Abstract: A system for forming a non-woven, yarn structure for an engineered textile includes a jig having a plurality of upstanding pins and an automatic winding system for winding a plurality of continuous strands of yarn across the jig and around the upstanding pins. The automatic winding system includes a movement mechanism and a winding head coupled with the movement mechanism. The movement mechanism includes one or more motors that are configured to translate the winding head across a central workspace area of the jig. The winding head includes a rotatable base; a plurality of yarn guides arranged in a linear array and extending from the rotatable base, each yarn guide adapted to receive a different one of the continuous strands, and a rotation motor coupled to the rotatable base and configured to selectively rotate the base to alter an orientation of the linear array.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a first web to a base web in a nonlinear pattern as the base web is advanced in a machine direction in contact with a back-up roller are disclosed. The apparatus can include a guide roller and a guide roller translations system. The guide roller can be configured to define a nip with the back-up roller. The guide roller translation system can be configured to allow the guide roller to move with respect to the back-up roller to control the position of the nip to allow the first web to be applied to the base web in the non-linear pattern in the machine direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing absorbent articles includes: a swinging mechanism that feeds an elastic member while swinging the elastic member along a cross direction crossing a conveyance direction of a sheet-shaped continuum constituting an absorbent article, and that disposes a part of the elastic member on the continuum; a guiding member that conveys the elastic member; a cutting mechanism that cuts the elastic member; a joining mechanism that conveys the elastic member and the continuum that are supplied from the guiding mechanism to be taken along an outer periphery of the joining mechanism; and a sheet supply mechanism that supplies a sheet member onto an end portion in the cross direction of the continuum. A tangential direction of a deviation point at which the continuum is spaced from the guiding mechanism and a tangential direction of an arrival point at which the continuum reaches the joining mechanism are coincident with each other.

Abstract: A diaper manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes: an oscillating mechanism disposed on a top-sheet continuous body while oscillating leg gathers; an outer holding mechanism holding the leg gathers disposed in a predetermined waveform by the oscillating mechanism; and a cutting mechanism having a blade section cutting the leg gathers held by the outer holding mechanism. The outer holding mechanism holds, out of a region formed in a predetermined waveform, an outer end region OT which includes an outer end of the leg gathers and on which an adhesive is not applied. The blade section is disposed inside, relative to a crossing direction, the outer end region OT held by the outer holding mechanism.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing elasticated webs including discontinous elastic threads, and methods for manufacturing articles from such elasticated webs. Apparatus for carrying out the methods. Further, elasticated webs and articles which can be manufactured using the methods.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing elasticated webs including discontinous elastic threads, and methods for manufacturing articles from such elasticated webs. Apparatus for carrying out the methods. Further, elasticated webs and articles which can be manufactured using the methods.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite sheet includes joining a first elastic strip member to a sheet by feeding and surface-contacting the first elastic strip member to a continuous body of the sheet; and joining a second elastic strip member to the sheet by feeding and surface-contacting the second elastic strip member to the continuous body. The first elastic strip member supplied toward a first spindle portion side roller is subsequently put around an outer circumferential face of the first spindle portion side roller and an outer circumferential face of a first oscillating end side roller. The second elastic strip member supplied toward the second spindle portion side roller of a second oscillating arm is subsequently put around an outer circumferential face of a second spindle portion side roller and an outer circumferential face of the second oscillating end side roller of the second oscillating arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article includes an arm member having a tip end portion feeding the elastic member. The tip end portion moves alternately in a first direction and a second direction, so that the elastic member is brought into contact with a web being conveyed in a predetermined direction with a continuum of components constituting one portion of the absorbent article and is placed in a predetermined waveform. Here, in a plan view of the web, a distance between the arm member and a nip point becomes largest when the nip point goes beyond a position on the predetermined waveform where an angle between the predetermined direction and a tangent line to the predetermined waveform becomes largest.

