Abstract: Equipment for forming a tubular rod of fibrous material comprises: a gathering station constructed to receive a continuous supply of fibres and to gather the fibres into a bundle as the fibres advance through the equipment; a divider arranged in the path of the fibres through the equipment and constructed to from a cleft along the length of the bundle as it advances through the equipment; a mandrel positioned in the path of the bundle of fibres in alignment with the divider and constructed to form the cleft into a passage through the bundle of fibres as the bundle of fibres advances over the mandrel; and a die constructed and arranged to cooperate with the mandrel to form the fibres in a tubular configuration around the mandrel.

Abstract: A die or die assembly for forming a bundle of fibres into a rod or tube comprises a body (84) defining a passage 86) for conducting the bundle fibres through the die from an inlet to an outlet, a constriction (91) in the passage having an entrance shaped to form the fibres of the bundle into a desired configuration as the bundle passes through the die, and one or more conduits (92) through which a treatment fluid e.g. steam, for curing the bundle of fibres may be introduced into the passage, and wherein at last one conduit is arranged to discharge fluid in the immediate vicinity of the entrance to the constriction to facilitate passage of the fibres through the die and reduce the risk of blockage.

Abstract: Polypropylene composition comprising a polypropylene base material, a carbon fibre and an adhesion promoter with an excellent impact/stiffness balance, its preparation, articles comprising the composition and the use of the composition.

Abstract: A method of spreading fibres, the method comprises providing a continuous fibre bundle having an initial width Wa and causing the fibre bundle to run, in a running direction, through tensioning means and past or through fluid flow means, the tensioning means intermittently varying the tension in the fibre bundle and the fluid flow means producing a fluid flow through the fibre bundle as the tension varies in the fibre bundle, whereby the width of the fibre bundle increases to a spread width Wb. Apparatus (1) is also disclosed, which apparatus (1) comprises a tensioning means (3) to intermittently vary the tension in the fibre bundle (2) and a fluid flow means (4) for producing a flow of fluid through the bundle (2).

Abstract: A technique for stable, high-speed treatment of reinforcement fiber. In a state where a unidirectional fiber bundle is held between a supporting surface of a support and a pressing surface of a resonator ultrasonically vibrating in a pressing direction perpendicular to the supporting surface, a pressed part of the unidirectional fiber bundle pressed by the pressing surface is moved in a longitudinal direction of the unidirectional fiber bundle. By doing so, the unidirectional fiber bundle can be stably treated at high speed when the unidirectional fiber bundle is opened or impregnated with a resin.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to reinforcement materials for use in reinforcing flexible tank walls, and particularly to hybrid textiles and weaving patterns that have been found particularly useful with such hybrid textiles.

Abstract: A method of continuously producing an opened fiber bundle for a cleaning member while conveying a fiber bundle, includes the steps of applying a tensile force to the fiber bundle; relaxing the tensioned fiber bundle to open the fiber bundle; and blowing air in a direction intersecting with the machine direction of the belt-shaped fiber bundle through an air outlet of an air feeder, to further open the belt-shaped fiber bundle and widen the belt-shaped fiber bundle in the width direction. An outer portion in the width direction of the air outlet is disposed downstream in the machine direction, compared with an inner portion in the width direction of the air outlet.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a fiber-spreading method which can form a thin spread fiber sheet having a large and uniform spread width by uniformly distributing fibers of a fiber bundle having an increased number of fibers. Since a set of regions Si each including a pair of a fiber-spreading region Ai and an expansion region Bi are arranged in a movable region M set so that the fibers of the fiber bundle can move in the width direction, the fiber-spreading region Ai moving the fibers in the width direction while bending the fibers by letting a fluid pass through the fiber bundle, thereby spreading the fiber bundle to a spread width Wi (i=1, . . .

Abstract: [Means for Solution] A preliminary opening unit 1, an opening unit 2 and a swelling/shaping unit 3 are connected so as to form a communicated space for delivering a fiber tow 10 continuously. A fiber tow 10 is contacted with a particulate additive in a nozzle 32 of the opening unit (2), is opened in an opening zones Z1 and Z2, is swollen and shaped in the swelling/shaping unit 3 for obtaining a long-sized opening matter in which the fiber tow opening matter and the particulate additive are integrated.

