Abstract: The present invention provides a polytrimethylene terephthalate composite fiber characterized in that the composite fiber is a plurality of single filament which comprises two kinds of polyester components laminated to each other in a side-by-side manner or an eccentric sheath-core manner, at least one polyester component is polytrimethylene terephthalate and the composite fiber satisfies the following conditions: the content of trimethylene terephthalate cyclic dimer in polytrimethylene terephthalate is 2.5 wt % or less, the fiber-fiber dynamic friction coefficient is from 0.2 to 0.4, the degree of intermingling is from 2 to 60 point/m and/or the number of twists is from 2 to 60 T/m and the fiber size fluctuation U % is 1.5% or less.

Abstract: An apparatus for meltblowing multiple types of liquid materials into multi-component filaments. A pair of outer manifold elements sandwich an intermediate manifold element. Respective channels are formed between opposing sides of the outer manifold elements and the respective opposite sides of the intermediate manifold element. These recesses form channels which diverge or widen away from associated inlets at the top of the manifold assembly. A die tip is coupled to the manifold assembly at a lower side and communicates with the outlets of the channels. The die tip includes a combining member for producing a desired multi-component filament configuration and further includes air discharge passages for impinging the discharged multi-component filaments with pressurized air.

Abstract: A method for producing a flame retarding polypropylene fiber having both good flame retardancy and good fiber strength, and which generates no toxic gas, includes mixing 0.4% by wt. or more of a hindered amine-based stabilizer and 0.5% by wt. or more of a phosphoric ester-based flame retardant with a polypropylene resin having an MPR of 5 to 50 g/10 min, melt-spinning the mixture to form an undrawn yarn, drafting the yarn at a drafting magnification of 2 to 7 fold and a drafting temperature of 50 to 100° C., and further thermally setting at 60 to 140° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multicomponent fiber containing at least two polymer components arranged in distinct zones or segments across the cross-section of the fiber wherein at least one component of the fiber contains a thermoplastic polymer and at least one component of the fiber contains a thermoset polymer. The invention also provides fabrics and fabric laminates containing the multicomponent fibers, and articles containing the fabric. Additionally provided is a process for producing the multicomponent fibers.

Abstract: By achieving an extruded, foamed core formed from plastic material peripherally surrounded and integrally bonded with a plurality of cooperating synthetic, plastic, extruded, outer layers, a unique, multi-component, multi-layer synthetic closure is provided which may be employed as a bottle closure or stopper for any desired product, whether the product is a liquid, a viscous material, or a solid distributed in a bottle or container and dispensed through the open portal of the container neck. The present invention achieves a mass producible, resilient, synthetic bottle closure which is employable for any desired bottle, including wine. By employing the present invention, a multi-component or multi-layer synthetic closure is attained which possesses physical properties substantially equal to or better than the physical properties found in cork material, which has caused such cork material to be the principal closure material for wine bottles.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of co-extruding a first component and a second component. The first component has a recovery percentage R1 and the second component has a recovery percentage R2, wherein R1 is higher than R2. The first and second components are directed through a spin pack to form a plurality of continuous, molten fibers. The plurality of molten fibers is then routed through a quenching chamber to form a plurality of continuous cooled fibers. The plurality of continuous cooled fibers is then routed through a drawing unit to form a plurality of continuous, solid linear fibers. The linear fibers are then deposited onto a moving support, such ass a forming wire, to form an accumulation or fibers. The accumulation of fibers are stabilized and bonded to form a web. The web is then stretched by at least 50 percent in at least one direction before being allowed to relax.

