Abstract: A method and apparatus for loosening, cutting, and abrading a web of textile fabric having spun yarns containing wrapper fibers. The textile fabric web is directed under high tension around a rotatable, small diameter tube coated with abrasive particles. Abrasive particles are preferably rounded (nonfaceted) tungsten carbide particles. The tube can be rotated at a slow speed and the surface speed of the tube may be a fixed percentage of the textile fabric web speed. The contact angle of the textile fabric web with the tube is between one (1) and one hundred and twenty (120) degrees. The average pressure between the textile fabric web and the tube should exceed two (2) pounds per square inch (p.s.i.).

Abstract: A method for increasing the energy absorption of a fabric constructed of high tenacity fiber. This method modifies the ballistic stress-deflection curve of the fabric by effectively toughening the fabric by controlling the peak stresses generated in the fabric layer. These stresses are controlled by perforating the fabric into relatively narrow portions or cutting the fabric into relatively narrow strips, preferably along the bias. This unexpected property is counter-intuitive to known expertise in this area in that the weakening of the fabric by cutting or perforating actually improves the ballistic performance.

Abstract: A method for increasing the energy absorption of a fabric constructed of high tenacity fiber. This method modifies the ballistic stress-deflection curve of the fabric by effectively toughening the fabric by controlling the peak stresses generated in the fabric layer. These stresses are controlled by perforating the fabric into relatively narrow portions or cutting the fabric into relatively narrow strips, preferably along the bias. This unexpected property is counter-intuitive to known expertise in this area in that the weakening of the fabric by cutting or perforating actually improves the ballistic performance.

Abstract: A method for increasing the energy absorption of a fabric constructed of high tenacity fiber. This method modifies the ballistic stress-deflection curve of the fabric by effectively toughening the fabric by controlling the peak stresses generated in the fabric layer. These stresses are controlled by perforating the fabric into relatively narrow portions or cutting the fabric into relatively narrow strips, preferably along the bias. This unexpected property is counter-intuitive to known expertise in this area in that the weakening of the fabric by cutting or perforating actually improves the ballistic performance.

Abstract: A method for increasing the energy absorption of a fabric constructed of high tenacity fiber. This method modifies the ballistic stress-deflection curve of the fabric by effectively toughening the fabric by controlling the peak stresses generated in the fabric layer. These stresses are controlled by perforating the fabric into relatively narrow portions or cutting the fabric into relatively narrow strips, preferably along the bias. This unexpected property is counter-intuitive to known expertise in this area in that the weakening of the fabric by cutting or perforating actually improves the ballistic performance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for modifying fabric and fiber by impaction with particles that create axially aligned micro-cracks and increased porosity allowing penetration of dyestuffs into the fiber or fabric without the need for swelling agents or carriers.

Abstract: A method for increasing the energy absorption of a fabric constructed of high tenacity fiber. This method modifies the ballistic stress-deflection curve of the fabric by effectively toughening the fabric by controlling the peak stresses generated in the fabric layer. These stresses are controlled by perforating the fabric into relatively narrow portions or cutting the fabric into relatively narrow strips, preferably along the bias. This unexpected property is counter-intuitive to known expertise in this area in that the weakening of the fabric by cutting or perforating actually improves the ballistic performance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for modifying fabric and fiber by impaction with particles that create axially aligned micro-cracks and increased porosity allowing penetration of dyestuffs into the fiber or fabric without the need for swelling agents or carriers. The apparatus includes a container, pressurized gas supplied to a first inlet, particles supplied to a second inlet, and an outlet passage through which the particles and gas are supplied to a textile fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of materials in order to modify the texture and appearance. This is created by application of one or more gas jets directed away from the interior curved surface of a cylinder, generating a vortex which rapidly and repeatedly cycles the substrate at low tension past the gas jets. The rapid vibrations generated in the substrate by the jets serve to break apart fiber to fiber bonds caused by finish and loosen up the structure of the yarns and that of the substrate. This creates a desired aged appearance as well as a very soft texture.

Abstract: Fiber, which can be either woven or knitted into the form of fabric, is annealed by ultra-short bursts of radiation that melt the outer crystalline skin of the fiber and is then quenched by the relatively cool inner fiber core.

Abstract: A method for imparting ballistic resistant characteristics to a textile fabric by placing a polymer film on the fibers of a high tenacity fiber fabric which has a coefficient of friction higher than the coefficient of friction of the high tenacity fibers. The fabric, after the placement of the polymer film is subjected to a high velocity air stream to break up any fiber-to-fiber bonds in the fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous treatment of a web of thermoplastic pile fabric comprising heating the fabric to a temperature between the dyeing and heat setting temperature of the fabric, then vibrating the fabric biaxially by means of a rotating cylindrical roll with spaced protrusions or depressions along the exterior surface of the cylinder followed, optionally, by vibrating the fabric uniaxially by means of a second rotating cylindrical roll having flat portions continuously extending along the longitudinal axis of the second cylinder. The repeated and rapid front to back and side to side movement of individual pile fibers caused by multiple vibrational waves during biaxial treatment allows the fibers to return to their preferred heat-set orientation.

Abstract: A film encapsulated, pressurized gas cushion insole product which maintains its shape by means of a core fabric therein to which a desiccant may be added, if desired. To contain the gas for long periods of time, the film contains a layer of polyvinylalcohol.

Abstract: A film encapsulated, gas cushion insole product which maintains its shape by means of a core fabric therein to which a desiccant may be added, if desired. To contain the gas for long periods of time, the film contains a layer of polyvinylalcohol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to allow the pile of a pile fabric to become substantially erect by heating the pile fabric to a temperature between the heat setting and dyeing temperatures of the fabric and applying a vibratory force thereto. The vibratory force is applied by impinging a high velocity air stream against a flexible diaphragm over which the heated pile fabric is passed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of treating fabric by directing low pressure air at near-sonic velocity between the fabric and a rigid plate tangentially in the warp direction of the fabric to cause the fabric to vibrate at extremely high rate. This high speed vibration causes sawtooth waves in the fabric to break fiber-to-fiber resin or finish bonds thereby decreasing the bending and shear stiffness to enhance the flexibility, drape and softness of the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of treating fabric by directing low pressure air at near-sonic velocity between the fabric and a rigid plate tangentially in the warp direction of the fabric to cause the fabric to vibrate at an extremely high rate. This high speed vibration causes sawtooth waves in the fabric to break fiber-to-fiber resin or finish bonds thereby decreasing the bending and shear stiffness to enhance the flexibiity, drape and softness of the fabric.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to subject the face and back side of a fabric to successive impacting by a plurality of flaps to break up the fiber or filament bond thereof and increase the yarn-to-yarn mobility therein. The fabric is supplied at an angle to the impacting flaps and the flaps do not compact the fabric therebetween and cause a streak or lie therein.