Patent ID: 8366986

Claim:
A method of generating fine fibers, comprising: electro-spinning fine fibers from an electrode at a plurality of spinning locations arranged in a linear array from a polymer solution coating on the electrode; facilitating relative linear movement between the collection media and spinning locations with the spinning locations in spaced relation to the collection media; depositing the fine fibers on the collection media; maintaining a constant spacing between the spinning locations and the collection media; periodically regenerating each of the spinning locations with polymer solution coating; wherein the electrode includes an endless strand and wherein the strand has a plurality of discrete segments separated by gaps, further comprising: entraining the endless strand upon at least two pulleys; running the endless strand along an endless path around the at least two pulleys; generating fine fibers from a first portion of the endless strand that is exposed and facing the collection media by spinning fine fibers typically from each of the discrete segments, the spinning locations migrating across the media transversely relative to the first path as the endless strand is run along the second path; and dipping a second portion of the endless strand in the polymer solution.