Abstract: A three-dimensional geometry is received, and sliced into layers. A first anisotropic fill tool path for controlling a three dimensional printer to deposit a substantially anisotropic fill material is generated defining at least part of an interior of a first layer. A second anisotropic fill tool path for controlling a three dimensional printer to deposit the substantially anisotropic fill material defines at least part of an interior of a second layer. A generated isotropic fill material tool path defines at least part of a perimeter and at least part of an interior of a third layer intervening between the first and second layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a nonwoven fabric of continuous fibers that includes forming a nonwoven web on a highly porous woven or knitted forming fabric that defines a pattern of recesses that are bordered by spaced apart filaments extending between the outer surfaces of the fabric and that allows air to pass both downwardly and sidewardly through the forming fabric. Bonded nonwoven webs are formed having protrusions with very low density and high surface area.

Abstract: An asphalt coated roofing shingle including a mat substrate saturated with asphalt, a top asphalt layer on a top surface of the mat, a bottom asphalt layer on a bottom surface of the mat, a granular layer on the top asphalt layer and a layer of melt-blown fibers applied to the bottom asphalt layer. A method for making a lightweight roofing shingle including the steps of saturating a mat substrate wherein the mat substrate has a top surface and a bottom surface; applying a top asphalt layer to the top surface; applying a bottom asphalt layer to the bottom surface; applying a layer of granular material to the top asphalt layer opposite the mat after the top asphalt layer is applied to the top surface; and applying a layer of melt-blown fibers directly to the bottom asphalt layer after the bottom asphalt layer is applied to the mat substrate.

Abstract: Trim part for a vehicle, comprising at least a fibrous layer comprising of thermoplastic bicomponent filaments or staple fibers, consisting of a first polymer forming the sheath of the bicomponent filament or staple fiber and a second polymer forming the core of the bicomponent filament or staple fiber and whereby the fibrous layer is consolidated by heating thereby melting the sheath polymer forming binding points between the filaments or staple fibers, characterized in that at least the sheath of the bicomponent filament or staple fiber comprises a shrinkage reducing additive being at least a polysiloxane, preferably a polydimethylsiloxane.

Abstract: Processes for making fibrous structures and more particularly processes for making fibrous structures comprising filaments are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are three-dimensional porous tubular scaffolds for cardiovascular, periphery vascular, nerve conduit, intestines, bile conduct, urinary tract, and bone repair/reconstruction applications, and methods and apparatus for making the same.

Abstract: Fibrous structures including a plurality of pulp fibers wherein at least a portion of the plurality of pulp fibers are in the form of a paper web and a plurality of thermoplastic meltblown filaments spun directly onto the paper web such that the fibrous structures exhibit novel properties are provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous three-dimensional (3D) is disclosed. The method comprises (I) printing a first composition on a substrate (16) with the nozzle (12) of the apparatus (10) to form at least one first filament (14) comprising the first composition, (II) selectively controlling the distance and/or the speed such that the at least one first filament coils on the substrate to give a first layer on the substrate, the first layer comprising a coiled filament, optionally repeating steps I) and II) with independently selected composition(s) for any additional layer(s), and (III) exposing the layer(s) to a solidification condition. A porous three-dimensional (3D) article formed in accordance with the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber mat includes a unitary assembly of fibers including at least a first set of fibers and at least a first binder comprising an organic resin, wherein the unitary assembly of fibers includes a minority portion and a majority portion different than the minority portion, wherein the fiber mat provides at least a 5% increase in tear when placed in a bituminous roofing product compared to an equivalent bituminous roofing product made with a fiber mat of equivalent weight containing a homogenous mat structure.

Abstract: A method of creating a soft and lofty continuous fiber nonwoven web is provided. The method includes providing a first molten polymer and a second, different molten polymer to a spinneret defining a plurality of orifices and flowing a fluid intermediate the spinneret and a moving porous member. The method includes using the fluid to draw the first and second molten polymer components, in a direction toward the moving porous member, through at least some of the plurality of orifices to form a plurality of individual continuous fiber strands. The method includes depositing the continuous fiber strands onto the moving porous member at a first location to produce an intermediate continuous fiber nonwoven web, and intermittently varying a vacuum force applied to the moving porous member and to the intermediate web downstream of the first location and without the addition of more continuous fibers and without any heat applied.

