Abstract: An elongated flexible cutting string, or substantially self-supporting strut cutting element, is connectable to a rotating device for use in a method of cutting vegetation. The cutting string has numerous advantages over conventional cutting strings, having a drag coefficient which is at least about 5% (e.g. 10-300%) less than the drag coefficient of a string having a substantially round and smooth cross-section. The drag coefficient of aerodynamic line 10 is 1.0 or less, e.g. about 0.35 or less. The cross-sectional configuration preferably simulates a tear drop (with or without an extension nose), and can have a textured (e.g. with golf ball simulating dimples, saw toothed or a wavy configuration) exterior surface. The pitch of the line is positively maintained while it is rotated in a cutting plane, e.g. controlled with an eyelet and/or a compound taper. Other cross-sectional configurations are an ellipse of at least 1.

Abstract: A sheath/core fiber having increased cut resistance includes a core made from a fiber-forming polymer and a hard filler having a Mohs Hardness Value greater than about 3. The filler is included in an amount of about 0.05% to about 20% by weight. The fiber-forming polymer of both the sheath and the core components includes an aromatic polyamide polymer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for spinning fibers or filaments from a spinnable solution using a centrifuge of which the wall has one or more spinning orifices, in which process the spinnable solution is jetted from the centrifuge into a coagulant inside a jacket. The inner radius of the jacket is at least 35% wider than the radius of the outer circumference of the centrifuge, thus allowing the process' productive capacity to be increased. In addition, the fibers or filaments made by this process have very favorable pulp properties.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave interference shield structure molded from an electroconductive resin composition for molding, which comprises columnar pellets of a specific length, made of a bundle of iron-based metal fibers as an essential component and at least one bundle of at least another kind of electroconductive fibers of different material in a different diameter than that of the iron-based metal fibers as independent electroconductive fiber-cores, coated with a thermoplastic resin having a specific range of heat distortion temperature continuously in the longitudinal direction has a stable and distinguished shield effect for a prolonged time.

Abstract: The woven fabric for an airbag, a filter, a sail, a parachute or a paraglider is woven from a multifilament yarn having a yarn linear density between 30 and 1000 dtex. The multifilament yarn is a mixture of coarse filaments having a linear density of 5.5 to 8 dtex and fine filaments having a linear density of 2.5 to 4 dtex. The coarse filaments are mixed with the fine filaments in a ratio of from 1:1 to 1:5. The yarn can be made by a melt-spinning method using a spinneret with coarse holes and fine holes for the coarse and fine filaments disposed in an alternating arrangement. The filament may be made of polyamide, polyester or polypropylene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to industrial fibers and products made therefrom and more specifically to industrial polyester fibers and products made therefrom. The fibers comprise a synthetic melt spun polymer having a relative viscosity about 24 to about 42, a denier of about 4 to about 8, a tenacity of about 6.5 grams/denier to about 9.2 grams/denier, and a sinusoidal shaped cross section normal to a longitudinal axis of the filament, the cross section having an aspect ratio of about 2 to about 6.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bristle (12) for a toothbrush, in particular for an electric toothbrush, which is made of plastic and includes several filaments (13, 14, 15) joined together. The filaments (13, 14, 15) are wound or braided and joined together as a result of the action of chemical agents. This results in a firm bond between the filaments (13, 14, 15), and any cavities between the filaments (13, 14, 15) are reliably avoided. Overall, a toothbrush results which, in addition to having a high cleaning effect, offers bacteria or other germs no possibility of infiltration.

Abstract: A toothbrush having an improved cleaning and abrasion efficiency, wherein the bristles are comprised of synthetic thermoplastic polymeric compositions, and contain longitudinal channels extending along the length thereof, having a depth sufficient to entrap a quantity of abrasive particles such that during brushing with a toothpaste, contact between the channel entrapped abrasive particles and the surfaces of the teeth is improved, resulting in a cleaning efficiency coefficient, CEC, above about 1.5 and, an abrasion efficiency coefficient, AEC, above about 1.5, while demonstrating suitable bristle wearability.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a capacitor. A transistor is formed on a substrate. The transistor comprises a gate and a source/drain region. A dielectric layer is formed over the substrate. A covering layer is formed on the dielectric layer. Portions of the covering layer and the dielectric layer are removed to form a contact opening. The contact opening exposes a portion of the source/drain region. A polysilicon layer is formed over the substrate to fill the contact opening. The polysilicon layer is electrically coupled with the source/drain region. A patterned photoresist layer is formed on the polysilicon layer above the contact opening. An anisotropic etching step is performed with the photoresist layer serving as a mask until a portion of the covering layer is exposed. An oxide layer is formed on the exposed covering layer. The surface of the oxide layer is higher than the surface of the polysilicon layer. The photoresist layer is removed to expose a portion of a sidewall of the polysilicon layer.

