Abstract: Filler material, particularly for cigarette filters, is produced by feeding a first stream of substantially continuous filaments of filler material onto a pin roller which is driven at a speed such that the filaments are broken by the pins into irregular lengths and are projected from the roller in random orientations. The broken filaments are collected on a carrier stream, also comprising filamentary material, for delivery to a rod-making unit. More than one stream could be supplied to the pin roller so that the broken filaments can comprise a mixture of filaments of different filler materials. The carrier stream may comprise filler material which is different from that in the first stream and may comprise a fibrillated web.

Abstract: An improved hot gas pressing system for use in manufacturing wood-based composite panels reduces in-press time substantially while reducing blistering, pitting, and warping in the final panel. Condensable steam as the preferred gas is injected into both faces of the mat after the press closes to an intermediate position compressing the mat to an intermediate density. After the steam is applied for a predetermined time period at the intermediate density quickly raising the mat temperature, a steam through step is applied after which the press is closed to its final position. Steam is reapplied to both surfaces of the densified mat to maintain temperature further reducing cure time of the adhesive after which venting and vacuum steps are applied to both surfaces of the mat to reduce internal pressure and remove moisture from the mat prior to opening of the press.

Abstract: A method of making a two layer non-woven fabric is described wherein the first layer of thermoplastic bicomponent fibers is autogeneously heat bonded to the second layer of thermoplastic fibers without compression and the surface of the first layer is coated with a heat-melting adhesive. The softening temperature of the second layer thermoplastic fibers is at least 20.degree. C. higher than the softening temperature of the adhesive. The components of the bicomponent fibers are low and high softening temperature components. The softening temperature of the low temperature component is higher than that of the second layer fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming an extended elongate pressed composite assembly from a plurality of strands by subjecting the strands to heat and pressure. The improvement of the present invention comprises methods for compressing a particularly arranged composite mat of strands so as to compensate for internal stresses imparted to the pressed composite assembly during its subjection to pressure because of a converging compressing zone and card decking.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing axially elongated, self-sustaining, dimensionally stable smoke rods or the like from filamentary tow by feeding the tow into a confined zone having a non-porous section and a porous section, simultaneously feeding gas under pressure into the inlet end of the confined zone at a feed rate sufficiently high so as to pneumatically convey the tow through the confined zone in a rod-like formation substantially conforming to the cross-sectional size and shape of the confined zone, and sufficiently low so as to permit escape of at least a major portion of the feeding gas from the confined zone along the porous section, introducing a heated gas into the tow in a third section of the confined zone downstream from the porous section, maintaining the tow in contact with the heated gas for a time sufficient for the gas to contact the tow across substantially its entire cross-section and render the tow bondable and cooling the heated tow to bond the same into the rod-like shape.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric is produced ultrasonically from a batt of ultrasonically fusible fibers and reinforcing yarns formed of bi-component fibers. The non-woven fabric produced has a layer of strong filament yarns integrated into the body of the non-woven fabric to increase the strength of the non-woven fabric without delamination of the components, and without degradation of the component yarns. The batt is continuously fed in a first direction toward and past a plurality of ultrasonic vibration sources and anvil means, which produce bonding sites in the fabric formed. A plurality of reinforcing yarns are taken-off a warp beam and laid atop the web prior to its passage into operative association with the vibration sources and anvil means. Energy is supplied to the vibration sources so that bonding of the fibrous batt into a non-woven fabric, and melting of the low-melt component of the reinforcing yarn fibers, takes place.

Abstract: The teachings of the present invention, described in part by reference to a specific embodiment in the following specification, illustrate a novel family of pre-stressed and oriented unwoven fiber webs and products constituting these webs, which are produced according to novel methods practiced by utilizing novel apparatus and equipment. More simply stated, patent protection is sought for the product, methods of making the product, and the equipment used in the methods.

