Abstract: The initial stages in the manufacture of a glass-like mineral fiber suitable for a multiplicity of industrial uses are essentially conventional; a charge of raw minerals (igneous rock, basalt, slag from a blast furnace or other metal working furnace, phosphate slag, etc.) is melted, then spun and collected to produce a fibrous mineral "blanket". The "blanket" is chopped up, separated, and screened, producing a prilled material constituting a multiplicity of mineral fiber pellets of given average size. These pellets are subjected to brief, rapid acceleration, as by contact with a high-speed toothed rotary wheel, to accelerate and stress the pellets into an industrially usable material constituting a multiplicity of shredded, flake-like mineral fiber elements, at least one such element for each pellet.

Abstract: A wet pulp of mineral fibers or the like is forced between a pulp carrier and a corrugated texturing skid inclined toward the downstream end of a moving slab of the pulp. The corrugations of the skid are co-directional with the machine direction of the conveyor belt that transports the pulp under and beyond the skid.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for the precise regulation of a stream of molten material such as molten rock or slag as it issues from a primary melter or holding device, comprising a frame retaining a valve, the valve comprising a pair of plate-form valve members, one fixed and one movable with respect to the other, each having an aperture or orifice provided therein. Maximum rate of discharge occurs when the apertures are in juxtaposition, and flow cut-off occurs when the apertures are not in juxtaposition. Power operated means is provided for the movable valve member to obtain proper stream regulation or complete cut-off. The apertures are so contoured that, as the valve is moved toward closed position, the cross-sectional shape of the effective opening and the flowing stream of molten material remains substantially uniform and unchanged.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for the precise regulation of a stream of molten material such as molten rock or slag as it issues from a primary melter or holding device, comprising a frame retaining a valve, the valve comprising a pair of plate-form valve members, one fixed and one movable with respect to the other, each having an aperture or orifice provided therein. Maximum rate of discharge occurs when the apertures are in juxtaposition, and flow cut-off occurs when the apertures are not in juxtaposition. Power operated means is provided for the movable valve member to obtain proper stream regulation or complete cut-off. Each valve member is formed of a plate of metal having an internal channel through which water is circulated to reduce the temperature of the valve member and to prevent its destruction by overheating.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production and collation of mineral fibers, comprising an air fiberization apparatus for generating mineral fibers, a collection chamber for collecting the fibers produced, and a cyclone type air exhaust apparatus connected by a duct to an upper portion of the collection chamber, the exhaust apparatus reducing the air pressure generated within the collection chamber thereby increasing the efficiency of fiber collection, and means for returning mineral fibers escaping from the collection chamber through the cyclone exhaust apparatus to the main fiber discharge position.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing mineral fibers comprising a container having means for heating the mineral material to form a molten pool therein, a plurality of discs having a portion thereof immersed in the molten pool, and means for rotating the discs in the same angular direction at high speed. In a preferred embodiment means are provided for moving a gas such as air or steam across the edges of the rotating discs to assist in the attenuation of the fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of mineral fiber or wool felts, blankets or batts having uniform thickness and density, comprising means for fiberizing the mineral composition, a housing defining a chamber into which the fibers are introduced, a foraminous belt upon which the fibers are deposited, a rotating brush for sweeping or throwing back excess fibers, thereby leaving a uniform layer of uncompressed fibers on the felt, and a roller for compressing the layer of fibers into a felt. The rotary brush removes the excess fibers and cooperates to provide a felt which is of uniform density and thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing mineral fibers by low pressure air fiberization having a housing defining a substantially toroidal air chamber and having a substantially circular central opening, an annular slot provided around the central opening having an annular shroud affixed to the housing at the outer edge of the annular slot for confining and directing the primary jet leaving the annular slot and enabling it to be more efficiently utilized in fiberizing the mineral fibers. A cup-form spinner is mounted on a substantially horizontally oriented shaft arranged to be rotated. The spinner is mounted in front of the forward wall of the plenum and with the open end facing the forward wall. A duct is provided to direct molten slag into the spinning cup which ejects the molten slag into an air stream directed from the annular slot of the chamber and the shroud, thereby producing mineral fiber of excellent quality and in greater yield than results when the shroud is not utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing mineral fibers by low pressure air fiberization having a housing defining a substantially toroidal air chamber formed of a forward vertical wall and having a substantially circular central opening, an annular slot provided around the central opening, and an air inlet provided at a portion of the chamber. A cup-form spinner is mounted on a substantially horizontally oriented shaft arranged to be rotated. The spinner is mounted in front of the forward wall of the plenum and with the open end facing the forward wall. A duct is provided to direct molten slag into the spinning cup which ejects molten slag into an air stream emitted from the annular slot of the chamber, thereby producing mineral fiber of excellent quality.