Abstract: An arrangement for sorting a first category of fibers having a first set of properties into at least a second category of fibers having a second set of properties and a third category of fibers having a third set of properties. The arrangement comprises a sorting channel including at least one travelling teeth laden carrier surface driven in a first direction within the sorting channel. The sorting channel further includes at least a first inlet and at least first and second outlets. A first energy field flows through the sorting channel in a second direction. The first category of fibers are plied to the travelling teeth carried on the driven carrier surface and the first energy field causes at least the longer fibers from the first category to be held latched onto the travelling teeth as it washes and strips away shorter fibers and impurities producing the second category of fibers.

Abstract: A driven opening roll (A) covered with card clothing receives a web (W) over a feed plate (B) which carries a pair of serially arranged feed rolls (C) and (D) for separating fibrous material from the web and removing the fibrous material in a passageway (E) providing air flow progressively increasing in velocity.

Abstract: A recycled yarn or non-woven product and method for making the same, the yarn or non-woven product being made from recycled polyester fiber or fleece fabric.

Abstract: A device is provided for applying a source of high-voltage static electricity in combination with suction to remove trash and dust from raw cotton in a preparation process before carding. The device includes a pair of plastic plates disposed on opposing ends of a housing. A pair of copper plates extend between the plastic plates and have a plurality of holes formed therethrough. The sources of static electricity are connected to the pair of copper plates and the raw cotton fibers are passed therebetween. A suction of 30-100 Pa is applied within the housing for removal of the trash and dust.

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a non-woven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line system which includes a supply of fibers delivered from a bale opening device, a plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber preparation process and then through a fiber cleaning process where the fibers are individualized, opened, aligned and cleaned. A selective delivery system which is capable of moving the fibers through a multiple of stations during the precleaning process is provided. From the precleaning processes the fibers are processed into a fiber web and fed to a web stabilizing and bleaching apparatus which forms a stable bleached web. The bleached web is then passed through a drier unit. The dried bleached web is slit into a plurality of web strips or slivers which are fed to carding machines. The carding machines reform the fibers into a web which is hydroentangled and dried.

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a nonwoven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line system which includes a supply of fibers such as a bale opening device, a plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber opening process where the fibers are individualized and opened. The opened fibers are collected and fed through a blending system. The blended fibers are passed to a continuous flow bleaching unit comprised of a forming station and a bleachery. The bleached web is passed through a drier unit. The dried web is subjected to further processing which includes carding machines forming a blended fiber web and a hydroentangling machine stabilizing the web. The web is then rolled and readied for other processing. The final nonwoven web consisting of bleached cotton fibers may be made into highly purified and absorbent wipes, pads, and other articles for medical, industrial, or domestic use.

Abstract: This invention relates to the creation of a different styled batt from tufts of fiber for delivery to textile machinery. In particular, the batt formed in the style of this invention is particularly suited for delivery to a carding machine. Carding machines are able to more fully utilize fiber processing capacity with lower risk of becoming overloaded because the tufts are less able to be pulled out of the batt intact but are held back allowing for the lickerin roll or other feed arrangement to pull fiber out of the batt in a more continuous and uniform manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combing wool in which the wool is heated prior to being fed to the combing process. The wool is heated by heat rollers or other means to a temperature such that it becomes more plasticized and better lubricated due to the liquification of the natural fat of wool which then acts better as a lubricant. As a result of this process, there is a reduction in the amount of noil produced. The invention is also applicable to various other animal-based natural fibers.

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a non-woven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line system which includes a supply of fibers delivered from a bale opening device, a plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber preparation process and then through a fiber cleaning process where the fibers are individualized, opened, aligned and cleaned. A selective delivery system which is capable of moving the fibers through a multiple of stations during the precleaning process is provided. From the precleaning processes the fibers are processed into a fiber web and fed to a web stabilizing and bleaching apparatus which forms a stable bleached web. The bleached web is then passed through a drier unit. The dried bleached web is slit into a plurality of web strips or slivers which are fed to carding machines. The carding machines reform the fibers into a web which is hydroentangled and dried.

