Abstract: A system for conveying sheet-like objects, in particular banknotes, comprises a cash dispensing unit, a number of cash dispensing stations and a control unit. A conveying channel having an inlet side and an outlet side is disposed between the cash dispensing unit and each cash dispensing station, with elements for generating an air flow being present in each conveying channel. An enveloping device for enveloping the objects to be conveyed is disposed between the cash dispensing unit and the conveying channel(s). The cash dispensing unit delivers banknotes requested by a cash dispensing station to the enveloping device under the control of the control unit, which enveloping device envelopes the banknotes by a cash dispensing station and delivers the envelope to a unit for delivering the envelope containing banknotes to a conveying channel.

Abstract: A filling device for filling secondary containers within a primary container. The filling device includes a filling platform that includes a base and filling channels that are in fluid communication with the base. The filling device also includes a retention platform for retaining secondary containers in contact with the filling platform during filling. The filling device, with secondary containers attached thereto, is placed within a primary container and material is supplied to the filling platform in order to fill the secondary containers. When complete, the filling device is removed and the filled secondary containers remain within the primary container.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for transferring material from an isolated environment into a storage carrier through a conduit that can be sealed with a plug. The plug and conduit can then be severed to provide a hermetically sealed storage carrier containing the material which may be transported for storage or disposal and to maintain a seal between the isolated environment and the ambient environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing wrapped press ales. A material which can be pressed is situated in said bales. The inventive device comprises a press device (18) that is arranged in such a way that said press device can be moved vertically. Said press device is provided with at least one conical compressor roller that can be driven. The inventive device further comprises a receiving device that is designed as an open, cylindrical hollow body and serves for receiving the material to be pressed and a base plate that closes the receiving device toward the bottom, is detachably arranged by means of the receiving device and serves for supporting the press bales. The invention is characterized in that the receiving device and the base plate are rotatably mounted around a mutual vertical axis. In addition, the base plate can be moved in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system for processing a prescription input into tablet containing serial paper bags comprises a tablet dropping unit having a hopper guiding each tablet batch from the unit to drop therethrough, and shafts each having top and below-top peripheries and an axial line between the bottom and below-top peripheries. A top roller extends from the top periphery to have a top radius, an axial plate radially extends from the axial line to intermittently seal substantially folded paper sheet in a sidewise sealing format by mutual engagement rolling of the top rollers. Below-top rollers extend from the below-top periphery to have a below-top radius less than the top radius. Edge rollers provided below the below-top rollers to seal therebetween lengthwise sealing portions of the widthwisely sealed paper sheet.

Abstract: A modular unit for mounting on at least two different designs of self-propelled grass treatment machine, each machine having a number of mounting locations for mounting respective modular units and in which the mounting locations of one machine are different in type or design from the mounting locations on the other machine The modular unit contains a frame having end frame plates spaced apart from each other transversely with respect to the direction of forward travel of the machine; rotatable mountings provided on the end frame plates; a rotatable grass-treatment device having a drive shaft extending between the rotatable mountings, and provided with working elements arranged along its length; a device for applying drive to the shaft; and mounting points provided on the frame of the modular unit to accept at least two different types and/or arrangements of fitting brackets that permit the modular unit to be mounted on the grass treatment machines.

Abstract: An aquatic shredder includes a watercraft and a pair of large, high speed propellers mounted at both the bow and stern ends of the watercraft. The propellers are configured to not only propel the watercraft through the water but also to chop vegetation at or near the water surface. Moreover, the bow propellers are similar in construction to the stern propellers so that they similarly effect comminution of the vegetation and propulsion of the watercraft. In particular, each pair of propellers extends completely across the width of the watercraft and projects laterally outward beyond the port and starboard sides of the watercraft. Each pair of propellers is preferably supported by a swingable frame that permits the user to raise and lower the propellers as desired. To enhance the cutting action of the propellers, the blades of the propellers may be provided with fore and aft extending knives.

Abstract: A rotary cutter has a deck assembly including a central unit to which a wing unit is attached for flexing vertically. A hydraulic cylinder is provided for lifting the wing unit 90° to a fully raised transport or shipping position. Located above, and extending generally parallel to, the hydraulic cylinder is a telescopic strut incorporating a spring which becomes compressed as the wing unit approaches its fully raised position, the compressed spring unloading to thrust the wing unit down upon pressure being released from the hydraulic cylinder, even if the weight of the wing unit is tending to keep it in its raised position. Wing unit may be locked in its raised position by inserting a pin through the telescoped members of the strut when the latter is in its fully collapsed condition.

