Abstract: A bushing is described which permits the formation of filaments of different diameters simultaneously from a single molten glass source by controlling the differential in orifice sizes used in the bushing to minimize process interruptions.

Abstract: A thin nickel fin cooler is described which has a plurality of precision holes of equal size formed thereon, the fin being tubular in shape so that air can pass from the interior of the fin outwardly to provide uniform gas flow in all directions from the surface of the fin.

Abstract: An electric bushing terminal and buss bar are described which employs fluid cool connectors to a bushing terminal and a transformer terminal which are connected to each other by hollow conductive tubing having some flexibility to thermal and mechanical stress and having a coolant flowing therein. Pressure fits are applied to each connector so that they can be adjusted at the transformer and/or bushing if required.

Abstract: A thin nickel fin cooler is described which has a plurality of precision holes of equal size formed thereon, the fin being tubular in shape so that air can pass from the interior of the fin outwardly to provide uniform gas flow in all directions from the surface of the fin.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for forming glass fibers is disclosed. The environment below the bushing is controlled by a pair of manifolds through which a cooling fluid flows. This cooling fluid additionally is employed to cool the various apparatus surrounding the bushing. The cooling fluid enters the manifolds through a plurality of entrance connections and exits the manifolds through a plurality of exit connections. The exit connections are connected to the various elements of the bushing apparatus and allows cooling fluid to flow through these elements. The cooling fluid is then returned to the manifolds by a separate set of entrance connections, flows through the manifolds, and again exits the manifolds through another set of exit connections to return to the fluid circulation system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating short term yardage variation in the formation of glass filaments is disclosed. This method involves additionally cooling the bushing tips from which molten glass is drawn to form filaments utilizing a separate cooling means in addition to the fin coolers normally employed. The additional cooling means removes heat at a rate of from about 1,000 Btu's per hour to about 3,000 Btu's per hour (293 to 879 watts) based upon a drawing rate of about 35 to about 70 pounds of glass per hour (77 to 154 kilograms per hour). The method further involves either forming a controlled stream of air across the bushing tips from above the additional cooling means or preventing the direct impingement of air upon bushing tips by blocking the air with the additional cooling means, to provide a more stable thermal environment under the bushing.