Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods of using the apparatus and system to manipulate fiber(s) into a chopper, winder or other fiber(s) processing equipment. By using the apparatus the operator(s) are freed up for pressing duties that will increase productivity and also create a safer workplace. The apparatus supports and constrains slowly or rapidly running fiber(s) and moves through a sequence of movements that reposition the fiber(s) into a path that places the running fiber(s) in the proper location for processing in the chopper, winder or other processing equipment and also places the running fiber(s) into a desired groove or valley on a separator roll or guide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for chopping long unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. The chopper has a backup roll comprising a wheel and a working layer on the outer peripheral surface of the wheel and an engaging blade roll. The outer peripheral surface of the wheel contains spiral grooves or ridges that mate with ridges or grooves on an inner peripheral surface of the working layer such that a worn working surface can be quickly and easily unscrewed from the wheel and a new working surface can be quickly and easily screwed into place, making the job of replacing the working surface faster, easier and less costly than prior art practice.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber coating sizing applicator apparatus having a member to remove unused sizing and foreign objects from the fiber coating element of the applicator on a continuous or intermittent basis. Also disclosed are sizing applicators having as part of the drive, a servo motor for reduced variation in sizing application. Unused sizing is filtered to remove foreign objects and returned the applicator right away, or stored in a temperature controlled area until ready to feed back to a sizing applicator. Also disclosed are methods of using the sizing applicator apparatus to produce sized fibers. The apparatus and methods of the invention produce a substantial reduction in the fiber break rate, sizing usage and applicator maintenance.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods of using the apparatus and system to manipulate fiber(s) into a chopper, winder or other fiber(s) processing equipment. By using the apparatus the operator(s) are freed up for pressing duties that will increase productivity and also create a safer workplace. The apparatus supports and constrains slowly or rapidly running fiber(s) and moves through a sequence of movements that reposition the fiber(s) into a path that places the running fiber(s) in the proper location for processing in the chopper, winder or other processing equipment and also places the running fiber(s) into a desired groove or valley on a separator roll or guide.

Abstract: In a glass fiber forming station, bushing air is delivered to the veil from grills that encroach near the front and rear sides of the veil. Sealing material may at least partially seal the space around the bushing. The system may reduce the requirement for conditioned air, and may reduce the likelihood of dust entrainment in the veil. Pot sprays may be provided for additional cooling of the veil. In a method of retrofitting a glass fiber forming station, a station duct is attached to a main duct, and carries air from the main duct to a grill that extends near the veil, for example within 12 inches of the veil.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber coating sizing applicator apparatus having a member to remove unused sizing and foreign objects from the fiber coating element of the applicator on a continuous or intermittent basis. Also disclosed are sizing applicators having as part of the drive, a servo motor for reduced variation in sizing application. Unused sizing is filtered to remove foreign objects and returned the applicator right away, or stored in a temperature controlled area until ready to feed back to a sizing applicator. Also disclosed are methods of using the sizing applicator apparatus to produce sized fibers. The apparatus and methods of the invention produce a substantial reduction in the fiber break rate, sizing usage and applicator maintenance.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber coating sizing applicator apparatus having a member to remove unused sizing and foreign objects from the fiber coating element of the applicator on a continuous or intermittent basis. Also disclosed are sizing applicators having as part of the drive, a servo motor for reduced variation in sizing application. Unused sizing is filtered to remove foreign objects and returned the applicator right away, or stored in a temperature controlled area until ready to feed back to a sizing applicator. Also disclosed are methods of using the sizing applicator apparatus to produce sized fibers. The apparatus and methods of the invention produce a substantial reduction in the fiber break rate, sizing usage and applicator maintenance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating long, unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. into short lengths. The apparatus has a backup roll, a blade roll, an idler roll, and a new-strand starting mechanism. The improvements include a guide roll for the items spaced from and located upstream of the apparatus and a movable, two-part idler roll on the apparatus for increasing the width of a separating portion of the backup roll.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for making a continuous fiber product by gathering a plurality of fibers into a strand in contact with a pad wheel that is driven with a low voltage, variable speed motor or drive, and controlling the RPM of the motor in response to a breakout detector. Other embodiments further include accelerating the RPM of the motor and pad wheel at a desired ramp-up rate following the resumption of desired fiberization.

Abstract: A method and system for separating long unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. into short lengths. The system has a backup roll, a blade roll, an idler roll, a new-strand starting mechanism and a set of pull rolls. The improvements include a second starting roll spaced from a first starting roll as part of the new-strand starting mechanism and a guide aid for the pull rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating long, unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. into short lengths. The apparatus has a backup roll, a blade roll, an idler roll, and a new-strand starting mechanism. The improvements include a guide roll for the items spaced from and located upstream of the apparatus and a movable, two-part idler roll on the apparatus for increasing the width of a separating portion of the backup roll.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating long, unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. into short lengths. The apparatus has a backup roll, a blade roll, an idler roll, and a new-strand starting mechanism. The improvements include a guide roll for the items spaced from and located upstream of the apparatus and a movable, two-part idler roll on the apparatus for increasing the width of a separating portion of the backup roll.

Abstract: A method and system for separating long unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. into short lengths. The system has a backup roll, a blade roll, an idler roll, a new-strand starting mechanism and a set of pull rolls.

Abstract: A method and system for separating long unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. into short lengths. The system has a backup roll, a blade roll, an idler roll, a new-strand starting mechanism and a set of pull rolls. The improvements include a second starting roll spaced from a first starting roll as part of the new-strand starting mechanism and a guide aid for the pull rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for chopping long unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. The chopper has a backup roll, a blade roll and an idler roll. The improvements include one or both of a shield having an air jet at or near its upper end, the shield being upstream of the blade roll and spaced from the blade roll, a lower end of the shield being spaced from the working surface, the air jet communicating with a source of compressed air, to prevent a buildup of fuzz or chopped item(s) upstream of the blade roll, and a shield having an air jet at or near its upper end, the air jet being located close to the working surface and the shield angling or curving downward from a location spaced from the working surface beginning between about an 8 O'clock and a 10 o'clock position on the backup roll and transitioning generally downward ending at a location below and spaced from the idler roll to protect the idler roll from chopped item(s).

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber coating sizing applicator apparatus having a member to remove unused sizing and foreign objects from the fiber coating element of the applicator on a continuous or intermittent basis. Also disclosed are sizing applicators having as part of the drive, a servo motor for reduced variation in sizing application. Unused sizing is filtered to remove foreign objects and returned the applicator right away, or stored in a temperature controlled area until ready to feed back to a sizing applicator. Also disclosed are methods of using the sizing applicator apparatus to produce sized fibers. The apparatus and methods of the invention produce a substantial reduction in the fiber break rate, sizing usage and applicator maintenance.