Abstract: Method of producing a nonwoven material, includes forming a web of continuous filaments on a forming member (12) and applying a wet- or foam formed fiber dispersion containing natural fibers and/or synthetic staple fibers on top of the continuous filaments. A fibrous web is thus formed containing continuous filaments and natural fibers and/or synthetic staple fibers, this web subsequently being hydroentangled to form a nonwoven material. Moisture is applied to the web of continuous filaments under a low pressure before laying the wet- or foam formed fiber dispersion on the web of continuous filaments, avoiding any substantial bonding between the filaments in the web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flexing a web is disclosed. The web passes over two co-rotating members, such as rollers or belts, which are separated by a small adjustable gap. The web travels around the first rotating member, is peeled off in the vicinity of the gap, bent back on itself in a small radius and reattached on the second co-rotating member. The location of the small radius is fixed with a closed loop control system sensing the radius location and controlling the relative velocity of the two members. Strain in the web is adjusted with the size of the small radius, which is controlled by the adjustable gap and radius location.

Abstract: In a molded surface fastener (10) having engaging elements (2) of minute dimension of thermoplastic resin molded together with a base member (1) by continuous molding, each engaging element (2) comprises first and second engaging portions (22a, 22b) each having a different configuration extending in parallel to a surface of the base member from a top end of a pillar portion (21) rising from the base member (1) such that they intersect at right angle. The second engaging head (22b) has an ordinary hook shape structure while the first engaging head (22a) has a wing-like thin plate structure as seen in a plan view. The engaging elements having such a structure in which each engaging element has appropriate engagement force, shearing force and separation force so as to keep an excellent tactile feeling of a surface of the surface fastener, prevents itself from falling down against a pressing force, secures a high engagement ratio with mating pile pieces and satisfies a durability.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a carrier tape by heating the tape at a heating portion and embossing the tape by heat molding at a molding portion while a long sheet of the tape made of a thermoplastic resin is intermittently transferred by pitch transfer, the apparatus comprising a temperature-maintaining portion having a length approximately corresponding to one pitch disposed between the heating portion and the molding portion; and a process for producing a carrier tape using the apparatus, the process comprising heating the tape at a heating portion, maintaining a temperature of the heated tape at a temperature-maintaining portion and embossing the tape by heat molding at a heat molding portion while a long sheet of the tape is intermittently transferred by pitch transfer. The length of the rib portion connecting embossed portions is decreased by contriving the heating method of the tape.

Abstract: A biodegradable laminate sheet having as its object to provide a formed body superior in heat resistance, shock resistance, transparency and formability, and having non-stretched polylactic acid-family resin layer of which the crystallinity is 20% or less, and a layer comprising a biodegradable resin other than a polylactic acid-family resin.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an endless non-woven tissue making fabric having a three-dimensional texture suitable for use as a fabric for producing three-dimensional fibrous webs. The endless non-woven tissue making fabric comprises a plurality of substantially parallel adjoining sections of non-woven material. Each section of non-woven material has a width substantially less than the width of the non-woven tissue making fabric. Each section of non-woven material may be joined to at least one other adjoining section of non-woven material. The non-woven tissue making fabric has a machine direction, a cross-machine direction, a tissue contacting surface and a tissue machine contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface comprises solid matter at a plurality of heights such that the tissue contacting surface of the non-woven tissue making fabric has an Overall Surface Depth of at least 0.2 mm in regions of solid matter on the tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a multilayer polyester film comprising a layer A and a layer B which are laminated alternately, the layer A constituting the outermost layer on both sides of the film, wherein (1) the layer A comprises a polyester A, and the layer B comprises a polyester B, (2) the melting point of the polyester A is higher than the melting point of the polyester B by at least 15° C., (3) the layer A is a layer having an oriented structure, and the layer B is a layer having a substantially unoriented structure, (4) the ratio (a/b) of the total thickness (a) of the layer A to the total thickness (b) of the layer B is 0.01 to 3, and (5) the in-plane tensile strength of the multilayer polyester film is 50 MPa or lower at a maximum, and the difference between its maximum value and minimum value is 20 MPa or smaller; and a method for producing the multilayer polyester film.

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting section of a plasticized ceramic extrudate includes a marking assembly for applying an orientation reference mark to a plasticized ceramic extrudate exiting an extrusion die onto an extrudate support, and at least one extrudate-contacting deformable roller having an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation is pivotable with respect to a movement of the extrudate exiting an extrusion die, and wherein the roller is adapted to contact the extrudate and correct a corkscrew deformation of the extrudate exiting the extrusion die. The apparatus also includes at least one extrudate-contacting orientation control member for correcting the orientation of a cut section of the extrudate on the extrudate support in response to a misalignment of the reference mark.

Abstract: An improved dough sheeting system and method which allow for improved selection of sheeter gap size and which provide a quick release mechanism to prevent damage to sheeter rollers. Hydraulic actuators, attached to a movable roller, hold the roller in a fixed position relative to an opposing roller. The actuators are engaged with a closing force in excess of the force exerted by the sheeted material against the rollers thereby ensuring that the rollers maintain a gap of fixed width. Thermal expansion blocks mounted to the frame or housing of the opposing roller provide a means for fine adjustments in the sheeter gap.

Abstract: The use of a heat-stabilized, heat-set oriented film comprising poly(ethylene naphthalate) as a substrate in, or in the manufacture of, an electronic or opto-electronic device containing a conjugated conductive polymer, wherein said film has a shrinkage at 30 mins at 230° C. of less than 1%; and a composite film comprising such a substrate layer and on a surface thereof a barrier layer.

Abstract: Forming a fastener component having heads constructed to engage loops formed e.g. of fibers of a mating component, comprises forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends, by a process having a machine direction and a cross-machine direction. Each molded stem has at least two terminal features spaced from one another in the cross-machine direction, the features having a transverse shape about which engaging fibers can bend, the features having a thickness of about 0.25 mm (0.010 inch) or less, preferably about 0.20 mm (0.008 inch), and for personal care products and the like preferably about 0.1 mm (0.004 inch) or less. The terminal ends of the features are heated to a predetermined softening temperature and the terminal ends are contacted to reform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base sufficiently to engage loops.

Abstract: A process for producing a continuous alumina fiber blanket by heat treating an alumina fiber precursor formed from a spinning solution containing an aluminum compound, by using a specific high-temperature furnace capable of high-temperature heat treatment. According to this process, a continuous sheet (W) of alumina fiber precursor formed from a spinning solution containing an aluminum compound is supplied continuously into a high-temperature furnace and subjected to heat treatment while being conveyed in one direction by plural conveying mechanisms (2, 3) disposed in said high-temperature furnace. In this operation, the speed of said conveying mechanisms is reduced progressively in the direction of conveyance in correspondence to the rate of heat shrinkage of the continuous sheet (W) of alumina fiber precursor, thereby to lessen fiber crush in the alumina fiber precursor and obtain a continuous alumina fiber blanket with uniform thickness and high bulk density as well as high strength.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for making porous thermoplastic nibs which are adhesive-free and plasticizer-free. The method comprises the steps of feeding a coherent fibrous structure into a compacting, shaping and bonding die, heating the surface of the fibers uniformly by surrounding them with a hot fluid and causing their surfaces to become tacky and to develop a cohesive bond between the fibers.

Abstract: A filter is provided including a synthetic filter material formed into a filter structure and having at least one embossment having a depth of at least about 1.5 mm, preferably at least about 4.0 mm, and more preferably at least about 5.0 mm. A method for making the filter is also provided, and results in a filter which is formed without rupture of the material.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing flat cables with electric conductors embedded in an isolating material which are arranged at a certain distance from each other, parallel to each other. According to this invention, the band shaped conductors are guided separately in a plane forming two sides of a surface. The surface sides have insulating layers based on thermoplastic synthetic materials. According to this invention, at least one of the insulating layers which covers the surface sides is produced by extrusion coating of a thermoplastic melt.

Abstract: A running length of fastener product is formed of longitudinally pre-oriented synthetic resin. The product is characterized by a base web and an array of discrete fastener elements protruding from at least one side of the web, the web being in a laterally stretched molecular oriented condition. After forming a preform having discrete fastener elements integral with a base web in a stretchable state, the preform is stretched in a manner that substantially increases the fastener element spacing and reduces the thickness of the base web. A machine is shown that is capable of lengthwise orienting before forming and widthwise stretching after forming, which employs controlled heating to render the product widthwise stretchable while preserving or achieving a desired shape of the fastener elements.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayer film is provided, including the steps of forming a core layer of a polypropylene film, monoaxially orienting the core layer in a first direction, and providing at least one multilayer cap layer to at least one side of the core layer to provide a multilayer film. The cap layer includes a non-crystallizable, amorphous polyester layer having a sufficient proportion of a non-crystallizable, amorphous polyester to render the amorphous polyester layer non-crystallizable and a first tie layer interposed between the polyester layer and the core layer, the first tie layer including an adhesive. The multilayer film is then oriented in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: A hook fastener member having rows of molded hook-shaped fastener elements that lie in planes aligned with the rows, with generally planar plate portions at the outermost ends of at least some of the fastener elements, the plate portions lying generally parallel to the base of the fastener member. The plate portions can enhance engagement of the hook fastener members with mating loop fastener members, particularly with low loft non-woven loop fastener members. A method of making fastener members is provided. Molten resin is extruded and applied to a molding roller, creating preforms. The outermost portions of at least some of the preforms are flattened, thereby forming generally plate shaped portions. Disposable absorbent garments advantageously incorporate the hook fastener members.

Abstract: A construction product made from an extrudable composition formed into various shapes for use in deck-building systems and other applications is disclosed. The extrudable composition prepared from polyethylene polymeric compounds, such as HDPE, and mixed with a mineral such as fiberglass, mineral wool or sand, along with a pigment, has sufficient strength and other advantageous properties to be useful for those construction applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a densified surface layer on a thermoplastic blanket. The apparatus includes first and second continuous belts, a treatment zone defined between those belts, first and second heating and densifying units and a cooler downstream from the heating and densifying units. The method includes the steps of continuously forming a densified surface layer on a face of a thermoplastic blanket and making the thermoplastic blanket with the densified surface layer to a desired thickness within strict dimensional tolerances. A densified thermoplastic blanket product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter element that comprises a porous molded web 10′ that contains thermally bonded staple fibers 12 and non-thermally bonded electrically charged microfibers 14. The molded web is retained in its molded configuration, at least in part, by bonds between the staple fibers 12 at points of fiber intersection 13. The web may be molded, for example, into the shape of filtering face mask 16.

Abstract: A process for production of a monolithic article from a web of fibres of oriented polypropylene polymer, comprising the steps of subjecting the web to elevated temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the polymer and compact it, and then cooling the compacted web, wherein an accelerated rate of cooling is employed down to 100° C. The process is of particular benefit when the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the fibres is 250,000 or below. The resultant articles have good stiffness and strength, yet with reasonable ductility. Similar articles cooled slowly are brittle.

Abstract: Recycleable releasing polyethylene terephthalate film coated with a coating of polyethylene emulsion, polyurethane dispersion, or a mixture of the two, with an acrylic or polyester cobinder, which film is uniaxially oriented and thereafter coated with the coating and oriented in a direction transverse to the direction of the film's uniaxial orientation to generate a biaxially oriented film having a uniaxially oriented coating and a method of making the film.

Abstract: In a process for fashioning a portion of a profiled bead (2), which has been extruded onto an object, in particular a pane (1), fastened in a treatment station (E), in which process an initially shapeless accumulation of material (4) is produced in the portion in question, which accumulation of material is given a final shape corresponding to the uniform cross section, of the profiled bead (2) by means of a moving tool (5), any excess material being expelled in order to be removed, the mass of material (4) is produced by the superposition of two portions of the extruded strip, the second portion being deposited after the die (D) has been moved and repositioned. Advantageously, the tool (5) is, according to the invention, automatically aligned on the profiled bead (2), immediately after the accumulated material (4) has been extruded and after the extrusion die (D) has continued its travel, without moving the object, and is brought into contact with this bead.

Abstract: Scrap material having both a thermoplastic polyurethane and a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol is recycled by blending the scrap material into a thermoplastic polyurethane composition and preparing a barrier membrane from theblended material. The virgin thermoplastic polyurethane and the thermoplastic polyurethane of the scrap material are polymerized using at least about 60 percent by weight, based on the weight of the polyurethane produced, of a polyester diol having a weight average molecular weight of at least about 500 and having from four to five carbon atoms between substantially all of the ester [—O—C(═O)—] groups. The blend material containing the virgin thermoplastic urethane and the scrap material is formed into a layer of a barrier membrane. The resulting membrane has a haze of no more than about 12%.

Abstract: A process for making a multi-layer sheet comprising: (1) extruding a sheet comprising a propylene polymer material; (2) forming a sheet by laying-up alternate layers; and (3) joining the sheets produced in steps (1) and (2) by applying heat to both sheets at a temperature sufficient to soften the surfaces to be joined, while simultaneously applying pressure to the sheet produced in step (1).

Abstract: Diffuse reflective materials proximate to a structure formed by thermally induced phase separation of a thermoplastic polymer and a diluent providing enhanced flexibility and reflectivity especially in the visible wavelengths of 380-730 nanometers are described. Such materials find a wide variety of application among combinations with other reflective layers. The diffuse reflective articles are useful in backlight units of liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, projection system displays, facsimile apparatus, electronic blackboards, diffuse white standards, photographic lights and the like.

Abstract: Exemplary mechanically-flattened fibers of the invention comprise generally elongate bodies having varied width or thickness dimensions and micro-diastrophic surface deformities. Preferred fibers are elongate synthetic polymer or multipolymer blend fibers for reinforcing matrix materials such as concrete, shotcrete, gypsum-containing materials, asphalt, plastic, rubber, and other matrix materials. Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers comprise subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers. Further exemplary fibers and methods involve mechanically-flattening intertwined or braided fibers or fiber bundles, thereby providing fibers having physical impressions thereon of the intertwinement or braidingand, optionally though preferably of micro-diastrophic surface deformities.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a liquid discharge head provided with a head main body including plural energy generating elements for generating energy for discharging liquid as a flying liquid droplet, and plural liquid paths in which the energy generating elements are respectively provided, and an orifice plate adjoined to the head main body and provided with plural discharge ports respectively communicating with the liquid paths and plural independent projections formed around the discharge ports and respectively corresponding to the discharge ports so as to enter into the liquid paths and to engage therewith. The method includes steps of forming the plural projections and the discharge ports while a continuous resinous film is transported; separating the film in a continuous manner in a predetermined size including the portion on which the discharge ports are formed, thereby preparing the orifice plate; and adjoining the orifice plate to the head main body.

Abstract: A thermoplastic folded honeycomb structure and method for the production thereof A strip of material is plastically deformed perpendicular to the plane of the material and folded in the direction of conveyance until the cell walls meet and are joined.

Abstract: A combination book binding machine with a plastic coil forming machine, whereby a plastic spiral coil is formed at a first raised temperature, then cut to a length sufficient for the plastic spiral coil to bind a book, cooled and then advanced toward a receiving coil conveyor of a coil binding machine, for binding the book with a plastic coil at the lowered cooled temperature. The binding machine and method for spirally binding a sheaf of papers into a book uses an adjustable speed drive to rotate the cooled flexible plastic spiral coil into respective holes in the book. The book has a plurality of holes in a row adjacent one edge of the book to receive the leading edge of the plastic spiral binding coils. A cylindrically shaped mandrel is spaced apart from a glidable block. The plastic pre-formed spiral binding coil is fed onto the mandrel from the distal end thereof, with the leading edge of the binding element facing and spaced apart from the book.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a pipe liner and the pipe liner itself. A thin walled pipe liner, after being provided cooled from a spool or extruded in tubular form and cooled, is deformed to a smaller cross section at ambient temperature. The pipe liner is then encased and held in its reduced cross section deformed shape by a protective sleeve which is co-extruded directly over the pipe liner. The sleeved pipe liner may then be wound on a drum for transport to a remote location. Ducts for water may pass through the pipe liner. Other ducts, for example, for fiber optics, may pass through the sleeve either within or outside of the deformed pipe liner.

Abstract: A process for embossing a flexible graphite sheet, and the flexible graphite article produced thereby is presented.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for making porous thermoplastic articles which are adhesive-free and plasticizer-free. The method comprises the steps of feeding a coherent fibrous structure into a compacting, shaping and bonding die, heating the surface of the fibers uniformly by surrounding them with a hot fluid and causing their surfaces to become tacky and to develop a cohesive bond between the fibers.

Abstract: Processes and systems to reduce sticking of graphite materials and particularly resin impregnated graphite materials to forming tools, such as an embossing roller, during a process of manufacturing articles from the graphite materials. In one embodiment, an aerosol spray non-stick material is intermittently sprayed upon the embossing rollers. In a second embodiment, one or more sheets of thin flexible solid non-stick material, such as polyethylene, are sandwiched between the graphite material and the embossing rollers. The system is particularly useful for manufacturing material useful in producing components of fuel cells.

