US2691852A - Method and apparatus for producing fibers - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 19, 1954 G. SLAYTER ETAL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING FIBERS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 29. 1949 IELlU Oct. 19, 1954 c. SLAYTER ETAL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING FIBERS 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 29, 1949 INVENTORS 6AMS 62A Y7'ER W416?! Wax 0:14 fill/MMO/VD ATTORA/[VJ Oct. 19, 1954 G. SLAYTER ET AL 2,691,852

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING FIBERS Filed Dec. 29, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 2 7* Q 1 *7 76 as 62 62 34 I f 1 i E 5 J0 30 ii Z 5.40 4/? i i 20 Q; 2 5 8/ 66 L I 39 3 i 1 f 83 3 a/v I VENTORJ- BY g V Oct. 19, 1954 G. SLAYTER ET AL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING FIBERS 6 Sheets-Sheei 5 Filed Dec.

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Oct. 19, 1954 e. SLAYTER ETAL 2,691,852

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING FIBERS Filed Dec. 29, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 EIE E V NTORJ 6,444.53 SAAJTEF'Q Wnmuw Win/0:44 demo/new ATTOP/VIKS Patented Oct. 19, 11954- UNITED STATES METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING FIBERS ration of Delaware Application December 29, 1949, Serial No. 135,558

14 Claims. 1

This invention relates to the production of fibers from materials that can be drawn out into fibers and more especially to method and apparatus for manufacturing, processing glass fibers or strands of fibers.

In processes heretofore employed, the fibers as they are attenuated are formed into strands and collected upon a drum and subsequently unwound therefrom and further processed for particular uses. Several difficulties in processes of this nature have been encountered. In winding a strand of fibers upon a drum the strand is in a state of considerable tension so that as the strand is collected and builds up on the drum, the fibers especially in the undermost layers are under such high pressure that they tend to cohere. This method of collection and accumulation of a continuous strand also aggravates a tendency of the fibers of the strand to abrade and even sever one another by reason of the tension during winding.

In some processes, instead of being unwound from the drum, the collected fibers or strands are cut from the drum to form hanks of fibers that are subsequently cut to shorter lengths and rearranged into a mat. This process is disclosed in the Roberts and Metzler Patent No. 2,477,555. Furthermore the fibers of the strand influenced by the tension of winding cohere with a tenacity such that when the strand is subsequently severed to comparatively short lengths, the fibers are not readily separated but tend to remain in groups or clusters. Mechanical means, as for example, a picking operation is then employed in an endeavor to separate the strands and fibers of the groups or clusters, but this operation increases the abrading of the individual fibers with a consequent weakening of them. The picking operation must also be very carefully done in order to effectively separate all of the strands so that only a few bundles of strands or fibers remain in the resultant mass. When the cut fiber mats are utilized as reinforcing medium in plastics and the like, it is desired to have most and sometimes all of the fibers present in the form of bundles or strands. However, it is difficult to separate strands from each other in the hanks without also separating the strands into individual fibers. Also, these prior methods do not lend themselves to the most efficient and efiective application of resin to the fibers, a step which is essential in producing the highest quality reinforced plastics.

The present invention embraces a novel meth- 0d and apparatus for producing, collecting and collecting and p processing fibers in a manner rendering them suitable for use in manufacturing or fabricating a wide variety of products on a practical economical basis. As typical examples, the present invention enables the practical commercial production of: (1) comparatively short lengths of fibers suitable for use in the formation of fiber mats; (2) short lengths of fibers suitable as a reinforcing medium for plastics; (3) fibers coated with resin for subsequent fabrication of plastic mats or sheets; (4) comparatively Short lengths of fibers coated with resin whereby the resin coated fibers provide a compound suitable for molding into finished articles; (5) staple fibers suitable for textile manufacture and for fabricating mats; (6 fibers in strand or yarn form; ('7) resinous sheets embodying continuous fibers.

An object of the invention resides in a meth- 0d and apparatus of forming and collecting a strand of fibers in a manner whereby mutual abrasion of the fibers is reduced to a minimum.

Another object of the invention resides in the formation and collection of a strand into a comparatively loose package wherein tension in the strand is substantially reduced and the tendency of the individual fibers of the strand to cohere is greatly minimized.

