US3644109A

US3644109A - Apparatus for severing linear material

Info

Publication number: US3644109A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jerome P Klink; Walter F Fulk
Original assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Corp
Current assignee: Owens Corning
Priority date: 1967-10-04
Filing date: 1969-12-29
Publication date: 1972-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-22
Also published as: US3508461A; NL157667B; FR1585320A; DE1800761A1; GB1310568A; NL6814288A; DE1800761C3; FR2075019A6; NL165135B; SE343611B; GB1211163A; BE760299R; SE373351B; DE2064212A1; NL7018554A; NL165135C; DE1800761B2; BE721823A

Abstract

Apparatus for severing linear material including a cutter roll having blades thereon extending outwardly of the circumferential surface of the member and means communicating with the opposite sides of the blades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of the blades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member.

Description

United States Patent Klink et a1. Feb. 22, 1972 [54] APPARATUS FOR SEVERING LINEAR [56] References Cited MATERIAL UNITED STATES PATENTS [72] Inventors: Jerome P- Kllflk; Walter F- Ftllk, both of 3,034,213 5/1962 Milligan ..225/97 UX Newark, Ohio 3,103,304 9/1963 Nawalanic ..225/97 X [73] Assrgnee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation Primary Examinepdames M. Meister [22] Filed: Dec. 29, 1969 Attorney-StaeIin and Overman and Ronald C. Hudgens [21] Appl. No.: 888,709 [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for severing linear material including a cutter roll [52] U.S.C1 ..65/l1, 65/176, 83/347, having blades thereon extending outwardly of the circum 83/348, 83/674, 83/698, 83/913 l t C 8236 25/12 ferential surface of the member and means communicating d 663 665 with the opposite sides of the blades in a region spaced from e o a the circumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of the blades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member.

PATENTEDFEB22 1922 v 3.644.109

SHEET 1 UF 4 ATTORNEYS PAI'ENIEDFEB 22 m2 SHEET 2 BF 4 gmFaz WA A TH? ATTORNEYS PATENTED E ZE 9 2 3.644.109

SHEET 3 OF 4 WAZ 75/2 F. Fuur MAE/V7096 ATTORNEYS APPARATUS FOR SEVERING LINEAR MATERIAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION While apparatus employing cooperating cutter rolls and cot rolls have successfully severed a variety of linear materials, including multifilament glass strands, it has not been possible to sever such linear material into exceedingly short lengths, viz less than V4 inch. Prior art cutter roll construction is primarily responsible for the inability of prior art apparatus to sever linear material into these shorter lengths.

Prior art construction of cutter rolls is believed to be well exampled by the disclosure of US. Pat. No. 2,719,336 issued to Richard B. Stotler on Nov. 4, 1955. As shown therein the inner ends of the cutting blades are deeply embedded in the roll. Moreover, the blades extend radially from the circumferential surface of the roll without support. The deep penetration of the blades in the roll converges the inner blade ends to limit the closeness one can locate adjacent blades.

Also, in prior art chopping apparatus severed linear material tends to lodge in the space between closely adjacent blades. This logging limits the effective use of prior art apparatus for severing linear material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION I An object of the invention is improved apparatus for severing linear material.

Another object of the invention is a cutter roll construction for use in severing linear material that permits closer circumferential spacing between blades to make possible severing of linear material into very short lengths.

Yet another object of the invention is a cutterroll for use in severing linear material that substantially precludes accumulating severed linear material between the blades of the cutter roll.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be more apparent as the invention is hereinafter described in more detail with reference made to the following drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a chopper embodying one form of the invention and apparatus associated therewith shown rather diagrammatically for drawing continuous glass filaments from a molten glass source and gathering the filaments into a plurality of strands for delivery to the chopper;

FIG. 2 is an end elevation of the chopper as viewed from the line 2-2 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, vertical section of a chopper embodying an alternate form of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the right-hand end of the chopper of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical section of the contact area of the cutter roll and cot roll of the chopper of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view ofthe chopper of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view with portions in section of the cutter roll of the chopper of FIGS. l-6 and five strands, diagrammatically indicated, being cut into short lengths;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view in cross section of the end plates employed with the cutter roll assembly shown in FIGS. l-7; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view with portions in section of a modified cutter roll construction that may be employed with the apparatus shown in FIGS. l-6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings in more detail, the strand chopper 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a cot roll 12 that also serves as a filament pull wheel. A smaller cutter roll 13 .has radially extending blades 14 which engage the peripheral surface of the cot roll 12. The cot roll is driven through belt 15 and pulley 16 by a motor which is not illustrated. The cutter roll is driven by the cot roll through the engagement between the blades 14 and the notches formed by the blades in the peripheral surface of the cot roll. The blades 14 repeatedly sever the strands 19 passing between the two rolls into short lengths 17 that collect on the conveyor 18.

