Abstract: Fine fiber products including fiber webs, as well as related assemblies, systems and methods, are described. In some embodiments, fiber webs described herein may include fine fibers and relatively low amounts of degraded polymer formed during a fiber extrusion process. The fiber webs may be used for filter media applications.

Abstract: A fiber tow and methods for separating a fiber tow are disclosed. The fiber tow may include adjacent filaments and a polymer coating covering at least a portion of the adjacent filaments. The polymer coating may include a polymer that is configured to contract in a direction generally parallel to the adjacent filaments and expand in a direction generally perpendicular to the adjacent filaments. The polymer coating may contract/expand in response to an energy source, such as heat or a UV light source. The methods may include coating at least a portion of a plurality of filaments with a polymer, bundling the filaments into a fiber tow, and exposing the fiber tow to an energy source to contract the polymer in a direction generally parallel to the filaments and to expand the polymer in a direction generally perpendicular to the filaments. The filaments may be carbon fiber filaments.

Abstract: A fiber laying machine includes a laying head with a roller able to pivot about an axis of rotation and to apply a plurality of preimpregnated fibers to an application surface by rolling over the application surface. The fibers are distributed along a lower generatrix of the roller and in contact with an exterior surface of the roller over an angle of wrap. The roller includes a cylindrical body, pivoting rings around the body, and means for immobilizing the pivoting rings with respect to the body in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The pivoting rings are able to pivot independently of one another.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a scrim. The method includes depositing several band sections next to one another on a conveyor device that at least temporarily moves in a direction of transport. The direction of transport is oriented at a predetermined angle to a band direction and each band section has a front edge running in the band direction and a rear edge running in the band direction. The method also includes placing the band sections so that the rear edge of a first band section is adjacent the front edge of a second band section, calculating a rear-edge shape of the first band section and a front-edge shape of the second band section and placing the second band section on the conveyor device relative to the first band section as a function of a relation between the front-edge shape and the rear-edge shape.

Abstract: A fibre laying machine includes a laying head with a roller able to pivot about an axis of rotation and to apply a plurality of preimpregnated fibres to an application surface by rolling over the application surface. The fibres are distributed along a lower generatrix of the roller and in contact with an exterior surface of the roller over an angle of wrap. The roller includes a cylindrical body, pivoting rings around the body, and means for immobilizing the pivoting rings with respect to the body in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The pivoting rings are able to pivot independently of one another.

Abstract: A SMC lamination line is disclosed that has an upper carrier film and a lower carrier film with oriented chopped fibers being deposited between the carrier films. Resin paste or adhesive is provided to retain oriented fibers on the lower carrier film. A guide roller guides the carrier film in close proximity to an in-feed conveyor that feeds oriented chopped fiber unto the lower carrier film. The guide roller is preferably less than the diameter of the end roller of the feed conveyor. The guide roller is also preferably within the arc of movement of the ends of the oriented chopped fibers to ensure a smooth and non-disruptive transfer of the oriented chopped fibers to the lower carrier film.

Abstract: A fiber structure that can be embedded in a matrix for obtaining a piece made of composite material, includes a first fiber element having a first support surface, at least one L-shaped fiber element having a base that is flattened against the support surface of the first fiber element at a junction zone and a wing that is not flattened against the first fiber element, and another fiber element having one part flattened against the wing of the at least one L-shaped fiber element. The elements are assembled by tapping fibers from a second surface of the first fiber element so as to form loops, at least certain fibers being oblique relative to the second surface, in a plane that is perpendicular to the junction zone, wherein certain loops of the oblique fibers protrude to the outside of the outer surface of a wing of at least one L-shaped fiber element.

Abstract: A machine for producing a nonwoven feeds continuous filaments onto two surfaces that form a convergent passage. At least one of the surfaces is moving to drive the continuous filaments through the passage to form the nonwoven web. The continuous filaments have filament portions that are respectively received on the two surfaces to form spaced lateral web parts joined by a central web part formed by the continuous filament portions bridging the convergent passage. A vacuum is applied through the surfaces to assist placement of the filament portions and to direct the web as it emerges from the passage onto a horizontal take-up conveyor.

