.degree. C. to effect the desired surface coloration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for bending glass sheets. This process involves bending the glass sheet or sheets in at least two stages. The first stage employing the action of gravity leading to a shaped blank which is used in the formation of the final shape. The last stage which leads to the final shape, involves the simultaneous or nonsimultaneous, combined actions of gravity and at least one additional mechanical force. The invention also includes a bending apparatus providing at least one section having two separately useable parts with one of the parts being movable with respect to the other to permit the section to be arranged in one of two positions. In addition, the invention includes bent glazing having at least one docking angle exceeding 50.degree. and a radius of curvature below 200 mm.

Abstract: A fused-cast-alumina-zirconia-silica refractory consisting essentially of corundum crystals, baddeleyite crystals and a matrix glass phase and having a chemical composition comprising (a) from 30 to 70 wt % of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, (b) from 20 to 59 wt % of ZrO.sub.2, (c) from 5 to 12 wt % of SiO.sub.2, (d) from 0.15 to 0.60 wt % of Na.sub.2 O, (e) from 0 to 0.50 wt % of K.sub.2 O, (f) from 0 to 0.40 wt % of Li.sub.2 O, (g) from 0.05 to 0.80 wt % of B.sub.2 O.sub.3, (h) from 0.05 to 0.80 wt % of P.sub.2 O.sub.5, and (i) from 0.05 to 0.50 wt % in total of at least one member selected from the group consisting of SnO.sub.2, ZnO, CuO and MnO.sub.2.

Abstract: The only methods hitherto available for the production of mineral wool from materials such as basalt either utilize a stationary nozzle (blast drawing method) or external centrifuging whereby unsatisfactory yield and/or a not entirely satisfactory fiber quality, particularly with regard to a high content of unfiberized components, are achieved. By way of the invention, application of a fiberization method is suggested which, in spite of a high fluidity of the molten mineral material such as basalt, arrives at high quality fibers with a low bead proportion at good yield. This is made possible by selection of specific materials and their fiberization in specific conditions. Whereas fiberization of these fluid materials is carried out in external centrifuging at viscosities of a few tens of poises, fiberization by internal centrifuging at viscosities of more than 100 poises is required, according to the: invention, in order to achieve a mineral wool for insulation purposes with a low bead content.

Abstract: A flat bed knitting apparatus and method of knitting are provided in which needles movably carried in opposing needle beds are selected and actuated for movement between various positions required for stitch formation independently of any other needles while completing the formation of a stitch on each selected needle prior to the actuation of the next needle in sequence and while varying the length of needle movement to its stitch forming position as required for uniform stitches throughout the fabric and in which a covered spandex yarn is fed to the needles while varying the tension thereof for uniform stitch formation. The needle selection and actuation further includes tapering the knit fabric by transferring stitches from selected needles in one needle bed onto adjacent needles in the other needle bed so that the knit fabric formed is a tapered, tubular knit product.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for positioning a knitting cam in circular knitting and stocking knitting machines. The knitting cam (11) is fixed to a slide (13), which can be moved on a support (15) by means of an eccentric ring rotated by a motor. The slide with knitting cam is provided with a first needle (18), resting on and following the eccentric inner profile of a second needle (19) resting on and following the outer surface of the eccentric ring (17) so as to move and position the slide in response to the rotation of the ring.