Abstract: An implantable stent includes a plurality of elongate wires braided to form a hollow tubular structure having a tubular wall to define an interior surface and an exterior surface and having opposed open first and second ends, wherein the opposed open first and second ends are atraumatic ends The atraumatic ends of the stent are desirably free of any loose wire ends. The wires include composite wires to enhance visibility of the wires to provide improved external imaging of the wires in the body. The elongate composite wires of the stent may be metallic wires having an outer metallic portion including a first metal, such as nitinol, and an inner metallic core portion including a second metal, which is a radiopaque material, such as gold, barium sulfate, ferritic particles, platinum, platinum-tungsten, palladium, platinum-iridium, rhodium, tantalum or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat resistant spacer fabric comprising a first and second fabric layers that are formed of a flame resistant material arranged in opposing face-to-face relation and are spaced apart from each other. The first and second fabric layers are interconnected to each other with one or more spacer fibers that interconnect the first and second fabric layers and define a space therebetween. The spacer fibers comprise at least one core fiber having one or more wrap fibers of a flame resistant material wrapped thereabout. The wrap fibers protect the core fibers from direct contact with heat and flame. If the spacer fabric is exposed to heat/flame, the flame resistant wrap fibers help to prevent any melted material of the core fibers from flowing out of the spacer fabric. The spacer fabric can be used in protective garments such as coats, gloves, pants, cover-alls, suits, etc.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprises continuous polymer filaments of 0.5-3 denier that have been hydroentangled in a complex matrix of interconnecting filament loops, and that is otherwise substantially free of knotting, or of otherwise wrapping about one another. A process for making a non-woven fabric comprises continuously extruding polymer filaments of 0.5-3 denier onto a moving support, pre-entangling the filaments with water jets, and entangling the filaments with a second set of water jets. An apparatus for making a nonwoven fabric comprises means for continuously extruding substantially endless polymer filaments of 0.5-3 denier onto a moving support to form an unbonded web, a pre-entangling station for entangling the web with a plurality of water jets, and a plurality of water jets for final entanglement of the filament web.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a fiber tow, particularly cellulose acetate tow, a stuffer box crimper has one roller adapted to induce crimp into the tow. This roller induces crimp by preferentially weakening a portion of the tow. This roller has an axially grooved surface. This roller may be located in the stuffer box crimper or before the stuffer box crimper.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing paint roller covers is disclosed in which the paint roller covers are manufactured from a seamless, tubular fabric sleeve having a backing made at least in part from a material having a lower melting point than material used for the pile of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve. The seamless, tubular fabric sleeve is placed onto a cylindrical member, and heat is applied to cause the material having the lower melting point in the backing be activated to cause the backing of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve to remain in a cylindrical configuration. The activated tubular knitted pile fabric may be finished into paint roller covers by combing and shearing the pile fabric to a desired length, beveling the edges of the paint roller covers, and vacuuming stray fibers from the paint roller covers.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate member having a braided reinforcing layer encased within a polymeric bonding layer. The reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of continuous filaments that transform from a full complement braid configuration to a partial complement braid configuration in a least one location along the catheter. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a braided elongate member including providing a core, forming at least one full complement braid portion with a plurality of filaments and forming at least one partial complement braid portion with a portion of the same plurality of filaments.

Abstract: The invention concerns a forming head for an apparatus for the production of a non-woven fabric by depositing fibres on a conveyor belt, comprising a fibre feeder which opens into a fibre processing chamber and which has a lower deposit opening for the delivery of fibres, wherein arranged in the fibre processing chamber are interengaging needle rollers with longitudinal axes oriented in mutually parallel relationship, which can rotate about their respective longitudinal axis, and the interengaging needle rollers enclose an inner chamber and are arranged with respect to the fibre feeder and the deposit opening in such a way that fibres fed to the forming head in operation enter the inner chamber by passing through between interengaging needle rollers and leave the inner chamber also by passing through between interengaging needle rollers.

Abstract: A method of producing a panel having at least one feature comprising a discontinuation in curvature of surface in the surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first reinforced layer of long and/or continuous parallel fibre reinforced thermoplastic of a first polymer (102a, 104a); providing a core layer of thermoplastic with at least roughly 70% by volume of a second polymer which is compatible with the first polymer (106); providing a second reinforced layer of long or continuous parallel fibre reinforced thermoplastic of the first polymer (102b, 104b); stacking the layers such that the reinforced layers are separated by the core layer; introducing the stack into a panel mould and heating the mould to at least the melting point of the predetermined polymer to consolidate the layers and form the panel.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a fiber tow, particularly cellulose acetate tow, a stuffer box crimper has a pair of nip rollers, at least one, made of a solid ceramic material.

Abstract: A tufted PET carpet assembly and a method of forming the same. The carpet assembly comprising a face layer comprised of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yam comprised of PET fibers and tufted at a pre-determined gauge, the face layer having a face weight, a first backing layer adjacent the face layer, and a first back coating layer adjacent the first backing layer. A method of forming a tufted PET carpet assembly with PET yam comprising the steps of tufting the PET yarn at a pre-determined gauge onto a backing, applying a back coating to the tufted PET via extrusion to lock the tufted PET to the backing, and applying steam to the tufted PET to enhance the look and feel of the PET.

Abstract: A technique for incorporating a liquid additive into a nonwoven web is disclosed. Specifically, the liquid additive is loaded into filler particles to form a “dry liquid concentrate”, i.e., pulverulent granular solid or powder loaded with the liquid additive. The incorporation of the liquid additive into dry liquid concentrates provides a variety of benefits. For example, prior to extrusion, the dry liquid concentrates generally retain the properties of filler particles from which they are formed as the liquid remains isolated. In this manner, a higher level of the liquid additive may be compounded with a melt-extrudable base composition without adversely affecting the extrusion process. Only upon extrusion of the composition will a significant portion of the liquid additive be released to provide the desired properties to the resulting nonwoven web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a polyphenylene sulfide multifilament yarn, a polyphenylene sulfide multifilament yarn and the use of a polyphenylene sulfide multifilament yarn. The process for producing a polyphenylene sulfide multifilament yarn is characterized in that only after time period between 0.1 sec and 0.3 sec after leaving the spinneret the filaments of the spun yarn are subjected to an active cooling stage. The Polyphenylene sulfide multifilament yarn having a filament linear density of 5 dtex to 30 dtex, an overall linear density of 500 dtex to 2500 dtex, a breaking tenacity in the range of 50 cN/tex to 80 cN/tex and an elongation at break of 8% to 16% for a yarn with a breaking tenacity in the range of 60 cN/tex to 80 cN/tex and an elongation at break of 16% to 30% for a yarn with a breaking tenacity in the range of 50 cN/tex to 60 cN/tex.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing duroplastic fine-fiber non-wovens, characterized in that: a) melts of reactive three-dimensionally cross-linkable, non-linear prepolymers are extruded by nozzles; b) the exiting melts are blown by means of hot air to form fine fibers; c) the fine fibers are separated by the flow of air and deposited to form a non-woven comprised of a fine-fiber weave; d) the non-woven is subsequently compacted, and; e) the non-woven is treated with a medium that initiates a three-dimensional cross-linking, and the fine fibers in the non-woven are inherently bonded and/or hardened in a subsequent thermal post-hardening. This enables duroplastic fine-fiber non-wovens to be economically produced that have both a high flame retardant effect as well as a high thermal protection, sound insulation and filtering capacity.

Abstract: A corner fitting and a method of forming a corner fitting including steps of providing a flat woven fabric including a first woven portion having first and second direction woven fibers, a second woven portion adjacent the first woven portion having first direction fibers and sacrificial second direction fibers and a third semi-woven portion having first direction fibers selectively engaged by the sacrificial second direction yarns. The method further comprising steps of folding the flat woven fabric in at least one direction, and removing the sacrificial second direction fibers, wherein during removal, the sacrificial second direction fibers are replaced in the second woven portion by the first direction fibers of the third semi-woven portion and form a corner fitting having continuous fibers connecting all sides.

Abstract: Gel-spun multi-filament polyethylene yarns possessing a high degree of molecular and crystalline order, and to the drawing methods by which they are produced. The drawn yarns are useful in impact absorption and ballistic resistance for body armor, helmets, breast plates, helicopter seats, spall shields, and other applications; composite sports equipment such as kayaks, canoes, bicycles and boats; and in fishing line, sails. ropes, sutures and fabrics.

Abstract: A method for making bicycle frames includes a step of preparing initial parts by carbon-fiber sheets and inflatable bladders are inserted into the initial parts which are then arranged to a desired arrangement. The arranged parts are put in a mold which is heated under a certain pressure. The inflatable bladders are inflated by introducing air therein to push the carbon-fiber sheets against the inside of the mold. The carbon-fiber sheets are then solidified to form a front part of the bicycle frame. A rear part of the bicycle frame or the whole bicycle frame can also be made by the same method.

Abstract: A method for making bicycle frames includes a step of preparing a seat tube and a head tube and both of which are then put in concavities of two first movable mold parts on a base board. A top tube and a down tube are prepared by carbon-fiber sheets and connected between the seat tube and the head tube. Two connection ends made by carbon-fiber sheets are connected to the seat tube. Two second movable mold parts are mounted to the first movable mold parts and air is then blown into the top tube, down tube and the two connection ends to inflate the carbon-fiber sheets to contact against inner peripheries of the concavities under high temperature and pressure to let the carbon-fiber sheets be solidified.

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics of suitable strength and comfort level for use in apparel applications. The fabrics incorporate yarns utilizing specific blends of (A) halogen containing fibers, (B) silica embedded cellulosic fibers and (C) strength imparting synthetic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for making a polyareneazole multifilament yarn comprising: a) extruding a solution comprising polyareneazole polymer and polyphosphoric acid through a plurality of orifices to produce filaments; b) forming a multifilament yarn from said filaments; c) hydrolyzing at least some of the polyphosphoric acid in the yarn by heating the yarn to a temperature above about 120° C. for up to about two minutes; d) washing at least some of the hydrolyzed polyphosphoric acid from the yarn; e) drying the washed yarn; f) optionally, heating the yarn above about 300° C., and g) collecting the yarn at a speed of at least about 50 meters per minute.

Abstract: Improved yarns the properties of which can be altered by heat treatment for various products are disclosed, as well as product made therewith and processes thereof. The yarns of the invention comprise a multifilamentary core of a comparatively lower melting point material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, which is wrapped in both S and Z directions (that is, both clockwise and counterclockwise) by multifilamentary strands of a higher melting point material, such as polyester. For providing cut and abrasion resistance to webbing and products made therefrom, such as cargo lifting slings and the like, on the order of 8-12 such yarns are woven into the edges of webbing material, such that they contact one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter module comprising a body of wound layers of a sheet material, said sheet material having a plurality of openings formed therein, said openings forming two types of channels within the wound layers of sheet material of said body, said channels extending in a direction from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface, a first type of channels being open at one end at said outer peripheral surface of the body and closed at the other end located adjacent to said inner peripheral surface, a second type of channels being open at one end at said inner peripheral surface of the body, and closed at the other end located adjacent to said outer peripheral surface, said channels of the one type being separated from the channels of the other type by portions of sheet material, wherein the sheet material has areas at the edge of the openings forming the inlet channels the thickness of which being smaller than the thickness of the sheet material remote from those op

Abstract: Carbon particles, such as, carbon fibrils and carbon nanotube molecules, may be assembled into substantially pure aligned fibers by a) dispersing the carbon particles within a curable liquid, b) aligning the carbon particles by flowing the mixture of curable liquid and carbon particles down a tapering tube, and c) curing the flowing mixture of curable liquid and carbon particles in the general vicinity of the end of the tapering tube to form a fiber. The curable liquid may be cured using ultraviolet light. The solidified mixture may be further processed by d) heating the fiber so as to cause the volatile elements of the solidified curable liquid portion to substantially dissipate from the fiber, e) twisting the fiber to increase its density, f) heating the fiber to sinter the carbon particles within the fiber, and g) cladding the fiber. The resulting fiber may then be spooled onto a take-up drum.

Abstract: A nonwoven felt formed from fluoropolymer film, which is split and fibrillated to form a network structure, and then entangled.

