Abstract: Improvements in hydroenhancement efficiency are obtained by operating a manifold in relative movement to fabric transported under the manifold so as to deliver a low energy to the fabric per pass in multiple passes on the fabric. This results in greater enhancement efficiency and reduction in wasted energy, and also improves fabric coverage and reduces fabric shrinkage. The low-energy-per-pass, multiple-pass approach can be implemented with improved hydroenhancing equipment of reduced equipment size and cost which simulate multiple passes on the fabric. In one embodiment, a jigging hydroenhancing equipment transports the fabric back and forth under a stationary manifold between a pair of unwind/windup reels to simulate multiple passes on the fabric. Other embodiments employ a manifold or manifold system that is reciprocated, oscillated, or rotated to simulate multiple passes on the fabric. Other variations for improving hydroenhancement are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for applying chemical watermarks to a substrate, e.g., paper, using a digital printer which prints ink in a dot matrix pattern. The ink may contain either a translucentizing agent or an opacifying agent. The printer is digitally controlled to print ink in accordance with a computer program corresponding to a desired pattern or image.

Abstract: A paper product suitable for use in making envelopes and the like and having enhanced printability. The enhancement in printability is attained through the use of shoe nip calendering. The final product has the following material properties: (1) a basis weight in the range 16-32 lb./1,300 ft2; (2) a density equal to or less than 0.75 g/cc; (3) a smoothness as measured by the Hagerty/Sheffield test (TAPPI Test Method T 538 om-88) greater than 200 Sheffield units; and (4) a Parker Print Surf roughness as measured by the Parker test (TAPPI Test Method T 555 om-94) less than 5.0 microns (measured using a pressure of 10 kgf/cm2 with a soft backing).

Abstract: A swimming pool formed in a natural or man-made body of fresh or salt water includes a flooring material which allows water to pass through, but does not allow dirt or other natural sediment to pass through. The flooring material comprises a layer of stones sandwiched between two layers of geotextile material and a top layer of non-skid vinyl or PVC decking material.

Abstract: Conventional container is composed of a single resin layer. In case of applying heat externally to the container, the heat is hardly conducted. According to the present invention, a container with high thermal conductivity can be provided. A portion contacted with a sample is composed of a resin alone, a portion contacted with a sample container supporter is composed of two portions of a flexible resin mixed a filler having high thermal conductivity therein and a resin and a filler having high thermal conductivity. The present invention is applicable to biotechnological, chemical, medical and engineering fields to develop new uses and applications.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric with UV stability and flame retardancy having at least one fabric layer. The fabric layer is made of a base resin, preferably polyolefinic, and a non-halogenated melt processable compound that is selected from the group consisting of N-alkyoxy amines and are combined into a homogeneous blend which is then either spunbonded or meltblown to form the fabric layer. A melt processable fluorochemical additive may also be combined into the homogeneous blend to provide liquid barrier properties to the fabric layer.

Abstract: There is provided a process for manufacturing woven or knitted fabrics comprising modifying the woven or knitted fabrics by applying a skeleton triazine cross-linking reaction using a sericin fixing method of raw silk to enhance its shrink and crease resistance and shape stability and thereafter removing the sericin using a special scouring. The process for manufacturing a woven or knitted fabric, comprises the steps of finishing and treating raw silk and/or cellulose fibers by using a silk sericin fixing method; doubling and twisting thus finished/treated raw silk and/or cellulose fibers; weaving or knitting the doubled and twisted yarns; swelling the woven or knitted fabric forming a cloth by dipping it in a bath; and, scouring the woven or knitted fabric swelled in the bath with an enzyme whereby the woven or knitted fabric is provided with shrink and crease resistance and shape stability.

Abstract: A paperboard product having at least one layer of bleached or semi-bleached pulp and having improved smoothness and reduced bulk loss. For paperboard having sizing without pigment, the smoothness on the printed side as measured by the Parker test is better (lower) than 6.5 when measured using a pressure of 10 kgf/cm2 while the smoothness measured by the Hagerty/Sheffield test is not below 280 Sheffield units. For paperboard having sizing with pigment, the Parker smoothness is less than 5.0 and the Hagerty/Sheffield smoothness is not less than 180 Sheffield units. The web is finished by applying temperature and moisture gradients to the web and then smoothing the web surface using extended nip calendering. The surface of the calendering roll is maintained at a temperature of 250-400° F. Prior to entering the extended nip, the web surface is moisturized using steam showers. The nipload applied in the heated extended nip is preferably in the range of 300 to 2,500 pli.

Abstract: A method of producing dimensionally stable paper and/or paperboard products by treating a hygroreactive cellulosic fiber matrix with a hydrophobic sizing agent solution; and drying the treated fibers using heat and/or pressure so that the hydrophobic sizing agent penetrates the fiber matrix making it hydrophobic.

Abstract: A calendering method which enhances the smoothness of surface sized paper/paperboard by a combination of temperature and moisture gradient calendering processes without the fiber sticking/picking problems that affect runnability and without using waterboxes. The moisture gradient calendering is performed so that the cross direction moisture profile can be corrected and high smoothness levels can be obtained. Heated calender rolls form a hot pressure nip having a temperature greater than the temperature of the moisturized web. Lubricant is applied to both sides of the web to prevent fiber sticking/picking in the hot nip. The lubricant may be applied by the size press, by the moisturizing showers or by separate lubricant showers. The smoothness developed by moisturizing and hot nip calendering is substantially irreversible.

Abstract: A deepithelialized skin cell diffusion system which can be used to select topical gel and cream formulations containing human other wound healing promoters such as plasma fibronectin. The formulations provide slow release and increased contact time of fibronectin or other wound healing promoters to the wound site leading to its effective absorption.

Abstract: A multilayer linerboard product having a top layer made up of bleached/unbleached virgin or recycled pulp and at least one bottom layer made up of unbleached pulp. The external surface of the top layer has reduced gloss mottle and improved printing properties. In particular, the top surface of the multilayer linerboard has a Parker smoothness less than 6.5 and a Hagerty/Sheffield smoothness in the range of 240 to 280. Print voids on a flexo printed product are less than 0.20% (by area) as measured by image analysis. These improvements are achieved in an extended nip calender section having a heated calender roll, a backing roll or shoe and a conformable belt. Preferably, the nip width is 1 to 25 cm. The temperature of the surface of the heated calender roll is preferably maintained in the range of 300 to 500° F. The nipload between the heated calender roll and the conformable belt is preferably maintained in the range of 500 to 2,500 pli.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite web suitable for use, after post-treatment with a wetting agent, as a battery separator is formed by a wet process on a papermaking machine. One nonwoven composite material is made from a furnish of polyolefin binder fibers and polyolefin staple fibers. The web coming off the papermaking machine is dried using infra-red dryers followed by heated dryer cans. After drying, the web is thermally bonded using heated calendar rolls. The polyolefin binder fibers melt as the web passes through the calendar rolls and thermally bond the polyolefin staple fibers of the web when the melted binder fiber material fuses upon cooling.

Abstract: An electronic device or module which, when in contact with or remote from an object, recognizes the object and plays sounds, creates movement in the object, or turns on lights, or activates other electrical circuits appropriate to the object's identity, environment and/or movement of any parts of that object. The object need not contain any electronics or a power source and need not be connected to the device electronically.