Abstract: A process of treating whole cottonseed to improve the handleability and digestibility of the cottonseed is provided. In general, the process comprises the steps of: (a) adjusting the pH to equal or greater than eight of an aqueous composition having a sugar concentration of at least 5 percent by weight; and (b) applying the aqueous composition to whole cottonseed. According to another aspect of the invention, the process further comprises the step of drying the whole cottonseed after applying the aqueous composition. According to a modified process of treating whole cottonseed to improve the handleability and digestibility of the cottonseed, the process comprises the steps of: (a) applying an aqueous sugar composition having a sugar concentration of at least 5 percent by weight to the whole cottonseed; and (b) applying a basic aqueous solution having a pH equal to or greater than eight to the whole cottonseed.

Abstract: A process of treating whole cottonseed to improve the handleability and digestibility of the cottonseed is provided. In general, the process comprises the steps of: (a) adjusting the pH to equal or less than three of an aqueous composition having a sugar concentration of at least 5 percent by weight; and (b) applying the aqueous composition to whole cottonseed. According to another aspect of the invention, the process further comprises the step of drying the whole cottonseed after applying the aqueous composition. According to a modified process of treating whole cottonseed to improve the handleability and digestibility of the cottonseed, the process comprises the steps of: (a) applying an aqueous sugar composition having a sugar concentration to of at least 5 percent by weight to the whole cottonseed; and (b) applying an acidic aqueous solution having a pH equal to or less than three to the whole cottonseed.

Abstract: A method for cotton purification is described, where the cotton is subject to a purification process in water. The process solution contains calcium hydroxide and a non-ionic detergent wetting agent. Following this processing the cotton is rendered hydrophilic. The cotton is carried in a net with simultaneous removal of the adsorbed processing solution. It is then washed and bleached with H.sub.2 O.sub.2 or ClONa in a two-stage process. The effluent water is processed by anaerobic digestion in the thermophilic region for the production of biogas. The effluent water from the anaerobic digestion process is further processed by aerobic biological treatment. The whole process operates with energy self-sufficiency without resulting in environment pollution. Finally, a high purity cotton is produced with high water absorptivity which is suitable for spinning for the production of quality cotton yarns suitable for weaving quality fabrics or dyeing.

Abstract: System and method for optimizing the processing of materials, particularly the processing of cotton in a cotton gin or a textile mill. Cotton moisture, color, and foreign matter measurements are made with electronic sensors at three stations. For a gin, a dynamic programming model uses input information relative to the moisture and trash content, color, lint turnout, staple length, cotton price structure, and energy costs to select an optimum drying and cleaning sequence for the cotton. The dynamic programming model optimizes cotton producer profits by selecting the amount of gin machinery necessary to achieve the most beneficial market value while minimizing the machinery used. Automated directional valves are used to route the cotton through the selected optimum combination of seed cotton cleaners, multi-path driers, and lint cleaners.

Abstract: A system for detection of stickiness, neps, seed coat fragments (S.C.F.) and other fiber qualities comprising (i) an autocleaning microcarding device; (ii) a quality video camera for detection of the number and size of neps, S.C.F. and foreign materials per square unit space and of other qualities of the web; (iii) sticky rollers between which the web is pressed; (iv) a vacuum system pulling said cotton web after pressing; (v) at least one computerized stickiness detector; (vi) means for cleaning the rollers from the sticky lint; (ii) and a computer for processing the obtained data.

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 continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a non-woven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line system which includes a supply of fibers delivered from a bale opening device, a plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber preparation process and then through a fiber cleaning process where the fibers are individualized, opened, aligned and cleaned. A selective delivery system which is capable of moving the fibers through a multiple of stations during the precleaning process is provided. From the precleaning processes the fibers are processed into a fiber web and fed to a web stabilizing and bleaching apparatus which forms a stable bleached web. The bleached web is then passed through a drier unit. The dried bleached web is slit into a plurality of web strips or slivers which are fed to carding machines. The carding machines reform the fibers into a web which is hydroentangled and dried.

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a nonwoven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line system which includes a supply of fibers such as a bale opening device, a plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber opening process where the fibers are individualized and opened. The opened fibers are collected and fed through a blending system. The blended fibers are passed to a continuous flow bleaching unit comprised of a forming station and a bleachery. The bleached web is passed through a drier unit. The dried web is subjected to further processing which includes carding machines forming a blended fiber web and a hydroentangling machine stabilizing the web. The web is then rolled and readied for other processing. The final nonwoven web consisting of bleached cotton fibers may be made into highly purified and absorbent wipes, pads, and other articles for medical, industrial, or domestic use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combing wool in which the wool is heated prior to being fed to the combing process. The wool is heated by heat rollers or other means to a temperature such that it becomes more plasticized and better lubricated due to the liquification of the natural fat of wool which then acts better as a lubricant. As a result of this process, there is a reduction in the amount of noil produced. The invention is also applicable to various other animal-based natural fibers.

Abstract: A process for the air conditioning of a weaving machine includes generating, for the weaving machine, at least one conditioning air stream spaced from a warp of the weaving machine and directed towards the warp, and distributing the conditioning air stream in stages so as to form a downwardly directed displacement-type flow towards threads of the warp. The displacement-type flow is a non-turbulent, uniform flow over a cross-sectional profile of the flow.

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a non-woven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line system which includes a supply of fibers delivered from a bale opening device, a plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber preparation process and then through a fiber cleaning process where the fibers are individualized, opened, aligned and cleaned. A selective delivery system which is capable of moving the fibers through a multiple of stations during the precleaning process is provided. From the precleaning processes the fibers are processed into a fiber web and fed to a web stabilizing and bleaching apparatus which forms a stable bleached web. The bleached web is then passed through a drier unit. The dried bleached web is slit into a plurality of web strips or slivers which are fed to carding machines. The carding machines reform the fibers into a web which is hydroentangled and dried.

Abstract: Cotton seed are mechanically delinted by a process such as abrasion. To prevent the heat produced by the mechanical delinting from damaging the germination of the seed, the seed are mechanically cooled, or chilled, or refrigerated, to prevent the interior of the seed from being heated above 140.degree.. One method of chilling the seed is by spraying the seed with liquid nitrogen immediately before delinting.

Abstract: The housing of a cotton gin lint condenser is divided into four segments, namely: the lint inlet segment, the moist air inlet segment, the doffing chamber segment, and the dry air inlet segment. In operation, as the drum rotates a cotton batt is formed in the lint inlet segment. The batt is rotated to the humid air inlet segment where moisture is added to the batt by passing warm humid air through the batt. The moisturized batt is then rotated to the doffing chamber segment where the batt is doffed from the drum. The drum is then rotated to the dry air segment where dry air removes the moisture from the drum. The warm moist air moves beneath the lint slide to warm the lint slide surface to maintain it in a dry condition so that the lint does not stick thereto. Compression rollers are contained within the doffing chamber segment. The compression rollers have about the same diameter as the doffing rollers to prevent excessive lint from sticking to them.

Abstract: Conditioned gas flows are applied at various critical locations in instruments and apparatus for testing and processing textile fibers, such as cotton. In the context of test instruments, a standard test zone environment (which becomes part of the test record) is effected by the introduction of controlled conditioned gas flows directly into a testing zone, including into testing instruments themselves. In the context of processing apparatus, direct control of processing performance parameters is effected by "controlling parameters", which are in turn effected by the application of conditioned gas flows. A plurality of "performance parameters", which may be in conflict with each other, may be controlled in accordance with a predetermined compromise control strategy, carried out by feedback or feedforward control systems implementing modern statistical control approaches.

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a nonwoven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line system which includes a supply of fibers such as a bale opening device, a plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber opening process where the fibers are individualized and opened. The opened fibers are collected and fed to a blending system and then to web forming apparatus which forms a stable web. The web is processed in a continuous flow bleaching unit and then through a drier unit. The dried web is slit into a plurality of web strips or slivers which are fed to carding machines. The fibers are reformed into a web which is hydroentangled and dried. The web is then rolled and redied for other processing. The final nonwoven web consisting of bleached cotton fibers may be made into highly purified and absorbent wipes, pads, and other articles for medical, industrial, or domestic use.

Abstract: The cleaning or blow room line comprises at least one bale opening machine connected by ducts and at least one cleaning machine and a blender with a plurality of cards. The transport of the fiber flocks extracted by the at least one bale opening machine through the cleaning line is achieved by suction ventilators provided for such cleaning line. After at least one cleaning location a pressure sensor is arranged in an associated duct and delivers a signal to a control or regulator which controls or regulates, as the case may be, the size of a false air opening which co-dictates the air flow through the ducts. The false air opening can be constructed as an adjustable element in the form of a hinged flap or a slide element positioned relative to an opening in a duct, whereby the regulator controls the extent to which the flap or slide member is pivoted or slid, thereby adjusting the amount of air that is drawn into the duct.

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a nonwoven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line which includes a supply of fibers such as a bale opening device which opens bales of cotton fibers. A plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber opening process where the fibers are individualized and opened. The opened fibers are collected and fed to a blending system which includes plural blending units. The blended fibers are formed into a web and processed in a continuous flow bleaching unit. The fibers flow continuously through the bleaching unit as transported in the form of a web. The bleached fibers in the web are passed through a drier oven. The dried web of bleached cotton fibers is broken up by a fiber opening unit which separates the fibers from the web and opens the fibers for delivery to a carding system where the opened bleached fibers are carded into nonwoven webs and cross-lapped.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for reducing the adhesiveness of sticky plets on the surface of a cotton fiber comprising decoalescing the droplets and dispersing the contents thereof along the surface of the fiber wherein the dispersion is effected by passing the fiber between a pair of rotary rollers, the rollers being pressed against each other and being revolved at different relative speeds.

Abstract: A fiber tuft processing line for processing fiber tufts preparatory to spinning, includes a plurality of fiber processing machines, fiber tuft conveying ducts serially connecting the machines, a blower generating a fiber tuft conveying air stream flowing in the fiber tuft conveying ducts, and an air conditioning system for supplying conditioned air to the machines of the fiber processing line. The air conditioning system includes an air conditioner; conditioned air conveying ducts extending from an output of the air conditioner to the machines; a humidity sensor and temperature sensor for responding to humidity and temperature conditions in the processing line; and a regulator for operatively connecting the humdiity sensor and the temperature sensor with the air conditioner. The humidity sensor is arranged to respond directly to the humidity of the fiber tufts in the processing line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating cotton contaminated or imbued with honeydew. For this purpose, cotton flocks are fed into a microwave oven, in which the cotton flocks are heated by microwave energy, thus reducing the stickiness or tackiness of the honeydew such that there are no processing disadvantages on subsequent machinery. The microwave oven basically comprises a conveyor belt on which the cotton flocks are conveyed through a passage or channel provided with microwave generators. At the exit or outlet of the microwave oven the cotton flocks are transferred to an opening unit which transfers the cotton flocks into a feed chute or shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating cotton contaminated or imbued with honeydew. For this purpose, cotton flocks are fed into a microwave oven, in which the cotton flocks are heated by microwave energy, thus reducing the stickiness or tackiness of the honeydew such that there are no processing disadvantages on subsequent machinery. The microwave oven basically comprises a conveyor belt on which the cotton flocks are conveyed through a passage or channel provided with microwave generators. At the exit or outlet of the microwave oven the cotton flocks are transferred to an opening unit which transfers the cotton flocks into a feed chute or shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for reducing the stickiness or tackiness of cotton flocks. For this purpose, cotton flocks delivered by any suitable conveyor structure are received in a flock chute and brought, by rolls or rollers, as a fiber batt between a number of heated rolls or rollers, in order to be heated such that the stickiness or tackiness of the honeydew on the cotton is thus reduced to an extent which no longer has an adverse effect on subsequent machinery. Downstream of the heated rolls or rollers the fiber batt is again opened into cotton flocks by an opening roll or roller and fed to a pneumatic conveyor line through which the cotton flocks are fed to the subsequent machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for reducing the stickiness or tackiness of the fibers of honeydew-contaminated cotton flocks by heating the same. For this purpose, the cotton flocks while still in bale form are heated in a high-frequency electrical or electromagnetic field until the honeydew is brought to an elevated temperature and the water contained in the honeydew contamination is substantially evaporated, the temperature preferably being such that the cotton flocks reach a temperature in the region of the temperature of ebullition or boiling point of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for rendering harmless sticky material adhering to cotton fibers, termed "honeydew". According to the process the cotton is heated for a brief period of time to a temperature adequate to render said honeydew hard and brittle, and this without adversely affecting the cotton fibers. There are also provided means for effecting such treatment of cotton fibers in a continuous manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reducing the stickiness or tackiness of cotton flocks. For this purpose, cotton flocks delivered by any suitable conveyor mechanism are received in a flock chute and brought, by rolls or rollers, as a fiber batt between a number of heated rolls or rollers, in order to be heated such that the stickiness or tackiness of the honeydew on the cotton is thus reduced to an extend which no longer has an adverse effect on subsequent machinery. Downstream of the heated rolls or rollers the fiber batt is again opened into cotton flocks by an opening roll or roller and fed to a pneumatic conveyor line through which the cotton flocks are fed to the subsequent machine.

Abstract: Cotton fibers are wet finished in a simpler and quicker manner by forming the loose cotton fibers into an integral batt by needling utilizing a needling machine, or air laying equipment. After formation of an integral batt having a weight in the range of 10-32 ounces per square yard, the cotton fibers in the integral batt form are fed to a wet finishing range for effecting scouring, bleaching, steaming, finish application, washing, and/or drying thereof. Subsequently, the finished integral batt will be passed to a conventional fiber opener to break it back into fibers, or it may be taken up into a package for further processing. 100% cotton fibers, or cotton blends having at least 60% cotton fibers, can be processed.

Abstract: A process for conditioning cotton is described, in which cotton is brought to a moisture content of about 8-9%, by contacting it with humid air which possesses a residual relative humidity, after contact, of about 65% to 80%, and a temperature comprised between about 35.degree. C. and 95.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for rendering harmless sticky material adhering to cotton or cotton fibers, termed "honeydew". According to the process the cotton or cotton fibers is heated for a brief period of time to a temperature adequate to render said honeydew hard and brittle, and this without adversely affecting the cotton or cotton fibers. There are also provided means for effecting such treatment of the cotton fibers in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A moisture spray device is positioned in overlying relation to the link slide and the cotton batt which moves down the slide with photoelectric sensing devices being provided on the lint slide for controlling a valve that supplies water to the spray device thus controlling the discharge of moisture onto the cotton batt in response to the thickness of the cotton batt. Time delay switches are incorporated to prevent the moisture control valve from shutting down in the event of a momentary break in the cotton batt and to allow the lint cotton in the slide to start normal flow after the tramper starts.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrophilic cotton fleece made by a method of manufacture characterized in that during the operations of boiling and bleaching in an autoclave, treatment liquids are made to circulate radially through the turns of a coil in such a manner that a differential pressure is established between the liquid entering the coil and a liquid leaving the coil as a result of load losses due to the difficulty which the liquid experiences in passing through the coil, the resulting cotton fleece exhibiting improved cohesion, resistance to tearing and absorption properties.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of making a hydrophilic cotton fleece. The method is characterized in that during the operations of boiling and bleaching in the autoclave, treatment liquids are made to circulate radially through the turns of the coil in such a manner that a differential pressure is established between the liquid entering the coil and the liquid leaving the coil as a result of load losses due to the difficulty which the liquid experiences in passing through the coil. The invention is applied to the manufacture of a cotton fleece with improved adherence.

Abstract: A bale opener has a horizontally back-and-forth travelling assembly, including an opening device for progressively removing fiber material from a top surface of the bale during a working pass. The bale opener is combined with a spraying arrangement including a spraying nozzle mounted on the assembly for travel therewith as a unit. The spraying nozzle is oriented downwardly for discharging a downwardly directed fluid on the top surface of the bale during travel of the assembly.

