Abstract: A spinneret having octagonally-shaped orifices for producing yarn filaments having a characteristic cross-section and improved cross-sectional fidelity. The filament cross-section is characterized by generally symmetrical rectangular sub-sections each having four lobes and joined one to the other by a central bridging portion connecting the short facing sides of the sub-sections. This cross-section has increased surface area and remains substantially constant throughout the length of the filament whereby reduced air pressure is required when using the filament in air jet looms.

Abstract: Continuous processes for the preparation of electrets and the products produced thereby, including filter fabrics, are disclosed. The process employs a continuous film or continuous filaments in the form of a tightly packed warp having a warp density as determined by light transmission of not more than 40%. The continuous film or continuous filament in the form of a tightly packed warp are continuously fed one or more times through a corona charging station having electrodes disposed on both sides of the material being treated, the material being treated being simultaneously heated while being subjected to a corona discharge of from 6 KV to 20 KV direct current.

Abstract: A composition for the adhesive activation of polymeric material. The composition is comprised of a non-resinous quaternary ammonium salt of a polyepoxide wherein the nitrogen atom of the ammonium group is bonded directly to a carbon atom of the polyepoxide and wherein the composition is substantially free of free amine. The composition may be used as a spin finish or topcoat composition and is particularly useful in the preparation of polyethylene terephthalate tire cord which is ultimately incorporated into rubber.

Abstract: A halogenated polyether is provided having a chemical structure which has been found to possess the requisite characteristics for satisfactory service as a promoter of good adhesion between a polymeric surface (e.g., a polyethylene terephthalate tire cord) and an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber). The halogenated polyether may be formed by (1) the reaction of an organic polyhydroxy compound with epihalohydrin (e.g., epichlorohydrin) to create ether linkages, (2) the epoxidation of the ends of the ether chains which extend from the residual portion of the organic polyhydroxy compound, and (3) the substantial hydrolysis of the epoxy groups (as described). The resulting halogenated polyether is substantially free of epoxy groups, contains at least one 2-halomethyloxyethylene unit, and contains 2,3-dihydroxypropyl end groups (as described). Such halogenated polyether optionally may be provided in the form of an oligomer (as described).

Abstract: Sinterd molded article having improved thermal resistance and strength formed from a homogeneous mixture comprising from about 5 to 75 percent by weight polybenzimidazole and from about 95 to 25 percent by weight of a polyaryleneketone.

Abstract: The present invention permits the testing of the sewing characteristics of various types of sewing threads under conditions which simulate the normal conditions encountered when performing various fabric seaming operations in the conventional manner. The testing of the sewing characteristics of the sewing threads is carried out in an economical manner by using narrow test strip fabric so that the test results can be ascertained in a short period of time. The method and apparatus of the present invention permits various types of sewing threads to be subjected to the identical and repeatable conditions so that an accurate comparison of the sewing characteristics can be made. The sewing thread test can be carried out on relatively inexpensive narrow test fabric strips which are fed to and past the stitching needle of the sewing machine in various angular paths of travel relative to the needle and at preselected variable speed rates.

Abstract: Sintered polybenzimidazole articles are obtained by compacting a particulate, dried polybenzimidazole resin under a pressure of 2,000 to 10,000 psi in a mold, heating the formed article to a temperature in the range of 825.degree. to 950.degree. F. for at least four hours, cooling the polybenzimidazole article to below 800.degree. F. while maintaining the article under a pressure of 2,000 to 10,000 psi, and thereafter heating the constrained formed polybenzimidazole article to a temperature in the range of 825.degree. to 950.degree. F. for at least one hour.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for producing an disbursing uniform liquid or melt droplets employing a core-fed rotating sprayer having multiple tiers of orifices.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of polymeric butanediol ester of terephthalic acid by means of ester interchange process having improved rates of polymerization to produce polyesters having improved color. The process employs the neat addition of terephthalic acid on completion of the ester interchange reaction and maintains the ratio of glycol to dimethyl terephthalate in the ratio of not more than 1.3 to 1. Preferably the process is conducted with titanium containing catalysts and has a polymerization rate greater than 700 deciliters per hour.

Abstract: Skinless shaped articles having increased specific surface area and based on cellulose esters, including both solid and hollow fibers, can be produced with at least one surface having a striated or fibrous appearance and a cellular interior structure by extruding a spinning solution comprising a cellulose ester and a solvent therefor directly into an aqueous bath, wherein the residual content of solvent in the bath is maintained at a concentration below a critical level, preferably less than about 10 weight percent.

Abstract: A two-component staple fiber finish is disclosed which renders polyester staple fiber having low to normal modulus and tenacity-at-break fit for "100%" open end spinning. A synthetic fiber having from about 0.08 to about 0.15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the fiber, of a primary finish comprising(a) from 25 to 85 weight percent of at least one alkyl phosphate ester salt, and(b) from 15 to 75 weight percent of a second component selected from the group consisting of quaternary trialkyl ethyl ammonium ethosulfate salts and the reaction products of polyoxyethylene ethers and C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 fatty acids is claimed.The use of a secondary lubricant to enhance the carding and drawing characteristics of the staple fiber is also disclosed.

