Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for coating fibers with a thermoplastic material. The apparatus includes a housing which defines a reservoir and having an open top open to the reservoir. A lid is selectively movable between an open and a closed position so that, in its open position, the lid exposes the reservoir and in its closed position, the lid overlies the open top of the housing and forms a slot between the lid and the housing at opposed ends of the housing. An elongated wiper is secured to the lid and this wiper extends into the reservoir when the lid is in its closed position. At least one infeed guide bar is secured to the housing between the wiper and one of the opposed ends of the housing and, similarly, at least one outfeed guide bar is secured to the housing between the wiper and the other of the opposed ends of the housing. Thus, with fibers extending between the slots at the opposed ends of the housing and the lid moved to its closed position, the wiper immerses a portion of the fibers into the reservoir which is filled with molten thermoplastic material. As the fibers are drawn through the housing, the wiper ensures that the fibers are immersed in the thermoplastic material thus coating the fibers.

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First Claim