Another object is the provision of a strand collecting method and apparatus wherein a package of helical formation of the strand is obtained thus minimizing overlapping of the strand and eliminating tendency of convolutions of the strand to become snagged or intertangled.

A further object of the invention resides in a method and means of continuously assembling a flexible strand or element upon a group of fiexible elements and simultaneously applying an adhesive or bonding constituent to the strand without interruption of the strand assembling operation.

Another object of the invention resides in processing and assembling linear fiber-forming materials at a comparatively high linear speed whereby the number of operations usually required to process such materials for subsequent fabrication into finished products is reduced.

It is another object of this invention to produce chopped or relatively short fibers in one continuous operation directly from a supply body of molten fiber forming material such as glass or from a package containing fibers of substantially continuous length. In accordance with this invention the fibers produced may be in the form of twisted strands of uniform length,

or they may be in the form of untwisted contiguous fibers of uniform length, a factor that is essential where uniformity is required in the final product.

Still another object of this invention is the carrying on of the several steps of the method with simple and compact apparatus capable of substantially continuous operation requiring little or no attention on the part of the operator.

A further object of this invention is to provide apparatus having means for moving a continuous strand composed of a plurality of fibers in a circular path around a conveyor in a manner whereby, if desired, a twist may be imparted to the strand simultaneously with the winding of the strand on the conveyor. The strand collected in this manner possesses substantial integrity and very little or no binding material is required to hold the fibers together during the collecting operation.

It is a still further object of this invention to effect the winding or collecting operation employing a light weight member supported adjacent a cylindrically shaped conveyor or collector for rotation about the axis of the latter, and having means at the periphery thereof for continuously looping the strand about the conveyor. With an arrangement of this character the weight of the rotating elements is reduced to a minimum, and higher winding speeds may be obtained.

A further feature of this invention is the provision of a group of flexible elements movable in one direction and relative to a winding or strand assembling member to progressively apply the convolutions of a flexible strand or element on the group of flexible elements.

Another object of this invention is the provision of means for severing the convolutions of the strand at one or a number of points spaced circumferentially of the convolutions for subdividing the strand into desired lengths. The strand may be severed to practically any desired lengths up to a length corresponding to the circumference of the convolutions as the latter are advanced to the delivery end of the conveyor. The lengths of severed strands may be deposited directly on a travelling conveyor belt, or may be introduced to suitable fiber separating devices or pickers, where the fibers are loosened and separated from one another before being conveyed to a zone for further processing or use.

It is still another object of this invention to spray or otherwise apply a resin or binder on the convolutions of the fibers and to also cure the binder as the convolutions are advanced by the collector or conveyor. When this feature is employed, the fiber separating means or pickers may be omitted, and the cut lengths of strand retain their integrity through the presence of the resin which is desirable in fabricating certain products.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction and to combinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies of manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specification and drawing of a form of the invention, which may be preferred, in which:

Figure 1 is a semidiagrammatic elevational view showing a form of apparatus that may be used to practice the method of this invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus, a

portion of the winding member or cap being broken away for purposes of illustration;

Figure 3 is an enlarged plan view of a group of elements forming part of the strand collecting and conveying means;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view through the strand collector or conveyor with several elements removed for purposes of illustration;

Figure 5 is an elevational view of an end portion of the conveyor with certain parts broken away;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line 6-6 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing one of the strand severing means;

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 8-8 of Figure 5;

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 9-9 of Figure 5, and

Figure 10 is a fragmentary view illustrating the arrangement of winding a preformed strand from a supply upon the conveyor.

The method and apparatus forming the subject matter of the present invention may be used to advantage in the production, collection and processing of fibers from many dilferent kinds of organic and inorganic fiber forming materials, but is especially adaptable for use in the manufacture of fibers from glass or materials having characteristics simi ar to glass. The apparatus featured in Figure 1 of the drawings is particularly suited to form and collect a continuous strand of fibers from glass or some similar material, and the strand subdivided to form fibers of predetermined length, the strand being produced directly from a supply body of molten glass by a continuous attenuating operation. The apparatus illustrated may be utilized to form predetermined lengths of individual fibers or twisted strands of fibers as desired, depending on the product to be subsequently fabricated from the fibers. With the apparatus shown in Figure 10 of the drawings, preformed strands of fibers may be utilized as a supply in package form for collection and further processing of the strands in the manner hereinafter explained.

