Abstract: A method for unwinding tacky elastomeric yarn from one or multiple coiled yarn packages includes the steps of (a) removing tubular cores from each yarn package to expose the beginning end of the yarn strand at the inner diameter of the yarn package; (b) forming a terminal end of the yarn strand at a position along the length of the strand between the inner diameter and outer diameter of the yarn package; (c) when unwinding multiple coiled yarn packages, attaching the terminal end of the first yarn package to a beginning end of a next yarn package; and (d) unwinding by pulling the beginning end of the first yarn package in a generally axial direction to remove yarn from the inside of the package from the inner diameter toward the outer diameter. This method provides inside-out unwinding of a single package, or continuous unwinding of multiple packages of elastomeric yarn at a reduced overall yarn tension, and minimizes unwinding tension spikes.

Abstract: Commercially acceptable spandex can be prepared with greater efficiency, improved consistency and at lower costs from a high-solids content polyurethaneurea polymer solution. The polyurethaneurea is prepared using a combination of 4,4?-MDI and 2,4?-MDI, and an amount of chain extenders and chain terminators such that the polymer solution, prior to spinning, is highly soluble and has an appropriate pre-spun IV and primary amine content.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-filament yarn formed at least in part from filaments having cross-sectional zig-zag or double “W” shape with a 180 degree axis of symmetry. The filaments have a denier per filament generally in the range of about 0.1 to about 4.0. Fabrics made from yarns formed with the filaments have high moisture wicking, soft hand, and a silk-like lustrous appearance.

Abstract: A continuous method for producing composite elastic yarns at speeds up to 700 m/min by (a) stretching (drafting) an elastomeric yarn (e.g., spandex) by 2.0× (100%) to 10.5× (950%) while heating (max. heating temperature 220° C.) in a single or double stage draft, (b) air-jet entangling with a relatively inelastic yarn component to create a composite elastic yarn, and then (c) in-line heat-treating (max. heating temperature 240° C.) the composite elastic yarn. The initial draft stage(s) may also be carried out at ambient temperature. The resulting composite elastic yarn has improved stitch clarity, particularly suited for hosiery, and its properties can be tailored to provide fabric properties for knit and woven fabrics hitherto not possible with standard spandex yarns.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for treating a polyester fiber comprising the steps of providing a bicomponent fiber comprising poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) which has been heat-treated at a first temperature and cooled to lower than about 70° C. and has an initial crimp contraction value and a developed crimp contraction value, applying tension to the fiber of about 0.001 to 0.088 dN/tex, heat-treating the fiber at a second heat-treating temperature no lower than about 75° C. and no higher than the first heat-treating temperature, cooling the fiber to lower than the second heat-treating temperature, and releasing the tension from the fiber to give a fiber having a reduced crimp contraction value. The invention also provides a bicomponent fiber comprising poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) having a reduced crimp contraction value of about 6% to 15%.

Abstract: An in-eye method for cleaning contact lenses comprises use of a cleaner using water-containing beads. The water-containing beads are prepared such that the bead size is smaller than the punctual opening. They are easily flushed from the ocular environment by normal tear flow. The cleaner may also be used to clean contact lenses, with the cleaner applied directly to the lens and digitally rubbed to remove accumulated debris on the lens.

Abstract: The invention provides an entangled continuous filament yarn comprising at least two bicomponent filaments each comprising poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene terephthalate), wherein the entangled yarn has a node frequency of about 40 to 50 nodes/m, a Crimp Potential of at least about 40%, substantially no twist, and a standard deviation of intervals between nodes of no more than about 1.1 cm. The invention further provides a process for making such an entangled yarn.

Abstract: A process for increasing the relative viscosity (RV) of a reactant polyamide and to products produced by the process. The process includes contacting the reactant polyamide and a chain extender compound, forming the product, and quenching the product when its RV is near its maximum calculated RV value.

