Patent ID: 8272237
Filing Date: 2012-09-25
Classification: B65H,C03B

Abstract:
1. An automatic strand take-up installation configured to be used within a below-bushing chopping process, which forms chopped glass strands directly from molten glass, the molten glass having passed through orifices made in at least one bushing so as to form a plurality of filaments, the filaments being combined into at least one bundle, the bundle being directed after a sizing operation to at least one chopper configured to chop at least one strand, formed by combining of at least one bundle, into a plurality of chopped glass strands of desired length, and thus following a path between the bushing and the chopper, comprising: at least a first gripping member for taking hold of at least one strand bundle, the first gripping member configured to occupy a first position in which it takes hold of the strand bundle and a second position in which it releases the strand bundle; a first conveying loop for moving the first gripping member between a first position, in which the first gripping member can take hold of at least one strand bundle, and a second transfer position, in which the first gripping member releases the strand bundle; at least a second gripping member for taking hold of at least one strand bundle, the second gripping member configured to occupy a first position in which it takes hold of the strand bundle and a second position in which it releases the strand bundle; and a second conveying loop for moving the second gripping member between a first transfer position, in which the second gripping member takes hold of at least one strand bundle released by the first gripping member, and a second position in which the second gripping member releases the strand bundle at the chopper; wherein the second conveying loop is disposed adjacent to the chopper and arranged such that the chopper may operate either with or without the second conveying loop in operation.