Abstract: A top bedsheet, bottom (fitted contour) bedsheet, or pillow case is produced by circularly knitting, in a jersey knit configuration, a sheath and core yarn into a fabric. The sheath fibers comprise short staple fibers such as cotton or comparable cellulosic fibers, and provide at least 50 percent of the yarn and preferably about 68-83 percent of the yarn. The core fibers are long staple synthetic fibers such as polyester, and are completely covered by the cotton so that the product has smoothness of hand. The fabric has a weight of approximately four ounces per square yard, and is finished so that it has a relaxed shrinkage of about five percent in both the length and width dimensions. The sheath and core yarn configuration is produced by passing a sliver of sheath fibers and a roving of core fibers through a trumpet, and then through the rear rolls, apron, and front rolls of a drafting apparatus to produce a drafted composite sliver, and then mechanically imparting a twist to the drafted composite sliver.

Abstract: A process for forming crepe fabrics on a shuttleless loom is provided which includes temporary stabilization of highly twisted (e.g., 40-70 TPI) filament yarn. To this end, hot melt size is applied at a predetermined temperature in predetermined amounts (e.g., add-on of about 10.5-13.5%) immediately after twisting so as to reduce the liveliness of the yarn and to thereby permit it to be woven. After weaving, the yarn stabilization is reversed by a desizing operation. The fabric is subsequently heat treated to develop crepe characteristics.

Abstract: A cold weather system for keeping a wearer comfortable in a temperature of about -60.degree. F.-+40.degree. F. and winds up to 100 miles per hour; utilizes a shirt, pants, parka and wind shirt and wind pants. A sleeping bag and moisture handling pad/deicing cloth are compressed in compressor bags and easily transported by the wearer for comfort during sleeping too, and used with a bivvy sack having a tent flap. The shirt and pants are ventable so that they provide comfort over a wide temperature range, the vents being completely closed when maximum thermal protection is desired. The parka includes a windskirt which engages the wearer's legs. The wind garments are made of fine denier 100% synthetic material tightly woven so that they have very low air porosity. The parka and wind shirt can be connected together to provide an emergency bivac sleeping bag.

Abstract: A manually operated cleaning tool for use in a liquid jet printing apparatus of the type having a manifold assembly with an interior cavity and which generates a linear array of droplet streams under pressure through an orifice plate in fluid communication with the interior cavity. The preferred embodiment of the cleaning tool comprises a vacuum head for contacting the surface of the orifice plate, an adjustable handle operatively connected to the vacuum head for rotatably positioning the vacuum head to contact the orifice plate along a corridor defined by the orifice plate mounting structure, a fluid conduit operatively connected to the vacuum head, and a vacuum apparatus for continuously removing excess printing fluid from the orifice plate.

Abstract: Described is a process for continuously dyeing high tenacity nylon 6,6 fabrics including the sequential steps of applying to a high tenacity, highly crystalline nylon 6,6 fabric whose fibers have a breaking tenacity in the range of 6.0 to 10 g/denier and an aqueous dyebath containing a tinctorial amount of at least one dye. The dyed fabric is then steamed with superheated steam at atmospheric pressure and at temperatures greater than 100.degree. C., e.g., 100.degree. to 160.degree. C., for a time sufficient to fix the dye to the fabric, usually up to 3 minutes. Following steaming, the dyed fabric is washed to remove any unfixed dye, then dried.

Abstract: A method of converting a warping arrangement having two creel halves and a warper from a setup for long lots of one style to a setup for shorter lots. The method includes converting transfer package positions on each of the creel halves to running package positions and providing a yarn sheet transfer device associated with each creel half to permit the recreeling of each creel half by placing leading ends of newly recreeled yarn packages into yarn guides on the yarn sheet transfer device associated with the creel half while yarns from the other creel half are running to the warper through a yarn sheet transfer device associated with the other creel half.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clean air hood for disposition above the print head of a fluid jet printing apparatus having an orifice plate on one side of the print head for forming a plurality of droplet streams. The droplet streams flow past charge and deflection electrode means as well as a fluid catcher whereby uncharged droplets are deposited on a substrate. The clean air hood includes an interior baffle for directing clean air through the hood for issuance through a pair of laterally spaced slots along opposite sides of the hood whereby the air curtains formed thereby straddle the print head. In operation, the air curtains flow along opposite sides of the print head and opposite sides of the droplet streams ot maintain a clean air region about the electrode means and dampen any tendency of particulate matter carried by the substrate from migrating into the region of the electrodes. The print bar is rotated 180.degree.

