Abstract: A process for hydraulically needling a web of staple fibers into an unbonded flash spun web made of continuous plexifilaments to form a spunlaced nonwoven fabric. The web of staple fibers is positioned against the unbonded flash spun web and then hydraulically needled such that the staple fibers are embedded into and entangled with the unbonded flash spun web to form a spunlaced nonwoven fabric. Optionally, the spunlaced nonwoven fabric can be thermally bonded to maintain or increase the permeability of the fabric. Thermal bonding can be used to control the level of permeability depending on the end-use desired. Spunlaced nonwoven fabrics made by the inventive process are particularly useful in filtration applications (e.g., vacuum cleaner bags) when thermal bonding is employed and as bulky, downproof and featherproof barrier liners for garments, sleeping bags, pillows, comforters and the like when thermal bonding is not employed.

Abstract: A process for making spunlaced nonwoven fabrics comprised of fusible fibers and non-fusible staple length fibers. The preferred process comprises wet-laying a mixture of fusible and non-fusible staple length fibers into a nonwoven web and then lightly bonding the web to melt the fusible fibers. Optionally, the bonded web is then wound on a roll so the web can be easily transported. Thereafter, the lightly bonded web is hydraulically needled to entangle the fibers in a three-dimensional state. The hydraulically needled web is then optionally dried to remelt the fusible fibers and improve durability and abrasion resistance. The resulting spunlaced nonwoven fabrics made by the inventive process are useful in apparel and wiper applications.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making spunlaced acrylic/polyester fabrics comprising applying low impact water jet energy to a fabric web and vacuum dewatering the resulting spunlaced fabric. The spunlaced fabrics exhibit very low wet and dry particle counts and high absorbency thereby making them particularly useful in cleanroom wiper applications and as coverstock for sanitary napkins, diapers and the like.

Abstract: A method for the (i) sequential acquisition of temperature measurements of predetermined parts of a living body, obtained under standardized conditions, both before and after the administration of a specific body stress; (ii) sampling such data to select the most representative data points, (iii) manipulating the selected data by identifying temperature asymmetries, and making certain correlative comparisons, among other manipulations; for the purpose of obtaining an objective indication of the probable presence and location of normal or diseased tissue; and (iv) providing a relatively simple quantitative measure of such indication.