Abstract: A sliver-knit insulating fabric is disclosed that has pile extending from both sides of a knitted base material with the insulating fabric having a weight per unit area of less than 200 g/m2. The pile is formed from a plurality of tufts of fibers secured within the knitted base material. The tufts of fibers define a plurality of end portions extending from the knitted base material with a first portion of the end portions extending from a first side of the knitted base material to form a first pile portion and a second portion of the end portions extending from a second side of the knitted base material to form a second pile portion. A method of forming the sliver-knit insulating fabric is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a spool having a length of tubular fabric wound thereupon is disclosed, the tubular fabric being substantially spirally wound upon a core with consecutive windings of the extended length tubular fabric being located close adjacent each other, and with consecutive rows of the extended length tubular fabric overlaying each other on the hollow core. The winding operation simultaneously controls both the lateral position at which the tubular fabric is wound onto the core and the rotation of the core to achieve the tight and highly compact winding operation, with the speed of the winding operation being controlled according to the amount of the tubular fabric which is available at any given time. The tubular fabric is suitable for use in the manufacture of paint roller covers.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a spool having a continuous fabric strip is disclosed which produces an extended length fabric strip made from a plurality of seamed standard lengths of the fabric, the extended length fabric strip being substantially spirally wound upon a hollow core with consecutive windings of the extended length fabric strip being located close adjacent each other, and with consecutive rows of the extended length fabric strip overlaying each other on the hollow core. In a first embodiment, the standard length fabric strips are joined together at their respective contiguous ends using a small strip of heat-activated seaming tape. In a second embodiment, the standard length fabric strips are stitched together at their respective contiguous ends using thread.

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.