Referring to the drawings in detail and first with respect to Figure l, the numeral i0 designates a feeder which may be in the form of a furnace adapted to contain a body of molten glass or other fiber forming material. The bottom wall of the feeder is formed with a series of orifices I! through which molten glass flows in the form of a corresponding number of streams it of molten glass. The stream 52 are continuously attenuated to form fibers and the latter are caused to pass over a suitable roll it which gathers the fibers into a flexible strand or element l5, and at the same time, serves to apply a lubricant and/ or binder thereto.

As previously stated the streams ll of molten glass issuing from the feeder it are attenuated to form the fibers i3, and this is accomplished by winding or collecting the strand 55 onto a substantially circular or cylindrical formation or group of flexible elements providing a support or conveyor it on which the flexible strand [5 is assembled. Ihe conveyor or collector i6 is spaced some distance from the feeder It with its axis preferably extending vertically, and the group of flexible elements upon which the convolutions of the strand are assembled are arranged to be continuously moved ina'linear direction to successively advance the convolutions of the strand toward a discharge zone.

The strand is wound onto the conveyor It by a cap or member I! supported adjacent one end of the conveyor [6 for rotation about the axis of the conveyor. One or more guide members preferably in the form of rollers 58 are supported on the periphery of the cap I? in positions to selectively engage the strand i5 and move the latter in a circular path around the conveyor l6.

Supported substantially midway between the fiber gathering roll id and the cap H is a guide or eye i9 through which the strand I5 is threaded. As shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, the guide is is positioned in alignment with the axis of rotation of the cap l1, and cooperates with a roller IS on the cap to direct the strand around the conveyor. With this arrangement it will be noted that as the cap II is rotated relative to the conveyor l6, it not only attenuates the streams [2 of molten glass or other material to form the fibers [3, but in adidtion, imparts a twist to the strand B5 of attenuated fibers. Twisting the strand as it is wound about the conveyor is desirable since it provides a certain degree of integrity to the strand and prevents unraveling of the strand even in cases where very little or no binder is applied to the strand. Thus it is not necessary to secure the fibers together in strand form by an adhesive or binder, and this is especially desirable in instances where it is intended that the out fibers be separated during subsequent fabrication.

In accordance with th present invention the convolutions of the strand may be severed at one or more points circumferentially of the strand as the convolutions approach a strand discharge zone, in the present embodiment this being the lower or delivery end of the conveyor 16. The severing operation is accomplished herein by one or more cutters 20 suitably supported adjacent the lower end of the conveyor l6, and spaced from each other circumferentially with respect to the conveyor or collector. A will be more fully hereinafter described, the cutters 2d are positioned to sever the convolutions of the strand as they are advanced to the delivery end or zone of the conveyor, and the number of cutters employed being dependent on the length of the strands required. In the event extremely short strands or fibers are desired, the cutters are, of course, spaced in close proximity to each other around the lower end of the conveyor, and in cases where it is desired to form fibers or strands of maximum length, only one cutter may be provided.

The winding speed or the speed of rotation of the cap I! may be correlated to the axial linear speed of the conveyor It, so that the helical pattern of the strand on the conveyor may be determined and controlled. Thus it is possible to provide a more or less regular formation of the convolutions of the strand on the conveyor IS, and this is important in instances where it is desirable to remove the strands in sheet or ribbon form from the delivery zone of the strand collector. In cases where the strand is removed in sheet or ribbon form from the delivery end of the conveyor or collector, it is usually necessary to secure adjacent convolutions of the strand together, and this may be accomplished by applying a suitable resin or binder on the convolutions of the strand as they are moved away from the cap i! on the conveyor it. As illustrated in Figure l of the drawings, a resin or binder is sprayed on the convolutions of the strand by a device 21 supported adjacent the conveyor 16. The binder thus applied to the strand is preferably cured during the period of time required for the convolutions of the strand to move from the binder applying region to the delivery or discharge zone of the conveyor It. For accomplishing the curing operation, a plurality of heating units or burners 2! may be arranged in circumferentially spaced relationship around the conveyor lii directly below the resin or binder applying means 2!. These burners serve to heat the resin or hinder to the curing temperature with the result that adjacent convolutions of the strand are secured or bonded together as they are conveyed or moved to the discharge zone. The application of th binder on'the strand, and more particularly, the curing of the binder on the convolutions of the strand as they are advanced along the conveyor enables the production of severed strands of predetermined length having the fibers thereof securely bonded together. Such strands ar particularly desirable in the manufacture of a number of end products, such for example, as plastic mats or sheets.