Abstract: A process for producing a non-woven fabric of hot-melt-adhered composite fibers having a high strength in a small weight thereof and soft feeling is provided, which process comprises forming a web of fiber aggregate consisting of sheath and core type composite fibers alone composed of a first (core) component of a fiber-formable polymer and a second (sheath) component of one kind or more of polymers having a m.p.(s) lower than that of the first by 30.degree. C. or more and also having a specified average thickness, or mixed fibers of the composite fibers with other fibers containing the composite fibers in a specified amount; and heat-treating the web at a temperature lower than the m.p. of the first component and equal to or lower than that of the second, and affords to the second, a specified apparent viscosity as measured at a specified rate to thereby stabilize the form of the web by hot-melt-adhesion of the second.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for forming soft, bulky absorbent webs including thermoplastic fibers. The web is bonded under conditions that heat the thermoplastic fibers to produce web bonding while avoiding direct contact with the heat source. The apparatus includes a pair of foraminous belts or wires between which the web or webs to be bonded are enclosed. The construction of the foraminous wires and belts is selected to produce the desired degree of bonding and yet maintain separation between the subsequently applied heat source and the web or webs. The combination of the web and belts or wires is then directed under tension to a heat source which may be, for example, a series of heated cans, and the opposite sides of the combination are alternately contacted by the surfaces. After heating, the web is allowed to cool and retains its bonded configuration determined by the structure of the wires or belts and the content of the web.

Abstract: An optic fibre is wound around a drum and a strip of flexible adhesive is plied across the width of the winding to maintain the relative positions of individual turns of the winding. The fibre turns and adhesive are then cut across the width of the winding and the resultant ribbon is unwrapped from the drum. One end face of the adhesive in which the cut ends of the fibres are secured is then cut such that the axes of the fibres assume a predetermined orientation relative to the cut end face. The cut end face is then applied against the surface of a former of predetermined shape and the fibre ends are secured in the positions they have assumed. A radial fibre arrangement is obtained by cutting the end face normal to the fibres and using a cylindrical former.

Abstract: Network preforms for battery grids are prepared from cross-lapped assemblages of spaced bundles of inorganic filaments which are bonded at crossover points.

Abstract: A process for producing bundles of high modulus polyethylene fibers for reinforcement in composites wherein the matrix is a brittle material such as cement, concrete, plaster of Paris or the like. The process involves passing high modulus polyethylene yarn through high pressure nip rolls to deform the individual filaments and to form a loosely adhering unitary mass or bundle of filaments which is then chopped into short lengths for use as fibrous reinforcement in composites. In a preferred embodiment, the yarn is twisted prior to being passed through the nip rolls.

Abstract: During the winding of the layers of the wires of a tire bead ring, a piece of ribbon is interposed at least twice per revolution between two consecutive layers of wires, the ribbon being formed of a thin flexible support bearing on each of its faces a layer of a material which adheres both to the support and to the wires.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing netted materials composed of spaced apart strands consisting of extruding a pair of plastic strands, either or both of which may include a steel core wire, respectively at opposite sides of a sheet of the net material, and fusing the strands together intermediate the strands of the net sheet while the former are still in a highly plastic, nearly molten condition, immediately after their extrusion.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method of preparing fiber reinforced glass composites from high modulus fibers, such as carbon fibers and silicon carbide fibers, and silazane polymers. The composites are obtained by heating a pressed and post-cured prepreg to an elevated temperature in an inert atmosphere. Prepregs containing silicon carbide fibers can be fired in air. A simple, low temperature laminating procedure is used in the preparation of these composites in place of the standard hot pressing technique.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method of preparing fiber reinforced glass composites from high modulus fibers and organopolysiloxane resins. The composites are obtained by firing a partially cured, pressed, and post-cured prepreg to an elevated temperature in an inert atmosphere. A simple, low temperature laminating procedure is used in the composite preparation in place of the standard hot pressing technique.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method of preparing fiber reinforced glass composites from high modulus fibers and resin sols of organosilsesquioxanes, metal oxides, and metal alkoxides. The composites are obtained by firing a partially cured, pressed, and post-cured prepreg to an elevated temperature in an inert atmosphere. A simple, low temperature laminating procedure is used in the preparation of these composites in place of the standard hot pressing technique.