Abstract: A prepared mold tool having a thermoplastic surface layer polymer coating on the mold surface of the mold tool or prepared prepreg having a thermoplastic surface layer polymer coating on the surface of the thermoplastic fiber reinforced prepreg are described that enhance first ply laydown of thermoplastic fiber reinforced composite prepregs onto mold tools for prepreg forming or in situ tape placement. Resulting thermoplastic fiber reinforced composite parts from a thermoplastic fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite material having structural reinforcement fibers with one or more high performance polymers, and a thermoplastic surface layer polymer coating which forms a polymer blend with the high performance polymers of the thermoplastic fiber reinforced composite material thereby imparting improved properties, and methods for making and using same, are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a porous fiber that exhibits both improved adsorption capacity, and suppressed exposure and detachment of particulates; an adsorption column filled with said porous fiber; and a blood purification system in which an adsorption column is connected to a water removal column. The porous fiber according to the present invention has a three-dimensional pore structure formed by a solid fiber, and satisfies all of the following conditions. (1) The porous fiber has particulates having a diameter of not more than 200 ?m, and the percentage of area occupied by said particulates having a diameter of not more than 200 ?m in a horizontal cross section of the three-dimensional pore structure is at least 3.0%. (2) The porous fiber does not contain said particulates having a diameter of not more than 200 ?m in the region within 1.0 ?m in the depth direction from the outermost surface.

Abstract: An improved stretchable filtration fabric laminate is provided. The laminate includes a first fabric layer and a nanofiber layer. The laminate may be stretched without damaging the laminate. The laminate is thus suitable for incorporation into wearable protective garments, such as protective hoods, balaclavas, scarves, etc. that provide both protection and air filtration to the wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spunbonded nonwoven having crimped multicomponent fibers, wherein a first component of the multicomponent fibers consists of a first thermoplastic polymer material comprising a first thermoplastic base polymer and a second component of the multicomponent fibers consists of a second thermoplastic polymer material comprising a second thermoplastic base polymer that is different from the first base polymer. The at least one of the first polymer material or the second polymer material is a polymer blend that comprises, further to the respective base polymer, between 1 and 10 weight percent of a high melt flow rate polymer that has a melt flow rate of between 600 and 3,000 g/10 min. The fibers have a linear mass density of less than 1.5 denier. The average crimp number of the crimped multicomponent fibers is in the range of at least 5 and preferably at least 8 crimps per cm in the fiber.

Abstract: A fabric belt on which, when used as intended in a machine for producing spunbonded fabric webs, such spunbonded fabric webs are formed and transported. The belt has longitudinal threads and transverse threads that bind with the longitudinal threads. The threads are formed substantially of a polymer material and some of the longitudinal and/or transverse threads include electrically conductive material. The longitudinal threads form, on the web material contact side, convex longitudinal thread offsets with a knuckle, and the transverse threads have first transverse threads which form, on the web material contact side, first transverse thread offsets with a knuckle. A height difference between the knuckle crowns of at least some of the convex longitudinal thread offsets and the knuckle crowns of at least some of the first convex transverse thread offsets on the web material contact side is less than 220 ?m or even less than 150 ?m.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing a multicomponent feedstock being delivered through a print head of a 3D printer. Multiple component lengths are produced from separate feedstocks and are aligned to form the multicomponent feedstock which is fed into the print head for extrusion. The method includes providing at least two sources of feedstock of different material, feeding a distal end of a first feedstock along a feed path, cutting the first feedstock at a pre-determined length to provide a length of first feedstock having a proximal end. The method includes feeding a distal end of a second feedstock along the feed path and aligning the distal end of the second feedstock with the proximal end of the length of the first feedstock. The second feedstock is cut at a pre-determined length to provide a length of the second feedstock serially aligned with the length of first feedstock, to form a length of multicomponent feedstock. The length of multicomponent feedstock is fed into the print head.

Abstract: A flow medium for assisting a resin to be transferred into a mold accommodating a layered structure of reinforced material is provided. The flow medium is configured such that when the resin is cured the flow medium becomes incorporated within a final composite component comprising the reinforced material embedded within the transferred and cured resin. A semifinished product comprising such a flow medium is provided and a method for producing a composite component by utilizing such a semifinished product is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered absorbent structure in the form of a laminate including liquid storage layers comprising particulate superabsorbent material and adhesive fibers. Notably, the absorbent structure includes a wicking layer positioned between the liquid storage layers, with the wicking layer desirably acting to improve fluid spreading and rewet performance of the absorbent structure. The wicking layer preferably comprises airlaid cellulosic fibrous material such as wood pulp, and may optionally include superabsorbent polymer. A bonding pattern of the wicking layer is oriented to enhance wicking and rewet performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for additive manufacturing and three-dimensional printing, and specifically for extruding tubular objects. A print head extrudes a curable material into a tubular object, while simultaneously curing the tubular object and utilizing the interior of the cured portion of the tubular object for stabilizing and propelling the print head.