Abstract: A flexible hose which has a hose body made of soft synthetic resin, a reinforcement made of hard synthetic resin wound spirally and joined to the hose body by fusion, and a conductor arranged inside the reinforcement in its longitudinal direction. The conductor does not adhere to the reinforcement and is movable. The hose body is formed by: extruding a tube made of soft resin from a head of an extruder; pressing and flattening the tube to form a strip; and winding the strip spirally with the adjacent side edges joined together.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a biaxially oriented polyester film which comprises: subjecting a polyester film to simultaneous biaxial stretching in a stretching apparatus constructed to simultaneously stretch the film in the lengthwise and widthwise directions thereof; and subsequently subjecting the film to successive biaxial stretching in the lengthwise and widthwise directions thereof in the same apparatus as mentioned above. With this process, a film can be efficiently formed, without film breaking, which film is small in thickness and greatly strong in its lengthwise and widthwise directions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stable material having enhanced extensibility and a method for making the same. A tensioning force is applied to a neckable material to neck the material. The necked material is then subjected to mechanical stabilization to provide a stabilized extensible necked material. The stabilized extensible necked material is easily extended in a direction parallel to the direction necking.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing of pre-inkable rubber stamps from micro porous thermo-plastic material (6) by use of thermal head (1), where material is compressed by not less than 0.5 mm and the controller switches on and off the heating elements (2) of the thermal head (1) in accordance with a pattern received from the computer, creating by melting the surface of the said material ink non-permeable elements, characterized in that the surface with the heating elements of the said thermal head has appropriate configuration that the stretching out of melted surface layer (5) of the said material under the elastic tension of the material (6) releasing from the compression by the thermal head (1) is avoided.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for making a low color copolymer of ethylene glycol, isosorbide and terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate. This copolymer, poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide) terephthalate, is useful for making bottles, hot-fill containers, films, sheet, fiber, strand and optical article applications. It can also be used to make polymer blends and alloys.

Abstract: A flexible structure comprises a plurality of starch filaments. The structure comprises at least a first region and a second region, each of the first and second regions having at least one common intensive property selected from the group consisting of density, basis weight, elevation, opacity, crepe frequency, and any combination thereof. The common intensive property of the first region differs in value from the common intensive property of the second region.

Abstract: A mushroom-type hook strip for a hook-and-loop fastener has a flexible backing of thermoplastic resin and, is integral with backing, an array of upstanding stems distributed across at least one face of the backing, each having a mushroom head. The stems have a molecular orientation as evidenced by a birefringence value of at least 0.001. The mushroom-type hook strip can be produced continuously by injecting resin into cavities of a cylindrical mold while evacuating and cooling the cavities so that the cooled resin becomes molecularly oriented, thus affording to the stems excellent stiffness, durability, and tensile and flexural strength.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing sheets, films, and articles of manufacture from a corn zein resin. A wet corn zein resin is formed including corn zein and a fatty acid, and the wet zein resin is cold rolled into sheets. The sheets are dried, and the dried zein resin is processed to form sheets, films, and/or articles of manufacture.

Abstract: An improved optical film having a continuous/disperse phase morphology and a method for making the same is provided. At least one of the continuous and disperse phases comprises a blend of homopolymers which are inter-reacted, as by transesterification. The resulting films exhibit a higher degree of birefringence for a given level of strain than analogous films in which the blend is replaced by a random copolymer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing camber from zipper with profiles having interlocking elements and or webs. The zipper is stretched longitudinally in a manner so that the interlocking elements stretch relative to each other. To this end, the zipper is fed to an idler wheel that may be spring loaded. From a set of first drive wheels and fed from the idler wheel by a set of second drive wheels. The second drive wheels are driven faster than the first drive wheels to effect the stretching. Alternately only the second set of drive wheels are driven and the stretch is provided by the spring loaded idler wheel or the zipper is driven around a static curved surface.

Abstract: A shrinkable iridescent film constitutes an oriented multilayer coextruded iridescent film having at least 10 generally parallel, very thin layers of substantially uniform thickness in which the contiguous adjacent layers are of heat shrinkable thermoplastic resinous material, each of which is heat shrinkable in at least one dimension in the plane of the film, the continuous adjacent layers being substantially uniformly shrinkable so as to have refractive indexes which differ by at least 0.03. The shrinkable film is made by selecting appropriate thermoplastic resinous materials, coextruding them into a thick film and then subjecting the film to orientation below the heat set temperature of the resinous materials.

Abstract: Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers involve subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers.

Abstract: Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers involve subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers.

Abstract: A method for forming a compound material by intermittently heating and pressurizing a composite material reinforced by fibers. The method is made up of a pinching step of pinching and fixing the upstream end and the downstream end of the composite material; a heating/pressurizing step of heating and pressurizing the pinched and fixed composite material intermittently; and a moving step of releasing the compound material and sending the material to the downstream direction after termination of the heating/pressurizing step; during the pinching step, tension toward the downstream advancing direction is provided to the downstream end of the composite material, and during the moving step, the amount of movement of the compound material at the downstream side is set to be greater than the amount of movement of the compound material at the upstream side, thereby straightening the fibers in the compound material linearly.