Jan- 3, 1956
G- SLAYTER ETAL
2,729,028
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY
ATTENUATING AND SEVERING GLASS FIBERS
2 Sheets-Sheet 1
Filed Nov. 22, 1950
96T PI
24
47
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311'ventor5:
FAML'E' SLAY'T'EH ,
.ED FLETCHER.
Gttoruegé‘
Jan. 3, 1956
2,729,028
e. SLAYTER EI'AL
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY
ATTENUATING AND SEVERING GLASS FIBERS
2 Sheets-Sheet 2
Filed Nov. 22, 1950.
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United States Patent 0
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1
2,729,028
Patented Jan. 3, 1956
2
opened to result in subdivided strand lengths embodying
fewer ?bers and separated or discrete ?bers.
2,729,028
One method employed for this purpose involves split
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANE
OUSLY ATTENUATING AND SEVERING GLASS
ting the strand package lengthwise, spreading the split
packaged strand upon a conveyor and feeding the strand
bulk into a spiral cutter or chopper to produce short
FIBERS
lengths. This method has not been entirely satisfactory
Games Slayter and Ed Fletcher, Newark, Ohio, assignors
to Owens-Coming Fiberglas Corporation, Toledo, Ohio,
for several reasons. Due to the fact that the strands of
a corporation of Delaware
the split package are not always conveyed into the spiral
Application November 22, 1950, Serial No. 197,142
16 Claims. (Cl. 49-47)
10 cutter or chopper in a direction normal thereto, the re
sulting severed strands are not of uniform length.
During the formation of ‘the strand, it is impregnated
with an adhesive or binder. As the strand is immediately
wound into spool or package formation, the winding
This invention relates to method and apparatus for 15 usually taking place at high linear speeds upwards of sev
processing ?bers of thermoplastic materials, especially
eral thousand feet per minute, the adhesive or hinder does
mineral substances and more particularly glass and in
not have sufficient time to set or harden completely before
cludes a process also comprising the forming and attenu
' the strand is wound into package form. Thus the adhe
ation of such ?bers.
'
sive on the interior convolutions of adhesive-bearing
Mineral ?bers and especially ?ne ?bers formed of 20 strand in the spool or package may be tacky so that the
glass in strand or linear con?guration have been found
short length strands emerging from the chopping machine
to have particular utility when reduced to comparatively
embody or are formed into a mass of tangled clumps and
short lengths in producing bonded ?brous mats and for
cohering groups of strands Wholly unsuitable for further
forming preforms for use as reinforcement in articles
processing.
"
or products molded of plastic or'synthetic resinous mate 25
One of the advantages of mineral or glass ?bers utilized
rials, asphaltic compounds, natural or synthetic rubber,
in strand formation lies in the individual strength char
and mineral materials such as gypsum. Production of
acteristics of a ?brous strand, but if tangled groups or
short length strands and ?bers usually involves the utili
clumps of strands are prevalent in the assembly, the con
zation of continuous ?bers or strands of ?bers which are
centrated groups or clumps of strands result in n0nuni~
subsequently reduced to short lengths by additional proc 30 form strength characteristics in the resulting product.
essing operations.
'
Moreover, a mat or other product made of such a mix
The production of short length strands, partially
ture is uneconomical because of the excess of glass
opened strands and separate or discrete ?bers by con
strands in concentrated groups or clumps. In order to
trolled means whereby the strand or ?ber form best
separate the tangled clumps and cohering strands, the
suited for a particular purpose obtainable by simple and 35 mass is subjected to the action of mechanical pickers or
inexpensive equipment has long been sought. Various
methods have been proposed and tried but they have in
volved numerous and costly operations and repeated han
separating devices but such operations are expensive and
, have not been entirely satisfactory because of lack of con
trol over the extent of strand separation and strand clump
disintegration so as to secure a satisfactory assembly of
dling of materials and the end results have not been en
tirely satisfactory‘ or commercially adaptable because of 40 intact cut strands, partially opened strands and discrete
the high cost of production.
?bers that is commercially acceptable.
Several methods heretofore employed involve the pre
formation of continuous strands of ?bers, and numerous
dif?culties have‘ been encountered and expensive equip
The present invention overcomes these di?iculties and
' embraces an improved method and the utilization of
simple yet effective apparatus for attenuating mineral
ment required to successfully carry on this phase or step 45 ?bers, gathering them in strand formation and reducing
in the ultimate production of short length strands and
the strand so formed to severed lengths, these operations
?bers. One method employed in producing continuous
strands is to ?ow streams of ?ber-forming mineral mate
rial as for example molten glass from, a bushing, attenu
ating the streams into continuous ?bers, gathering the 50
?bers into a strand, applying a binder or adhesive mate
rial to the strand and collectingthe strand in cylindrical
formation by a so-called cap winder method.
