Abstract: A method of forming durable nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web comprising a blend of matrix fibers, lyocell fibers, and fusible binder fibers. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Fabrics formed in accordance with the present invention exhibit significant improvements in strength while remaining drapeable and are capable of withstanding multiple laundry washing with nominal shrinkage.

Abstract: A method of coating disc brake pads to obscure and seal minor surface imperfections, thereby reducing scrap rates. A preform of friction lining material is coated prior to molding and curing the preform and bonding the same to the backing plate to form the brake pad assembly. The preform is coated with an aqueous composition containing a solids mixture of 5–50 vol. % resin and 50–95 vol. % non-resin solids. Advantageously, the coating composition has a 5–30 vol. % solids mixture content, which solids mixture includes 15–25 vol. % resin, 0–10 vol. % powdered elastomer, 5–15 vol. % carbon black, 20–50 vol. % inorganic fillers, 5–15 vol. % organic fibers and 1–10 vol. % inorganic flake material.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition is provided that includes a pressure sensitive adhesive polymer. The polymer includes: at least one copolymerized monoethylenically unsaturated (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, wherein the (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, when homopolymerized, has a Tg of less than about 25° C.; at least one copolymerized monoethylenically unsaturated reinforcing monomer, wherein the reinforcing monomer, when homopolymerized, has a Tg of at least about 25° C.; covalently bonded quarternary ammonium functionality; and, optionally, at least one copolymerized monoethylenically unsaturated poly(alkylene oxide) monomer. The composition optionally further includes at least one nonreactive poly(alkylene oxide) polymer and/or at least one antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler for printing and applying labels and for printing tags. The labeler has a keyboard, a display, a scanner, and a battery-containing handle. The labeler is user-friendly and compact. The labeler can be easily loaded with label and tag webs of different widths. The labeler has a discharge chute for the carrier web which can be slid to a position outside the labeler for easy cleaning.

Abstract: A method of making a filter includes the steps of: providing a substrate having a porous surface; applying to the porous surface a coating of dry powder comprising particles to form a filter preform; and heating the filter preform to bind the substrate and the particles together to form a filter.

Abstract: A central positioning device for a labeling machine of heat shrinkable film includes an upper section and a lower section connected to each other with a fastener; a positioning member provided at an upper end of the lower section; the upper section revolving to adjust for an angle and secured by the positioning member; the film passing through the upper section being pushed downward to change its orientation; a logo on the film falling on a square bottle exactly as required; and folding marks of the film merely falling on the corners of the bottle without displacement to ensure the precise location of the subsequent film to wrap around the bottle.

Abstract: A bonded web of multi-component strands that include a first polymeric component and a second polymeric component is capable of overcoming a number of problems associated with nonwoven webs including both stickiness and blocking. The first polymeric component and second polymeric component are arranged in substantially distinct zones extending longitudinally along at least a portion of a length of the strands which make up the web with the second component containing a zone constituting at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the strand. The first polymeric component also has an elasticity which is greater than that of the second polymer component. A process producing elastomeric spunbonded nonwoven fabrics which utilizes the activation by incremental stretching of the strands is also provided.

Abstract: A method for adhering a friction material for a lockup clutch, with which a friction material is adhered to a flat surface of a core plate, comprises a disposing step of disposing the friction material between a heated member and the flat surface of the core plate, a pressing/heating step of bringing the heated member into contact with the core plate and applying load to the core plate by a plurality of pins from a back side opposite to the flat surface of the core plate, and a step of maintaining a state under the above-mentioned pressing/heating step for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a belt having a region comprising a non-woven material on a pulley engaging surface. The non-woven region has a random coverage of the non-woven material to reduce natural frequency harmonics, control frictional characteristics, permeation and thermal resistance. The non-woven may comprise a combination of softwood and hardwood pulp, as well as synthetic fibers applied in a random matrix to a body having a fiber loading.

