Abstract: A method to produce a papermaker's shoe press belt or other industrial process belt and a belt made according to such method. The belt is produced by dispensing a mixture of polymer and staple fiber onto a cylindrical mandrel, by extrusion or by co-extrusion. Preferably, the variation of the concentration and/or orientation of the staple fiber within the polymer is controlled such that the finished belt has desired properties.

Abstract: A synthetic fiber capable of absorbing and disabsorbing moisture comprising a component capable of absorbing and disabsorbing moisture and a fiber-forming polymer. The fiber of the present invention has a moisture absorption of 1.5% or more when it is allowed to reach a moisture equilibrium under the circumstance of 25° C.×60%RH and then is allowed to stand for 30 min. under the circumstance of 34° C.×90%RH, and has a moisture disabsorption of 2% or more when it is allowed to reach a moisture equilibrium under the circumstance of 34° C.×90%RH and then is allowed to stand for 30 min. under the circumstance of 25° C.×60%RH. The fiber also has a value of −1 to 5 in terms of b value in the CIE-LAB color system when it is allowed to stand for 30 days.

Abstract: A shaped article comprising poly[(alkylene-co-dianhydrosugar ester) dicarboxylate] or poly(alkylene-co-dianhydro-dicarboxylate) having improved stability in the form of less change of Tg and reduced shrinkage upon storage at elevated temperature is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an elastic composite material having an elastic layer having a first side and a second side; at least one gatherable layer bonded to at least one of the first side and second side of the elastic layer; and a fibrous material entangled and intertwined with both the elastic layer and the gatherable layer. The resulting elastic composite provides a stretchable material which can conform to surfaces and has desirable properties of the fibrous material entangle and intertwined with both the elastic layer and the gatherable layer and does not suffer from the loss of the fibrous material from the stretchable substrate. The composite is usable in as bandages, durable wipes, durable mops and personal care products, such as diapers and feminine napkins. Also disclosed is a method for making the composite.

Abstract: A base textile with a camouflage pattern is subjected to hot fluid streams to create flat regions and puckered or wrinkled regions, enhancing the three dimensional characteristics of the resulting material.

Abstract: A flocked fabric having a woven fabric substrate of a blend of microdenier polyester and pima cotton. The fabric substrate is covered with an adhesive, and flock is attached to the fabric substrate by the adhesive.

Abstract: A textile coated with a coating having a multiphase fluorochemical, an organic cationic material, and a sorbant polymer. A printed image is subsequently placed on the coated textile.

Abstract: An elevator support, such as a cable or a belt connected with an elevator car or counterweight, has load-bearing synthetic material strands, which are reinforced by the introduction of a second phase and have a higher modulus of elasticity than that of the unreinforced strands.

Abstract: Electrostatic dissipating fabrics incorporating spun yarns which include conductive staple fiber constituents incorporated within the spun yarns. The fabrics may be of either a woven or knit construction. The conductive fiber constituents are dispersed at an effective concentration to establish a network of charge carrying junctions within and between the individual yarns. The large number of junctions between the yarns facilitates the dissipation of static electricity between regions of a garment formed by the yarns. In particular, the fabric retains a high degree of conductivity across seams within the garment even after multiple washings.

Abstract: Multilayer woven fabrics include first and second machine direction layers, each machine direction layer including machine direction yarns extending in the machine direction of movement of the fabric through a section of a papermaking machine. One of the machine direction layers includes a plurality of pairs of contiguous machine direction yarns; each pair being spaced apart in the cross-machine-direction of the fabric from an adjacent pair and being in substantially vertically stacked alignment with a single machine direction yarn, or a pair of machine direction yarns in the other machine direction layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polyester textile fabric having a relatively low level of particulate contaminates and high absorbency is provided by heatsetting the fabric at a temperature of 300° F. or less.

Abstract: A pitch precursor yarn, which is stretch broken and formed into a fabric or felt which is heat treated into graphitic fiber media for fuel cell gas diffusion layer substrates and high thermal conductivity reinforced composites.

Abstract: A textile electronic connection system wherein a knitted, woven, or braided textile ribbon includes integrated transmission elements running the length of the ribbon to transmit data and/or power along the length of the ribbon. A fastener connects the ribbon to another ribbon or device and includes a male portion and a female portion. One of the male portion and the female portion is on one end of the ribbon and the other of the male portion and the female portion is on the other ribbon or device. At least one of the male portion and the female portion includes a deformable element which releasably locks the male and female portions together. A connector is integrated with the fastener portions and connected to the integrated transmission elements to quickly allow connection and disconnection of the ribbon to the other ribbon or device in a robust and reliable fashion.

Abstract: A woven textile fabric is disclosed which is formed of synthetic yarns of at least two different deniers to which a solid polymeric film is laminated. An adhesive polymeric coating is provided for adhering the solid polymeric film to the woven textile fabric. The combination of yarns of different deniers provides a superior adhesion surface for the polymeric film. The yarns and the polymeric coating are preselected respectively in deniers and thicknesses so as to render the fabric substantially impermeable to fluid under pressure, while maintaining superb packageability and anti-blocking properties for use in vehicle occupant restraint systems. An air bag incorporating the woven textile fabric of the invention and having two outer surfaces and pre-configured air holding cavities woven therein to which a solid polymeric film is bonded for receiving and containing fluid under pressure for use in a vehicle air restraint system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to applying a plurality of polyurethane coating layers to a knit, woven or non-woven fabric substrate, following by sealing of two of such coated substrates together by radio frequency sealing, hot air sealing, or ultrasonic sealing to form an improved air-holding restraint system, such as an air curtain or air bag with superior air-holding characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of composite sheets having a multiaxial fibrous reinforcement, which involves:

Abstract: A laminated waterproof bedding article is formed from a first layer of woven fabric, a second layer of woven or non-woven water-absorbent material that includes thermoplastic filaments, a third layer of a waterproof web of thermoplastic polymeric material, and an optional fourth layer of woven or non-woven fabric that includes thermoplastic filaments, the webs being joined along a plurality of spaced-apart seams to form a unitary structure; optional stitching, which can be decorative, intersects the heat-bonded seams.

Abstract: A fabric for use in safety apparel comprising a first set of yarns comprising modacrylic fibers, and a second set of yarns comprising anti-static fibers. The fabric meets the Federal Test Method Standard 191A, Method 5931 for electrostatic decay, and the Electrostatic Discharge Association Advisory ADV11.2-1995 voltage potential.

Abstract: The invention provides a spun yarn comprising polyester bicomponent staple fiber and acrylic staple fiber. The invention further provides a method for making spun yarns and fabrics. The spun yarn of the invention comprises at least 30 weight percent acrylic staple fiber and from 17 to 45 weight percent polyester bicomponent staple fiber comprising poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate), based on the total weight of the yarn.

Abstract: A composition of matter and method for inducing the rapid strengthening of damaged structures (e.g., buildings, bridges, dams, etc.) by reducing the application and curing times without the need to apply heat and pressure. The composition of matter comprises a strengthening fabric and a bonding agent which may be cured with ultraviolet light, such as sunlight, in less than about 30 min. The strengthening fabric comprises fibers chemically compatible with the bonding agent, and oriented to allow the bonding agent to quickly diffuse through the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-porous, breathable membrane of at least polyamide-4,6, with an elongation at rupture of about 250 to about 500% in the longitudinal direction and about 200 to about 500% in the transverse direction. The membrane has a higher heat resistance than a non-porous, breathable membrane made from polyether ester and, if it also contains an antioxidant, passes the oven/watertightness test. If the membrane is produced from a mixture of polyamide-4,6 and about 10 to about 30% by weight polyether amide, the membrane exhibits a surprisingly increased water-vapor permeability. The membrane is usable in the manufacture of thermally protective clothing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a penetration resistant article consisting essentially of one or more layers of a woven fabric made from a yarn of polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, or derivatives or mixtures thereof having a friction raising means.

Abstract: Fabrics having improved aesthetic characteristics in addition to good FR characteristics and strength are described, as well as a method for making the fabrics. The fabrics are made by subjecting a fabric containing inherently flame resistant fibers to a fluid treatment process such that a fabric with good comfort and aesthetic characteristics is formed. In one form of the invention, the fabric comprises plied yarns, and the fluid treatment process serves to separate the plies from each other. The fabrics have a soft hand, good protective characteristics, good strength and durability, as well as good wicking and soil release characteristics.

Abstract: In a papermaking belt, prevented from cracking and inhibited from growth of a crack, comprising a reinforcing substrate (6) embedded in a thermosetting polyurethane layer (7) so that the said reinforcing substrate (6) and the said thermosetting polyurethane layer (7) are integrated with each other and the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the belt are formed by polyurethane layers, the polyurethane layer forming the outer peripheral surface is made of a composition containing a urethane prepolymer having isocyanate groups on ends and a hardener containing dimethylthiotoluenediamine.

Abstract: A cleaning cloth for household and industrial use having a plurality of rubber yarns knitted therein and secured in a lock-stitch pattern. The plurality of rubber yarns formed as an integral part of the knitted fabric extend generally parallel to each other across the fabric and are of sufficient relative diameter to form spaced-apart rib elements and the rib elements are of sufficient size so as to serve as wiper blades to provide a squeegee effect during use of the cleaning cloth to remove dirt and debris from a hard surface being cleaned.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber reinforced composite substrates comprising a polymeric matrix and one or more woven or non-woven para-aramid or fiberglass fabrics, sheets, or papers, said polymeric matrix consisting essentially of one or more cross-linked copolymers of monovinyl aromatic hydrocarbons and conjugated dienes useful for printed circuit boards and cards suitable for use in high frequency circuits.

Abstract: A method and product for identifying the origin of products having fiberglass components or constituents wherein the glass fibers are coated with a fluorescent agent that glows when subsequently subjected to UV or appropriate wavelength light. Thus by selecting a unique color or pattern a manufacturer can readily identify his products.

Abstract: A woven article comprises a plurality of electrically insulating and/or electrically conductive yarn in the warp and a plurality of electrically insulating and/or electrically conductive yarn in the weft interwoven with the yarn in the warp. A functional yarn in the warp and/or the weft comprises an elongate substrate including at least one electrical conductor and at least one electronic device thereon, wherein the at least one electrical conductor provides directly and/or indirectly an electrical contact for connecting to the electronic device.

Abstract: A fabric for use in an air bag is provided. The fabric of the invention is produced by mechanically compressing a preliminary fabric constructed substantially of synthetic yarn such that the packed volume per unit area of the compressed fabric is less than the packed volume per unit area of the preliminary fabric. Air permeability is not adversely affected.

Abstract: A core crush resistant prepreg for use in making a fiber reinforced composite panel structure is provided. The prepreg comprises a woven fabric consisting essentially of carbon fiber tow strands impregnated with a hardenable polymeric resin composition. Typically the fabric has an areal weight of from about 180 to about 205 grams per square meter. The prepreg has an average fiber tow aspect ratio of less than about 15.4, a prepreg thickness of at least about 0.245 mm, and a prepreg openness of at least about 1.2 percent but less than about 6.0 percent. Preferably, the resin composition is predominantly viscous in nature and has a tan &dgr; value of between 0.9 and 2.0 at an elevated temperature between 70° C. and 140° C., and an average epoxy functionality of greater than 2.0. A method for evaluating core crush resistance properties of a prepreg is also provided.

Abstract: Bi-directional and multi-axial fabrics, fabric composites, ballistically resistant assemblies thereof, and the methods by which they are made. The fabrics are comprised of sets of strong, substantially parallel, unidirectional yarns lying in parallel planes, one above the other, with the direction of the yarns in a given plane rotated at an angle to the direction of the yarns in adjacent planes; and one or more sets of yarns having lower strength and higher elongation interleaved with the strong yarns.

