Abstract: Substantially constant tension is maintained on a melt-blown nonwoven fibrous sheet by mounting the sheet take-up roller for longitudinal movements relative so as to accommodate the increasing diameter of the sheet material being wound convolutely on the take-up roller. Sheet tension during production is thereby maintained substantially constant by virtue of a continual increase in the longitudinal distance (in relation to the machine direction) between the fiber collection mandrel and the take-up roll. Preferably, tension control is achieved by a pneumatic pressure-regulating system which includes at least one rotatable press roller which is longitudinally fixed in position relative to the collection mandrel and is in contact with the sheet material being wound around the take-up roll. The take-up roller is pneumatically advanced toward the press roller by the pneumatic actuation of at least one air cylinder.

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: An apparatus for continuous vacuum forming a material having a flexible patterned belt continuously rotatable with a flat support belt over a vacuum manifold. The flexible patterned belt includes apertures therein and the support belt includes perforations therein for drawing air therethrough. The material is drawn onto the flexible patterned belt for vacuum forming the material.

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 method of making a fibrous pack includes centrifuging at least two sets of mineral fibers from molten mineral material using at least two rotary mineral fiber spinners that are arranged in a machine direction along a collection surface, directing each set of the mineral fibers into a downwardly moving veil beneath one of the mineral fiber spinners, generating a downwardly moving array of aligned organic fibers from at least one orificed die that is spaced apart from each of the mineral fiber spinners and directing the array into contact with the mineral fibers, and collecting the mineral fibers and organic fibers as a fibrous pack.

Abstract: A para-oriented polyamide porous film comprising a fibril having a diameter of not more than 1.mu., with fibrils planarly arranged as a network or nonwoven fabric and laminated in a layer, the thermal linear expansion coefficient at 200.degree.-300.degree. C. within .+-.50.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C. and 30-95% vacant spaces. Also, a battery separator using the porous film. Also, a production process of: (a) forming a film-like material from a solution containing 1-10% of a para-oriented aromatic polyamide having an inherent viscosity of 1.0-2.8 dl/g and 1-10% of a chloride of an alkali metal or an alkali earth metal in a polar amide or polar urea solvent; (b) maintaining the film-like material at not less than 20.degree. C. and not more than -5.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a heteroconstituent nonwoven web including a mixture of different filament types simultaneously formed into the same web. The filament types may differ as to polymer composition, additive loadings, fiber size, fiber shape, and/or degree of crimping. The invention is also directed to a method of forming a multilayered nonwoven structure in which different filament types constituting different layers are simultaneously formed.

Abstract: A compostable multilayer film includes a core layer having a first surface and a second surface, a first blocking reducing layer covering the first surface of the core layer, and a second blocking reducing core layer comprises a lactic acid residue-containing polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) below 20.degree. C. The first and second blocking reducing layers comprise a semicrystalline aliphatic polyester. The hydrolyzable polymer and have a T.sub.g above about 50.degree. C. The multilayer structure can be used for preparing bags and wrappers.

Abstract: The present invention are methods for preparing hydrous titanium oxide spherules, hydrous titanium oxide gels such as gel slabs, films, capillary and electrophoresis gels, titanium monohydrogen phosphate spherules, hydrous titanium oxide spherules having suspendible particles homogeneously embedded within to form a composite sorbent, titanium monohydrogen phosphate spherules having suspendible particles of at least one different sorbent homogeneously embedded within to form a composite sorbent having a desired crystallinity, titanium oxide spherules in the form of anatase, brookite or rutile, titanium oxide spherules having suspendible particles homogeneously embedded within to form a composite, hydrous titanium oxide fiber materials, titanium oxide fiber materials, hydrous titanium oxide fiber materials having suspendible particles homogeneously embedded within to form a composite, titanium oxide fiber materials having suspendible particles homogeneously embedded within to form a composite and spherules of b

Abstract: A tape as unwound from a roll is passed through a preheater where it is preheated, and then heated to the softening temperature of the tape material by a main heater. The tape having ceased to retain its flat configuration due to being softened will drape over and come into close contact with generally the entire side surfaces of convex molds except for those portions of the tape located between adjacent convex molds. The tape thus generally brought into close contact with the convex molds continues to be moved with a rotating drum and is exposed to vacuum drawn through the slits formed at the roots of the opposed side walls of the convex molds while it is urged against a drum by the hold-down roller whereby those portions of the tape remote from the convex molds and located between adjacent convex molds are drawn into close contact with the front and back surfaces of the convex molds.