Abstract: Forming fabric for making a bulky web. The fabric includes a machine facing side and a web facing side having pockets formed by warp and weft yarns. A bottom of the pockets is formed an exchange of a different number of the warp and the weft yarns. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of composite sheets having a multiaxial fibrous reinforcement, which involves: forming a unidirectional lap of reinforcing threads, at least 50% by weight of which are co-blended threads consisting of reinforcing filaments and of filaments of an organic material which are intimately mixed, giving the said lap a cohesion allowing it to be lapped, lapping this lap on a support in movement, in a transverse direction in relation to the direction of movement, heating the reinforcing-thread/organic-material assembly, which is displaced in the direction of movement, and setting it by the action of heat, if appropriate by applying pressure, then cooling it to form a composite band, and collecting the said band in the form of one or more composite sheets. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method and to the products obtained.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric having characteristics resembling woven and knitted fabrics is produced by extruding a plurality of plural component fibers, where each fiber includes first and second polymer components with the first polymer component having a degree of shrinkage when subjected to heat. A nonwoven web of the extruded fibers is formed on a web forming surface and bonded. The bonded web of fibers are post-bond treated to shrink at least the first polymer component and separate at least a portion of the second polymer component from the first polymer component utilizing any combination of heat, mechanical agitation and dissolving of fiber components. The resultant nonwoven fabric has a texture, drape and feel of woven and knitted fabrics.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for opening and distributing a bundle of filaments when producing a nonwoven textile web by a technique which consists in: extruding melted organic polymer through a die perforated with holes, so as to form a bundle or curtain of filaments; then directing the extruded filaments by drawing by means of one or several fluid jets; and finally, receiving the bundle of filaments in the form of a web on a mobile conveyor belt. The invention is characterised in that it consists of an assembly arranged downstream of the outlet of the drawing assembly and separate therefrom, said assembly comprising, arranged in the proximity of the drawing slot outlet, a diffuser comprising an intake zone shaped as a convergent nozzle extending over the whole width of the installation opposite the drawing slot outlet producing the web, extended by a divergent nozzle, said assembly being associated with a ramp electrostatically charging the filaments before they are received on the receiving belt.

Abstract: A method for the production of a multifilament carbon fibre-based longitudinal reinforcing element, designed to be incorporated in a rubber-based item. Said method comprises the following steps, whereby untwisted carbon fibres are plunged into an impregnating bath contained a solution of resorcinol-formaldehyde resin and rubber latex, the impregnated fibres are then dried and the dried fibres are subsequently twisted. The inventive method is characterised by the fact that it also comprises a step, during the impregnation step, consisting in opening out the carbon fibres by spreading out the constituent filaments thereof in such a way that each fibre has an increased surface area on which the impregnation can be performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a transversely aligned web having filaments aligned in the transverse direction, comprising conveyor running in one direction, spinning nozzle disposed above the conveyor, an annular primary airflow nozzle, and at least one pair of secondary airflow nozzles disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the running direction of the conveyor.

Abstract: Method of producing a fibrous material layer mainly intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin or the like. At least one bundle of continuous filaments, so called tow (12), is opened and the filaments are separated and evened to a layer having the desired fiber distribution, after which the layer is bonded in points, spots or lines in a bonding pattern, but where the filaments otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric from spun fibers wherein the density of the spun fibers in the fabric varies between strips of relatively high density and strips of relatively low density. The strips extend along the length of the fabric in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the high density strips separated from each other by low density strips. The alternating high density and low density strips provide the fabric with a higher percent elongation in the cross direction than in the machine direction. The alternating pattern is achieved through use of a pattern screen defining a plurality of elongated air permeable regions separated by elongated substantially or relatively air impermeable regions, the elongated regions extending in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the air permeable regions separated from each other by the substantially or relatively air impermeable regions.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric from spun fibers wherein the density of the spun fibers in the fabric varies between strips of relatively high density and strips of relatively low density. The strips extend along the length of the fabric in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the high density strips separated from each other by low density strips. The alternating high density and low density strips provide the fabric with a higher percent elongation in the cross direction than in the machine direction. The alternating pattern is achieved through use of a pattern screen defining a plurality of elongated air permeable regions separated by elongated substantially or relatively air impermeable regions, the elongated regions extending in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the air permeable regions separated from each other by the substantially or relatively air impermeable regions.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric from spun fibers wherein the density of the spun fibers in the fabric varies between strips of relatively high density and strips of relatively low density. The strips extend along the length of the fabric in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the high density strips separated from each other by low density strips. The alternating high density and low density strips provide the fabric with a higher percent elongation in the cross direction than in the machine direction. The alternating pattern is achieved through use of a pattern screen defining a plurality of elongated air permeable regions separated by elongated substantially or relatively air impermeable regions, the elongated regions extending in the machine direction in an alternating pattern, with the air permeable regions separated from each other by the substantially or relatively air impermeable regions.

