Abstract: A continuous in-line flock cutting process is disclosed, for making flock from tow which contains a lubricant which is detrimental to the flock and must be removed.The tow is continuously fed, heat treated and immersed in an aqueous scouring liquid, and is continuously wet-processed. The excess scouring liquid is squeezed out, the tow is rinsed with water, rinse water is squeezed out, and a finish is applied to the tow and partially squeezed out in an in-line continuous process to remove a portion of the applied finish. Thus processed, the still-wet tow is continuously cut into wet flock, the wet flock is then dried and beaten to open up and separate the individual flock particles, and screened.

Abstract: A pipe wall thickness gauge including an acoustic signal generator and sensor in a housing mounted in a base adapted for underwater use and continuous monitoring of the wall thickness of a pipe, such as freshly extruded plastic pipe. The gauge includes a base adapted to surround the pipe, the base consisting of at least two base sections each having at least one pipe positioning member with pipe centering elements at the tip thereof; at least one of the pipe positioning members including a mounting means for the housing of the acoustic signal generator and sensor. Preferably, adjusting means are included to move the pipe positioning member inwardly or outwardly to accomodate different diameter pipes and to vary, within limits, the position and direction of the acoustic signal generator and sensor. Various other features are included in the preferred form of the present invention.