The strands .19 are gatherings of continuous filaments 20 drawn downwardly from minute streams of molten glass issuing from the tips 21 of the bushing 23 to which the molten glass is delivered from a glass furnace.

The filaments are initiallydivided by the insertion of fingers 25 into strand groups each of which may usually include from 20 to or more filaments. Thus segregated, the filaments pass over the apron of the size applicator 27. The strand groups of filaments are consolidated into compact strands by riding around grooves in the shoe 28. The strands then pass around the idler wheel 29 in spaced relation before traveling upwardly upon the peripheral surface of the cot roll. The frictional adhesion of the strands to the extended peripheral surface of the large cot roll is sufficient to generate the pulling force required to draw the filaments 20 from the bushing 23.

The size applicator, grooved shoe and idler wheel are of conventional design comparable to those shown and more fully described in US. Pat. No. 3,265,482 which issued Aug. 9, 1966 to Langlois and Stream. The overhanging or outboard positioning of the cot roll 12 in respect to the casing 30 of the strand cutter and on the end of the shaft 32 as seen in FIG. 2 facilitates lacing of the strands around the cot roll at the start of operation. The cot roll has a diameter, in this instance of approximately 13 inches to provide the circumferential sur-.

face required in its function as a pull wheel.

The cot roll 12 has a width close to 4 inches and has a peripheral surface of a polyurethane composition tough and resilient in nature.

The cutter roll l3 is only about 4 inches in diameter inclusive of the blades. A cutter roll of this diameter has been found to function satisfactorily and may be built more accurately and at less expense than a larger model.

The cot roll 12 shaft 32 is supported upon bearings mounted on the edges of the casing 30. The end shafts 33 of the cutter roll 13 is held within bearings fixed to the upper ends of a pair of rocker arms, one of which is indicated at 34 in FIG. I. The lower ends of the rocker arms are pivotally carried on shaft 35. Fixed to the center of the shaft 35 between the rocker arms is a collar 37. A horizontal arm 38 projects from this collar to extend exteriorly of the end of the casing 30.

A setscrew 39 threaded through bracket 40 and held in selected position by locknut 41 limits the upward movement of the projecting end of the arm 38 and therethrough limits the rotation of shaft 35 in the direction pivoting cutter roll [3 toward the cot roll 12.

A second arm 42 extends upwardly from the collar 37 fixed to shaft 35 and receives. the pressure of spring 43 carried on the rod 45. The latter is threaded atits outer end for receipt of the lock nut 46. The tension of the spring swings the rocker arms on shaft 35 toward the cot roll and determines the pressure of the abutment of the blades of the cutter roll against the surface of the cot roll up to the limit of movement permitted by arm 38 meeting the setscrew 39.

A strand chopper 48 of alternate design is shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6. The structure of the chopper 48 is illustrated and described in more detail. Because there are elements similar to those of the chopper 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the description of the alternate design will improve the understanding of the structure of the chopper 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In this modification the cutter roll 13 with its radial blades 14 instead of being supported upon rocker arms has its end shafts 33 mounted in bearings 57 and 58 set upon the opposite side edges of the casing 50.

The cot roll 60 is of smaller diameter (about 6 inches) than the cot roll 12 0f the earlier described model and is lodged with its lower portion within the casing 50. Access to it is not so essential nor is the large size, as here it does not serve as a pull wheel but instead is adapted to receive strands from packages mounted upon a creel.

The cot roll 60 includes an inner cylindrical shell 61 encompassed by a resilient sleeve 62 about as of an inch thick of a polyurethane composition. The sleeve is held in place by

end retainers

63 and 64. The shaft 65 of the cot roll extends through end hubs to rest in

bearings

66 and 67. These are mounted upon the upper ends of

rocker arms

68 and 69 similar to those supporting the cutter roll 13 of the chopper arrangement 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The rocker arms are carried upon the pivot shaft 71 turnable in

bearings

72 and 73.

