Abstract: Included are close-couple twisting and heat-setting apparatus, methods of twisting two or more yarns and heat-setting twisted yarn. The apparatus and methods described permit operation at twisting speeds of about 10,000 to 100,000 rpm. In the event that yarn twisting is interrupted, and accumulating system is also included to prevent interruption of heat-setting the twisted yarn. The apparatus and methods are useful in the accelerated production of yarns suitable for soft floor coverings.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include multi-package buckets, yarn twisting or cabling apparatus including, methods of twisting or cabling yarn, and the like.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include close-couple twisting and heat-setting apparatus, methods of twisting yarn and heat-setting twisted yarn, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing photopolymerized compositions having controlled surface morphology. The method of the present invention generally comprises a two step illumination process in which a photopolymerization system is first illuminated according to a predetermined spatial and temporal illumination scheme comprised of a pattern of varying light intensities incident on a surface portion of the photopolymer system. The pattern of varying light intensities initiates photopolymerization at varying rates of polymerization across the surface portion of the photopolymerization system. After completion of the predetermined spatial and temporal illumination scheme, the photopolymerization system is illuminated in a flood cure step to achieve a uniformly cured polymer composition having the controlled surface morphology. The controlled surface morphology of the resulting polymer composition enables the production of polymer surfaces having controlled loss characteristics.