Abstract: A ribbon applicator configured to guide ribbon to a web includes a support structure and a cantilever arm supported by the support structure. The cantilever arm is moveable through a range of motion relative to the support structure. A guide roller guides the ribbon onto the web. The guide roller is pivotally mounted on the cantilever arm for pivotal movement of the guide roller with respect to the cantilever arm.

Abstract: Included is a tip end portion being a feeding position from which a filiform elastic member is fed. By an arm member guiding the elastic member, the tip end portion is alternately moved in a first direction and a second direction, and thereby the elastic member is brought into contact with the web and is arranged in a gather waveform. Here, the first direction is from the center portion of a web being conveyed in a predetermined direction and having sequentially-arranged component parts forming one part of an absorbent article, to a first end portion in a cross direction crossing with a conveyance direction, and the second direction is from the center to a second end portion which is an end portion opposite to the first end portion. At this time, in a planar view of a composite web, when a nip point exceeds a position where an angle between the conveyance direction and a tangent to the gather waveform is largest, a distance between the tip end portion and the nip point is largest.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article includes a guide mechanism having a feeding portion for feeding an elastic member. The feed portion is alternately movable in a first direction and a second direction, and the elastic member is brought into contact with a web conveyed in a machine direction and is ananged in a waveform. The first direction is from a center portion of the web to a first end portion in a cross direction crossing the machine direction. The second direction is from the center portion to a second end portion opposite to the first end portion. A distance between the feeding portion and a nip point at which the elastic member comes in contact with the web is largest when the nip point exceeds a position in the waveform where an angle between the machine direction and a tangent to the waveform is largest.

Abstract: A plurality of unidirectional sheets (30a, 30b, 30c) are superposed in different directions and they are bonded together. At least one of the unidirectional sheets is made by spreading a tow so as to obtain uniform thickness, width not less than 5 cm, and a weight of no more than 300 g/m2, cohesion being imparted to the sheet so as to enable it to be handled prior to being superposed with other sheets. Advantageously, the unidirectional sheets are made of carbon fibers and are obtained by spreading out large tows.

Abstract: Included is a tip end portion being a feeding position from which a filiform elastic member is fed. By an arm member guiding the elastic member, the tip end portion is alternately moved in a first direction and a second direction, and thereby the elastic member is brought into contact with the web and is arranged in a gather waveform. Here, the first direction is from the center portion of a web being conveyed in a predetermined direction and having sequentially-arranged component parts forming one part of an absorbent article, to a first end portion in a cross direction crossing with a conveyance direction, and the second direction is from the center to a second end portion which is an end portion opposite to the first end portion. At this time, in a planar view of a composite web, when a nip point exceeds a position where an angle between the conveyance direction and a tangent to the gather waveform is largest, a distance between the tip end portion and the nip point is largest.

Abstract: A method for determining the operating parameters of a device for manufacturing a reinforcement from a thread (1) laid directly in its final position by projecting lengths of thread (10) onto a receiving surface (S).

Abstract: A reinforcement strip is laid on a rotating receiving surface during the manufacture of a tire. The strip passes through a guide which is moved alternatingly transversely relative to a travel path of the strip, whereby the strip is laid in an undulating pattern on the receiving surface. The amplitude of the alternating transverse movement is varied as a function of a ratio of: (a) the speed of a portion of the strip approaching the guide, and (b) the speed of the receiving surface. Between the guide and the receiving surface the strip is pivoted by 90 degrees about the strip's longitudinal axis so as to be laid tangentially on the receiving surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting sails comprising a roll stand configured to supply a carrier film. The apparatus contains a support mechanism for the carrier film, and further comprises of a drawing mechanism, a first resin dispenser, a first wiper portion, two yarn applicators, a second resin dispenser, a second wiper portion, an element applicator, a calendar, and curing mechanism.

