Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for cutting a mass of material which includes an elongate wire, a first drive for moving the cutting wire along its length through a cutting location, a rotating mass holder for holding and rotating a longitudinally-extending mass of material about its longitudinal axis, and a second drive. The second drive advances the mass holder and/or the wire toward one another to orient the longitudinal axis of the mass of material at the cutting location in a position perpendicular to the wire to cut the mass of material. Other aspects of the invention include a method of cutting, the mass holder per se.

Abstract: A body having a large number of protrusions is aligned with a honeycomb surface having a greater number of openings, selected openings being engaged by the protrusions when the body is aligned, by positioning the body against the honeycomb surface and vibrating it until the protrusions engage. The method is of particular use in aligning flexible masks to end faces of honeycomb structures in the fabrication of solid particulate filter bodies. Particular mask and honeycomb structure geometries are suggested for automation of the process.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and various apparatus related to fabricating solid particulate filter bodies and other honeycomb structures the cells of which are selectively charged with a plugging or other flowable material. Solid coverings are applied over the end faces of a honeycomb structure, preferably an adhesive backed transparent thermoplastic film such as polyester, openings are created through the covering, preferably by melting the thermoplastic film, and the sealing or other flowable material is charged through the openings formed in the covering into the underlying cells.A porous walled honeycomb structure having coverings adhered to its end faces with selective openings therethrough is itself a solid particulate filter of some usage. A more substantial solid particulate filter body may be formed by charging a more durable sealant through the openings to form plugs and removing the coverings.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and various apparatus related to fabricating solid particulate filter bodies and other honeycomb structures the cells of which are selectively charged with a plugging or other flowable material. Solid coverings are applied over the end faces of a honeycomb structure, preferably an adhesive backed transparent thermoplastic film such as polyester, openings are created through the covering, preferably by melting the thermoplastic film, and the sealing or other flowable material is charged through the openings formed in the covering into the underlying cells.A porous walled honeycomb structure having coverings adhered to its end faces with selective openings therethrough is itself a solid particulate filter of some usage. A more substantial solid particulate filter body may be formed by charging a more durable sealant through the openings to form plugs and removing the coverings.

Abstract: A spool is disclosed for winding an optical waveguide filament during the drawing thereof. Each end of the spool is provided with an annular resilient member which forms a part of a channel for receiving the filament. The resilient member must be displaced while the filament is in contact therewith to provide a gap through which the filament can pass. After the gap closes, the filament is gripped by the resilient member. In this manner both ends of a wound filament can be secured to the ends of a spool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for winding glass optical waveguide filaments during drawing thereof. When a spool is full, the apparatus automatically changes spools, attaches the filament being drawn to a spool moved into the winding station, and severs the filament from the full spool.