Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing glass fibers wherein molten glass is deposited onto a spinning cup structure. Centrifugal force urges the molten glass outwardly and upwardly along the inner surface of an upstanding wall of the cup structure. The glass is then extruded through small holes in the cup wall. A downflowing stream of hot gas passes downwardly along the outer surface of the cup wall to turn the fibers downwardly while producing an attenuation (reduction) of fiber diameter. The lower portion of the cup side wall is heated to achieve greater temperature uniformity of the fibers as they are formed. A cool gas curtain is formed about the downflowing hot gas stream to somewhat concentrate the hot gas stream for more uniform heating of the downflowing glass fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing glass fibers wherein molten glass is deposited onto a spinning cup structure. Centrifugal force urges the molten glass outwardly and upwardly along the inner surface of an upstanding wall of the cup structure. The glass is then extruded through small holes in the cup wall. A downflowing stream of hot gas passes downwardly along the outer surface of the cup wall to turn the fibers downwardly while producing an attenuation (reduction) of fiber diameter. The lower portion of the cup side wall is heated to achieve greater temperature uniformity of the fibers as they are formed. A cool gas curtain is formed about the downflowing hot gas stream to somewhat concentrate the hot gas stream for more uniform heating of the downflowing glass fibers.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for a glass melting furnace has an electrode body supported by two elongated steel tubes. Current is supplied to the electrode body by a current supply tube disposed between the two support arms. A holding fixture joins the two support arms to the electrode body. The tube extends through the holding fixture to connect with the electrode body, thus to provide a firm electrical connection with the tube and good mechanical connection with the support arms.

Abstract: In this energy efficient process for forming glass microfibers, glass pellets are fed at a controlled rate into a rotary fiberizer. The input material is in the form of glass marbles or pellets which are held at a temperature below the liquidus temperature of the glass prior to extrusion through the holes in the fiberizing disc. Centrifugal force causes the semi-soft glass pellets to flow outwardly through the orifices in the fiberizing disc wherefrom they are extruded past the exterior of the disc into a high temperature environment where the temperature of the extruded glass fibers increases and the fibers are additionally subjected to further attenuation of their diameter by the action of a relatively high velocity gaseous stream which acts to stretch out the extruded fibers.