Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the in-line production of composite strand material and the conversion of at least a portion of the strand material into a composite product. The apparatus (10) includes a combining station (48) where glass fibers (14) with a second polymeric material (66) are combined to form composite strand material (16), and at least one mold (54) for receiving a portion of the composite strand material and forming the portion into a composite product. The apparatus also includes transfer equipment for moving the composite strand material from the combining station to the mold, which may include a computer-controlled robotic arm (52). In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a collecting device (18) for accumulating the composite strand material (16) in looped form and equipment for delivering the accumulated portion from the collecting device to the mold (54).

Abstract: A glass fiber bulk strand roving that is made up of a multiplicity of strands, each of which is made up of a plurality of individual fibers, for example, 200 of such fibers. Each strand of the roving has a multiplicity of rather long, axially extending loops, for example, axially extending loops with a calculated length of at least 6 inches, and a multiplicity of shorter, unbroken, cross-axially extending loops that are formed in the axially extending loops of such strands. The axially extending loops and the cross-axially extending loops interengage and intertwine with one another to form a composite entangled structure. The roving of the present invention is made by a process that uses a finger wheel to form axially extending loops in strands and a spinner downstream of the finger wheel.

Abstract: A glass fiber bulk strand roving that is made up of a multiplicity of strands, each of which is made up of a plurality of individual fibers, for example, 200 of such fibers. Each strand of the roving has a multiplicity of rather long, axially extending loops, for example, axially extending loops with a calculated length of at least 6 inches, and a multiplicity of shorter, unbroken, cross-axially extending loops that are formed in the axially extending loops of such strands. The axially extending loops and the cross-axially extending loops interengage and intertwine with one another for form a composite entangled structure. The roving of the present invention is made by a process that uses a finger wheel to form axially extending loops in strands and a co-axial spinner with an inlet that is positioned above or below the finger wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of a glass fiber bulk strand roving which is made up of a multiplicity of strands, each of which is made up of a plurality of individual fibers, for example, 200 of such fibers. Each strand of the roving has a multiplicity of rather long, axially extending loops, for example, axially extending loops with a calculated length of at least 6 inches, and a multiplicity of shorter, unbroken, cross-axially extending loops that are formed in the axially extending loops of such strands. The axially extending loops and the cross-axially extending loops interengage and intertwine with one another to form a composite entangled structure. The roving which is produced by the method and apparatus of the present invention is made by a process that uses an array of inwardly projecting fingers to form axially extending loops in the strands and a spinner with an inlet that is positioned adjacent the fingers.

Abstract: A glass fiber bulk strand roving that is made up of a multiplicity of strands, each of which is made up of a plurality of individual fibers, for example, 200 of such fibers. Each strand of the roving has a multiplicity of rather long, axially extending loops, for example, axially extending loops with a calculated length of at least 6 inches, and a multiplicity of shorter, unbroken, cross-axially extending loops that are formed in the axially extending loops of such strands. The axially extending loops and the cross-axially extending loops interengage and intertwine with one another to form a composite entangled structure. The roving of the present invention is made by a process that uses a finger wheel to form axially extending loops in strands and a spinner downstream of the finger wheel.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for forming glass fibers by flowing fine streams of glass from closely spaced orifices in a feeder plate while directing a cooling gas upwardly to promote separation of the streams of glass and eliminate the tendency of the molten glass to flood at the feeder plate.

Abstract: A non-precious metal drain bushing for a glass melting apparatus utilized to manufacture continuous glass fibers. The bushing includes a flat plate positioned beneath the bushing block of the apparatus, the flat plate having a longitudinal rib on its undersurface. Drain apertures are provided through the plate and the rib, and electrical contact ears are provided on the rib. The bushing can be manufactured of either dispersion-strengthened alloy or of a heat-resistant alloy which is not dispersion-strengthened.

Abstract: The present invention embraces apparatus and methods of forming mineral fibers, such as glass. Such invention comprising a mineral fiber forming bushing bottom wall comprising a plurality of tubular members attached together at adjacent sides to form a rigid structure adapted for flow of molten mineral material through the tubular members to form a layer of molten mineral material along the undersurface of the tubular members and rod members projecting below the undersurface of the tubular members. The rod members are attached to the tubular members and are adapted for flow thereon of the molten mineral material from the undersurface of the tubular members for attenuation into fibers.

Abstract: The disclosure embraces a method of and apparatus for melting and processing glass suitable for attenuation to continuous fibers or filaments and more particularly to an arrangement having a limited capacity for processing glass providing a highly refined glass for the production of comparatively small quantities of textile fibers or filaments of usual glass compositions and for limited production of textile fibers or filaments of special glasses.