Patent ID: 7934917
Filing Date: 2011-05-03
Classification: D01D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus configured to form a polymer fiber, comprising: a spinneret comprising: a spinneret body defining a retaining void configured to retain one of a polymer solution and a polymer melt and defining a delivery void configured to deliver the one of the polymer solution and the polymer melt from the spinneret body; a target configured to receive the one of the polymer solution and the polymer melt from the spinneret; a ground potential source connected to the spinneret and configured to maintain the spinneret at or near ground potential; a voltage source connected to the target and configured to maintain the target at a voltage above the voltage at which the spinneret is held; a conveyor disposed on the target and configured to receive the one of the polymer solution, from which solvent has been essentially evaporated, and the polymer melt, wherein the conveyor is a conveyer belt formed of a non-conducting sheet; and at least one grounding unit configured to contact the conveyor and to remove an excess built-up charge from the conveyor.