Abstract: The split PTFE yarn and PTFE filament which are bulky and excellent in the feeling and have good intermingling property can be obtained and the cotton-like PTFE materials can be produced therefrom efficiently at a low percentage of dropped fibers. Further the filter cloth for dust collection which is obtained from those cotton-like materials has a high collection efficiency. The present invention can provide the split yarn having a network structure and obtained by splitting a uniaxially stretched PTFE film in the stretched direction with a needle blade roll; the filament having branches and obtained by cutting the network structure of the split yarn in a longitudinal direction; the methods of production thereof; the method of producing the cotton-like materials by cutting the split yarn or filament and then opening; and a filter cloth for dust collection obtained from the cotton-like materials.

Abstract: The internal channels (22) of wicking fibers (20) are filled with a selected liquid (18) form of a prepolymerized polymer or monomers and related reagents and then the polymerization reaction is carried out under suitable conditions to form a fiber with desired properties. Fibers with the properties of the formed polymeric products are conveniently obtained thereafter. This provides a convenient way to obtain engineered fibers by directly polymerizing the monomers in the wicking fiber (20) channels (22). The wicking fibers (20) include internal longitudinal cavities or channels (22) each with a relatively small longitudinal extending opening (24). The wicking fibers (20) are filled with the selected liquid through capillary action by which the individual wicking fibers (20) rapidly draw the selected liquid, with which they comes into contact, through the internal cavities (22).

Abstract: A process for forming flexible cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers of the type having two or more monofilament lines mounted on a common spool. The line produced by the process of the present invention defines two monofilament strands joined together in a side-by-side relationship by a severable bond. Each strand defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced and outwardly projecting vegetation cutting edges thereon, two of the edges on one of the strands being in parallel contact with two of the edges on the other strand so as to define a pair of parallel readily severable welds bonding the strands together in a side-by-side disposition.

Abstract: A cutting attachment for use with a vegetation cutting device. The cutting attachment has a body with a generally planar coupling portion and a central axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the body further includes a conical central wall portion extending radially outwardly and in a first direction from the coupling portion and the axis and a circular outer wall portion adjoining the central wall portion and extending generally radially outwardly therefrom. The central wall portion defines a conically-shaped self-cleaning inner cavity disposed symmetrically about the axis. The outer wall portion has a generally smooth outer surface which serves as a skid plate. An outer self-cleaning cavity is formed by an outer surface of the central wall portion and an inner surface of the outer wall portion. A coupling assembly, which can include an adapter having first and second clamping elements, is carried by the coupling portion for coupling the body to the cutting device to cause rotation about the axis.

Abstract: A nonwoven filter media or mat (10) formed from a plurality of elongated generally hollow fibers (20) each having an internal cavity (22) which has an opening (24), smaller than the cavity width, to the fiber (20) surface and each retaining within the internal cavity (22) an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material can be a large number of relatively small conductive solid particles (18). The small solid particles (18), which can be graphite are permanently entrapped within the longitudinal cavities (22) of the fibers (20) without the use of an adhesive. The electrically conductive material can also be a selected liquid. In the case of a liquid, the wicking fibers (20) are filled with the selected conductive liquid through capillary action by which the individual wicking fibers (20) rapidly draw the selected electrically conductive liquid, with which they come into contact, through the internal cavities (22).

Abstract: A system with reduced electrostatic discharge including woven fabric configured into a flexible container and having sufficient electrical resistivity to allow discharges of energy from the fabric of below about one-hundred nanocoulombs when the fabric is charged to more than about negative ten thousand volts. The flexible fabric container with a reduced potential for incendiary discharge may further include quasi-conductive fibers or a combination of quasi-conductive fibers and an antistatic coating. The quasi-conductive fibers further may be woven into the fabric. The present invention also discloses a method for reducing electrostatic discharge in ungrounded type flexible fabric container systems by providing a flexible fabric container made from woven fabric and adjusting the electric resistivity of the woven fabric to allow the flow of electricity through the fabric at a rate allowing discharges at below about one-hundred nanocoulombs when the fabric is charged at more than about negative ten kilovolts.

Abstract: Microfibers and microfibrillated articles are provided by imparting fluid energy to a surface of a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt-processed polymeric film. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.

