Apparatus for applying synthetic roving materials and method for controlling the build up of static electricity

摘要

A cannon (10) for applying synthetic roving materials (12) comprises feeder means (20) for receiving and delivering a plurality of strands of synthetic roving material; a barrel assembly (21) having a discharge opening (46) at one end (42); air chamber assembly (22) interposed between feeder means and the barrel assembly providing air under pressure, the roving material being directed therethrough to combine with the air, whereby the air and the roving material are forcibly expelled from the barrel assembly; a fluid housing (23) around the feeder means and carrying a volume of fluid (93); and means (24) for directing and controlling the passage of the fluid from the fluid housing into the feeder means into contact with the roving material as it passes therethrough. A method of controlling the build-up of static electricity during the application of synthetic fiber roving through an air cannon comprises directing a plurality of strands of synthetic roving material through an air cannon; delivering air at high velocity to the cannon and directing it toward a discharge opening provided by the cannon through which the roving is dispensed; and selectively directing a flow of fluid into contact with at least a portion of the synthetic roving material as it passes through the cannon, whereby the build-up of static electricity is directed toward the discharge opening.