Abstract: An improved yarn package holder operable to prevent snagging of yarn on its inner surfaces. The holder includes a tube onto which a length of yarn can be wound which is configured to permit the passage of air through the base of the end plug while simultaneously preventing passage of the yarn end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method effect cleaning of a grooved applicator cylinder which applies molten size to textile strands, such as spun yarns. A plurality of holding blocks have quadrate-shaped channels formed in one end thereof, and a circular cross-section elongated elastomeric material cord (e.g., silicone rubber having a Durometer of about 50-75) is frictionally received within the channel. The position of the holding blocks with respect to a housing may be individually adjusted utilizing a cam slide having a slanted surface which engages an adjustment screw, tightening of the adjustment screw sliding the holding block toward the cylinder. The elastomeric material of the cord deforms to essentially completely fill the grooves and to wipe unused size, lint and the like from the grooves and adjacent lands, including the bottoms of the grooves, to effect cleaning. The housing is beveled to facilitate flow of removed size thereover.

Abstract: Water-vapor-permeable yet waterproof coated fabrics are prepared by applying a polyurethane resin solvent solution plus flame retardent to a base fabric then immersing the coating to coagulate the resin leaving a thin, microporous coating on the fabric. An acrylic acid thickener system may be included in the resin solvent solution. The resultant microporous coated fabric has a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 600 g/m.sup.2 /24 hours, a hydrostatic pressure resistance of at least 69 kPa and is resistant to flame.

Abstract: Textile fabrics are dyed in open widths in a closed, heated environment by spraying a heated dye composition containing a dyestuff dispersed in a non-aqueous, high-boiling solvent, without the dye applicator directly contacting the fabric, directly onto the fabric. The sprayed fabric is held under transverse tension in a heated (350.degree. to 450.degree. F.) environment and further heated while the sprayed dye dispersion migrates, penetrates thoroughly through the fabric and levels substantially evenly across the width of the fabric. Fabrics are thus simultaneously uniformly dyed and uniformly heatset. Apparatus for conducting the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: It is possible to produce denim fabric suitable for manufacture into garments that have the look and feel of washed and tumble dried garments, practiced in a relatively simple and quick manner. Denim fabric is treated to raise the warp yarns so that the warp yarns are adjacent the face of the fabric and positioned so that they can be rubbed and abraded to loosen the surface fibers; and then effecting abrading and rubbing of the tips of the warp crimp so as to duplicate the surface abrasion of washing and tumble drying without making a napped or brushed type finish or face. The abrading action may be practiced by sanding utilizing a fine sandpaper in the range of about 50-100 grit, employing a 9-roll T-Ralph sander with 2 to 6 rolls running at a speed of about 50 ydm.

Abstract: An extraction and treatment apparatus which includes multiple solvent tanks which are switchably connected to multiple sample tubes in which material to be processed is contained. The sample tubes are filled with solvent from the tanks and drained of their processed contents, under the control of a microcomputer.

Abstract: Yarn hairiness is reduced by employing a vortex action of a fluid, such as air or steam. Yarn in a substantially dry condition is passed in a generally linear path through a body having a central through-extending generally linear passageway that is circular in cross-section. A plurality of bores are provided in the body which extend from the periphery of the body to intersect the central passageway, being tangentially disposed with respect to the central passageway. Fluid under pressure is introduced into the bores, and creates a vortex action which acts upon the yarn to twist and lay down protruding hairs that cause yarn hairiness. The bores are preferably disposed at an angle of about 40.degree.-50.degree. with respect to the central passageway, and are spaced along the length of the passageway. Shortly after the yarn exits the body, hot melt sizing is applied to it to maintain the protruding hairs in their laid down position.