Abstract: A textile fiber processing machine includes a device for forming a fiber web from a fiber lap; a device for advancing the fiber web to a web outputting device for discharging the web thereby in a direction of advance; and two cooperating calender rolls defining a nip receiving the web discharged by the web outputting device. The calender rolls are situated immediately adjacent the web outputting device downstream thereof as viewed in the direction of web advance. Further, a heating arrangement is provided for heating at least one of the calender rolls for thermo-bonding the web as it passes through the nip of the calender rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bleaching and cleaning fibers of a fiber web. The method and apparatus includes continuously forming and moving a fiber web through a bleaching and cleaning station. Directing ultraviolet light onto the surface of the fiber web forming a bleaching and cleaning line. Selecting an intensity and frequency for the ultraviolet light sufficient to separate micro trash and dust from the fibers while simultaneously destroying pigment of the fibers. Collecting and removing the micro dust and trash while conveying the fiber web to subsequent fiber processing apparatus.

Abstract: A melt-extrudable thermoplastic composition is proved which includes a thermoplastic polymer and an improved additive system. In one embodiment, a melt-extrudable thermoplastic composition is provided which includes a thermoplastic polyolefin and an improved additive system made up of a first component and a second component, in which (A) the first component is a defined alkyl-substituted polysiloxane having a number-average molecular weight of from about 3,000 to about 36,000 and which is present in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 3 percent by weight, based on the amount of thermoplastic polyolefin; and (B) the second component is a hydrophobic fumed silica, in which the weight ratio of the first component to the second component is in the range of from about 10 to about 70. In a desired embodiment, the particles of second component are in the range of from about 0,001 to about 1 micrometer.

Abstract: A method producing a thermobonding interlining comprises the steps of depositing a non-woven layer of intermingled fibers or filaments presented in a general direction on a conveyor of wire netting, directing toward said conveyor weft yarns made of textured continuous filaments that are kept in a stretched condition and parallel with one another; depositing the weft yarns in a zone where the non-woven layer is being deposited such that the weft yarns are oriented crosswise to the general direction of and covered by the non-woven layer. Afterwards, such superposed weft yarns and non-woven layer assembly is subject to the high pressure jets of water from injectors disposed above the conveyor so that the weft yarns and the fibers or filaments of the non-woven layer are intermingled to obtain a base material of interlining. Then, the base material of interlining is dried in a thermal treatment. The dots of thermofusible polymer are deposited one face of the base material of interlining.

Abstract: A machine for producing a graphite fiber tape suitable for use in the protion of metal matrix composites by physical vapor deposition. The machine consists of adjacent air-tight enclosures. Two venturi pipes are located within the enclosures and aligned with a gap between them. A vacuum pump draws air out of one of the air-tight enclosures. Graphite fibers are drawn through the venturi pipes and laterally spread from a tow bundle via the Venturi effect to form a thin tape.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a blended tow of thermoplastic and reinforcing fibers. The process of the invention includes the steps of forming a substantially planar spaced array of thermoplastic multifilament yarns and superimposing the spaced array of separate yarns onto a spread tow of reinforcing fibers. The resulting planar mixed yarn is then gathered into a tow having a nonuniform distribution of thermoplastic fibers throughout the tow. The tow is useful in forming fiber-reinforced composite articles by shaping the tow into a desired form and then heating the shaped tow to melt the thermoplastic fibers which, in turn, form a plastic matrix which is reinforced by the reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: An air gun apparatus which permits stable, fine spinning and is capable of discharging fine filaments at a certain degree of dispersion and affording a non-woven fabric of uniform shape is provided. The air gun includes an air nozzle and an accelerator tube. The air nozzle has a filament inlet and outlet. The filaments are discharged from the filament outlet while being pulled by compressed air. The accelerator tube is formed at a specific diameter to length ratio and is connected to the air nozzle in the filament discharging direction. The non-woven fabric producing apparatus is provided with a guide tube and a separator nozzle, with an air flow rate regulator being disposed between the guide tube and the separator nozzle. The air flow rate regulator has an exhaust port for exhausting to the exterior a portion of the compressed air which is used for carrying the filaments.