Abstract: This invention is an improved thermoforming process and apparatus for the production of rigid plastic containers. The apparatus employs a molten sheet of thermoplastic material that is processed through two extrusion rolls, thermoformed on the periphery of a rotating form tool, mechanically ejected from the form tool conveyed to a conventional punch press where the formed articles are trimmed from the sheet then packaged for shipment. The operation of the extruder, extrusion rolls, forming wheel, mechanical ejection and trim stations are operated as a continuous, integrated system.

Abstract: A melt-blowing system and corresponding method are provided for making a nonwoven polymer filament blanket. Subsequent to formation and blowing of the polymer filaments toward a receiving conveyor, a pivoting oscillating member is provided through which the filaments are blown. Vertical oscillation of the oscillating member causes the flow direction of the filament stream to vertically oscillate thereby increasing the tensile strength of the nonwoven blanket in the in-line direction as a substantial number of the filaments become oriented in the in-line direction on the conveyor.

Abstract: A yarn of meltblown thermoplastic fibers is manufactured by meltblowing fibers onto a collector to form a thin web thereon, and continuously withdrawing and twisting the web into a generally circular yarn. In a preferred embodiment the yarn has a reinforcing cord disposed therein to lend strength thereto. The yarn is suited for many applications, including knitted and woven fabrics, and cartridge filters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blow spinning die particularly suited for spinning solvated pitch into fibers having a random cross-sectional structure. Additionally, the present invention provides a process for blow spinning fibers from solvated pitches. The present invention also provides pitch fibers having a high energy internal molecular structure. Finally, the present invention provides carbon fibers which have a non-radial internal structure.

Abstract: A fiber mat as well as its method of fabrication and forming machine are described. The fiber mat comprises a plurality of fibers which are limitations bound together and distributed throughout the mat, and wherein some of the fibers are inclined towards a central horizontal plane of the mat. The inclined fibers on opposed sides of the mat have opposed angles of inclination whereby the mat, when used as insulation, can be easily separated substantially along the central horizontal plane by applying a pulling force on one side or opposed sides of the mat in the direction of the inclined fibers. The forming machine is characterized by having two forming surfaces, one disposed horizontally and the other vertically whereby the mat is formed with higher density towards the opposed flat horizontal surfaces of the mat and the lower density is distributed along the central horizontal plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to cause deflection or oscillation of a bundle of spun thermoplastic filaments. A pulsing electrostatic charge and optionally an additional constant charge is applied to attenuated filaments prior to deposit of the filaments on a conveyor in the form of a web. Adjacent sections of filaments may be charged with different phases, and multiple pulsed charges may be applied. The pulsed charges cause movement or oscillation of the filaments resulting in better web uniformity.

Abstract: A continuous process for preparing nonwoven fabrics of polybenzazole filaments, which comprises spinning at least two polybenzazole dope filaments simultaneously, and intermingling and depositing the filaments on a substantially planar collecting surface, thereby forming a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: Apparatus for drawing filament bundles present in the form of a curtain comprises an injector which is rectangular in horizontal section and which is adjoined by a drawing shaft in the form of two parallel plates. At least one of the plates comprises a plurality of pressure measuring elements arranged in the form of a grid whereby the velocity distribution of the drawing gas in the drawing shaft can be adjusted through local variation of the geometry or the amount of drawing gas in the drawing shaft.

Abstract: A process for producing a non-woven polymeric fabric web, such as a spunbond web, having filaments of 0.1 to 5 denier with equivalent production rates. A plurality of continuous polymeric filaments is 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. A web forming table is positioned below the drawing unit for collecting the filaments and forming the filaments into a non-woven fabric web. At startup, throughput is nominal, air pressure is below 20 psig, and the spinneret is positioned more than 100 cm away from the drawing unit. Gradually, throughput is greatly increased by simultaneously increasing air pressure while reducing the distance between the spinneret and the drawing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming artificial fibers and a non-woven web therefrom includes generating a substantially continuous fluid stream along a primary axis, at least one extrusion die located adjacent to the continuous fluid stream for extruding a liquified resin into fibers, injecting the fibers into the primary fluid stream, and selectively perturbing the flow of fluid in the fluid stream by varying the fluid pressure on either side of the primary axis to produce crimped fibers for forming the non-woven web. The inventive manufacturing method finely tunes non-woven web material characteristics such as tensile strength, porosity, barrier properties, absorbance, and softness by varying the fluid stream perturbation frequency and amplitude. Finally, the inventive method and apparatus may be implemented in combination with melt-blown, spunbond and coform techniques for producing non-woven webs.

Abstract: A melt-extrudable thermoplastic polypropylene composition having a melt flow rate in a range of from about 18 to about 30 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg, a polydispersity less than 4, and a Z-average molecular weight greater than 300,000 as determined by differential refractometry. The composition may include a first thermoplastic polypropylene having a melt flow rate lower than 18 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg and a second thermoplastic polypropylene having a melt flow rate higher than 18 g/10 minutes at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a load of 2.16 kg. The weight ratio of the first polypropylene to the second polypropylene is in a range of from about 90:10 to about 10:90. The composition may include from about 0.1 to about 1 percent by weight, based on the weight of the first and second thermoplastic polypropylenes, of a defined alkyl-substituted polysiloxane.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus are provided for the formation of a spun-bonded fibrous web suitable for service in nonwoven end uses. A melt-processable thermoplastic polymeric material is melt-extruded to form a multifilamentary spinline, is quenched, and is wrapped about at least two spaced driven draw rolls that are surrounded by a shroud prior to collection to form a web, and is bonded to form a spun-bonded nonwoven product. The draw rolls exert a pulling force on the multifilamentary spinline so as to accomplish drawing of the molten multifilamentary spinline prior to complete solidification. The shroud makes possible the self-stringing of the spinline around the draw rolls. A pneumatic jet located at the exit end of the shroud assists in the contact of the multifilamentary spinline with the draw rolls in order to facilitate the imposition of a uniform pulling force and expels the multifilamentary spinline in the direction of its length toward a support where it is collected.

Abstract: Polyolefin fibers, suitable for the preparation of nonwoven fabrics, prepared by using a spinneret or extruder with dies having a real or equivalent output diameter of the capillaries or holes greater than 0.4 mm, with the proviso that for fibers having a denier greater than or equal to 4 dtex, the ratio of the output capillary or hole diameter to the denier is greater than or equal to 0.06 mm/dtex.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for collecting relatively straight blow spun fibers in a two dimensional configuration. The process utilizes a venturi to preclude the kinking and bending of the fibers until the fibers have substantially thermoset. A diffusion chamber allows the fibers to be collected without entangling.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel apparatus and process for melt-blowing fiberforming thermoplastic polymers at high rates to form high-loft, low density fine fiber webs suitable for insulation applications. The high rates are achieved by mounting melt-blowing spinnerettes on the surfaces of a polygonal cylinder and spinning fibers in a radial fashion, then deflecting the fiber streams 90 degrees by a secondary stream of cold air.

Abstract: Aqueous-alkali disposable articles are made from films or non-woven webs or composites of films and webs where the film or non-woven web comprises a hydrolytically degradable polymer and preferably also comprises a water soluble polymer. The article can be made from multilayer microfibers of at least one layer of a hydrolytically degradable polymer and at least one layer of a water soluble polymer. The articles have water resistance during preparation, storage, and use with mammals but are dispersible when submersed in water at conditions of elevated temperature, elevated pH, and during a single commercial laundry cycle. The articles solve both the problem of solid waste disposal prevalent with single use garments and the problem of repeated cleansing and recycling of multiple use garments. Contamination associated with the articles of the invention after their use will be disinfected during the commercial laundry cycle that is utilized to disperse the article.

Abstract: A process for drawing curtain filament bundles comprises the steps of:a) introducing the filament bundles together with aspirated gas into an injector which is rectangular in horizontal section and partially drawing the filament bundles in the injector,b) fully drawing the filament bundles in a drawing shaft which adjoins the injector and consists of two parallel and close-distance plates,c) monitoring the pressure profile in the drawing shaft with a plurality of pressure measuring devices arranged in the form of a grid, andd) setting a desired pressure profile in the drawing shaft by local variation of the geometry and/or the amount of drawing gas in the drawing shaft.

