Abstract: A gaseous sub-product from an industrial unit is compressed and then treated in a permeator to bring its hydrogen content to a value below or equal to 5% to provide a combustible gas for a gas turbine.

Abstract: Mechanical complexity and high cost in a fluid flow control system are avoided through the use of a pulse width modulated (PWM) valve (20) to meter a fluid flow to an inlet (50) of a pump (16) that pumps the metered flow to an outlet (56) of the fuel pump (12). The system utilizes a pulsating vapor core in the pump (16) to dampen the pulses in the fluid flow generated by the PWM valve (20). A regulator valve (22) is provided to maintain a relatively constant pressure drop across the PWM valve (20). The control system is ideally suited for controlling the flow of fuel to a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring the supply system (10) of a gas turbine having a multiburner system, said supply system (10) comprising at least one distribution system (15, 24), via which a pressurized medium required for operating the multiburner system is distributed to a plurality of individual burners (12, . . . , 14) opening into a combustion chamber, reliable detection and analysis of faults is achieved in that, while the gas turbine is operating, the pressure loss in the at least one distribution system (15, 24) is measured continuously, in that the measured pressure loss is compared with a desired value characteristic of the respective operating state of the gas turbine, and in that a communication is issued when the measured pressure loss deviates from the associated desired value by a predetermined value.

Abstract: An impeller is directly driven by an output shaft of a core engine. The airflow produced by the impeller rotates an air turbine and a fan disposed integrally with the air turbine. The impeller and the air turbine form a fluid coupling which serves also as a speed reducing mechanism. The rotational speed of the fan can be reduced to be lower than that of the output shaft while retaining efficiency of the core engine. The outer diameter of the fan can be increased, raising a bypass ratio.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly including a nozzle structure and liner is disclosed. The nozzle structure is made of at least one carbon-based material and includes a nose tip region, a restricted cross-sectional throat region, and an exit cone region that collectively provide an interior surface configured to define a converging-diverging pathway. The liner includes leg and body portions. The leg portion protrudes over an edge or into a groove of the nozzle structure to engage the liner to the nozzle structure. The body portion of the liner covers at least the throat region of the nozzle structure along the flow path to obstruct high temperature combustion products from causing recession of the nozzle structure. The erosion-resistant liner has at least one irregularity that extends, in a continuous manner, radially at least along the leg portion and, optionally, longitudinally along the body portion.

Abstract: Excessive NOx emission in a diesel internal combustion engine with SCR exhaust gas treatment is detected by a control unit. The excessive NOx emission value is determined from the catalytic-converter efficiency calculated for the metering of the reducing agent. In response, measures are taken, such as delayed start of the fuel injection, deactivation of a coasting cutoff, reducing an exhaust gas recirculation rate and/or increasing the idling speed. As a result, the NOx content in the untreated exhaust gas drops, the catalytic-converter temperature increases more quickly after a cold start, and the NOx emission is reduced.

Abstract: A method for regulating the fuel/air ratio of an internal combustion engine, the output signal from a first lamba probe, which is arranged in the exhaust duct of the internal combustion engine upstream of a catalyst, being supplied to a controller, and the controller emitting a manipulated variable for the fuel/air ratio, and there being supplied to the controller a correcting signal which is obtained from the output signal from a second lambda probe located downstream of the catalyst. In order to allow accurate and adapatable regulation which further improves the fuel/air ratio with the effect of a reduction in the exhaust gas emission, the correcting signal is weighted as a function of the period of the output signal from the first lambda probe.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine operated with excess air has an exhaust gas after-treatment device wherein nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas are reduced by selective catalytic reduction. A pump is connected between a reducing agent container and a metering device for controlled feeding of a reducing agent to the exhaust gas upstream of an SCR catalyst. A pressure accumulator with an associated pressure sensor for intermediately storing the reducing agent is connected between the pump and the metering device. The pump delivers only so much reducing agent into the pressure accumulator as is being used in the exhaust gas after-treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a diesel engine having an engine controller which controls the operation of the diesel engine as a function of characteristic maps and permits rich/lean control of the diesel engine. The engine controller includes a computer which effects a changeover to rich or lean operation of the diesel engine as a function of predetermined changeover criteria, a sensor system which communicates with the computer and monitors parameters needed for changeover criteria, and a memory which communicates with the computer and in which the characteristic maps for operating the diesel engine are stored. The computer effects a changeover from lean to rich operation when all the changeover criteria in this respect are satisfied, and effects a change back from rich to lean operation when at least one of the changeover criteria in this respect is satisfied.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus including an HC absorbent located in an upstream region of a selective reduction type NOx catalyst for improving a NOx purification efficiency. In the exhaust gas purifying apparatus, an HC absorbing device is disposed upstream of a NOx catalyst converter arranged in an exhaust gas passageway. The selective reduction type NOx catalyst accommodated in the HC absorbing device uses a carrier, which is easy to absorb the HC when a temperature of the exhaust gas is lowered, and easy to desorb the HC when the temperature of the exhaust gas is raised, and a selective reduction type NOx catalyst accommodated in the NOx catalyst converter uses a carrier which has a strong absorption of HC for retention.