Abstract: A steam-drawing apparatus has supply roll 1 that transfers carbon-fiber-precursor acrylic fiber bundle (T) in a transfer direction of fiber bundle (T); fiber-opening device 2 for opening fiber bundle (T); width control device 3 for controlling the width of fiber bundle (T); steam box 4 to provide steam for heating fiber bundle (T) to a temperature that allows fiber bundle (T) to be drawn; and haul-off roll 5 that transfers fiber bundle (T) at a speed faster than that of supply roll 1. Using width control device 3 provided at a position between supply roll 1 and steam box 4, the width of fiber bundle (T) after passing through width control device 3 is set to be 65˜110% of the width of fiber bundle (T) before entering the supply roll. The present invention proposes a method for producing a carbon-fiber-precursor acrylic fiber bundle using such a steam-drawing apparatus capable of conducting a high-speed drawing process of carbon-fiber-precursor acrylic fiber bundles at a high draw rate with stable results.

Abstract: [Means for Solution] A preliminary opening unit 1, an opening unit 2 and a swelling/shaping unit 3 are connected so as to form a communicated space for delivering a fiber tow 10 continuously. A fiber tow 10 is contacted with a particulate additive in a nozzle 32 of the opening unit (2), is opened in an opening zones Z1 and Z2, is swollen and shaped in the swelling/shaping unit 3 for obtaining a long-sized opening matter in which the fiber tow opening matter and the particulate additive are integrated.

Abstract: A system may include a plurality of tow band processing lines and a master air jet in communication with the tow band processing lines to receive a plurality of processed tow bands from the tow band processing lines to form a bulked web. The system may be used to form a bulked web that itself is a nonwoven material or that may be further processed into a nonwoven material.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a fiber-spreading method which can form a thin spread fiber sheet having a large and uniform spread width by uniformly distributing fibers of a fiber bundle having an increased number of fibers. Since a set of regions Si each including a pair of a fiber-spreading region Ai and an expansion region Bi are arranged in a movable region M set so that the fibers of the fiber bundle can move in the width direction, the fiber-spreading region Ai moving the fibers in the width direction while bending the fibers by letting a fluid pass through the fiber bundle, thereby spreading the fiber bundle to a spread width Wi (i=1, . . .

Abstract: A method of producing a spread multi-filament bundle along with an apparatus used in the same, by which a multi-filament bundle is spread with high speed and facility, and a high quality spread multi-filament bundle or sheet with the component monofilaments thereof aligned in parallel widthwise and uniformly distributed in density is produced.

Abstract: A method of producing a spread multi-filament bundle along with an apparatus used in the same, by which a multi-filament bundle is spread with high speed and facility, and a high quality spread multi-filament bundle or sheet with the component monofilaments thereof aligned in parallel widthwise and uniformly distributed in density is produced.

Abstract: A method of producing a spread multi-filament bundle and an apparatus is used in which an arbitrary number of multi-filament bundles of higher strength are simultaneously spread with high speed and a high-quality. A spread multi-filament bundle or sheet with the component monofilaments thereof aligned in parallel widthwise and uniformly distributed in density is produced. The respective multi-filament bundles fed from a yarn supplier or a creel are subjected to fluctuation of the tensile force applied thereto alternatively between tension and relaxation and the respective bundles as subjected to such fluctuation are passed in succession through a fluid flowing spreader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an absorbent composite from continuous tow is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes the steps of or means for spreading a crimped tow; de-registering the crimped tow; shaping the de-registered tow to a substantially rectangular cross-section; and distributing a particulate onto the shaped tow. The step of or means for spreading the tow uses at least two banding jets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an absorbent composite from continuous tow is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes the steps of or means for spreading a crimped tow; de-registering the crimped tow; shaping the de-registered tow to a substantially rectangular cross-section; and distributing a particulate onto the shaped tow. The method and apparatus also include the step of or means for introducing a crimped tow from a bale, wherein the tow's travel through de-registering, shaping, and particulate distribution, defines a vertical plane and the bale is located off the vertical plane.

Abstract: After yarns or tows (10) have been pre-spread and placed side by side substantially in a common plane, their surface is swept by at least one jet of air (22) displaced transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the yarns or tows so as to obtain a substantially unidirectional sheet (20) that is uniform.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing a microfiber structure for absorbing impact energy, sound energy and/or temperature, the structure being used in the ballistic field and in the sound and temperature isolation fields, wherein the method comprises to provide a plurality of threads consisting of microfibers, subjecting the threads to a pressurized air jet to open the threads by separating the microfibers into each thread and entangling the threads to form a mass of loosely-entangled microfibers, with the mass being confined the mass into a pack which may be appropriately compacted.

