Abstract: Method and apparatus for deflashing a fiber reinforced plastic article are provided. The method features cutting the flash away from the article with an edge heated to a temperature of at least about 800.degree. F. (427.degree. C.). The apparatus features a cutting edge and means for heating the cutting edge to a temperature of at least about 800.degree. F. (427.degree. C.).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing flash from an article are provided. The method features the steps of striking the flash with a first lash at least partially along the side of the lash with enough force to initiate separation of the flash from the article while simultaneously supporting the lash sufficiently to prevent the lash from bending sharply on itself and breaking; these steps are repeated until the flash has been completely separated from the article. The apparatus comprises at least one lash with sufficient support to prevent it from bending on itself and breaking, and means for rotating the lash about a central axis for contact with the flash.

Abstract: Method for removing protruding reinforcing fibers from the flash area of a deflashed, fiber reinforced plastic article are provided. The method features melting the protruding fibers off of the article without damaging the article itself. The apparatus features an elongated chamber for receiving the articles, means for passing the articles in series through the chamber, means for heating air to a temperature of at least about 800.degree. F. (427.degree. C.), and means for directing the heated air across the articles one at a time while the articles are passing through the chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting elongated material into short lengths is provided. The method features the steps of compressing the elongated material at discrete intervals transversely; slightly tensioning the elongated material along its length between intervals; pressing the slightly tensioned elongated material between intervals against a cutting edge; and cutting the elongated material with the cutting edge. The apparatus features a pair of cooperating rolls rotating in opposite directions and between which the elongated material passes. The cutting roll has a plurality of radially extending cutting blades as well as a plurality of radially extending projections, at least one of the projections being located on each side of a cutting blade and extending further radially from the cutting roll than the blades. The second roll is formed of an elastic material and is engaged by the projections in succession to compress the elongated material therebetween.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of simultaneously cutting a plurality of different elongated materials into shorter lengths is provided. The method features the steps of continuously winding a coil of each of the materials about a common axis, each of the coils being separate from one another, while continuously cutting a layer of each of the materials into shorter lengths, and continuously transporting the shorter lengths away. The apparatus features a cutter reel with a plurality of radially spaced cutting blades which form in conjunction with a barrier at least two cutting zones which are separate from one another. The different types of elongated material are fed to the different cutting zones for cutting and removal.

Abstract: An inline winder is provided for taking-up a rapidly advancing filament, especially a glassy alloy filament of indefinite length at constant speed directly from a high speed continuous forming process without tension isolation. The winder is inherently load-following and thus eliminates the need for any complex feedback control system. The winder comprises a winding reel rotatively driven by a synchronous-hysteresis electrical motor and selection means for independently adjusting voltage and frequency input to the motor. The method of using the winder comprises preadjusting the frequency input to initially synchronize winder and filament speeds and preadjusting voltage input to select winding torque and initial winding tension. A transfer device is also disclosed wherein winding is transferred uninterruptedly from a wound, rotating reel to an empty, rotating wheel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is provided for the inline string-up, in automatic fashion, of a rapidly advancing filament, particularly a glassy alloy strip, from a high speed continuous casting operation onto a rotating winding wheel. The leading segment of the advancing filament is passed into the nip of two counterrotating brush rollers 15 having a peripheral velocity exceeding that of the advancing filament to produce a sliding frictional tensioning of the filament. The brush rollers and engaged filament are then moved over the rotating winding wheel 28 to lay a segment of the advancing filament onto the rotating winding surface. A cut-and-grip device 8 associated with the winder is then actuated to cut the filament at the winding surface and to secure the filament onto the winder, whereupon winding of the advancing filament proceeds.