Abstract: A reinforcing material for incorporation into a kneaded and shaped hydraulic material, comprising a fiber having a fineness of 5 d or more, an aspect ratio of from 10-500, a breaking tenacity of 5 g/d or more, an elongation (A) of from 6-20%, a flexing tenacity utilization factor (B) of 35% or more, and (B).ltoreq.4 (A).

Abstract: In the manufacture of a structural member comprising a thermoplastic composite core with an exterior reinforcing layer, the core member is initially extruded in the shape of a profile. The profile is then contacted with reinforcing fiber and resin to form the exterior reinforcing layer. The exterior thermosetting layer is cured to form a reinforcing layer. The structural member is preferably manufactured using a pultrusion method in which a tractor device is used to provide linear movement of the profile from the extrusion head to the exterior coating operation. The fiber-reinforced thermoset is coated on the entirety of the exterior of the profile or is applied only on a portion of the profile requiring reinforcement in a defined load-bearing direction. A preferred thermoplastic core comprises a polymer-fiber composite material.

Abstract: A high density fiber product is made from natural lignin containing plant fibers. Plant fibers ranging in size below about 3000 microns in diameter are used. Binding agents and other additives may be mixed with the fibers to enhance product or process performance. The plant fibers or mixture of fibers and additives are heated to between about 50 degrees C. to about 140 degrees C. The heated fibers are compressed in a mold to an average density of about 50 pounds per cubic foot to about 100 pounds per cubic foot. Compression pressures of about 500 psi to about 2500 psi are used to achieve product densities within this range. The compressed fibers are cured under these temperature and pressure conditions. After the curing time has elapsed, the compressed fiber product is released from the mold and the mold may be reused. A high density product made from small plant fibers is provided.

Abstract: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition/distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bristle (1) for a toothbrush, in particular for an electric toothbrush, which is comprised of a monofilament (2) made of plastic. The monofilament (2) is of a non-circular cross-section, is twisted about its longitudinal axis, and is fixed as a result of the action of chemical agents. In this manner, the bristle (1) is provided with a three-dimensionally structured surface which effects an improved cleaning action, in particular with regard to the removal of plaque.

Abstract: A thermoplastic fiber demonstrates moisture wicking properties. The fiber has one or more internal lenghtwise open channels each having an opening and at least one groove having a deepest point, a longest dimension and a mouth. The mouth is defined by moving a line from the deepest point along the longest dimension until the largest convex set is identified. The mouth is at the line segment closing the largest convex set. The mouth has width x wherein the average transverse cross-sectional area of the groove is greater than or equal to (.pi.x.sup.2)/8. A durable hydrophilic surface modification is assosiated with said channel.

Abstract: Provided is a heat-sensitive stencil sheet comprising an ink-impermeable thermoplastic film and a porous substrate laminated to the film, characterized in that the porous substrate is a screen gauze which is made of synthetic fibers having a fiber diameter of 25-60 .mu.m and has a mesh number of 160-190 or 210-290. The screen gauze may be subjected to calendering.

Abstract: A composite textured yarn contains a component yarn A and a component yarn B each false twisted and crimped. The component yarn B is shorter in yarn length or larger in shrinkage at least after heat treatment. Single fibers of component B have thick portions and thin portions successively alternating in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A membrane felt for a tissue making process using a Yankee or MG cylinder the membrane felt comprising a polymeric matrix membrane layer (11) and a supporting base structure (12). The polymeric matrix optionally at least partially encapsulates parallel yarns extending it at least one direction. The supporting base structure is a textile substrate. These are secured together, preferably via a batt fibre layer which may be needled between the supporting base structure and membrane layer.

Abstract: Fibers, continuous or discontinuous, and bars having optimized geometries for use in the reinforcement of cement, ceramic and polymeric based matrices are claimed. The geometries are designed to increase the ratio of surface area available for bond between the fiber and the matrix to the cross-sectional area of fiber. In the case of a continuous reinforcement comprised of a single fiber or a bar made out of a bundle of fibers, such as is the case in reinforced and prestressed concrete, increasing the surface area available for bond leads to a decrease in crack width, development length, and transfer length. The fibers or bars are also configured to be amenable for twisting or to have spiral like deformations along their longitudinal axis to further develop the mechanical component of bond between the fibers and the matrix. Additional methods of mechanical bond enhancement, such as crimping and/or addition of anchorages, such as hooked ends, paddles, buttons, etc. . . .

