Abstract: A non-woven fibrous mat of generally random fiber orientation with built up lines or strips of fiber formed therein directionally oriented to enhance the strength and/or appearance of a mat and a method and apparatus for efficiently producing the same by differentially controlling dewatering in a wet mat process.

Abstract: An applicator for metering a desired amount of a liquid sizing onto moving glass filaments. In a first embodiment, a foam-covered roller is partially immersed in a reservoir of liquid sizing and is in contact with the smooth surfaced applicator roll. The foam-covered roller is driven in the same direction as the applicator roll and a puddle is formed above the roller/roll nip. The pressure exerted by the foam covered roller on the applicator roll and rate of rotation of the applicator roll determine the size of the puddle, which controls the amount of sizing applied to the glass filaments. A second embodiment employs an elastomeric reservoir which sits generally atop the applicator roll. A plurality of slots in the rotationally downstream side of the reservoir dispense the sizing onto the roll with the pressure between the elements and rate of rotation of the applicator roll, again, determining the application rate. The sizing is pumped through a closed loop to keep its temperature and viscosity more uniform.