Abstract: A rotatable processing bowl assembly adapted for mounting in a centrifuge includes an umbilical tubing system formed of a plurality of individual flexible tubes each of which communicates with the processing bowl. Each tube has an exterior wall and includes a first portion extending adjacently from the bowl and a second portion which is spaced from the bowl. The exterior walls of the tubes are bonded together along their first portions so that the joined exterior walls collectively define the outer periphery of the tubing system along the first portions of the tubes. Preferably, the tubes are also wound to form a predetermined helical pattern along their first portions. This arrangement enhances the tubing system's durability and resistance to fatigue along the bonded together first portions, particularly at higher rotational speeds, and permits direct, facile connection of the free and unattached second portions with external apparatus.

Abstract: A process for producing a fiberous batt by contacting fibers with particles of a copolymer of vinyl chloride and a diester of a vinyl unsaturated dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: Apparatus for making plastic screen panels, and especially abrasion-resistant mining screens, includes a large rotary screen drum member on which an extruded, profiled cross-section screen surface-forming wire is helically wound at a pitch which will produce the desired screen slot width. Immediately adjacent the drum member is a rod-positioning mechanism from which a plurality of screen panel support rods are sequentially fed from a stack and welded to the wires on the drum surface in a direction parallel to the drum axis and transverse to the surface wires. The welding is done with a double-edged heater bar which is temporarily placed in contact with the rod and drum before the rod is forced against the drum. The screen drum is indexed after each support rod is attached to it by an angular amount sufficient to provide the desired spacing on the finished panel.

Abstract: Filament yarns composed of multicomponent fibers of the matrix/segment type are produced and processed into textile fabrics by false-twist texturing the multicomponent fibres made up of segments of varying deniers to cause softening the matrix to bond the filaments together over short, medium or longer sections of the yarn. After conversion of the yarns into fabrics, the fabrics are subjected to a shrinking treatment. The fabrics so treated have a reduced tendency to crease or wrinkle, better crease recovery and better dyeing properties. The denier of the lower denier segments should be finer than 0.6 dtex and the denier of the high denier segments should be at least 1 dtex; the weight ratio of low to high denier segments in the yarn ranges from about 25:75 to about 75:25. The matrix is preferably made of polyamide 6 while the segments are polyethylene terephthalate. The cross-sectional shapes of the fibers may e.g.

Abstract: A method of increasing the caliper and bulk of air laid dry fibrous webs, particularly such webs intended for use as napkin, tissue, and absorbent paper towel products by partially drying the loose formed fibrous webs to a degree of dryness of less than 4% prior to consolidation. In the preferred embodiment uniformity of the product web caliper in the machine direction is obtained by measuring the caliper downstream of the bond curing drier and before take-up on the parent roll, output signals therefrom being transmitted to the drier for adjustment of one or more of the drier parameters. Uniformity of caliper in the cross machine direction can be optimized by providing multisectional driers in the cross machine direction, a series of output signals from the caliper sensing means being transmitted to the respective drier sections for individual adjustment of the drier parameters.

Abstract: Each of the multifibers which are stacked in parallel and compressed together to form a boule during the process of manufacturing microchannel plates is hexagonal in cross-section, and single fibers having thicker channel walls are placed at corners of the hexagon in order to prevent damages to corner fibers which are exposed to the strongest external forces.

Abstract: A patterned, nonwoven, articulated fabric exhibiting a substantially uniform texture and comprised of a multiplicity of synthetic fiber elements, the opposing free ends of each of said synthetic fiber elements being joined to one another to form substantially continuous loops, said loops being interconnected to one another in a predetermined pattern. Method for producing said nonwoven fabric using specially prepared fiber elements which curl in a predetermined configuration in response to an external stimulus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a plurality of spaced apart tubes loosely penetrating aligned oversized holes in two spaced apart tube sheets; a shell around the tube sheets; each tube sheet being secured against inward displacement axial to the tubes by contact with stop means on the shell; each tube sheet being barred against outward displacement axial to the tubes by keys mechanically engaging the tube sheet and shell so that upon release of the keys they no longer bar removal of the tube sheet from the shell; a solid binder joining and sealing the tubes to the tube sheet and joining and sealing the tube sheet to the shell, with said solid binder having substantial compressive, tensile and shear strength, and being convertible by heat at a sufficiently high temperature to a physical state in which it has much lower compressive, tensile and shear strength; a conduit to deliver a heat exchange fluid around the tubes inside of the shell between the tube sheets; and a conduit to deliver a liquid feed stream into a fee

Abstract: The ultrasonically bonded point bonds of non-woven fabric are dyed by applying liquid dye to the contacting crossing points of the fibers before or at the same time that they are bonded by the application of ultrasonic energy, such energy being used not only to effect the point bonds but also to drive and fix the dye in such point bonds.

Abstract: This invention relates to filling material composed of crimped fibers joined together at one end with a high density, and having crimps located in mutually deviating phases, while the other ends of the fibers stay free, and a process for manufacturing such filling material. The filling material exhibits superior bulkiness and thermal insulation, since the recovery force or resiliency of the crimps located in mutually deviating phases causes the fibers to spread sufficiently to contain a large quantity of air among themselves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide the production of a non-woven fabric from a batt of random, loose, ultrasonically fusible fibers at high speed (e.g. greater than 50 meters/minute). A plurality of ultrasonic welding machines are spaced from each other in a batt feed direction, and produce a fabric having a predetermined number of primary bonding points per unit area. The batt is fed in the feed direction into operative engagement, in turn, with each of the ultrasonic welding machines, while energy is supplied to each of the machines. Each of the machines effects bonding of substantially less than all of the predetermined number of primary bonding points, but so that together the machines provide all of the predetermined number of bonding points. Each machine includes an anvil roller and a purality of horns, which may be disposed in-line with each other and spaced from each other in a dimension transverse to the feed direction.

Abstract: A process, apparatus and system for making a sterile connection between two thermoplastic resin tubes is disclosed. Side sections of the adjacently placed tubes are melted by passing a heated elongated body therethrough to form a molten seal between a surface of the heated body and the adjacent side sections, thereby providing a seal between the interior and exterior of said tubes. The resulting molten tube sections are urged together as they are slid off an end of the elongated body. As the thermoplastic resin cools a sterile weld is formed.

Abstract: An ultrasonically bonded non-woven web is produced having no unacceptable fuzziness. An ultrasonic horn and an anvil roller are mounted for cooperation with each other to effect ultrasonic welding of a single batt of random, loose ultrasonically fusible fibers passed between them in a dry condition. The anvil roller comprises metal projections disposed in a pattern defining the roller circumferential surface, and ultrasonically insulating material--such as rubber--fills the volume between the metal projections.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method including the steps of: forming a web of at least a plurality of fibers oriented in at least one predetermined direction, causing a plurality of fibers to be oriented in substantially parallel configuration with respect to one another so as to cause some of said oriented fibers to be interconnected with another at a plurality of portions spaced longitudinally along their respective lengths, causing some of said interconnecting portions initially spaced a first distance from one another to be moved such that they are a second and greater distance from one another so as to enhance the ability of said web to withstand stresses applied thereto.

Abstract: Nonwoven point-bonded fabrics of improved softness are prepared by simultaneously heating and compressing spaced, discrete areas of a nonwoven, bondable fiber web containing an attenuating bonding liquid in excess of the minimum amount required to provide maximum fabric strength.

Abstract: Sheets or moulded bodies, for example particle board, are manufactured by hot pressing a lignocellulosic material in contact with an organic polyisocyanate and a wax release agent which is a vegetable wax, a modified vegetable oil, a microcrystalline wax or a mineral wax, said wax release agent having a melting point of at least 70.degree. C. Preferably the wax release agent is applied to the lignocellulosic material in the form of a dispersion in an aqueous emulsion of the polyisocyanate. The process facilitates the release of the sheets or moulded bodies from the caul plates or platens of the press.

