Abstract: A wind tunnel blade (30) connected to a base (32) and held in position by a two-piece cuff (34). The wind tunnel blade (30) is formed in a resin transfer molding process in which central, fore, and aft foam core sections (70, 72, 74) are placed together to form the wind tunnel blade (30). Radius fillers (120) are used to fill the gaps between the outer edge of the foam core sections. The radius fillers (120) used in the wind tunnel blade (30) are formed by a braided sleeve (122) surrounding a number of unidirectional tows (124). A tip (68) is formed separately from the rest of the wind tunnel blade (30) and is glued to the top thereof. Stacked layers of braided fibers (100) are used to reinforce the central core section (70).

Abstract: Polyester carpets of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) are disclosed which have excellent stain-resistance, texture retention and resistance to crushing. The bulked continuous filament yarn used to make the carpets and the process for making the yarns are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent formed from helically wound and braided filaments of bioabsorbable polymers such as PLA, PLLA, PDLA, and PGA.

Abstract: A wind tunnel blade (30) connected to a base (32) and held in position by a two-piece cuff (34). The wind tunnel blade (30) is formed in a resin transfer molding process in which central, fore, and aft foam core sections (70, 72, 74) are placed together to form the wind tunnel blade (30). Radius fillers (120) are used to fill the gaps between the outer edge of the foam core sections. The radius fillers (120) used in the wind tunnel blade (30) are formed by a braided sleeve (122) surrounding a number of unidirectional tows (124). A tip (68) is formed separately from the rest of the wind tunnel blade (30) and is glued to the top thereof. Stacked layers of braided fibers (100) are used to reinforce the central core section (70).

Abstract: A method of forming or treating an article or preform (10) and an article or preform made according to the method are provided. The method includes the step of providing around at least part of the article or preform (10) a generally tubular element (14) whose effective cross-section tends to reduce on extension, and applying an extension load to the tubular element (14) thereby to apply a compression load to the exterior of the article or preform to aid consolidation thereof.

Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels, halogens, and other volatile corrosive fluids is disclosed. The assembly (10) includes a tubular inner liner (12) including a polymeric fluorocarbon material resistant to chemical and heat degradation. A reinforcing layer (14) having gaps extending therethrough is disposed about the inner liner (12). The assembly (10) further includes an outer fluoropolymer coating (16) dispersed throughout the reinforcing layer (14). The hose assembly (10) is characterized by including at least one polymeric fluorocarbon reinforcing layer (18) disposed about the reinforcing layer (14) for increasing strength and flexibility while providing assistance to chemical build-up and degradation to the hose assembly (10).

Abstract: The invention provides synthetic polymeric fibers which have utility as temporary acquisition/distribution absorbent structures and permanent storage/distribution absorbent structures in a wide range of absorbent products such as diapers, feminine napkins, and adult incontinent pads. These fibers are short, highly distorted, and bulky characterized by lengths between 2 and 37 mm, short-range distortion factors between 5 and 70, long-range distortion factors between 0.05 and 0.9, and single fiber bulk factors between 0.5 and 10.0. They may or may not have capillary channels on the surface. The advantages of these materials are their increased absorbency, reduced wet collapse at low densities, reduced rewet, reduced loss of liquid under pressure, and their ability to be desorbed by distribution materials such as capillary channeled fibers or by conventional storage materials such as fluff pulp or superabsorbent polymer fiber or powder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catamenial/tampon device according to which the benefit of incorporating the desired odor adsorbent material in the first instance directly into the fibers as they are formed or spun results in eliminating the potential for dusting during processing of the device and the need for binders and/or thickening agents normally used.