A collar 75 is fixed to the center of shaft 71. Extending from the collar is the horizontal stop arm 76, the outer end of which projects exteriorly of the casing 50 through opening 77. Upward movement of the arm 76 and associated pivoting of the cot roll 60 toward the cutter roll 13 is limited by the setscrew 78 threaded through bracket 79 and held in selected setting by the locknut 80.

The upright arm 82 extending from collar 75 receives the thrust of spring 83 held against the arm by the adjustable screw 84. The latter is threaded through the end wall of casing 50 and held in selected position by the locknut 85.

An aluminum idler roll 87 roughly 2 /2 inches in diameter rides upon the upper side of the cot roll 60, and rotates through internal bearings 88 and 89 on shaft 91. The idler roll 87 is free to move vertically since the ends of shaft 91 are lodged within

vertical slots

93 and 95 of

end brackets

94 and 96. Through the weight of the idler roll and its frictional rotation by the cot roll strands delivered between these rolls are pulled from the supply source, such as packages on a creel.

In the chopper 48 the cutter roll 13 is driven by a suitable motor driving a belt 100 engaging a pulley 99 on an end shaft 33.

FIGS. -7 more clearly show the construction of the cutter roll 13 used with both the chopper l0 and the chopper 48. As illustrated the roll includes a cylindrical member 110, the blades 14 and end plates or

caps

112 and 114.

The cylindrical member 110 has circumferentially spaced apart grooves 116 extending generally axially in its circumferentially surface. The blades 14 seat in the grooves 116. The depth of the grooves d, varies with the thickness of the blades 14. It is only necessary to have the depth of the grooves 11", sufficiently deep to fix the base of the blades against circumferential movement on the cylindrical member 110 during operation of a chopper, e.g., chopper or 48. The grooves also keep the blades straight during severing operation of the cutter roll 13. Moreover, the width of the grooves 116 varies with blade thickness to engage the blades 14 in snug fit relation. As more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the grooves 116 angle slightly circumferentially of the cylindrical member 110. Preferably the distance between the grooves and the circumferential angle of the grooves place the leading end of each blade 14 at least even with the trailing end of the preceding blade 14.

The blades 14 are thin longitudinal members having two opposing major surfaces 120, a base 122, ends 124 and a cutting edge 126 opposite the base 122. The ends 124 converge from the base 122 to the cutting edge 126. Accordingly, the length of the cutting edge 126 is less than the length of the blades base.

On the cylindrical member 110 the blades 14 protrude laterally outwardly from the members circumferential or lengthwise surface to a height H. H is normally from 10 to times greater than the depth (1" of grooves 116. It has been useful to use grooves 116 circumferentially spaced apart 3 to 4 and having a groove depth of 0.052 inch with a blade 14 having a depth D of 0.686 inch and a blade thickness from 0.050 to 0.052 inch along its base 120. As shown, the blades 14 extend radially from the lengthwise axis of the cylindrical member 110.

FIGS. 7 and 8 more clearly show the

end plates

112 and 114 that cooperate to support and retain the blades 14 on the cylindrical member 110. When the blades 14 are in grooves that extend lengthwise in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of a cylindrical member 110, the

end plates

112 and 114 are identical. When the blades 14 are in grooves such as the grooves 116 that extend lengthwise in a direction at a slight angle to the axis of rotation of the cylindrical member 110, the end plates are identical except for disposition of slots 130.

Referring to the end plate 1 12 shown in FIG. 8, the plate is a thick disclike member having an opening 132 extending through it from end to end. The opening 132 includes a cylinder access portion 134, a middle blade mounting portion 136 and a blade support portion 138. The smallest portion of the opening 132 is the cylinder access portion 134, through which a shaft 33 can extend to position the plates at the ends of the cylindrical member 110. The middle portion 136 has wall portions 140 diverging towards the blade support portion 138. When the end plates are in position, the wall portions 140 are adjacent to the ends 124 of the blades 14. The blade support portion 138 of the opening 132 is defined by a tubelike wall portion 142 with a beveled annular plate end surface 144 converging towards the middle portion 136. The wall portion 142 has slots 130 uniformly spaced about its circumference, the slots 130 opening on the annular plate end surface 144. Walls 146 and bottom 148 define the slots 130. The wall material between the slots forms extensionlike support members 150 giving lateral support to the blades 14 to fix their cutting edges 126 against lateral or circumferential movement on the cylindrical member 110. This support keeps the blades 14 from tipping in the grooves 116. The grooves function as means fixing the blades 14 at their base 122 against movement circumferentially of the member 110. Accordingly, the cutter roll construction fixes the blades 14 at their base 122 and their cutting edge 126 to fix the blades against circumferential movement on the cylindrical member even during operation of the chopping apparatus. The cutter roll arrangement keeps the blades in desired angular disposition on the member 110. In FIG. 8 the surface of the wall portions 136, the annular surface 144 and the surfaces of the slot bottoms 148 extend in a parallel direction.

