Abstract: A method for forming continuous glass fibers is provided comprising the steps of supplying a plurality of streams of molten glass from a bushing, drawing the streams into continuous filaments, passing a stream of air across the continuous filaments in a direction of between approximately 20.degree.-30.degree. below horizontal to cool the continuous filaments, thereafter, applying a sizing material to the cooled continuous filaments and collecting the continuous filaments on a spindle or collet.

Abstract: Apparatus for predrying and preheating pellets involving an oscillating grate extending angularly downward across the predrying section and discharging into a preheating section. The grate is substantially equal in width to the width of the predrying section so that the gas flow area through the predrying section is substantially less than the gas flow area through the preheating section. Further, the grate includes a plurality of spaced members positioned to form a gas flow velocity therethrough greater than the gas flow velocity through the preheating section.

Abstract: End caps of the tank are generally spherical adjacent the axis of the tank and frusto-conical adjacent the circumference of the tank to eliminate voids normally occurring in the backfill under fully hemispherical end caps.