Abstract: Network preforms for battery grids are prepared from cross-lapped assemblages of spaced bundles of inorganic filaments which are bonded at crossover points by ice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing a non-woven fabric ultrasonically without unacceptable streaking. A fibrous batt is continuously fed in a first direction toward and past a plurality of vibration sources and anvil. Energy is supplied to the vibration sources so that bonding of the fibrous batt in a non-woven fabric takes place at the vibration sources and anvil. Significant migration of fibers of the batt is positively prevented just prior to passage of the batt into contact with the vibration sources so that a streakless bonded non-woven fabric is produced. Migration may be positively prevented by disposing a heated roller of hard material just upstream of the vibration sources, and providing a second compression roller upstream of the heated roller.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning one end of an optical fiber in the emitting well of an LED employs an elongated rod having a flat milled halfway through the mid-section thereof for forming a recess and first and second channels extending between the recess and an associated end of the rod to the depth of the recess. The two channels are located in front of the bottom of the recess and are oriented at 90.degree. with respect to each other in an end view. The channels also overlap along the center line of the rod and are dimensioned for loosely-releasably receiving and supporting a length of fiber in a straight line while the one end thereof is aligned with the emitting surface of the LED.

Abstract: A flexible cover, blind or shade is fabricated from thermoplastic rod or tubular members which are spaced from another on a support. The free-standing side is engaged by an ultrasonic resonator to bond the members to one another. The pressure exerted during bonding is of such magnitude as to compress and flatten the members to cause a thin web joining juxtaposed members, the web forming a flexible joint.

Abstract: Sheets or moulded bodies, for example particle board, are manufactured by hot pressing a lignocellulosic material in contact with an organic polyisocyanate and a wax release agent which is a vegetable wax, a modified vegetable oil, a microcrystalline wax or a mineral wax, said wax release agent having a melting point of at least 70.degree. C. Preferably the wax release agent is applied to the lignocellulosic material in the form of a dispersion in an aqueous emulsion of the polyisocyanate. The process facilitates the release of the sheets or moulded bodies from the caul plates or platens of the press.

Abstract: A bendable and twistable element having a high level of tensile strength, while remaining flexible and bendable in respect of twisting is produced by individually forming in a mould unitary layers of resin impregnated cut lengths of a continuous member, with their ends located between resin impregnated layers of fabric, polymerizing the resin, locating a plurality of the unitary layers in a further mould with the interposition, between the superposed pairs of layers of fabric, of layers of glue, setting the glue by heating and compression to form rigid end members, injecting a viscous elastomer into the middle portion of the bundle of cut lengths of the several unitary layers and curing the elastomer. The elements have particular use for connecting helicopter rotor blades to a hub member.

Abstract: A method for producing a sealed rope of braided or twisted filaments. Heat-shrinkable filaments are braided or twisted about a core of a thermoplastic material to form a rope and the rope is placed under tension and treated to cause the thermoplastic core material to melt. Simultaneously the rope is maintained at a temperature sufficient to cause the heat-shrinkable filaments to shrink but not to melt, whereby the shrinking of the filaments, while the rope is under tension, reduces the cross section of the rope and causes the material to penetrate into the openings between and to surround and seal the filaments of the rope.

Abstract: Locks of hair from synthetic fibers grouped into a bundle are welded and then cut by ultrasonic waves in a two step process. The fiber bundle is placed on a platform having a pointed ridge, and a component comprising the emitter and an ultrasonic tool is moved downwardly in two stages. The emitter is deactivated during the return to its upper position.

Abstract: Particle board contains, as a fibrous material with good structural properties, at least a proportion of chicory root particles. Preferably the chicory is mixed with bagasse fibres to provide strength to the board, and a filler in the form of coffee grounds is included. The coffee and chicory constituents are conveniently obtained as wastes from the manufacture of instant coffee.

Abstract: The process of the invention consists in smoothing the or each fluffy surface of the layer by exerting a slight friction under low pressure so that the projecting fibers are flattened on the subjacent fibrous mass without the latter being compressed, the friction being exerted at a softening temperature such that the superficial fibers are welded together to form a skin or porous glaze. The smoothing is preferably effected by means of a metal mass whose temperature is between 115.degree. and 150.degree. C. This process may be applied to the outer face of a filtering breathing mask constituted by an envelope made of this fibrous material covering a relatively rigid porous shell for protection of the skin; it may also be applied to at least one of the faces of filtering layers equipping filters of any type.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes an improved construction of structural members such as railroad crossties, highway spin posts and highway guard posts and to construction of said members from composite wood material including elongated wood flakes and to a method for making such improved structures.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of leatherlike sheet materials which comprises: preparing hollow composite fibers, each composed of 32 to 72 alternately arranged segments of polyester or polyamide and polystyrene which are mutually adhered side-by-side and encompass a hollow space, and which extend along the longitudinal axis of the fiber to form a tubular body, the hollow composite fiber having a denier of 1 to 20, and each segment having a denier of 0.01 to 0.5; forming a fabric using thus prepared hollow composite fibers; removing the polystyrene segments with a solvent thereof from the hollow composite fibers; and applying an elastic polymer to the fabric. The resultant leatherlike sheet materials have fine touch, excellent repulsive elasticity and excellent wrinkle resistance similar to natural suede. The hollow ratio (ratio by volume of the hollow space to the sum of the volume of the polyester or polyamide segments, the polystyrene segments and the hollow space) is 2-15%.

Abstract: A high yield technique to convert normally-unusable round logs of balsa or other species of wood whose diameter is less than about 4 inches into large rectangular panels that are contourable.The raw logs are first peeled to expose the wood and are then cut into round pieces of a desired length. The pieces, after being kiln-dried, are stacked to form a dry assembly in which the pieces are separated from each other to define a matrix of intersticial spaces. The pieces in the assembly are then interlaminated in a mold by filling the matrix with an elastomeric plastic solution which, when cured, functions as an adhesive to provide an integrated stock block. The stock block is then divided into panels of the desired thickness, each panel being constituted by an array of round wood tiles joined together by elastomeric hinges, whereby the resultant panel is contourable and may be conformed to a curved surface.

Abstract: A method of sealingly connecting a thermoplastic solar panel structure comprising a multiplicity of elongated thin wall sections defining a multiplicity of parallel passages extending longitudinally between the ends of said panel structure to a thermoplastic manifold tube comprising the steps of mounting an elongated mandrel having a multiplicity of transversely projecting elements corresponding in number and spacing to the panel passages to be communicated with the interior of the manifold tube, positioning a side wall portion of the manifold tube in predetermined spaced relation with the open end of the panel structure so that the projecting elements of the mandrel are generally longitudinally aligned with the open ends of a corresponding member of the passages in the panel structure, heating the spaced panel structure end and the manifold tube side wall portion to soften the thermoplastic material thereof, moving the mandrel within the manifold tube so as to position the projecting elements through the sid

Abstract: Each fibre end of a plurality of fibres to be coupled is placed under longitudinal tension coaxially along an axial bore of a precision cylinder body so that the fibre is accurately aligned with the axis of the cylinder surface of the body whereafter the bore of said body is filled with a resin material which will subsequently set hard, and after setting of the resin material the fibre is snapped, after releasing the tension, either within or closely adjacent to, the mass of resin material, at a point where a cleavage has previously been formed.

Abstract: The composite sheet of this invention provides a fabric of superfine fibers impregnated with a high molecular weight elastic polymer and a hardened high molecular weight organic compound, having a nap on its surface formed from the ends of the fibers which constitute the fabric. The root portion of at least a part of the nap is bonded into a bundle by the high molecular weight organic compound, and the tip portion of the nap constituting the bundle is fibrous, thereby including at least some individually distinct fibers.The composite sheet or fabric has the appearance of a high-quality napped woolen woven fabric, deep in color, having a smooth touch, having bulkiness, water-washability and easy care due to excellent crease resistance and packability. It is especially suitable for clothing.

Abstract: A coupler utilizing a repeater. Dedicated transmit and receive lines interconnect transmitters and receivers with the data bus and, receive lines from other hybrid lines are optically isolated by approximately 23 db from the receiver in the repeater by first and second mixers, isolation of the receiver from signals originating from other couplers preventing race conditions. Power equalization is inherent since signals from other couplers are received at nearly the same signal level as signals from local transmitters, repeater transmitter levels being adjustable for compensation for any small difference occurring due to coupler power splitting and line losses.