Abstract: Polymer blend fibers having a phase separation structure are provided. The phase separation structure is a sea-island structure and a diameter D1 on a circle basis of an island phase of the sea-island structure in a transverse cross-section of the fibers is in the range of 0.001 to 0.4 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Polyester carpets of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) are disclosed which have excellent stain-resistance, texture retention and resistance to crushing. The bulked continuous filament yarn used to make the carpets and the process for making the yarns are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a low-fibrillation moulded body containing polytetrafluorethylene. The process is characterised in that a pre-moulded body of polytetrafluorethylene is twisted and then pressed flat. The pre-moulded body can be twisted around itself or around another material e.g. a mono- or multifilament or a spun yarn. The invention relates furthermore to a low fibrillation moulded body containing polytetrafluorethylene which can be obtained by means of the process in accordance with the invention and the use of the moulded body in accordance with the invention as dental floss.

Abstract: Simultaneous drawing of mixed polyester filaments is improved by use of chain-branched polyester for the polymer from which the polyester filaments are spun.

Abstract: A high solids spin finish composition is provided which includes a nonionic hydrocarbon surfactant and which has a <FLB> value of less than 11 and a <HLB> value within the range of about 2 to 13.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a non-woven polymeric fabric web, such as a spunbond web, having filaments of 0.1 to 5 or higher denier with equivalent production rates is provided. A plurality of continuous polymeric filaments are extruded from an extruder and attenuated by a drawing unit that includes a longitudinal elongated slot strategically positioned at an optimum distance very close to the spinneret to increase the filament velocity by reducing air viscous drag on filaments and a drawing unit slot having a lower slot length of approximately 210 mm or less to increase form drag. A web forming table is positioned below the drawing unit for collecting the filaments and forming the filaments into a non-woven fabric web. Filaments of increased tensile strength are created by stress-induced crystallization resulting from higher filament velocity due to increased force on the filaments with less air viscous drag between the filaments and air streams.

Abstract: Machine for spinning and texturing by false twisting, in which the false-twist zone comprises a plurality of identical texturing stations arranged side by side on a common frame, each station comprising in order, with regard to the displacement of the thread (2) during its texturing treatment:a first delivery (3) associated, if appropriate, with a system for drawing the thread (2) and making it possible to deliver the thread to be textured;a heating device (4) followed by a cooling zone (5) for the heated thread;a false-twist spindle (6);a second take-up (7) for the textured thread emerging from the false-twist spindle (6);if appropriate, a third take-up (8) of the thread, downstream of which is arranged a second thermal treatment zone (9), and;a final take-up arranged immediately in front of the receiving members,wherein the feed of threads to all the texturing stations is carried out from means for the spinning and drawing of chemical threads, which means are mounted on said texturing machine, the threads p

Abstract: Microfibers have been manufactured from dissolved cellulose, from which threads, yarns, and fabrics can be made. These cellulosic microfibers may be used to produce fabrics with the very soft feel that is characteristic of microfiber fabrics, and the water absorbency and comfort of cellulosic fabrics. Furthermore, since the microfiber diameter may be 2 .mu.m or smaller (about the same size as dust particles and small oily droplets), these fabrics have an exceptional ability to remove dust and oil droplets from surfaces and gas streams, and are therefore useful in filter media. The novel microfibers may be manufactured by the continuous flow of dissolved cellulose through a converging die. Imposing orientation in the incipient microfiber prior to or during crystallization of the cellulose produces continuous fibers of substantial aspect ratio, without significant entanglement.

Abstract: Polyester yarn is made by melt spinning the polyester filaments which are then cooled at least to solidification and heated by counterflow with prestretching to a crystallinity in excess of 24%. The prestretched filaments are gathered and stretched to after-stretching at a temperature of 80.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. to a final titer of 1.0 dtex to 7.5 dtex with a stretching ratio of 1:1.5 to 1:1.15. The yarn is then wound up at a rate of 5000 to 8000 m/min.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-woven material using a contoured honeycomb drum with an outer microporous surface, more particularly with a contoured outer surface, for the manufacture of contoured non-woven fibrous materials. The method can use spunbond or melt blown techniques for depositing solidifying filaments on the microporous surface such that the non-woven material conforms to the contour of the drum, and then removing the non-woven material from the drum. The drum of the current invention facilitates continuous production of non-woven articles with three dimensional shapes such as surgical masks or pleated air filters.