Abstract: Procedure for fabrication of reinforcement elements for concrete, where an extended, preferably continuously fiber bundle (10), especially of carbon fibers, impregnates (3) by a matrix of a plastic material followed by curing. The fiber bundle (10), including a significant amount of single fibers, is brought after impregnation (3) and prior to curing (17) to cooperate with a particle shaped material (15), preferably sand, as adhere to the fiber bundle surface mainly without coming in between the fibers and fixate to the surface by curing, for creation of a reinforcement element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental floss product comprising a unitary tape of ultra-high molar mass polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 5 dl/g, as measured in decalin at 135?C, the tape having a thickness of about 0.02-0.1 mm and a width of about 0.25-6 mm, and a tensile strength of at least 1.8 GPa. The dental floss product has very high mechanical, especially tensile strength, shows high resistance to tearing and has a low coefficient of friction. The tape can be inserted between teeth tightly together without breaking. A further advantage of the dental tape is that it retains most of its initial strength during flossing, even if the tape separates into filaments. The invention further relates to a process of making a unitary tape suitable for use in a dental floss product.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a composite structure with a flange having a tethered corner involving providing a composite structure forming tool including a first endplate and a second endplate and having a composite structure formed thereabout, applying at least one ply of barrier fibers about the composite structure adjacent to the first endplate of the composite structure forming tool, and wrapping at least one fiber tow about the barrier fibers.

Abstract: A new and improved power steering hose assembly is described, which may comprise a core hose layer, a first reinforcing layer, an intermediate hose layer, a second reinforcing layer and an outer hose layer. The first reinforcing layer has a braid pattern formed in a 1-over, 1-under pattern. The intermediate hose layer is positioned over the first reinforcing layer. The second reinforcing layer is disposed over the first reinforcing layer. The second reinforcing layer has a braid pattern formed in one of a 3-over, 3-under pattern or a 2-over, 2-under braid pattern. The outer hose layer is positioned over the second reinforcing layer.

Abstract: A large variety of electrospun fibers can be produced to encapsulate a large variety of additives within the subcompartments or substructures of the manufactured electrospun fiber. Furthermore, the manufactured electrospun fibers can be electrostatically arranged within a filter component of a smoking article during the manufacturing process. By modifying the various parameters that control the electrospinning process, a diverse set of electrospun fibers can be manufactured that vary in composition, in substructural organization, and in dimension. The electrospun fiber produced by electrospinning comprises at least one type of polymeric material that encapsulates or supports the retention of at least one type of a flavorant or a non-flavorant within the electrospun fiber. A polymeric material provides a supporting structure for encapsulating at least one type of a flavorant or a non-flavorant.

Abstract: A bicomponent fiber wherein (a) the first component comprises from about 90 to 100 wt. % poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and (b) the second component is a polymer composition comprising (i) poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and (ii) polymer containing polyalkylene ether repeating units. Yarn, fiber, fabrics and carpets comprising the bicomponent fiber, as well as the process of making the bicomponent fiber, yarn, fabric, and carpet.

Abstract: A method for producing abrasive non-woven cloth includes forming a non-woven web of fibers including a first layer adjacent to a first surface of the web containing at least about 5% by weight of thermoplastic fibers. The web is patterned to generate raised regions and lowered regions in the first surface, and then heat treated to cause at least part of the thermoplastic fibers to form nodules, thereby imparting abrasive properties to at least the raised regions of the first surface. The non-woven web preferably includes a second layer adjacent to a second surface of the web made up primarily of fibers which do not form nodules under the heat treatment.

Abstract: A process for making a flexible structure that includes at least a first region and a second region, each of the first and second regions having at least one common intensive property that differs in value.

Abstract: A fabric filter cover sleeve woven on a flat loom in a manner allows a section of the fabric, having a specified width, to be opened up similar to a tube, sleeve or bag. Several of the tubes (or sleeves, or bags) may be woven on the loom simultaneously. The tubes may be continuous or closed on either or both end in a specified length. For example, a tube closed at one end may be considered a bag shaped filter cover. The fabric filter cover sleeves may be woven of various types of natural and synthetic yarns, such as extruded thermoplastic yarns. The woven fabric filter covers can be easily separated such that each sleeve can enclose, or cover, structures used within filters. Filter structures, such as filter grids, or filtration materials, such as diatomaceous earth, or sand, may be enclosed within the woven fabric sleeves to form filters.

