Abstract: A method of producing a multicomponent trilobal fiber includes providing a trilobal capillary defining three legs, three apexes and an axial center, directing a first molten polymer composition to the axial center and presenting a second molten polymer composition to at least one of the apexes. The fiber produced has a trilobal core defining an outer core surface and a sheath abutting at least about one-third of the outer core surface.

Abstract: Crop oil concentrates are disclosed which increase the herbicidal efficacy of herbicides from diverse chemical classes. These crop oil concentrates comprise an anionic polyoxyalkylene surfactant or salt thereof, an adjuvant which is exclusively a fatty acid or its ester, and a hydrocarbon component. These crop oil concentrates are especially effective with cyclohexenone and triketone herbicides and growth regulators.

Abstract: Additives are introduced into a thermoplastic melt by feeding at least one additive in an aqueous vehicle containing a dispersant to form an aqueous additive stream to a vented extruder which is extruding a thermoplastic followed by volatilizing an aqueous portion of the aqueous additive stream and removing substantially all the volatilized aqueous portion through the extruder vent to achieve a substantially homogeneous system containing the thermoplastic and at least one additive and forming a fiber from the homogeneous system by extrusion of the system through a spinneret.

Abstract: A spin pack for spinning multiple components includes a distribution device which distributes mutually separated molten polymer streams to a spinneret so that each mutually separated molten polymer stream is accessible at each active spinneret backhole. Intermediate the spinneret and the distribution device, a selection assembly selects which, if any, mutually separated molten polymer stream flows into which backhole.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyamides from amide monomers in a reaction vessel where a portion of the monomers remain unreacted or form oligomers as an extractable fraction includes extracting from the polyamide unreacted amide monomers and oligomers to yield an extracted proportion by weight based on total reaction charge; reducing the oligomer concentration of the extracted proportion relative to the total extract concentration; and returning the extract to the reaction vessel as substantially the same proportion as extracted by weight based on the total reaction charge, so that, after a single extraction, throughout the process the extractable fraction remains below its equilibrium concentration.

Abstract: Foam rubber articles may be prepared by shaping foamed latex into the desired configuration and gelling it. The gelled latex may then be cut to the required thickness to provide articles such as cosmetic puffs. The shaping process may use a disposable mold such as a circular polymeric casting or the mold may be permanent, such as glass, passing through a gelling chamber. The process reduces waste for products which has previously been cut from slab foam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for the manufacture of cut looped end crimp yarns in which the yarn is stably supported during the loop cutting operation.

Abstract: A continuous, high speed (greater than 800 meters per minute) process and apparatus enable the production of a multifilament carpet yarn having a degree of filament intermixture high enough so that a standard deviation of less than 6.0 results upon conducting a Standard Yarn Streak Potential Test, as described herein. The apparatus and process allow the production of a multicolored carpet yarn which exhibits a reduced tendency to streak and an increased retention of tip definition.

Abstract: A process for producing 2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypropyl-2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypropionate (HPN) and neopentyl glycol (NP) blends from a neopentyl glycol production by-product stream containing neopentyl glycol, hydroxypivalic acid, and HPN using an acid catalyst.

Abstract: A molecular weight controller having particular application in the polymerization of a lactam, i.e., epsiloncaprolactam, to a polyamide, i.e., poly(epsiloncaprolactam). The molecular weight controller comprises a primary monofunctional amine, i.e., benzylamine, a primary monofunctional acid, i.e., acetic acid, and a salified aminoacid containing an aromatic, a cyclohexane, or cyclopentane moiety, i.e., 4-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid salified with p-toluenesulfonic acid. The resulting polyamide has a reduced water extractable content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for wrapping a cover yarn onto an elastic core yarn utilizing a "producer" package directly. The disclosed apparatus eliminates the conventional rewinding step used by garment material manufacturers.

Abstract: A polyamide filament having improved properties such as increased tenacity and dyeability. The filament has a birefringence of at least 0.040 and an .alpha.-crystal content of at least 30%. The filament is prepared by contacting the filament with water after the filament has been cooled to a temperature below its stick point but above its glass transition temperature. The water can be applied intermittently to the filament to produce a resulting filament having variable dyeing characteristics.

Abstract: A generally open support ring is mounted onto the internal surface of a distillation tower. The support ring includes a seat rim and a plurality of mechanical elements which secure the seat rim to the internal surface of the tower. The plurality of mechanical elements are attached to both the inner surface and the seat rim. Each mechanical element protrudes from the inner surface and is spaced apart from the other mechanical elements. The plurality of mechanical elements enable the seat rim to be mounted along a substantially horizontal plane around the internal surface of the tower. The support ring is adapted to support an open container of liquid thereon in such a manner that vapor below the support ring is in fluid communication with vapor above the support ring through a series of vent openings in the support ring.