Abstract: Novel thermoplastic pipes which can withstand extremely high internally generated and/or applied pressures for utilization within, primarily, high pressure underground liquid and gas transport systems are provided. Such pipes are improvements over standard metal (i.e., steel, lead, and the like) pipes due to construction costs, shipping costs, implementation costs (particularly underground), modulus strength allowances to compensate for underground movements (i.e., earthquakes and tremors), non-rusting characteristics, and ease in manufacture. Such pipes are preferably reinforced with specific fabric articles which permit a lower thickness of plastic to be utilized than is generally required to withstand high pressure situations. A one-step, potentially on-site production method, is also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: A lightweight airbag cushion for deployment in opposing relation to a vehicle occupant is provided. In one embodiment, the cushion is formed from a body of wound yarn which has an enhanced elongation to break. The body includes an interior, a face portion for contact with the occupant and a rear portion including an inlet port for the introduction of an inflation medium. The body is formed by the continuous winding of yarn around a mandrel such that the yarn is spread across the face and is disposed preferentially across the back in the area surrounding the inlet port so as to provide added strength in that region.

Abstract: A strong lightweight airbag cushion for deployment in opposing relation to a vehicle occupant and the method of making same. The cushion is formed from a body of wound yarn. The body includes an interior, a face portion for contact with the occupant and a rear portion including an inlet port for the introduction of an inflation medium. The body is formed by the continuous winding of yarn around a mandrel such that the yarn is spread across the face and is disposed preferentially across the back in the area surrounding the inlet port so as to provide added strength in the region adjacent the port that is located at a radial distance greater than the radius of said port. This is accomplished by shifting or shogging the yarn supplying mechanism relative to the cushion mandrel.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic pipes which can withstand internally generated and/or applied pressures for utilization within, primarily, underground liquid and gas transport systems are provided. Such pipes are improvements over standard metal (i.e., steel, lead, and the like) pipes due to construction costs, shipping costs, implementation costs (particularly underground), flexibility (and thus modulus strength allowances) to compensate for underground movements (i.e., earthquakes and tremors), non-rusting characteristics, reduced crack propagation possibilities, and ease in manufacture. Such pipes are preferably reinforced with specific textile reinforcement materials that permit a lower thickness of plastic to be utilized than is generally required to withstand high pressure situations and also serve to prevent propagation of any cracks which may develop within the thermoplastic or thermoset materials.

Abstract: A strong lightweight airbag cushion for deployment in opposing relation to a vehicle occupant is provided. The cushion is formed from a body of wound yarn. The body includes an interior, a face portion for contact with the occupant and a rear portion including an inlet port for the introduction of an inflation medium. The body is formed by the continuous winding of yarn around a mandrel such that the yarn is spread across the face and is disposed preferentially across the back in the area surrounding the inlet port so as to provide added strength in that region.

Abstract: A strong lightweight airbag cushion for deployment in opposing relation to a vehicle occupant is provided. The cushion is formed from a body of wound yarn. The body includes an interior, a face portion for contact with the occupant and a rear portion including an inlet port for the introduction of an inflation medium. The body is formed by the continuous winding of yarn around a mandrel such that the yarn is spread across the face and is disposed preferentially across the back in the area surrounding the inlet port so as to provide added strength in that region.

Abstract: A strong lightweight airbag cushion for deployment in opposing relation to a vehicle occupant is provided. The cushion is formed from a body of wound yarn. The body includes an interior, a face portion for contact with the occupant and a rear portion including an inlet port for the introduction of an inflation medium. The body is formed by the continuous winding of yarn around a mandrel such that the yarn is spread across the face and is disposed preferentially across the back in the area surrounding the inlet port so as to provide added strength in that region.

Abstract: A strong lightweight airbag cushion for deployment in opposing relation to a vehicle occupant and the method of making same. The cushion is formed from a body of wound yarn. The body includes an interior, a face portion for contact with the occupant and a rear portion including an inlet port for the introduction of an inflation medium. The body is formed by the continuous winding of yarn around a mandrel such that the yarn is spread across the face and is disposed preferentially across the back in the area surrounding the inlet port. This is accomplished by shifting or shogging the yarn supplying mechanism relative to the cushion mandrel. The body may also include at least one film layer and at least one coating layer.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic pipes which can withstand internally generated and/or applied pressures for utilization within, primarily, underground liquid and gas transport systems are provided. Such pipes are improvements over standard metal (i.e., steel, lead, and the like) pipes due to construction costs, shipping costs, implementation costs (particularly underground), flexibility (and thus modulus strength allowances) to compensate for underground movements (i.e., earthquakes and tremors), non-rusting characteristics, reduced crack propagation possibilities, and ease in manufacture. Such pipes are preferably reinforced with specific textile reinforcement materials that permit a lower thickness of plastic to be utilized than is generally required to withstand high pressure situations and also serve to prevent propagation of any cracks which may develop within the thermoplastic or thermoset materials.