Abstract: A process for spinning polymeric filaments into yarn at high spinning speeds for producing yarn of high quality that includes the steps of extruding molten polymer through a spinneret, providing an aspirator at a preselected position relative to the slinneret and, after start up, adjusting the aspirator distance from the spinneret thereby moving the aspirator drawing force closer to the spinneret, forming a yarn path made from the filaments, supplying a finish to the yarn, and drawing the yam up with a take up wheel The spinning speed of the yarn on the take up reel is increased while moving the aspirator containing the drawing force within five to fifty centimeters to the spinneret. Using this method much higher filament velocities can be reached (above 10,000 meters per minute) without breaking the filaments or the yarn.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for spinning, drawing, and winding a synthetic filament yarn, wherein a plurality of filaments are combined in a spin zone to a yarn. Subsequently, the yarn is drawn in a draw zone which includes a draw godet, and then wound in a takeup zone to form a package. To produce a cohesion of the yarn, the filaments are entangled within the draw zone before the yarn leaves the draw godet.

Abstract: Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) is formed into a bulk continuous filament yarn by melt-spinning poly(trimethylene terephthalate) at a temperature of 240 to 280.degree. C. to produce a plurality of spun filaments, cooling the spun filaments, converging the spun filaments into a yarn, drawing the yarn at a first draw ratio of 1.01 to about 2 in a first drawing stage defined by at least one feed roller and at least one first draw roller wherein at least one feed roller is operated at less than 100.degree. C. and each of the draw rollers is heated to a temperature greater than that of the feed roller and between 50 and 150.degree. C., subsequently drawing the yarn at a second draw ratio of at least about 2.2 times that of the first draw ratio in the second drawing stage defined by at least one first draw roller and at least one second draw roller, wherein at least one second draw roller is heated to a temperature greater than that of the first draw roller and within the range of 100 to 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A carbon fiber woven fabric constituted by carbon fibers having a thermal conductivity of at least 400 W/m.multidot.K in the fiber axial direction, which has a FAW (weight per unit area of fabric) of at lest 400 g/m.sup.2.

Abstract: A method of producing a synthetic yarn, wherein a yarn is spun and wound in a continuous process. For monitoring the quality, several process parameters are continuously measured. From measured data variations of the process parameters that occur within a predetermined period of time, a quality value is determined that is a measure for the regularity of the production process.

Abstract: In a method of producing poly(trimethylene terephthalate) yarn from PTT chip which has been extruded through a spinneret into filaments and coated, the coated filaments are passed between an unheated feed roll and a tension roll to tension them without causing permanent stretching, and then are passed from the tension roll to a heated draw roll to draw the filaments in a single draw step to a draw ratio of 1.25 to 4.0 and to heat them to a temperature between their glass transition temperature and their crystallization temperature.

Abstract: The invention is a method of coloring melt spun condensation polymers while avoiding hydrolytic degradation and maintaining the melt viscosity of the polymer. The method includes adding a liquid dispersion of a colorant to the melt phase of a condensation polymer, and in which the amount and type of the liquid in the dispersion will not substantially affect the melt viscosity of the condensation polymer; and thereafter spinning the colored melt phase condensation polymer into filament form. In another aspect the invention is a polyester filament including polyethylene terephthalate, a colorant, and a nonaqueous organic liquid that is soluble in melt phase polyester, and has a boiling point above 300.degree. C., but that otherwise does not modify the polymer chain.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for spinning a multifilament yarn of a thermoplastic material, wherein the thermoplastic material is extruded through a spinneret to form a downwardly advancing filament bundle. The filaments then advance through a cooling device with two cooling zones. In the first cooling zone, an air stream is directed substantially transverse to the direction of the advancing filaments, and in the second cooling zone, cooling occurs by a cooling stream composed of a mixture of air and liquid, with the cooling stream flowing oppositely to the direction of the advancing filaments. The advancing filaments are gathered to form a multifilament yarn, which is then wound into a package.