A factor that has impaired the successful attenuation
of ?ne glass ?bers by means of pull rolls is that at the 55
high speeds necessary in present-day commercial opera
tions, individual or straggling ?bers resulting from ?ber
being effected concomitantly.
An object of the invention resides in the provision of a
method whereby continuous mineral ?bers in strand or
linear formation are attenuated by pull rolls of a char
acter embodyingv a ?ber severing means whereby the ?bers
passing between the pull rolls are severed to predetermined
controlled lengths in a manner eliminating any tangled
clumps oi cohering strand sections.
‘ Another object of the invention resides in a method and
breakage and ?bers that are not securely bonded in the
apparatus for concomitantly attenuating and reducing con
tinuous strands to predetermined comparatively short
lengths wherein all tendency of any isolated or insecurely
strand tend to “lick" or adhere to andv become wound
bonded ?bers to “lick” or adhere to the pull rolls is com
upon the pull rolls resulting in frequent interruption of 60 pletely eliminated.
the process. Such interruptions in the formation of glass
?bers are costly as considerable time is required after a
' Another object of the invention resides in the pro
stoppage to again attain normal operating conditions of
vision of resilient strand-engaging, ?ber-attenuating sur~
faces incorporating ?ber severing means co-ordinated with
?ber attenuation.
the surfaces in a manner whereby a continuous linear
'
Continuous strands of ?bers have been formed by 65 group of ?bers is at all times engaged by and under the
control of the resilient surfaces in such a manner that
winding a strand at high speed into package or spool for-v
an attenuating tension is constantly applied to the ?bers
mation, the high linear winding speed serving to attenu—
being formed in an attenuating zone.
ate the streams of molten material into ?bers. The
A further object is the provision of an instrumentaiity
?brous strands are reduced or severed to comparatively
for concomitantly attenuating ?bers of a strand and sever
70
short lengths in further processing operations, and by
various methods the short length strands are partially
ing the ‘strand into predetermined lengths whereby the
?bers may be attenuated and the strands severed at high
2,729,028
3
linear speeds upwards of several thousand feet per minute
whereby the production of severed strands and ?bers is
rendered economicainfor commercial purposes‘.
I
Ariothcr object of the invention resides in the pro
vision of an apparatus for concomitantly attenuatingand
severing ?bers whereby through the application of an
adhesive or binder to the strand and _a regulation of the
character and amount thereof applied to the strand, an
elfective control is provided over the ratio of opened or
partially opened severed‘ strands and individual or discrete
?bers emanating fromthe strand severing zone.
A further object of the invention resides in the pro—
vision of a combined?ber attenuating and severing device
which is operative to sever, a linear. group or sliver of
?bers in which little or no binderw or. adhesive is applied
whereby a massof substantially discrete-or separated cut
?bers may be produced if desired.
‘ A further object of the invention is the provision of
?ber attenuating means including deformable surfaces ar
4
Figure 1 is a semidiagrammatic view illustrating ap
paratus for carrying out the method of attenuating and
severing ?bers as utilized in producing bonded mats from
the severed ?bers;
Figure 2 is an elevational view illustrating the ?ber
attenuating and severing instrumentality of the inven
tion.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the construction shown in
Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a fragmentary view partly in section illus
trating a portion of one of the ?ber attenuating and sever
ing devices;
Figure 5 is a fragmentary detail sectional view illus
trating the character of engagement of the attenuating
members with a linear group of ?bers;
Figure 6 is a semidiagrammatic view similar to Figure
1 illustrating a modi?ed form of apparatus embodying
the use of air blasts for ?ber distribution in producingv
bonded that from the severed ?bers, and
whereby slippage between the deformable surfaces and
Figure 7 is a semidiagrammatic view illustrating appa
ratus for utilizing the method in forming staple slivers
the ?bers is rendered inappreciable or entirely eliminated.
or yarns from out ?bers.
VAnother object of the invention resides in the provision
of an inst-rumentality for attenuating glass ?bers embody‘
is especially adapted for forming and processing glass
ranged for substantial area of contact with the ?bers 20
ing a deformable surface whereby substantial linear con
tact or engagement of the surface with the ?bers is con
stantly maintained.
Another object of the invention resides in the provision
of a strand conveying or severing apparatus eliminating
extraneous feed rolls.
The invention embraces the provision of method and
apparatus especially adaptable for producing bonded mat
of strands or ?bers of predetermined comparatively short
lengths wherein substantially uniform distribution of short
length strands and ?bers is obtained throughout the mat '
to provide substantially uniform strength characteristics
therein.
