US4058385A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for transporting glass fibers
Assignee: Owens Corning
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Filing: 1975-10-01
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Granted: 1977-11-15
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Expires: 1995-10-01
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for reducing tension due to air drag in continuous filaments moved at high linear speeds by establishing a contoured air passage surrounding the filaments and moving air in the direction of the movement of the filaments at a velocity substantially equal to the velocity of the moving filaments. The method and apparatus are described in relation to a glass fiber process wherein the filaments are attenuated at high linear speeds.
Inventors
- 👤 Dale Kleist
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 06:26
CPC Classifications
D; D01; D01D; D01D7/00; C; C03; C03B; C03B37/00; C03B37/01; C03B37/02; C03B37/0203; C03B37/0213
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for reduction of tension in continuous filaments formed from heat-softened filament forming material wherein the tension in the filaments is due to movement of such filaments at a high linear speed through air comprising: mechanically attenuating streams of the heat-softened filament forming material into fine filaments; linearly advancing the filaments through a passageway at a known rate of speed; and, moving air in the passageway in the same direction and at substantially the same speed as the advancing filaments to reduce tension in the advancing filaments from the effects of air drag, the air and filaments being moved at substantially the same speed through a major portion of the passageway.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for reduction of tension in continuous filaments formed from heat-softened filament forming material wherein the tension in the filaments is due to movement of such filaments at a high linear speed through air comprising: mechanically attenuating streams of the heat-softened filament forming material into fine filaments; linearly advancing the filaments through a passageway at a known rate of speed; and, moving air in the passageway in the same direction and at substantially the same speed as the advancing filaments to reduce tension in the advancing filaments from the effects of air drag, the air and filaments being moved at substantially the same speed through a major portion of the passageway.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 in which the relative speed of the filaments and the air in the passageway are sensed and the speed of the air is controlled responsive to said sensing so that the air is moving at substantially the speed of the filaments.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 in which the filaments are advanced by winding the filaments onto a collection device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 in which a portion of the air is exhausted from the passageway at a downstream region of the passageway.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 4 in which the exhausted air is reintroduced into the upper regions of the passageway.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 in which the filaments are gathered together to form a strand within the passageway.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 6 in which the air is exhausted from the passageway in the general region where the filaments are gathered into a strand.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for reducing the tension due to air drag in continuous fibers moved at a high linear speed, comprising: mechanically advancing the fibers at a known speed through a duct having a constant cross sectional area; moving air in the duct in the same direction as the advancing fibers; and, controlling the speed of the air so that the air is moved at substantially the same speed as the advancing fibers to reduce tension in the advancing fibers from the effects of air drag, the air and the fibers being moved at substantially the same speed through a major portion of the duct.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for reducing the tension due to air drag in continuous fibers moved at a high linear speed, comprising: mechanically advancing the fibers at a known speed through a duct having a constant cross sectional area; moving air in the duct in the same direction as the advancing fibers; and, controlling the speed of the air so that the air is moved at substantially the same speed as the advancing fibers to reduce tension in the advancing fibers from the effects of air drag, the air and the fibers being moved at substantially the same speed through a major portion of the duct.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 8 in which the fibers are collected on a package after they have been advanced through the duct.
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) | 1980-11-14 | 1981-05-16 | 1981-11-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-11-14 | 1985-05-16 | 1985-11-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-11-14 | 1989-05-16 | 1989-11-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |