Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of glass fiber is disclosed. The process and apparatus are directed to collecting filaments being drawn from streams of liquid glass into a plurality of loosely bound strands of filaments which additionally are not treated with any binders. The strands are then drawn off individually on separated but parallel rotating surfaces to provide the filaments with a desired diameter.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of glass fiber is disclosed. The process and apparatus are directed to collecting filaments being drawn from streams of liquid glass into a plurality of loosely bound strands of filaments which additionally are not treated with any binders. The strands are then drawn off individually on separated but parallel rotating surfaces to provide the filaments with a desired diameter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for integrating a newly formed continuous filament into a continuous strand. Mechanically complicated prior integration devices are usually expensive to purchase and operate and do not always ensure that the initially formed section of the new filament is separated from the new filament, that the fiber diameter of the new filament is predrawn sufficiently for ready integration, or ensure the reliability of the guiding elements facilitating integration. The present invention includes the operations of drawing a plurality of continuous filaments 3 from a bushing 1 into a fiber fan 4 by gathering the filaments 3 into a continuous strand 6 at a deflection point or roller 5. Should one of the filaments 3 break, a new continuous filament 8 is formed which is deflected by a guide plate 9 toward the point 5.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for promoting the fiberization of continuous lengths of thermoplastic materials such as glass. Prior attempts to reduce fiber breakage, bushing flooding and facilitate fiberization utilized steam or a decomposable gas or gas mixture which was exposed to the heat radiating from the bushing in order to form a treatment medium. However, the prior art was plagued with poor gas distribution in the fiberization zone and thermal degradation of the structural elements constituting the treatment medium distribution system caused, in part, by the high radiant heat levels experienced proximate the bushing. The present method and apparatus comprises conducting a pressurized fluid and a vaporizable treatment liquid to a heat exchanger comprising a mixer tube located close to the bushing and a delivery tube. Radiant heat from the bushing causes the liquid to vaporize and mix with the pressurized fluid forming a treatment vapor.