Abstract: A process and a device are suggested for the placement and fixing of a sheet, which is at least partially implemented as a closed flat structure, of filaments, lying essentially in a plane, for the production of scrims having the filament sheet, wherein the filament sheet is placed, as part of the filament sheet sections forming the closed surface and as separate filament sheet sections, between two conveyor units (13) supplying a connecting station (6), with the filament sheet sections (1) being fixed onto the conveyor unit at each of both end regions with a fixing element (2, 3) and the interval of the fixing elements (2, 3) of a filament sheet section (1) relative to the conveyor units (13) being selected in such a way that the filament sheet sections (1) are, in their fixed state, positioned essentially flat between the conveyor units (13), at least immediately before entering the connecting station (6).

Abstract: An improved method for the manufacturing of wavy pre-preg material that moves a first group of rollers in a transverse and a longitudinal direction with respect to a second group of rollers, to place a sinuous waveform in a fiber reinforced matrix for the manufacture of a wavy pre-preg material. The fabrication of wavy fiber pre-preg (fibers pre-impregnated with epoxy resin as an example) can be accomplished with an automated control system that permits the creation of non-periodic or mixed waveforms. The improved apparatus for this process allows for a more accurate placement of fibers, production of a wider variety of usable waveforms, and increased quality of pre-preg produced.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the application (1) of at least one cable onto a rotating receiving surface (2) revolving at a speed V2, comprising means (10) for feeding the cable that comprise at least one capstan (11) revolving at a speed V1, means (20, 30) to displace the cable transversely relative to the receiving surface (2) and means (40) to position the cable on said receiving surface, characterized in that the means (20, 30) to displace the cable transversely effect said displacement by the combination of a rotary movement about an axis perpendicular to the cable travel direction with a pivoting movement in a plane containing the axis of said rotation, the extent of pivoting being determined by the ratio between the speeds V1 and V2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of manufacturing a composite material which is light weight and highly damped against vibration. The composite material comprises fibers embedded in a resin matrix wherein the fibers are oriented in a waveform that is substantially continuously variable as to period, amplitude and/or shape. A viscoelastic material is combined with the resin matrix to provide vibration dampening characteristics. The variation in the period/amplitude takes place in a region of the composite structure which is selected to provide optimum strength and dampening characteristics as desired for the particular application. Even without the viscoelastic material, the light weight structure is useful as a pre-preg material from which other composite structures may be formed. Methods of manufacturing the composite material include using multiple, identical cells in which each cell is used to fabricate a fiber, resin matrix and viscoelastic adhesive composite.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the manufacturing of wavy pre-preg material that moves a first group of rollers in a transverse and a longitudinal direction with respect to a second group of rollers, to place a sinuous waveform in a fiber reinforced matrix for the manufacture of a wavy pre-preg material. The fabrication of wavy fiber pre-preg (fibers pre-impregnated with epoxy resin as an example) can be accomplished with an automated control system that permits the creation of non-periodic or mixed waveforms. The improved apparatus for this process allows for a more accurate placement of fibers, production of a wider variety of usable waveforms, and increased quality of pre-preg produced.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for high speed manufacture of a composite sheet material, which includes a cylindrical cam-driven strand-traverse guide that can loop strands around pins projecting from a pair of advancing pin conveyors which can transfer the strands to the surface of a moving sheet, are provided. When the strands are elastic, the elastic composite sheet material made by this process and apparatus are useful in elastic components of disposable diapers, adult incontinence articles and other garments.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for high speed manufacture of a composite sheet material, which includes a cylindrical cam-driven strand-traverse guide that can loop strands around pins projecting from a pair of advancing pin conveyors which can transfer the strands to the surface of a moving sheet, are provided. When the strands are elastic, the elastic composite sheet material made by this process and apparatus are useful in elastic components of disposable diapers, adult incontinence articles and other garments.