Abstract: Fire retardant compositions in the form of a powder are produced from the following components:______________________________________ Component Parts by Weight ______________________________________ Aldehyde 70-140 Ammonium phosphate 50-250 Ammonium, alkali metal or 50-250 alkaline earth metal compound or salt Urea reactant 70-190 Hydroxy reactant 20-60 Phosphoric acid 150-250 ______________________________________Also provided are retardant compositions containing the powder and methods for treating substrates, such as paper or wood, as well as cotton, wool, and synthetic textiles to impart fire retardant properties thereto.

Abstract: A spinning preparation system and method for air-conditioning the same wherein a spinning preparation system having a plurality of fiber processing machines connected together defines a continuous fiber transportation path. An air-conditioning system is provided which is connected in such a manner that conditioned air is delivered directly to the fiber transportation path.

Abstract: An improvement in method and apparatus for drying seed cotton to a predetermined range of moisture content; including the steps and means for performing the steps of passing the cotton in contact with a first moisture sensor, subsequently passing the cotton through a drying system, subsequently passing the cotton into contact with a second moisture sensor located outside of the drying system, and using the combination of signals from the sensors to control the amount of moisture removed from the cotton while in the drying system; characterized by employing a plurality of the first moisture sensors so connected that the moisture sensors sensing the least moisture content will have its signal used in the combination of signals to control the amount of moisture removed. This compensates for a problem in the prior art of having a moist leaf or the like cause excessive drying of the seed cotton because of the high moisture contents sensed.

Abstract: A plurality of lint cotton quality measurements is made on lint cotton which is to be fed into the lint cleaning process in a cotton ginning system. The plurality of cotton quality measurements in the form of individual electrical signals is communicated to a synchronizing means which translates the quality electrical signals into a single electrical output signal fed into a controller which controls the flow of lint cotton into the lint cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A seed cotton drying system of the parallel flow tower type, having vertically spaced horizontal shelves alternately extending from opposite sides of the tower to locations near but spaced from the opposite side to define a continuing zig zag cotton flow path from the top of the bottom through which the cotton travels impelled by the conveying heated air. The spacing of the shelves increases from the top to the bottom, and fresh hot air is introduced between the shelves where there is an increase in shelf spacing.

Abstract: Apparatus for humidifying lint cotton in a cotton gin has a lint slide arranged for receiving a batt of cotton from a battery condenser and controlling movement of the batt over a grid made of longitudinally disposed tubular members placed inside the lint slide. Warm humit air introduced through the floor of the lint slide passes upwardly through the grid and, thus, through the cotton, and escapes into the ambient air after raising the moisture content of the cotton. A retarder device is provided on the slide for holding the cotton on the grid for longer exposure times, while the entire operation of the apparatus is controlled responsively to the action of the battery condenser of the gin.

Abstract: A seed cotton dryer system of the parallel flow tower type, having hollow vertically spaced horizontal shelves alternately extending from opposite sides of the tower to locations near but spaced from the opposite side to define a continuing zig-zag cotton flow path from the top to the bottom of the dryer through which the cotton travels impelled by conveying heated air. The hollow interior chambers of the shelves are supplied with heated air to heat the shelf surfaces and thereby facilitate drying, and the vertical spacing between shelves increases in one or more stages below the uppermost shelves providing for higher shelf velocity over the uppermost shelves. Means for recycling the cotton conveying air through the dryer and for monitoring the dew point of this conveying air to proportionately introduce fresh ambient air into the system and/or for monitoring cotton moisture content and automatically regulating heating of the drying air to regulate moisture content levels may be provided.

Abstract: an apparatus to reclaim lint-cotton and return it to the ginning process is disclosed. The apparatus comprises in combination a unique arrangement of condensing cylinders, feed cylinders, saw cylinders, grid bars, and doffing brushes used to collect, reclaim, and feed back lint-cotton into the ginning system.

Abstract: an apparatus for conditioning seed cotton during the ginning operation is disclosed. Seed cotton which is to be conditioned to a proper moisture content is fed through a rotating vacuum seal dropper onto a series of moving belts located within a conditioning chamber. The moving belts are arranged to retain the seed cotton for a predetermined critical period within the chamber. Conditioned air is circulated through the chamber and brought into intimate contact with the seed cotton thereby properly adjusting the moisture content. The seed cotton is then vented through a rotating vacuum seal dropper into gin processing equipment.