Abstract: A fiber bundle comprising a plurality of composite fibers spun out of a spinneret is blown against a working net conveyor by a drawing force of a high-speed air stream while the air stream is sucked and removed from below the net conveyor to deposit the fiber bundle on the net conveyor to form a web, and the web is then heat-treated to develop crimps and the fibers thermally adhere together at their points of contact, thereby obtaining a nonwoven fabric, wherein the air stream is blown against the web from below the net conveyor for a time before the heat-treatment, with an intensity sufficient to make the web to float in such a manner that the bottom face of the web rise above the net conveyor by 0.2 to 30 mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for producing nonwoven fabrics. Generally, in production of nonwoven fabrics, in order to obtain a nonwoven fabric with a wide width, it has been impossible to obtain a uniform nonwoven fabric unless a large number of spinnerets ejecting fibers are installed in the width direction of the nonwoven fabric. The present invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for producing nonwoven fabrics capable of easily increasing the width of the fabric even when only few spinnerets are used.

Abstract: An air gun for producing nonwoven fabrics has an inlet, a carrier path and a compressed air blow port. The air gun receives filaments spun from high speed spinning nozzles and delivers them onto a screen belt to form a web. The inlet of the air gun receives the filament from the spinning nozzle. The carrier path then puts the filament on an air flow to deliver it while the compressed air blow port is open in the midst of the carrier path to an air inlet from a compressed air source. On a downstream side of the carrier path from the compressed air blow port an exhaust path is provided. When the filament is introduced into the inlet of the air gun, a part of the air flowing into the carrier path is discharged from this exhaust path. Because the exhaust path remains open during filament introduction, a negative pressure at the filament inlet increases thereby sucking the filaments into the inlet. The exhaust path can then be closed and the filaments will be drawn and delivered under constant traction.

Abstract: A coffee making machine of the type adapted to be connected to a mains water supply is provided with a reservoir having a level sensor controlling the water refill valve to the reservoir, and a heating element which is thermostatically controlled, the refill valve and the thermostat both being controlled by a single modular replaceable solid state circuit board. The level sensor functions to cause refill of the reservoir to the appropriate level for subsequent brewing of a full pot of coffee, irrespective of the mains water pressure and the route by which water may previously have been removed from the reservoir. The electronically controlled thermostat allows only small drops in temperature, e.g. 3.degree. F., before operating to reheat the water in the reservoir. The water can accordingly be stored at closer to the boiling point and delivered to contact coffee for brewing purposes at temperatures of not less than 200.degree. F.

Abstract: In the production of irregular non-woven material sheets of synthetic filaments, the warp from spinnerets is drawn off by means of a draw-off device and then deposited on a substrate. To avoid tangling of the individual filaments, they are guided along a nozzle wall formed by slot nozzles stacked on top of each other and forming a draw-off device. The slot nozzles as well as the air compressor are operated polytropically. The deposit of the warp on the substrate is accomplished by a flip-flop cross winding.

Abstract: A method of preparing a reinforcing web for a composite structure. A continuous strand is deposited in a bed of pins according to a desired pattern such as overlapped rows of shingled loops.

Abstract: To produce non-woven materials, endless filaments in the form of a warp are drawn off a filament draw-off nozzle to which are joined a filament offlet, a filament guide tube and a spreading extruder. An amount of compressed air under high pressure is admitted to the filament draw-off nozzle. By means of the invention the amount of compressed air at the filament draw-off nozzle is reduced and at the same time an additional amount of compressed air under relatively low pressure is admitted between the filament guide tube and the spreading extruder by means of a propelling nozzle. In spite of an additional amount of compressed air at the propelling nozzle the reduction at the filament draw-off nozzle is so large that for the isothermal compression output as a whole a considerable savings in energy of almost 30% can be achieved, and this while maintaining the important filament draw-off force necessary for the drawing of the filaments inside the filament offlet.

Abstract: A process for producing high performance, metallic coated staple fibers and nonwoven insulating webs made up of such fibers includes providing a nonwoven substantially two-dimensional web of fibers wherein at least a portion of 50 percent of the fibers are exposed to one or the other side of the web. This web is metallized with a low emissivity metal(s) and/or alloy(s) to produce a coated web wherein at least 50 percent of the surface area of the web fibers are coated with metal and or alloy. The coated web is shredded into individual, staple fibers which are thereafter united to produce a nonwoven, lofty three-dimensional insulating web having a density of between about 0.02 to 2 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: To produce non-woven materials, endless filaments in the form of a warp are drawn off a filament draw-off nozzle to which are joined a filament offlet, a filament guide tube and a spreading extruder. An amount of compressed air under high pressure is admitted to the filament draw-off nozzle, and by means of the spreading extruder provided with Coanda shells the warp is loosened before impacting on a screen conveyor. In order to achieve as evenly as possible a distribution and loosening of the warp, slot nozzles are provided on either side of the spreading extruder, which are supplied with a reduced amount of compressed air under relative low pressure. Simultaneously, a reduction of the amount of compressed air at the filament drawoff nozzle takes place.

Abstract: The instant invention involves a process used in preparing fibrous tows which may be formed into polymeric plastic composites. The process involves the steps of (a) forming a tow of strong filamentary materials; (b) forming a thermoplastic polymeric fiber; (c) intermixing the two tows; and (d) withdrawing the intermixed tow for further use.

Abstract: The instant invention involves a process used in preparing fibrous tows which may be formed into polymeric plastic composites. The process involves the steps of (a) forming a tow of strong filamentary materials; (b) forming a thermoplastic polymeric fiber; (c) intermixing the two tows; and (d) withdrawing the intermixed tow for further use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing spun bonded nonwoven fabrics which have a highly uniform fleece structure and a uniform weight per unit area. In the method, a plurality of linear ranks of filaments, disposed side by side are spun from a plurality of long spinnerets. The filaments are aerodynamically drawn downward, stretched, and then fixed on a moving screen. The linear ranks of filaments are deflected and set in a pendular movement. The ranks are carried on an air cushion on the moving screen through a spreading section in which the ranks of filaments are turned around and laid down in a criss-crossing and substantially loop-like manner, and are fixed on the screen by vacuum.

Abstract: A robotized apparatus for forming a web to be used as a reinforcement in a plastic composite. The apparatus has a dispensing head including a freely rotatable tube which is moved according to a desired pattern. The tube terminates in a horn from which a continuous strand is delivered into a bed of pins.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric is produced by the transportation of a fiber flow at an angle which is less than 90.degree. to the transport direction of the non-woven fabric to be manufactured, with the feed rate of the fiber flow being controlled, the fibers which are to form a fiber layer being placed next to one another, and with the formed fiber layer being simultaneously, and in the lateral border areas of the fiber layers, being consecutively, combined with the preceding fiber layer, reinforcing the produced non-woven fabric. The angle of the fiber flow to the transport direction of the non-woven fabric to be manufactured is set between 0.degree. and 89.degree.. The controlling of the fiber flow comprises monitoring of the quantity feed rate and/or dissociation of the fiber flow and/or fiber mixing, immediately prior to the formation of a fiber layer.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric is produced by the transportation of a fiber flow at an angle which is less than 90.degree. to the transport direction of the non-woven fabric to be manufactured, with the feed rate of the fiber flow being controlled, the fibers which are to form a fiber layer being placed next to one another, and with the formed fiber layer, including lateral border areas of the fiber layers, being combined with the preceding fiber layer, reinforcing the produced non-woven fabric. The angle of the fiber flow to the transport direction of the non-woven fabric to be manufactured is set between 0.degree. and 89.degree.. The controlling of the fiber flow comprises monitoring of the quantity feed rate and/or dissociation of the fiber flow and/or fiber mixing, immediately prior to the formation of a fiber layer. In order to combine the formed fiber layer with the preceding fiber layer, this is placed adjacent to the formed fiber layer, or placed on at least one formed fiber layer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for the production of a non-woven fabric by melt-blowing wherein one or more yarns, e.g. monofilaments, are added or charged into the fabric stream between the extruder and collector by means of a supporting and drawing pressure gas stream. In one embodiment means are provided to regulate flow of the gas stream. In another embodiment means are provided to reciprocate or to rotate through a small arc the one or more charging means.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a reinforcement product for use in cement boards and a method of manufacturing said product and of manufacturing cement boards using this product.The reinforcement product of the present invention comprises cross-layered webs of plastic fibres with a preponderance of fibres laid in the trans-axial direction, and continuous filaments or fibrillated tapes located between the layers to impart a high degree of strength in the axial direction. The cross-layered web and the filaments or tapes are compacted to form a reinforcement product which can be rolled up and handled for further processing on cement board forming machines. The webs of plastic fibre are formed by monoaxially orientating on extruded sheet of plastics material in axial direction, then fibrillating the sheet to form a cohesive fibre mass which is cut into lengths and carded to break up the film into a coarse fibrous mass which when stripped from the carding machine forms said plastic fibre web.

Abstract: A process for producing thermal-insulating nonwoven bulky product characterized by its structural make up of substantially continuous single filaments of from about 0.01 to 2 denier which are stabilized on themselves in the product by a surface binder on the filaments.

Abstract: A fibrous material composed of multifilaments is forced out of a spinneret with a fluid to collide with an impingement plate thereby separating the filaments, said impingement plate having as its impinging surface a material which creates a negative electrical charge on the surfaces of the filaments of the fibrous material upon impingement. This greatly improves separation of the filaments and permits production of non-woven sheets with high uniformity.

Abstract: An improved fluid operated forwarding and drawing apparatus for continuous filamentary materials including a jet nozzle structure defined by a fluid outlet port from a fluid plenum chamber and a filament guide tube where the nozzle has a converging acceleration zone, a throat, a diverging expansion zone and a converging transition zone. A small diameter friction tube abuts an exit to the transition zone. The device is adjustable during set up and operation whereby close manufacturing tolerances are not required and operating parameters of the nozzle may be easily varied. The device is operable at low air pressures, low air consumption and low noise levels while handling filamentary materials at high linear velocities. A process for drawing and forwarding filamentary materials is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for forming nonwoven webs by spinning filaments into a quench chamber where they are contacted with a quenching fluid, then utilizing the quench fluid to draw the filaments through a two-dimensional nozzle spanning the full machine width, and collecting the filaments as a web on a porous surface. In contrast with the prior art, low motive fluid pressures can be used, and a non-eductive drawing means utilized to minimize air turbulence and the resulting filament entanglement in the drawing means while maintaining substantially constant cross machine filament distribution. The apparatus and process reduce problems relating to filament breakage and spreading and result in increased productivity and improved web formation. Other advantages include the ability to continuously spin highly pigmented polymer filaments and reduced hazards associated with high noise levels.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for dispersing a plurality of closely associated filaments so that the dispersed filaments are capable of being deposited, in a random, convoluted pattern, on a moving web-forming surface to form a high machine-direction strength nonwoven product. The filaments are preferably dispersed by impinging same against a fluid-dynamically-assisted, contoured deflection means, preferably comprising a curved, downwardly inclined deflection element which is continuously traversed, generally codirectional with the filament flow, by a stream of air.

Abstract: Apparatus for fluidically attenuating streams of molten material into filaments is provided comprising; a base having a first chamber and a recess separated by a wall having a plurality of apertures therethrough, said first chamber being adapted to receive a fluid; a first member having a first arcuate surface and a distal end, the first member being adapted to be joined to said base such that first arcuate surface is adjacent said recess and said apertures of said base; a second member having a second arcuate surface, a head region, and a third arcuate surface, said head region being located intermediate and contiguous with said second and third arcuate surfaces, said second member being joined to said base such that said second arcuate surface is positioned adjacent said recess and said apertures of said base such that said first arcuate surface, said second arcuate surface and said head region form a smoothly converging passageway, the head region being positioned relative to the distal end to form an outl

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dispersing a plurality of filaments, moving at high velocity, without substantial fiber aggregation, for subsequent uniform deposition on a web-forming surface, by the use of opposed Coanda nozzles. The Coanda nozzles are operated under nonsteady-state conditions whereby a substantially nonsymmetrical filament pattern is created between the opposed Coanda surfaces.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for forming filaments comprising: means for supplying a plurality of streams of molten material; attenuation means for supplying of moving fluid to attenuate said streams into said filaments; said filaments being entrained in said fluid moving from said attenuation means; and means for separating said filaments entrained in said moving air comprising a foraminous surface having; (a) an intercept region oriented to form an acute angle between a path defined by the entrained filaments approaching said intercept region; and (b) a concave region contiguous with said intercept region oriented such that at least a portion of said concave region is positioned substantially transverse to said path such that a portion of said air passes through said foraminous surface and a portion of said air moves along said foraminous surface to move said filaments therealong.