Another feature of the invention involves the establish
ment of forces operable adjacent the ?ber attenuating
The method and apparatus of the present invention
?bers but the invention is susceptible for use in producing
or processing ?bers formed of other materials such as
thermoplastic ?ber forming resins. The arrangement has
particular utility in attenuating ?bers which are prefer
ablyvassembled or directed into a strand or linear group,
the ?bers being continuous so that the strand or group
of ?bers is of substantially uniform character as there
is little or no variation in ?ber size when optimum con
ditions of ?ber formation are attained.
Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1,
there is illustrated an arrangement for carrying out the
method of the invention. A suitable receptacle 10 adapt
ed to contain a supply of ?owable or molten ?lm-forming
material such as glass is suitably heated by electrical
means or other heating medium, and disposed beneath
and severing means to alter the normal path of traverse 40 the receptacle 10 is a feeder bushing 12 provided with
a comparatively large number of small openings or aper
of the severed strands and ?bers. whereby a more uniform
tures through which flow streams of the ?ber forming
distribution thereof in a mat or inass formation may be
obtained.
Another object of the invention includes the utilization
material. The streams are attenuated into ?ne ?bers
14 by means of attenuating instrumentalities or rolls 17
of blasts of gas effectively directed against the cut strands 45 and 18. It is desirable that the ?bers be gathered into
a linear or strand formation S prior to their engagement
for facilitating and controlling the separation or partial
with the attenuating rolls and hence a gathering member
disintegration of the cut strands into partially opened
or roll 20 is provided for the purpose.
strands and discrete or separated ?bers.
The present invention has particular utility in the pro
Another object resides in the provision. of simple, yet
duction of ‘lengths of strands or discrete ?bers which
effective apparatus for attenuating and reducing a strand
are ‘adaptable for many and various uses and purposes.
of ?bers into short lengths and concomitantly directing
For example, the apparatus is. readily adaptable to pro
blasts of gas against the reduced Strands to alter their di
duce “unopened or intact strands of short lengths in which
rection of travel away, from the strand reducing zone.
the lengths may be varied depending upon the spacing
Another object is the provision of a ‘method and ap
of strand severing means, or the strand or linear group
paratus for producing staple slivers or yarns from severed 55 of ?bers may be treated in a manner prior to severing
lengths of attenuated ?bers formed of thermoflowable
same into short lengths whereby opened or subdivided
materials such as glass, synthetic resins, plastics or like
short length strands or strands having fewer ?bers may
substances in which blasts of air are ‘employed to facilitate
homogeneous distribution and orientation of the severed
be obtained or discrete or separated ?bers may be pro
duced. The extent of the opening up or subdivision of
?bers in a manner particularly suited to the production of 60 the severed strands or the production of discrete ?bers
staple slivers 0r yarns wherein the ?bers thereof lie in
untwisted and nonparallel relation.
Still another object is the provision of a sliver or yarn
formed of cut ?bers. in which the ?bers of the sliver or
may be ‘controlled by varying the treatment of the ?bers
or strand prior to the severing operation.
If itis desired to attain substantially unopened or intact
severed strands, a ‘suitable ‘adhesive or binding agent
yarn lie in untwisted, nonparallel relation adapted for 65 having a high mass integrity factor may be applied so as
use in the manufacture of textiles or for various other
to secure substantial intercohesion of the ?bers. If the
severed strands are to be separated or subdivided into
Further objects and advantages are within the ‘scope
strands having fewer ?bers, then an adhesive .or cohesive
of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, oper
ation and function of the related elements of the struc‘ 70 agent may be used which does not have a high ?ber in~
tegrity factor, or the amount of the cohesive or binding
ture, to various details of construction and to combina
agent may be reduced to accomplish this purpose.
tions of parts, elements per se, and to economics of manu
‘if it is desired to obtain severed ?bers in discrete or
facture and numerous ‘other features as will be apparent
separated form, a nonbinding material such as water or
from a consideration of the speci?cation and drawings of
a form of'th'e‘i‘nvention, which maybe preferred, in which: 75 light oil, primarily for lubricating purposes, may be ap
uses.