Abstract: A continuous method for producing composite elastic yarns at speeds up to 700 m/min by (a) stretching (drafting) an elastomeric yarn (e.g., spandex) by 2.0×(100%) to 10.5×(950%) while heating (max. heating temperature 220° C.) in a single or double stage draft, (b) air-jet entangling with a relatively inelastic yarn component to create a composite elastic yarn, and then (c) in-line heat-treating (max. heating temperature 240° C.) the composite elastic yarn. The initial draft stage(s) may also be carried out at ambient temperature. The resulting composite elastic yarn has improved stitch clarity, particularly suited for hosiery, and its properties can be tailored to provide fabric properties for knit and woven fabrics hitherto not possible with standard spandex yarns.

Abstract: The invention provides polyurethane containing a) a first additive comprising at least one mono-hindered hydroxyphenyl group and having a molecular weight of at least about 300 Daltons; b) a second additive selected from the group consisting of i) condensation polymers of p-cresol and divinyl benzene and ii) compounds comprising at least one unsymmetrically di-hindered hydroxyphenyl group and having a molecular weight of at least about 300 Daltons; and c) an inorganic chlorine-resist additive. The polyurethane of the invention exhibits improved resistance to degradation by chlorine and by atmospheric fumes.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the ability of a biomaterial to sorb cationic antimicrobials comprising treating the surface of said biomaterial with a cationic polysaccharide.

Abstract: A method for improving the integrity of the corneal epithelium by introducing into the eye an effective amount of a ophthalmically compatible retinoid sufficient to enhance the integrity of the corneal epithelium.

Abstract: A woven fabric comprising warp fibers and a weft is provided. The weft may be of pick-and-pick or co-insertion constructions. The weft includes a spun staple yarn and a polyester bicomponent filament. The polyester bicomponent filament includes poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate), and has an after heat-set crimp contraction value of from about 10% to about 80%. A process for making such a fabric is also provided.

Abstract: A process for dyeing certain textile fibers, utilizing vat acid dyeing and specific additional (second) reducing agents such as &agr;-hydroxyalkylsulfinic acids, their salts and 1,2,4-trithiolane, resulting in excellent depth of shade and washfastness, is provided.

Abstract: Circular-knit, elastic, single-knit jersey fabric, of spun and/or continuous filament hard yarns with bare spandex plated in every course, has a cover factor in the range of 1.3 to 1.9, a basis weight from 140 to 240 g/m2, an elongation of 60% or more and low shrinkage. The circular knit, single-knit jersey fabric is produced by maintaining the draft of the spandex at or below 2× (100% elongation) and maintaining the finishing and drying temperature(s) below the spandex heat set temperature. The knit fabric meets the end-use specifications without heat setting.

Abstract: Upholstery stretch slipcovers are constructed from fabric having sufficient elastic recovery force so that the covers require no additional fabric to hold the slipcovers in place or to maintain a substantial absence of wrinkles in the slipcovers. The stretch slipcovers are particularly useful for chairs having separate back and seat cushions.

Abstract: This invention relates to low-tack thin-walled articles comprising a polyurethane elastomer, for example surgical gloves, clean-room gloves, condoms, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to such elastomeric articles containing specific amounts of molecular sieve.

Abstract: Spandex having good whiteness retention, high heat-set efficiency, and percent set is made from comprises amide soluble polyurethaneurea polymers prepared by reacting polyether which comprises the reaction product of a polymeric glycols with ortho-substituted diisocyanates and bulky diamine chain extenders.

Abstract: A dispersant slurry for making spandex, based on phosphated block poly(alkylsiloxane)-poly(alkyleneether) alcohol or aromatic- or alkylaromatic-terminated phosphated poly(alkyleneether) alcohol dispersants, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to both an apparatus, a test form and a method for evaluating sock-drop. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus able to simulate particular forces exerted by human movements, a test form resembling a human leg as well as a method for testing sock-drop so that properties such as compression and comfort can be balanced.