US3972703A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Glass fiber attenuator
Assignee: PPG Industries Inc
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Filing: 1975-03-31
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Granted: 1976-08-03
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Expires: 1995-03-31
Abstract
Abstract A glass fiber attenuator is disclosed which is used in the fiber forming process. The attenuator is comprised of two rapidly moving endless belts which travel along a predetermined path. The belts have surface portions which engage glass fiber strand and apply attenuating forces to the fibers which are being drawn. The attenuator has a smooth surface bearing means to abruptly change the direction of movement of the belt with respect to the strand traveling along the predetermined path. At least a portion of one of the belts rides over a stationary member having sufficient porosity to pass a fluid therethrough. Adequate pressure of the fluid causes the belt to ride on the fluid along the predetermined path.
Inventors
- 👤 Warren W. Drummond
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 03:59
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65H; B65H51/00; B65H51/14; B65H71/00; B65H71/007; B65H2701/00; B65H2701/30; B65H2701/31
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
197 words
In an apparatus for producing glass fiber strands which includes: a fiber forming bushing containing molten glass and having a plurality of orifices through which said molten glass flows in streams, said streams being attenuated into fibers; means for gathering said fibers into strand; a pair of endless flexible belts having surface portions which engage one another and between which said strand is fed to be engaged by said engaging portion; means to rapidly move said flexible belts along a predetermined path so as to move said engaged strands along the same path and to apply attenuation forces to said fibers; and means to release said strand from said flexible belts to disengage said strand from said flexible belts and project said strand into space, the improvement which comprises a belt tensioning means comprising a plate member movable with respect to the path of movement of one of the belts, a porous, arcuate guide member having a channel-shaped recess adapted to receive and guide said belt and means for supplying a gaseous fluid to said porous, arcuate guide means whereby said gaseous fluid permeates said guide means and exits along the belt supporting surface of said channel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
197 words
In an apparatus for producing glass fiber strands which includes: a fiber forming bushing containing molten glass and having a plurality of orifices through which said molten glass flows in streams, said streams being attenuated into fibers; means for gathering said fibers into strand; a pair of endless flexible belts having surface portions which engage one another and between which said strand is fed to be engaged by said engaging portion; means to rapidly move said flexible belts along a predetermined path so as to move said engaged strands along the same path and to apply attenuation forces to said fibers; and means to release said strand from said flexible belts to disengage said strand from said flexible belts and project said strand into space, the improvement which comprises a belt tensioning means comprising a plate member movable with respect to the path of movement of one of the belts, a porous, arcuate guide member having a channel-shaped recess adapted to receive and guide said belt and means for supplying a gaseous fluid to said porous, arcuate guide means whereby said gaseous fluid permeates said guide means and exits along the belt supporting surface of said channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said stationary member is graphite.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including a second porous arcuate guide member over which both of said belts ride.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means to release said strand is a smooth surfaced bearing means which abruptly changes the direction of movement of said flexible belts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including a support member for supporting said guide member, said guide member and said support member defining a chamber into which air is fed, said chamber distributing the air through said guide member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said second stationary member is graphite.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-08-03 | 1980-02-02 | 1980-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-08-03 | 1984-02-02 | 1984-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-08-03 | 1988-02-02 | 1988-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |