Abstract: An exemplary down and fiber blend may comprise a first weight of down having a water-resistant coating applied thereto, and a second weight of water-resistant fiber. The water-resistant treated down is preferably dried prior to mixing with the chosen fiber. The fiber in the blend may preferably be a polyester fiber, such as a polyester staple microfiber. A method of forming a down and fiber blend may include the gradual introduction of the fiber into a mixing box in which the water-resistant treated down is being stirred. Fiber and mixing parameters are also provided which have been determined to result in optimal performance characteristics of the fiber blend. In the microfiber blend embodiments, each strand may preferably have 6 to 9 crimps per inch, and the microfiber strands may preferably be 0.8 to 1.4 denier.

Abstract: Smoking articles including filter elements formed from two or more fibrous inputs with different physical properties are provided. The two or more fibrous inputs are provided in the form of staple fibers, which are at least partially entangled with each other to form a mixed fiber sliver. The mixed fiber sliver includes a first plurality of cellulose acetate staple fibers blended with a second plurality of staple fibers comprising a polymeric material different from the first plurality of staple fibers, such as staple fibers of a degradable polymeric material. The entangled fibers of the mixed fiber sliver may be sufficiently separated from one another such that blooming operations typically required in filter element production may not be necessary prior to incorporating the mixed fiber sliver into a filter element. Related methods, apparatuses and mixed fiber products are also provided by the disclosure.

Abstract: Spun-dyed aramid fibers, wherein spun-dyeing was performed with a completely organic pigment exhibiting the chemical structure of formula (I): wherein, independently from one another, R1 represents a substituent of formula Xa or a substituent of formula Xb: wherein Xa is linked via the group NH having two bonds in the structure represented by Xa, whilst Xb is linked via the carbon atom, which is in a para relationship with the NH2-group of Xb; and R2 represents H or NH2. The spun-dyed aramid fibers exhibit constant colouristic properties and wash proof properties.

Abstract: A bulked yarn comprising a bulked single spun yarn obtainable from a composite twisted yarn in which a single spun yarn and a water-soluble yarn together in a direction opposite to the twisting direction of the single spun yarn by dissolving and removing the water-soluble yarn in a hydrophilic solvent from the composite twisted yarn is prepared. When the bulked yarn with a length of 100 cm is hung down in a state where both ends of the yarn are fixed at a distance of 10 cm from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravitational force, twisting does not occur or an average value of the distances from the uppermost end of a twisting section to the first and second fixed ends of the yarn is 30 cm or more. The bulked yarn has excellent texture, lightweight properties, and anti-pilling properties, as well as excellent weaving and knitting properties and productivity.

Abstract: A tissue paper crimper of greater rigidity is provided by mounting crimper disks to linear bearings which in turn are mounted to a carriage which can be positioned in the cross machine direction on a frame. The crimper disks are pressed against anvil roll pneumatic actuators. The use of linear bearings allows the crimper to run at higher operating speeds. An air knife is positioned so that a jet of air following a Coanda surface periodically blows against the rotating crimping wheel and thereby removes fibers before they build up. Buildup of fibers on the crimping wheels from the tissue webs being crimped can cause the wheels to become unbalanced, resulting in undesirable vibration. The rigid mounting and the prevention of fiber buildup will allow the crimper of this invention to operate at higher machine speeds.