Abstract: A process for preparing nonwoven webs including multiple component continuous filaments having high levels of three-dimensional helical crimp utilizing draw rolls to provide a high degree of orientation to each of the polymeric components by mechanically drawing the filaments under conditions wherein the polymeric components remain substantially amorphous and a stretchable nonwoven web including multiple component, continuous filaments having high levels of three-dimensional helical crimp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing shaped bodies, especially threads or foils, from at least one polymer of the groups consisting of polysaccharide, polysaccharide derivative or polyvinyl alcohol by forming a solution of the polymer that contains an additive in a solvent containing amine-N-oxide, extruding the solution and precipitating the extrudate by contacting with a coagulant. The invention is characterized in that at least two polymeric solutions are formed. At least one of the two polymeric solutions contains one or more finely distributed additives and the at least two polymeric solutions are simultaneously extruded forming a combined extrudate.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of co-extruding a first component and a second component. The first component has a recovery percentage R1 and the second component has a recovery percentage R2, wherein R1 is higher than R2. The first and second components are directed through a spin pack to form a plurality of continuous, molten fibers. The molten fibers are then muted through a quenching chamber to form a plurality of continuous cooled fibers. The coiled fibers are then routed through a drawing unit to form a plurality of continuous, solid linear fibers. Each of the solid fibers is then stretched by at least 50 percent before it is allowed to relax. The relaxation step forms the linear fibers into a plurality of continuous 3-dimensional fibers each having a coiled configuration over at least a portion of its length. The continuous 3-dimensional, coiled fibers are then deposited onto a moving support to form a web.

Abstract: Methods for the use of laser beams in the case of plastic monofilaments are proposed. For the optical marking of extruded monofilaments or individual monofilaments of a monofilament union, at least the monofilament to be marked, accompanied by the addition of additives reacting with a color change under laser action, are extruded and treated with laser beams in the areas corresponding to the desired marking.

Abstract: A device and method for spinning polymer fibers utilizes one or more independent sources of polymer materials, pumps for feeding polymer material from each of the sources, and a series of distribution plates with surface grooves, through holes and/or slots together defining separated distribution paths, each of which receives polymer material from one of said independent sources. The surface grooves are defined to a depth less than the thickness of the distribution plate. At least one distribution plate contains spinneret orifices defined by outlet surface grooves extending from the distribution path to the edge of that plate, whereby fibers are extruded from the spinneret orifices edgewise from the plate. The spinneret orifices may be defined by overlayed outlet surface grooves or slots defined in abutting plates.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a side-by-side or eccentric sheath-core bicomponent fiber wherein each component comprises a different poly(trimethylene terephthalate) composition.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing core-sheath composite fiber includes the steps of: preparing hollow fiber in a form of filament of which some parts forms communicating pores from an outer surface of the fiber to a hollow portion thereof, or in a form of filament segment with open ends; sealing adjacent porous parts or open ends of the same filament respectively in pressure containers and vacuum containers; adding filling materials into pressure containers, and keeping the porous parts or open ends completely immersed in the filling materials; pressurizing the pressure containers using compressed gas, and evacuating the vacuum containers, then the filling materials being absorbed through the communicating pores or opens into the hollow portion of the fiber. During the process of the present invention to manufacture core-sheath composite fiber, most areas of outer surface of the fiber do not contact the filling materials, thus most areas of the outer surface is clean, which is advantageous for post treating or use.

Abstract: Methods for preparing fibrous monolith composite materials include continuously extruding cell and boundary material compositions. A filament is formed from a cell material composition and passed through a chamber of an extrusion assembly. A boundary material composition is extruded generally about the cell material composition filament and the two material compositions are co-extruded to form an extruded coated filament.

Abstract: A soft stretch yarn produced by spinning yarn of conjugate fibers including two types of polyester in which one component is PTT at a take-up velocity of at least 1200 m/min, drawing at a drawing temperature of 50 to 80° C. at a draw ratio such that the drawn yarn tensile elongation is 20 to 45%, and then heat setting.

Abstract: A new die insert for an extrusion machine and a method of using the invention that includes a continuous strand of fiber reinforcing material to be statically drawn directly to the center of the molten flow of polymer base matrix. The insert is placed in line with the discharge end of an injection molding apparatus. A molten flow of polymer base matrix proceeds in a straight linear fashion through the die. A fiber feed tube is centered on the interior of the die. As the polymer flows past the feed tube the molten polymer draws a continuous strand of fiber reinforcing into the center of the flow. The polymer is then extruded and cooled and the extrusion is further pelletized to produce injection molding feed stock material having continuous fiber reinforcing. The result provides a continuous extrusion process that allows the formation of a continuous fiber-reinforced product employing brittle fibers in one-step process.

Abstract: A method for preparing a concrete article comprised of concrete having therein a reinforcing fiber, where at least about 50 percent of the reinforcing fibers are frayed only at an end or ends of the reinforcing fibers, may be made by mixing concrete, water and a reinforcing fiber for a sufficient time to fray the ends of at least 50 percent of the fibers and curing the mixture to form the concrete article.

Abstract: A molded product consisting of a skin layer and a core layer is obtained by injecting a skin layer resin and a core layer resin from a skin injection unit 13 and a core injection unit 12 into metal molds 8, 9, respectively. The skin layer resin injection pressure by the skin injection unit 13 and the core layer resin injection pressure by the core injection unit 12 are controlled in such a manner that a volumetrically reduced quantity at the time of cooling and solidifying the skin layer resin is compensated so as not to generate defects such as hollows and the like in the molded product. It is characterized in that the state the core dwelling pressure is higher than the skin dwelling pressure over a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: Fiber spinning of two polymer compositions wherein one of the compositions contains carbon nanotubes produces structures such as fibers, ribbons, yarns and films of carbon nanotubes. The polymers are removed and stabilization of the carbon nanotube material is achieved by post-spinning processes. The advances disclosed herein enable the carbon nanotube composites to be used in actuators, supercapacitors, friction materials and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

Abstract: A bicomponent sheath core fiber is used to make a polymeric non-woven material having textile qualities. The sheath is an oriented polymer and the core is a polymer that flows or melts at a temperature lower than the melting point of the sheath. Non-woven mats are made of these fibers by treating the mat so that the core material melts, flows, and bonds to adjacent fibers in the non-woven mat. The non-woven material may have the qualities of a synthetic leather.

Abstract: A paper feed roller-producing method is to be provided, which enables more inexpensive mass produce of a high precision paper feed roller, with a high precision, having no connecting portion in a roller portion, by using a hydraulic composition. The method for producing a paper feed roller includes a rotary shaft and a cylindrical roller portion integrated around an outer periphery of the rotary shaft, characterized in that the roller portion is formed by extruding a hydraulic composition and curing and hardening the extrudate.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermally bonded, nonwoven polypropylene fabric is provided and includes passing a web of thermally bondable skin-core polypropylene fibers through a calender nip under heat and pressure to produce a nonwoven fabric having elongation. The patterned calender roll is embossed with a plurality of spaced and staggered lands particularly dimensioned, configured and oriented to provide the desired bonding spot size and spacing between the bonding spots such that when utilized in the calender roll, an improved soft polypropylene fabric or cover sheet having a high elongation results.

Abstract: A microfiber substrate of improved carding ability and its manufacturing method, and more particularly a micro-fiber spun by conjugated melting of crystallization difference of high crystallization polymer and low crystallization polyester, drawn to form an unsplit microfiber staple having a layer of thin film in its surrounding, the microfiber staple which is still kept in unsplitting state during opening, carding and lapping treatment, will be split just at the layer of thin layer of its surrounding of the microfiber staple by spunlace to completely split from the microfiber, knitted to form water-jet punch web, then subject to hot water to shrink to densification. The microfiber nonwoven web excellent in the wiping effect, cleaning effect and microfiber artificial leather excellent in the hand feeling and fluff compaction without environment pollution is enabled to offer the artificial leather more cheaply and easily finished.

Abstract: A system and process for producing spunbond nonwoven fabric in which two or more polymeric components are separately melted and are separately directed through a distribution plate configured so that the separate molten polymer components combine at a multiplicity of spinnerette orifices to form filaments containing the two or more polymer components. Multicomponent filaments are extruded from the spinnerette orifices into a quench chamber where quench air is directed from a first independently controllable blower and into contact with the filaments to cool and solidify the filaments. The filaments and the quench air are directed into and through a filament attenuator and the filaments are pneumatically attenuated and stretched. The filaments are directed from the attenuator into and through a filament depositing unit and are deposited randomly upon a moving continuous air-permeable belt to form a nonwoven web of substantially continuous filaments.

Abstract: A side-by-side or eccentric sheath-core bicomponent fiber wherein each component comprises a different poly(trimethylene terephthalate) composition and wherein at least one of the compositions comprises styrene polymer dispersed throughout the poly(trimethylene terephthalate), and preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing composite ceramic material is provided wherein a core ceramic structure is produced and simultaneously enveloped with a sleeve of similar material.