In manufacturing other forms of end product, it may be desirable to separate the fibers of the strand subsequent to severing the strand by the cutters 20. These individually separated fibers are particularly desirable when producing staple fibers for textile application, or mats of haphazardly related fibers. We have found that usually the individual fibers of severed strands having no resin applied thereto readily separate after the severing operation of the strands without the use of complicated separating devices. In some instances with certain types of fibers it may be desirable to employ picking devices to aid in loosening the individual fibers from the strand groups and when required, pickers 22 suitably supported adjacent the discharge zone of the collector or conveyor l6 may be employed. The pickers 22 include a series of rolls 23 having radially outwardly extending fingers or projections 24, and are so arranged with respect to one another that the fingers cooperate to loosen and separate the fibers in the strands. In instances where separated fibers are desired the binder applicator 2| and heating elements 2| may be omitted.

The individual fibers or the strands, as the case may be, drop downwardly through a hood 25, and are deposited on a foraminous conveyor 25 of the endless belt type. The disposition of the fibers or strands on the conveyor 26 may be facilitated by locating a suction chamber 21 directly below the conveyor 26 in registration with the lower end of the hood 25. The foraminous conveyor 26 carries the strands or fibers to points where the fibers are fabricated into the desired end products,

Referring now more in detail to the apparatus illustrated in Figures 2 through 9 and with special reference to the strand collector or conveyor It, the reference numeral 28 designates a fixed frame for the conveyor. In the present embodiment, the collector or conveyor is disposed in a Vertical position, but it may be otherwise arranged if desired. The frame 28 includes a bottom plate 29, an upper plate 30, and vertical struts or supporting members 3| extending between the plates. The vertical struts 3| are preferably channel-shaped in cross section, and are circumferentially spaced from each other around the vertical axis of the conveyor. As shown in Figure 6 of the drawings, the members 3! are positioned with the flanges of the channels facing radially outwardly, the lower ends of the channels 7. being respectively secured to brackets 32 carried by the bottom plate 29. The upper ends of the members 31 are respectively secured to brackets 33, the latter being secured to the periphery of the top plate 30. Thus a very rigid frame 28 generally circular in configuration and having its axis extending vertically is provided for the conveyor I6.

The strand collecting or conveying means of the conveyor I6 is inclusive of several relatively movable strand engaging elements, the exterior surface contour of the assemblage being generally cylindrical in appearance and the strands wound thereon assuming a helical formation. The strand engaging surfaces of the conveyor are arranged for relatively low speed linear traverse axially of the conveyor i. e., in a direction normal to the plane of rotation of the strand winding member l1. Supported on each of the brackets 33 is a pair of sprocket wheels 34. Each pair of sprocket wheels 3% is secured on a shaft 35 having its axis extending normal to the vertical axis of the conveyor, and having the opposite ends respectively journalled in spaced boss portions 35 which extend from opposite sides of the associated bracket 33. The sprockets 34 of each pair are secured on their respective shafts 35 in axial spaced relationship, and are respectively located beyond opposite sides of the adjacent bracket 33 in the manner clearly shown in Figures 6 and 8 of the drawings.

The brackets 32 at the bottom of the frame 28 correspond in number to the number of brackets 33 and are respectively supported in vertical alignment with the brackets 33. Each bracket 32 also supports a pair of sprocket Wheels 31 and the wheels of each pair are secured to a shaft 38 having its axis extending parallel to the axis of the corresponding top shaft 35. Each of the shafts 38 are journalled in ears 39 extending downwardly from opposite sides of each bracket 32 as shown in Figure 7. The sprocket wheels 3! of each pair are respectively located in positions laterally beyond opposite sides of the associated bracket, and rotate in parallel planes which include the upper sprocket Wheels 34.

The sprocket 34 of each upper pair is connected to the corresponding bottom sprocket wheel 3'! by a flexible linear element 40 in the embodiment illustrated, the same being in the form of an endless chain. The elements or chains 40 are so designed that the radially outer sides 4| thereof are positioned laterally outwardly from the vertical supports 3| and the inner sides 42 of the chains in each pair respectively pass along opposite sides of the associated top and bottom supportin brackets. The sprocket wheels 34 at the top of the conveyor are driven in the direction of the arrow 64 in Figure 5 of the drawings in order to move the outer sides 4! of the chain M! in a linear direction. Referring to Figure 6 of the drawings, it will be noted that the outer sides 'il of the chains are supported against inward movement with respect to the axis of the conveyor by means of tracks or ways 46 respectively secured to the opposite sides of each vertical strut 3|.

