Abstract: Waterproof, moisture-vapor-permeable urethane-coated fabrics with durable antimicrobial properties that remain after repeated launderings are prepared by incorporating bioactive silyl quaternary ammonium salts into the polyurethane elastomer solvent solution that forms a microporous polyurethane layer by the wet coagulation method on a base fabric.

Abstract: Waterproof, moisture-vapor-permeable aromatic urethane-coated fabrics that resist degradation caused by ultraviolet light are prepared by incorporating hindered amine ultraviolet stabilizers into the aromatic urethane elastomer solvent solution that forms a microporous polyurethane layer by the wet coagulation method on a base fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide the production of a non-woven fabric from a batt of random, loose, ultrasonically fusible fibers at high speed (e.g. greater than 50 meters/minute). A plurality of ultrasonic welding machines are spaced from each other in a batt feed direction, and produce a fabric having a predetermined number of primary bonding points per unit area. The batt is fed in the feed direction into operative engagement, in turn, with each of the ultrasonic welding machines, while energy is supplied to each of the machines. Each of the machines effects bonding of substantially less than all of the predetermined number of primary bonding points, but so that together the machines provide all of the predetermined number of bonding points. Each machine includes an anvil roller and a purality of horns, which may be disposed in-line with each other and spaced from each other in a dimension transverse to the feed direction.

Abstract: An ultrasonically bonded non-woven web is produced having no unacceptable fuzziness. An ultrasonic horn and an anvil roller are mounted for cooperation with each other to effect ultrasonic welding of a single batt of random, loose ultrasonically fusible fibers passed between them in a dry condition. The anvil roller comprises metal projections disposed in a pattern defining the roller circumferential surface, and ultrasonically insulating material--such as rubber--fills the volume between the metal projections.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing a non-woven fabric ultrasonically without unacceptable streaking. A fibrous batt is continuously fed in a first direction toward and past a plurality of vibration sources and anvil. Energy is supplied to the vibration sources so that bonding of the fibrous batt in a non-woven fabric takes place at the vibration sources and anvil. Significant migration of fibers of the batt is positively prevented just prior to passage of the batt into contact with the vibration sources so that a streakless bonded non-woven fabric is produced. Migration may be positively prevented by disposing a heated roller of hard material just upstream of the vibration sources, and providing a second compression roller upstream of the heated roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the bonding of web fibers together ultrasonically. A patterned roll anvil, or the equivalent, and a horn of an ultrasonic welding machine are constructed especially for producing a nonwoven fabric from a batt of random loose ultrasonically fusible fibers. The patterned roll anvil has raised portions formed thereon spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller a distance A. The horn face is constructed so that when disposed in operative association with the anvil roller parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller, the horn face has a dimension X perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller that is less than 2A.

Abstract: A method of forming an improved, nonwoven lightweight (about 3 oz./yd..sup.2 or less) fabric from a batt of random, loose ultrasonically fusible (i.e., thermoplastic) fibers. A product is produced by utilizing an ultrasonic welding machine having a patterned roll anvil or equivalent, and a horn, and a carrier of flexible sheet material such as tissue paper, heat transfer print paper or other nonthermoplastic sheets, capable of drawing and spreading out ultrasonic energy from the machine. The batt and the carrier are disposed in face to face abutting relationship and are progressively fed together between the horn and the anvil of the machine while supplying ultrasonic energy to the batt with the machine sufficient to form the batt into a nonwoven fabric.