Abstract: Extrusion apparatus for extruding plastic filaments and having a trough for cooling filaments, the trough being pivoted about a horizontal pivot means such that the upper end of the trough can pass from the collecting position through the fall line of the filaments to a position where the filaments fall behind the trough.

Abstract: Feeding of molten plastic strands into a discharge trough. At its upper end the discharge trough includes a slidably movable segment that can be extended behind the fall line of the strands as they emerge from nozzles. In its operating position, the extended segment catches the strands, and can be moved into a fore-running or non-operating position permitting free passage of the strands at the side of the discharge trough. A separational element is associated with the movable segment. As the segment is moved through the fall line of the strands, the separational element acts upon the strands and effects the desired separation. The strands which enter the discharge trough are cooled and ultimately fed to a granulator.