Abstract: Conditioned gas flows are applied at various critical locations in instruments and apparatus for testing and processing textile fibers, such as cotton. In the context of test instruments, a standard test zone environment (which becomes part of the test record) is effected by the introduction of controlled conditioned gas flows directly into a testing zone, including into testing instruments themselves. In the context of processing apparatus, direct control of processing performance parameters is effected by "controlling parameters", which are in turn effected by the application of conditioned gas flows. A plurality of "performance parameters", which may be in conflict with each other, may be controlled in accordance with a predetermined compromise control strategy, carried out by feedback or feedforward control systems implementing modern statistical control approaches.

Abstract: Method to separate polypropylene in the processing of silk schappe, whereby a lap (14) of silk fibers which are partly combed or are at least made sufficiently parallel undergoes an action of heating between 110.degree. C. and 160.degree. C. together with a simultaneous action of controlled compression so as to form clusters of polypropylene and silk fibers and thereafter an action of combing or pre-combing for the definitive removal of those clusters of polypropylene and silk fibers.Device to separate polypropylene in the processing of silk schappe, which is positioned downstream of a drawing frame (13) or analogous machine producing a lap (14) of silk fibers, the device including a conveyor means (belt/drum) cooperating with means that heat and apply adjustable pressure to the lap (14).

Abstract: A maintenance-free valve for impeding the flow of fibers in a high velocity air-fiber stream. The valve has a rake-like construction to impede fiber flow when in the closed position. The valve has a plurality of closely-spaced, parallel tines attached to a rotatable shaft that is perpendicular to the tines. When closed, fibers collect on the tines of the rake valve, blinding the valve to further fiber flow. When opened, the fibers are dislodged from the tines such that they re-enter the air-fiber stream.

Abstract: Ball-shaped and other rounded fiber clusters that have a density that may be controlled, as desired, with good uniformity of size and density, may be obtained from staple fiber that has been crimped mechanically, as well as from spirally crimped polyester staple fiber, by an new process and apparatus at a high throughput. The process including feeding a uniform layer of staple fiber onto a peripheral surface of a rotating main cylinder covered with card clothing and rolling the fiber into rounded clusters.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a fiber lap comprises the following combination: a plurality of serially arranged, vertically oriented hoppers charged with fiber tufts from above; removing device for removing the fiber tufts from the hoppers from below; a conveyor arranged to successively run past the hoppers and simultaneously receive fiber tufts therefrom whereby a multilayer fiber tuft mass is formed on the conveyor; a reinforcing device for stabilizing the multilayer fiber tuft mass and forming a fiber lap therefrom; and a wet treatment device.

Abstract: A process and a device for the air-conditioning of spinning material located in a container. The spinning material is air-conditioned for processing in a spinning machine which is essentially surrounded by any room climate. The spinning material is exposed in the container to a climate which is independent of the room climate. This causes, at least, the spinning material to be taken next out of the container to be air-conditioned in such manner that it is in an optimal climatic state for such further processing. Outlet openings of at least one air-conditioning duct or an air-conditioning plant are located on the container so that an air-conditioned fluid flows out of the outlet openings on at least the spinning material to be taken out next and the spinning material is in an optimal climatic state for further processing as it is then processed further.

Abstract: A fiber tuft processing line for processing fiber tufts preparatory to spinning, includes a plurality of fiber processing machines, fiber tuft conveying ducts serially connecting the machines, a blower generating a fiber tuft conveying air stream flowing in the fiber tuft conveying ducts, and an air conditioning system for supplying conditioned air to the machines of the fiber processing line. The air conditioning system includes an air conditioner; conditioned air conveying ducts extending from an output of the air conditioner to the machines; a humidity sensor and temperature sensor for responding to humidity and temperature conditions in the processing line; and a regulator for operatively connecting the humdiity sensor and the temperature sensor with the air conditioner. The humidity sensor is arranged to respond directly to the humidity of the fiber tufts in the processing line.

Abstract: A method for treating fibrous material containing matter to be separated therefrom, the method including the steps of passing fibrous material containing the matter and having a given temperature along a path of travel in a fluid stream; and directing a jet of fluid, having a temperature substantially greater than that of the fibrous material and matter, onto the fibrous material and matter to release the matter from the fibrous material.An apparatus for treating fibrous material containing matter to be separated, the apparatus having a housing with a path of fluid movement therethrough; a system for passing fibrous material containing the matter to be separated along the path through the housing; and a system for discharging a gas, having a temperature substantially greater than that of the fibrous material and matter, onto the fibrous material and matter during passing thereof along the path to release the matter from the fibrous material.