Abstract: A core-sheath composite yarn characterized in that a softening point of a core component as measured by thermomechanical analysis of JIS K 7196 is at least 20.degree. C. lower than a softening point of a sheath component, and the core component is formed of a substantially amorphous polymer that does not provide a melting point peak as measured by differential thermal analysis of conducting heating in a nitrogen atmosphere at a rate of temperature rise of 10.degree. C./min, and a fabric obtained by using such a composite yarn. This fabric has an excellent shape stability and an excellent water resistance by heat-setting.

Abstract: A method of forming a belt/belt sleeve having a length and teeth spaced lengthwise of the belt/belt sleeve. The method includes the steps of providing a cylindrical cloth having a sewn joint; providing a mold having an axis, a circumference, and a plurality of axially extending grooves spaced around the circumference of the mold; extending the cylindrical cloth around the mold; providing a rod; pressing the rod against the cloth at the sewn joint so as to urge the sewn joint into one of the axially extending grooves; separating the rod from the cloth; and forming at least one belt component around the cloth on the mold after the rod is separated from the cloth.

Abstract: A low melting, high solids spin finish composition is provided that can be readily applied to synthetic fibers during the fiber-making process. The spin finish solids, which make up at least about 70% by weight of the spin finish composition, comprise nonionic hydrocarbon surfactant components, such as polyoxyalkylenes, which have a <HLB> value of from about 2 to 13 and a melting point within the range of about 25.degree. C. to about 140.degree. C. In some embodiments, the spin finish composition also includes select fluorochemicals.

Abstract: A meltblowing method and apparatus for dispensing an adhesive through a plurality of first orifices of a die assembly fabricated from a plurality of laminated members to form a plurality of adhesive flows at a first velocity, and dispensing air through a plurality of second orifices in the die assembly to form a plurality of air flows at a second velocity. The plurality of first and second orifices arranged in an alternating series so that each of the plurality of first orifices is flanked on substantially opposing sides by one of the plurality of second orifices, wherein the plurality of first and second orifices are oriented to direct non-convergently the plurality of adhesive flows and the plurality of air flows.

Abstract: A dyed braided suture is formed by dry blending a colorant and a thermoplastic resin; extruding the blend by melt spinning to form filaments; drawing the filaments, braiding the drawn filaments and converting the braided filaments to a suture.

Abstract: A parallel plate nozzle for extruding visco-elastic fluidic materials, useable in the manufacture of non-woven materials, and method therefor dispenses a plurality of first and second fluids from a corresponding plurality of first and second orifices to form first and second adjacent fluid flows. The first fluid flows are drawn and attenuated by not more than one corresponding second fluid flow at a second velocity greater than a first velocity of the first fluid flow to form corresponding first fluid filaments, which are preferably relatively continuous and vacillated chaotically. The first and corresponding second fluid flows are spaced as closely as possible to maximize filament drawing efficiency, and adjacent first fluid orifices are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent merging of the first fluid flows prior filament formation.

Abstract: For the manufacture of bristle material for brushes with different types of plastic bristles, which are produced as continuous monofilaments by extrusion, different types of continuous monofilaments are combined in the composition desired for the finished brushes into a mixed strand and wound up and subsequently from the mixed strand is cut the bristle material required for the brushes.

