Abstract: A method for absorbing hydrophobic substances in liquid form, by subjecting the liquid to contact with an adsorbent material comprising fibers in knop form, which has a spherical fiber orientation gained in the knopping process. The knopping process parameters form the fibers into knops of a wide range of densities in order to allow optimized oil adsorbency for a range of oil viscosities. The fibrous material can be modified by including the use of chemicals, such as water repellants, to modify the surface characteristics of the fibers to enhance oil pick-up or flotation. The fibrous material can be used in conjunction with a containment device made of netting or porous material shaped into an elongated system or pad to allow oil and oil water mixtures to penetrate the netting.

Abstract: A needle for tufting, sewing, stitching the like machines, the needle including a shaped elongate blade having at one end thereof a shank and at the other end thereof a point to which is positioned a needle eye, the elongate blade having a shaped longitudinal input recess in one side of the blade above the eye, the input recess having a sloped floor region immediately above the eye which is in the same plane as any bias on the shank of the needle and wherein the angle of the floor relative to the sides of the needle eye is outside the range of 85.degree.-95.degree. degrees.

Abstract: A looper for a tufting machine for producing cut-pile has a base portion, a forward hook-shaped end and a yarn engaging portion around which a loop of yarn is formed extending between the base portion and the forward end, the yarn engaging portion having smooth contours adjacent only the forward end of the looper, the remainder of the length of the yarn engaging portion having a cutting edge formed thereon for effecting the cutting upon cooperation with an independently operable cutting blade of at least one of a series of accumulated loops collected on the yarn engaging portion. Thus, any catching, cutting or breaking of the loop of yarn before being cut by the cutter blade is avoided.

Abstract: A needle for tufting, sewing, stitching and the like machines, which needle comprises a suitably shaped elongate blade having at one end thereof a shank and at the other end thereof a point adjacent to which is positioned a needle eye which is shaped and dimensioned to allow unimpeded movement of yarn therethrough particularly when the needle is withdrawn in an upward direction with a loop of yarn held on a looper.