Abstract: Sintered polybenzimidazole articles are obtained by compacting a particulate, dried polybenzimidazole resin under a pressure of 2,000 to 10,000 psi in a mold, heating the formed article to a temperature in the range of 825.degree. to 950.degree. F. for at least four hours, cooling the polybenzimidazole article to below 800.degree. F. while maintaining the article under a pressure of 2,000 to 10,000 psi, and thereafter heating the constrained formed polybenzimidazole article to a temperature in the range of 825.degree. to 950.degree. F. for at least one hour.

Abstract: A fiberoptic bundle has one end disposed in the bed of a sewing machine in opposition to the stitch formation region below the throatplate. A strobe light for periodically illuminating the region and a camera for recording visual images of the region are coupled to the opposite end of the fiberoptic bundle. The end of the fiberoptic bundle within the sewing machine bed may be provided in guidepaths for viewing the stitch formation region from different viewing directions, preferably 90.degree. apart. A load cell is disposed on the side of the sewing machine for recording tension transients in the thread en route to the needle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately setting a cutting gap of a fiber cutting assembly of the type having a cutter reel with a plurality of radially spaced apart, cutting blades and a presser roll mounted adjacent to the cutter reel and having a peripheral surface positioned at a predetermined distance from the cutting edges of the cutting blades to define the cutting gap. The apparatus comprises a gauge member at one of the cutting blade positions which extends radially beyond the radial distance of the blades and corresponds to the desired cutting gap setting, and means for electrically sensing contact of the gauge member with the presser roll.

Abstract: A continuous rod of a product such as a cigarette filter material is coated with a treating liquid by being passed axially through a cylindrical applicator zone comprising a permeable cylindrical wall, the cylindrical wall being concentrically enclosed within a reservoir and manifold zone connected to a source of liquid. The feed supply for the liquid additive can be pressurized and/or heated, so that application of the additive can be in either liquid or vapor form. The process and apparatus of this invention may be used alone or in conjunction with prior art homogeneous applicators and processes.When used to apply a plasticizer to a rod of continuous filament tow, e.g. for use in producing cigarette filters, annular regions of varying concentrations of the plasticizer are produced in the rod. A relatively dense region of plasticized fiber can be produced on the outside of the filter. Filter rods having wrapping paper uniformly adhered about the periphery of the rod can be produced.

Abstract: The aging period for chemically stabilized, adhesive activated polyester material can be reduced by contacting the material before it is substantially drawn or stretched with a composition containing a defined epoxide compound catalyzed with ions of at least one of potassium, cesium, rubidium or ammonium at a pH of between about 7.5 to about 13.0. The composition preferably also contains chloride, bromide or iodide ions which stabilizes the pH and/or an amine which improves adhesion to rubber.

Abstract: A bale of goods, particularly textile goods, and method of forming the same includes covering the bale of goods with a cover and then strapping the bale with at least one tensioned strap which encompasses the bale. A restraining tape extends generally transversely over the strap and is affixed (preferably by means of adhesive) to the strap and to portions of the cover laterally adjacent to the strap. The restraining tape thereby positionally and attachably secures the strap to the bale and defines a zone of the strap in which the strap may be severed to minimize outward lashing thereof thereby promoting a greater measure of safety to personnel.

Abstract: A skinless hollow fiber of a cellulose ester material is formed by providing an aqueous coagulation bath having a tube-in-ring jet immersed therein and extruding a spinning solution comprising at least one cellulose ester material and a solvent therefor directly into the bath through an annulus surrounding the tube of said tube-in-ring jet while simultaneously allowing a portion of the liquid in the bath to be autogenously aspirated through an opening in the tube, located below the surface of the liquid in the bath, and through the tube thereby forming a lumen in the extruded fiber and then drying the extruded fiber.

Abstract: A spun polyester yarn containing ethylene terephthalate as the main or only recurring unit characterized by a percentage crystallinity (.beta..times.10.sup.2) of less than 20, a birefringence (.DELTA.n) of at least 50.times.10.sup.-3, a function A greater than 28 and a function B.gtoreq.16 where ##EQU1## and B=(A-100 .beta.) and wherein-IV is the intrinsic viscosity of the spun yarn, .DELTA.n is the birefringence of the spun yarn and (dpf) is the filament decitex of the spun yarn.

Abstract: In an apparatus for advancing a bundle of filaments, a pair of rolls defines a nip through which the bundle passes. A blower blows a stream of gas across an outer periphery of at least one of the rolls in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of that roll to dislodge adhering filaments therefrom. This prevents filaments from lapping the roll. The gas stream forms an obtuse angle with a radius extending from the point of intersection of the gas stream and the roll periphery.