Abstract: A catheter for intravascular use including an inner sleeve defining a hollow lumen and a middle sleeve which is disposed on the inner sleeve and includes a braided metal wire layer. Disposed on the middle sleeve is an outer sleeve which is preferably fabricated from a polyurethane material. The catheter has an outer diameter of 0.010 to 0.035 inches and a wall thickness which does not exceed 0.0035 inches.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a cellulosic yarn by spinning of a solution of cellulose in a tertiary amine oxide, the solution possibly containing water and/or a stabilizer, to form fibers or filaments, coagulating, washing, and drying, the yarns are treated prior to drying with an aqueous alkaline solution for a period less than 20 seconds.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for extruding fiberforming thermoplastic polymers through spinning nozzles arranged in multiple rows are forming a non-woven web of high strength fibers. The molten fibers are accelerated by expanding hot gas flowing parallel to the extrusion nozzles and the fibers to a first velocity and cooled below their melting point, and subsequently accelerated to a higher velocity by an air jet fed with compressed cold air. The resulting fibers have a high degree of molecular orientation and tenacity and are collected on a moving collecting surface as a non-woven web.

Abstract: An apparatus for spinning, drawing, and winding a synthetic filament yarn, wherein the yarn is subjected during its drawing in a draw zone to a multi-stage heat treatment by heated surfaces. In the first heat treatment, the yarn is heated to the range of the glass transition temperature of the yarn material, and the yarn is guided over the heating surface while partially looping thereabout. The second stage of the heat treatment is formed by an elongate heating surface, and at least one of the heating surfaces is heated to a surface temperature above the melt point of the yarn material. In the draw zone, the yarn is subjected to a tension, which is necessary for a plastic deformation in or directly downstream of the first stage of the heat treatment. The process performed by the apparatus causes the yarn to be drawn and set.

Abstract: A three-dimensional woven fabric structure is integrally woven by a multi-ply weave having three or more plies, and includes a form defining a plurality of bag portions extending parallel with one another, and arranged in a plurality of rows. The bag portions in each row are defined by two woven fabric plies, the intersection of which along a crossing locus creates a bound portion between adjacent bag portions. Cylindrical bag portions in adjacent rows have a woven fabric ply in common and are interconnected at staggered positions. The fabric structure is creased at midpoints between bound portions whereby the bag portions are set to retain a hollow three-dimensional form, but may be folded flat into a juxtaposed state by application of pressure.

Abstract: For manufacturing tape or yarns, plastic polymer material is extruded into a film (20, 21) having a pattern of parallel, longitudinal, alternating ribs (31, 32) and deep, narrow grooves (33, 34) on each of its two opposite sides, at least a plurality of the grooves (33, 34) in one side each being located diametrically opposite one of the grooves (34, 33) in the other, opposite side. Yarns and tapes obtained in the form of or from such a film typically have a substantially improved tensile strength and are more supple and smooth.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of processing polymer blends based on polyester or polyamide with a draw-off speed of .gtoreq.1500 m/min to produce filaments with an elongation at break of .ltoreq.180%, where a second amorphous polymer is added to the polyester or polyamide in the amount of 0.05 to 5 wt % and the polymer is a copolymer composed of at least two of the following monomer units:0 to 90 wt % A, wherein A is a monomer of formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(R)--COOR.sup.1, wherein R is --H or --CH.sub.3 and R.sup.1 is straight or branched chain C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl or cyclohexyl.0 to 40 wt % B, wherein B is a monomer of maleic acid or maleic anhydride, and5 to 85 wt % C, wherein C is a monomer of styrene or methyl substituted styrene such that (wt % A+wt % B+wt % C)=100, and these filaments are processed by a drawing process or a stretch texturing process at high speeds. Preferably R.sup.1 is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, 2-ethyl-butyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, or cyclohexyl.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of screwlike bristles by extruding monofilaments. In order to provide a method with which screwlike bristles can be inexpensively manufactured in the same way as conventional bristles with an identical, predeterminable quality, a monofilament having a non-circular cross-section is extruded and is prestretched after drawing off, accompanied by a reduction in its cross-section, followed by further stretching, twisting to a screwlike bristle material over at least part of its length and then stabilization by shrinkage. It is possible to extrude a monofilament with an oval or polygonal cross-section or having a core and at least one axially parallel rib. According to a further method, at least two monofilaments are prestretched on drawing off, accompanied by a reduction of their cross-section, followed by further stretching, twisting together to give a screwlike bristle material and stabilization by heat shrinkage.

