Abstract: The invention provides a novel capacitive device configured to detect differences in an applied force over a continuous range of applied force that includes zero force. The device includes first and second electrodes that are spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other in a rest position. A measurable capacitance exists between the first and second electrodes. Structured elements having a predetermined maximum dimension are positioned in the device to control the predetermined distance between the first and second electrodes. An applied force to the device causes a change in the distance between the first and second electrodes and a related change in the capacitance that can be measured to determine information related to the applied force.

Abstract: A process is described which imparts exceptional antisoiling, anti-staining and repellent properties to carpets. The process makes use of a water-based exhaustion process wherein the water-based treating solution contains (1) glassy fluorochemical material, glassy hydrocarbon material, or combinations thereof; (2) a stainblocking material; (3) a polyvalent metal salt, acid, or combinations thereof; and (4) water. Subsequent to exhaustion, the wet treated carpet is heated, usually in a steaming step, rinsed, and dried in a dry heat oven.

Abstract: A soil-resistant spin finish composition based on select derivitized polyethers is provided that can be applied to a fiber at the earliest stages of spinning, can remain on the fiber through the entire manufacturing process, and can be left on the fiber in the final article of commerce. The spin finish composition provides excellent fiber lubrication during high-speed spin processing, yet is sufficiently soil resistant to negate the need for scouring the final fiber construction, even absent the presence of additional coatings or agents.

Abstract: A process is described which imparts exceptional antisoiling, anti-staining and repellent properties to carpets. The process makes use of a water-based exhaustion process wherein the water-based treating solution contains (1) glassy fluorochemical material, glassy hydrocarbon material, or combinations thereof; (2) a stainblocking material; (3) a polyvalent metal salt, acid, or combinations thereof; and (4) water. Subsequent to exhaustion, the wet treated carpet is heated, usually in a steaming step, rinsed, and dried in a dry heat oven.

Abstract: A process is described which imparts exceptional antisoiling, anti-staining and repellent properties to carpets. The process makes use of a water-based exhaustion process wherein the water-based treating solution contains (1) glassy fluorochemical material, glassy hydrocarbon material, or combinations thereof; (2) a stainblocking material; (3) a polyvalent metal salt, acid, or combinations thereof; and (4) water. Subsequent to exhaustion, the wet treated carpet is heated, usually in a steaming step, rinsed, and dried in a dry heat oven.

Abstract: A method for imparting soil resistance to unscoured carpets, and a carpet treated in accordance with the method, are provided. In accordance with the method, a substrate comprising unscoured carpet fibers is treated with a salt of a polycarboxylic acid. The treated substrate is found to have enhanced water and oil repellency in both heat cured and room temperature drying conditions.

Abstract: A method for imparting soil resistance to unscoured carpets, and a carpet treated in accordance with the method, are provided. In accordance with the method, a substrate comprising unscoured carpet fibers is treated with the ammonium salt of a polycarboxylic acid, such as an ammonium salt of a hydrolyzed styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer. The treated substrate is found to have enhanced water and oil repellency in both heat cured and room temperature drying conditions.

Abstract: A method for imparting soil resistance to unscoured carpets, and a carpet treated in accordance with the method, are provided. In accordance with the method, a substrate comprising unscoured carpet fibers is treated with the ammonium salt of a polycarboxylic acid, such as an ammonium salt of a hydrolyzed styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer. The treated substrate is found to have enhanced water and oil repellency in both heat cured and room temperature drying conditions.

Abstract: A method for imparting soil resistance to unscoured carpets, and a carpet treated in accordance with the method, are provided. In accordance with the method, a substrate comprising unscoured carpet fibers is treated with the ammonium salt of a polycarboxylic acid, such as an ammonium salt of a hydrolyzed styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer. The treated substrate is found to have enhanced water and oil repellency in both heat cured and room temperature drying conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides new fluorine-efficient oil- and water-repellent compositions comprising a fluorochemical oil- and water-repellent agent and a polymer extender comprising at least one percent by weight based on the weight of the extender of interpolymerized units derived from monomers containing at least one blocked or masked isocyanate function.

Abstract: A method for sizing paper to improve resistance to wetting by liquids under hard water conditions is provided. The method comprises (a) contacting paper sheet material with a hydrocarbon surfactant free, substantially organic solvent free aqueous solution of an N-alkyl fluoroaliphaticsulfonamidoalkyl phosphate salt in hard water, said phosphate salt forming substantially no precipitate and (b) drying said sheet material or (a) adding to a paper pulp slurry in hard water, a hydrocarbon surfactant free, substantially organic solvent free aqueous solution of an N-alkyl fluoroaliphaticsulfonamidoalkyl phosphate salt, said phosphate salt forming substantially no precipitate, (b) forming said slurry into paper and (c) drying said paper.