ES307016A1 - Method of and apparatus for feeding a substantially untwisted multifilament strand - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of producing glass fibres from a source of molten glass flowing through a plurality of orifices comprises, gathering the fibres 16 (Fig. 1, not shown) into a strand 32, feeding the strand between a pair of engaging surfaces 34, 36, moving at a high rate of speed so as to apply an attenuating force on the fibres and provide movement of the strand in a given direction, abruptly changing the direction of movement of each of the engaging surfaces 34, 36 and discharging the strand 32 from therebetween whilst it continues to move in the same general direction. The surfaces 34, 36 comprise a pair of endless belts each of which moves over a pulley and stationary bearing pin 38, 44 and 36, 58 respectively. The pins 44, 58 are mounted, for adjustment, on a plate 46 (Fig. 2, not shown) having two slots 52 (Fig. 4, not shown) through which passes bolts 50, the bolts also passing through arcuate slots 48 in a main plate 41. Both pulleys are driven at the same speed such as by an air motor, being at least 5000 feet per minute. A bore 68 (Fig. 3, not shown) and counterbore 70 is provided in each bearing pin for cooling and lubrication. Before being gathered into the strand 32 the fibres 16 pass over a size or binder applicator 20. The attenuated strand 32 may be deposited either on a foraminous conveyer as a mat of suitable density or in large convulsions. This is achieved either by causing the attenuating device 18 to reciprocate between fixed limits on a rod 90 (Fig. 5, not shown) over the conveyer or reciprocating the bearing pin 44 by means of an eccentric crank, Fig. 6 (not shown), or by a rotor 110 placed between the two faces of the belt 34, Fig. 7 (not shown).ALSO:A method of producing glass fibres from a source of molten glass flowing through a plurality of orifices comprises, gathering the fibres 16 (Fig. 1 not shown) into a strand 32, feeding the strand between a pair of engaging surfaces 34, 36 moving at a high rate of speed so as to apply an attenuating force on the fibres and provide movement of the strand in a given direction, abruptly changing the direction of movement of each of the engaging surfaces 34, 36 and discharging the strand 32 from therebetween whilst it continues to move in the same general direction. The surfaces 34, 36 comprise a pair of endless belts each of which moves over a pulley and stationary bearing pin 38, 44 and 36, 58 respectively. The pins 44, 58 are mounted, for adjustment, on a plate 46 (Fig. 2 not shown) having two slots 52 (Fig. 4 not shown) through which passes bolts 50, the bolts also passing through arcuate slots 48 in a main plate 41. Both pulleys are driven at the same speed, such as by an air motor, being at least 5000 f.p.m. A bore 68 (Fig. 3 not shown), and counter bore 70 is provided in each bearing pin for cooling and lubrication. Before being gathered into the strand 32 the fibres 16 pass over a size or binder applicator 20. The attenuated strand 32 may be deposited either on a foraminous conveyer as a mat of suitable density or in large convulsions. This is achieved either by causing the attenuating device 18 to reciprocate between fixed limits on a rod 90 (Fig. 5 not shown) over the conveyer or reciprocating the bearing pin 44 by means of an eccentric crank, Fig. 6 (not shown) or by a rotor 110 placed between the two faces of the belt 34, Fig. (not shown).