Abstract: A system and method for determining a brightness factor associated with a window shade fabric is disclosed. The brightness factor incorporates the openness factor of the fabric, visible light reflectance of the fabric and visible light transmission of the fabric. The brightness factor helps to determine the optimum window shade fabric for a particular room, building or other location. The brightness factor information may be used to select the correct fabric based on desired interior function, light level, the relative surface brightness, and/or any other desired interior characteristic. The fabric selection may affect the building envelope by, for example, facilitating the optimization of daylighting, reduction of artificial electric lighting needs, and minimization of glare conditions.

Abstract: A breathable, stretchable, and heat-moldable multi-layer weft knit spacer fabric having a substantially decorative first layer and a spaced less decorative second layer. Also, a method of integrally knitting the multi-layer knitted fabric on a circular weft knit machine is also described. Articles of the manufacture comprising the fabric are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article of manufacture for drying or wiping a surface. In one embodiment, a two-layered article is described. In another embodiment a multiple layered article is described.

Abstract: Resin infusion medium and reinforcing composite lamina textile constituted by a warp knit open work structure produced in the form of polygons of which at least some of the edges are defined by knops such as to give prominence to the design to provide for fluidic channels, the knops being knitted to be sufficiently non-compressible in order to resist collapse of the fluid channels during compression of the composite preform under vacuum induced process pressure.

Abstract: Biomimetic tendon-reinforced” (BTR) composite structures feature improved properties including a very high strength-to-weight ratio. The basic structure includes plurality of parallel, spaced-apart stuffer members, each with an upper end and a lower end, and a plurality of fiber elements, each having one point connected to the upper end of a stuffer member and another point connected to the lower end of a stuffer member such that the elements form criss-crossing joints between the stuffer members. The stuffer members and fiber elements may optionally be embedded in a matrix material such as an epoxy resin. The fiber elements are preferably carbon fibers, though other materials, including natural or synthetic fibers or metal wires may be used. The stuffer members may be rods, tubes, or spheres, and may be constructed of metal, ceramic or plastic. The stuffer members are preferably spaced apart at equal distances. If the members are tubes, the fiber elements may be dressed through the tubes.

Abstract: A knitted textile fabric for use in safety apparel, comprising a first yarn containing modacrylic fibers and a second yarn containing cellulosic fibers. The first and second yarns are intimately interknitted with one another in plated relationship with the modacrylic yarn disposed predominantly at an outer face of the fabric for imparting flame resistant properties and an affinity for high visibility dyes and with the cellulosic yarn disposed predominantly at the opposite face of the fabric for imparting a hand suitable for comfortable body contact with a user's skin.

Abstract: A fabric (2; 20) formed from a plurality of first fibers or filaments (4), and a plurality of second fibers or filaments (6); the first fibers or filaments being non-conductive and comprising an electro-optically active material; and the second fibers or filaments being conductive; whereby a voltage difference between two second fibers causes a colour change in a first fiber positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A laminated non-elastic tape is provided. The laminated tape may include two layers of material, each layer having warp yarns extending longitudinally of the tape and weft yarns extending transversely of the tape. The warp yarns may be non-elastic. The two layers of material having warp yarns and weft yarns may be, for example, warp-knitted weft-insertion fabrics, scrim woven fabrics, or any other suitable material that facilitates hand-tearing of the tape. The tape may include a layer of nonwoven material positioned, for example, between the two layers of material. The layers of material may be bonded together with a binder. In some embodiments, the binder may be a latex- or non-latex-based cohesive agent.

Abstract: A retrofit cover for fully or partially enclosing a mattress, wherein the cover is formed of a unitary, integrally formed fabric having a fire barrier element. The cover is capable of rendering mattresses, mattress foundations, upholstered furniture article and other articles filled with resilient cushioning materials that were not originally manufactured to meet a full-scale open flame standard capable of passing such newly mandated standard for performance in newly manufactured items. When tested in accordance with the flame resistance test protocols of 16 CFR 1633 or TB 603, the item encased in the retrofit cover has a maximum heat release rate of less than 200 kW and a total energy release of less than 25 MJ in the first five minutes of the test.

Abstract: Knit fabrics and military apparel such as T-shirts made therefrom are disclosed. The fabrics are constructed from blended yarns made from an intimate combination of nylon and cotton staple fibers. Such fabrics comprise a weight ratio of cotton to nylon which ranges from about 55:45 to about 85:15, and these fabrics also have a weight ranging from about 3 to about 8 oz/yd2. Knit fabrics of this type possess a desirable combination of good thermal protective properties, provided the specified high level of staple fiber blend uniformity is achieved, along with very useful abrasion resistance, bursting strength and drying time characteristics.