Abstract: Nonwoven spun-bond is produced by a stationary pressure apparatus in which the shaft below the spinneret has an inlet section followed by the downwardly converging intermediate section, a drawing section and a diffuser opening above the collecting belt through which air is drawn by a suction device. The process air velocity profile has an intersection point with the drawing value at the intermediate section and the distance between the intersection point and the spinneret is smaller than the distance between the intersection point and the bottom end of the drawing section.

Abstract: Improved meltspinning productivity is achieved by employing polyolefin resins having key molecular weight distribution and rheological property parameters within predetermined ranges. These parameters include the molecular weight distribution breadth parameter, M.sub.z /M.sub.n ; and rheological property parameters of flow rate ratio, I.sub.10 /I.sub.2, and the power law index, n, of the regression analysis viscosity equation. These parameters additionally include one or both of the z-average molecular weight, M.sub.z, of the resin, or the second order constant, b.sub.2, of the regression analysis viscosity equation, and unless both of the latter two parameters are met, the parameters further include the die swell and the spinnability factor (determined from the relationship between die swell and MFR) of the resin.

Abstract: An apparatus, process and product by process for producing a non-woven polymeric fabric web, such as a spunbond web, having filaments of 0.1 to 3.0 denier with equivalent production rates. The apparatus includes a polymer filament extruder and a melt spinning device with a spinneret having multiple spaced orifices for extruding a plurality of continuous polymeric filaments, a drawing unit that includes a longitudinal elongated slot strategically positioned at a predetermined distance below the spinneret to produce the desired filament diameter, a nozzle for providing an air supply strategically within a drawing unit slot for creating turbulence, and a web forming unit positioned below the slot for collecting the filaments and forming the filaments into a non-woven fabric web. The apparatus may also include a water spray unit positioned adjacent to and surrounding the spinneret for cooling the filaments to prevent premature sticking together of the filaments and enhancing the production rate.

Abstract: A spunbonded web is produced by melting a thermoplastic polymer to form a melt, spinning the melt downwardly through spinnerets to form filaments, cooling the filaments, drawing the thus cooled filaments by take-off nozzles into the form of filament strands, passing the filament strands through guide tubes and by the guide tubes directing the thus guided filament strands downwardly therefrom toward a laydown apparatus, and laying down the filament strands in the form of a web on the laydown apparatus and moving the web in a take-off direction. Adjacent of the filament strands are guided, due to orientation of respective adjacent guide tubes thereof in different downward directions at respective different angles relative to the takeoff direction, to the laydown apparatus in respective different directions at said respective different angles.

Abstract: Process for controlling the anisotropy of the mechanical properties of spunbonded webs through variation of the frequency of vibration of impingement panels at web laydown.

Abstract: A spun-bond apparatus can be operated with additional high-pressure jets at the outlet gap immediately above the collecting belt and below the intermediate passage connecting that gap with the cooling chamber to establish a higher velocity of the filaments which are collected in the nonwoven fabric on the belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a layer structure, such as an airlaid fibrous web, include a supplying mechanism for providing a stream of particulate material, such as fibers. Also included is a substantially endless, foraminous forming belt which has an appointed outward surface and a minimum thickness of at least about 3/16 inch. A selected contour is formed into the outward surface of the belt at selected locations, and the contour is distributed along a lengthwise machine-direction of the forming belt. The forming belt is configured to flex along a thickness direction thereof, and to recoverably bend and substantially straighten when traveling along a selected belt path circuit. A conveying mechanism moves the forming belt past the supplying mechanism along a forming path section of the belt circuit which is substantially straight, and moves the forming belt along a return path section of the belt circuit which includes curved portions therein.