Abstract: A novel, advanced polymeric swab is disclosed herein. The swabs have a surface texture that allows for independent motion between microscale regions, are reusable with no loss of accuracy or efficiency, and are fabricated from optoelectronically-active elements to minimize static charging during repeated use.

Abstract: A 3D printer input includes filaments comprising separated layers or sections. These inputs particularly including filaments may be prepared by coextrusion, microlayer coextrusion or multicomponent/fractal coextrusion. These inputs and specifically filaments enable layering or combining different materials simultaneously through one or more nozzles during the so-called 3D printing process. These techniques facilitate smaller layer sizes (milli, micro, and nano) different layer configurations as well as the potential to incorporate materials that would otherwise not be usable in standard 3D printer methods.

Abstract: A flooring mat that includes a first layer that includes a vapor barrier, a second layer that includes a textile pad, and a third layer having an entangled filament structure. The second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer. The flooring mat may be provided between a subfloor and a surface layer of a flooring structure.

Abstract: A thermoplastic filament adapted for use in a fused filament fabrication (FFF) printer which has a plurality of segments wherein each pair of adjacent segments is compositionally different and is arranged in a specific order. Also, a method for printing a three-dimensional (3D) article by printing such a filament in a fused filament fabrication (FFF) printer, wherein the fused filament fabrication (FFF) printer carries out a pattern of printing synchronized with the order of the segments in such a filament. Further, a method and device for fabricating such thermoplastic filaments.

Abstract: An expandable valved conduit for pediatric right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction is disclosed. The valved conduit may provide long-term patency and resistance to thrombosis and stenosis. The valved conduit may enlarge radially and/or longitudinally to accommodate the growing anatomy of the patient. Further, a method is disclosed for the manufacture of the valved conduit based in part on a plastically deformable biocompatible polymer and a computer-optimized valve design developed for such an expandable valved conduit.

Abstract: Smoking articles including filter elements formed from two or more fibrous inputs with different physical properties are provided. A first plurality of cellulose acetate staple fibers and a second plurality of degradable polymeric staple fibers are blended to give a fiber mixture, wherein the staple fibers of the fiber mixture are randomly oriented. The degradable polymeric staple fibers can be treated to increase hydrophobicity. The staple fibers of the fiber mixture can then be bonded to form a fibrous bundle which can be incorporated into a filter element. Related methods and mixed fiber products are also provided by the disclosure.

Abstract: A spinning die for melt-blowing has plastic passages, a hot air passage, and an opening surface, in which discharge ports and blowing ports open. Adjacent and closest two of the discharge ports are first and second proximate discharge ports. One of the blowing ports corresponding to the first proximate discharge port is a first proximate blowing port, and one of the blowing ports corresponding to the second proximate discharge port is a second proximate blowing port. The first proximate blowing port includes a guide portion that projects away from the center of the first proximate discharge port. The guide portion is formed such that, as the distance from the opening surface increases, the hot air flow guided by the guide portion flows to be separated away from the hot air flow blown onto the molten plastic discharged from the second proximate discharge port.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbing multi-layered sheet with a liquid-absorbing central layer and a first and a second outer layer of fibers, tissue or film provided at each their side of the central layer is provided. The central layer is airlaid and includes cellulosic fibers, superabsorbents and heat-adhesive binder fibers. The sheet is peculiar in that the percentage of heat-adhesive binder fibers in the central layer is between 1% and 7% of the total weight of fibers in the central layer. In production, a continuous web with the three layers is conveyed through a heating zone for heating the web, wherein the heating temperature and the heating time are adapted to at least a partial melting of the heat-adhesive binder fibers in the central layer for binding the fibers in the central layer and for binding the outer layers to the central layer.

Abstract: Elastic compression apparatus for loose tube used in fiber optic cables, comprising compression contacts for gripping the loose tube following extrusion, the loose tube being made of a first material having a predefined post-extrusion shrinkage, and the compression contacts being made of a second material, wherein the compression contacts are modified to provide a coefficient of friction between the two materials such that said compression contacts apply a radial pressure and an axial tension to said tube that cause elastic deformation only and do not cause plastic deformation. The tube may be extruded at a line speed rate that is relatively different from the optical fiber line speed rate, and causes elastic extension of the tube over the distance that would be covered by post-extrusion shrinkage.

Abstract: A shingle including a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, an asphalt layer, a layer of granules, and a spacing layer is provided. The asphalt layer covers at least a portion of the top surface and the layer of granules is adhered to the asphalt layer. The spacing layer is attached beneath at least a portion of the bottom surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of woven filtration fabrics that include core-sheath spun yarns in either or both of the warp and weft directions.