Abstract: A fire barrier fabric further comprising a multilayer fabric having at least two layers, including an outside layer and a fire barrier layer; wherein the fire barrier layer provides flame-retardant and/or flame-resistant properties to the entire fabric without requiring fabric coatings or treatments to provide any contribution to flame retardance or resistance, wherein additional layers may include a filler layer, and wherein the fabric is applied to articles, such as upholstered articles and mattresses.

Abstract: A compressible resilient fabric can include a ground layer of knitted yarn, and a loop layer comprising a plurality of loops of yarn, each loop having a point knit into the ground layer. The fabric can be compressible from an non-compressed configuration, in which each loop has an apex extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the ground layer, into a compressed configuration, in which each loop is collapsed onto the ground layer. The fabric can further be resilient so as to substantially resume the non-compressed configuration when compression is relieved. The loop layer yarn can include a multifilament yarn having a high denier per filament ratio. The ground layer yarn can include a yarn shrinkable substantially more than the loop layer yarn. The loops can be densely knit so as to support the extension of the loops outward from the ground layer.

Abstract: A kit for application of self-tanning preparations includes a self-tanning composition and an application glove for applying the composition to the skin which is constructed from fabric including microfibers of 1 denier or less. The inner surface of the glove has a liner of an impermeable flexible material adhered thereto. The microfiber fabric can be knit or woven, and can be cellulosic fiber, polyester or other synthetic fiber, or a combination of mechanical or intimate blends. In a preferred embodiment, the microfiber fabric is 85% polyester and 15% spandex, with the technical front including polyester microfiber yarn of 1 denier or less. The technical front of the fabric forms the application surface of the glove. The kit can include a cleansing/exfoliating composition, at least one disposable plastic glove for handling the application glove after use, a disposable tray for receiving the glove after use and a moisturizing preparation for the skin.

Abstract: An integrally formed stretch warp knit fabric structure formed using at least three guide bars, a fully or partly threaded first front guide bar, a second fully or partly threaded middle guide bar and third fully or partly threaded back guide bar that are knitted to form one single layer fabric having a definitive two-sided qualities; and a method of making the fabric; and articles using said fabric.

Abstract: A knitted textile fabric for use in safety apparel, comprising a first yarn containing modacrylic fibers and a second yarn containing cellulosic fibers. The first and second yarns are intimately interknitted with one another in plated relationship with the modacrylic yarn disposed predominantly at an outer face of the fabric for imparting flame resistant properties and an affinity for high visibility dyes and with the cellulosic yarn disposed predominantly at the opposite face of the fabric for imparting a hand suitable for comfortable body contact with a user's skin.

Abstract: This material is remarkable in that it is made by weaving or knitting, in such a manner as to form a structure comprising two superposed faces (1, 2) intermittently interconnected to each other so as to form pockets, and in which: one of the layers shrinks under the effect of heat; and the linking between the layers is implemented by intermittently linking selected yarns so as to form said pockets.

Abstract: A press felt for papermaking comprises a base body, a fibrous assembly, and a three-dimensional knitted fabric layer comprising two pieces of fabric connected by connecting fibers. The three-dimensional knitted fabric layer is disposed within the press felt at a distance from both the wet paper web contact surface and the machine contact surface of the felt. At least some of the connecting fibers are diagonal fibers.

Abstract: A fabric is disclosed which is suitable for use in the manufacture of particulate filters for use in high heat environments, together with a method for making the high heat filter fabric. The filter fabric has a sliver knit pile construction, and may be manufactured on conventional knitting machines. Both the yarn used in the backing of the high heat filter fabric and the fibers used for the pile of the high heat filter fabric are made of aramid materials, and the high heat filter fabric is suitable for use in high temperatures such as those associated with coal-fired power plants.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tape that comprises a weft-inserted warp knit fabric, which utilizes a combination stitch to secure the wales of the fabric. The combination stitch comprises a majority of successive chain stitches that are used with a minority of subsequent successive tricot stitches, such that the stitch follows the expression x+y, where x is the number of successive chain stitches and y is the number of subsequent successive tricot stitches. Contemplated x values are in the range of 5 to 15, and contemplated y values are in the range of 1 to 4. Multiple stitch formations can also be used (e.g., following an x+y/m+n/etc. configuration). The resulting weft-inserted warp knit fabric possesses superior dimensional stability and internal geometry, while maintaining the tearability requisite for a hand-tearable tape product.

Abstract: A three-dimensional knitted fabric having front and back ground structures and an interconnection yarn uniting the ground structures. At least one of the front and back ground structures of the three-dimensional knitted fabric has an uneven pattern with projections and depressions having a great level difference. Ground yarns of the at least one ground structure are traversed by a predetermined traverse width so that the projections each have a curved shape having a distinct curvature in section, and cast off at predetermined intervals so that the depressions each have an opening.

Abstract: A camouflage net, in particular for covering persons and articles in the desert against detection in a thermal image, has a knitted fabric with a hole structure. The knitted fabric in this case has condensed and/or sealed-off regions.

Abstract: A wire-reinforced webbing material is disclosed for use in furniture, bedding and the like. The webbing includes a flat knitted fabric comprised of substantially elastic yarns such as polyester. A plurality of reinforcement wires are integrally knitted into the fabric structure in a lengthwise direction. The wires may be thin-gauge titanium or titanium alloy wires. Elastomeric yarns or cards may also be integrally knitted into the fabric structure parallel to the reinforcement wires. The reinforcement wires and elastomeric cords combine with the knitted fabric to yield a webbing material having both a high tensile strength and a resilient responsiveness to applied external loads.

Abstract: A composite textile fabric for rapidly moving moisture away from the skin is provided. The composite fabric includes an inner fabric layer (the technical back) formed therealong with a plurality of vertical and horizontal channels and made of a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers of polyester or nylon which have been rendered hydrophilic. The fabric also includes an outer fabric layer (the technical face) made of a moisture absorbent material, a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers primarily of polyester of other man-made yarn which has also been rendered hydrophilic, or a combination thereof. The inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer are formed concurrently by knitting a plaited construction so that the layers are distinct and separate, yet integrated one with the other.

Abstract: A porous absorbent can be formed using recycling materials, which makes it possible to provide at lower costs an excellent capability of absorbing ink or the like, as well as an excellent handling performance. The porous absorbent contains at least virgin fiber, old paper fiber of waste newspaper, and hemp fiber, and an ink jet recording apparatus is provided with such porous absorbent for absorbing waste ink discharged from the recording head thereof.

Abstract: A material to reduce the effects of trauma received from the impact of a projectile. One embodiment is a needle-punched, non-woven material including at least one type of ballistic fibers selected and oriented to provide a cushioning effect and maintain a high compressive restitution constant. A percentage of the fibers are oriented with at least their ends lying approximately perpendicular to the fabric plane and/or oriented to lie in a waveform generally along or parallel to the fabric plane. This enables the ends of the fibers lying perpendicular to the fabric plane to cushion the impact from the projectile by dissipating energy through compressional resistance, and the fibers along the fabric plane to reduce energy through dispersal along fiber lines, thereby reducing the trauma resulting from an impact.

Abstract: A knitted netting includes longitudinal polyolefin ribbons and lateral polyolefin ribbons knitted with the longitudinal polyolefin ribbons to form knitted netting. The lateral polyolefin ribbons of the knitted netting have an actual shuss length more than 110% of a calculated shuss length for the knitted netting. The actual shuss length being in excess of 110% of the calculated shuss length for the knitted netting prevents transverse shrinkage of the netting.

Abstract: A velour fabric article consists of a fabric body having a technical face formed by a filament stitch yarn and a technical back formed by a loop yarn. The filament stitch yarn includes a heat sensitive material, e.g. a hot melt material or a heat shrinkable material, and/or an elastomeric material, such as spandex. The loop yarn includes flame retardant material, such as M-Aramide fiber. The fabric body has a velour surface formed at one or both of the technical back and the technical face. Raised fibers of at least one of the technical face and the technical back may be entangled, including in and/or through interstices of the fabric body, toward the other of the technical face and the technical back, e.g., by a hydroentanglement process applied after finishing. The fabric body has permeability of about 90 ft3/ft2/min, or less, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the fabric body.

Abstract: A laminated elastic fabric includes a first carrier layer of non-elastic, open fabric, and a second layer which is elastic in a direction extending longitudinally of the fabric; a first outer fabric layer and a second outer fabric layer on opposing sides of the first carrier and second elastic layers, and a binder bonding the layers together. The carrier layer can be a warp knit/weft insertion fabric having knit yarns and fill yarns and oriented with the knit yarns thereof extending longitudinally of the fabric, the knit yarns being non-elastic, each of the knit yarns extending longitudinally of the fabric including a plurality of longitudinally-spaced knitted loops, and each of the fill yarns extending transversely of the fabric and through loops of the knit yarns.

Abstract: A fabric substrate for use in reinforcing laminated and coated fabrics. The fabric substrate of the present invention is particularly useful for reinforcing areas along the resulting coated or laminated fabric that may experience local areas of tensile forces, such as areas of attachment. To address these local areas, the fabric substrate includes reinforced weft portions in spaced groups to provide strengthened areas for fastening or attachment of the resulting coated fabric.

