Abstract: A method for forming a filter rod may include providing a bale of crimped tow band having about 10 denier per filament or greater and about 20,000 total denier or less, the crimped tow band comprising a plurality of cellulose acetate filaments; and placing the crimped tow band in an apparatus so as to form a filter rod.

Abstract: A method for forming a filter rod may include providing a bale of crimped tow band having about 10 denier per filament or greater and about 20,000 total denier or less, the crimped tow band comprising a plurality of cellulose acetate filaments; and placing the crimped tow band in an apparatus so as to form a filter rod.

Abstract: A method for forming a filter rod may include providing a bale of crimped tow band having about 10 denier per filament or greater and about 20,000 total denier or less, the crimped tow band comprising a plurality of cellulose acetate filaments; and placing the crimped tow band in an apparatus so as to form a filter rod.

Abstract: A system may include a plurality of tow band processing lines and a master air jet in communication with the tow band processing lines to receive a plurality of processed tow bands from the tow band processing lines to form a bulked web. The system may be used to form a bulked web that itself is a nonwoven material or that may be further processed into a nonwoven material.

Abstract: Generally, in situ core/skin nonwoven materials may be produced from polymer melt filaments with collection in a heated collector. an in situ core/skin nonwoven material produced with heated collectors may have, at least, a core comprising a plurality of polymer melt filaments and a skin on at least one side of the core, which may advantageously translate to unique structural characteristics, properties, and applications not previously realized.

Abstract: Generally, an acquisition distribution layer for absorbent hygiene products may be produced from continuous tow bands. A system for producing such an acquisition distribution layer may include, at least, a tow band processing line and a master air jet in operably connected to the tow band processing line to receive a processed tow band from the tow band processing line so as to produce an acquisition distribution layer for an absorbent article.

Abstract: A system may include a plurality of tow band processing lines and a master air jet in communication with the tow band processing lines to receive a plurality of processed tow bands from the tow band processing lines to form a bulked web. The system may be used to form a bulked web that itself is a nonwoven material or that may be further processed into a nonwoven material.

Abstract: Systems for producing bulked webs and/or nonwoven materials may include at least one extruder having a plurality of nozzles and a master air jet in communication with at least one extruder to receive a plurality of polymer melt filaments from at least one extruder to form a bulked web. Producing bulked webs may include at least the steps of forming a plurality of polymer melt filaments; passing the plurality of polymer melt filaments through a master air jet thereby forming a bulked web; and collecting the bulked web.

Abstract: A method for forming a filter rod may include providing a bale of crimped tow band having about 10 denier per filament or greater and about 20,000 total denier or less, the crimped tow band comprising a plurality of cellulose acetate filaments; and placing the crimped tow band in an apparatus so as to form a filter rod.

Abstract: A method for producing a bale of crimped tow band may include providing a tow band having about 10 denier per filament or greater and about 20,000 total denier or less, the tow band comprising a plurality of cellulose acetate filaments; crimping the tow band thereby yielding a crimped tow band; conditioning the crimped tow band; and baling the crimped tow band to form a bale.

Abstract: An electromechanical rotary switch actuator for the operation of doors of mass transit vehicles. The switch actuator discloses a crew switch actuator that incorporates the features of a rotary switch while at the same time provides low cost manufacturing of the switch actuator apparatus. The invention is a simple, yet innovative, apparatus whereby rotational control of the switch assembly is provided by a retaining member which mates with a slot grooved into a shaft mounted for rotation in the actuator body. The longitudinally axial dimension of the actuator body is small which enables the apparatus to be flush mounted to the outside walls of the transit vehicles. The crew switch actuator disclosed is operated not only by a detachable key which is also disclosed, but also may be actuated with the same keys currently being used to operate the door control switches of most mass transit systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a belt that uses a fastening device other than a buckle. The belt is of the type having inner and outer plies of leather. Pins having enlarged heads are fastened to one of the plies at one end of the belt. Apertures to receive the pins are placed in the other ply at the other end of the belt. A metal plate is spaced between the plies. It has apertures that are enlarged on one end and are reduced on the other end to receive and lock pins. The pins can be removed from the apertures by pressing the overlapping ends together.