Abstract: An exhaust gas system of a multi-cylinder internal-combustion engine has two groups of cylinders and one exhaust pipe system respectively and has a connection pipe between the exhaust pipe systems which is arranged close to the engine and which is constructed as a resonance pipe. The connection pipe can be shut off and opened up as a function of at least one operating parameter of the internal-combustion engine. By way of this connection pipe serving as the resonance pipe, resonance vibrations can be generated between the two exhaust pipe systems as a function of the ignition sequence and the rotational speed of the internal-combustion engine. Should these resonance effects cause a deterioration in the course in the torque as a function of the rotational speed, the switching flap is closed. When a positive effect is caused, the switching flap is opened up.

Abstract: A pipe assembly includes an inner pipe and an outer laminated pipe disposed around the inner pipe for use in conveying exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. The outer pipe is formed from two or more laminated layers to reduce noise emission. The outer pipe surrounds the inner pipe to protect the inner pipe, and muffle the inner pipe, while the inner pipe provides support for the outer pipe, either consistently contacting the outer pipe at the upstream inlet portion, or contacting the outer pipe at three areas spaced from each other on the outer pipe at the downstream outlet portion. The three contacting areas at the downstream outlet portion create an air-filled space at least partially separating the inner pipe and the outer laminated pipe. The air-filled space insulates the inner pipe so that exhaust gases moving through the inner pipe do not cool significantly as a result of heat dissipating by conduction or convection to the outer pipe.

Abstract: A stepless continuously variable transmission system has a casing with inlet (or outlet) holes, the casing housing an inlet and output shaft which are connected by series of concentric cages, alternate cages being connected to the inlet and outlet shafts alternately whilst remaining free to rotate on the other shaft respectively. The cages include series of blades which interact with a transmission medium which is moved in a direction or directions in the casing between inlet and outlet so that the blades experience changes in angular momentum of the transmission medium, the blades being curbed oppositely in relation to whether their cage is an inlet or outlet connected cage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic controller for a working machine, capable of reducing a dead zone of a lever of the working machine and improving the manipulation handling thereof. The hydraulic controller is provided with a back pressure metering valve disposed in a bleed-off line and connecting a bleed-off opening and a tank for adding back pressure to the bleed-off opening; a proportional solenoid control valve for supplying control pressure to the back pressure metering valve; a pilot hydraulic sensor for detecting pilot hydraulic pressure; and a controller for receiving a pilot hydraulic signal from the pilot hydraulic sensor and for outputting a control signal to the proportional solenoid control valve to thereby control the back pressure metering valve.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to enable to supply a discharged pressurized fluid of a hydraulic pump without any energy loss with an arbitrary flow rate distribution ratio to a plurality of actuators. A discharged pressurized fluid of the hydraulic pump 11 is supplied to the first and second actuators 15 and 16 via the first and second variable displacement type hydraulic pump/motors 13 and 14. The first variable displacement type hydraulic pump/motor 13 and the second variable displacement type hydraulic pump/motor 14 are mechanically connected to rotate at the same revolution speed. By this, the pressurized fluid is supplied to the first and second actuators 15 and 16 depending upon displacements of the first and second variable displacement type hydraulic pump/motors.

Abstract: A method automatically controls the engine brake of a motor vehicle in which, in the coasting operation during a transmission shifting operation, the resulting braking torque acting upon the internal-combustion engine is reduced. In order to be able to control as precisely and inexpensively as possible the torques acting upon the internal-combustion engine in the engine braking operation of the vehicle during a transmission shifting operation, the injected fuel quantity is increased during the shifting operation.

Abstract: An exhaust turbocharger for an internal combustion engine has a main compressor for compressing the fresh air supplied to the engine, an additional compressor for compressing combustion gases to be recycled to the engine, and a turbine that can be driven by the exhaust gases from the engine and which serves to drive the main compressor and the additional compressor. The turbine has an adjustable geometry which facilitates optimization of engine operation regarding pollutant emissions, fuel consumption, and performance.