Abstract: A method of forming 3-dimensional fibers into a web is disclosed. The method includes the steps of co-extruding a first component and a second component. The first component has a recovery percentage R1 and the second component has a recovery percentage R2, wherein R1 is higher than R2 The first and second components are directed through a spin pack to form a plurality of continuous, molten fibers. The molten fibers are then routed through a quenching chamber to form a plurality of continuous cooled fibers. The cooled fibers are then routed through a drawing unit to form a plurality of continuous, solid linear fibers. Each of the solid fibers is then stretched by at least 50 percent before it is allowed to relax. The relaxation step forms the linear fibers into a plurality of continuous 3-dimensional fibers each having a coiled configuration over at least a portion of its length. The continuous 3-dimensional, coiled fibers are then deposited onto a moving support to form a web.

Abstract: A method of forming bicomponent fibers into a web is disclosed. The method includes the steps of co-extruding a first component and a second component. The first component has a recovery percentage R1 and the second component has a recovery percentage R2, wherein R1 is higher than R2 The first and second components are directed through a spin pack to form a plurality of continuous, molten fibers. The plurality of molten fibers is then routed through a quenching chamber to form a plurality of continuous cooled fibers. The plurality of continuous cooled fibers is then routed through a drawing unit to form a plurality of continuous, solid linear fibers. The linear fibers are then deposited onto a moving support, such as a forming wire, to form an accumulation of fibers. The accumulation of fibers are stabilized and bonded to form a web. The web is then stretched by at least 50 percent in at least one direction before being allowed to relax.

Abstract: Highly crimped, fully drawn bicomponent fibers, prepared by melt-spinning, followed by gas-flow quenching, heat treatment and high speed windup, are provided, as are fine-decitex and highly uniform polyester bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: Spinnerette including a plate including a plurality of capillaries which have capillary ends with dividers which divide each capillary end into a plurality of openings, and a process of making polymeric fiber. The process includes passing a molten polymer through a spinnerette comprising a plurality of capillaries which have capillary ends with dividers which divide each capillary end into a plurality of openings so that the molten polymer is formed into separate polymeric fibers for each opening or the molten polymer is formed into partially split fiber for each capillary, and quenching the molten polymer to form polymeric fiber.

Abstract: A method for producing a pleated filter material from a nonwoven fabric having spacers for the pleated folds formed from the filter material itself, a formed fabric made of stretched synthetic fibers and thermoplastic and/or thermally cross-linked binding agent being heated in an oven to a temperature lying at least in the softening temperature range and/or the cross-linking temperature range of the binding agent, and subsequently, the formed fabric being formed between profiled calender rolls and cooled simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a textile filament with a contact angle greater than or equal to 90 degrees. Such filaments are either water-repellent or resistant to chemicals, and yarns made therefrom readily processible into fabrics. In a detailed embodiment, the filaments are water-repellent and comprise a first longitudinally-extending component comprising at least one polymer selected from nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or other filament-forming polymer, and a second longitudinally-extending component, comprising a halogenated polymer. In a second detailed embodiment, the filaments are chemical-resistant and comprise a first longitudinally-extending component comprising at least one fiber-forming polymer and a second longitudinally-extending component comprising an olefin copolymer. In both embodiments, the second longitudinally-extending component is present on the exterior of the first longitudinally-extending component.

Abstract: A spinneret holder assembly for producing a continuous plastic multiple-component yarn with a preset component ratio, comprising in a mutually superimposed arrangement: a plate for conveying a first component and at least one second component; a distribution plate with first channels for the passage of the first component and a first compensation element for the second component; a pre-spinneret with second channels for the passage of the first component which are aligned with the first channels and a second compensation element for the second component; and a spinneret with extrusion holes which are connected to the channels for the passage of the first component and extend from a region for the distribution of the second component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a textile filament with a contact angle greater than or equal to 90 degrees. Such filaments are either water-repellent or resistant to chemicals, and yarns made therefrom readily processible into fabrics. In a detailed embodiment, the filaments are water-repellent and comprise a first longitudinally-extending component comprising at least one polymer selected from nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or other filament-forming polymer, and a second longitudinally-extending component, comprising a halogenated polymer. In a second detailed embodiment, the filaments are chemical-resistant and comprise a first longitudinally-extending component comprising at least one fiber-forming polymer and a second longitudinally-extending component comprising an olefin copolymer. In both embodiments, the second longitudinally-extending component is present on the exterior of the first longitudinally-extending component.

