With Formation Of Filaments Patents (Class 156/167)
  • Patent number: 7648607
    Abstract: Disclosed are composite laminates that can exhibit high strength and/or low dielectric loss and can also be lightweight. The laminates include layers formed of high modulus polyolefin fiber. The fibers can be woven or knit to form a fabric or can be included in a nonwoven fabric that can be one or more layers of the composite structures. The layers including the high modulus polyolefin fibers can include other fibers, such as fiberglass. The composites can also include layers of other materials, for instance layers formed of polyaramids, fiberglass, or carbon fiber wovens or nonwovens. The composites can advantageously be utilized in low loss dielectric applications, such as in forming circuit board substrates, or in applications beneficially combining strength with low weight, such as automobile and boat materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Innegrity, LLC
    Inventor: Brian G. Morin
  • Patent number: 7628941
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for making nanofiber webs, wherein a source of process air is utilized to affect the spray pattern and quality of fibrillated material expressed from a die assembly including a multi-fluid opening. Appropriately, the aforementioned process air is defined herein as an alternate or ancillary air source apart from primary process air, which primary air is simultaneously supplied with the molten polymeric material to the fiber forming multi-fluid opening. The ancillary air source of the invention is further distinct from secondary air, which is also known in the art as quenching air. The ancillary air can be described as a continuous fluid curtain of shielding or shaping air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Krause, Rick Ferencz, Rajeev Chhabra, Olaf Isele, Han Xu
  • Patent number: 7618508
    Abstract: A laminate consisting of at least three layers, one layer of the laminate being formed by at least one nonwoven web made from continuous filaments. This is a nonwoven web thermally hardened by means of the effect of a hot fluid. A further layer of the laminate is disposed both on the upper side and on the lower side of the nonwoven web and connected securely to the nonwoven web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Reifenhaeuser GmbH & Co. KG Maschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Sebastian Sommer, Detlef Frey, Jens Guedden
  • Patent number: 7611594
    Abstract: An absorbent wiping cloth can be made by hydraulic bonding of hydrophilic fibers with a prebonded spunbond filament layer. A further spunbond filament layer can be provided on the fiber side of this laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Reifenhauser GmbH & Co. Maschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Sebastian Sommer, Jens Güdden
  • Publication number: 20090260746
    Abstract: Polymer structures and methods for making such polymer structures are provided. More particularly, polymer structures comprising a hydroxyl polymer structure, such as a fiber comprising a hydroxyl polymer are provided. Even more particularly, fibrous structures comprising a hydroxyl polymer structure, such as a fiber comprising a hydroxyl polymer, wherein the fibrous structure exhibits a CETM Factor of less than 20 and/or a CETM*L2 Factor of less than 950 are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Linda Evers Smith, David William Cabell, Larry Neil Mackey, Gregory Charles Gordon, Paul Dennis Trokhan, Tedi-Lea Anne DeBruler
  • Publication number: 20090188610
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an optical waveguide using a flat die having a groove therein, the method includes: (a) forming a first cladding sheet on a base substrate; (b) placing the first cladding sheet and the base substrate on the flat die such that the first cladding sheet faces the groove of the flat die; (c) filling the groove with a liquid resin and then curing the liquid resin, thereby forming a mirror support on the first cladding sheet; (d) removing the flat die from the first cladding sheet; (e) forming a metal reflection film on the mirror support; (f) forming a core sheet on the first cladding sheet such that the core sheet covers the mirror support that is formed with the metal reflection film; (g) forming a second cladding sheet on the core sheet; and (h) removing the base substrate from the first cladding sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunao YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7563337
    Abstract: This invention aims to provide a composite sheet having a layer of inelastically stretchable continuous fibers improved so that a possible unevenness in fiber diameter may be minimized. A composite sheet comprises an elastically stretchable layer and an inelastically stretchable layer formed with inelastically stretchable continuous fibers bonded to at least one surface of the elastically stretchable layer intermittently in one direction. The continuous fibers are oriented substantially in one direction thereof so that the composite sheet may present a ratio S1/S2 of 3.0 or higher where S1 represents a tensile strength in this one direction and S2 represents a tensile strength in the direction orthogonal to this one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Tange, Hiroyuki Ohata
  • Publication number: 20090133813
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the manufacture of nonwoven fabric the fibers of which have polyethylene on at least part of their surface, where the fibers are thermally bonded and the non-woven fabric exhibits an abrasion of less than 0.5 mg/cm2, in particular of less than 0.4 mg/cm2, and an embossed area fraction of less than 35%, in particular of less than 28%. Furthermore a device is made available for the manufacture of a non-woven fabric, using a polyethylene-containing polymer, with a take-down system underneath a spinning plate that causes the take-down of the polyethylene, where the spinning plate has an L/D ratio of between 4 and 9.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Markus Haberer, Henning Rottger
  • Publication number: 20090098360
    Abstract: A nonwoven web material that includes an elastic component or material (e.g., nonwoven web, nonwoven web laminated to an elastic material, etc.) is provided. The elastic component contains a crosslinked network formed from a pentablock copolymer containing at least two monoalkenyl aromatic midblocks positioned between conjugated diene endblocks, such as butadiene-styrene-butadiene-styrene-butadiene (“BSBSB”) or isoprene-styrene-isoprene-styrene-isoprene (“ISISI”). Prior to crosslinking, the pentablock copolymers have a relatively low viscosity and thus may be readily formed into a precursor elastic material (e.g., film, strands, web, etc.) that is subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Oomman P. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090099542
    Abstract: A nonwoven web material that contains an elastic component is provided. The elastic component contains a crosslinked network formed from a linear block copolymer having a monoalkenyl aromatic midblock positioned between conjugated diene endblocks (e.g., butadiene-styrene-butadiene (“B-S-B”) triblock copolymer). Prior to crosslinking, such linear block copolymers have a relatively low viscosity and thus may be readily formed into a precursor elastic component that is subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties. Crosslinking is typically achieved through the formation of free radicals (unpaired electrons) that link together to form a plurality of carbon-carbon covalent bonds at the conjugated diene endblocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Oomman P. Thomas, James Austin, Howard M. Welch, Jose Siqueira
  • Publication number: 20090068464
    Abstract: An improved reinforcing element, and devices and methods for producing a wrapped assembly reinforcing element comprising at least one center core member formed from at least one center core strand, wherein the at least one center core member is wrapped with a reinforced thermoplastic resin comprising complete fiber strand dispersion and wet out without breaking fiber filaments after cutting the fiber to a designated length in the wrapping resin. The resulting wrapped assembly may be used in a variety of ways, including virtually any construction project requiring a lightweight reinforcing member with high tensile and compression strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: PlastiComp, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen T. Bowen
  • Patent number: 7501085
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming nanofibers and nonwoven webs formed of such nanofibers. The nanofibers are formed by changing the rheology in at least first and second flows of a liquid material such that the changed rheology of the first and second flows differs by an amount sufficient to produce a phase separation when the first and second flows are combined to define meltblown fibers. Each meltblown fiber has lengthwise first and second cross-sectional regions formed of the liquid material from the first and second flows, respectively. These regions are separated along a length of at least a majority of the meltblown fibers to form a plurality of nanofibers, which are collected together with any unsplit meltblown fibers to form the nonwoven web. The difference in the changed rheology of the flows may be produced by using two extruders with different barrel diameters to create differ shear histories for the two flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Aktiengesellschaft Adolph Saurer
    Inventors: Hassan Bodaghi, Mehmet Sinangil
  • Patent number: 7494558
    Abstract: Composites made from at least two plies are described, where one of the outer layers is a layer comprising glass fibers, and in particular is a staple glass fiber nonwoven. The layers have been bonded to one another by needling, and the extent of this needling is such that some of the fibers of the organic nonwoven emerge from the surface of the glass fiber sheet. The composite is then provided with a binder by using a rotating roll for single-side application to the glass fiber surface. The composites are particularly suitable for producing bituminized prefabricated roofing and waterproofing sheets, and as backings for coatings, e.g. PVC coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventors: Jörg Lehnert, Werner Groh, Michael Schöps, Hermann Weizenegger
  • Publication number: 20090016951
    Abstract: An aggregate structure of carbon fibers, organized by a plurality of carbon fibers, includes, an aggregate of the carbon fibers aligned in a lengthwise direction, in which a density of the carbon fibers at one side end is different from a density of the carbon fibers at the other side end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Akio KAWABATA, Shintaro SATO
  • Patent number: 7470389
    Abstract: A new fiber-forming method, and related apparatus, and webs prepared by the new method and apparatus are taught. In the new method a) a stream of filaments is extruded from a die of known width and thickness; b) the stream of extruded filaments is directed through a processing chamber that is defined by two narrowly separated walls that are parallel to one another, parallel to said width of the die, and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stream of extruded filaments; c) the stream of filaments passed through the processing chamber is intercepted on a collector where the filaments are collected as a nonwoven fibrous web; and d) a spacing between the walls of the processing chamber is selected that causes the stream of extruded filaments to spread before it reaches the collector and be collected as a web significantly wider in width than the die. Generally the increase in width is sufficient to be economically significant, e.g., to reduce costs of web manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Berrigan, William T. Fay
  • Publication number: 20080264550
    Abstract: A laminate is made by first treating two spun-bond webs formed of endless thermoplastic synthetic-resin filaments with wetting agents. Then a layer of hydrophilic fibers is applied to one of the treated spun-bond webs and then the other of the treated spun-bond webs is applied to the layer of hydrophilic fibers on the one treated spun-bond web. Finally the two treated spun-bond webs and the layer of hydroph8ilic fibers between them are hydrodynamically consolidated together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Sebastian Sommer, Jens Gudden
  • Patent number: 7438777
    Abstract: A method of producing a nonwoven fabric comprising spinning a set of bicomponent fibers which include an external fiber component and an internal fiber component. The external fiber enwraps said internal fiber and has a higher elongation to break value than the internal fiber and a lower melting temperature than the internal fiber component. The set of bicomponent fibers are positioned onto a web and thermally bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Nataliya V. Fedorova, Stephen R. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20080210364
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Uwe Schneider, Randall Allen Myers, Christoph Johann Schmitz, Martin Geoffrey Scaife
  • Publication number: 20080210363
    Abstract: Process of manufacturing spun-bonded fabric, using naturally crimped filaments, whereby the filaments are passed through a stretching unit and finally through a diffusor. The filaments are thereupon layered on a layering device, as crimped filaments. The layered filaments together with the layering device are passed through a solidifying device in which the filaments are solidified by means of a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Sebastian Sommer, Wilhelm Frey
  • Patent number: 7361241
    Abstract: In order to produce a nonwoven fabric having elastomeric properties spun filaments (1), consisting preferably (but not essentially) of cellulose material such as cellulose acetate or solvent spun rayon, not in yarn formats, are corrugated or crimped in an overfeed process, as in stuffer box (6), into stabilized three dimensional batts. A proportion of filaments (3) of a thermal memory material, such as modified polyester, in a stretched format are included. The resulting batt is then subjected to controlled hydroentangling and a controlled heat treatment to yield three dimensional nonwoven fabrics with elastomeric properties due to contraction of the stretched filaments. Elastomeric memory material activated to shrink by ultrasonic treatment may be used in place of thermal memory material. The elastomeric properties can be adjusted to suit end-use requirements and applications are envisaged in the medical and hygiene areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignees: Fleissner GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Martin Barth, Edmund Hugh Carus
  • Publication number: 20080087372
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink stick for use in a phase change ink jet imaging device comprises heating phase change ink material to an extrusion temperature at which the phase change ink material is in a malleable state. The ink is then extruded through an extrusion orifice to form at least one extruded ink filament having at least one cross-sectional dimension transverse to the extrusion direction that is less than approximately 12 mm. The at least one ink filament is then accumulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Brent Rodney Jones, Brian G. Russell, Edward F. Burress
  • Patent number: 7344667
    Abstract: This invention provides a prepreg excellent in productivity, having the drapability to allow easy shaping according to a mold, excellent in resin impregnation, and excellent in handling convenience. This invention also provides a molded article with excellent mechanical properties obtained by molding the prepreg. The prepreg of this invention is a prepreg including reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin, characterized in that an air-permeable layer (B) composed of the thermoplastic resin is laminated on a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle (A), and that the reinforcing fiber bundle (A) and the layer (B) composed of the thermoplastic resin are bonded at their interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: TORAY Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Masato Honma, Yasunori Nagashima, Soichi Ishibashi, Yuji Kojima, Atsuki Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7332050
    Abstract: An electrospinning apparatus including a spinning dope main tank, a metering pump, a nozzle block, a collector positioned at the lower end of the nozzle block for collecting spun fibers, a voltage generator, a plurality of units for transmitting a voltage generated by the voltage generator to the nozzle block and the collector, said electrospinning apparatus containing: a spinning dope drop device positioned between the metering pump and the nozzle block, the spinning dope drop device having (i) a sealed cylindrical shape, (ii) a spinning dope inducing tube and a gas inlet tube for receiving gas through its lower end and having its gas inlet part connected to a filter aligned, side-by-side, at the upper portion of the spinning dope drop device, (iii) a spinning dope discharge tube extending from the lower portion of the spinning dope drop device, and (iv) a hollow unit for receiving the spinning dope from the spinning dope inducing tube provided at the middle portion of the spinning dope-drop device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Hag-Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 7300530
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fibrous web which includes a microencapsulated material, such as a microencapsulated phase change material, adhered to the web. Preferably, the web is prepared in a melt-blowing or spun-bonding process. In the melt-blowing process, cooling water containing the microcapsules is used to cool melt blown fibers prior to collection on a collector. In the spun-bonding process, microcapsules are applied in liquid suspension or in dry form to a heated web, for instance, after the web has been calendared. The fibrous webs thus prepared have numerous uses, and are particularly suited to the manufacture of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Appleton Papers Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Paul Bouchette, David Paul Kendall
  • Patent number: 7295184
    Abstract: A computer input device includes a magnetized fluid and an inertial body within the magnetized fluid. A signal converter provides angular acceleration information based on behavior of the inertial body. The computer input device can be attached to a Virtual Reality Suit, or can be used to control computer-generated graphical objects. The inertial body can be non-magnetic. The body can be solid or hollow. Electromagnets and/or permanent magnets can be used for magnetizing the fluid. Magnetic coils sense the changes in the magnetic flux lines. Signals from the magnetic coils are used by the signal converter to calculate the angular acceleration. A housing encloses the magnetized fluid and the inertial body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Innalabs Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anton E. Suprun, Dmitri V. Simonenko, Yuri I. Romanov
  • Patent number: 7291300
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming nonwoven webs comprising coated fibers. The method of forming the nonwoven web generally comprises the steps of forming fibers from a melt fibrillation process, forming at least one fluid stream containing a coating substance, applying the coating substance onto the surface of the fiber, and depositing the coated fibers on a surface to form a web. Typically, the fibers are coated in flight. Preferably, the melt fibrillation process to form the fibers is a melt film fibrillation process. A melt film fibrillation process generally includes the steps of providing a polymeric melt, utilizing a central fluid stream to form an elongated hollow polymeric film tube, and using air to form multiple nanofibers from the hollow tube. The nonwoven web may comprise a layer having a significant number of nanofibers with diameters less than one micron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Rajeev Chhabra, Olaf Erik Alexander Isele
  • Patent number: 7267789
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming nonwoven webs comprising particulates. The method of forming the nonwoven web generally comprising the steps of forming fibers from a melt fibrillation process, forming at least one fluid stream containing particulates, mixing said fibers with said particulates to form a fiber-particulate mix, and depositing the mix on a surface to form a web. The nonwoven web will have the particulates entrapped in the web. The nonwoven web may comprise a layer having a significant number of nanofibers with diameters less than one micron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Rajeev Chhabra, Olaf Erik Alexander Isele
  • Patent number: 7258758
    Abstract: High loft, low density nonwoven webs suitable for use in a variety of applications requiring strong fabric layers are produced by forming substantially continuous, spunbond, crimped, bicomponent fibers of crimpable, e.g., side by side or eccentric sheath/core (A/B) configuration which are unheated prior to collection. The fibers are then heated and cooled in the absence of impeding forces to achieve maximum crimp in the Z-direction and produce a web of lofted material of greater uniformity than attained with comparable material whose fibers are drawn by a heated process. The resultant nonwoven material can then be pattern bonded or laminated for additional strength without interfering with the desired loft of the low density nonwoven. The additionally strengthened nonwoven may then be further processed such as by lamination or the like to further increase its utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren L. Collier, IV, Christopher Dale Fenwick, Chad Michael Freese, Kurtis Lee Brown, Susan Elaine Shawver, Terry Kramer Timmons, James Russell Fitts, Jr., Monica Graciela Varriale, Alexander J. Neeb, Eric Scott Kepner
  • Patent number: 7255763
    Abstract: Component thermoplastic synthetic fiber having inelastic extensibility as well as fiber diameter of 5-20 ?m constituting a fibrous web is obtained by melt spinning a mixture of two or more thermoplastic synthetic resins each having a number-average molecular weight in a range of 20000-150000 at a draft ratio of 200-2300. In the case of the mixture consisting of at least two types of thermoplastic synthetic resin Ra, Rb having number-average molecular weights Ma, Mb, respectively, wherein a ratio Ma/Mb is 1.1 or higher, Ra is of 20-80 wt %, Rb is of 80-20 wt % and a sum of Ra and Rb makes up 50-100 wt % of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Kobayashi, Hiroki Goda, Kazunari Isogai, Satoshi Mitsuno
  • Patent number: 7255759
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of nonwovens. The nonwovens including a spunbonding apparatus for forming a first web of nonwoven material on a first belt, and a meltblowing apparatus for forming a second web of nonwoven material on a second belt. The second belt moves in a direction opposite the first belt and after formation, the second web is deposited on said first web to form a composite spunbond and meltblown web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Albany International Corp.
    Inventors: Pascal Debyser, Jean-Louis Monnerie
  • Patent number: 7252725
    Abstract: A multi-layer absorbent product in a preferred embodiment includes a fibrous nonwoven top sheet, a fibrous nonwoven absorbent core layer, and a fibrous nonwoven substantially water-impervious back sheet. Each component layer or sheet is manufactured at a fiberizing station (i.e., melt spinning) and laminated together at a combining station. The preferred melt spinning apparatus is spunbond for the top sheet, meltblowing for the core layer, and a combination of spunbond and meltblowing for the bottom sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Martin A Allen
  • Patent number: 7195685
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nonwoven materials, and specifically, to a nonwoven fabric comprised of at least three continuous filament precursor webs, each precursor web being of a thermoplastic polymer dissimilar from the other precursor webs, wherein the resulting durable nonwoven laminate fabric exhibits improved tactile and ductile qualities, as well as improved tensile strength, the nonwoven fabric being eminently suitable for application in improving the comfort and use of hygiene, medical and industrial products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Errette Bevins, III, Nick Carter, Sergio Diaz de Leon
  • Patent number: 7192499
    Abstract: A nonwoven fabric having characteristics resembling woven and knitted fabrics is produced by extruding a plurality of plural component fibers, where each fiber includes first and second polymer components with the first polymer component having a degree of shrinkage when subjected to heat. A nonwoven web of the extruded fibers is formed on a web forming surface and bonded. The bonded web of fibers are post-bond treated to shrink at least the first polymer component and separate at least a portion of the second polymer component from the first polymer component utilizing any combination of heat, mechanical agitation and dissolving of fiber components. The resultant nonwoven fabric has a texture, drape and feel of woven and knitted fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hills, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Talley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7168932
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for producing nonwoven fibrous webs. The apparatus comprises an extrusion die, first and second fluid supplies in cooperation with the die, first and second extrusion capillaries, first counterbores allowing fluid communication between first capillaries and first supply and second counterbores allowing fluid communication between second capillaries and second supply, each first counterbore having at least two first capillaries extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Joseph Lassig, Michael C. Cook, Bryan David Haynes, Vicky Susan Smith
  • Patent number: 7118638
    Abstract: An organic electroluminescence display includes a transparent glass substrate, an ITO anode layer, a positive hole transition layer, an RGB luminescence layer, an electron transition layer and a metallic cathode layer. Highly pressurized N2 gas is sealed in the interior of the display. To absorb and retain the moisture in the sealed gas, a hygroscopic member is disposed between a sealing member and the cathode layer. The hygroscopic member includes a nonwoven fabric including a fiber layer made of fibers bonding to each other and a hygroscopic agent adhering to one surface of the fiber layer and an air-permeable sheet covering the nonwoven fabric as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignees: Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd., Matty Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masato Jimbo
  • Patent number: 7087129
    Abstract: A method of forming a blown micro-fiber filtration unit having multiple overlapping layers of fibrous material and an active material applied over said layers, The fibrous material layers being fused together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Filter Specialists International, Inc.
    Inventors: H. William Morgan, Gunther E. Asterlin
  • Patent number: 7083697
    Abstract: A non-woven polymeric matrix for separating leukocytes from a blood sample includes a non-woven three dimensional matrix formed from polymeric fibers having a predetermined pore volume fraction including a defined channel configuration, a predetermined pore size in the range of from about 10 ?m to about 250 ?m, and a plurality of connections between the plurality of fibers. The matrix is configured so as to remove at least about 98% of leukocytes from at least one unit of packed red blood cells. Methods of making and using the matrix are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kinh-Luan (Lenny) D. Dao, Yem Chin, Sheng-ping (Samuel) Zhong, Kshitij Mohan, Liem Vu
  • Patent number: 7060149
    Abstract: This invention relates to nonwoven fabrics with advantageous characteristics and the method to produce these fabrics. Advantageously, the fabrics of the subject invention have increased thickness (loft) compared to conventional nonwoven fabrics and have high air permeability and open space while maintaining softness and strength at the same basis weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Albert E. Ortega, R. Wayne Thomley, Jan Mackey
  • Patent number: 7052563
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for at least partially encapsulating a fiber batt or other substrate by applying a polymer fiber layer to one or more surfaces of the fiber batt or substrate by melt-blowing. The melt-blowing assemblies are arranged and configured to extrude both a polymer melt and a hot gas stream whereby the hot gas stream attenuates the polymer melt to form polymer melt fibers and to direct the polymer melt fibers toward a surface to be coated. The melt-blowing assemblies are further of the fiber batt. A combination of melt-blowing assemblies may be provided in either fixed or moveable configurations for coating one or more sides of the fiber batt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daojie Dong, Timothy D Schoenenberger
  • Patent number: 7008496
    Abstract: A one-step method of making a necked-bonded laminate, wherein the layers of the laminate are formed and laminated within the same process. The method includes forming a nonwoven web, necking the nonwoven web, and immediately feeding the nonwoven web into a laminator where an elastomeric film is laminated to the nonwoven web. The elastomeric film may also be formed during the process prior to being fed into the laminator. Additionally, more than one nonwoven web may be formed and laminated to the elastomeric film during the process. The invention further includes apparatus for carrying out the one-step method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tod Morman
  • Patent number: 7001567
    Abstract: An air handler for collecting air discharged from a melt spinning apparatus. The air handler includes an outer housing having walls defining a first interior space. One of the walls has an intake opening for receiving the discharge air. Another wall has an exhaust opening for discharging the air. The intake opening is in fluid communication with the first interior space. An inner housing is positioned within the first interior space and has walls defining a second interior space. At least one of the walls of the inner housing has an opening. The first interior space communicates with the second interior space through the opening. The second interior space is in fluid communication with the exhaust opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Martin A. Allen, Steve Clark
  • Patent number: 6991702
    Abstract: An electrospinning apparatus including a spinning dope main tank, a metering pump, a nozzle block, a collector positioned at the lower end of the nozzle block for collecting spun fibers, a voltage generator, a plurality of units for transmitting a voltage generated by the voltage generator to the nozzle block and the collector, said electrospinning apparatus containing a spinning dope drop device positioned between the metering pump and the nozzle block, the spinning dope drove device having (i) a sealed cylindrical shape, (ii) a spinning dope inducing tube and a gas inletting tube for receiving gas through its lower end and having its gas inletting part connected to a filter aligned side-by-side at the upper portion of the spinning dope drop device, (iii) a spinning dope discharge tube extending from the lower portion of the spinning dope drop device and (iv) a hollow unit for dropping the spinning dope from the spinning dope inducing tube formed at the middle portion of the spinning dope drop device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignees: Jong Cheol Park
    Inventor: Hag-Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 6989125
    Abstract: The present invention provides continuous fiber nonwoven webs with high material formation uniformity and MD-to-CD balance of fiber directionality and material properties, as measured by a MD:CD tensile ratio of 1.2 or less, and desirably of about 1.0 or less, and laminates of the nonwoven webs. The invention also includes a method for forming the nonwoven webs wherein the fiber production apparatus is oriented at an angle less than 90 degrees to the MD direction and the fibers are subjected to deflection by a deflector oriented at an angle B with respect to the centerline of the fiber production apparatus where B is about 10 to about 80 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Cullen Boney, Bryan David Haynes, Matthew Boyd Lake
  • Patent number: 6969441
    Abstract: In the invention, a method is provided for producing a composite nonwoven fabric. A polymer is extruded into heated continuous filaments, possibly elastic, from the die head to a first chilled roller, wherein the extruder is configured to provide the continuous filaments to the chilled roller in a canted direction that is at a tangent or angle to the surface of the first chilled roller. The filaments are conveyed in a downward direction by way of chilled rollers to a nip. In a next step, the nonwoven web is sprayed with an adhesive and is laminated on the continuous filaments in the nip to form a composite nonwoven fabric. The continuous filaments move vertically downward approximately in line with the lamination process, facilitating automatic re-threading of filaments when they are broken or interrupted in their travel downward onto the chilled rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard M. Welch, Charles J. Morell, Michael C. Cook, James R. Fitts, Jr., Donald V. Willitts, Marion C. Morris, Ronald H. Wideman, John A. Brewer, Mark M. Mleziva, Kenneth M. Salter, Raymond J. May, Lavada Boggs, Leslie D. Dobbins
  • Patent number: 6938781
    Abstract: A non-woven depth filter cartridge includes a cylindrical mass of essentially continuous melt-blown polymer filaments and an essentially continuous traversing melt-blown polymer filament extending through the mass. The mass has a depth dimension, a longitudinal dimension, and a circumferential dimension. The mass includes a plurality of layers, each of the plurality of layers being generally oriented in the longitudinal and circumferential dimensions. The traversing filament is generally oriented in the depth dimension and extends through one or more layers of the mass. In one embodiment, the layers of the mass comprise concentric zones. The traversing filament is intentionally deposited and positioned to improve the physical properties of the filter cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Osmonics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas M. Aune, Clinton V. Kopp, Michael J. Madsen, Philip M. Rolchigo, Travis G. Stifter
  • Patent number: 6936125
    Abstract: A method of securing an elastic strand to a flat substrate or sheet of material moving the elastic strand and the sheet in a converging manner from a first position in which the elastic strand is spaced from the sheet to a second position in which the elastic strand contacts one surface of the sheet. A filament of adhesive is dispensed onto the strand in a pattern configured with adhesive masses coupled by thinner filament sections. The adhesive masses are contacted with the strand when the strand is in the first position. The strand is bonded to the substrate with at least the adhesive masses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Harris
  • Patent number: 6921448
    Abstract: A blown micro-fiber filtration unit having multiple overlapping layers of fibrous material and an active material applied over said layers. The fibrous material layers being fused together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: H. William Morgan
  • Patent number: 6916395
    Abstract: A method of continuously producing a melt-blown polymer filament mass includes producing a first set of melt-blown polymeric filaments, collecting the first set of filaments on a rotating collection device to form a tubular filament mass having a plurality of layers, and applying a second set of melt-blown polymeric filaments to the filament mass. The first set is produced generally in-line along an axis generally parallel to the collection device. The second set is deposited on the filament mass such that filaments of the second set extend through and engage a plurality of layers of the filaments of the first set. The method further includes urging the filament mass along the collection device to create a tubular filament mass of indefinite length with a first major surface and a second major surface. In one embodiment, the second set are applied in a sweeping motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Osmonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Aune, Clinton V. Kopp, Michael J. Madsen, Philip M. Rolchigo, Travis G. Stifter
  • Patent number: 6905563
    Abstract: The invention relates to an insulation product comprising an elongated fibrous batt with at least a partial polymeric encapsulating layer formed by melt-blowing or melt spraying a polymeric composition onto one or more surfaces of the fibrous batt and, optionally, a separate vapor retarding layer applied to one or more surfaces of the fibrous batt and an apparatus for manufacturing such an insulation product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daojie Dong
  • Patent number: 6899777
    Abstract: A process for continuous composite coextrusion comprising: (a) forming first a material-laden composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and at least about 40 volume % of a ceramic or metallic particulate in a manner such that the composition has a substantially cylindrical geometry and thus can be used as a substantially cylindrical feed rod; (b) forming a hole down the symmetrical axis of the feed rod; (c) inserting the start of a continuous spool of ceramic fiber, metal fiber or carbon fiber through the hole in the feed rod; (d) extruding the feed rod and spool simultaneously to form a continuous filament consisting of a green matrix material completely surrounding a dense fiber reinforcement and said filament having an average diameter that is less than the average diameter of the feed rod; and (e) depositing the continuous filament into a desired architecture which preferably is determined from specific loading conditions of the desired object and CAD design of the object to provide a green fiber rei
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc.
    Inventors: K. Ranji Vaidyanathan, Joseph Walish, Mark Fox, John W. Gillespie, Jr., Shridhar Yarlagadda, Michael R. Effinger, Anthony C. Mulligan, Mark J. Rigali