Abstract: A three dimensional sail of one piece construction is made on a rotating roll having a deformable outer surface. The roll is divided into a large number of segments, extending across the width of the roll, with the convex profile of each segment being adjustable. A sail is made on the roll on a continuous basis by applying a first layer of film, deforming the film on the roll, applying adhesive and reinforcing the yarns, and applying a second layer of film to form a 3-D laminate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of manufacturing a composite material which is light weight and highly damped against vibration. The composite material comprises fibers embedded in a resin matrix wherein the fibers are oriented in a waveform that is substantially continuously variable as to period, amplitude and/or shape. A viscoelastic material is combined with the resin matrix to provide vibration dampening characteristics. The variation in the period/amplitude takes place in a region of the composite structure which is selected to provide optimum strength and dampening characteristics as desired for the particular application. Even without the viscoelastic material, the light weight structure is useful as a pre-preg material from which other composite structures may be formed. Methods of manufacturing the composite material include using multiple, identical cells in which each cell is used to fabricate a fiber, resin matrix and viscoelastic adhesive composite.

Abstract: Process and device (1) for applying a thread (3) onto a support (9) while parting to the thread (3) a sinuous shape, which are characterized by the following features:a) the thread (3) is delivered with a controlled linear speed of value V.sub.1 ;b) the thread (3) is displaced transversely to its direction of advance;c) it is applied onto the support (9), the thread (3) and the support (9) at the contact being driven with a linear speed V.sub.2 which is less than V.sub.1 ;d) the conformation ratio of the thread (3) is thus defined by the ratio V.sub.1 /V.sub.2.Plies obtained by the process and device (1) of the invention.Articles, in particular tires, made using such plies.

Abstract: A machine is described for the production of pre-man made-reinforcement formations especially having a thermoplastic matrix. The machine has a guiding-in device for reinforcement fibers and down-stream in the feeding direction there is a calender roller and thereafter is a winding device. At least in the area of the guiding-in device for the reinforcement fibers there is provided a needle track formed as a transport conveyor which serves as a fixation for the guided-in and deposited reinforcement fibers prior to being calendered.

Abstract: An improved, low-cost stretchable band incorporating a conductor for disposition around the human torso or other three-dimensional object, and particularly intended for use with respiration monitoring apparatus, is disclosed. Also presented is an improved enclosure housing circuitry releasable connected to the conductor in the band when the band is incorporated in respiration monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus in which material to have elastic applied thereto is carried by a first conveyor in one direction along a flow path. An elastic conveyor extending transversely of the material flow path is operable to continuously draw elastic from storage, tension it and carry it to a feeder head that reciprocates transversely of the flow path. A transverse elastic applicator receives elastic substantially continuously from the feeder head in a square-wave pattern and moves it toward the flow path. The elastic applicator has spaced guide members mounted adjacent opposite sides of the flow path to hold tensioned elastic therebetween extending transversely of the flow path as the elastic applicator moves the elastic to the flow path and applies the elastic to the material on the first conveyor. Cutters positioned inboard of the guide members sever the elastic after it has been applied to the material.

Abstract: A method and device (1) for causing a plurality of threads (7) to arrive on support (11) so as to obtain a ply (13) while imparting a nonlinear shape to the threads (7). The threads (7) are caused to arrive with controlled speed on a cylindrical drum (2) in rotation around an axis. The threads (7) are imparted the nonlinear shape by means of teeth (5) which are displaced with respect to others, parallel to the axis of rotation. At least some of these teeth are flexible between a free end in contact with a thread (7) and an anchoring zone. Plies (13) obtained with this method or device, these plies being used for instance in a tire.

Abstract: A method and device (1) for applying threads (9) on a support (11) in order o obtain a ply (13) while imparting a sinuous form to the threads. There is used a rotary drum (2) having rows (4A) of fixed teeth (5A) and rows (4B) with movable teeth (5B) which are displaced parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum. Plies obtained with this method or device and articles incorporating such plies, such articles being, for instance, tires.