When the caps or

end plates

112 and 114 are in place at the ends of the cylindrical member 110, the ends of the blades 14 are in the slots in snug fit relation and the inclined wall portion of the opening 132 cooperates to fix the blades 14 against outward movement on the cylindrical member 110 and in the grooves. A resilient gasket 154 is normally used between the cylindrical member and blade assembly to accommodate for any dimension differences in components. Screws 156 draw the cap ends 112 and 114 tightly against the gasket 154 to rigidly fix the blades 14 in place against outward movement on the cylindrical member 110, the gasket 152 pressing against the edges of the blade ends 124.

The support wall members at the ends of the blades 14 communicate with opposite sides of the blades in a region spaced outwardly of the lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member 110 to fix the blades against movement circumferentially of the member 110. The walls 146 of the slots 130 engage the blades 14 in a zone spaced from the lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member 110. The walls 146 of each of the slots 140 engage the major surfaces of blades 14 at their end regions adjacent the cutting edge 126.

The construction of the cutter roll 13 provides for retaining both the base and cutting edge of each blade fixed against lateral movement, i.e., movement circumferentially of the lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member 1 10. At the base 122 of the blades there is means fixing the base 122 against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member. At the cutting edge the arrangement uses means such as support members between the blades to retain the cutting edge fixed against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member.

While in the embodiment shown the polyurethane composition of the cot roll sleeve 62 is tough and resilient, it is pierced by the blades 14, and notches 158 are quickly formed in the surface of the sleeve as illustrated in FIG. 5. The circumferential dimension of the sleeve is selected to be evenly divided by the distance between the tips of adjacent blades and the blades are spaced evenly apart so the blades keep projecting into the notches first created by the blades. This establishes a strong traction between the cutter roll and the cot roll which synchronizes their rotation and transmits driv ing torque from the roll activated from a power source. This tracking of the blades in the same notches also prevents general scarifying and wear of the cot roll arising from random impingement of the blades.

As can further be seen in FIG. 5 the cutting edge of the blades 14 are tapered on one major surface only. It has been found that the use of such a cutting edge arrangement precludes accumulation of severed strand even when the cutting roll arrangement locates the blades exceedingly close together.

As depicted in FIG. 7 strands 160 are cut into short lengths 162 as they pass between the cutter roll 13 and the cot roll 60. The line of severance 164 is parallel with and slightly above the line of tangent contact between the two rolls.

The work load is distributed since the strands are cut successively as each angled blade, progressively from left to right as viewed in FIG. 7, moves across the line of severance. To reduce wear of the blades the group of strands 160 are conventionally reciprocated lengthwise of the cutter roll.

The tension of spring 83 may be set by adjustment of screw 84 to apply the pressure necessary for penetration of the blades into the surface of the cot sleeve. A pressure of only 150 pounds has been found effective.

Entry of the blades into the notches is advisably limited initially to l/32 of an inch. This is controlled by positioning set screw 78 against horizontal arm 76.

To maintain the cutting effectiveness of the blades as the notches become widened through gouging by the blades, deeper penetration is provided by outwardly turning of the setscrew 78. Ordinarily entry of no more than Va of an inch is recommended. After this depth is reached the sleeve may be removed and its surface refinished by machining in a lathe. To reestablish tracking of the blades in the notches subsequently formed the reduction in diameter must be such that the new circumference is still exactly divisable by the distance between adjacent blades.