Abstract: A large rectangular baler is provided with a crop material feeding arrangement including curved duct defining a pre-compression chamber from which a pre-compressed crop material charge is ejected, through an inlet of a baling chamber, by a stuffer arrangement. The duct includes a rear section curved about a horizontal, transverse axis and a stuffer frame, that carries a reciprocable tine arrangement, is mounted for rotation about this axis. A double acting injection cylinder reciprocates the tine arrangement between retracted and extended positions, respectively, wherein transversely spaced tines are withdrawn from, and extended into, slots provided in a top wall of the duct rear section. A double-acting hydraulic lift cylinder is provided for controlling the pivoting of the frame for effecting lifting of a pre-compressed charge of crop material and ejecting it through the baling chamber inlet.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a combustion chamber section, a turbine section, and a compressor section. The turbine section surrounds the combustion chamber and the compressor section surrounds the turbine section.

Abstract: A multi-spool turbofan engine has a plurality of circumferentially spaced poppet valves with diverters secured thereto for precisely controlling bleed of combustion gas aft of the high pressure turbine whereby the high pressure spool operates at high idle RPM so as to power accessories and the low pressure spool operates at low RPM so as to minimize noise and fuel consumption.

Abstract: A turbo shaft engine for amplifying an air stream flow rate includes a plurality of blades positioned within a turbine housing for rotation by an intake air flow. A gas generator having a primary air duct defines intake and outlet ports, the intake port receiving the intake flow from the housing. A combustion chamber is connected to the primary air duct for igniting an admixture of fuel and a portion of the intake flow to form an energized motive flow. The motive flow is discharged from the combustion chamber back into the air intake of the primary air duct so as to amplify the flow rate of incoming intake flow by momentum transfer. A portion of the motive flow is returned directly to the housing inlet port for amplifying incoming intake flow. The remaining motive flow is again combusted and used to rotate the turbine blades.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for internal combustion engines, which comprises an exhaust pipe, a branched exhaust pipe, a first NOx adsorbing catalyst provided in the exhaust pipe, a second small-sized NOx adsorbing catalyst provided in the branched exhaust pipe, and an exhaust switchover valve. The exhaust switchover valve including exhaust holes, a first feed pipe having a first switchover valve, and a second feed pipe having a second switchover valve, the first and second feed pipes being opened between the exhaust switchover valve and the first NOx adsorbing catalyst and between the exhaust switchover valve and the second NOx adsorbing catalyst, respectively. The first and second feed pipes are supplied with a fuel from a feed pump. A controller is connected to a NOx accumulation checking device, exhaust switchover valve, first switchover valve, and the second switchover valve.

Abstract: A device for supplying exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine to a catalytic converter, having multiple exhaust gas supply lines including at least one exhaust gas supply line that serves as a heat-conveying line to promote a transfer of exhaust gas heat to the catalytic converter and at least one other exhaust gas supply line that serve as a heat exchanger to promote an extraction of heat from the exhaust gas upstream of the catalytic converter. A switchable control mechanism controls a flow cross-section of at least one of the exhaust gas supply lines.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for posttreatment of exhaust gases of internal combustion engines after an engine operation includes an intake system and an exhaust gas treatment system with an exhaust gas catalytic converter. Secondary air that originates in an air source can be delivered to the exhaust gas treatment system at a first secondary air inlet. After an engine operation, with the exhaust gas catalytic converter at operating temperature, the throttle device in the intake system is closed. After the engine operation, the engine is shut off in a phase relationship in which inlet/outlet valves of at least one combustion chamber of the engine are open. By means of the air source, an air flow is generated, which discharges at a further inlet point in the intake system of the engine and flows through or bathes the components in the direction of the exhaust gas catalytic converter at operating temperature in the exhaust gas treatment system.

Abstract: A stratified scavenging two-cycle engine with catalyst capable of meeting such a requirement that a THC exhaust rate is 54 [g/kW·h] or less with use of catalyst. For this purpose, in the stratified scavenging two-cycle engine in which an air feed volume ratio R of an air feed volume (qa) flowing through the air feed passage (24) to a mixture feed volume (Qf) flowing through the mixture feed passage (20) is within a range of 0.7≦R≦1.4 during an intake stroke in which the crank chamber (8) becomes negative pressure, oxidation catalyst (47) is placed midway in an exhaust passage in a downstream of an exhaust hole (14).