Abstract: A glue gun and a method of advancing glue sticks in a glue gun. A leading glue stick is held in a channel of a feeder assembly in an active position, and a next-in-line glue stick is positioned adjacent the active position. In response to movement of a trigger of the glue gun by a user, the feeder assembly feeding the leading glue stick in an advancing direction. Upon advancement of the leading glue stick beyond a forward end of the next-in-line glue stick, the next-in-line glue stick drops freely into the active position, and a transition from feeding the leading glue stick with the feeder assembly to feeding the next-in-line glue stick with the feeder assembly occurs exclusively by repeated trigger actuation. No other steps or actions are required to put the next-in-line glue stick into the active position upon depletion of the leading glue stick.

Abstract: There is disclosed a laminated, nonwoven fabric and a process for producing such a laminated, nonwoven fabric having desirable fluid holding and fluid release characteristics. The process provides that two sheets of meltblown fiber fabric are produced on forming wire assemblies, cooled at a cooling area, and are then laminated on opposite sides of a sheet of spunbonded fibers using to form the laminated, nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layers layered absorbent element for use in a disposable absorbent article comprising a top layer and a bottom layer. The top layer is a fibrous nonwoven layer having a basis weight of from 20 to 100 gsm, a thickness from 0.25 to 5 mm, is formed with fibers having an average length from 26 to 200 mm and it has a fixed height saturation at 5 cm above 40%. The bottom layer is in direct contact with the top layer and comprises superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and cellulosic fibers. A plurality of fibers protruding from the bottom layer penetrate into the top layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are disclosed. Two or more materials are extruded simultaneously as a composite, with at least one material in liquid form and at least one material in a solid continuous strand completely encased within the liquid material. A means of curing the liquid material after extrusion hardens the composite. A part is constructed using a series of extruded composite paths. The strand material within the composite contains specific chemical, mechanical, or electrical characteristics that instill the object with enhanced capabilities not possible with only one material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are disclosed. Two or more materials are extruded simultaneously as a composite, with at least one material in liquid form and at least one material in a solid continuous strand completely encased within the liquid material. A means of curing the liquid material after extrusion hardens the composite. A part is constructed using a series of extruded composite paths. The strand material within the composite contains specific chemical, mechanical, or electrical characteristics that instill the object with enhanced capabilities not possible with only one material.

Abstract: A high adhesion composite film includes a thermoplastic elastomer layer and a modified adhesive layer. The thermoplastic elastomer layer includes a first surface and a second surface, and the second surface is opposite to the first surface. The modified adhesive layer is disposed on the first surface of the thermoplastic elastomer layer. By this way, the adhesion strength of the composite film can be enhanced significantly. Furthermore, the present disclosure can manufacture the high adhesion composite film without the use of solvents, which meets the requirements of environmental protection.

Abstract: A package securement device includes a containment device in the form of either a bag or a box for receiving packages. The containment device includes an opening allowing for removal and insertion of packages. Access may be given to the interior of the containment device through an electronic device with a credential receiver configured to receive a credential input by a user. A communication module with a wireless transmitter connected to the electronic device transmits and receive a wireless communication regarding a status of the containment bag. A remote user interface may be used to monitor and control access to the containment device.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing and/or jetting viscous medium on a surface of a workpiece includes at least two depositing head assemblies. The at least two depositing head assemblies are configured to move in three dimensional space. The at least two depositing head assemblies are also configured to at least one of concurrently and simultaneously deposit the viscous medium on the workpiece.

Abstract: A flow medium for distributing a resin in vacuum assisted resin transfer molding processes for manufacturing long, thick and more complex composite parts comprises a flow channel encapsulated by a layer of fibrous material, which provides a high volume flow of resin distributed in a timely manner in the mold.

Abstract: A semi-finished textile for producing a fiber composite component part has a textile structure and a fixation structure so as to provide a semi-finished textile that can be easily handled and that is suitable for use in complex component part shapes. The textile structure includes a first multitude of reinforcement-fiber bundles of high-performance fibers. Displacement sections are formed between adjacent reinforcement-fiber bundles and adjacent reinforcement-fiber bundles can be displaced against each other. The fixation structure fixates the reinforcement-fiber bundles, depending on the textile structure, with a fixation pattern in such a way that the reinforcement-fiber bundles are fixated at least partially and the displacement sections remain at least partially free.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for making absorbent cores used in disposable hygiene pads, the method or device comprising three steps: (A) suctioning of wood pulp fibers mixed with super absorbent polymers into a net structure on a base tissue to form an absorbent core; (B) compressing and embossing absorbent material; and (C) shaping of the absorbent core. The method of the current invention can be used for making different kinds of absorbent pad products. While increasing the tear strength of the product, the method realizes and simplifies the process of making both the absorbent material and the hygiene pad utilizing the absorbent material on the same manufacturing line, and reduces the cost of making the absorbent pads. The absorbent core made by applying the method of the current invention has a new structure formed by super absorbent polymers and wood pulp fibers, wherein the structure enables the super absorbent polymers to be evenly distributed in between the wood pulp fibers.