With the angled blades at least two blades are engaging notches at the same time. Simultaneous engagement of additional blades further adds to the traction and occurs when the blades are narrowly spaced for cutting the strand into short lengths such as V3 and A inches. Such contact of additional blades is promoted by utilizing a cot roll of larger diameter than that found most feasible for the cutter roll. The peripheral surface of the cot roll does not then recede so rapidly from the contact area. A diameter for the cot roll at least 50 percent greater than that of the cutter roll is accordingly desirable.

FIG. 9 shows a modified cutter roll 170 constructed according to the principles of the invention. As illustrated, the cutter roll 170 includes a cylindrical member 172, blades 174, and end plates 176.

In FIG. 9 the cylindrical member 172 has end shafts 178 and straight rows of spaced apart openings 180 in its circumferential surface. The rows of openings 180 extend in an axial direction and as in the case of the grooves 116 of the cylindrical member 110, the rows of openings 180 are circumferentially spaced apart. While the rows are shown extending in an axial direction, one can angle the rows slightly as in the case of the grooves 116 shown in FIG. 7.

The blades 174 are thin longitudinal members having two opposing major surfaces 181, a base 182, ends 184 and a cutting edge 186 opposite the base 182. As with the blades 14 the ends 184 converge from the base 182 to the cutting edge 186. Extending from the base 182 of the blades 184 are projections 188 spaced apart along the base edge of the blade a distance equal to the distance between the openings 180. In proper position on the cylindrical member 172 all the projections 188 fit snugly into the openings 180. The engagement between the projections 188 and the wall defining each of the openings needs to be only sufficient to retain the base of each of the blades fixed against movement in a direction circumferentially of the cylindrical member 172. As shown in FIG. 9 the blades 174 extend axially on the cylindrical member 172.

The end plates 176 cooperate to mount the blades 174 on the cylindrical member 172 and retain the blades in fixed desired angular relationship about the cylindrical member 172. The end plates 176 are similar to the

end plates

112 and 114 with slots similar to slots 130 but somewhat longer. The wall material between the slots 190 form extension-lines support members 192 which are similar to support members 150, giving lateral support to the blades 174 to the cutting edge 186 against movement laterally, i.e., in a direction circumferentially of the cylindrical member 172. This support keeps the blades from tipping on the cylindrical member 172. In FIG. 9 the slots 190 extend the entire length dimension of the ends 184 of the blades 174. The bottom of the slot 190 matches the converging path of the ends 184 of the blades 174 to form a mounting surface keeping each of the blades 174 on the cylindrical member 172. Screws 194 draw the cap ends 176 tightly against the ends of the cylindrical member to rigidly mount the blades 174 on the cylindrical member 172.

For the purpose of setting forth this invention specific apparatus has necessarily been disclosed. Various modifications and substitution of elements thereof are entirely feasible while retaining the basic features and benefits of the invention. It should also be recognized that the term strands" is utilized generically herein and should be interpreted as encompassing rovings, yarn, filaments and tapes.

We claim: 1. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising:

a cylindrical member; blades on the cylindrical member extending in a direction generally axially of the cylindrical member, the blades being in circumferentially spaced apart relationship each extending from a base outwardly of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge;

means fixing the blades at their base against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member;

means at the ends of the blades communicating with opposite sides of the blades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix the butting edge of the blades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member; and

means fixing the blades against outward movement on the cylindrical member.

2. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising;

a cylindrical member;

blades on the cylindrical member extending from end to end, the blades being in circumferential spaced relationship each from a base projecting outwardly of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge; means fixing the blades at their base against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member; and

means including support members between the blades at opposing sides of the blades, the support members engaging the blades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of the blades against circumferential movement on the cylindrical member.

3. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising;

a cylindrical member having circumferentially spaced apart grooves extending generally from end to end;

blades extending from the grooves, the blades extending to a cutting edge located outwardly of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member; and

blade support members at the ends of the cylindrical member, the support members being between the blades and being spaced from the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member, the support members engaging the blades ends to cooperate with grooves to fix the blades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member.

4. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising:

a cylindrical member having in its circumferential surface grooves extending generally lengthwise of themember; blades extending from the grooves to cutting edges laterally disposed from the grooves;

means holding the blades in the grooves; and

blade support means cooperating with the grooves to keep the blades in substantially fixed angular disposition on the cylindrical member, the blade support means including members engaging opposite sides of the blades at their end regions laterally of the circumferential surface.