Abstract: An exhaust header system (20) for an internal combustion engine includes primary tubes (22), each having inlet (26) and outlet (28) ends. The inlet ends (26) are adapted to carry exhaust gas (60) from exhaust ports of the internal combustion engine. A collector (24) has a collector inlet (32), a collector outlet (34), and an intermediate section (36) interposed between the collector inlet (32) and the collector outlet (34). The collector inlet (32) exhibits an ovular cross-section, and the outlet ends (28) of the primary tubes (22) are aligned along a width (74) of the collector inlet (32). The collector outlet (34) exhibits a circular cross-section, and the intermediate section (36) transitions from the ovular cross-section at the collector inlet (32) to the circular cross-section at the collector outlet (34).

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat shield for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The shield comprises three metal layers shaped to conform generally to the shape of a high temperature portion of said exhaust system; said metal layers having substantially the same shape and extending in face-to-face adjacency with one layer positioned between the other two layers; all three metal layers being substantially identical.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compound device (a “modular power-producing network”, or “power net”) for the purpose of transducing the energy in ocean waves into electrical energy. The invention first pressurizes ocean water (or a suitable alternative hydraulic fluid) into at least one storage chamber with a compressible air pocket, employing at least one float (responding to oscillatory wave motion) linked to at least one hydraulic ram (or alternative pressurizing device), the system being designed so that a multiplicity of these inventions may function concurrently in proximity to each other. The fluid in the chamber, when brought to a minimum threshold pressure by the float/ram mechanism, is released in a pressure-regulated stream that engages a hydraulically-operated turbine, which, because of the regulation, may directly produce properly governed alternating current suitable for release on standard power grids.

Abstract: A power plant and method for the generation of power from flowing air utilizes a generally vertically extending duct having an inlet open to atmosphere at an elevation above an outlet. A spray system is mounted adjacent the inlet for spraying droplets of a predetermined amount of water into the air causing the air and droplet mixture to become cooler and denser than the outside air to create a down draft of fluid within the duct. A power system mounted adjacent the outlet recovers energy from the downdraft of fluid passing through it. The predetermined amount of water sprayed is greater than the amount of water that would theoretically and potentially evaporate in the air throughout the entire elevation over an unlimited time period using fresh water droplets. The power plant can also be synergistically combined with desalination systems and aquaculture.

Abstract: An industrial lift truck has a boom that is raised and lowered by a first hydraulic actuator and a load carrier that is pivoted with respect to the boom by a second hydraulic actuator. In the event that the supply of hydraulic fluid for powering the actuators fails, the boom may be lowered by gravity by draining fluid from the first hydraulic actuator. To prevent a load from sliding off the load carrier as the boom descends, the load carrier is pivoted to maintain a substantially constant angular relationship to the ground. This is accomplished by selectively conveying fluid drained under pressure from the first hydraulic actuator into the second hydraulic actuator. Changes in the position of the boom are sensed and, in response, the flow of fluid into the second hydraulic actuator is controlled to produce corresponding changes in the load carrier position.

Abstract: The invention proposes a novel drive with electrical power control for machines which have to execute cyclic movements with high accelerations. An electric motor drives a pump which, in turn, is connected directly to a cylinder. This arrangement has added to it a system of pressure accumulators and valves which give the system the property of an oscillator. The acceleration forces in the event of a cyclic movement near to resonance are then exerted largely by the pressure accumulators and the cylinders connected to these. This leads to a relieving of the electric motor and makes it possible to install lower powers on the machine or else, for the same power, achieve shorter cycle times of the machine.

Abstract: A hydrostatic unit for a hydro-mechanical torque division transmission for a work vehicle having a mounting frame (10, 12) in which the shafts (18, 20) of hydrostatic devices (22, 24) are arranged parallel to one another are supported by bearing units (14, 16, 42, 48). The mounting frame (10, 12), the hydrostatic units (22, 24), the input shaft (36), the output shafts (44, 50, 56, 64) and the bearing units (14, 16, 42, 48, 54) together form a functioning hydrostatic module which can be pre-assembled. By supporting an input shaft (36) of the hydrostatic unit on the mounting frame (10, 12) by a bearing unit (38) such that it can rotate and is connected to the shaft (18) of the pump (22), a hydrostatic unit is provided that can be used in many different transmission applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for regulating pressure equalization in hydraulic mechanisms to suppress oscillation in heavy equipment. The system includes a first and second hydraulic lines, a crossover valve in communication with each of the first and second hydraulic lines, a timing system in communication with the crossover valve, and a motion detector in communication with a heavy equipment component. The motion detector senses a linkage motion and operatively opens the crossover valve, which remains open as directed by the timing system.