Abstract: A tufted nonwoven includes a face material which tufts a bonded nonwoven having a mixture of a plurality of bicomponent filaments 1 with a plurality of bicomponent filaments 2. At least bicomponent filaments 1 have component 11 and component 12. Component 11 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(11), and component 22 of the bicomponent filaments 2 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(22). Component 12 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(12), and component 21 of the second bicomponent filaments exhibits a melting temperature Tm(21), and Tm(12) is higher than Tm(21). The melting temperatures of components 11 and 22 and the melting temperatures of components 12 and 21 obey a relationship in which Tm(11) and Tm(22)>Tm(12)>first Tm(21) and optionally wherein the face material is bonded to bicomponent filaments 2 by a solidified melt of component 21. Also described are a bonded nonwoven and methods for their manufacture.

Abstract: A wound care product is a nonwoven fabric made of filaments bulked from a tow and fixed into a 3-dimensional structure.

Abstract: With a method for the manufacture of fiber-composite components, more particularly of fan blades for aircraft engines, dry fiber mats are superimposed in a lay-up mold, correctly positioned and fixed with locating pins and subsequently sewn in the mold. Metallic indicators are provided on at least one mat. The preformed entity of fiber mats is whipped at its edges with thermoplastic material and subsequently smoothed by application of heat. Remaining fiber residues are cut off. The blank thus available is infiltrated with synthetic resin in an infiltration mold or a sheathing remaining on the component. The fiber mats are checked for correct positioning by non-destructive inspection procedures. The fiber-composite component thus formed conforms to high quality requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming yarn provides a feeding component that feeds one or more ribbons of tow starting material, a drafting component that includes at least two pairs of rollers through which the feed materials pass and which stretch-breaks the starting material into a cohesive elongated network of fibers formed from the filaments of the tow material. The stretch-broken intermediate product may be a blended cohesive network formed form multiple feed materials. The intermediate product may be spun directly into yarn in one winding/twisting operation or it may be combined with other simultaneously produced intermediate products. Various yarns may be used as produced or otherwise combined to form various fabrics and other materials used in fire-retardant and heat resistant products. The starting materials may be PAN, para- and meta-aramid fibers, viscose rayon, and stainless steel and other suitable materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypropylene-based monofilaments having improved properties, especially an improved abrasion resistance, to a process for manufacturing these monofilaments and to their use. The invention relates more particularly to polypropylene-based monofilaments obtained from a polypropylene having a melt flow index (MFI) at 230° C./2.16 kg of less than or equal to 1.9 g/10 min.

Abstract: Described are elastic polyurethaneurea fibres comprising a cationically modified carbon black as an additive, so that the colour of the fibre is distinctly changed. Also described are a process for producing coloured polyurethaneurea fibres and also their use for producing elastic fabrics and textile goods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a multi-filament polyethylene yarn via a gel-spinning process, Wherein a spin finish is applied at least once in an amount of 0.1-10 mass % based on the filament, to a filament that contains less than 50 mass % of solvent; the spin finish comprising at least 95 mass % of at least one volatile compound having a boiling point at 0.1 MPa pressure of from 30 to 250° C.; and the spin finish is subsequently removed by exposing the filament to a temperature of below the melting temperature of the filament. With this process a yarn is made that has a very low amount of residues on the surface of the fibres, without the need for a washing or extraction step, showing good mechanical properties, and very suited for e.g. biomedical applications. The invention further relates to a process for converting polyolefin fibres into a semi-finished or end-use product.

Abstract: A fabric comprising a textile layer comprising yarns, wherein said textile layer is permeable to water vapour and impermeable to liquid water; and disposed on at least part of one side of the textile layer is a wicking means.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink stick for use in a phase change ink jet imaging device comprises heating phase change ink material to an extrusion temperature at which the phase change ink material is in a malleable state. The ink is then extruded through an extrusion orifice to form at least one extruded ink filament having at least one cross-sectional dimension transverse to the extrusion direction that is less than approximately 12 mm. The at least one ink filament is then accumulated.