Abstract: The combustor has three injection stages to supply fuel or a fuel/air mixture progressively to a pre-chamber or a main combustion chamber wherein the third injection stage comprises an elongated passage with an arrangement for introducing fuel into the passage. Preferably the passage extends alongside the combustion chamber and/or another passage for cooling air.

Abstract: To prepare a more homogeneous premixture than that of the device of the prior art thereby to suppress an NOx emission and to lower a fuel feed pressure. A gas turbine combustor comprising: an outer cylinder 106 having main swirlers 101 therein and adapted to be fed with air; and an annular fuel feed manifold 110 disposed at the outer circumference of the outer cylinder 106 on the upstream or downstream side of the main swirlers 101 and having a plurality of nozzle ports 111 communicating with the inside of the outer cylinder 106, so that a fuel is injected from the outer circumference to the center of the air flowing in the outer cylinder 106.

Abstract: A burner arrangement (20) for a gas turbine comprises an interior space (22) enclosed by a casing (23), in which interior space (22) at least one burner (21) is arranged, and into which interior space (22) in each case a jet (26, 27) of a gaseous medium, in particular air, is sprayed through at least two nozzle openings (24, 25) against the direction of flow of the burner (21) and along the inner wall (23a) of the casing (23) which jets (26, 27), guided by the inner wall (23a), meet one another from opposite directions and combine to form a secondary flow (28) flowing off perpendicularly from the inner wall (23a). In such a burner arrangement, the flow is stabilized and evened out by virtue of the fact that, to establish the impingement point of the jets (26, 27), a dividing plate (29) arranged in the flow path of the jets (26, 27) and disposed essentially perpendicularly to the inner wall (23a) is provided.

Abstract: A compressor integrated pulse tube refrigerator of an oil free type is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a driving unit including a sealed casing having a cylinder disposed at an upper center portion of the same and a working gas filled therein, a linear motor installed in the interior of the sealed casing for generating a driving force, a driving shaft which is engaged to a rotor of the linear motor and linearly reciprocates, a piston connected with the driving shaft and inserted in the cylinder and reciprocating together with the driving shaft for thereby pumping a working gas, and a plurality of elastic guide support members provided in the interior of the sealed casing; and a refrigerating unit, for thereby implementing a stable reciprocating movement between a cylinder and a piston in a state that an outer surface of the piston does not contact with an inner surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: The cryogenic processor comprises a tray or multiple trays that receives liquid feed composition from a delivery source. A plurality of orifices or combination of orifices and feed droppers, hereinafter feed assembly, associated with the tray are specifically arranged and adapted for discharging uniformly sized droplets of the liquid composition from the tray. In a key aspect of the improvement, a regulated flow of ambient air is provided to the feed assembly by a venturi assembly or other source of partial vacuum. The vacuum assembly allows ambient air to be pulled into the cryogenic processor and across the feed assembly which prevents liquid composition from freezing and accumulating in the flow channels of the feed assembly, thus allowing continuous formation of uniformly sized beads. Adjustable door inlets are also adapted and arranged as a means to control the flow of incoming ambient air, as well as the flow of outgoing gaseous refrigerant.

Abstract: A modular air handling supply system and method for producing a supply of cooled air for cooling purposes is disclosed. The modular air handling supply system includes a module container and ducting for transporting the air within said module container and a blower in operational connection with the ducting, wherein the cooled air is propelled to at least one resource or facility, each of which are located external to the module container. The system has the capability of supplying a remote resource or facility with a variable volume and temperature of cooled air.

Abstract: An air-flow management system for controlling the supply air to a motor vehicle passenger compartment is disclosed. The air-flow management system includes a reversible heat pump system for transferring heat energy between an outside environment and a refrigerant. Air from the outside environment, fresh air, and from the passenger compartment, recirculated air, is forced through the air-flow structure by a blower resulting in the transfer of heat energy between the refrigerant and the passenger compartment. A recirculation door provides a means for controlling the mixture of fresh air to recirculated air that flows through the air-flow structure. The position of the recirculation door is selectable by a controller to prevent fogging during the transition from cooling mode to heating mode, minimize the energy expended conditioning the passenger compartment air, and prevent the backflow of unconditioned outside air from the fresh air duct into the recirculation duct.

