Abstract: A fiber-reinforced concrete-like material product includes a plurality of fibers containing an effective amount of at least one antimicrobial agent to inhibit organisms and protect the concrete from biological attack. Preferably, the antimicrobial agents are added to the fibers prior to the fibers being dispersed in the concrete. Such a concrete product containing antimicrobial-enhanced fibers simultaneously inhibits organisms from biological attack, reduces plastic shrinkage cracking of the concrete and improve post-peak flexural strength of the concrete.

Abstract: A modified secondary backing fabric (20) for carpet (50) comprises a secondary backing scrim fabric (15) and a fiber batt (21) integrated with the secondary backing fabric forming the modified fabric, providing a soft face (51) opposite the face (52) presented by the scrim fabric, uninterrupted by the scrim fabric. A carpet (50) comprises a face yarn (11); a primary backing fabric (12), the face yarn being tufted into the primary backing fabric; a modified secondary backing fabric (20) attached to the primary backing fabric; and an adhesive material (14) binding the face yarn to the primary backing fabric and the primary backing fabric to the secondary backing fabric.

Abstract: Fiber additives for addition to proportioned concrete comprise a plurality of thermoplastic fibers having a profile geometry defined by the equation, ##EQU1## wherein the amplitude a.sub.0 falls within a range of from about 0.1 d.sub.f to 2.0 d.sub.f and the period .lambda. falls within a range of from about 2 d.sub.f to 15 d.sub.f for fibers having a diameter d.sub.f of from about 0.5 to about 1 mm; the peak pull-out stress .sigma..sub.peak and the specific pull-out energy absorbed to a maximal displacement of 7.5 mm .psi..sub.peak, both increase linearly with a deformity factor defined by the equation, ##EQU2## where .alpha.=0.8 and .beta.=-1, such that the peak pull-out stress is defined by the equation, ##EQU3## and the specific pull-out energy is defined by the equation, ##EQU4## the fiber additives having an optimimum deformity,D.sub.optimum .apprxeq.(0.5 to 1)D.sub.critical,D.sub.critical being that deformity where the ultimate tensile strength of the fiber equals k.sub.1 D.sub.

Abstract: A cannon (10) for applying synthetic roving materials (12) comprises feeder means (20) for receiving and delivering a plurality of strands of synthetic roving material; a barrel assembly (21) having a discharge opening (46) at one end (42); air chamber assembly (22) interposed between feeder means and the barrel assembly providing air under pressure, the roving material being directed therethrough to combine with the air, whereby the air and the roving material are forcibly expelled from the barrel assembly; a fluid housing (23) around the feeder means and carrying a volume of fluid (93); and means (24) for directing and controlling the passage of the fluid from the fluid housing into the feeder means into contact with the roving material as it passes therethrough.

Abstract: Graded fiber additives for addition to proportioned concrete comprising a mixture of fibers having deniers ranging from about 3 to about 5000 and lengths ranging from about 0.0625 to 3 inches (0.16 to 7.6 cm), graded to provide pluralities of different fiber designs comprising variations in at least three of lengths, widths, thicknesses, deniers, fibrillations, cross-sections or aspect ratios, prior to their addition to concrete, or at least two of lengths, widths, thicknesses, deniers, fibrillations or aspect ratios, prior to their addition to concrete, or at least two of widths, thicknesses, deniers, fibrillations, cross-sections or aspect ratios, prior to their addition to the concrete, so as to accommodate the mortar factions within proportioned concrete containing graded aggregate, provide a continuous distribution of fibers therein and thereby inhibit the initiation of cracking.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing soil and reinforcing vegetation includes placing a single-layered, three-dimensional, high-profile woven geotextile fabric into the soil. The single-layered, homogeneous fabric is woven from monofilament yarns having different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, when heated, the fabric forms a thick three-dimensional, cuspated profile. The monofilament yarns have a relatively high tensile strength and a relatively high modulus at 10 percent elongation so as to provide a fabric which is greater in strength and more dimensionally stable than other geotextile structures. Thus, the geotextile fabric is suitable for use on slopes, ditches and other embankments and surfaces where erosion control, soil stabilization and/or vegetative reinforcement may be necessary. The homogeneous, single-component nature of the fabric promotes easier handling and minimizes failure points, while offering a thick, strong and dimensionally stable product upon installation.

Abstract: A non-wet processed tufted carpet (10) includes a plurality of face yarns (12), dyeable to the desired carpet color prior to tufting, which are tufted into and through a primary backing fabric (14) and which are more securedly held in place by a secondary backing fabric (16) without the use of an adhesive binder, the secondary backing fabric locking the face yarn in place upon the application of heat to a non-wet surface of the secondary backing fabric non-adjacent to the primary backing fabric. The tufted carpet (10) does not include any latex or binding adhesives which may cause odors or emit volatile organic chemicals. Moreover, the face yarn (12), primary backing fabric (14), and secondary backing fabric (16) are made of the same type of polymeric material, thereby creating a carpet which is wholly recyclable. The carpet (10) also uses only predyed fibers and yarns as the face yarn, thereby eliminating the need to dye or wet process and dry the carpet during its manufacture.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing soil and reinforcing vegetation includes placing a single-layered, three-dimensional, high-profile woven geotextile fabric into the soil. The single-layered, homogeneous fabric is woven from monofilament yarns having different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, when heated, the fabric forms a thick three-dimensional, cuspated profile. The monofilament yarns have a relatively high tensile strength and a relatively high modulus at 10 percent elongation so as to provide a fabric which is greater in strength and more dimensionally stable than other geotextile structures. Thus, the geotextile fabric is suitable for use on slopes, ditches and other embankments and surfaces where erosion control, soil stabilization and/or vegetative reinforcement may be necessary. The homogeneous, single-component nature of the fabric promotes easier handling and minimizes failure points, while offering a thick, strong and dimensionally stable product upon installation.

Abstract: A fabric (16) is formed from a plurality of woven monofilaments, comprising an acetal resin, the fabric having utility as a fuel filter fabric. The acetal resin presents a material that is stable and does not swell in alternative fuels.

Abstract: A method for the improvement of appearance and performance characteristics of turf surfaces includes the steps of applying from about 0.1 to about 0.5 percent by weight of discrete fiber materials (14) selected from the group consisting of man-made fiber forming substances to turf growing and turf containing areas (10) and then working the discrete fiber materials into the areas. Working may allow a first portion of the fiber materials to be carried beneath the surface (11) of the area so as to promote reinforcement and anchoring of the turf (12) at the root zone level and a second portion to be at least partially exposed above the surface of the area, so as to remain visible with the turf. A related method for the improvement of appearance and performance characteristics of turf surfaces is also provided for turf propagated in previously barren surfaces.

Abstract: Sediment barrier for reducing the erosive energy of water flow through on a watercourse such as a surface, a rill or similar channel, and for increasing the deposition of sediments therein. The sediment barrier includes a plurality of individual strands emanating outwardly from a foundation common to all the strands, and forming a structured flow-permeable array having a certain shape to extend outwardly from the watercourse on which the barrier is placed. The individual strands preferably are crimped or otherwise distorted in external configuration so as to provide fiber-to-fiber cohesion which helps maintain the overall array of the barrier. The sediment barrier is anchored in place on a surface or within a rill or gully, so as to maintain the strands in upright relation to the watercourse.