Abstract: An apparatus and process for tinting plastic material; specifically, polycarbonate and other plastic eyeglass lenses. The dye solution has an elevated boiling point which allows for dyeing of the material at rates and temperatures above 212 degrees F. The dye solution temperature is maintained and controlled within a preselected tolerance by a temperature controlling unit and its associated heater, which is affixed to the dyeing tank. Dye solution is agitated and dispursed by a stirrer and stirring apparatus, and dye solution level is maintained by an automatic fill apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with a bushing assembly of the type wherein glass fibers are drawn through an orifice plate having a flat undersurface against which bulk gas is directed to effect cooling and fiber attentuation. A selectively adjustable bulk gas nozzle has a plurality of discharge conduits with valves therein which are adjustable and capable of being selectively operated to close the conduits or return the conduits to a preset open condition. The nozzle and/or a binder applicator are supported for select movement toward and away from the path of the fiber being drawn from the orifice plate. A detector senses the presence of fiber being drawn from the orifice plate and, in the event of fiber break-out, initiates a series of steps to warn the operator of the bushing assembly and, in the event the break-out condition is not corrected, shut down the drawing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with a bushing assembly of the type wherein glass fibers are drawn through an orifice plate having a flat undersurface against which bulk gas is directed to effect cooling and fiber attentuation. A selectively adjustable bulk gas nozzle has a plurality of discharge conduits with valves therein which are adjustable and capable of being selectively operated to close the conduits or return the conduits to a preset open condition. Mounting means supports the nozzle and/or a binder applicator for select movement toward and away from the path of fiber being drawn from the orifice plate. A detector senses the presence of fiber being drawn from the orifice plate and, in the event of fiber break-out, initiates a series of steps to warn the operator of the bushing assembly and, in the event the break-out condition is not corrected, shut down the drawing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with a bushing assembly of the type wherein glass fibers are drawn through an orifice plate having a flat undersurface against which bulk gas is directed to effect cooling and fiber attentuation. A selectively adjustable bulk gas nozzle has a plurality of discharge conduits with valves therein which are adjustable and capable of being selectively operated to close the conduits or return the conduits to a preset open condition. Mounting means supports the nozzle and/or a binder applicator for select movement toward and away from the path of fiber being drawn from the orifice plate. A detector senses the presence of fiber being drawn from the orifice plate and, in the event of fiber break-out, initiates a series of steps to warn the operator of the bushing assembly and, in the event the break-out condition is not corrected, shut down the drawing operation.

Abstract: A control system for use in combination with a bushing assembly of the type wherein glass fibers are drawn through an orifice plate having a flat undersurface against which bulk gas is directed to effect cooling and fiber attentuation. The system controls operation in the event of fiber "break out," by lowering the temperature of the bushing assembly, increasing the rate of flow of bulk gas against the orifice plate, controlling the drawing action of the collet used to draw fibers from the plate, and spraying cooling water against the fibers being drawn from the plate. Control is effected through means of a common main control unit and manual controls are provided to permit operation of the control system to selectively control the operating mode of the system and increase the bulk flow of gas for orifice plate clearing purposes.