Abstract: A circuit configuration operates an electrically triggerable magnet valve having a valve-control element adjustable into at least two working positions for selecting one fluid-flow path at a time to be acted upon by a fluid and corresponding to a respective working position. The circuit configuration includes a device for adjusting the valve-control element into a different working position in connection with an imposition of fluid, predominantly present in liquid components, on at least a portion of a fluid-flow path formed by the magnet valve. A refrigeration appliance, in particular a refrigerator or freezer or a combination refrigerator-freezer includes the circuit configuration.

Abstract: The performance of mobile air conditioning systems is improved with the use of a pressure sensing valve to control refrigerant flow in the system. The pressure sensing valve is connected between the condenser and the evaporator. The control valve senses the refrigerant pressure adjacent the evaporator, i.e. the input, or output, or the combination of both, to control the refrigerant flow through the evaporator in a manner to improve the performance of the system. The reference pressure for the valve can be the atmosphere or a fixed or variable source. Various other operating variables can be sensed to control the variable source in a manner to interact with the sensed pressure to provide added control of system performance.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for insuring that excessive demand is not placed on a refrigeration unit that supplies pressurized subcooled refrigerant to different channels having independent needs for use of refrigeration capacity. A separate reference channel receives a portion of the refrigerant and expands the refrigerant fully to a gas phase to establish a minimum level reference temperature. In the operative channels the refrigerant flows into individual evaporators/heat exchangers at rates set by external command signals, the refrigerant being in heat exchange relation with thermal transfer fluid in the evaporator/heat exchanger. Evaporation of refrigerant in each channel thus brings the thermal transfer fluid for that channel to the target temperature. By comparing the post evaporation temperature in each channel to the reference temperature and reducing the refrigerant flow rate whenever the difference is below a threshold, individual channels are not overtaxed and the system remains stable.

Abstract: Enhanced controls added to conventional heating and air conditioning equipment provides a uniform comfort environment though out the structure. Enhanced control module monitors variously placed sensors within the structure and activates a conventional fan. The fan mixes air throughout the structure maintaining a uniform comfort though out economically.

Abstract: A portable water purification and collection system includes a cabinet member having an interior chamber defined by a plurality of side walls, one of which has a vent thereon. Received within the interior chamber and adjacent the vent is a fan for inducing air flow from the atmosphere to the cabinet interior. Between the fan and the vent is an electrostatic air filter for removing particulates from the air as well as a condenser for producing condensate therefrom. The resulting condensate drips into a collection reservoir and then to an ultraviolet light unit that destroys microorganisms within the condensate. From the ultraviolet light unit, the condensate flows to a main reservoir from which it may be dispensed to an external container via a spigot mounted to a cabinet side wall.

Abstract: A refrigerant storage reservoir, connected by valves to the high and low pressure lines of a refrigeration system, and controlled by a microprocessor based system that monitors temperatures and pressures, provides a means of regulating the overall amount of refrigerant charge in a heating or cooling system to optimize economy or performance during operation. Reference temperature and pressure data profiles, permanently stored in memory, are compared with actual data collected while the refrigeration system is operating. If a reduction of refrigerant charge is indicated, a valve on the high pressure side of the refrigeration system is opened to allow excess refrigerant to flow into the storage reservoir. If an increase in refrigerant charge is indicated, a valve on the low pressure side of the refrigeration system is opened to allow refrigerant to flow from the reservoir into the operating loop of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A modular ice delivery system includes a beverage dispenser unit for dispensing beverages therefrom and an ice delivery unit linked with the beverage dispenser unit for supplying ice to the beverage dispenser unit. A docking pathway formed between the ice delivery unit and the beverage dispenser unit is provided for operatively linking the ice delivery unit with the beverage dispenser unit. The modular ice delivery system may further include an ice capacity booster unit linked with the ice delivery unit, ultimately, for supplying ice to the beverage dispenser unit. A docking pathway formed between the ice delivery unit and the ice capacity booster unit is also provided for linking the ice capacity booster unit and the ice delivery unit. In effect, each docking pathway enables the modular ice delivery system to be broken down into modular units commensurate with varying demand for ice.

Abstract: A modified water drain pan for use in an ice maker is positioned below a vertically oriented evaporator and includes a front lip for receiving run off water from the evaporator during an ice making cycle. The lip includes a plurality of spaced apart ice removing structures defining a V-shaped groove there along. The V-shaped groove is defined by a plurality of front and rear angled surfaces. In operation, when the ice is harvested, the ice sheet falls from the evaporator such that a bottom edge thereof lands within the V-shaped groove. The bottom edge of the ice sheet contacts a front surface of the V-shaped groove wherein the force applied there against by the weight of the entire sheet causes the sheet to rotate about an imaginary axis extending within and along that groove. As a result thereof, the top of the ice sheet tips in a forward direction away from the evaporator where upon it falls into an ice bin there below.