Abstract: A fire retardant fabric for safety garments useful for dangerous activities, e.g. firemen, policemen, armed forces, etc., is knit from a first yarn system of fire retardant modacrylic fibers, a second yarn system of flexible fibers and, optionally a third yarn system of aramid fire retardant fibers. One of the yarn systems also includes fibers formed of a conductive material, such as silver.

Abstract: A deep-dyeable modified polylactic acid fiber includes a modified polylactic acid composition containing polylactic acid and a modifying polymer. The modifying polymer is an aliphatic polyester other than polylactic acid, an aromatic polyester, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester, or combinations thereof. The modified polylactic acid composition, when dyed, provides a decreased L-value compared to a non-modified polylactic acid composition that is dyed under the same dyeing conditions as the modified polylactic acid composition and that contains the polylactic acid but is free of the modifying polymer.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of a wettable fiber matrix, wherein the wettable fiber matrix are thermoplastic polymeric fibers blended with at least one hydrophilic melt additive. In alternate embodiments, the nonwoven web further includes binder fibers which may be wettable or non-wettable or combinations of both.

Abstract: A molded respirator is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web of continuous charged monocomponent meltspun partially crystalline and partially amorphous oriented fibers of the same polymeric composition that have been bonded to form a coherent and handleable web which further may be softened while retaining orientation and fiber structure. The respirator is a cup-shaped porous monocomponent monolayer matrix whose matrix fibers are bonded to one another at at least some points of fiber intersection. The matrix has a King Stiffness greater than 1 N. The respirator may be formed without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, or other reinforcement in the filter media layer.

Abstract: An integral composite fiber is formed by integrally joining a stretchable fiber and unstretchable fibers. The stretchable fiber has longitudinally extending first exposed surfaces that are circumferentially spaced from each other. The unstretchable fibers has longitudinally extending second exposed surfaces each disposed between a circumferentially adjacent pair of the first exposed surfaces. One of the first exposed surfaces has a larger surface area than the other or others of the first exposed surfaces. Said other or each of the others of the first exposed surfaces has a surface area ratio of less than 0.8 with respect to the surface area of said one of the first exposed surfaces.

Abstract: A thermally expandable sheet includes a nonwoven fabric layer and reinforcing material layers formed of inorganic fiber. The reinforcing material layers are formed on the surfaces of the nonwoven fabric layer. The thickness of each reinforcing material layer is less than the thickness of the nonwoven fabric layer. The nonwoven fabric layer and the reinforcing material layers are impregnated with thermally expandable microcapsules and resin. A molded product for vehicle is manufactured from the thermally expandable sheet and includes closed cells generated by expansion of the thermally expandable microcapsules in the nonwoven fabric layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the production of polyarylene sulfide based resin, wherein in washing a polyarylene sulfide based resin with a mixed solvent of an aprotic organic solvent and water in a softened or molten state, the polyarylene sulfide based resin partially dissolved in the washing liquid is recovered, to be specific, the polyarylene sulfide based resin dissolved in the washing liquid is precipitated, separated and recovered by cooling the washing liquid after washing and/or adding water to the washing liquid, and it is reused. According to the present invention, capable of being provided is a process for the production of polyarylene sulfide based resin in which the polyarylene sulfide based resin formed by polymerization is scarcely lost in washing the above resin with a solvent.

Abstract: A projectile impact energy and location measurement system is taught employing a target apparatus having an impact plate of a solid durable substance such as steel or titanium. Disposed over the plate is a layer of elastoluminescent material composed of zinc sulfide and manganese embedded in an elastomeric composite. This luminescent material is designed to emit light or exhibit luminescence when elastically strained, for example when a projectile strikes the material. Optical photosensitive sensors are deployed at strategic locations to observe and record color images of the target before during and after impact by a projectile. These images capture the target luminescence and impact location of the projectile. The images are transmitted to a traditional image processing system that can isolate the impact location and correlate the light wave length with a known kinetic energy value that was obtained through initial calibration of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a high-strength and low-shrinkage synthetic flat yarn. After melt spinning, the filaments are combined to a yarn and drawn. Subsequently, the yarn is compressed to form a plug under the influence of heat. This plug is transported over a certain distance, so that the yarn relaxes in a low-tension state and under the influence of the increased temperature. Finally the plug is disentangled under tension to form the flat yarn, which is wound into a package.