.5
plied to, the ?bers. The water or light oil provides a low
degree of temporary ?ber adhesion which maybe dis
of the resilient or rubber ?ber-engaging members 32 and
33. 1
rupted or rendered ineffective after the engagement of
One 'or both of the attenuating rolls may be provided
the ?bers with the attenuating and severing instrumental
ity. It has been found that water emulsi?ed with a
vegetable oil, as for example, coconut or peanut oils, may
be utilized to advantage. Cationic active materials such
with strand severing instrumentalities or knives for sever
ing the ?bers or strand of ?bers into short lengths, the
linear dimension of the severed ?bers being determined
by the linear peripheral distance between adjacent knives.
as amine compounds have been found economical and
In the embodiment illustrated the attenuating roll 17 is
satisfactory for ?ber lubrication purposes when the use
provided with one or more strand severing knives 50, there
of binder is dispensed with. If higher strand cohesion 10 being three shown in Figure 2 which are spaced about the
or integrity is desired, binding materials such as starch,
periphery of the roll. In the embodiment illustrated each
gelatin, gum, resin or the like may be used.
of the severing instrumentalities or knives 50 extends into
Lubricant, adhesive or binding material may be applied
awell or recess formed in the annular resilient rubber
in any suitable manner, but may be dispensed to the
ring 32, each severing knife being anchored by suitable
?bers through the application of the material to the
means 52 in the manner shown in Figure 4.
?ber gathering member or roll 20. As illustrated in
As illustrated the strand or ?ber severing knives or
Figure 1 a receptacle 22, containing a supply of ma
instrumentalities project radially of the axis of rotation
terial for treating the ?bers or strand, is provided with
of the attenuating member or roll so as to impinge upon
a discharge tube 23 for directing the treating material
and sever the strand or linear group of ?bers S passing
to the roll 20, a valve 24 being associated with the tube
between the attenuating members 17 and 18. The lengths
23 to control the ?ow or discharge of material from
of the severed strands or ?bers is determined by the
the container 22.
'
peripheral distance between adjacent knives when they are
The ?ber attenuating and conveying means of the
carried by a single attenuating roll and if both rolls are
present invention is inclusive of the rolls 17 and 18
provided with strand severing knives the linear distance
which may be arranged in a manner illustrated in‘Figures
1 through 3. The rolls 17 and 18 are of similar construc
tion and each may include a pair of disc-like members
between one knife on one roll and the next succeeding
knife on the other roll determines the severed strand or
?ber length.
'
25 and 26 illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and-4. The pairs
It should be noted that the deformable or resilient sur
of members 25 and 26 together form rotor structures,
faces or surface portions of the attenuating means pro
one being mounted upon a shaft 30, the other being 30 vided by the resilient rubber rings 32 and 33 are engaged
mounted on a shaft 38. The attenuating instrumentalities
are provided with resilient or deformable ?ber engaging
surfaces attained through the utilization of annular mem
bers 32 and 33 formed of rubber, synthetic rubber, mold
ed cork or the like. In the embodiment illustrated, an
annular metal ring or band 35 is secured between each
pair of members 25 and 26, a rubber or resilient ring
being bonded to each of the metal bands 35 by conven
tional means.
.
-
in a manner whereby a substantial rectilinear area of con
tact is obtained so that the strand S is gripped between
the rolls for a substantial rectilinear distance as exempli
?ed in Figure 5. This is an impo1tant factor in attaining
successful strand gripping and ?ber attenuation through
the utilization of the method and apparatus of the inven
tion as the strand is severed when the strand severing knife
is in the central zone of the deformed area of the attenuat
ing or strand gripping surfaces.
Thus the rectilinear area
The shaft 30 carrying the attenuating roll 17 is mount 40 between the deformed portions of the rubber rings above
ed in suitable bearings 36 carried by a supporting frame
the strand severing knife must be of su?icient dimension
37. The attenuating roll 18 is ?xedly secured upon a
to securely grip the end of the continuous strand so as to
shaft 38 mounted in bearings 39 carried by the frame
continuously convey or advance the strand through the
37. Any suitable means may be utilized for rotating
attenuating rolls. In this manner the ?bers are attenuated
the attenuating instrumentalities or rolls as for example
directly by the rolls from the streams of ?owable ?ber
a pulley 40 may be mounted upon shaft 38 connected to
forming material and are simultaneously severed to de
a motor (not shown) by means of a belt 41.
sired lengths without intermediate steps or additional
In certain installations where the rolls operate at com
operations. This method and apparatus effects extensive
paratively low attenuating speeds, the frictional engage‘
savings in production of severed strands or ?bers through
ment of the deformable surfaces of the rolls may be 50 the elimination of hand labor and handling and transporta
utilized to drive one roll from the other. When a drive
tion involved in other processes for attaining short length
of this character is employed, it is imperative to secure
strands and ?bers.
proper frictional engagement, and for this purpose the
Due to the fact that the strand is severed at least once
bearings 39 may be supported on adjustable plates 47
during every revolution of the strand severing-attenuating
formed with elongated slots to accommodate securing
roll 17 such action practically eliminates so-called “lick
bolts 49 for changing the relative position of the attenu
ing” or the tendency of broken discrete or straggling ?bers
ating roll 18 toward or away from the roll 17 and retain
incompletely bound in the strand or group to adhere to
ing the plates 47 and associated elements in adjusted
the attenuating rolls. Thus if one or more ?bers adhere
position.