Abstract: After yarns or tows (10) have been pre-spread and placed side by side substantially in a common plane, their surface is swept by at least one jet of air (22) displaced transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the yarns or tows so as to obtain a substantially unidirectional sheet (20) that is uniform.

Abstract: The invention provides an air opening jet for use in a process for making a rectangular structure made from a tow of fibers, such air opening jet including a housing, an air jet for moving the tow through the housing and opening the tow, and an accumulating chamber that includes at least one, and preferably two, perforated plates located in the path of the moving tow, and an air control arrangement for controlling the flow of air so that the moving tow is urged into engagement with the perforated plates to retard movement of the tow and cause it to properly accumulate in the accumulation chamber. The invention also includes methods for using the air opening jet apparatus to produce multi-tow band products, and products produced by such methods.

Abstract: A process for improving the uniformity of yarn finish application on the individual filaments of a rapidly advancing synthetic continuous monofilament, bonded multi-filament, multi-filament hosiery, textile, technical and industrial yarns includes imparting a pneumatic false twist to the advancing yarn having a wet finish thereon while the yarn is under a tension allowing the rapid opening and closing of the multi-filament yarn but preventing texturing or coherency from increasing by commingling of the yarn filaments in the false twister. A nozzle has a reduced friction and can either be used as a stand-alone air bearing or to apply finish within the nozzle. A plurality of finish delivery orifices open into the chamber in a low pressure zone inside the nozzle, and wherein the exact same or slightly greater pressure that is used for the compressed air supplied to the air delivery orifices is used to actuate the finish supplied to the plurality of the finish delivery orifices.

Abstract: A tow of filamentary filter material for tobacco smoke which is to be converted into a rod-like filler of a filter rod is conveyed along an elongated path first through a stretching or tensioning zone where the filaments are stretched and the tow is converted into a relatively wide flat web, thereupon along a relaxing portion of the path wherein the tensioning action upon the filaments is reduced, thereupon along a third portion wherein at least one side of the running web is contacted by droplets of an atomized plasticizer, and thereafter along a fourth portion of the path wherein the web is gathered by reducing its width so that it more closely resembles a rod which is thereupon draped into a web of cigarette paper or other suitable wrapping material. A wind tunnel surrounds at least one portion of the path to confine at least one stream of air which is caused to flow in the direction of advancement of the tow. A tunnel can surround the stretching zone, the relaxing and/or the fourth portion of the path.

Abstract: The invention provides an air opening jet for use in a process for making a rectangular structure made from a tow of fibers, such air opening jet including a housing, an air jet for moving the tow through the housing and opening the tow, and an accumulating chamber that includes at least one, and preferably two, perforated plates located in the path of the moving tow, and an air control arrangement for controlling the flow of air so that the moving tow is urged into engagement with the perforated plates to retard movement of the tow and cause it to properly accumulate in the accumulation chamber.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method of producing a high-quality multi-filament spread sheet by spreading the filaments in such a manner that they are orderly disposed in parallel to each other without the quality deterioration and an apparatus used in the same as well as a multi-filament spread sheet produced in the same. The method and apparatus embodied in the present invention are intended to spread the filaments widthwise by subjecting a multi-filament oversupplied by a certain amount under a feeding control mechanism from a yarn supply section to a yarn winding section to air blowing crosswise with the multi-filament so as to transform the filaments into a multi-filament spread sheet. With this method and apparatus, it becomes possible to obtain various types of multi-filament spread sheets.

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 provides a method of providing a formable composite material comprising providing a reinforcing material (9) having a plurality of superimposed layers (1-6), each layer consisting of a plurality of unidirectional non-woven yarns or threads (10) laid side-by-side, the yarns or threads in at least some of the different layers extending in different directions, said layers being stitched (12) together, and before said stitching incorporating in or with the reinforcing material (9) a matrix material (7, 8).

Abstract: Air is blown into filter tow during or immediately after the application of plasticizer; this foams and distributes the plasticizer in the tow. Air may be delivered from a porous plate closely adjacent to the path of the tow or from nozzles in an air injecting unit. Alternatively air may be used to foam plasticizer at a location remote from the tow and foamed plasticizer subsequently conveyed to and into the tow by a roller.

