Abstract: A cooling bushing flange having a reduced amount of precious metal is provided for a glass fiber production apparatus. The flange includes a first portion formed of a precious metal or a precious metal alloy extending outwardly from a bushing and a second portion formed of a non-precious metal. The non-precious metal portion of the flange may be affixed to the precious metal portion by known metal bonding methods. A cooling tube is positioned on the non-precious metal portion to create a thermal seal and prevent molten glass from leaking from the interface of the bushing block and bushing. The precious metal portion of the inventive flange is a fraction of the size of precious metal present in conventional bushing flanges. By reducing the amount of precious metal incorporated in the flange, a significant reduction in the overall cost of the bushing and in the manufacture of glass fibers can be obtained.

Abstract: A filament forming apparatus has a bushing that includes a high palladium content screen along with structural components and non-structural components. The structural components are formed of a first material having a high creep strength and the ability to withstand corrosive effects of molten mineral materials. The non-structural components are formed of at least a second material that is different from the first material.

Abstract: An in-line system converts raw, unrefined glass-forming material directly into continuous glass filaments. The system includes a reinforced melting assembly with electrically conductive melting and reinforcing members. The melting and reinforcing members are connected to a transverse melting member and lie in a plane parallel to the flowing material. This expands the melting and refining zone to the height of the melting and reinforcing members, thereby improving the quality of the filaments. The melting and reinforcing members also prevent sagging of the assembly during high temperature operation. The outermost melting and reinforcing members reduce or eliminate bypass flow of un-refined or un-homogenized material around the melting assembly, further improving quality.

Abstract: A terminal clamp assembly for a fiberizing bushing includes a clamp body having a firsts end face and a lower jaw, an auxiliary heat sink body selectively displaceable with respect to the clamp body, a contact assembly carried on the auxiliary heat sink body and an actuator to displace the heat sink body toward or away from the face of the clamp body. The invention also includes a bushing assembly incorporating the terminal clamp assembly and an expansion compensating mounting bracket for the clamp assembly.

Abstract: Cooling fin assemblies constructed of materials suitable for use in manufacturing glass filaments are provided. The cooling fin assemblies include a manifold having a first end, a second end and an internal passage therebetween. The internal passage is configured for a flow of cooling fluid. A plurality of baffles is positioned within the internal passage. A plurality of blades is connected to the manifold. The blades are configured to conduct heat to the manifold. The baffles are configured to create a serpentine flow path for the cooling fluid within the manifold.

Abstract: A cooling bushing flange having a reduced amount of precious metal is provided for a glass fiber production apparatus. The flange includes a first portion formed of a precious metal or a precious metal alloy extending outwardly from a bushing and a second portion formed of a non-precious metal. The non-precious metal portion of the flange may be affixed to the precious metal portion by known metal bonding methods. A cooling tube is positioned on the non-precious metal portion to create a thermal seal and prevent molten glass from leaking from the interface of the bushing block and bushing. The precious metal portion of the inventive flange is a fraction of the size of precious metal present in conventional bushing flanges. By reducing the amount of precious metal incorporated in the flange, a significant reduction in the overall cost of the bushing and in the manufacture of glass fibers can be obtained.

Abstract: A filament forming apparatus has a bushing that includes a high palladium content screen along with structural components and non-structural components. The structural components are formed of a first material having a high creep strength and the ability to withstand corrosive effects of molten mineral materials. The non-structural components are formed of at least a second material that is different from the first material.

Abstract: A fiber forming bushing assembly includes a frame and a bushing within the frame. One or more sections formed of a pre-cast refractory material are positioned between at least a lower sidewall of the bushing and the frame.

Abstract: A plurality of different structural members for reinforcing a plate-like structure, such as a bushing tip plate for intended use in forming fibers from a fluid material supplied to a bushing assembly, are disclosed. Each reinforcing member includes a body having a first portion for attachment to the structure and a second portion having a profile with a variable height including at least one apex. The body may be integrally formed of a single piece of material, or two or formed from more separate pieces of material bonded or secured together. The body may be T-shaped, L-shaped, or F-shaped in cross-section. The second portion of the body may have an inverted V-shaped profile, an inverted W-shaped profile, or an arcuate profile. The at least one apex may be located at the midpoint or elsewhere along the length of the body.

