Abstract: An applicator for the deposition of size and other coating compositions onto the surfaces of reinforcing fibers, such as glass. The device may be used to apply aqueous or non-aqueous size to continuously formed fiber materials in a high speed forming process. The applicator may include an atomizing spray pre-applicator in combination with a slide-die applicator. The atomizing spray pre-applicator can be connected to a vacuum source, which increases contact of the spray with the fibers, and thereby improves coating coverage. The slide-die applicator may include a slide-die configuration that reduces leakage of the liquid coating. The process of using the invention can provide a more uniform thin film coating, higher coating efficiency, and better coating coverage than size applicators otherwise known in the art.

Abstract: A roll for applying a sizing composition to a fan of one or more fibers, providing a shaft having a curved central axis and a sleeve covering at least a portion of the shaft, the sleeve being rotatable relative to the shaft. Each fiber of the fan of one or more fibers contacts the sleeve at an axial location of the sleeve such that each fiber of the fan of one or more fibers lies substantially in a plane perpendicular to the curved central axis of the shaft at the axial location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing uniformly sized glass fibers. A heated bushing supplies streams of molten glass to be drawn into continuous fibers, and a drawing device attenuates the streams into fibers. A sizing applicator has a coating element engaging the drawn fibers, which applies a coating of sizing composition to the fibers. A shoe spaced from the applicator engages the fibers and causes the fibers to sweep back and forth across the element.