Production of inorganic fibers with inorganic cores

Abstract

The production of organic fibers with inorganic cores is set forth. Inorganic, such as glass, fibers are attenuated from a bushing and then covered individually or in small groups with organic sheaths. With individual fibers, rows or orifices in a bottom of the bushing are staggered so as to equally space the filaments. The applicator for applying the organic sheaths has one groove for each of the individual fibers for applying the organic material and for maintaining the fibers separated therebelow. The applicator can be mounted in a manner such that it can be retracted from an operating position in engagement with the filaments when the bushing operation is stopped, raised to a position near the bushing bottom, and moved into engagement with the fibers again to automatically place one fiber in each groove when the bushing is restarted. The applicator is then moved down to the operating position again when the bushing is back in normal operation. An oven is located below the applicator for curing the organic sheaths before the fibers are brought together. The oven is mounted on tracks and has a side slot to enable the oven to be moved from a position to one side of the fibers to a position in which the fibers are surrounded. A gathering wheel below the oven collects composite fibers and applies a size to them; the composite fibers are then wound on a collet or other suitable means. For increased production, two bushings and two of the special applicators can be employed.