Abstract: A fiber spinning device and process for manufacturing a web of fibers including a homogeneous mixture of fibers of different characteristics. Monocomponent fibers of different polymers can be extruded side-by-side from the same die system. Sheath/core bicomponent fibers can be alternated with monocomponent fibers formed of the same core polymer as used in the bicomponent fibers. Bicomponent fibers having a common core polymer and different sheath polymers can be extruded from alternate spinneret orifices in the same die plate. Multiple distribution plates are provided with surface grooves or depressions to direct polymer materials from independent sources to only selected spinneret openings in an array of spinneret openings while maintaining the polymers segregated from each other.

Abstract: Fiber spinning of two polymer compositions wherein one of the compositions contains carbon nanotubes produces structures such as fibers, ribbons, yarns and films of carbon nanotubes. The polymers are removed and stabilization of the carbon nanotube material is achieved by post-spinning processes. The advances disclosed herein enable the carbon nanotube composites to be used in actuators, supercapacitors, friction materials and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

Abstract: A fiber spinning device and process for manufacturing a web of fibers in the nature of a homogeneous mixture of fibers of different characteristics. Monocomponent fibers of different polymers can be extruded side-by-side from the same die system. Sheath/core bicomponent fibers can be alternated with monocomponent fibers formed of the same core polymer as used in the bicomponent fibers. Bicomponent fibers having a common core polymer and different sheath polymers can be extruded from alternate spinneret orifices in the same die plate. Multiple distribution plates are provided with surface grooves or depressions to direct polymer materials from independent sources to only selected spinneret openings in an array of spinneret openings while maintaining the polymers segregated from each other.

Abstract: A spunbond nonwoven fabric is provided, formed from a multiplicity of substantially continuous bicomponent filaments randomly arranged and bonded to one another. The bicomponent filaments have a multilobal cross-sectional configuration including a first polymer component formed of a higher-melting composition occupying at least the central portion of the filament cross-section and a second polymer component formed of a lower-melting composition being present in at least one lobe of the multilobal cross-section.

Abstract: The invention is a method for manufacturing a steerable catheter having a distal end, proximal end, an outer jacket, a pull wire and a central lumen. The central lumen is maintained in a circular shape without bulges diminishing the useful inter-diameter by using an outer jacket with an elliptical shape and uneven thickness to encase a pull wire. The pull wire friction is also reduced by using one wire of larger diameter to create the lumen for the pull wire of smaller diameter, thus reducing the friction on the pull wire and reducing the locking of the catheter body around the pull wire at bends preventing movement of the pull wire. The distal end of the catheter also has a smooth tip due to heat treating of steel wire braid reinforcement that does not require the addition of bulge forming additional material to control tip shape.

Abstract: A method for making a biodegradable thermoplastic composition. The thermoplastic composition may be used in methods to produce multi-component fibers and non-woven materials that demonstrate a higher contact angle hysteresis, quicker intake times, and improved skin dryness as compared to prior art materials. In addition, biodisintegratable nonwoven materials made according to the present invention also exhibit high wetting rates, which is unexpected based upon the higher hysteresis values. The nonwoven material may be produced using thermoplastic compositions which comprise an unreacted mixture of an aliphatic polyester polymer as a continuous phase, polyolefin microfibers as a discontinuous phase encased within the aliphatic polyester polymer continuous phase, and a compatibilizer for the aliphatic polyester polymer and the polyolefin microfibers. The multicomponent fiber exhibits substantial biodisintegratable properties and good wettability yet is easily processed.

Abstract: A method of forming a fiber or continuous filament from two fiber components which includes the steps of positioning a first plate having first openings adjacent a second plate having second openings, positioning flexible tube members to be in communication with the first openings and to extend into the second openings, causing the flexible tube members to flex to accommodate any axial misalignment between the first and second openings, and creating flow paths of first and second fiber components to form the fiber or continuous filament.