Abstract: A dry cleanable self-lined unfinished lustrous antique satin fabric having good hand, good crease resistance, and a woven look is provided. The fabric is a weft inserted warp knit (wiwk) fabric which has a multiple substrate, a single substrate with foam backing, or a single substrate with an additional sewn lining. The weft yarn is on the face of the substrate, and is a lustrous yarn such as rayon (as when producing non-washable draperies), or acrylic, bright polyester or acetate (as when producing washable draperies). The weft has a density equivalent to between about 36-52 single picks per inch, and at least part of the weft may comprise a novelty yarn. The warp yarn is stitching yarn, in a tricot stitch configuration. The warp yarn is a low-shrinkage filament yarn that is not fully oriented, and has a denier of between about 20-60, and an elongation of at least 15 percent. Non-woven inexpensive polyester substrate may be utilized; if a single layer is utilized it has a maximum weight of 2.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning foreign particles from an ink jet orifice plate assembly having a plurality of orifices and an ink stream input passage includes a liquid reservoir containing a quantity of cleaning liquid in which the ink jet orifice plate/dye cavity assembly is disposed, ultrasonic agitation means for imparting ultrasonic vibrations in the liquid to dislodge foreign particles from the orifice plate assembly, and means for simultaneously propelling a stream of the cleaning fluid inwardly (in a reverse-flow manner) through the plurality of outlet orifices to carry off dislodged foreign particles. The solid particulates are thereby removed from the assembled structure before it is placed in operation in the fluid jet printer. The method for ultrasonic cleaning is also disclosed.

Abstract: The fluid jet applicator of the present invention utilizes a piezoelectric crystal to artificially stimulate the fluid supply chamber with coherent acoustic energy to pruposely generate and exploit the acoustic standing waves therein. As a result, although sized droplets will be formed at substantially the same frequency from each orifice, individual droplets will be formed so as to be out of phase with its adjacent neighbors in accordance with the standing acoustic wave pattern. By selecting only a very short print time, e.g., such that only one or two drops are formed within such a time and by controlling the frequency of such print time, a wide range of aesthetically appealing, unique, random interference of patterns can be created. Patterns closely simulating natural wood grains including knot holes can be readily produced by the present invention. More, the present invention allows patterns to be modified with relative ease and remarkable flexibility.

Abstract: Cold weather footwear includes at least three assemblies: an inner preformed sock comprised of inner and outer fabric layers and an intermediate open cell polyurethane foam layer enabling moisture transmission through the preformed sock; an insole assembly including a first layer formed of a moisture retaining or accumulating fabic, separable foam and intermediate sheet plastic non-moisture permeable plastic, and an underlying layer of closed cell thermally insulating foam for disposition between the inner sock and the sole of the boot; and a boot having a sole and a shell formed integrally with the boot, the shell being backcoated with a plastic material and coated with a water repellent. The footwear has adequate thermal insulation and moisture vapor transport characteristics, while affording good wind resistance and water repellency.

Abstract: A weft insertion warp knit fabric having a terry or boucle effect is produced by overfeeding at least some of the wrap yarns to a conventional weft inserted warp knitting machine, such as a Raschel, (e.g.) Liba, or Mayer. Terry loops extend outwardly from the technical back side of the fabric, and the loops may be continuous over the entire fabric face, or discontinuous, i.e. being disposed in an intermittent pattern. A substrate may be provided to which the warp and weft yarns are stitch bonded, or the fabric may be substrate-free. By varying the knitting yarn denier and/or stitch length, the erectness of the terry loops may also be varied. The fabric is especially suitable for draperies and upholstery.

Abstract: A cold weather system for keeping a wearer comfortable in a temperature of about -60.degree. F.-+40.degree. F. and winds up to 100 miles per hour, utilizes a shirt, pants, parka and wind shirt and wind pants. A sleeping bag and moisture handling pad/deicing cloth are compressed in compressor bags and easily transported by the wearer for comfort during sleeping too, and used with a bivvy sack having a tent flap. The shirt and pants are ventable so that they provide comfort over a wide temperature range, the vents being completely closed when maximum thermal protection is desired. The parka includes a windskirt which engages the wearer's legs. The wind garments are made of fine denier 100% synthetic material tightly woven so that they have very low air porosity. The parka and wind shirt can be connected together to provide an emergency bivac sleeping bag.