.
or cling to the roll 18 such adherence is temporary as
To facilitate satisfactory high speed operation how— 60 subsequent severing impact of one of the knives will sever
ever, it has been found preferable to provide for positive
the adhered ?ber or ?bers and thereby prevent accumu
driving means between the rolls 17 and 18 so as to assure
lation on the rolls. If both rolls are equipped with
simultaneous operation without slippage. Any form of
severing devices, no “licking” or adherence of ?bers will
positive drive may be employed, as for example, inter
occur.
'
meshing gears 44 and 45 mounted respectively on shafts 65
The arrangement of Figure l is illustrative of one use
30 and 38. Through such an arrangement, the resilient
for the cut strands or ?bers. The severed strands S’
annular members 32 and 33 are relieved of driving stresses.
from the severing Zone are collected upon a suitable
A driving means for the rolls independent of the frictional
surface or conveyor 60 preferably foraminous in character
engagement of the resilient surfaces is desirable as the
and associated with a suction chamber 61 which is con
rapid continuous deformation and ?exure of the resilient
nected with a blower or suction producing means (not
members at their areas of engagement generates heat.
shown) which establishes a zone of subatmospheric pres
If the frictional engagement is utilized as a driving con
sure beneath the surface 60 to facilitate collection of the
nection, additional stresses are set up increasing the
cut ?bers or strands into a mat or mass of predetermined
amount of friction heat which may impair the e?iciency
con?guration.
of’ operation at high speeds through‘ heat deterioration 75 The surface 60 may be in the form of an endless con
2,729,028
8
veyor mounted on rollers 64.
The collected mass or mat
M of ?bers may be treated or impregnated with a suitable
knives 68, the cut ?bers are subjected to the blasts of
air issuing from the passages 70 which are effective in
binding agent as for example phenol formaldehyde dis~
separating the ?bers, and facilitating the distribution of
pensed from one or more applicators 65.
The ?ber col
the separated ?bers over the collecting surface. The air
lecting and conveying surface 60 may be arranged to
blasts also serve to direct the ?bers in a generally down~
ward direction. The turbulence set up by the air blasts
forming zones of differential pressure facilitates the ulti
advance the mat of ?bers through an oven 66 or other
suitable apparatus for setting or curing the binder in the
mat of ?bers to establish mass integrity thereof. The
mate haphazard orientation of the ?bers during accumu~
lation into mat formation to secure a product that is
?nished mat may be wrapped upon itself in roll con?gura~
tion 67 or cut to predetermined lengths depending upon 10 ?utfy and of relatively low density. The mat M is treated
with binder from the applicator 8i) and is subsequently
the ultimate purpose of use.
cured in a suitable oven.
The invention is inclusive of means associated with
Figure 7 illustrates an arrangement for producing staple
the ?ber attenuating and severing instrumentalities for
setting up differential forces or zones of pressure for in
?uencing the movement of the cut strands or ?bers in
slivers or yarns from cut ?bers. In this form the streams
carrying on further processing operations. Figure 6 ex
empli?es in schematic representation an apparatus espe
cially adaptable for producing bonded mat of short length
strands, individual ?bers or a mixture of partially opened
strands and discrete ?bers, the relative proportions of cut
strands, subdivided strands or individual ?bers being de
12' are gathered together in a linear group 65 by a guide
member 29'’. The group of ?bers is directed between
the attenuating rolls 60' and 61' of the character em
ployed in the form of the invention shown in Figure 6.
While a number of ?ber severing knives may be em
ployed on the roll 60’, it is desirable to utilize ?bers of
substantial length in fabricating staple siivers or yarns
and a single knife 68' provides cut ?bers of a length
equal to the circumference of the roll. The attenuating
rolls 60’ and 61’ are provided with peripheral outlets 70'
providing blasts of air directed against the cut ?bers dur
ing rotation of the rolls which effectively dissect the cut
?ber groups into separated ?bers and distribute the indi
vidual or separated ?bers over the ?ber collecting surface
pendent upon the density required for the end product“
and the purpose for which it is to be used.
As illustrated the streams 14' of ?ber-forming material
issuing from ori?ces in the bushing 12’ are attenuated ‘
into ?ne continuous ?bers by the rolls 60 and 61. The
?bers are gathered into a linear group 62 prior to their
engagement with the rolls by means of a guide member
20’.