Abstract: An electrospinning apparatus including a spinning dope main tank, a metering pump, a nozzle block, a collector positioned at the lower end of the nozzle block for collecting spun fibers, a voltage generator, a plurality of units for transmitting a voltage generated by the voltage generator to the nozzle block and the collector, said electrospinning apparatus containing a spinning dope drop device positioned between the metering pump and the nozzle block, the spinning dope drove device having (i) a sealed cylindrical shape, (ii) a spinning dope inducing tube and a gas inletting tube for receiving gas through its lower end and having its gas inletting part connected to a filter aligned side-by-side at the upper portion of the spinning dope drop device, (iii) a spinning dope discharge tube extending from the lower portion of the spinning dope drop device and (iv) a hollow unit for dropping the spinning dope from the spinning dope inducing tube formed at the middle portion of the spinning dope drop device.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and a device (101) for producing a longitudinal fiber web (100), in which fibers (2) are continuously applied, in the longitudinal direction, to a substrate web (6). In a pretreatment section, a relatively high tensile force (F) has to be exerted on the fibers, resulting in a relatively great strain (?). Before the fibers (2) are applied to the substrate web (6), the stress in the fibers is reduced. The drive for the fibers in the pretreatment section is separate from the drive for the substrate web, the transport velocity of the fibers in the pretreatment section being controlled separately as a function of the transport velocity of the substrate web, in such a manner that the transport velocity of the fibers in the relaxed state is substantially equal to the transport velocity of the substrate web in the relaxed state.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for laminating a first material (40) such as a spunbonded polymer having a point emboss pattern (41) formed thereon, to a second material (43) such as a polymer film, involves use of a lamination process using a point lamination pattern (56) provided on a heated calender roll (50). One or more geometric characteristics of two patterns (41, 56) such as bonding/contact area, pitch or angle of axes, is selected and differentiated, prior to lamination, to control, during lamination, the amount of point or mis-registration between the two patterns (41, 56). The laminate (60) can have optimum all over lamination if the amount of point mis-registration is maximized. An adhesive can be provided between the first and second materials (40, 43) to enable lamination of dissimilar composition materials.

Abstract: A flooring material having a textile pad substructure with a density of greater than 10 pounds per cubic foot is provided. The textile pad has reinforcement and binding fibers. The binding fibers are thermoplastic and are used to bind the reinforcement fibers together. The pad is created by heating and compressing a fibrous textile batt so that it has a density of greater than 13 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing nonwoven fabrics having an improved balance of properties in the machine and cross-directions. More specifically, the invention utilizes nonwoven webs that include relatively low levels of multiple-component fibers having latent three-dimensional spiral crimp combined with fibers that do not develop spiral crimp. The latent spiral crimp of the multiple-component fibers is activated, such as by heating, under free shrinkage conditions, after formation of the nonwoven web to achieve re-orientation of the non-spirally-crimpable fibers and an improved balance of properties such as tensile strength and modulus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a primer composition for promoting adhesion between a polymeric substrate and an adhesive. The primer composition may include, without limitation, a resin, an isocyanate, a catalyst, a solvent and optionally an optical brightener.

Abstract: A vehicle interior lining having good sound absorbing properties and that is permeable to air is formed from an intermediate product comprising an inside decorative layer and a barrier layer made of open-cell foam. The barrier layer adjoins the rear side of the decorative layer. A foam backing is disposed on the rear side of the intermediate product is provided with a foam backing. The barrier layer prevents the foam backing material from penetrating through toward the decorative layer, eliminating the need for a barrier film and improving sound absorption. The interior lining can be used as a roof lining.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system of manufacturing a cosmetic applicator in which a predetermined pattern of flocking bristles are dispensed toward the applicator and are adhered to the applicator by an adhesive. The flocking bristles can be dispensed using a flocking dispenser. The flocking dispenser is moveable in a longitudinal direction forward and backward along the sides and tip of the applicator. During or after movement of the flocking dispenser, the applicator can be rotated around its longitudinal axis. The movement of the flocking dispenser and rotation of the applicator can be controlled to provide the desired pattern of flocking bristles. The density of distribution of the flocking bristles can be controlled by varying the speed of movement and rotation of the applicator and the amount of flocking bristles which are dispensed from the flocking dispenser. For example, a high density of flocking bristles can be applied to extend radially from the tip.

Abstract: Pile weatherstripping having an integral fin is made by wrapping a fin material around a traveling mandrel or band, winding pile material around the fin material and the band, attaching a pair of backer elements to the pile material along opposite edges of the band, and then cutting the fin material and the pile material to produce simultaneously two pile weatherstrips. Stationary and traveling elements may be employed to facilitate cutting and produce fin above the pile weatherstrips.

Abstract: A fastening device, which will facilitate the assembly of associated parts or manufactured articles, and electromagnetic energy absorptive component for absorbing electromagnetic waves and converting wave energy to heat; an expansive component, which expands upon exposure to heat emanating from the target material; matrix material, which will become adhesively active and effect the adherence of the associated parts upon exposure to heat emanating from the target material, and a stiffening component.

Abstract: Yarn suitable for tufting comprises a base fiber ring spun or wrap spun with a second fiber at least partially comprising a heat-activated adhesive material such that the yarn includes from 0.1 to 12, preferably 0.25 to 10, weight percent adhesive material having a melting point within the range of 105° to 190° C., more preferably 165° to 190° C. A preferred base fiber is a synthetic staple fiber bundle. A preferred wrapping or insert fiber comprises copolyamide material, including ternary copolyamides of the 6/66/12 type. When the yarn is twist set by conventional processes and then tufted into carpet, the resulting carpet displays enhanced wear and appearance properties.