Abstract: A mineral fiber plate product is produced by producing a first non-woven mineral fiber web containing mineral fibers predominantly arranged in a first longitudinal direction and segments of the first mineral fiber web are arranged in a partly mutually overlapping relationship for producing a second non-woven mineral fiber web, which contains mineral fibers generally transversally relative to one another. The second mineral fiber web is folded transversely for producing a third non-woven mineral fiber web. The third non-woven mineral fiber web is cured for producing a cured non-woven mineral fiber web from which a mineral fiber plate, or alternatively, a tubular insulating element is cut. In packaging, the volume of the mineral fiber plate may be reduced to 40%-60%.

Abstract: Filament stress in a newly spun filament is reduced in that the air friction between the filament and the contiguous air layer is prevented or limited. For this purpose an air current is generated, flowing in the running direction of the yarn at a speed which is the same or approximately the same as the surface speed of the filament. The air current can be guided on to the filament surface through a tube.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric which is particularly useful as a liquid transport layer in an absorbent product. The fabric is formed of a mixture of fibers of varying sizes and polymer compositions, selected to provide the desired liquid transport properties to the fabric, and thermally bonded by calendering to form a coherent fabric structure.

Abstract: Polyester yarn is produced from melt spun filament by prestretching the filaments individually in counterflow with a gaseous medium and then afterstretching the polyester filaments with an individual titer of 1.0 dtex to 7.5 dtex with a stretching ratio of 1:1.5 to 1:1.15 at a temperature of 80.degree. to 250.degree. C. The filaments are collected and then wound up as a yarn at a speed of 5000 to 8000 m/min.

Abstract: A process for producing a non-woven fabric of ultrafine polyolefin fibers by subjecting a web of splittable conjugate polyolefin fibers to a water needle processing, and non-woven fabric thus obtained are described. The polyolefin composite fibers, contain 1.0 to 7.0% by weight of a hydrophilic component blended therein. The non-woven fabrics include ultrafine fibers having a size of 0.5 denier or less and a non-circular cross-section. Splitting and peeling off of the conjugate fibers and generation of static electricity with the composite fibers at a carding step is suppressed. The non-woven fabrics have an excellent wiping property, softness, and hydrophilic property.

Abstract: There is provided a thermally stabilized polypropylene melt-blown microfiber acoustical insulation web which has a resistance to thermal degradation at a temperature of 135.degree. C. for at least 10 days. The polypropylene has a thermal stabilizer uniformly distributed within the melt-blown microfiber polymer which polymer when produced is subject to thermal and/or catalytic degradation in the absence of significant levels of thermal stabilizer or antioxidant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and for producing a single layer batt of fibers prepared by multiple die tips. The present invention also provides a novel multiple tip blow spinning die.

Abstract: Improved equipment and method for spinning filaments for nonwovens using an integral spinbank including one or more spinplates producing filament bundles separated by one or more central conduits for quench air. Embodiments include high velocity quench air driven into the central conduit or quench air blown or drawn in from outside the filaments into the central conduit. Means may also be provided for removal of undesired waxes and/or other condensates through a central exhaust removal using the central conduit. As quench air velocity is increased through the central conduit, the streams tend to improve total quench flow by deflecting opposing flows into a uniform stream. Other variations include division of quench air into flow zones that may be independently controlled and varying the angle of quench air flow and/or the spinplates to maintain separation distance between quench air and filament bundles.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cooling freshly spun polymeric filaments as part of the formation of a multi-filament yarn, wherein the filaments are passed serially through a first cooling zone, a heating zone, and a second cooling zone. The resulting filaments have an improved elongation at break and an improved stretchability.