Abstract: Drainage promoting fabrics having commercial applications (e.g., housewrap) are provided. The drainage promoting fabric, according to certain embodiments of the invention, includes a weather resistive barrier having an outer surface, and a three-dimensional, non-uniform or non-continuous meltblown layer positioned on the outer surface of the weather resistive barrier. The meltblown layer may comprise meltblown shot, meltblown ropes, or both.

Abstract: A structure of aligned (e.g., radially and/or polygonally aligned) fibers, and systems and methods for producing and using the same. One or more structures provided may be created using an apparatus that includes one or more first electrodes that define an area and/or partially circumscribe an area. For example, a single first electrode may enclose the area, or a plurality of first electrode(s) may be positioned on at least a portion of the perimeter of the area. A second electrode is positioned within the area. Electrodes with rounded (e.g., convex) surfaces may be arranged in an array, and a fibrous structure created using such electrodes may include an array of wells at positions corresponding to the positions of the electrodes.

Abstract: Provided is a nanofiber production apparatus which is capable of eliminating a need to use high voltage as in the ESD system to ensure high safety, and is free from influence of temperature and humidity at a production site.

Abstract: A non-woven textile may be formed from a plurality of thermoplastic polymer filaments. The non-woven textile may have a first region and a second region, with the filaments of the first region being fused to a greater degree than the filaments of the second region. A variety of products, including apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, footwear), may incorporate the non-woven textile. In some of these products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another textile element to form a seam. More particularly, an edge area of the non-woven textile may be heatbonded with an edge area of the other textile element at the seam. In other products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another component, whether a textile or a non-textile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid polymer stent with two or more polymer component structures which are integrated in the polymer stent main structure. The methods for fabrication of the hybrid stents is also provided. It is a further object to the present invention to provide a 4 axis RP system in which the 4th axis is a computer controlled rotation shaft added to an xyz position system. In preferred embodiments, the 4 axis RP system also has 2 or more material delivery systems that sequentially deposit two or more polymer hot melt filaments or viscous solution filaments.

Abstract: One example includes a battery case sealed to retain electrolyte, an electrode disposed in the battery case, the electrode comprising a current collector formed of a framework defining open areas disposed along three axes (“framework”), the framework electrically conductive, with active material disposed in the open areas; a conductor electrically coupled to the electrode and sealingly extending through the battery case to a terminal disposed on an exterior of the battery case, a further electrode disposed in the battery case, a separator disposed between the electrode and the further electrode and a further terminal disposed on the exterior of the battery case and in electrical communication with the further electrode, with the terminal and the further terminal electrically isolated from one another.

Abstract: A contact nozzle for coating an elastic strand with an adhesive. Air is discharged at the adhesive in contact with the strand, causing the adhesive to spread around the periphery of the strand. The air assists with release of the adhesive from the nozzle and also cleans the nozzle to discourage adhesive build-up on the nozzle.

Abstract: A melt-blown fabric for pouching smokeless tobacco or a smokeless tobacco substitute can include melt-blown polymer fibers. The fabric can have a basis weight of less than 10 gsm and a tensile strength of at least 4 mJ in at least one predetermined direction. Method of making the fabric can include melt-blowing a polymeric material against a support surface and bonding the fibers or arranging them in a predetermined orientation. Pouched smokeless tobacco or tobacco substitute products including the fabrics provided herein can provide desirable flavor and tactile experience.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous manufacture of a spunbond web from aerodynamically stretched thermoplastic filaments has at least one spinneret, a cooling chamber for cooling the filaments, a stretcher, and a deposition device for the deposition of the filaments to form the spunbond web. At least one filament guide having a plurality of filament-guide gaps opens toward the stretcher between the stretcher and the deposition device, and the filament guide or at least one guide part of the filament guide can be moved such that the filament-guide gap or the stretcher-side openings thereof are displaced transversely to the travel direction of the spunbond web. Thus the filaments or filament bundles guided along or through the filament-guide gap are given a transverse orientation to the travel direction of the spunbond web when deposited onto the deposition device.