Abstract: A fiber comprises a core, a sheath, and an additive that determines a desired physico-chemical parameter of the fiber, wherein the fiber is spun such that without increasing the concentration of the additive the desired parameter increases when the volume of the sheath decreases. Especially preferred additives include chromophores (e.g., a UV absorbing agent), flame-retardants, and adhesion promoters.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to actively apply finish to one or more yarns in motion at speeds greater than about 3000 m/min, to achieve a finish application of 0.2 wt. % or more, and with a coefficient of variation of finish concentration of 10% or less. The devices are compact, portable and readily installed at a variety of positions on a fiber processing line. The devices of the invention contain the finish so that contamination of the surrounding areas is prevented.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to actively apply finish to one or more yarns in motion at speeds greater than about 3000 m/min, to achieve a finish application of 0.2 wt. % or more, and with a coefficient of variation of finish concentration of 10% or less. The devices are compact, portable and readily installed at a variety of positions on a fiber processing line. The devices of the invention contain the finish so that contamination of the surrounding areas is prevented. The devices may be used to provide an overfinish to a moving yarn between heated godet rolls. The so-provided heating may be used to dry the yarn and to promote curing reactions in the finish and between the yarn and finish compounds. The invention also includes the finished yarn products so produced. A yarn with increased finish uniformity is provided with an overfinish actively applied and dried on the draw bench before the first winding operation.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to actively apply finish to one or more yarns in motion at speeds greater than about 3000 m/min, to achieve a finish application of 0.2 wt. % or more, and with a coefficient of variation of finish concentration of 10% or less. The devices are compact, portable and readily installed at a variety of positions on a fiber processing line. The devices of the invention contain the finish so that contamination of the surrounding areas is prevented.

Abstract: Methods and devices to actively apply finish to one or more yarns in motion at speeds greater than about 3000 m/min, to achieve a finish application of 0.2 wt % or more with a coefficent of variation of finish concentration of 10% or less, and the finished yarns so produced. The devices are compact, portable and readily installed at a variety of positions on a fiber processing line, such as between heated godet rolls. The devices contain the finish so that contamination of the surrounding areas is prevented. The yarn products of the invention may be used in textile and leisure fiber applications and in industrial fiber applications, such as tires.

Abstract: A fiber comprises a core, a sheath, and an additive that determines a desired physico-chemical parameter of the fiber, wherein the fiber is spun such that without increasing the concentration of the additive the desired parameter increases when the volume of the sheath decreases. Especially preferred additives include chromophores (e.g., a UV absorbing agent), flame-retardants, and adhesion promoters.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to actively apply finish to one or more yarns in motion at speeds greater than about 3000 m/min, to achieve a finish application of 0.2 wt. % or more, and with a coefficient of variation of finish concentration of 10% or less. The devices are compact, portable and readily installed at a variety of positions on a fiber processing line. The devices of the invention contain the finish so that contamination of the surrounding areas is prevented.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for applying finish to yarn and confining finish are disclosed. The apparatus for applying finish features an applicator face which comprises the delivery area of a finish supply duct and the surface area of two primary arcs, one located on either side of the duct and curving in the general direction of yarn travel. The central angle subtended by each of the primary arcs ranges from about 2 to 9 degrees. The edge of each of the primary arcs remote from the duct terminates in a secondary arc which subtends a central angle of 30 to 60 degrees and with a radius length shorter than that of either primary arc. The apparatus for confining finish comprises a housing, plate and baffle(s). The housing substantially encloses a finish application device and has openings for yarn entrance and exit and for take-off of excess finish. The plate is mounted beneath the finish application device. The baffle(s) are disposed between the plate and the take-off opening.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for applying finish to yarn and confining finish are disclosed. The apparatus for applying finish features an applicator face which comprises the delivery area of a finish supply duct and the surface area of two primary arcs, one located on either side of the duct and curving in the general direction of yarn travel. The central angle subtended by each of the primary arcs ranges from about 2 to 9 degrees. The edge of each of the primary arcs remote from the duct terminates in a secondary arc which subtends a central angle of 30 to 60 degrees and with a radius length shorter than that of either primary arc. The apparatus for confining finish comprises a housing, plate and baffle(s). The housing substantially encloses a finish application device and has openings for yarn entrance and exit and for take-off of excess finish. The plate is mounted beneath the finish application device. The baffle(s) are disposed between the plate and the take-off opening.

Abstract: A method for generating patterns progressively changing in configuration from circular through eliptical and oval and inclusive of rectilinear traces is effected by constraining a stylus to movement along mutually othogonal axes, by generating plural sets of stylus displacement forces and by applying such forces in combination to the stylus. The stylus displacement force sets vary with time in respective magnitudes and senses to compel stylus movement progressively in such circular, eliptical, oval and rectilinear patterns. In use of the pattern generating method for surfacing of an optical element, a surfacing tool in engagement with the optical element is displaced as the stylus and the optical element may itself be subjected to oscillatory movement.