Abstract: An air jet for producing a filter plug for cigarette comprising an imparting portion for propelling force to a tow-like fiber bundle and a beak portion, wherein said imparting portion is constructed by a trumpet (21) having a converged tip end region, a trumpet holder (23) coaxially and encirclingly assembled on the trumpet (21) so that a primary air chamber (26a) is formed between the bodies of the trumpet and the trumpet holder, and an annular slit (29) communicated with the primary air chamber (26a) is also formed between the tip end regions of the trumpet (21) and the trumpet holder (23). An inner tube (22) is disposed coaxially in front of the assembly of the trumpet (21) and the trumpet holder (23), whereby a fiber path through which the tow-like fiber bundle is fed to a tongue of a filter plug machine is formed through the air jet along the axis thereof; the fiber bundle being accelerated by a propelling force imparted by compressed air ejected from the annular slit (29) to the fiber path.

Abstract: Improving commingling two or more continuous multiple filament yarns into a single yarn by rubbing one yarn against a static charge-inducing body that is supported in an electrically isolated manner to apply static charge to the yarn to tend to cause separation of its individual multiple fliaments. Also disclosed is commingling apparatus in which individual filaments of a multiple filament yarn are spread from each other in an enclosure that contains a source of the multiple filament yarn and has a yarn exit opening through which the filaments leave the enclosure in a separated state, a vacuum source being to connected to an air removal opening so that air flows through and around the yarn at a direction transverse to the yarn to cause apreading of the filaments, the yarn from the source passing through a guide and a weighted dancer whose movements up and down (in response to changes in tension in the yarn) control a positive feed drive for the yarn source.

Abstract: A system and method for uniformly coating one or more fibers (10) with particles of a material is described. The method uses a vibrator preferably an acoustic speaker (17b) in a housing (17c) to fluidize the particles (P.sub.1) in a chamber (17 or 30) to deposit them on spread fibers (10b). The fibers can be in the form of a tow of fibers. After the articles are coated on the fibers, the particles can be bonded to the fiber such as by using a heater (19). The resulting product has a uniform deposit of the particles and in the case of the tow of fibers can serve as a prepreg for laminate structures to be produced from the coated tow of fibers.

Abstract: Continuous filament tow is partially deregistered, preferably by passing over threaded rolls; and, after being partially deregistered, fully bloomed in an air-blooming mechanism. The air-blooming mechanism draws the partially deregistered tow into a turbulent air flow, maximizing bloom; and then carries the tow after blooming directly into a casing for formation of pillows, cushions, or the like articles. The process is simple and economical.

Abstract: A method and system for spreading a tow of fibers (12) using the acoustic energy from a speaker (16a) or other vibrating device for a gaseous medium over which the tow passes as the fibers zig-zag between rods (16d) is described. The spread two of fibers are produced at high speed with uniform spacing and are used to make composites with plastics.

Abstract: A method for combining a relatively elastic yarn component with a relatively inelastic yarn component is disclosed, and wherein the two components are guided through a jet of high velocity air so as to entangle the filaments and produce a bulked composite yarn. To facilitate the air jet entangling operation, at least the inelastic yarn component is subjected to a filament spreading operation prior to its advance through the air jet. The method may also be incorporated in a false twisting process, and wherein the inelastic component is false twisted so as to transversely spread its filaments prior to its being brought into contact with the elastic component and subjected to the air jet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a synthetic continuous filament textured yarn is disclosed, and wherein the yarn is wetted prior to entering the texturizing nozzle. To effect a uniform and controllable wetting, the yarn is passed over a guide surface so that the filaments are laterally spread apart, and a jet of water is directed onto the advancing yarn from a direction opposing the guide surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a liquid additive to a continuous, multifilament tow includes a nonrotating tubular body and a nonmetallic element associated with the wall of the tubular body for contacting the multifilament tow as it is moved across the surface of the nonmetallic element. The nonmetallic element has an arcuate, external surface that is provided with a plurality of spaced openings formed in the nonmetallic element and which are in communication with an enclosure within the tubular body. Liquid additive is supplied to the enclosure and is transferred to the arcuate, external surface via the plurality of spaced openings for application to the multifilament tow as it contacts the arcuate, external surface of the nonmetallic element.

