Abstract: A therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing polymeric fibers with improved anti-static properties and deep dyeability. The method employs anti-static agents that are solid, waxy substances at room temperature. The anti-static agent is pulverized and combined with a carrier to form a dispersion and injected into the throat of a spinning extruder. Polymeric material is added to the extruder and heated with the anti-static agent to form a melt. The melt is then extruded to form the polymeric fiber. Alternatively, the molten anti-static agent is melted and fed through heated lines into a spinning extruder. Polymeric material is added to the extruder and heated with the anti-static agent to form a melt. The melt is then extruded to form the polymeric fiber.

Abstract: Electrically conductive thermoplastic fibers are made by spinning a fiber having an electrically conductive sheath of thermoplastic polymer formulated with carbon black and a non-conductive core from the thermoplastic polymer; quenching the fiber after said spinning to a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic; drawing the quenched fiber at a draw ratio between about 2.0 and about 3.2; and, after drawing, relaxing the fiber at a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic but above its glass transition.

Abstract: Electrically conductive thermoplastic fibers are made by spinning a fiber having an electrically conductive sheath of thermoplastic polymer formulated with carbon black and a nonconductive core from the thermoplastic polymer; quenching the fiber after said spinning to a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic; drawing the quenched fiber at a draw ratio between about 2.0 and about 3.2; and, after drawing, relaxing the fiber at a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic but above its glass transition.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting particulate polymeric material includes a melting grid and a molten polymer reservoir beneath the grid. The apparatus has a lateral cross-sectional contour defined by walls. Further included is a distribution device having upper and lower surfaces and adapted to the contour of the molten polymer reservoir, which device is disposed in the molten polymer reservoir in proximity to the grid. The device has an internal reservoir formed between the upper and lower surfaces; a perimetrical surface joining the upper and lower surfaces and providing the device with height; at least two fluid distribution pores, each having one end in communication with the internal reservoir and another end disposed in the circumferential surface; and an injection tube providing fluid flow communication between the internal reservoir and an external supply of fluid.

Abstract: Electrically conductive thermoplastic fibers are made by spinning a fiber having an electrically conductive sheath of thermoplastic polymer formulated with carbon black and a non-conductive core from the thermoplastic polymer; quenching the fiber after said spinning to a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic; drawing the quenched fiber at a draw ratio between about 2.0 and about 3.2; and, after drawing, relaxing the fiber at a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic but above its glass transition.

Abstract: Fibers are made from thermoplastic polymers by supplying solid particles of the thermoplastic to a melting grid; heating the melting grid to a temperature sufficient to melt the thermoplastic; melting the thermoplastic particles on the heated melting grid such that the melted thermoplastic flows through the grid and is collected in a collecting chamber located beneath the melting grid; injecting into the collecting chamber below the melting grid an additive present in a non-aqueous carrier which carrier comprises organic rosin materials and a surfactant; without actuated mechanical stirring, forming a substantially homogeneous mixture from the injected additive; and extruding fibers from the substantially homogeneous mixture.

Abstract: A napped textile product is prepared by supplying a polyethylene terephthalate homopolymer yarn having an elongation of from about 20% to about 80%, a tenacity of from about 2.5 to about 3.5 grams/denier, and a boiling water shrinkage of from about 2% to about 15%; (b) forming a fabric from the yarn, so that substantially all yarn is the polyester yarn supplied in step (a); and (c) providing the fabric prepared in step (b) to a napping machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing polyethylene terephthalate fibers with reduced flammability which comprises the following steps:(a) condensating terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol in a mole ratio of from 1:1.1-1.5 at a temperature of from 180.degree.to 240.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst;(b) adding a polyalkylene glycol phosphate ester;(c) polycondensating at a temperature of from 265.degree.-280.degree. C. under a pressure decreasing from 760 torr to less than 2 torr to form the polyethylene terepthalate; and(d) melt spinning fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic polyamide with reduced flammability obtained by melt mixing a polyamide with a phosphate ester of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein n is a number of from 1 to 10;m is a number of from 0 to 3;x is a number of from 0 to 3;R is linear or branched C.sub.1 -to C.sub.18 -alkyl radical.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing polymeric fibers with improved anti-static properties and deep dyeability. The method employs anti-static agents that are solid, waxy substances at room temperature. The anti-static agent is pulverized and combined with a carrier to form a dispersion and injected into the throat of a spinning extruder. Polymeric material is added to the extruder and heated with the anti-static agent to form a melt. The melt is then extruded to form the polymeric fiber. Alternatively, the molten anti-static agent is melted and fed through heated lines into a spinning extruder. Polymeric material is added to the extruder and heated with the anti-static agent to form a melt. The melt is then extruded to form the polymeric fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic polyester with reduced flammability obtained by:(a) condensating an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and an alkylene glycol in a mole ratio of from 1:1.1-1.5 at a temperature of from 180.degree. to 240.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst;(b) adding a polyalkylene glycol phosphate ester;(c) polycondensating at a temperature of from 265.degree. to 280.degree. C. under a pressure decreasing from 760 torr to less than 2 torr until an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.5 to about 0.7 is reached.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing polyamide fibers with reduced flammability by melt mixing a polyamide with a phosphate ester of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein n is a number of from 1 to 10;m is a number of from 0 to 3;x is a number of from 0 to 3;R is linear or branched C.sub.1 - to C.sub.18 - alkyl radical;at a temperature of from about 180.degree. to about 280.degree. C., and melt spinning fibers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for minimizing ozone fading in dyed polyamides by treating the dyed polyamide with a substituted piperidine thiourea of the formula ##STR1## where R is a lower alkyl radical having 1-5 carbon atoms or phenyl. The treated dyed polyamides, preferably in fiber form, display minimize ozone fade without a reduction in light stability.

Abstract: A time indicator which is substantially unaffected by variations in temperature. The indicator utilizes a silicone oil which is slowly absorbed onto and moves up a porous strip at a rate which is a function of time. One side of the strip is printed with an oil soluble ink, while the other side is unprinted. The printed side of the strip is laminated with polyethylene film to an unprinted strip. As the silicone oil moves up the strip, the oil contacts the ink causing a dye in the ink to migrate from the printed side to the unprinted side, thus providing a measurable color front moving up the strip. The oil is contained in a frangible ampul and a sponge with a small hole at the bottom is situated between the ampul and the strip. The indicator is substantially unaffected by normal variations in temperature and humidity.