Abstract: An apparatus for laying pre-stretched elastic threads in a curved path on a continuously advancing web of material includes at least one rotatable thread-guide roll. The roll is provided with a peripherally extending curved groove or slot whose axial amplitude controls the positioning of the threads on the web, and achieves the desired curvature of the threads. The apparatus further includes a glue applicator for applying adhesive to the threads. The roll may conveniently have the form of a tube provided with through passing slots for guiding the threads straight through the tube and laying them onto the web.

Abstract: A process is described for producing garments or individual parts thereof from at least one top fabric, from which the cuts belonging to a garment are cut out in a cutting device and are fed to further processing, wherein, if desired, cuts of a predetermined type are provided with coated lining parts and are attached thereto, wherein during the cutting of the cuts, at least those cuts which will subsequently be provided with lining parts are provided mechanically with marks, and during the attachment of cuts to lining parts, at least one of the parts to be attached is provided with a mark immediately before, during or after the attachment. Separate marking in an operation intended especially for this purpose is thus avoided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning at least one thread, band or like element in a pre-determined pattern above a conveyor path with the aid of thread outfeed device having at least one thread outlet device. In accordance with the invention, the thread outlet, or each thread outlet, is moved in a simple or a composite rotational path in a plane parallel with the conveyor path, and the path is moved linearly in relation to the rotational axis of the thread outlet. This will cause the thread outlet to move in a spiral-like movement path relative to the conveyor path. The conveyor path has mounted thereon dogging elements which are located within the spiral-like movement path of the thread outlet, such as to enable the thread to be laid out in a pattern determined by the dogging elements. The invention also relates to apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A cord retention arm for use in an apparatus for making a tire reinforcement from a continuous cord and applying the reinforcement to a tire core. The cord retention arm includes an extended support having a bent end terminating in a tip for supporting a loop of the cord. The extended support includes a portion spaced more remotely from the bent end and a portion intermediate the more remote portion and the bent end, the portions being bent with respect to each other to define a plane, the said bent end extending laterally and diagonally to the plane.

Abstract: A pair of hooks for the manufacture of a tire reinforcement from a cord in which one of the hooks (32) is articulated relative to the other hook (31). It is designed in such a manner as to permit hooking of a loop of cord on both hooks, to insure grasping of one and only one strand of the loop of the cord by the second hook (32) to maintain the loop open for the insertion of a bead wire, and to optimize the position of the hooks during both the hooking and the unhooking phases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of non-woven fabrics in which an array of weft threads is created and then combined with a substrate, which may in itself comprise a set of warp threads. In the method according to the invention, the array of weft threads is formed by traversing a weft carrier which has a plurality of weft guides, across the weftspace between two sets of weft retainers. At the end of each traverse, the weft carrier is jogged (that is to say moved in the warpwise direction), so that at the next traverse, it lays a further set of weft yarns across the weftspace, and the weft yarns are hooked around the weft retainers.

Abstract: A device (1) making it possible to apply at least one thread (2) to a supt (3) and characterized by the following features:it has a front clamp (4) and a rear clamp (5) along a direction of advance (F.sub.1);it has means (6, 7) for opening and closing said clamps (4, 5);it has means (8) permitting the displacement of the rear clamp (5) in the direction of advance (F.sub.1) or in a direction (F.sub.2) opposite to the direction of advance (F.sub.1); andit has means (9) for displacing the thread (2) in transverse directions.a reinforcing ply for a pneumatic tire having reinforcing threads applied on a support in a sinuous pattern having vertices.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of non-woven fabrics in which an array of weft threads is created and then combined with a substrate, which may in itself comprise a set of warp threads. In the method according to the invention, the array of weft threads is formed by traversing a weft carrier which has a plurality of weft guides, across the weft-space between two sets of weft retainers (300), (302). At the end of each traverse, the weft carrier is jogged, (that is to say moved in the warpwise direction) so that at the next traverse, it lays a further set of weft yarns across the weftspace, and the weft yarns are hooked around the weft retainers.