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: A method and apparatus are disclosed for splicing lengths of synthetic fiber tow. The tail of one length of tow and the lead portion of another length are each separated into an equal number of bundles. Bundles from the lead portion are overlapped with bundles from the tail portion to form overlapped pairs of bundles, which pairs are confined in a pair of separate, spaced-apart, open-ended passageways. Then, the overlapped pairs in each of the pairs of passageways are subjected to a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart jets of gaseous fluid oriented generally perpendicular to the length of the overlapped pairs. This causes fibers in the pairs of bundles from the lead portion and the tail portion to become entangled to form a splice between the lengths of full tow. With certain tows it is preferred that the direction of the jets in one of the passageways of each of the pairs of passageways is opposed to the direction of the jets in the other passageway of each of the pairs of passageways.

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: In a baffle tray for a fiber distributor, the tray has opposite curved walls, the lower edges of which of their midpoints are each provided with an arcuate recess to aid in uniform formation of a fleece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high speed processes and apparatus for the manufacture of cigarette filter rods. In accordance with this invention it has been discovered that in a process of manufacturing filter elements from opened and deregistered crimped continuous filament tow, wherein said tow is conducted from a mechanical forwarding means through an aspirating jet positioned adjacent a compacting means and wherein means are provided for dissipating aspirating fluid, that filter rod pressure drop and weight variations are reduced by causing the opened and deregistered tow to contact a drag inducing tow width and direction controlling means positioned substantially intermediate said mechanical forwarding means and said aspirating jet.

Abstract: Porous metal filters are adapted for use as liquid applicators for applying a liquid additive to a continuous, multifilament filter tow in connection with the manufacture of filter rods from the tow.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, entrained, dense particulate materials are removed from an elongated body of less dense fibrous materials being transported by a moving fluid stream by reducing the velocity of said fluid stream by an amount and for a time sufficient to release a substantial portion of said dense particulate materials, but insufficient to stop the transport of the elongated body of less dense fibrous material by the moving fluid stream.

Abstract: A system and method for venting cooling air from a plurality of filaments with which said air has been associated, employing a Coanda flow attachment means, including a Coanda flow attachment surface, to separate the filaments and air into respective streams, and then to divert said air stream in a direction away from said filament stream.

Abstract: An improved jet device for treating a continuous, multifilament filter tow is disclosed wherein discharge means affixed to the exit end of the jet tube of the device are modified to present a smooth streamlined surface to the moving filter tow and to prevent accumulation therein of liquid addendum dislodged from the filter tow.

Abstract: A jet and improved bustle tow blooming apparatus, the jet and bustle apparatus both being rectangular-shaped and the bustle apparatus having vented outlets through which the gases confined with the tow escape causing separation and blooming of the tow prior to its exit from the bustle apparatus.

Abstract: Process for treatment of crimped filter tow in preparation for forming tobacco smoke filter rods and including steps of separating and blooming the crimped filter tow into a wide, flat, well-opened low density tow, uniformly applying plasticizer to both sides of and through the tow across the width thereof, and then squeezing the tow and spreading the plasticizer more uniformly on the filaments of the tow; and a jet and improved bustle tow blooming apparatus, the jet and bustle apparatus both being rectangular-shaped and the bustle apparatus having vented outlets through which the gases confined with the tow escape causing separation and blooming of the tow prior to its exit from the bustle apparatus.

Abstract: A process for producing a sheet-like material of split fibers, and an apparatus therefor are described. The process includes the steps of introducing a plurality of continuous fiber bundles into a liquid contained in an inclined splitting unit which is gradually widened toward the lower end thereof, the unit being divided into a plurality of grooves so that each fiber bundle travels in the liquid flowing in the corresponding groove, splitting each fiber bundle by the action of the liquid flowing in the groove while gradually widening the flow toward the lower end of the groove, uniformly arranging the resulting split fibers in a subsequent inclined splitting frame, and continuously placing the thus arranged split fibers on a rotating conveyor to form the sheet-like material.

Abstract: A running tow of filamentary filter material is banded by a plurality of streams of compressed air which issue from the orifices of plenum chambers forming a row which extends transversely of the direction of transport of the tow. The streams which issue from the plenum chambers band discrete strip-shaped portions of the tow. The density of such strip-shaped portions is monitored at or downstream of the banding station, and the pressure of air in one or more chambers is increased or reduced when the monitored density of the respective strip-shaped portion or portions deviates from a desired density. The monitoring devices can utilize optoelectronic or electropneumatic transducers.