In the embodiment illustrated, the outer sides M of the chains 55 provide an accumulatin or collecting surface for the strand as it is wound around the conveyor, and the number of flexible elements or chains, say 12 to 18, is sufficient to provide an ample bearing surface for collecting the strands generally circular helical formation. Thus each of the chains 40 form. in effect,

8. a continuously moving carrier extending from the top of the conveyor frame 28 to the bottom of the latter. Means are provided for moving all of the chains or carriers at the same linear speed so that the successive convolutions of the strands are uniformly advanced by the conveyor. The chains 39 are operated from a single prime mover embodying an electric motor 45 and a speed reducer ii This unit may be disposed in any convenient place and isherein illustrated as mounted below the conveyor it on suitable frame structure 4?, the shaft d8 of the speed reducer extending axially upwardly through a central opening in the bottom supporting plate 29. The shaft i8 is aligned with the vertical axis of the conveyor 86, and extends through an opening 48 in the top plate 30. As shown in Figure 5 of the drawings, a housing 50 is secured to the top plate 353 and encloses suitable bearings for the shaft 48.

The power shaft '58 is connected to the respective sprocket shafts 35 through suitable means, as for example, suitable speed reducing mechanism designated generally by the reference numeral 5!. The mechanism iii comprises a drive pinion 52 keyed or otherwise secured to the shaft :33 adjacent the plate 353 and is enmeshed with one or more intermediate gears 53, there being three illustrated in the present embodiment. The axes of the gears 53 are preferably spaced equal distances from each other around the shaft d3 or gear 52, and are respectively journalied on stub shafts M. The shafts 5d are secured to the plate 3! Also secured to each gear 53 or formed integrally therewith is a relatively small pinion 5'5, these pinions being in constant mesh with an internal gear til which is secured to a ring gear 555. Thus rotation of the shaft :38 imp-arts a rotation to the ring gear 55 at a substantially reduced speed as compared with the speed of the shaft 38 through the medium of the gears 53, pinions 56 and internal gear 5?. The ring gear 55 is formed With a centrally disposed hub 59 journalled on a reduced portion 5! of the power shaft 48.

The ring gear 55 is meshed with a plurality of pinions 62 respectively secured to the inner ends of driven shafts 63, the shafts extending generally radiall outwardly with respect to th axis of the shaft 38. The number of pinions 3-2 and shafts 83 correspond to the number of pairs of chains or sprockets 3 3, as will be apparent from Figure 2 of the drawings.

The shafts 63 are respectively supported on the brackets 33 by means of bearings enclosed in housings or casings 65 formed on or carried by the brackets 33. Secured to the outer end of each of the shafts (i3 is a Worm 39 which is in mesh with a Worm wheel '15 secured to the associated shaft 35 between the sprockets 3% on this shaft.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that all of the sprockets 35 are simultaneously driven from th power shaft 48 through speed reducin mechanism or gearing 5i compactly disposed adjacent one end of the conveyor frame 28. Through the simple method of supporting the shafts 63 and the conveyor actuating elements, it is to be noted that the driven shafts 63 and associated elements may be readily accessible for purposes of replacement or repair without disassembling the conveyor elements.

The winder cap H! is preferably formed of a light weight material, such for example, as aluminum or molded plastic. As shown in Figure 9 5, the cap is formed with a central hub portion 15 and at its periphery with a downwardly extending flange 78. The diameter of the flan exceeds the maximum external diameter of the conveyor It. The hub "i is centrally apertured to accommodate the end of the power shaft 48 and is secured to the latter by clamping means '57. The cap is supported at the proper elevation by a spacing collar is supported on the shaft 48 between the hub l5 on the cap and the hub 59 on the ring gear. A suitable thrust bearing '59 is preferably provided between the lower end of the spacer 18 and the hub 59 of the rin gear to enable free rotation of the spacer relative to the ring gear 59.