14" of ?ber-forming material ?owing from the bushing
The ?ber attenuating and severing rolls 60 and 61 in 30 72' of a movable conveyor 73'.
this form of the invention are each formed with an
In order that the severed groups of cut ?bers may be
interior chamber 63 adapted to be connected with a
source of ?uid under pressure as, for example, compressed
readily broken up under the influence of the air blasts,
air through hollow-shafts 65 revolubly supporting the
ment intcrcohesion of the ?bers is applied thereto prior
to the severing of the ?bers into predetermined lengths.
A suction chamber 76’ is disposed adjacent the collect
ing surface 72’ to facilitate the collection of the ?bers
rolls. Both rolls are formed with resilient peripheral
surfaces for gripping the linear group of ?bers and roll
63 is provided with ?ber severing knives or bars 68 in the
no binder, adhesive or other material which would ang
manner illustrated in Figure 4.
Each of the rolls 60 and 61 is formed with spaced
and to set up a resistance to the withdrawal of the ?bers
The binder may be applied preferably in liquid form from
strength factor required in the end product.
during the formation of slivers or yarns therefrom. The
radially arranged passages 76 in communication with 40 mass of ?bers on the collecting surface is advanced by the
conveyor 73' toward a funnel shaped guide 86 into which
the chambers 63 in the rolls, the outlets of passages 70
forming jets adapted to provide blasts of air or other
the cut ?bers are drawn into a sliver or yarn form by
the tension thereon through the winding of the sliver or
gaseous ?uid under pressure from the chambers 63. Dis
yarn on a bobbin or spool 87 rotated by a driving roll
posed in a position to receive cut ?bers from the ?ber sev
ering zone is a reticulated surface 7.2 of a conveyor 73 45 88. A traverse 89 of conventional character employed
carried upon rollers 74 for continuously conveying the
in the textile industry serves to distribute the staple sliver
or yarn on the bobbin.
formed mat M away from the ?ber collecting zone. A
suction chamber 76 is preferably disposed adjacent the
Through this process an untwisted staple sliver or yarn
?ber receiving surface 72 to facilitate the collection and
in which the ?bers are arranged in nonparallel relation
may be continuously and inexpensively formed utilizing
accumulation of the cut ?bers 77 thereon.
a simple apparatus which is reliable in operation requir
A shroud or hood 78 may be employed if desired
as an aid in directing the cut ?bers to the collecting
ing a minimum of attention on the part of the operator.
surface but this may be dispensed with ‘without impair
If it is desired to augment the intercohesion of the ?bers
ing the functioning of the apparatus. Provision is made
on the surface 72', an adhesive may be sprayed onto the
for the application of a suitable binder to the mat M to
?brous mass by means of an applicator 9d), the character
establish mass ?xation or integrity in the ?nished product.
of the adhesive used being dependent upon the tensile
The air
a jet or applicator 80, the binder impregnated mat pass
blasts from the outlet 70’ also serve to prevent the ac~
ing through an oven of the character shown in Figure l
cumulation of cut ?bers upon the peripheries of the at
for curing the binder. Binders such as phenolformalde 60 tenuating rolls. A shroud or hood of the character shown
hyde, starch, gelatin, resins or the like may be used.
in Figure 6 may be used in this form of the invention
In carrying out the method by means of the apparatus
to confine the ?bers to a predetermined zone although
of Figure 6, the streams 14' of glass or other flowable
it is not essential to the operation of the method.
?ber~forming material are attenuated to ?ne ?bers by the
It will be apparent that the method and apparatus of
attenuating rolls 60 and 61, the ?bers being guided there
crete or individual ?bers disposed in haphazard assembly
the invention, while of a simple nature, is adaptable for
high speed operation whereby cut strands and ?bers may
be economically produced commercially with a minimum
of equipment and supervision and eliminating the disad
and hence no binder or adhesive is applied to the ?bers
vantages enconntered in the use of other processes.
to in a linear group 62 by member 20'. It is usually
desirable that the mat contain a large proportion of dis
entering the attenuating rolls. It may be advantageous 70
We claim:
to use water or water containing a small percentage of
1. A methodof forming and processing ?bers including
vegetable oil or a cationic material applied to the ?bers
at the guide 20' to minimize the friction or abrasion
among the ?bers.
As the linear group of ?bers is successively cut by the
feeding streams of ?ber-forming mineral material from a
supply; attenuating the streams to form comparatively
?ne continuous ?bers by directing the ?bers into engage
ment with relatively movable deformable surfaces, and
emcee
of reducing the attenuated ?bers .into predetermined
lengths while they are in engagementwith the deformable
surfaces.
and engaging the linear group of ?bers'while they are in
‘
2. A method of forming and processing ?bers including
feeding streams of ?ber-forming mineral material from
a supply; attenuating the streams to form comparatively
?ne continuous ?bers by directing the ?bers between a
pair of contacting rotatable deformable surfaces, and of
severing the attenuated ?bers into predetermined‘lengths
concomitantly with the attenuation of the ?bers.
