Patent ID: 6045876
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: B29B,B29C

Abstract:
A method for wetting a continuous strand of fiber with a liquid polymer melt wherein the fiber strand includes a plurality of fibers, the method including the steps of:providing means defining a cavity through which a continuous strand of fiber can be routed;rotatably mounting a scrubber assembly within the cavity for rotation about an axis wherein the scrubber assembly includes a plurality of elongated, smooth-surfaced members arranged in parallel relationship about the rotation axis of the scrubber assembly;positioning an arrangement of pin in a stationary condition within the cavity and about the smooth-surfaced members of the scrubber assembly;introducing a liquid polymer melt into the cavity;routing a continuous strand of fiber through the cavity so the fiber is exposed to the liquid polymer melt introduced therein; andscrubbing the surface of the strand of fiber with the scrubber assembly as the fiber is moved though the cavity so that the polymer melt is pressed against the fiber strand by moving the strand of fiber tangentially along the surfaces of the smooth-surfaced members and rotating the scrubber assembly about its axis of rotation so that the smooth-surfaced members of the scrubber assembly rub against the surface of the strand of fiber and cooperate with the pins of the stationary arrangement of pins in a washboard-type scrubbing action so that the liquid polymer melt is manipulated along the fibers of the strand in a manner which enhances the blending of the liquid polymer melt with the fibers of the strand.