Abstract: A condensate control apparatus for receiving drum type condenser units utilized in cotton ginning which eliminates moisture buildup on predetermined metal surfaces within the condenser unit by heating such surfaces with heated dry air emanating from a heat source and conducted to such surfaces through a series of heating ducts. The condensate control apparatus also compacts the cotton gin fiber collected by such condensers into batts wherein the compacting force utilized in combination with moisturized air integrated within the cotton is sufficient to overcome the cottons inherent resiliency thereby permanently reducing the volume per unit weight of such cotton batts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for reducing the stickiness or tackiness of the fibers of honeydew-contaminated cotton flocks by heating the same. For this purpose, the cotton flocks while still in bale form are heated in a high-frequency electrical or electromagnetic field until the honeydew is brought to an elevated temperature and the water contained in the honeydew contamination is substantially evaporated, the temperature preferably being such that the cotton flocks reach a temperature in the region of the temperature of ebullition or boiling point of water.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing, in bulk, long tailed neps, the apparatus including a housing supporting a main rotor the periphery of which has a plurality of teeth and beaters which co-operate with teeth on a set of feed rollers mounted in the housing alongside the periphery of the main rotor, the housing having an intake chute and a closeable discharge door, the arrangement being such that, in use, a synthetic or material fibrous material fed to the intake chute, while the discharge door is closed, is fed into the housing by the feed rollers, the fibrous material being removed by the beaters and teeth of the rotor from the feed rollers, the fibrous material being spun in the housing and the interaction between the teeth and the beaters of the main rotor and the teeth of the feed rollers causing the fibrous material to be entangled and felted to form a plurality of long tailed neps which are discharged from the housing when the discharge door is opened.

Abstract: Cotton fibers are wet finished in a simpler and quicker manner by forming the loose cotton fibers into an integral batt by needling utilizing a needling machine, or air laying equipment. After formation of an integral batt having a weight in the range of 10-32 ounces per square yard, the cotton fibers in the integral batt form are fed to a wet finishing range for effecting scouring, bleaching, steaming, finish application, washing, and/or drying thereof. Subsequently, the finished integral batt will be passed to a conventional fiber opener to break it back into fibers, or it may be taken up into a package for further processing. 100% cotton fibers, or cotton blends having at least 60% cotton fibers, can be processed.

Abstract: A process for conditioning cotton is described, in which cotton is brought to a moisture content of about 8-9%, by contacting it with humid air which possesses a residual relative humidity, after contact, of about 65% to 80%, and a temperature comprised between about 35.degree. C. and 95.degree. C.

Abstract: The process for biochemical retting of phloem-fiber plants such as hemp, flax, ramie, jute, kenaf, etc. permits separation of the fibers of the bundle for subsequent utilization in the textile or paratextile industry. The process comprises treating the fibrous plants with at least one SPS-ase enzyme and preferably a mixture of enzymes comprising .beta.-glucanase, pectinase and SPS-ase.

Abstract: For conditioning baled material, such as wool, which is subject to taking a set upon being frozen or remaining stored for an extended period, steam is forced into the bale from two opposite sides for a short period of time, over a substantial part of the surface area of each of those sides. Thereafter, moisture-laden heated air under substantially higher pressures are forced into the bale for a longer period of time, in order to reduce the temperature of the steam and substantially uniformly distribute the heat. The steam and heated air introduction steps may be repeated, in alternation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for conditioning baled materials by forcing moisture laden heated air or stream under pressure into the bale over part of the surface area of at least two sides of the bale.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of making a hydrophilic cotton fleece. The method is characterized in that during the operations of boiling and bleaching in the autoclave, treatment liquids are made to circulate radially through the turns of the coil in such a manner that a differential pressure is established between the liquid entering the coil and the liquid leaving the coil as a result of load losses due to the difficulty which the liquid experiences in passing through the coil. The invention is applied to the manufacture of a cotton fleece with improved adherence.

Abstract: Bales of filamentary material are separated into weighed charges of the material by disintegrating the bales in a rotating drum to produce tufts that are passed to a picking chamber wherein a toothed roll strips individual filaments from a supply roll formed from the tufts and passing the filaments to scales upon which the charges are accumulated. Each time a charge is accumulated on a scale, air is blown across the scale to discharge the scale. The charges are delivered to a magazine having a plurality of vertically stacked chambers, each chamber underlain by a movable gate, through which the charges are passed sequentially to be discharged at a fixed schedule from the lowermost chamber.

