Abstract: An aspirator provides linear control over air flow for manipulation of extruded fibers. A distribution manifold has a barrel valve between first and second flow channels, enabling precise, linear control over air flowing from a charge conduit to a pressure chamber surrounding a discharge pipe. Plural orifices in the discharge pipe connect the pressure chamber to the interior thereof, which is configured as a Venturi tube. Discharge pipe surfaces that can contact filaments therein are of hardened material while non-contact surfaces are of lighter materials.

Abstract: Inorganic fiber production processes and systems are disclosed. One process includes providing a molten inorganic fiberizable material, forming substantially vertical primary fibers from the molten material, and attenuating the primary fibers using an oxy-fuel fiberization burner. Other processes include forming a composition comprising combustion gases, aspirated air and inorganic fibers, and preheating a fuel stream and/or an oxidant stream prior to combustion in a fiberization burner using heat developed during the process. Flame temperature of fiberization burners may be controlled by monitoring various burner parameters. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Inorganic fiber production burner apparatus and methods of use are disclosed. One burner includes a refractory block adapted to be in fluid connection with sources of primary oxidant and fuel, the refractory block having a fuel and primary oxidant entrance end and a flame exit end, the flame exit end having a substantially rectangular flame exit having a width greater than its height, the refractory block defining a combustion chamber and a second chamber fluidly connecting the combustion chamber and the flame exit end; and an oxygen manifold fluidly connected to the combustion chamber and adapted to route oxygen to the combustion chamber through a plurality of passages through the refractory block. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the internal centrifugation of fine mineral fibres, a method for forming fine mineral fibres, and paper containing fine mineral fibres.

Abstract: In furnaces for producing high purity fused silica glass boules, glass particles have a tendency to build-up adjacent the burner hole rim. It was discovered that unburned furnace gases containing silica particles where re-circulated in the furnace close to the burner hole rim and reacted with the oxygen of infiltrated air adjacent the burner hole, and thus deposited such particles in the form of a glassy build-up about the rim of the burner hole. In order to eliminate the source of oxygen adjacent the burner hole rim, a curtain of an inert gas is caused to flow through the burner hole between the sidewalls of the burner hole and the flame of the burner. Accordingly, the curtain of inert gas inhibits the combustion of the unburned hydrogen and carbon monoxide furnace gases adjacent the exit rim of the burner hole and thereby minimizes glass build-up about the burner hole rim.

Abstract: A flame attenuation apparatus for forming flame attenuated fibers, preferably glass fibers, includes means for providing continuous filaments; burner means for providing a high temperature, high energy stream of combustion gases; means for feeding the continuous filaments into the high temperature, high energy stream of combustion gases; and an elongated rod filament guide with a plurality of grooves therein for receiving, guiding and supporting the continuous filaments, as the continuous filaments are fed into the high temperature, high energy stream of combustion gases. The elongated rod is preferably made from graphite with a boron-nitride coating and, preferably, has at least two flat surfaces and at least two curved surfaces with the grooves therein.

Abstract: Fine fibers are formed and carried in a high energy, high temperature gaseous stream to a primary fine fiber collection surface where fine fibers are collected from the gaseous stream. Gases of the gaseous stream along with fine fibers not removed from the gaseous stream by the primary collection surface are drawn through the primary collection surface and formed into an exhaust gas stream which is passed through a secondary fine fiber collection surface to remove additional fibers from the exhaust gas stream before it is discharged to the atmosphere. To reduce the operating temperatures at and surrounding the primary and secondary collection surfaces, the gas streams are cooled by evaporative cooling. Water is sprayed into the gas streams by nozzles, shielded from the gas streams by scoops, so that fibers do not collect on the nozzles and form fiber wads.

Abstract: In a method of and an apparatus for forming composite and other fibers, individual filaments from two or more sets of continuous primary filaments of two or more heat-softenable fiberizable materials are brought together lengthwise to form pairs of continuous primary filaments. The groupings of continuous primary filaments are fed into a high energy attenuation blast where the filaments are heated, attenuated and formed into composite or other staple fibers of the heat-softenable fiberizable materials. Preferably, the individual continuous primary filaments of the groupings of continuous primary filaments are fused, adhesively bonded or otherwise joined together, prior to being introduced into the high energy attenuation blast, to prevent the individual primary filaments of the groupings of continuous primary filaments from separating in the high energy attenuation blast.