It will be noted that the cap ll is rotated directly by the power shaft 48, and the speed of rotation of the cap may be varied over a relatively wide range depending upon the extent of fiber attenuation required. It will also be understood that although the cap rotates at a much faster rate than the sprockets 34, nevertheless, the speed of rotation of the cap may be correlated with the linear speed of the conveyor chains 40 in order to provide a desired strand arrangement on the conveyor.

One of the strand severing or cutting devices is illustrated in detail in Figure 7. As shown, a bracket 8! is pivotally supported upon a member 82 by means of a pivot pin 83, the member 82 being secured to a suitable supporting member. The bracket 8| journally supports a strand-severing wheel 84 which is formed with a peripheral cutting edge adapted to engage the convolutions of the strand as they are conveyed to the strand severing zone by the conveyor It. Also journaled on each of the shafts 33 is an abutment wheel 85 the periphery of which is normally engaged by the severing edge of the cutting wheel 84. Threaded into the bracket 8| is an adjusting screw 86 for regulating the relative position of the bracket BI and cutting wheel 84 about the pivot pin 83. Any number of cutting devices 20 may be employed spaced circumferentially about the axis of the conveyor [6 for severing the strand to desired lengths.

In the operation of the apparatus in carrying out the method of this invention, the fibers formed of molten glass or other fiber forming material are pulled over the gathering roll i l to form a strand M which is conducted through the guide or eye l5 into contact with the guide roller l8 carried by the winder cap ll. With the motor 45 in operation, the shaft 48 is rotated at a comparatively high speed to rotate the winding cap ll about the axis of the shaft d8 so that the strand I5 is conveyed in a circular path around the flexible conveyor elements or chains 4B, the chains forming a collecting or accumulating device for the strand. Through the medium of the speed reducing gearing hereinbefore described, the elements or chains 40 of the conveyor are caused to travel in a direction to move the outermost portions 4! of the chains in a linear direction parallel with the axis of the conveyor and shaft -48 away from the winding cap ll. The linear surface speed of the conveyor elements 49 is much less as compared with the peripheral speed of the winding cap ll so that the strand is collected on the conveyor It in helical formation, the convolutions of the formation lying in substantially contiguous relation and being continuously advanced by linear movement of the elements 40- in a direction parallel to the axis of shaft 48. If it is desired to apply a resin or binder to the strand on the conveyor the resin may be sprayed on the strand by one or more applying nozzles or devices 2| as shown in Figure 1. As the convolutions move along the conveyor IS, the resin or binder may be cured or set through the medium of the heat applying devices or burners 2|. The comparatively slow linear movement of the conveyor elements 40 affords ample time for curing or setting of the binder or resin applied to the strand. The convolutions of the strand on the conveyor are moved into engagement with the strand severing or cutting devices 29 and are severed as they pass between the cutting wheels 84 and the abutment wheels 85, the severed lengths of strand or fibers being thereafter discharged at the discharge zone or lower end of the conveyor It. In those instances in which the use of picking devices may be desirable in order to loosen the individual fibers of the severed lengths of strand, the discharged lengths move into the picking devices 23 and the loose fibers thereafter being deposited upon the foraminous conveyor 25 to be subsequently moved to a point remote from the conveyor. Ille suction device in the chamber 21 beneath the foraminous conveyor 26 aids in the orientation of the fibers upon the conveyor 26. As has been previously stated the use of the pickers 23 may be dispensed with and the severed fibers of the strand permitted to pass directly downwardly onto the foraminous conveyor 26.

If it is desired to form sheets of the glass fiber strands, this may be accomplished by spraying the proper amount of suitable resin onto the convolutions of the strand by means of the applying devices 2i and the resin cured or set by the heating elements 2|. By utilizing one or a small number of cutters or strand severing devices 29 appropriately spaced about the periphery of the conveyor It, the strand and resin may be severed so that the same may be discharged in the form of one or more sheets at the discharge zone of the conveyor l6. These sheets may then be flattened and rolled for subsequent use as plastic laminates or for subsequent molding into desired shapes. Typical examples of suitable resins for use. in bonding the convolutions of the strand are polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, or copolymers thereof, methyl methacrylate, phenol formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, and other conventional thermoplastic and thermosetting synthetic resins.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 10 of the drawings is identical to the one previously described, with the exception that a package or spool containing a continuous length of preformed strand is substituted for the glass feeder ill. The spool is indicated in Figure 10 by the numeral Bil, and is suitably supported above the conveyor in axial alignment with the latter. The strand of fibers is removed from the lower end of the spool and is engaged by one of the guide rollers l8 mounted on the periphery of the winding cap ll. As a result the cap ll unwinds the strand from the package or spool 80, and Winds the strand around the conveyor [6. With the above exception the method and apparatus illustrated in Figure 10 may be the same as that hereinbefore described.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modifications and different arrangements may be made other than is herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the

1 l invention comprehending all variations thereof.