Abstract: A dry-ice container comprising: a casing and, in this casing; carbon dioxide, part of which is in a solid state and another part of which is in a gaseous state, wherein the casing comprises at least one passage for spontaneous escape of carbon dioxide in the gaseous state.

Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet has an exterior cabinet shell and a plastic liner insert defining a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment where foamed in place insulation extends between the exterior cabinet shell and the interior liner. The liner has a partition with upper and lower walls extending rearwardly of a front mullion wall and between sidewalls of the liner. The upper sidewall has a cut-out recess adapted to receive an evaporator tray housing that is seated on edges of the upper wall of the partition. The tray supports an evaporator coil, motor, and fan. The tray has a cover that forms, together with the upper wall of the partition, the floor of the freezer compartment. By locating the evaporator tray recessed in the partition, in the partition space between the two compartments can be filled with rigid foam that extends between the upper and lower food compartments and to the exterior shell of the cabinet.

Abstract: An apparatus that utilizes the heat transfer ability of cryogenic materials to maintain its contents at low temperatures includes a container having inner and outer shells. The inner and outer shells have a chamber formed therebetween. An insulation layer is disposed within the chamber. The inner shell is disposed within the outer shell to form a chamber for receiving therein a material for storage and/or transport therebetween. A phase change material is disposed within the storage chamber and includes cut-outs for receiving therein a cryogenic material. Alternatively, a pre-charged phase change material insert is provided in the storage chamber and/or the storage chamber is packed with a filler material pre-chilled in a cryogenic material. A lid seals the container.

Abstract: A preform and a blow molded container formed therefrom and having plural cavities or compartments for providing enhanced properties including vacuum containers for hot and cold product, or barrier materials including gases or layered material, improved creep resistance, use of lower cost and/or recycled materials, increased wall strength and aerosol properties.

Abstract: A system for transporting ice cream to locations where freezer facilities are unavailable. The ice cream caddy system includes an insulated holder for containing a quantity of ice cream surrounded by a supply of ice and rock salt. The ice cream caddy system also includes holding facilities for holding and transporting a number of serving bowls and spoons as well as an ice cream scoop.

Abstract: A picnic tailgate device includes a housing with a lid hingedly connected thereto. The housing is internally divided into a plurality of zones including an insulated zone for supporting food-containing containers therein and maintaining the containers in a warm condition. The housing further has a cool compartment for supporting a plurality of food-containing containers in a chilled condition, the cool housing including an enclosed ice-containing chamber for nestingly supporting the food containers thereby maintaining the cool temperature of the chilled foods. Preferably a handle attached to a side of the device for carrying purposes and, optionally included, are legs for supporting the device during use.

Abstract: An adsorbent unit for a refrigerant accumulator having a housing with a bottom wall and a side wall and a U-shaped pipe with a return bend adjacent the bottom wall and with first and second pipe portions extending from the return bend along the side wall, and a filter body extending outwardly from the return bend, the adsorbent unit including a porous adsorbent container, adsorbent in the container, first and second end portions on the container, a first tab extending outwardly from the first end portion of the container, an elongated slot in the first tab mounting it on the first and second pipe portions, a second tab extending outwardly from the second end portion of the container, an aperture on the second tab mounting it on the filter body, and a separate compartment on the adsorbent unit containing a refrigerant tracer dye.

Abstract: A condenser equipped with a receiver includes an inlet portion for refrigerant of the receiver opening in an axial direction of the receiver; an outlet portion for refrigerant of the condenser communicating with the inlet portion of the receiver; and an insertion portion provided on either the inlet portion or the outlet portion. The insertion portion is inserted into the outlet portion or the inlet portion, and the inlet portion and the outlet portion are brought into contact with each other to make a gastight condition between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. In this structure, the workability for attaching the receiver to the condenser and detaching the receiver from the condenser may be improved. Moreover, the strength for fixing the receiver to the condenser may be increased.