Abstract: In a method of an apparatus for the manufacture of a flexible reinforced polymeric article, such as a breaker fabric for a pneumatic tire, a layer of polymeric material is fed from feed means to a conveyor and a pair of laying head carriages are arranged to lay to and fro over said polymeric layer two reinforcing cords in an arrangement in which two successive transverse portions of one cord lie interdigitated between two successive transverse portions of the other cord in a manner whereby the two cords are free from overlapping cross-over regions.Means may be provided for applying a second layer of polymeric material whereby the cords are embedded between and consolidated in said polymeric layers.

Abstract: Non-woven, bias laid fabrics, where the various fabric layers are held together by external means, such as stitching, and wherein, preferably, at least two of the layers are formed at an angle of from 30.degree. to 150.degree. relative to the long axis of the fabric, are formed by directing at least two pluralities of yarns back and forth across the width of the forming fabric, to be wrapped around or mounted on a series of needles formed on a moving conveyor, one conveyor being placed on either side and moving in the direction of the long axis of the fabric. Speed of movement of the yarns can be determined by the speed of movement of the mechanism for the machine operated to hold the various fabric layers together; preferably said machine mechanism moves more slowly near the ends of each cycle, so that yarn carriers are similarly slowed at either end of the forming fabric width, aiding in making successive courses of yarn lie parallel to each other without the necessity for extra equipment.

Abstract: A method is used for producing reinforcing members preferably used in tires. The method comprises steps of causing cords to pass through a plurality of small apertures of a guide plate each for one of the cords to arrange these cords in a predetermined positional relation, winding the cords about winding type braking means, and extending the cords about a dancer roller. Thereafter, the cords are caused to pass through a plurality of small apertures of a movable guide plate each for one of the cords. The movable guide plate is reciprocatively moved in horizontal directions perpendicular to advancing directions of the cords so that the cords are reciprocatively moved onto a calender for rubber coating provided closely adjacent the movable guide plate to embrace the cords in the form of waves between rubber sheets and coat the cords by the rubber sheets, thereby obtaining the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A device (1) making it possible to apply at least one thread (2) to a supt (3) and characterized by the following features:it has a front clamp (4) and a rear clamp (5) along a direction of advance (F.sub.1);it has means (6, 7) for opening and closing said clamps (4, 5);it has means (8) permitting the displacement of the rear clamp (5) in the direction of advance (F.sub.1) or in a direction (F.sub.2) opposite to the direction of advance (F.sub.1); andit has means (9) for displacing the thread (2) in transverse directions.The invention also concerns the process used in the device (1) as well as the assemblies obtained with this device (1) and this process, these assemblies being, for instance, reinforcing plies used in pneumatic tires.

Abstract: A method of forming an electric heater pad having a continuous resistance heater wire which zig-zags transversely back and forth in longitudinally spaced runs secured intermediate two insulating sheets, the method comprising: (a) laying the wire inbetween the sheets by successive passes back and forth transversely between the sheets, (b) drawing the two sheets with the wire therebetween between two first pressure rollers to bond central areas of the sheets together leaving border strips on each transverse slide edge of the sheets unbonded, and (c) subsequently, bonding the sheets together over the border strips, wherein each successive pass comprises: (1) catching the wire between the sheets in a nip between the first rollers near the juncture of the border strips and central areas at one side, (2) drawing the wire transversely across the sheets to beyond the side edges of the sheets at the other side where tension is applied to the wire forming it into a straight run extending transversely across the sheets

Abstract: An apparatus (10) of the type for applying an elastic ribbon (18) onto the surface of a moving web (12) in curved line path relative to the longitudinal centerline (14) of the web (12) includes a nip roll (16) for directly rolling the elastic ribbon (18) into engagement with the moving web (12) and an oscillating roll (20) adjacent to and spaced from the nip roll (16) for oscillatiang the elastic ribbon (18) in a direction transverse the centerline of the web (12) and applying the elastic ribbon (18) to the nip roll (16) in the curved line path. A guide roll (22) guides the elastic ribbon (18) to wrap around the oscillating roll (20) and tension the elastic ribbon sufficiently for tracking and holding the lateral position of the elastic ribbon (18) on the nip roll (16) to be applied to the moving web (12) in the curved line path.