'10
3. A method of forming‘and processing a strand of
mineral ?bers including feeding streams of molten min
eral from a supply; attenuating the streams to compara
~10
?bers linearly and concomitantly to'attenuate the ?bers;
said area of contact to sever the same into predetermined
lengths, the severing operation being effected in a zone
of the area of contact so that the continuous linear group
of ?bers is constantly in frictional engagement with the
surfaces whereby continuous ?ber attenuation is obtained
unaffected by the ?ber severing operation.
,9. Apparatus for attenuating and processing continu
ous ?bers including, in combination, means for feeding
streams of ?owable ?ber-forming mineral material; means
for attenuating the streams to comparatively ?ne ?bers
including a pair of relatively movable surfaces at least
one of which is resiliently deformable; said surfaces being
tively ?ne continuous ?bers by‘ directing them into fric
tional engagement with relatively movable deformable 15. engaged whereby adjacent contacting portions thereof
surfaces; and of successively engaging the continuous
are deformed to present substantial area of contact; means
strand of ?bers with an instrumentality for reducing the
for gathering the ?bers into linear group formation and
strand to predetermined relatively short lengths while in
directing the group between the surfaces in the area of
engagement with the surfaces.
'
contact, means for moving the surfaces to attenuate the
4. A method of forming and processing linear groups 20 streams intov ?bers; means associated with said surfaces
of glass ?bers including feeding streams of molten glass
engageable with the group of ?bers while in said area of
from a supply; attenuating the streams to form compara
contact for reducing the linear group to predetermined
tively ?ne continuous ?bers by directing them into fric
lengths, said ?ber reducing operation being e?ective in
tional engagement with a pair of relatively movable de
a zone of said area of contact so that the continuous
formable ‘surfaces; and of successively engaging the 25 linear group is constantly in frictional engagement with
continuous linear group of glass ?bers with an instru~
said. surfaces whereby continuous ?ber attenuation is
mentality for reducing the linear group to predetermined
obtained unalfected by the ?ber reducing operation.
relatively short lengths as the group moves between the
10. Apparatus for attenuating and processing continu
ous ?bers including, in combination, means for feeding
5. A method of forming and processing a linear group
streams of ?owable ?ber-forming mineral material; means
of ?bers including feeding streams of molten ?ber-form
for attenuating the streams to comparatively ?ne ?bers
ing material from a supply; attenuating the streams of ma
including a pair of resilient rotatable surfaces; said sur—
terial to form ?ne continuous ?bers by engaging them
faces being disposed in engagement whereby adjacent
with relatively movable deformable surfaces; gathering
contacting portions thereof are deformed to present sub
surfaces.
H
h
‘
the ?bers into a linear group formation prior to their
stantial area of contact; means for gathering the ?bers
engagement with the deformable surfaces; applying a
into linear group formation and directing the group
?uid material to the ?bers of the group for establishing
between the resilient surfaces in the area of contact, means
?ber intercohesion, and severing the linear group of
for rotating the surfaces to attenuate the streams into
?bers into predetermined short lengths as it moves between
?bers; means associated with one of said surfaces engage
the deformable surfaces.
40 able with the linear group of ?bers while in said area of
6. A method of forming and processing strands of
contact for severing the linear group of ?bers to prede
?bers including feeding streams of molten ?ber-forming
termined lengths, said ?ber severing operation being
material from a supply; attenuating the streams of mate
rial to form ?ne continuous ?bers by engaging them with
relatively movable deformable surfaces; gathering the
?bers into strand formation prior to their engagement with
the deformable surfaces; applying a material to the strand
effective in a zone of said area of contact so that the
continuous group of ?bers is constantly in frictional en
45 gagenient with said surfaces whereby continuous ?ber
attenuation is obtained unaffected by the severing oper
ation.
for establishing ?ber intercohesion; severing the strand of
11. A method of forming and processing ?bers includ
?bers into predetermined short lengths while it is in
ing feeding streams of ?ber-forming material from a
engagement With the deformable surfaces; and of con~
supply; attenuating the streams to comparatively ?ne con
trolling the extent of separation of the severed lengths 50 tinuous ?bers by directing them into engagement with a
into strands of fewer ?bers and discrete ?bers by varying
pair of relatively movable deformable surfaces; of suc
the character of ?ber interoohesion in the strand.
