Abstract: In procedure for making nonwoven pile articles by assembling an array of cut pile fibers or yarns having free ends disposed substantially in a common plane and adhering a backing to the free ends, the step of treating the fibers or yarns with steam after assembling the array but before applying the backing thereto.

Abstract: In apparatus for making a pile article by applying a backing to free ends of an assembly of pile fibers, the combination of means for forming pile units each comprising a laterally compressed and substantially radially symmetrical array of pile fibers, means for supporting assembled pile fibers, means for distributing a plurality of the pile units transversely across the supporting means and releasing the fibers thereof from lateral compression, and means for advancing the released pile units longitudinally of the supporting means while applying a force for promoting lateral expansion of the released units into a continuous assembly of fibers, prior to application of the backing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting compressed oriented fibers held in position by a peripheral sleeve and transporting the fibers from the cutting zone by means of a vacuum belt that contacts the ends of the fibers.