Abstract: A plurality of strands is introduced by a reciprocating weft laying device into a layer of paste-like bonding material deposited on the upper surface of an endless belt. A plurality of warp strands extending in the warp direction is introduced into the paste over the first mentioned strands. A second plurality of strands in the weft direction is similarly introduced by means of a second reciprocating weft laying device and a second plurality of strands in the warp direction is introduced over these second weft strands. The paste-like bonding material is then cured by a heated roller to produce the finished material. Material may be made having only one set of warp strands and one set of weft strands or more than two sets each of warp and weft strands.

Abstract: Non-woven, bias laid fabrics, where the various fabric layers are held together by external means, such as stitching, and wherein, preferably, at least two of the layers are formed at an angle of from 30.degree. to 150.degree. relative to the long axis of the fabric, are formed by directing at least two pluralities of yarns back and forth across the width of the forming fabric, to be wrapped around or mounted on a series of needles formed on a moving conveyor, one conveyor being placed on either side and moving in the direction of the long axis of the fabric. Speed of movement of the yarns can be determined by the speed of movement of the mechanism for the machine operated to hold the various fabric layers together; preferably said machine mechanism moves more slowly near the ends of each cycle, so that yarn carriers are similarly slowed at either end of the forming fabric width, aiding in making successive courses of yarn lie parallel to each other without the necessity for extra equipment.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for weaving a woven endless tire reinforcing belt on an endless weaving surface in a zig-zag pattern. The apparatus comprises input means for receiving information defining said zig-zag pattern; means for storing said pattern-defining information; central computer control means for reading said stored information and controlling the weaving of said belt as defined by said information; at least one endless weaving surface upon which said belt is woven; said weaving surface being continuously rotatable about an axis; means for continuously rotating said weaving surface about said axis, said rotating means being responsive to said central computer control means; at least one reinforcement guide means for supplying cord reinforcement to said weaving surface; and at least one means for reciprocating said guide means to effect the laying of said cord reinforcement on said weaving surface, said reciprocating means being responsive to said central computer control means.

Abstract: A stand-alone machine and a process for forming crosswise filaments for non-woven fabric comprises two sets of non-traversing edge spacing pins, each set with a gripper, and a traversing set of slider pins. The sets of pins are placed close together. Crosswise filament yarns are engaged by these sets of pins. The slider pins then traverse and pull the filaments to their full length. The crosswise filaments are cut and fixed to edge elements, which preferably may including adhering the crosswise filaments to selvage filaments. The edge elements are then separated to draw the crosswise filaments to their full width. The invention provides increased speed, precision, and flexibility in making crosswise filaments for non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: Non-woven, bias laid fabrics, where the various fabric layers are held together by external means, such as stitching, and wherein, preferably, at least two of the layers are formed at an angle of from 30.degree. to 150.degree. relative to the long axis of the fabric, are formed by directing at least two pluralities of yarns back and forth across the width of the forming fabric, to be wrapped around or mounted on a series of needles formed on a moving conveyor, one conveyor being placed on either side and moving in the direction of the long axis of the fabric. Speed of movement of the yarns can be determined by the speed of movement of the mechanism for the machine operated to hold the various fabric layers together; preferably said machine mechanism moves more slowly near the ends of each cycle, so that yarn carriers are similarly slowed at either end of the forming fabric width, aiding in making successive courses of yarn lie parallel to each other without the necessity for extra equipment.