We claim:

l. The method of producing lengths of fibers which comprises continuously winding a fiber around a support, simultaneously and continuously advancing the convolutions of the fiber in one direction along the support, and severing the convolutions of the fiber as the convolutions are moved along the support.

2. The method of producing fibers which comprises winding a fiber around a support, advancing the convolutions of the fiber along the support away from the winding zone, applying a binder to the convolutions of the fiber as the latter are advanced along the support, setting the binder during the time interval required for the convolutions of the fiber to move from the binder applying zone to a fiber severing zone, and severing the convolutions of the fiber at circumferentially spaced points subsequent to the curing operation.

3. The method of producing fibers from a material which becomes soft in the presence of heat and is capable of being drawn out when in a softened state, which comprises attenuating a length of the heat softened material to form a fiber by winding the fiber around asupport adjacent one end of the latter, concomitantly and continuously advancing the convolutions of the fiber at a constant speed toward the opposite end of the support, and severing the convolutions of the fiber at circumferentially spaced points as they approach the said opposite end of the support to form a multiplicity of fibers of relatively short length.

4. The method of producing fibers from a material which becomes soft in the presence of heat and is capable of being drawn out when in a softened state, which comprises flowing from a source of heat softened material a plurality of streams of said material to be attenuated to fibers, collecting the fibers into a strand at a point spaced from the source, winding the strand onto a support adjacent one end of the latter by revolving the strand therearound, said winding concomitantly imparting a twist to the strand and effecting attenuation of the streams in advance of the collecting point, advancing the convolutions of the strand toward the opposite end of the support, reducing the convolutions of the strand at the said opposite end of the support to relatively short lengths by severing the convolutions at circumferentially spaced points, and separating the relatively short lengths of strands to form fibers.

5. The method of producing relatively short strands of glass fibers directly from a source of molten glass in one continuous operation, which comprises flowing a plurality of streams of molten glass to which attenuating forces are applied to form fibers therefrom, gathering the fibers into a strand at a region spaced from said source and the point of attenuation, attenuating the streams to form the fibers by winding the strand about a support, continuously advancing the convolutions of the strand along the support at a constant speed toward one end of the latter, and reducing the convolutions of the strand to relatively short lengths by severing the convolutions at circumferentially spaced points as they approach the end aforesaid of the support.

6. The method of producing glass fibers of relatively short length directly from a source of molten glass in one continuous operation, which comprises flowing from a source a plurality of streams of glass, drawing out the streams to form fibers by winding the fibers around one end of a support, concomitantly and continuously advancing the convolutions of the fibers along the support toward the opposite end of the latter, severing the fiber convolutions at a point in their circumference as they approach the said opposite end of the support, and opening the convolutions and collecting the fibers in the form of a fiat sheet.

7. The method of producing continuous fibers from glass which comprises flowing a plurality of streams of heat-softened glass from a supply, gathering the fibers formed from the streams into a strand at a region spaced from the supply, attenuating the streams to form continuous fibers and winding the strand on a substantially cylindrical support in a single helix by moving the strand in a circular path around the support, advancing the convolutions of the strand in one direction along the support, applying a resin coating to the convolutions of strand as they are advanced along the support, and curing the resin coating on the convolutions of strand as they are advanced along the support.

8. The method of producing relatively short lengths of glass fibers directly from a source of molten glass in one continuous operation, which comprises flowing a plurality of streams or" glass from which fibers are formed, gathering the fibers at a point spaced from the source to form a strand, concomitantly attenuating the streams to fibers and winding the strand about a sup port by moving the strand in a circular path substantially normal to the direction of flow of the streams, advancing the convolutions of the strand as they are formed along the support toward one end thereof, and severing and removing the convolutions from the support adjacent the latter end of the support to form glass fibers of relatively short length.

