Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and conditioning a fabric in which pressurized fluid is directed into a restricted and diminishing passageway formed by the fabric and a member forming an extended nip therewith so that the fluid is forced through the fabric.

Abstract: A system for handling discrete sheets including a nozzle for simultaneously lifting the sheet from a surface by suction and propelling the sheet in a direction generally corresponding to the plane of the sheet.

Abstract: A method for conveying a web using inner and outer pairs of elongated side jet nozzles employing the Coanda effect to propel the web while preventing undue distortion or folding thereof. Conveying is accomplished by flowing pressurized air through a plurality of apertures formed in the nozzles and attaching air flow to Coanda flow attachment surfaces slanting away from the apertures.

Abstract: A system for conveying a web using inner and outer pairs of elongated side jet nozzles employing the Coanda effect to propel the web while preventing undue distortion or folding thereof.

Abstract: A system for slitting a parent web to form grooved rolls including movable shear slitters and a Coanda nozzle device for removing trim segments from the shear slitters.

Abstract: A system for slitting a parent web to form grooved rolls including movable shear slitters and a Coanda nozzle device for removing trim segments from the shear slitters.

Abstract: A system and method for venting cooling air from a plurality of filaments with which said air has been associated, employing a Coanda flow attachment means, including a Coanda flow attachment surface, to separate the filaments and air into respective streams, and then to divert said air stream in a direction away from said filament stream.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing trim from a conveying fluid medium including a conduit defining a generally rectangular shaped exit opening. A fluid flow attachment plate leads from the opening for redirecting movement of the fluid medium. A screen for interrupting movement of the trim and separating it from the fluid medium is attached to the fluid flow attachment plate.

Abstract: A system for serially conveying discrete flexible articles including a plurality of sequentially activated Coanda nozzles disposed along an article flow path and article support means cooperable with the nozzles to propel and stabilize the articles.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting strip material from a first location to a second location including a first conduit, a venturi device disposed along the first conduit and means for generating fluid flow in the interior of the first conduit through the venturi device. A second conduit leads from the first location to the venturi device and an auxiliary fluid flow generating means is provided for entraining the strip material at the first location and transporting it through the second conduit to the venturi device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for continually preventing filament bridging between adjacent draw nozzles. The system comprises a heating element, generally in the form of a metal heating wire, which is disposed between adjacent nozzles and is positioned in the path of filaments attempting to bridge the nozzles. The temperature is maintained at a level high enough above the melting point of the filaments so that they will continuously and instantaneously melt when they contact the heating element.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for producing a continuous liquid spray curtain which, when sprayed onto a moving surface, covers essentially the entirety of that surface without substantial streaking thereof. The subject spray curtain is produced by discharging a continuous air curtain at a relatively high velocity of at least 600 feet per second. A plurality of liquid streams are at the same time discharged from a liquid discharge means at a relatively low velocity of not more than about 20 feet per second. The air curtain contacts the liquid streams at a minimum contact angle of between about -10.degree. and about +30.degree., measured from the center line of the liquid discharge means. The contacting air curtain atomizes the liquid streams and forms the subject high velocity, uniform, liquid spray curtain.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing an air cushion to support web material during turning thereof and including means defining two plenums providing a flow path for pressurized gas prior to the gas exiting from a slit adjacent a generally curved fluid flow attachment surface. The dual plenum arrangement results in an even air distribution at the location of the slit thus contributing to web stability and control as the web floats on a cushion of air comprised of the pressurized air and ambient air along the generally curved fluid flow attachment surface due to the Coanda effect.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for dispersing a plurality of closely associated filaments so that the dispersed filaments are capable of being deposited, in a random, convoluted pattern, on a moving web-forming surface to form a high machine-direction strength nonwoven product. The filaments are preferably dispersed by impinging same against a fluid-dynamically-assisted, contoured deflection means, preferably comprising a curved, downwardly inclined deflection element which is continuously traversed, generally codirectional with the filament flow, by a stream of air.

Abstract: A filament draw nozzle including throughbore defining means having a shoulder spaced from the throughbore, a housing defining an aperture and positioned on the throughbore defining means, said housing abutting the shoulder whereby the housing is aligned relative to the throughbore defining means, and fiber inlet defining means, said fiber inlet defining means including a fiber inlet feed tube slidably positioned in the housing aperture. The throughbore and the housing aperture are disposed in alignment whereby the fiber feed tube is concentrically disposed within said throughbore.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dispersing a plurality of filaments, moving at high velocity, without substantial fiber aggregation, for subsequent uniform deposition on a web-forming surface, by the use of opposed Coanda nozzles. The Coanda nozzles are operated under nonsteady-state conditions whereby a substantially nonsymmetrical filament pattern is created between the opposed Coanda surfaces.

Abstract: A system for forming a layered, cross-lapped web from web material having a predetermined width comprising conveyor means having a web support surface and moveable in a predetermined direction, cross-lapping means moveable relative to the conveyor means and adapted to fold the web material and deliver it to the web support surface to form a layered cross-lapped web on the conveyor means, and means disposed adjacent to the conveyor means web support surface and a web material fold adapted to induce a suction against the web material to position the fold at a predetermined location relative to the conveyor web support surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for uniformly distributing liquid to a moving web or the like including a housing having side walls with elongated liquid exit slits formed therein. Curved deflector plates are positioned adjacent to the exit slits to direct fluid exiting therefrom toward the moving web. Baffles are provided within the housing defining openings through which the liquid must pass prior to exiting from the exit slits. The baffles are positioned in such a manner as to agitate the liquid prior to its reaching the exit slits.

Abstract: A system for dispersing and transporting particulate matter including means defining a flow path for the particulate matter, a conduit defining an interior in fluid flow communication with the flow path and having an outlet, means for inducing a flow of the particulate matter from the flow path defining means through the conduit and out of the outlet, and fluid curtain generating means for directing converging multiple curtains of high velocity fluid against the particulate matter as it exits from the conduit outlet.

Abstract: A system for dispersing and transporting particulate matter including a fluidizing chamber and means for introducing particulate matter into the chamber and directing it against fluid entering the chamber from another location. A Coanda nozzle communicates with the chamber and entrains the particulate matter and fluid in the fluidizing chamber and transports same in a direction differing from the original directions of movement of the particulate matter and fluid.