Abstract: An iridescent fabric comprises a cationic-dyeable nylon polymer yarn and an acid-dyeable nylon polymer yarn. The acid dyeable yarn has greater than 35 amine end group (AEGacid) gram equivalents per 1000 kilograms polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite structures comprising an open weave, natural or synthetic fabric or backing having fibers and a urethane froth foam, wherein the fibers of the fabric or backing are at least partially penetrated and/or embedded by the urethane froth. This invention also relates to a process for the production of a composite structure comprising A) applying a reactive urethane froth to an open weave, natural or synthetic fabric or secondary backing having fibers, B) passing the fabric or backing coated with the reactive urethane froth under a doctoring device such that the reactive urethane froth at least partially penetrates and/or embeds the fibers of the fabric or backing, and C) curing the reactive urethane froth.

Abstract: The gas adsorption sheet of the present invention has a granular activated carbon-containing sheet comprising a granular activated carbon having an average particle diameter of 60 to 600 &mgr;m, a supporting fiber for fixing the granular activated carbon in contact with it, and an adhesive fiber which mainly contributes to shape retention. An air-purifying filter of the present invention is obtained by forming the gas adsorption sheet into a shape of pleats or wave. A method for producing a gas adsorption sheet of the present invention comprises a step of forming a granular activated carbon-containing sheet by using an aqueous slurry containing a granular activated carbon, a supporting fiber and a water-swelling adhesive fiber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a textile fabric. This fabric is particularly well suited for use as the outer shell fabric of a firefighter's garment. The fabric is a woven or knitted fabric of spun yarns and multi-filament yarns. The spun yarn includes a first staple being a polymer selected from the group consisting of aramid, PBI or PBO or melamine formaldehyde, and a second staple being an aramid polymer. The multi-filament yarn includes an aramid filament.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carbon-matrix composites, such as carbon—carbon composites, and a method for forming them by forming a fabric of fusible and infusible fibers which can be processed and carbonized to form a composite. The methods disclosed herein permit preparation of composites which are particularly thin, uniform, and highly pure. The invention also relates to preprocessed fabrics and precarbonized composites, such as those comprising carbon or oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers and fusible polyacrylonitrile fibers.

Abstract: A process for angularly sueding a textile web containing fill and warp yarns with the steps of: supplying the web, controlling the tension of the web, engaging the web with at least one diamond-coated abrasive treatment roll disposed at an abrasion angle, rotating the treatment roll at a surface speed different from that of the web, and taking up the supplied web. A preferred embodiment comprises a pair of spaced treatment rolls disposed at an abrasion angle, and rotating in opposite directions relative to the web. The related apparatus for this specific process is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass fiber fabric wallpaper with a flat glass fiber fabric, which has a layer of a thermoplastic permanent adhesive on one of its sides. Said adhesive is made preferably of water-insoluble bonding-melt adhesive or a hot-melt-type adhesive, which, after being treated thermally on one of its side, adheres permanently once it cools off. The adhesive is applied in the usual way, e.g. by scrapping or by rolling. A removable paper foil can be placed on the adhesive layer. The glass fiber fabric is substantially adhesive-proof.

Abstract: The awning fabric according to the invention, which is formed by weaving, at a high density, high-bulky and texturized polyester filament yarns and then by treating uniformly the inner and outer surfaces of the resulting fabric with a coating solution of polytetrafluoroethylene, is low-priced and is superior to any other existing awning fabrics of various materials and structures in the respect of the sunlight and color fastness, the weather and water resistance and other basic physical properties, whereby it is, as a special fabric, adapted for yacht covers, parasols, signboard textiles and the like.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a variegated multicolor fabric by knitting or weaving from a yarn spun from decorative mass of fiber fluff made from staple fibers arranged in continuous form of discrete streams of different uniform colors. The streams are brushed or carded so as to only partially intermix fibers of at least two different colors. The accumulated fibers removed from the card clothing form a pillow batt or roving having a streaked appearance with only a partial intermixing and blending of the streaks of one color with those of another. These are slightly further worked into a final fluff product having randomly dispersed bands, streaks and/or islands of one color softly merging into another color to produce a decorative randomized and interrupted candy-cane like appearance in the cotton-candy like mass of final fiber fluff for spinning into yam for making the fabric.