Abstract: The invention concerns an air conditioning condenser for a motor vehicle passenger compartment comprising a reservoir mounted on a base. The reservoir is axially screwed in the base, itself soldered on a manifold box of the condenser, communicating therewith through ducts arranged in the base. The base further comprises a mounting pin for helping to fix the condenser on the support, and/or a linking duct for connecting the condenser to the rest of the refrigerating circuit.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for conveying gas stream rich in methane, such as natural gas. In the first step of the process, gas is supplied to a pipeline at an entry pressure that is substantially higher than the output pressure of the pipeline. The drop in pressure in the pipeline causes a lowering of the gas temperature, preferably to a temperature below about −29° C. (−20° F.). The entry pressure of the gas to the pipeline is controlled to achieve a predetermined output pressure of the gas from the pipeline. Output gas from the pipeline is then liquefied to produce liquefied gas having a temperature above about −112° C. (−170° F.) and a pressure sufficient for the liquid to be at or below its bubble point temperature. The pressurized liquefied gas is then further transported in a suitable container.

Abstract: An interchangeable jewelry accessory for accessorizing a setting-mounted gemstone includes an ornament support base having an ornament support section and a setting-engaging clip section projecting from the ornament support section. The ornament support section includes an ornament mount and at least one ornament mounted on the ornament mount. The setting-engaging clip section includes at least one projecting arm having a releasable securement device thereon, the releasable securement device operative to releasably secure the projecting arm on the gemstone setting such that the ornament support section is supported generally adjacent to the gemstone for accessorizing the gemstone.

Abstract: An athernal optical device and a method for producing the device, such as an athermal optical fiber reflective grating, are described. The athermal optical fiber reflective grating device comprises a negative expansion substrate, an optical fiber mounted on the substrate surface, and a grating defined in the optical fiber. The method for producing the athermal optical fiber reflective grating device comprises providing a negative expansion substrate, mounting an optical fiber with at least one reflective grating defined therein onto the substrate upper surface, and affixing the optical fiber to the substrate at at least two spaced apart locations.

Abstract: A known method for producing an object having a flanged tubular portion at the outer periphery, comprises supplying a continuously extended, cylindrical body made of the flange material to a welding zone at the tubular portion of the object and welding the flange material to the welding zone by heating and winding the cylindrical body around the object.

Abstract: A method of preparing a high purity massive synthetic silica glass article. The method includes a homogenizing step, wherein a rod shaped synthetic silica glass material has a greater optical homogeneity in a plane perpendicular to its rotational axis than a plane parallel thereto, a step of forming the homogeneous synthetic silica glass and a step of cutting the formed synthetic silica glass.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting materials is provided comprising a melter body having a batch injection portion including a batch inlet port, a batch melting portion including a batch melting chamber adapted to receive materials from said batch injection portion, and a molten materials delivery portion including a molten materials outlet port. At least one jet stream injection assembly injects a jet stream into said batch melting chamber. The jet stream comprises a fuel, an oxidant, and heated products of combustion and produces a vortex flow pattern in said batch melting chamber. Fuel and oxidant within said vortex flow pattern react to form laminar flamelets within said vortex flow pattern. The heat generated in the flamelets melts the materials.

Abstract: To manufacture polarization-maintaining optical fibers, a fiber is directly and continuously irradiated with at least one beam of UV radiation during drawing and before application of external coatings.

Abstract: A silica body useful for forming an optical fiber preform exhibits an ultimate strength of at least 20 MPa at 10 wt. % water loss. The body attains this strength, it is believed, by precipitation of silica at the contact sites of adjacent silica particles, thereby forming neck regions. The resultant network provides the strength to the gel body, such that the body is capable of being dried under more severe conditions than a gel body formed by previous sol-gel methods and is also more robust toward handling. The controlled precipitation is attained by inducing gelation and initiating drying at a pH of about 10.5 or higher, at which silica remains highly soluble. By gelling and drying at this pH level, the solubilized silica appears to precipitate in a controlled manner at the point of contact of adjacent silica particles, since such sites are the minimum free energy sites for precipitation.

Abstract: In the fiber-drawing method, a first preform is lowered along a fiber-drawing axis through a fiber-drawing oven so as to be heated and drawn down into an optical fiber, and a second preform is lowered along the fiber-drawing axis through the fiber-drawing oven so as to be heated and drawn down in turn after the first preform has been withdrawn. While the first preform is being drawn down into a fiber, the second preform is heated in a preheating oven disposed adjacent to the fiber-drawing oven so as to raise the second preform to a temperature which is slightly below the fiber-drawing temperature, and the preheated second preform is transferred quickly onto the fiber-drawing axis after the first preform has been withdrawn therefrom. This method contributes to increasing the capacity for producing optical fibers.