Abstract: An applicator for metering a desired amount of a liquid sizing onto moving glass filaments. In a first embodiment, a foam-covered roller is partially immersed in a reservoir of liquid sizing and is in contact with the smooth surfaced applicator roll. The foam-covered roller is driven in the same direction as the applicator roll and a puddle is formed above the roller/roll nip. The pressure exerted by the foam covered roller on the applicator roll and rate of rotation of the applicator roll determine the size of the puddle, which controls the amount of sizing applied to the glass filaments. A second embodiment employs an elastomeric reservoir which sits generally atop the applicator roll. A plurality of slots in the rotationally downstream side of the reservoir dispense the sizing onto the roll with the pressure between the elements and rate of rotation of the applicator roll, again, determining the application rate. The sizing is pumped through a closed loop to keep its temperature and viscosity more uniform.

Abstract: A process and apparatus therefor are described for reclaiming waste material from a fiberizing system and for converting a molten stream of material into reclaimable cullet when the system is not fiberizing. When the system is fiberizing the waste is collected in a dry environment and continually conveyed away; when the system is not fiberizing the molten stream is reduced to cullet and collected in a wet environment and continually conveyed away; and when fiberizing is resumed there is a return to the collection of waste in a dry environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting fibrous material, particularly small diameter glass fibers, i.e. within the range of 0.05 to 2.60 microns, from a gaseous medium in an efficient, environmentally sound manner is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a collection chamber which partially encloses a rotating drum having a perforated peripheral surface and having a fine mesh collection screen superimposed thereover. The drum is positioned in such a manner that the screen intercepts a gaseous stream of fibers, e.g. glass microfibers. A suction force established interiorly of the peripheral surface of the drum draws the gaseous stream through the collection screen in order to thereby continuously collect a layer of fibers upon a portion of the rotating screen. The layer of fibers is removed from the drum and wound on a mandrel at a point outside the collection chamber. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the drum surface is cleaned of any residual fibers.