Abstract: A device is disclosed to reduce vibrations in a hydraulic force transfer system which has a master cylinder and a slave cylinder connected with this via a fluid column. The device has a housing and a membrane attached by its edge to the housing. The housing and the membrane delimit a chamber which can be connected via a connection with the master cylinder and via a further connection with the slave cylinder so that the membrane can be hydraulically pressurized by the fluid column between the master cylinder and slave cylinder. According to the invention the membrane is pressed, at least in the rest state of the hydraulic force transfer system, by means of a spring element against the direction of the hydraulic pressure on the membrane against a chamber-side support surface. The result is a simply constructed device to reduce vibrations in a hydraulic force transfer system.

Abstract: A turbocharger (32) creates intake manifold boost for a diesel engine (10) that has a variable valve actuation mechanism. At times, exhaust valve opening (EVO) is increasingly retarded in relation to the engine operating cycle (56) to cause the turbocharger to increase boost, engine fueling is also increased in relation to the increased boost (58), and in response to any incipient surging of the compressor resulting from such increasingly retarded exhaust valve opening and such increased engine fueling, compressed charge air is bled from the intake manifold through the combustion chambers to the exhaust system (62) to counter the incipient surging and thereby avoid any significant turbocharger surge. The bleeding is accomplished by keeping the exhaust valves (24) slightly open beyond the time that they would otherwise close.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, devices and/or system for enhancing engine performance through use of one or more compressors and/or one or more turbines. An exemplary system includes an electric compressor to boost intake charge pressure supplied to an internal combustion engine; an electric turbine to generate electrical power from exhaust received from the internal combustion engine; and an electric power control to provide electrical power from a power storage to the electric compressor upon a request for boost and to provide electrical power generated by the electric turbine to the electric compressor after a request for boost and upon a depletion of the power storage to a predetermined power storage level. Various other exemplary methods, devices and/or systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel engine technologies for power generation and work applications. The engines transform sunlight, heat, or cold, directly into mechanical force. The invention uses a focusing means to apply temperature differentials to a thermally reactive material retained in moveable housings. Said thermally reactive material is mounted in contact with a bearing element configured to apply directional force to said thermally reactive material surface as it changes shape in response to said applied temperature differentials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement in the production of electric energy in a boiler plant of a pulp mill. Black liquor having a dry solids content of more than 80% and combustion air are fed into a furnace of a recovery boiler for combusting black liquor and recovering chemicals contained therein. The flue gases generated in the combustion are led into an economizer of the recovery boiler, in which economizer the feed water for the boiler is heated, and after the economizer to gas cleaning. The feed water is led from the economizer onto the steam-generating bank at a temperature below the saturation temperature and further into a superheater to produce steam having a pressure of more than 80 bar. The steam is led from the recovery boiler to a steam turbine to produce electricity. The temperature of the feed water being led into the economizer is regulated by means of bleed steam of the turbine so that the flue gases exit the economizer at a temperature of more than 250° C.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a steam turbine installation having a reheater (7) arranged between high-pressure turbine (2) and medium-pressure turbine (3) or low-pressure turbine (4), a low-pressure bypass (18) with a low-pressure bypass valve (19) also being present, which bypass leads from the reheater outlet into a condenser (5), a flexible and optimum control with respect to variable high-pressure turbine exhaust steam temperature (THD) is achieved in that characteristic curves for the required value of the reheater pressure are used for controlling the low-pressure bypass valve (19) during run-up, during (partial) load rejection procedures or during idling, which characteristic curves depend on the load (L) applied to the installation, and/or on the pressure (P) before the high-pressure turbine blading and/or on the reheater steam flow (M), and also on the high-pressure turbine exhaust steam temperature (THD), and/or on the temperature (TFD) and/or on the pressure (pFD) of the live steam introduced into t

Abstract: The thermal load to which a turbine is subjected is kept within an acceptable range by monitoring the change in temperature of the medium that is supplied to the turbine, especially fresh stream, over time. An emergency trip for the supply of fresh steam to the turbine preferably takes place if a maximum temperature gradient is exceeded.