Abstract: A synthetic polymer filament is characterized by a trilobal void that extends centrally and axially through the filament. Each apex of the void extends toward the approximate midpoint of one side of the exterior configuration of the filament. The trilobal void has a modification ratio in the range from about 1.4 to about 3.0 and occupies from about five percent (5%) to about thirty percent (30%) of the cross sectional area of the filament. At a given constant void percentage a decrease of modification ratio increases the degree of sparkle.A spinneret plate for producing the thermoplastic synthetic polymer filament has a cluster of three generally arrow-shaped orifices centered about a central point. Each orifice is defined by a first and a second outer leg joined together at a pointed end directed away from a central point of the cluster. Each orifice has a central leg extending from the jointure of the outer legs toward the central point of the cluster.

Abstract: A nonwoven filter media or mat (1) formed from a plurality of elongated generally hollow fibers (20) each having an internal cavity (22) which has an opening (24), smaller than the cavity width, to the fiber (20) surface and each retaining within its internal cavity (22) an electrically chargeable powder particle material. The electrically chargeable material can be a pure electrically chargeable dielectric powder material or a mixture of oppositely chargeable dielectric powder particles (18). The small solid particles (18), which can be PTFE, CTFE, halogenated polymers or any other electrically chargeable dielectric powder particles, are permanently entrapped within the longitudinal cavities (22) of the fibers (20) without the use of an adhesive.

Abstract: A long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molding material in the form of pellets each having inorganic filaments arranged substantially in the same length and in parallel in the same direction in a matrix of a thermoplastic resin, wherein the exposed ratio E as defined by the following formula (1) is at most 60%, on at least one end surface in the direction of the filaments of each pellet:E=(e/N).times.100 (1)where E is the exposed ratio (%), e is the number of inorganic filaments with their cross-sections exposed on at least one end surface in the direction of the filaments of each pellet, and N is the total number of inorganic filaments arranged in the pellet.

Abstract: Steel wire element for mixing into subsequently hardening soft materials includes hook-shaped ends and a middle portion the length/diameter ratio of which is between 20 and 100. The middle portion of the element displays a substantially circular cross section over essentially its entire length and the hook-shaped ends of the element are deformed by flattening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to industrial fibers and products made therefrom and more specifically to industrial polyester fibers and products made therefrom. The fibers comprise a synthetic melt spun polymer having a relative viscosity about 24 to about 42, a denier of about 4 to about 8, a tenacity of about 6.5 grams/denier to about 9.2 grams/denier, and an elongated diamond shaped cross section normal to a longitudinal axis of the filament, the cross section having an aspect ratio of about 2 to about 6.

Abstract: A laminate includes:a. a first, substantially gas-impermeable film;b. a second, delaminatable film; andc. a third, gas-permeable film.The second film is positioned between the first and third films and the laminate is capable of delaminating within the second film when the laminate is subjected to a delaminating force. A portion of the delaminatable film thus remains bonded to the gas-permeable film after delamination.

Abstract: Comfort properties of fibers of longitudinally-grooved fibers of scalloped-oval cross-section are improved by providing such fibers as a mixture of different dpf and using a cationic-dyeable alkali metal sulfonate isophthalate salt copolyester that is also modified with a chain-brancher so that the filaments of different dpf can be drawn simultaneously.

Abstract: A high speed data transmission cable comprises a pair of primary cables positioned adjacent to each other along their lengths with each primary cable including a pair of generally parallel conductors coupled together and surrounded by insulation. A shield layer surrounds each primary cable along its length to isolate the primary cables from each other. The primary cables and corresponding shield layers are twisted together around a center axis and form a double helical structure, thereby providing improved transmission characteristics in the high speed data transmission cable.

Abstract: Polyester staple fibers of simple oval peripheral cross-section of aspect ratio at least about 1.85:1 provide advantages both in open-end spinning (to provide yarns with fewer spinning failures than such fibers of conventional round cross-section) and better dye yield in fabrics than polyester staple fibers having other oval cross-sections, especially those having lower aspect ratios.

Abstract: A packing element with a plurality of symmetrically disposed subdivisions within a cylindrical body member provides a very strong, high temperature and corrosive media resistant structure with a large surface area. The elements are of great utility as dumped packing elements in mass transfer applications.

Abstract: A wire cord for reinforcing rubber items, more particularly pneumatic tires for cars and trucks, comprises at least three wire filaments 2 arranged about a continuous core filament 3. The core filament 3 consists of a non-metallic material capable of longitudinal contraction when the rubber item 5 to be reinforced is vulcanized, this material being more particularly non-drawn nylon. On vulcanization of the rubber item 5 to be reinforced the core filament 3 contracts and expands in diameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splittable composite fiber having improved processability on carding and superior splitting property by a splittable composite fiber comprising at least two thermoplastic resin components, and having a structure wherein a part of at least one of the components projects from the surface of the fiber.

Abstract: Hollow polyester fibers having a thickness of 0.11 to 8.89 d tex (0.1 to 8.0 denier), a hollow volume (a cross-sectional area ratio of hollow to fiber) of 40 to 85%, and a crystallization degree of 20% or more and crystal size in (0 1 0) plane of 4 nm or more of polyester, has a high resistance to compression and a high recovery from compression and are useful for producing woven and knitted fabric having a high durability, pile sheet materials having high resistance to and recovery from pile prostration, and nonwoven fabrics and artificial leather materials having a high resistance and recovery from compression.

Abstract: Woven industrial fabrics which have an air permeability of at least 200 cfm per square foot under a pressure differential of 0.5 inches of water are described. These fabrics contain finned weft fibers with a shape factor of 2.5 to 5.0 and a distortion index of less than 35. Improved fabric stability and a significant reduction in weft fiber denier are achieved.

Abstract: A viscose plush comprising warp threads, fill threads and pile threads, each composed of viscose. The pile threads have longitudinal grooves on their surface. And the longitudinal grooves of adjacent pile threads combine to form capillary channels to suck in foreign substances axially.

Abstract: Fibers, continuous or discontinuous, and bars having optimized geometries for use in the reinforcement of cement, ceramic and polymeric based matrices are claimed. The geometries are designed to increase the ratio of surface area available for bond between the fiber and the matrix to the cross-sectional area of fiber. In the case of a continuous reinforcement comprised of a single fiber or a bar made out of a bundle of fibers, such as is the case in reinforced and prestressed concrete, increasing the surface area available for bond leads to a decrease in crack width, development length, and transfer length. The fibers or bars are also configured to be amenable for twisting or to have spiral like deformations along their longitudinal axis to further develop the mechanical component of bond between the fibers and the matrix. Additional methods of mechanical bond enhancement, such as crimping and/or addition of anchorages, such as hooked ends, paddles, buttons, etc. . . .

Abstract: A wire having an open cross-sectional shape which is responsive to induced fields.

Abstract: Polymeric monofilaments having 3 to 12 circumferential striations exhibit excellent performance when used in woven papermaking belts.

Abstract: Disclosed are fibers that are capable of spontaneously transporting certain fluids, for example aqueous fluids, such as water, on their surfaces. The fibers, especially in the form of tow, can be incorporated into absorbent articles, such as diapers, in order to transport fluids to more effectively utilize the absorbent portion of the article. The fibers can be synthetically coated with absorbent materials.

Abstract: Sheets capable of developing a positive electostatic charge are used for a variety of surface cleaning operations. Polyester fabric, non-woven and chemically bonded with an acrylic latex is used to dust surfaces, to clean clothes, furniture and carpets. A light solvent such as isopropanol can be used with the sheets to loosen gummy soils. In one mode, the sheets are used in a hot air clothes dryer to remove soils and detritus from garments. Processes for cleaning a variety of fabric and hard surfaces are conducted using the sheets.

Abstract: Simultaneous drawing of mixed polyester filaments is improved by use of chain-branched polyester for the polymer from which the polyester filaments are spun.

Abstract: A mat is provided which comprises a plurality of strands, each including reinforcing fibers and polymeric material. First portions of the strands are angularly positioned at an angle relative to second portions of the strands and are joined to the second portions via the polymeric material. Also provided is a method for forming the mat.

Abstract: Bicomponent fibers of different cross-sections may be formed without changing the geometry of the spinneret orifices. More specifically, at least two polymers are co-melt-spun through an orifice of fixed geometry so as to achieve a bicomponent fiber having a desired cross-section. In order to change to a bicomponent fiber having a cross-section which is different, therefore, at least one of (1) the differential relative viscosity, (2) the relative proportions of the first and/or second polymers, and (3) the cross-sectional bicomponent distribution of the first and second polymers, is changed. In such a manner, therefore, a wide variety of bicomponent fibers having different cross-sectional geometries may be produced without changing the fixed geometry orifice through which the polymers are co-melt-spun. Thus, bicomponent fiber cross-sections may be "engineered" to suit a variety of needs without necessarily shutting down production equipment in order to change spinnerets.

Abstract: A line for a rotating trimmer has a plurality of longitudinal outwardly-extending cutting edges, spaced circumferentially about the main body portion of the line. A cross-sectional area of the main body portion is selected to be between 70 percent and 90 percent of the area of the space circumscribing the cutting edges to provide substantial bulk to the line to increase its wear, while retaining the advantages of the cutting edges for facilitating cutting of grass and the like.