Abstract: A decorative texturized fabric is provided. The fabric is produced from a fabric substrate that includes a yarn nappable from one side of the substrate. For instance, in one embodiment, the fabric substrate is a warp knitted fabric. According to the present invention, the fabric substrate is treated with a size composition according to a particular pattern. The fabric is then napped causing a nap to form on one side of the fabric where the size composition has not been applied. In this manner, a texturized pattern is formed into the fabric. After napping, the size composition can be removed from the fabric and the fabric can be dyed.

Abstract: A mat has fabric layer (4) and a rubber backing (6) bonded to the fabric layer. The fabric layer (4) includes a microknitted plush polyester fabric that is chemically treated to render it hydrophilic. The fabric layer (4) may also have a textured surface that includes raised and/or recessed surface formations (14).

Abstract: A warp-knitted fabric of at least three-bar construction, having multifilament synthetic pile yarns on the technical back which are raised or broken to produce a plush surface and monofilament synthetic ground yarns on the technical face. The fabric and/or yarns being hydrophilic, absorbent, wicking, launderable, cleanable, durable, colorfast, printable, dimensionally stable, anti-pathogenic, and/or the like.

Abstract: A fabric material for forming a garment to be worn by a user is provided. The fabric material has a first side and a second side. The fabric material comprises a plurality of fibers with at least a portion of the fibers having at least one open side wherein each fiber directs moisture from the first side of the fabric material to the second side of the fabric material. A method for constructing the fabric material is also provided.

Abstract: A thermal camouflage sheet for covering heat sources against identification in a thermal image, having a base textile with a glass filament, has a coating which contains aluminum powder on one side and has a coating which contains color pigments on the other side. The remission values of the color pigments are in a range which allows camouflaging in the visual-optical and near infrared. The coating which contains color pigments is in the form of a polyurethane coating or polyvinylidene fluoride coating.

Abstract: A knitted fabric comprises fibers. At least part of these are metal fibers. The fabric has 90 or more stitches per square centimeter. The fabric is used as a separation cloth (12) between mould (11) and glass (14). The increased number of stitchers per square centimeter reduces the risks for markings on the glass.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing elastic knitted fabric on a Raschel or tricot machine. The method utilizes a four bar knitting structure and four thread feeders. The needle guides of the first and fourth bars are threaded with non-elastic yarn, while the needle guides of the second and third bars are threaded with elastic yarn. Each elastic thread is worked in plating with the respective non- elastic thread.

Abstract: A lint-free wiper of the present invention is formed of a fabric containing no cut face in the structure thereof which may cause the generation of lint and fiber fall-off. Accordingly, the wiper can be used in a high-grade clean room of at least Class 100 without fear of dust generation. Since the dust-generation suppressing function is based on the fabric end structure formed of yarn loops, the wiper can be produced while eliminating fusion-bonding or an adhesion treatment of the cut face of the fabric. Therefore, the lint-free wiper can be composed of any materials including non-thermoplastic cellulosic fibers or others.

Abstract: A blister fabric formed of a double layer jersey knit which is needled to produce internal connections of filaments and/or fibers from yarns extending into, and/or between, the yarns of an adjacent layer.

Abstract: A camouflage net is provided with a base material in the form of a formed-loop knit of polyester fiber, having fractions of metal and plastic in fiber or pigment form and with a camouflage color coating. The polyester formed-loop knit incorporates metal-sheathed polyamide fibers and optionally polyamide fibers comprising electroconductive pigments.

Abstract: A wire-reinforced webbing material is disclosed for use in furniture, bedding and the like. The webbing includes a flat knitted fabric comprised of substantially elastic yarns such as polyester. A plurality of reinforcement wires are integrally knitted into the fabric structure in a lengthwise direction. The wires may be thin-gauge titanium or titanium alloy wires. Elastomeric yarns or cards may also be integrally knitted into the fabric structure parallel to the reinforcement wires. The reinforcement wires and elastomeric cords combine with the knitted fabric to yield a webbing material having both a high tensile strength and a resilient responsiveness to applied external loads.

Abstract: A knitted screen cloth fabric including a polymer coated, fiber-reinforced, flexible, foil-like web and method for making same are disclosed, the web including a lattice material of filaments and a polyester binding thread.

Abstract: The invention is an ornamental cover for the head of a stethoscope. The cover includes a mouth through which the head of the stethoscope is passed. The cover may include an elastic portion that will cause the mouth of the cover to assume a diameter that is smaller than the head of the stethoscope. In the preferred embodiment, the cover is knitted or woven material that may be washed and reused. In another embodiment, the cover is in the shape of an animal or animal head.