Abstract: In an annular combustion chamber having inner and outer axially-extending side walls of composite material and an end wall of metal material, provision is made to hold the end wall in position between the side walls of the annular combustion chamber by means of a plurality of flexible metal tongues fixed firstly to said side walls by fixing means and secondly to said end wall by brazing or welding, said end wall further comprising means for providing sealing between said end wall and said side walls.

Abstract: In a turbine engine, low temperature air is diverted from a low pressure section of the compressor section of the engine to cool the high pressure turbine of the engine. Low pressure air is diverted from the compressor section, and its pressure is thereafter increased. Preferably, the pressure is increased in an intermediate cavity in the engine, where rotational energy of the diverted air is converted to static pressure by way of an obstruction that converts dynamic head of the air in the cavity into static pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbine engine, wherein compressor rotor blades and turbine rotor blades set around the interior circular surface of a hollow revolving shaft while compressor stator blades and turbine stator blades are set around the exterior circular surface of an inner engine case inside the hollow revolving shaft. By using the present invention, the configuration of the turbine engine can be compact, and the volume can be substantially reduced. Besides, the stiffness of the rotor blades can be increased, and efficiency of the compressor, the burner, the turbine, and the whole engine can be increased.

Abstract: A fluid transport system including a fluid transfer assembly, a supply of dry gas and a tube. The fluid transfer assembly includes a pipe for transporting a cold fluid and a vapor barrier surrounding the pipe. The tube is connected to the the supply of dry gas and the fluid transfer assembly, and located at least partially within the fluid transfer assembly. The tube transfers gas from the supply of dry gas to the fluid transfer assembly throughout at least a segment of the tube within the fluid transfer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air circulation system of a refrigerator in a side-by-side refrigerator. The air circulation system ejects a cold air into a refrigerator compartment asymmetrically from right and left side walls to form a vortex thereby enhancing the ability of uniform cooling.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system has a control system which distributes intelligence to increase granularity of the control and simplify wiring, assembly and installation. Compressors of the refrigeration system each have a bus compatible compressor safety and control module including a processor and sensors. All control and safety modules communicate over a single power and communications line with the controller, providing digital transmissions to the controller of measurements taken by the sensors. The information provided may include that the compressor is outside of a specific safety parameter, so that the controller knows not only that a safety parameter has been traversed, but exactly which one. The control and safety modules are capable of executing commands from the controller to cycle the compressors. The control and safety modules preferably contain sufficient intelligence to continue system operation upon failure of the controller.

Abstract: A purging device for a system accumulating condensable and non-condensable gases. The purging device comprises: a purge tank; apparatus receiving the condensable and non-condensable gases from the system and directing said gases into the purge tank; apparatus condensing the non-condensable gases into a condensed form; apparatus accumulating the non-condensable gases in a header space; apparatus returning the condensed gases from the purge tank to the system; apparatus controllably removing the accumulated non-condensable gases from the header space; and apparatus generating controlled flow in the condensable and non-condensable gases.

Abstract: A compressor includes a discharge chamber and a retaining passage, which is located downstream of the discharge chamber. A control valve controls the displacement of the compressor in relation to the pressure difference between a first pressure monitoring point in the discharge chamber and a second pressure monitoring point in the retaining passage. A pressure introducing passage connects the retaining passage to the control valve. The pressure introducing passage has an opening to the retaining passage. An inlet member is located in the retaining passage to cover the opening. The inlet member has a pressure introducing port that functions as the second pressure monitoring point. The pressure of the refrigerant in the retaining passage is supplied from the pressure introducing port to the control valve through the pressure introducing passage. The inlet member easily alters the position of the pressure introducing port in the retaining passage.

Abstract: The gas flow direction and the noise generation direction are in opposite directions in the suction muffler. The flow path in the muffler has a number of changes in direction and the flow path cross section decreases at each change of direction in the direction of flow.

Abstract: An ice making machine comprising a housing, an evaporator connected to a freezing system, a base frame having a lower surface and a multiplicity of freezing cells for retaining water to be frozen, a freezing base plate provided adjacent to the evaporator and the freezing base plate having freezing fingers formed on the lower surface of the freezing base plate to be dipped into the water retained by the freezing cells, and an ultrasonic transducer for removing air bubbles inside the water by vibrating the water contained in the freezing cells with ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic transducer preferably is disposed on the lower surface of the base frame.

Abstract: A damper apparatus for a refrigerator includes a single damper open/close plate in which two faces of the damper open/close plate are capable of facing two duct opening sections that are branched from one duct. Each of the two faces of the open/close plate opens and closes each of the corresponding opening sections that face the respective two faces of the open/close plate.

Abstract: A cooling system, for cooling the contents of a utensil, utilizing a removable, reusable, refillable, freezable toroidal-shaped cooling insert and a toroidal-shaped insulator. The cooling insert and insulator stack in a nested manner within the utensil to provide improved insulating and longer cooling of the utensil contents. Furthermore, a secured bottom holder removably holds the cooling insert and insulator within the utensil. The cooling system includes the use of a temperature sensor and display which provides a visual indicator when the contents have reached a temperature indicating the contents are no longer being properly cooled. Such utensils may include, for example, dog dishes, bait containers and food containers.

Abstract: The expansion of a high pressure or intermediate pressure refrigerant in an expansion device in a transcritical vapor compression system converts the potential energy into usable kinetic energy. The kinetic energy provides work which is employed to fully or partially drive an expansion motor unit which is coupled to rotating auxiliary machinery. By providing work to the rotating auxiliary machinery, system efficiency is improved. The auxiliary rotating machinery can be an evaporator fan or a gas cooler fan to pull the refrigerant through the evaporator and gas cooler, respectively. Alternatively, the auxiliary rotating machinery can be a water pump or an oil pump.

Abstract: An article for holding freezable substances includes an individual disposable package for holding the frozen substance and a container therefore. The package is comprised of a bottom portion and a top portion. The frozen substance is placed in the bottom portion and the top portion is placed over the bottom portion to seal the package and prevent spillage of the freezable substance prior to its freezing. The package has a maximum inner width Wm, with Wm being less than or equal to 0.875 inches (22.23 mm). The width Wm is chosen so that a long, cylindrical ice cube is formed by the package. The ice cube so formed fits easily into original containers of beverages, such as soda cans and bottles, so that the beverages are cooled in their original containers.

Abstract: Natural gas liquefaction systems are provided wherein the dedicated compression strings normally found in each liquefaction train of a multi-train LNG plant are replaced by common compression strings which, in turn, supply the respective refrigerants (e.g. propane and mixed refrigerant) to more than one of the multi-trains. This allows the refrigerants to be treated as a utility in that all of the refrigerants are supplied from a respective single source by the common compression strings.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a plant such as a cryogenic rectification plant wherein process parameters are quantitatively determined and then are qualitatively categorized to establish by reference to a rule set the general adjustment required for a plant element prior to determining the numerical adjustment for that element.

Abstract: A decorative object, particularly jewelry such as a ring, includes an annular body on which is slidably mounted a movable member having the shape of a sleeve. Slideways are provided in a hollow annular space of the annular body and coact with shoes secured to the sleeve. Thus, the sleeve does not touch the visible external surface of the annular body.

Abstract: The invention discloses a multifunctional apparatus and method to manufacture mineral (basalt) fibers to be drawn/attenuated into a continuous strand made from natural rock basalts with and without supplemental minerals. More specifically this invention discloses apparatus designed to manufacture a high quality continuous amorphous mineral (basalt) fibers with flexible/ductile properties from 7 &mgr;m to 100 &mgr;m in diameter without traces of crystalline phases which are suitable for a variety of industrial applications.

Abstract: A device for continuously twisting an optical fiber, which can add a sufficient twist to an optical fiber, is provided. Reciprocating rollers reciprocate so that the moving direction would be opposite each other along a center axis of rotation. The optical fiber passes through a gap between the reciprocating rollers and runs in contact with the outer circumferential surface of respective reciprocating rollers in order. Reciprocation of the reciprocating rollers adds a twist to the optical fiber. When &phgr; is a contacting angle between the optical fiber and the reciprocating rollers, F is maximum static friction of the optical fiber against the outer circumferential surface of the reciprocating rollers, and T is tension of the optical fiber, the coefficient of friction &mgr; between the optical fiber and the outer circumferential surface of the reciprocating rollers is lead from an operational formula of &mgr;=(1/&phgr;)·ln(F/T).