Abstract: Strong fabrics are provided that can be used for items that can be moved or gathered while maintaining their integrity. The added strength of the fabric and the performance of the fabric make these fabrics and these items more effective in responding to oil spills. These fabrics and items will remove oil sheen from the surface of water and can absorb more than their dry weight in oil from water. Non-linting socks (e.g., sediment socks or absorbent socks) are also provided.

Abstract: Strong nonwoven fabrics can be used as a sheet in a silt screen fence or other temporary silt screen barrier. The fabrics can be without reinforcements. Enhanced features of these strong nonwoven fabrics can enable them to be used as a sheet in a silt screen fence or other temporary silt screen barrier without adding additional processing steps. A strong nonwoven fabric without internal or external reinforcement that does not tear easily and has excellent light stability can be used.

Abstract: A silicone coating is applied to fabrics to increase the abrasion resistance while enhancing the natural absorbency and breathability. These fabrics can be used for a variety of applications such as components for shoes, inkjet receptive media, automotive air bags, facing for insulation, tapes and other uses.

Abstract: A silicone coating is applied to fabrics to increase the abrasion resistance while enhancing the natural absorbency and breathability. These fabrics can be used for a variety of applications such as components for shoes, inkjet receptive media, automotive air bags, facing for insulation, tapes and other uses.

Abstract: The subject invention provides non-woven fabrics having yarns of varying characteristics. In a preferred embodiment the subject invention provides nonwoven fabrics that comprise yarns of different deniers or cross sections. The use of these yarns gives the nonwoven fabric a unique appearance and advantageous properties. The subject invention further pertains to the processes used to produce these fabrics.

Abstract: The subject invention provides non-woven fabrics having yarns of varying characteristics. In a preferred embodiment the subject invention provides nonwoven fabrics that comprise yarns of different deniers or cross sections. The use of these yarns gives the nonwoven fabric a unique appearance and advantageous properties. The subject invention further pertains to the processes used to produce these fabrics.

Abstract: Antimicrobial fibers useful for the manufacture of gas permeable fabrics are manufactured by co-extrusion of polymerics and antimicrobial materials. The fibers may be ed in various combinations to provide antimicrobial fabric materials.

Abstract: A fluid heater has concentrically disposed radiantly heated and convectionally heated sections. The radiantly heated section includes a helically coiled tube defining a cylindrical chamber in which a flame produced by a burner primarily radiantly heats the coiled tube. The helically coiled tube has an outer perimeter about which a plurality of finned tubes are concentrically disposed and are heated by convection transfer of thermal energy. The oil heater embodying the present invention provides a compact oil heater that has greatly increased heating efficiency, reduced heat loss through the shell of the heater, and reduced internal stresses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nonwoven fabric made from a nylon and polyethylene blend. The addition of polyethylene enhances specific properties such as softness, lower production cost, improved process capabilities, and ease of further downstream processing such as bonding to other fabrics or itself.

Abstract: Spunbonded nonwoven nylon fabrics are formed from a blend of nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 polymers. A blend or copolymer of 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of nylon 6, balance nylon 6,6 is extruded into continuous filaments, pneumatically attenuated and drawn, and deposited onto a collection surface forming a web. The web is bonded either chemically or thermally. The fabric exhibits improved filament bonding. The addition of nylon 6 also improves the spinning performance of a nylon 6,6 spunbonded nonwoven process.