Ppg Industries, Inc.

Thomas D Carroll

Christopher G Cross

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.

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Shelby, NC, United States of America

Thomas D Carroll