Abstract: This invention consists of “orienting” the activity (or activities) of textiles, in particular their antimicrobial activity, as well as antistatic, antifungal, and similar useful functions, the “orientation” of the activity (or effect or functions, these terms being used here as being equivalent) of a textile, and especially of the antibacterial activity, of one side of the textile being carried out in relation to the other side.

Abstract: A low-shrinkage, stable print platform circular knitted, cotton/synthetic fabric. The fabric is a two end fleece fabric having a weight of between about 8 to 12 oz. per sq.yd., a stitch density of between about 800 to 1000; and a face yarn count of the fabric is between about 16 to 20. In the preferred embodiment, the backing yarn count of the fabric is between about 7 to 12. The resulting fabric construction of the present invention has stretch of less than about 3% stretch in the width direction and less than about 3% stretch in the length direction when tested according to a standard stretch chart. In addition, the fabric of the present invention has shrinkage in the range of less than 5% when tested according to a standard one wash cycle. The resulting fabric is an exceptionally stable print platform, circular knitted fabric and improved pilling resistance.

Abstract: Invention-wise three-dimensional net made by warp knitting has high shape retainability in three-dimensional cords defining three-dimensional mesh spaces, capability of suppressing direction dependency, superiority in structural stability and pressure resistance, capability of retaining a suitable degree of elasticity and formation of three-dimensional cords simply by imparting tension, high void content, and lightweight, which are suitable for various applications.

Abstract: A fabric for reducing endogenous pain by application of the fabric to a pain site to facilitate the flow of endogenous electrical current in the body, and including a knitted stretch fabric having a knit base structure of electrically non-conductive fibers forming courses and wales, a first electrically-conductive carbon fiber knitted into and extending along first selected wales and transversely along first selected courses of the base structure, and a second electrically-conductive carbon fiber knitted into and extending along second selected wales and transversely along second selected courses of the base structure intersecting the first selected courses for contacting the first electrically-conductive carbon fiber and thereby defining a matrix of first and second electrically-conductive carbon fibers that induce an electrical current in the presence of an electrical charge.

Abstract: An absorbent barrier sheet (10) includes an integral fabric web (12) and a vinyl barrier material (14) intimately connected to and across the integral fabric web (12). The web (12) includes an upper portion (16) and a lower portion (18), with the upper portion including a plurality of hydrophobic first yams (20) and the lower portion including a plurality of fluid-retaining second yams (22). In addition, the web (12) has a middle portion (24) which includes a set of ground yarns (26) and parts of the hydrophobic and fluid-retaining yarns (20),(22), with the ground yarns (26) integrating the hydrophobic and fluid-retaining yarns (20), (22) of the upper and lower portions (16), (18), thereby forming the integral fabric web (12). The vinyl barrier material (14) is intimately connected to and across the fluid-retaining lower portion (18) of the integral fabric web (12).

Abstract: A composite textile fabric for removing moisture from the skin is provided. The composite fabric includes an inner, first fabric layer comprising either a polyester, polypropylene, acrylic or nylon yam material which is naturally, or has been rendered, hydrophilic and an outer, second fabric layer incorporating either a moisture-absorbent material such as cotton or a synthetic yarn which has been rendered hydrophilic, or a combination thereof. The first and second fabric layers are formed concurrently by knitting a plaited construction. The second fabric layer, but not the first layer, is blended with synthetic fibers treated to have antimicrobial properties or the second fabric layer is treated with an anti-microbial paste. An elastomeric yarn material may be added to both layers so that the composite fabric is stretchable.

Abstract: A net for diffusing light comprising threads of flat yarn, characterized in that the flat yarn has a layer comprising a foamed synthetic resin film capable of diffusing light passing therethrough. Also disclosed is a method for protecting plants from overexposure to sunlight comprising covering the plants with such a net.

Abstract: A velour fabric article consists of a fabric body having a technical face formed by a filament stitch yarn and a technical back formed by a loop yarn. The filament stitch yarn includes a heat sensitive material, e.g. a hot melt material or a heat shrinkable material, and/or an elastomeric material, such as spandex. The loop yarn includes flame retardant material, such as M-Aramide fiber. The fabric body has a velour surface formed at one or both of the technical back and the technical face. Raised fibers of at least one of the technical face and the technical back may be entangled, including in and/or through interstices of the fabric body, toward the other of the technical face and the technical back, e.g., by a hydroentanglement process applied after finishing. The fabric body has permeability of about 90 ft3/ft2/min, or less, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the fabric body.