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: Quick setting, nonaqueous melt size compositions suitable for application as a melt to textile yarns, and for later removal by solvent or aqueous means, include substantially equal amounts of an 80/20 ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer and a wax such as hydrogenated tallow intimately blended with a smaller amount of sebacic acid or dodecanedioic acid together with an amount of a nonionic surfactant to facilitate size removal.

Abstract: An automatic method and apparatus for determining whether adequate size has been applied to yarn ends includes at least one photo-optic detector for counting the number of frays or hairs at various locations of a warp beam made up of yarn ends, comparing the count to a predetermined upper limit of acceptable frays or hairs and displaying the result. An alarm is enabled whenever the detected amount of frays of hairs exceeds the predetermined acceptable upper limit. A feedback control loop provides for the control of yarn transport speed, pressure roll force and/or size pump speed to maintain the amount of applied size within an acceptable range of values.

Abstract: Spun yarns are subjected to the vortex action of an impinging, circularly rotating fluid to lay down extending staple fibers against the yarn body while causing the yarn path to balloon and are then contacted with a melt size presented on a slower moving grooved melt size applicator. As a result of the ballooned yarn path, the yarn wipes melt size from the sides and bottom of the groove, giving the yarn a smooth, substantially continuous coating on its outside surface. Spun yarns so treated may be successfully woven as filling yarn on a water jet loom and knit as the warp yarn or as laid-in yarns on a knitting machine without excessive lint accumulation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method effect application of molten size to textile yarns, such as spun yarns. An applicator cylinder is rotatable about a horizontal axis and has a number of grooves circumferentially formed in its surface, with peaked lands between the grooves, each land making an angle of about 8.degree.-12.degree. with respect to a plane bridging the top of an associated groove. A furnisher roll, also rotatable about a horizontal axis, picks up molten size from an open-top trough and delivers it to grooves in the rotating applicator cylinder. The surface of the furnisher roll cooperates with that of the applicator cylinder so that sloping areas of the furnisher roll mate with the lands of the applicator cylinder and so that flat areas of the furnisher roll bridge the entrances to the grooves. The furnisher roll may be of polytetrafluoroethylene machined to correspond to the surface of the applicator cylinder, or may have an elastomeric material surface.

Abstract: Non-aqueous, quick setting sizing compositions suitable for application as a melt to textile yarns, and for later removal by solvent or aqueous means, characterized by substantial amounts of hydrogenated tallow-type triglyceride wax, are disclosed. The compositions may include an approximately 50:50 weight mixture of a specific class of 80/20 ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers intimately blended with an equal amount of the wax. A fatty acid amide may be included in an amount up to about 7 weight percent of the composition or from 1 to 14 weight percent sebacic acid or dodecanedioic acid, the amount of copolymer being reduced accordingly. The compositions may contain up to 62 weight percent of the wax, and rigidify at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A hot-melt warp yarn size composition and a method for applying, desizing, and disposing of it which essentially eliminates atmospheric and water pollution at all stages of the process. The size is a melt blend of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer with microcrystalline, paraffin, or hydrogenated tallow wax. It is applied as a melt to warp yarn, desized with hot petroleum solvent, and the extracted size and unrecovered solvent burned to non-polluting carbon dioxide and water.

Abstract: A non-aqueous, water-soluble, quick-setting sizing composition suitable for application in the molten state to textile yarns of both continuous-filament and staple types, and for later removal by aqueous means, comprising a combination of a film-forming thermoplastic polymer with a melt-miscible viscosity reducer and solidification promoter, and yarns so sized. The polymer protects and consolidates the yarn, while its companion component promotes the even application and particularly the quick set-up of the molten size. Optionally, if desired, water-soluble lubricants may also be added to increase the lubricity and flexibility of the sized yarn.

Abstract: A compact apparatus and method for applying hot-melt size in a properly fluid state to a plurality of textile yarns. The apparatus comprises an internally heated rotating cylinder made of heat-conducting material, with deep grooves formed around it, one groove for each yarn strand. The size is preferably applied by urging a block of solid size against the grooves of the hot cylinder. From the point of application the molten size is carried by the rotation of the cylinder to a zone where each moving yarn strand passes briefly through a corresponding size-filled groove, essentially tangentially to the cylinder, and then moves away coated with an optimum amount of size. The method of application is unique in its capacity for placing a quick-setting, high molecular weight, film-forming melt size on yarn at high speed.

Abstract: A compact apparatus and method for applying hot-melt size in a properly fluid state to a plurality of textile yarns. The apparatus comprises an internally heated rotating cylinder made of heat-conducting material, with deep grooves formed around it, one groove for each yarn strand. The size is preferably applied by urging a block of solid size against the grooves of the hot cylinder. From the point of application the molten size is carried by the rotation of the cylinder to a zone where each moving yarn strand passes briefly through a corresponding size-filled groove, essentially tangentially to the cylinder, and then moves away coated with an optimum amount of size. The method of application is unique in its capacity for placing a quick-setting, high molecular weight, film-forming melt size on yarn at high speed.

Abstract: A non-aqueous,water-soluble, quick-setting sizing composition suitable for application in the molten state to textile yarns of both continuous-filament and staple types, and for later removal by aqueous means, comprising a combination of a film-forming thermoplastic polymer with a melt-miscible viscosity reducer and solification promoter, and yarns so sized. The polymer protects and consolidates the yarn, while its companion component promotes the even application and particularly the quick set-up of the molten size. Optionally, if desired, water-soluble lubricants may also be added to increase the lubricity and flexibility of the sized yarn.