Abstract: An improved method and apparatus of cutting an object with a laser beam, comprising using a diode laser-pumped pulsed solid state laser having an average power output from about 2 to about 100 watts and delivering an average laser beam brightness of greater than 1012 W/m2*sr and a peak brightness of greater than 1013 W/m2*sr to the object. Objects cut with the laser cutting method having heat affected zones (HAZ) of less than 4 mm, and having substantially no microcracks.

Abstract: Laser cutting of workpieces according to prior art results in heat affected zones (HAZ) of signiftcant thickness at the cut surface, which show seriously disturbed texture and/or microcracks. The HAZ is diminished by using a laser system with high beam quality and high brightness.

Abstract: An iridescent effect is achieved in satin weave filling-faced fabric using sheath-core filaments wherein the core is dyed to a color that is different from that of the sheath.

Abstract: The current invention involves a process for microstructuring surfaces of oriented polymeric substrates using laser radiation having an intensity which is spatially modulated in a predetermined periodic manner. The process is especially useful for microstructuring the surfaces of textile products and films.

Abstract: Polyamide, polyurea, polyhydrazide, and polyurethane materials having substantially modified surfaces which are antimicrobial are disclosed. The disclosure also relates to selective ultraviolet (UV) photon irradiation, high energy electron irradiation low energy electron irradiation for preparing such antimicrobial, polymeric materials. The disclosure further provides methods for controlling microorganisms, and products made from the antimicrobial, polymeric materials of this invention.

Abstract: Molten polyamide filaments are extruded from spinneret capillaries through a gas-filled gap and into a quench bath which contains a heated aqueous liquid. The bath has a nozzle defining a vertically disposed cylindrical passageway with its entrance in the bath below the bath surface. The filaments are converged into a filament bundle at the entrance and withdrawn from the exit of the passageway at a withdrawal speed of about 1500 to about 3500 meters per minute. The polyamide polymer is extruded from the spinneret such that the jet velocity in the spinneret capillaries is between 2 and 10% of the withdrawal speed of the filament from the exit of the nozzle passageway.

Abstract: A method of determining luster characteristics of fiber filaments utilizing a mathematical model of filament cross sectional shape and simulated impinging light to determine light distribution after interaction with the fiber and thereby determine luster properties. The method also includes a method for deriving individual filament cross sectional shapes of fibers in a bundle of touching filaments and for deriving therefrom other fiber properties and controlling the manufacturing parameters affecting such properties as well as luster properties.

Abstract: A spinneret made from a hardened metal plate having one or more slot shaped capillaries exiting the face of the spinneret. The walls of the capillaries taper toward the face of the spinneret, and each capillary has a length to width ratio of greater than about 2.

Abstract: A laser cutting method for complex capillaries wherein a multi-mode beam from a solid-state is reduced to predominantly a single mode and focused to a spot about 40 microns in diameter. The laser is focused about 0.2 to 0.3 mm above the work piece. The predominantly single mode is a TEMoo mode. By recutting the capillary slots with the laser, metal oxide particles condensed from the vapor phase and resolidified molten metal on the walls of the slots are removed.

Abstract: Copolyester fibers susceptible of enhanced dyeability on continuous dye equipment and which have improved recovery from compression are prepared from a poly(alkylene terephthalate) such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) containing 9 to 17 weight percent of a poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol having a molecular weight of 500 to 1500.

Abstract: The dyeability of carpet yarns prepared from random copolymers of nylon 66 and 6-12 wt. % nylon 6 is improved by subjecting the yarn to saturated steam at temperatures close to the melting point of the copolymer. The copolymers used in the invention have an amine end content of 30-80 gram equivalents per 1000 kilograms of polymer and a relative viscosity of 55-85 in filament form.