Patent ID: 8029259

Claim:
An array of nozzles for extruding multiple cellulose fibers, comprising: a) multiple nozzles each having a longitudinal central axis and each including a tube with a cross-section having a diameter through which an aqueous solution comprised of cellulose and a solvent can be extruded into a filament, and a first opening surrounding each of said tubes, each of said first openings having a cross-section with a diameter which is greater than said diameter of said tube, and each of said first openings capable of emitting a pressurized gas which surrounds one of said extruded filaments; and b) at least three second openings each of which is spaced outward from each of said first openings, each of said second openings being separate and distinct from one of said first openings, each of said second openings capable of emitting a pressurized gas stream essentially parallel to said longitudinal central axis of said nozzle, and each of said pressurized gas streams functioning to shroud one of said extruded filaments.