Abstract: A blend of melamine resin fibers, aramid fibers and/or modacrylic fibers produces compositions and products having superior fire blocking characteristics, as well as superior strength, manufacturing and end-user comfort characteristics.

Abstract: A process for improving the ultraviolet stability of aramid and aramid-blend fabrics by pigment printing or padding the fabrics. The pigment printing process comprises the steps of supplying an aramid textile fabric free of highly polar solvents and dye diffusion promoting agents; pigment printing the fabric by applying onto the fabric a print paste comprising pigment, binder, print paste thickener, and water, the print paste being substantially free of carriers; and drying, then curing the thus-treated fabric at a temperature and for a time sufficient to fix the pigment on the aramid fibers.

Abstract: Fabrics made of melamine fibers are made more comfortable by submerging them for at least 20 minutes in a dyebath or mock dyebath that is at least 70° C.

Abstract: Fabrics containing melamine fibers are rendered more comfortable by carding the melamine fibers under vacuum so as to exhibit a narrower fiber diameter distribution (.delta..sub.d) and/or a narrower staple length distribution (.delta..sub.1) as compared to melamine fibers which are carded in the absence of vacuum. In addition, more comfortable melamine fiber-containing yarns are produced by spinning the staple fiber at a lower twist multiplier (TM) as compared to conventional melamine fiber yarns. Most preferably, the melamine fiber-containing fabrics and yarns will be blended with at least one other type of synthetic fibers, such as aramid fibers.

Abstract: Fabrics containing melamine fibers are rendered more comfortable by carding the melamine fibers under vacuum so as to exhibit a narrower fiber diameter distribution (.delta..sub.d) and/or a narrower staple length distribution (.delta..sub.l) as compared to melamine fibers which are carded in the absence of vacuum. In addition, more comfortable melamine fiber-containing yarns are produced by spinning the staple fiber at a lower twist multiplier (TM) as compared to conventional melamine fiber yarns. Most preferably, the melamine fiber-containing fabrics and yarns will be blended with at least one other type of synthetic fibers, such as aramid fibers.

Abstract: Fabrics containing melamine fibers are rendered more comfortable by carding the melamine fibers under vacuum so as to exhibit a narrower fiber diameter distribution (.delta..sub.d) and/or a narrower staple length distribution (.delta..sub.1) as compared to melamine fibers which are carded in the absence of vacuum. In addition, more comfortable melamine fiber-containing yarns are produced by spinning the staple fiber at a lower twist multiplier (TM) as compared to conventional melamine fiber yarns. Most preferably, the melamine fiber-containing fabrics and yarns will be blended with at least one other type of synthetic fibers, such as aramid fibers.

Abstract: Fabrics made of melamine fibers are made more comfortable by submerging them for at least 20 minutes in a dyebath or mock dyebath that is at least 70.degree. C.

Abstract: A continuous process for spinning and drawing polyamide filaments with the steps of melting a polyamide and spinning the filaments from the molten polyamide through a spinnerette, quenching the filaments, applying a yarn finish to the filaments, applying steam and heat to the filaments by a steam and heating unit which consists of a steam box and at least one heated godet, drawing the filaments, and optionally texturing the filaments. The resulting filaments have low shrinkage, high crystallinity, and a high percentage of alpha crystals.

Abstract: Fabric useful for processing into a fiber reinforced composite is made from multicomponent yarn having a thermoplastic matrix component of a first melting point if crystalline or a first softening point if not crystalline and a drawable, oriented, fibrous thermoplastic reinforcing component of a second melting point if crystalline or a second softening point if not crystalline, wherein said first melting or softening point is at least 5.degree. C. below said second melting or softening point.

Abstract: A desoldering wick is made from an elongated strip of woven wire mesh slit from a sheet of woven fabric. The wire mesh is folded longitudinally for forming a ribbon having a width less than the width of the strip and having multiple thicknesses of wire mesh with a plurality of spaces between adjacent layers of mesh. The surface of the wire mesh is wettable by molten solder and may be coated with a solder flux for enhancing wetting. A variety of embodiments have folded woven fabric to make three or more thicknesses of wire mesh and are folded so that both slit edges of the strip are inside of the ribbon. Large area desoldering wicks are in the form a pad with a flat face and at least one edge folded approximately normal to the flat face. A ribbon desoldering wick is mounted in an insulating tube for faciltating holding the wick.

Abstract: A technique is provided for desoldering circuit components employing a desoldering aid that fits like a cap on a standard size rectangular circuit component. The aid has a rectangular top of high thermal conductivity metal substantially the same size as the circuit component. At least a pair of integral sides along opposite edges of the top are bent normal to the top and are not further apart than the outside of the electrical leads on the opposite sides of the circuit component for good thermal contact therewith. The depth of the inside of the box is greater than the height of the top of the component so that there is no contact between the top of the box and the top of the component. The top of the box over the component is heated sufficiently to melt solder on the electrical leads. The box and component can then be lifted together from the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A soldering iron tip comprises a copper body with a layer of glass bonded on the surface. The portion of the body used for melting solder is not coated. The glass is opaque to infrared, has high, uniform and stable emissivity, helps prevent oxidation, limits wetting of the tip by solder, and is easily kept clean. The glass is readily applied to a soldering iron tip by melting a frit. Such a glass layer provides electrical insulation from a soldering iron and prevents leakage electric current from damaging sensitive components. A method is provided for measuring temperature of an article during soldering by applying a glass which absorbs infrared to a portion of the article and measuring infrared emittance from the glass during soldering.