Abstract: An air bag of the type utilized in a vehicle occupant restraint system has at least one panel of coated air bag fabric comprising a base fabric coated with a urethane coating material. The base fabric is woven in warp and fill directions from synthetic multifilament yarns. In at least one of the weave directions, the yarns comprise first yarns of a first yarn size and second yarns of a second yarn size, with the second yarn size being a lesser yarn size than the first yarn size. The first yarns and the second yarns are in predetermined positions in the base fabric to produce a crest and trough pattern on a surface thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure having wet integrity higher than about 4.0 kN/gsm, softness higher than 8.0/J, pliability higher than about 70/N, and providing a substantially dry liquid-accepting surface after receiving a quantity of liquid. The structure includes an upper ply having an upper fluid receiving surface and a lower surface and including (i) a top stratum including synthetic matrix fibers bonded with a binder, the matrix fibers having length from about 2 to about 15 mm; (ii) a middle stratum in fluid communication with the top stratum, the middle stratum including natural fibers, superabsorbent particles and a binder; and (iii) a bottom stratum in fluid communication with the middle stratum, the bottom stratum including natural fibers and a binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) between a, electrical conductor or bundle of conductors and the environment. The material comprises a heat-shrinkable woven fabric coated with a conductive material. Specifically, the material can be used as a jacket heat-shrinkable to fit with any sized wire, cable, data or signal line, antenna, or other electrical conductor. A method of making the material is also discussed. In the method, a heat-shrinkable woven fabric is coated with a conductive slurry. When the slurry is dried, a conductive material is deposited on the surface of the heat-shrinkable woven fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a textile fabric. This fabric is particularly well suited for use as the outer shell fabric of a firefighter's garment. The fabric is a woven fabric of spun yarns and multi-filament yarns. The spun yarn includes a first staple being a polymer selected from the group consisting of PBI or PBO or melamine formaldehyde, and a second staple being an aramid polymer. The multi-filament yarn includes an aramid filament.

Abstract: A composite fabric for use as a replacement for vinyl transportation vehicle seating trim is described. The composite includes a woven fabric bonded to a nonwoven substrate, and is desirably substantially all-polyester. The composite has physical properties superior to that of conventional vinyl materials, yet is lighter weight. In addition, the composite is readily and efficiently recyclable.

Abstract: Composite coating (10) improves the resistance to blast or seismic forces of a structure (100), such as wall (101). Coating (10) includes a first layer (20) of elastomeric polyurethane in contact with and adhering to wall (101), a second layer (30) of elastomeric polyurethane in contact with and adhering to first layer (20), and a layer of textile (40) embedded between first layer (20) and second layer (30).

Abstract: An elongated fibrous insulation blanket is pre-cut for custom fitting the insulation blanket into wall, floor, ceiling and roof cavities of different widths formed by the framework of a building. The blanket has at least one, preferably two or three, series of cuts extending between major surfaces of the blanket with successive cuts of each series of cuts being separated by a series of separable connectors located intermediate the major surfaces of the blanket. Each series of separable connectors hold together adjacent sections of the blanket for handling, but are separable by hand so that the blanket can be handled as a unit for insulating a cavity having a predetermined width or easily separated by hand into two or more sections at one or more of the series of separable connectors for insulating a cavity having a lesser width.

Abstract: A filtering screen comprises a fine woven wirecloth filtering mesh (4) disposed above a coarse woven wirecloth support mesh (2). An intermediate woven wirecloth mesh (3) is disposed between the fine woven mesh (4) and the coarse woven mesh (2). the intermediate mesh (3) extending over a proportion of the area therein at outwards the rear thereof, said proportion being in the range of 20% to 40% of the area of the screen, and preferably substantially one third of the area of the screen.

Abstract: A convertible roofing material which includes an outer fabric layer formed at least partially of polymeric coated, core yarns such as a polyester core coated with polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: An apparatus for the creation of a spiral coil by extruding a hollow tube and cutting the tube in a fixed plane relative to the tube is provided. A fabric made from such spiral coils is also provided.