Abstract: An improved fiber washer provides for a water recirculation technique which assists in moving the fibers through the washer and assists in the separation of heavy debris from the fibers.

Abstract: Luffas are subject to disintegration into fibers which are carded and needled to a textile support. The resulting product is impregnated with a synthetic resin, dried and calendared to produce a foil from which, for example, inner soles can be cut or stamped.

Abstract: The debris and pith removal from bagasse fiber is significantly enhanced by the flow of fiber from one depithing zone into a fiber washing zone and then to a second depithing zone without any intermediate settling of piling of the fiber. The fiber is maintained in a separated condition throughout the first depithing zone, the washer and the subsequent depithing zone. The result is a bagasse fiber having a greater quantity of the debris and pith removed with much less fiber damage.

Abstract: A cotton condenser for receiving air borne lint cotton or similar material from an air stream and forming a bat therefrom on a screen drum for delivery to a packaging press, wherein the condenser housing forms a chamber outwardly surrounding the screen drum maintained at subatmospheric pressure for receiving the air borne lint where the lint forms the bat on the screen. A doffing roller system withdraws the cotton bat from the screen and passes it to a lint slide and packaging press through a further set of doffing rollers which act as a seal against the pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the condenser where the bat exits from the condenser. Means are provided to monitor the moisture level of the cotton bat being delivered by the condenser and activate a humidifying system to supply air of controlled humidity to the condenser chamber and through the bat on the screen to raise the lint moisture to a desired level.

Abstract: In wet-drafting an assembly of staple fibers, said assembly is drafted directly after wetting in at least two coupled drafting zones, producing together at least a 100-fold elongation. The drafting system is provided with compensating means (belt, guide and air blower) to prevent sticking of the fibers to the rollers of the drafting system and with means to control the amount of liquid between the staple fibers.

Abstract: Fluid treatment apparatus for textile fibrous material comprising a duct, a portion of which is enlarged to form a fiber treating chamber which includes an outlet opening, an inlet opening and a central passageway which extends between the openings and which has a surface which extends from a first point on the periphery of the inlet opening to a second point on the periphery of the outlet opening and extends no further from the longitudinal axis of the central passageway than the first point so that the surface is wiped by fiber entering the central passageway to prevent the accumulation of moisture near the inlet opening.

Abstract: A controller converts the number of operating stands in a cotton gin plant into a simulated stepwise movement of a potentiometer for modulating control of a humidifier. I.e., processing units of a cotton gin plant are regulated according to the rate of cotton being ginned.

Abstract: Fibers enter a textile mill at bale breaking equipment where fibers are distributed onto an open conveyor, and possibly blended, for transmittal to processing machinery such as opening and cleaning equipment, picker equipment for forming a lap, carding equipment, and drawing, roving and spinning equipment. The fibers are carried on the open conveyor past a spray station including at least one nozzle for spraying a finely diffused liquid onto the surface of the fiber material carried on the conveyor. The liquid is an aqueous solution which consists of about 75% water and about 121/2% of animal or vegetable fats as an active compound which is converted ionic salt by reaction of the organic acids contained in the animal and vegetable fats with an amine and subsequently with an alkyl sulfate. After passing the spray station, the fiber material may be transmitted through pneumatic conveyor systems to the additional processing equipment which ultimately converts the fibers into yarn or thread.

Abstract: A process for continuously bonding staple fibers into an essentially non-twisted yarn comprising the steps of introducing into a fiber arrangement composed of staple fibers an excess of a liquid containing an adhesive in distributed form, squeezing excess liquid out of the fiber arrangement, compacting the fiber arrangement by applying pressure to form a moist slubbing, and for setting the adhesive and transforming the slubbing into a bonded yarn bringing into contact as by feeding the slubbing into a condensing vapor atmosphere.The yarn produced according to the aforementioned process, compared to a yarn set in dry air with the same quantity of adhesive, possesses a higher breaking length and rupture or break elongation and a smoother surface.

Abstract: Method for cleaning fibrous vegetable materials to remove trash components (such as coarse sand, stones, rocks, metallic particles, shives, dirt and the like).

Abstract: The process of producing a fire-retardant cotton felt for upholstery purposes by intermixing boric acid powder with the cotton fibers on the clothing of the rolls of the garnett.