Abstract: Methods for the use of laser beams in the case of plastic monofilaments are proposed. For the optical marking of extruded monofilaments or individual monofilaments of a monofilament union, at least the monofilament to be marked, accompanied by the addition of additives reacting with a color change under laser action, are extruded and treated with laser beams in the areas corresponding to the desired marking.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric includes a stretched unidirectionally aligned nonwoven fabric in which filaments composed of a thermoplastic resin are unidirectionally aligned and stretched and a dry nonwoven fabric that is provided on one side of the stretched unidirectionally aligned nonwoven fabric and that includes thermal-bonding fibers as a chief component. The filaments of the stretched unidirectionally aligned nonwoven fabric and the dry nonwoven fabric are intertwined by a needlepunch process, following which the two fabrics are unified by a thermal calendering process to produce the composite nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus for meltblowing multiple types of liquid materials into multi-component filaments. A pair of outer manifold elements sandwich an intermediate manifold element. Respective channels are formed between opposing sides of the outer manifold elements and the respective opposite sides of the intermediate manifold element. These recesses form channels which diverge or widen away from associated inlets at the top of the manifold assembly. A die tip is coupled to the manifold assembly at a lower side and communicates with the outlets of the channels. The die tip includes a combining member for producing a desired multi-component filament configuration and further includes air discharge passages for impinging the discharged multi-component filaments with pressurized air.

Abstract: Disclosed is to provide generally to a microfiber substrate of improved carding ability and its manufacturing method, and more particularly to a micro-fiber spun by conjugated melting of crystallization difference of high crystallization polymer and low crystallization polyester, drawn to form an unsplit microfiber staple having a layer of thin film in its surrounding, the said microfiber staple which is still kept in unsplitting state during opening , carding and lapping treatment, will be split just at the layer of thin layer of its surrounding of the said microfiber staple by spunlace to completely split from the said microfiber, knitted to form water-jet punch web, then subject to hot water to shrink to densification. The microfiber nonwoven web excellent in the wiping effect, cleaning effect and microfiber artificial leather excellent in the hand feeling and fluff compaction without environment pollution is enabled to offer the artificial leather more cheaply and easily finished.

Abstract: A continuous fiber nonwoven comprising composite continuous fibers having the spiral crimps obtained by compositely spinning two thermoplastic resins having the difference in the melting points of 15° C. or more is provided, and it is characterized in that the contact points of the fibers are adhered one another by fusing of the thermoplastic resin having a low melting point and located on the outside of the spiral crimps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous material which includes a plurality of polylactide containing fibers. The plurality of polylactide containing fibers can be considered low shrinkage or high shrinkage. The plurality of polylactide containing fibers are considered low shrinkage fibers if they provide a boiling water shrinkage propensity of less than about 20%. The plurality of polylactide containing fibers are considered high shrink fibers if they provide an average fiber boiling water shrinkage propensity of greater than about 10% and a heat of fusion of less than about 25 J/g. The invention additionally relates to the use of an extrusion process to provide low shrinkage fibers and high shrinkage fibers. The invention further relates to the use of these fibers in desirable products.

Abstract: In a method for producing a monofilament with reduced secondary binding forces of at least two commonly extruded polymers for the production of bristles or interdental cleaners which are slittable substantially axially through the action of mechanical forces, the at least two polymers of the monofilament are disposed in a regular geometrical arrangement with substantially axially extending boundary layers in which the reduced secondary binding forces prevail for generation of defined slits of flags.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermoformable ion-sensitive compositions having improved processability. In addition, the present invention is directed to a process of making water-dispersible fibers, films and fabrics, which maintain their structural integrity and strength when in use, but dissolve and disperse when placed in contact with large amounts of water, such as in a conventional sink or toilet. Moreover, the present invention is directed to water-dispersible products, including flushable products such as personal care products, diapers, incontinence devices, release liners, feminine napkins, product packaging, etc., which contain fibers, films and fabrics formed from the water-sensitive compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to increase the orifice density in a spinneret by using an elongate boss having a plurality of orifices. An apparatus and method for spinning bicomponent sheath/core filaments. The apparatus includes a distributor plate, and spinneret and a shim position between the distributor plate and the spinneret. The spinneret includes a plurality of elongate bosses spaced apart by channels. Each boss having a plurality of orifices of which the distance between the orifices are restricted only by manufacturing tolerances.