Abstract: A strong lightweight airbag cushion for deployment in opposing relation to a vehicle occupant and the method of making same. The cushion is formed from a body of wound yarn. The body includes an interior, a face portion for contact with the occupant and a rear portion including an inlet port for the introduction of an inflation medium. The body is formed by the continuous winding of yarn around a mandrel such that the yarn is spread across the face and is disposed preferentially across the back in the area surrounding the inlet port so as to provide added strength in the region adjacent the port that is located at a radial distance greater than the radius of said port. This is accomplished by shifting or shogging the yarn supplying mechanism relative to the cushion mandrel.

Abstract: An improved assembly for alternating twist in yarn, utilizing a pair of air jets in which compressed air is supplied producing a vortex that causes the yarn passing therethrough to experience a torque about the yarn's longitudinal axis. This apparatus is used to provide an alternating twist to fill yarn as the yarn is being fed into the loom. The twisting unit operates by imparting “s” twist for a certain period of time while the yarn is in linear motion, followed by imparting a “z” twist for another certain period of time, in repeating fashion. The net twist in the yarn so treated is zero. Preferably, the twisting of the fill yarn is coordinated with the loom so that the twist direction is reversed prior to each successive filling insertion.

Abstract: Method to produce a female fabric for use in a hook and loop connection in which the maximum number of loops are produced on the loop surface which engages the hooks of the mating hook fabric. The method includes mounting the reed at an obtuse angle to the loopy yarn used to cause the loops extending outwardly from the loopy yarn to be combed upwardly as it exits from the reed.

Abstract: An electrically conductive textile fabric in which the electrical conductivity may be made to vary in a pattern configuration, and a method for manufacturing such fabric. A textile fabric is coated with an electrically conductive polymeric coating, and the coating is selectively removed in those areas in which a reduced electrical conductivity is desired. The removal may be achieved by means of high velocity water jets, sculpturing, or other means.

Abstract: An electrically conductive textile fabric in which the electrical conductivity may be made to vary in a pattern configuration, and a method for manufacturing such fabric. A textile fabric is coated with an electrically conductive polymeric coating, and the coating is selectively removed in those areas in which a reduced electrical conductivity is desired. The removal may be achieved by means of high velocity water jets, sculpturing, or other means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to measure the loop height in a loop pile fabric by moving an apparatus across the surface of the fabric and allowing the loops to create a line on a powdered surface to which a finger is aligned with to cause the plunger of a gauge to automatically provide a read-out of the loop pile height.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to sculpture a pile fabric from a predetermined pattern by controlling the movement of the cutter by a pantograph system which employs rotary mounted carriers. The cutter arrangement employs an arrangement where the individual pile fibers or looks are bent over and then individually released so that the rotating cutter blade can sever the fiber or loop against a fixed blade to provide a clean cut of the top of the fiber or fiber loop.

Abstract: A detection system is disclosed for detecting the presence of a marking material placed on a textile substrate prior to a series of dyeing and finishing steps. Following such steps, the substrate carrying the marking material is illuminated by light having a preferred wavelength of about 900 nanometers. The light is preferably absorbed by the marking material, thereby reducing the amount of light reflected from the substrate carrying the marking material and triggering an alarm. In a preferred embodiment, the marking material contains carbon particles.

Abstract: An arrangement of spaced blade-like members in the form of a cut/fray module is used to make distinctive marks on textile fabrics, especially of woven construction. A sharpened blade-like member penetrates the fabric and cuts yarns while adjacently penetrating dull-edged members cause the severed yarn ends to become disentangled and removed from the fabric structure, resulting in a frayed edge below the incision and "floating" yarns in the region of the incision.

Abstract: A crayon-like marker is described which is capable of making marks detectable by X-ray on various substrates, e.g., textile products. The marker is comprised of a waxy medium in which is dispersed a radio-opaque substance. Additional coloring agents may be added if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a thin stream of fluid which intermittently strikes a target in accordance with externally supplied command data. Pressurized fluid from a manifold is passed through a relatively stiff section of tubing which is directed at the desired target. The tubing is cantilevered from the manifold, and has associated therewith a plunger which, when extended, contacts the cantilevered tube and deflects the free end of the tube. In one embodiment, the tube in its deflected position is directed at the desired target, and in its undeflected position is directed at a barrier.