Ppg Industries, Inc.

Christopher G Cross

Kenneth D Beer

Thomas V Thimons

Thomas P Unites

Charles E Kirk

James R Molnar

Thomas D Carroll

The present invention provides a needled mat adapted to reinforce a thermosetting matrix material to form a composite, composites formed therefrom, and methods related thereto. The needled mat includes a primary layer of a plurality of unidirectional continuous glass fiber strands coated with a composition which is compatible with the thermosetting matrix material and a secondary layer positioned thereon of a plurality of randomly oriented, generally continuous and/or chopped glass fiber strands coated with a composition which is compatible with the thermosetting matrix material. The mat has a total surface weight ranging from about 1300 to about 11,500 grams per square meter.

Glass fiber mats, thermosetting composites reinforced with the same and

A method and apparatus is disclosed for protecting the apparatus employed in the formation of glass fibers, glass fiber strands and the products produced therein. The method involves continuously contacting the moving glass fiber strand during the forming thereof from glass fibers with a strand detecting means provided between a gathering shoe and winding means and automatically deactivating the winding means and spiral assembly associated therewith in addition to protecting the application surface of the applicator when a loss of contact of strand between the gathering shoe and winding means is detected. This deactivation of the winding means and spiral prevents damage from glass beads which may form after a strand breakout in a glass fiber forming operation. The strand breakout is detected by means located between the gathering shoe and collet. Specifically disclosed as a detecting means is a pivoted bar which is held in position against the strand when it is running to deenergize a control circuit when the strand is being wound and which will pivot freely to energize the control circuit should a strand breakout occur.

Method and apparatus for forming glass strand

A package for a roll of continuous sheet material is shown having a first hollow circular core on which the sheet material is wound with a tube within the core. The tube is of greater length than the core so that the ends thereof extend beyond the continuous roll. End plates are provided on opposite ends of the roll and are apertured for receiving the extending sections of the tube. The end plates support the roll so that when two of such rolls, with associated apparatus are stacked, the end plates bear any loading force associated with the stacking. The end plates, the core, the tube and the roll of material are secured in a unitary structure by fasteners attached to the opposing ends of the second tube. A hollow covering member open at both ends is placed over the roll. Two hollow members each adapted to form a closure around an end plate at one end thereof are then placed over opposing ends of the roll of sheet material contained on the core and slidably enclose a portion of the hollow covering member open at both ends. The above apparatus has utility for packaging and shipping a roll of continuous sheet material.

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Forest City, NC, United States of America

Christopher G Cross