Abstract: A fiber bed element and the method of making the same wherein a roving of glass fibers is fed into the annulus formed by a pair of concentric cylindrical screens, the screens being rotated as the roving is fed. A packing force is applied to the roving to compact the roving to a predetermined density between the screens, the packing force being applied in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the screens such that the roving is compacted in an axial direction with each turn of the roving being sandwiched between adjacent turns. This fiber bed element is useful for removing aerosols or mists from gases.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a fiber bed element made up of a roving of fibers axially packed in the annulus formed by a pair of concentric screens, wherein structure is provided for holding and rotating the screens in a concentric positioning on the lowermost of a pair of vertically aligned platforms. A roving of staple fibers is fed into the annulus through a tube supported by the upper platform and a packing mechanism mounted on the upper platform packs the roving as it is fed into the annulus. The lower platform is moved downward as the roving is fed into the annulus, in order to maintain a uniform packing force.Downward movement of the lower platform is controlled by a control system which senses packing force and moves the lower platform downward in response to this packing force to maintain a uniform packing density.

Abstract: Strand granulation machines characterized by cutter bearing rotors and strand passages wherein continuous strands are passed through generally cross-sectionally circular shear bushings at the exit end of which that they are engaged and severed by the rotating cutters are improved by employing spring-loaded rotating cutters in working relationship with a cutter positioning cam to move the cutters reciprocally generally along the radius of the circle generated by their sweep of rotation.

Abstract: Strand granulation apparatus characterized by cutter bearing rotors and strand passages wherein the strands are passed through generally cross-sectionally circular shear bushings at the exit end of which they are engaged and severed by the rotating cutters are improved by employing shear bushings having noncircular cross-sections so disposed as to provide random positioning of strands when engaged by the cutters.