cessively engaging the ?bers with an instrumentality for
7. A method of forming and processing strands of
reducing the ?bers to predetermined relatively short
?bers including feeding streams of molten ?ber forming 55 lengths while in engagement with the surface, and of
material from a supply; attenuating the streams of mate
directing blasts of gas against the short length ?bers to
rial to form ?ne continuous ?bers by engaging them with
distribute them over a substantial area.
a pair of relatively rotatable contacting deformable sur
12. A method of processing ?bers including directing a
faces; gathering the ?bers into strand formation prior to
linear group of continuous ?bers into engagement with
their engagement with the deformable surfaces; applying 60 relatively movable deformable surfaces; of moving the
a material to the strand for establishing ?ber interco
surfaces to advance the group of ?bers; of successively
hesion; severing the strand of ?bers into predetermined
severing the linear group of ?bers into predetermined
short lengths as it moves between the rotatable deform
lengths while the group is in engagement with the surfaces,
able surfaces; and of controlling the extent of separation
and of establishing zones of differential pressure for en
of the severed lengths into strands of fewer ?bers and
discrete ?bers by varying the effectiveness of ?ber inter 65 training and distributing the severed ?bers as they are
discharged from engagement with the surfaces.
cohesion in the strand.
8. A method of forming and processing attenuated
13. The method of processing ?bers including directing
?bers formed of glass including ?owing streams of molten
a linear group of continuous ?bers into engagement with
glass from a supply to form ?bers of glass; positioning
continuously rotating deformable surfaces; of severing
a pair of surfaces at least one of which is resiliently de 70 the group of ?bers into predetermined lengths in the zone
formable with their adjacent contacting portions tightly
of engagement of the surfaces with the group, and of
compressed together to present substantial area of con
entraining the severed ?bers in blasts of air emanating
tact; directing the ?bers as a group into said area of
from outlets formed in the surfaces and conveying them
contact; moving said surfaces to advance the group of 75 away from the surfaces.
2,729,028
11
ous ?bers including, in combination, a pair of relatively
movable members having deformable ?ber-engaging sur
faces, said surfaces being in contacting relation whereby
12
circular surfaces at least. one of which surfaces is com
pressible upon parallel axes so spaced that said surfaces
14. Apparatus for processing a linear group of continu
contact each other over a substantial area of contact; asso
- ciating said ?bers into a. group; directing said ?bers as
a rectilinear contact of substantial area is established for
frictionally engaging the linear group of ?bers passing
through the area. of contact; means for moving said sur
faces to advance the group of ?bers in a linear direction,
means associated with one of the members for successively
a group into said. area of contact between said surfaces;
rotating said surfaces to advance the group of ?bers
linearly and concomitantly to attenuate the ?bers; and
engaging the group of ?bers while. they are in said area
of contact for severing the same into predetermined
severing the continuous linear group of ?bers into prede 10 lengths, whereby during severing said group of ?bers is
frictionally engaged between said surfaces in said area
termined lengths while the group of ?bers is in the area
of contact adjacent to and on both sides of the line of
of rectilinear contact of the members; said surfaces being
severing and continuous ?ber attenuation is obtained un~
formed with outlets arranged to discharge blasts of gas
affected by the ?ber severing operation.
against said severed ?bers.
15, Apparatus for processing a linear group of?bers 15
References Cited in, the, ?le of this patent
including, in combination, a pair of rotatable members
having engaging resilient surfaces; said engaging surfaces
being adapted to frictionally contact and advance the
linear group of ?bers; a ?ber severing instrumentality car.
ried by one of said members arranged to sever the group 20
of ?bers to predetermined lengths during rotation of said
members; said members being formed with chambers
adapted to contain gas under pressure, and outlets formed
in said members for discharging blasts of gas in the zone
of discharge of the severed ?bers from the rotatable 25
members.
16. A method of forming and processing attenuated
?bers formed of glass including ?owing streams of molten
glass from a supply to form ?bers, rotating a pair of
UNITED STATES PATENTS
1,834,299
Williams ______________ __ Dec. 1, 1931
2,150,945
2,157,067
2,186,135
2,189,840
2,264,345
Slayter' ______________ __ Mar. 21,
Brown et al. __________ .._ May 2,
Childs ________________ .._ Jan. 9,
Simison et al ___________ __ Feb. 13,
Tucker ______________ __ Dec. 2,
2,392,805
Biefeld ___,._._, ________ __ Jan. 15, 1946
2,418,873
Fletcher et al. “a _____ __ Apr. 15, 1947
2,457,777
Holtschulte et al. _.__'___.._ Dec. 28, 1948
2,489,242
2,577,205
Slayter et al ___________ __ Nov. 22, 1949
Meyer et a1 _____________ __ Dec. 4, 1951
1939
1939
1940
1940
1941