Abstract: A method of forming a lap mat for use in a subsequent molding operation to form a headliner includes forming a first continuous particulate layer having a non-uniform composition; folding the first continuous particulate layer to form a plurality of first layers; and binding the first layers together wherein the first layers cooperate to define a first region having a first material composition, and a second region having a second material composition different than the first material composition.

Abstract: In the canning of tow produced by a synthetic textile filament extrusion line, a pair of deflecting rolls having radially projecting spokes are positioned immediately above the tow-receiving can for travel of the tow between the rolls to impose a folding or plaiting of the tow as it is deposited into the can, thereby reducing the linear velocity of the tow to mitigate potential entanglement of the tow within the can. The production output and operational speed of the filament extrusion process may thus be optimized without being limited by the downstream canning operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking a tape of indefinite length in folded condition by shaking the tape off into an accumulation box. When the height of the tape stacked goes above the top of the accumulation box, the top of the tape stack is pressed down to increase the compactness of the tape stack resulting in increase in the amount of tape stacked in the accumulation box.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating textile materials particularly in the form of slivers or rovings of cellulosic materials and the like with a liquid while not under tension. The preferred apparatus consists of a long, narrow, and deep treatment enclosure into which the slivers are fed by a roller feed mechanism which also incorporates a spray device for impregnating the slivers passing therethrough with a treating liquid. The feed device lays the slivers into the enclosure in folds laid along the length of the enclosure as the feed device moves back and forth along the enclosure's length. The treatment enclosure preferably curves into a horizontal section having a drain at the bottom for drawing off the excess treating liquid.