9. Fiber forming apparatus comprising a generally circular conveyor movable along a path substantially parallel to the axis thereof, means rotatable about the axis of the circular conveyor for moving a length of fiber in a circular path around the conveyor to wind the fiber thereon, means for moving the conveyor along said path of travel during the winding operation to continuously feed successive convolutions oi the fiber away from the winding region, and means arranged adjacent the conveyor for automatically severing the advancing convolutions of the fiber at a predetermined zone along the conveyor.

10. Fiber forming apparatus comprising a generall circular conveyor movable along a path substantially parallel to the axis thereof, means rotatable about the axis of the circular conveyor for moving a length of fiber in a circular path around the axis of the conveyor to wind the fiber on the conveyor, means for moving the conveyor along said path of travel during the winding op eration to feed successive convolutions of the fiber from the winding region toward one end of the conveyor, and rotary cutters spaced from each other around the conveyor adjacent the end aforesaid of the conveyor in position to engage the convolutions of the fiber and sever the latter to form relatively short fibers.

11. Fiber forming apparatus comprising a gen erally circular conveyor movable along a path substantially parallel to the axis thereof, a member supported adjacent one end of the conveyor in concentric relation to the axis of the conveyor and rotatable about said axis, said member having a part adapted for bearing engagement with a length of fiber, means for relatively rotating the conveyor and member about the conveyor axis to wind the fiber around the conveyor, means for moving the conveyor along its axis during the winding operation to advance successive convolutions of the fiber from said member toward the opposite end of the conveyor, and means supported adjacent said opposite end of the conveyor in the path of travel of the fiber for severing the convolutions of the fiber at circumferentially spaced points to form relatively short fibers.

12. Fiber forming apparatus comprising a generally circular conveyor movable along a path substantially parallel to the axis thereof, a member supported adjacent one end of the conveyor in concentric relation to the axis of the conveyor and having a part adapted for bearing engagement with a strand composed of fibers of substantially continuous length, means for rotating the member about the axis of the conveyor to wind the strand around the conveyor, means for moving the conveyor along its axis at a substantially constant speed during the winding operation to advance successive convolutions of the strand from the member toward the opposite end of the conveyor, means supported adjacent the said opposite end of the conveyor in position to sever the convolutions of the strand at circumferentially spaced points to form strands of relatively short lengths, and means for shredding the strands of relatively short length to separate the fibers.

13. Apparatus for producing glass fibers comprising a generally circular conveyor supported with its axis extending substantially vertically and movable in the general direction of said axis, a feeder for a body of molten glass supported above the upper end of the conveyor and having provision for flowing a plurality of streams of glass from which fibers are formed, means between the feeder and conveyor for gathering the fibers into a strand, means for attenuating the streams of glass to form the fibers including a member supported adjacent the upper end of the conveyor for rotation about the axis of the latter and engageable with the strand to wind the same around the conveyor, means for moving the conveyor in a downward direction to advance the convolutions of the strand toward the lower end of the conveyor, means supported adjacent the lower end of the conveyor for severing the convolutions of the strand at circumferentially spaced points to form strands of relatively short length, and means supported below the conveyor for shredding the strands to separate the fibers.

14. The method of producing fibers from mineral material which becomes soft in the presence of heat and is capable of being attenuated when in a softened state, which comprises flowing a plurality of streams of the heat-softened mineral material from a supply, collecting the fibers into a strand at a region spaced from the supply, attenuating the streams to form continuous fibers and winding the strand on a vertically arranged, cylindrically shaped support in a single helix by moving the strand in a circular path about the vertical axis of the support, applying a coating to the strand, and continuously advancing the convolutions of the strand in one direction along the support at a substantially constant speed whereby the strand is discharged by gravity from the support adjacent one end thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,096,080 Berne-Allen Oct. 19, 1937 2,131,024 Cordt Sept. 27, 1938 2,234,330 Zetzsche et a1 Mar. 11, 1941 2,268,866 Furness Jan. 6, 1942 2,277,753 Furness Mar. 31, 1942 2,287,517 Ewing June 23, 1942 2,333,267 Modigliani Nov. 2, 1943 2,410,146 Birch Oct. 29, 1946 2,421,750 Gannett June 10, 1947 2,448,499 Swann Aug. 31, 1948 2,546,230 Modigliani Mar. 27, 1951 2,584,702 Hogendobler Feb. 5, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 4,171 Holland July 30, 1919 101,457 Germany Feb. 6, 1899 757,025 France Dec. 19, 1933

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