Abstract: A bushing assembly/support structure arrangement is provided. The arrangement comprises a bushing assembly and a support structure. The bushing arrangement includes a bushing main body comprising at least first and second side walls and a tip plate extending between the side walls. The tip plate contains a plurality of orifices through which molten mineral material flows prior to being attenuated into fibers. The bushing assembly further comprises a first support rail coupled to the main body first side wall, and at least one first bracket having an intermediate member coupled to the main body first side wall. The support structure comprises a bushing frame, and at least one first support strap. The support strap has a first end fixedly coupled to the bushing frame and second end extending toward a first location on the support rail adjacent the first bracket for supporting the bushing assembly.

Abstract: A screen comprises an electrically conductive elongate inner screen plate. The inner screen plate has at least one elongate fold therein and at least two elongate divergent surfaces on opposing sides of the fold. Each divergent surface has an upper end and opposing edges tapering downward from the upper end. The upper ends of the divergent surfaces diverge from one another. Each of the divergent surfaces has a plurality of holes therein. The screen further comprises at least two electrically conductive outer screen plates. The outer screen plates are attached to the edges of the divergent surfaces and extend between the divergent surfaces. Each of the outer screen plates has a plurality of holes therein. Another embodiment of the invention is directed toward a glass fiber bushing system comprising a bushing body and a screen within the bushing body. The bushing body has opposing end plates. The screen comprises opposing ends. Each of the ends has an upper portion and a lower portion.

Abstract: A fiber forming bushing assembly comprises a bushing and a support. The bushing includes a bushing body and a flange. The bushing body is defined at least in part by a throat and a side wall beneath the throat. The side wall has an upper portion. The flange extends from the throat. The support is positioned between the flange and an upper portion of the side wall. The support is formed of a ceramic material.

Abstract: A fiber-forming bushing comprises a tip plate and a lateral support. The tip plate comprises at least two tip sections and the section spacing between the tip sections. The lateral support extends laterally along the section spacing.

Abstract: A bushing assembly/support structure arrangement is provided. The arrangement comprises a bushing assembly and a support structure. The bushing arrangement includes a bushing main body comprising at least first and second side walls and a tip plate extending between the side walls. The tip plate contains a plurality of orifices through which molten mineral material flows prior to being attenuated into fibers. The bushing assembly further comprises a first support rail coupled to the main body first side wall, and at least one first bracket having an intermediate member coupled to the main body first side wall. The support structure comprises a bushing frame, and at least one first support strap. The support strap has a first end fixedly coupled to the bushing frame and second end extending toward a first location on the support rail adjacent the first bracket for supporting the bushing assembly.

Abstract: A screen comprises an electrically conductive elongate inner screen plate. The inner screen plate has at least one elongate fold therein and at least two elongate divergent surfaces on opposing sides of the fold. Each divergent surface has an upper end and opposing edges tapering downward from the upper end. The upper ends of the divergent surfaces diverge from one another. Each of the divergent surfaces has a plurality of holes therein. The screen further comprises at least two electrically conductive outer screen plates. The outer screen plates are attached to the edges of the divergent surfaces and extend between the divergent surfaces. Each of the outer screen plates has a plurality of holes therein. Another embodiment of the invention is directed toward a glass fiber bushing system comprising a bushing body and a screen within the bushing body. The bushing body has opposing end plates. The screen comprises opposing ends. Each of the ends has an upper portion and a lower portion.

Abstract: A plurality of different structural members for reinforcing a plate-like structure, such as a bushing tip plate for intended use in forming fibers from a fluid material supplied to a bushing assembly, are disclosed. Each reinforcing member includes a body having a first portion for attachment to the structure and a second portion having a profile with a variable height including at least one apex. The body may be integrally formed of a single piece of material, or two or formed from more separate pieces of material bonded or secured together. The body may be T-shaped, L-shaped, or F-shaped in cross-section. The second portion of the body may have an inverted V-shaped profile, an inverted W-shaped profile, or an arcuate profile. The at least one apex may be located at the midpoint or elsewhere along the length of the body.