5. A cutter roll according to claim 4 where the blades project radially of the cylindrical member.

6. A cutter roll for use in severing glass strand into short lengths comprising:

a cylindrical member having grooves extending generally lengthwise thereof;

longitudinal blades on the cylindrical member, each blade having a cutting edge, a base and ends, the ends converging from the base to the cutting edge, the base of each of the blades seated in a groove, the blades projecting outwardly from the lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member in a direction generally radially of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member; and

a cap member at each end of the cylindrical member, each of the cap members including a blade-retaining portion engaging the edges of the blade ends to hold the blades in the grooves and support members extending between the blades, the support members engaging the end regions of the major surfaces of the blades at locations spaced from the lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member.

7. A cutter roll recited in claim 6 where the grooves angle circumferentially of the cylindrical member.

8. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising:

a cylindrical member having circumferentially spaced straight-line rows of spaced-apart openings, the rows extending generally from end to end of the cylindrical member;

blades on the cylindrical member, each of the blades having a cutting edge and a base, projections extending from the base of the blades, the projections sufficiently spaced and of sufficient size to snugly fit into the openings, the engagement between the projections and the openings fixing the base against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, the blades each extending from a base outwardly of the lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge; and

a cap member at each end of the cylindrical member, each of the cap members including a blade-retaining portion engaging the edges of the blade ends to hold the projections in the openings and support members extending between the blades, the support member engaging the end regions of the major surfaces of the blades at locations spaced from the lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member.

9. Apparatus for cutting glass strands into short lengths comprising:

a cutter roll comprising a cylindrical member, blades on the cylindrical member extending in a direction generally axially of the cylindrical member, the blades being in circumferentially spaced-apart relation each extending from a base outwardly of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge, means fixing the blades at their base against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, means at the ends of the blades communicating with the opposite sides of the blades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of the blades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, and means fixing the blades against outward movement on the cylindrical member;

a cot roll adjacent to the cutter roll;

means supplying strands between the rolls; and

means for rotating the rolls together, the glass strands delivered between the rolls being cut into short lengths.

10. Apparatus for producing discontinuous lengths of glass strands comprising:

means for delivering a plurality of molten glass streams; and

means for continuously attenuating the streams into glass filaments and forming discontinuous lengths thereof comprising a cutter roll including a cylindrical member, blades on the cylindrical member extending in a direction generally axially of the cylindrical member, the blades being in circumferentially spaced-apart relation each extending from a base outwardly of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge, means fixing the blades at their base against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, means at the ends of the blades communicating with the opposite sides of the blades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of the blades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, and means fixing the blades against outward movement on the cylindrical movement, a cot roll adjacent to the cutter roll, and means for rotating the rolls together, the rolls advancing the glass strands between them and severing them into discontinuous lengths.

ll. Acutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising:

a base member for rotational mounting;

blades on the base member oriented in a direction generally axially of such member, the blades being in spaced-apart relationship each projecting from a base portion outwardly of the base member to a cutting edge;

means fixing the blades at their base portions against lateral movement about the base member;

blade support means in at least one of the end regions of the blades communicating with at least one of each of the blades at a location spaced from the base member to fix the cutting edges against lateral movement; and

means fixing the blades against outward movement on the base member.

12. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising:

a longitudinal member;

blades on the longitudinal member oriented in a direction generally lengthwise of such member, the blades being in spaced-apart relationship each projecting from a base outwardly of the longitudinal member to a cutting edge;

means fixing the blades at their bases against lateral movement about the longitudinal member;

blade support means at the end regions of the blades communicating with opposite sides of the blades at locations spaced from the longitudinal member to fix the cutting edges against lateral movement; and

means fixing the blades against outward movement on the longitudinal member.

Claims

1. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising: a cylindrical member; blades on the cylindrical member extending in a direction generally axially of the cylindrical member, the blades being in circumferentially spaced apart relationship each extending from a base outwardly of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge; means fixing the blades at their base against movement circumferentially of the cylindrIcal member; means at the ends of the blades communicating with opposite sides of the blades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix the butting edge of the blades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member; and means fixing the blades against outward movement on the cylindrical member.

2. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising; a cylindrical member; blades on the cylindrical member extending from end to end, the blades being in circumferential spaced relationship each from a base projecting outwardly of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge; means fixing the blades at their base against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member; and means including support members between the blades at opposing sides of the blades, the support members engaging the blades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of the blades against circumferential movement on the cylindrical member.

3. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising; a cylindrical member having circumferentially spaced apart grooves extending generally from end to end; blades extending from the grooves, the blades extending to a cutting edge located outwardly of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member; and blade support members at the ends of the cylindrical member, the support members being between the blades and being spaced from the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member, the support members engaging the blades ends to cooperate with grooves to fix the blades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member.

4. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising: a cylindrical member having in its circumferential surface grooves extending generally lengthwise of the member; blades extending from the grooves to cutting edges laterally disposed from the grooves; means holding the blades in the grooves; and blade support means cooperating with the grooves to keep the blades in substantially fixed angular disposition on the cylindrical member, the blade support means including members engaging opposite sides of the blades at their end regions laterally of the circumferential surface.

6. A cutter roll for use in severing glass strand into short lengths comprising: a cylindrical member having grooves extending generally lengthwise thereof; longitudinal blades on the cylindrical member, each blade having a cutting edge, a base and ends, the ends converging from the base to the cutting edge, the base of each of the blades seated in a groove, the blades projecting outwardly from the lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member in a direction generally radially of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member; and a cap member at each end of the cylindrical member, each of the cap members including a blade-retaining portion engaging the edges of the blade ends to hold the blades in the grooves and support members extending between the blades, the support members engaging the end regions of the major surfaces of the blades at locations spaced from the lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member.

8. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising: a cylindrical member having circumferentially spaced straight-line rows of spaced-apart openings, the rows extending generally from end to end of the cylindrical member; blades on the cylindrical member, each of the blades having a cutting edge and a base, projections extending from the base of the blades, the projections sufficiently spaced and of sufficient size to snugly fit into the openings, thE engagement between the projections and the openings fixing the base against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, the blades each extending from a base outwardly of the lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge; and a cap member at each end of the cylindrical member, each of the cap members including a blade-retaining portion engaging the edges of the blade ends to hold the projections in the openings and support members extending between the blades, the support member engaging the end regions of the major surfaces of the blades at locations spaced from the lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member.

9. Apparatus for cutting glass strands into short lengths comprising: a cutter roll comprising a cylindrical member, blades on the cylindrical member extending in a direction generally axially of the cylindrical member, the blades being in circumferentially spaced-apart relation each extending from a base outwardly of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge, means fixing the blades at their base against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, means at the ends of the blades communicating with the opposite sides of the blades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of the blades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, and means fixing the blades against outward movement on the cylindrical member; a cot roll adjacent to the cutter roll; means supplying strands between the rolls; and means for rotating the rolls together, the glass strands delivered between the rolls being cut into short lengths.

10. Apparatus for producing discontinuous lengths of glass strands comprising: means for delivering a plurality of molten glass streams; and means for continuously attenuating the streams into glass filaments and forming discontinuous lengths thereof comprising a cutter roll including a cylindrical member, blades on the cylindrical member extending in a direction generally axially of the cylindrical member, the blades being in circumferentially spaced-apart relation each extending from a base outwardly of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge, means fixing the blades at their base against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, means at the ends of the blades communicating with the opposite sides of the blades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of the blades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, and means fixing the blades against outward movement on the cylindrical movement, a cot roll adjacent to the cutter roll, and means for rotating the rolls together, the rolls advancing the glass strands between them and severing them into discontinuous lengths.

11. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising: a base member for rotational mounting; blades on the base member oriented in a direction generally axially of such member, the blades being in spaced-apart relationship each projecting from a base portion outwardly of the base member to a cutting edge; means fixing the blades at their base portions against lateral movement about the base member; blade support means in at least one of the end regions of the blades communicating with at least one of each of the blades at a location spaced from the base member to fix the cutting edges against lateral movement; and means fixing the blades against outward movement on the base member.

12. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengths comprising: a longitudinal member; blades on the longitudinal member oriented in a direction generally lengthwise of such member, the blades being in spaced-apart relationship each projecting from a base outwardly of the longitudinal member to a cutting edge; means fixing the blades at their bases against lateral movement aBout the longitudinal member; blade support means at the end regions of the blades communicating with opposite sides of the blades at locations spaced from the longitudinal member to fix the cutting edges against lateral movement; and means fixing the blades against outward movement on the longitudinal member.