Abstract: A multiplicity of closely spaced thermoplastic polymer filaments are extruded from an elongated orifice plate through a draft protected free-fall zone onto a rotating cylinder surface, landing between about 30.degree. before and after upper dead center of rotation. Filament extrusion velocity and cylinder rotational velocity are coordinated to pile the filament into a mat continuum of accumulated filament laps. Filament temperature and viscosity are coordinated to provide thermoplastic bonding at the filament lap crossings to integrate the continuum. The rotating cylinder carries the matted continuum over an arc of about 150.degree. to 210.degree. to about lower dead center of rotation where the mat peels from the cylinder surface. After separation from the cylinder surface, the mat is supported by a transitional air jet on to a horizontal run surface of a traveling endless belt for consolidated support until the lap crossing bond joints are securely set.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in connection with a process for insulating or sheathing conductors or the like, wherein plastic material is extruded into at least one layer on the surface of the conductor (1), and the conductor coated with the plastic material (2, 3, 4) is cooled in a predetermined manner. To avoid problems caused by the shrinking of the plastic material, after the cooling of the conductor (1) and the plastic material in vicinity to it to a predetermined level in the insulating or sheathing process, the surface layer of the plastic material and the plastic material portions in vicinity to it are reheated to a predetermined temperature in a pressurized space filled with a medium.

Abstract: A method of preparing a nonwoven web of poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers which involves the steps of (1) preparing an aqueous polymer solution of a defined poly(vinyl alcohol); (2) extruding the resulting polymer solution under defined conditions through a die having a plurality of orifices to form a plurality of threadlines; (3) attenuating the resulting threadlines with a defined primary gaseous source to form fibers under conditions of controlled macro scale turbulence and under conditions sufficient to permit the viscosity of each threadline, as it leaves a die orifice and for a distance of no more than about 8 cm, to incrementally increase with increasing distance from the die, while substantially maintaining uniformity of viscosity in the radial direction, at a rate which is sufficient to provide fibers having the desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage; (4) drying the attenuated threadlines with a defined secondary gaseous source; and (5) depositing the resulting fibers

Abstract: A continuous, multi-phase process for microaperturing and microembossing a substantially continuous web of substantially planar polymeric film to conform with the image of multiple forming structures, each having a patterned forming surface with a multiplicity of fine-scale apertures and an opposed surface. Each forming structure is open from the apertures in the forming surface to its opposed surface. The web of film has an indefinite length, a first surface, a second surface and a thickness. The thickness is the distance between the first surface and the second surface. The process includes at least two sequential forming phases, one of which involves aperturing of the web of film to coincide with fine-scale apertures in the first forming structure and another of which involves conformance of the web of film to the profile of the fine-scale apertures in the second forming structure.

Abstract: A plurality of shapes each having a fundamental construction of a flange are vacuum formed on a continuous sheet of thermoplastic resin. When blanking each of the formed shapes out of the resin sheet into an individual flange, a spool core is placed coaxially with the formed shape placed in the blanking position. The flange just blanked out of the resin sheet is moved in the blanking direction toward the spool core, to be fit on the spool core. The shapes are formed in a double line along the resin sheet, and thereafter, the resin sheet is slit along the longitudinal direction into two sheet branches each having the formed shapes arranged in a single line. The back side surfaces of the two sheet branches are opposed to each other, and the spool core is disposed between the sheet branches and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the back side surfaces of the sheet branches. The formed shapes are blanked out of the sheet branches in opposite directions toward opposite ends of the spool core.

Abstract: In a process for making solvent-spun cellulose fibre, cellulose is dissolved in aqueous N-methylmorpholine N-oxide to form a solution, said solution is passed through at least one pipe, the temperature in degrees Centigrade of said solution in the center of said pipe being controlled at 1000/(X+0.98.sqroot.D) and/or the temperature of said solution at the interior wall of said pipe being controlled at 1000/(Y+1.15.sqroot.D) where D represents the internal diameter of said pipe in inches, X represents a value equal to or greater than 5.0 and Y represents a value equal to or greater than 5.4, and said solution is subsequently extruded through a die to form filaments which are coagulated, washed with water to remove said solvent and then dried, thereby forming said solvent-spun cellulose fibre.

Abstract: High MI, high MP ethylene-fluorinated ethylene copolymers (preferably ECTFE) are meltblown through relatively large orifices. The web produced by the process is characterized by low fiber size and high strength.

Abstract: A decorative surface covering and a method of and an apparatus for making the decorative surface covering. The decorative surface covering has a transparent or translucent layer. The transparent or translucent layer contains a platey material oriented at two or more different angles with respect to the surface of the layer to provide an enhanced three dimensional effect to the decorative surface covering.

Abstract: An isotropic, biaxially stretched polyimide film prepared by casting a solution of a polyamic acid precursor in an organic solvent containing a cyclization catalyst and dehydrating agent onto the surface of a support, imidizing the polyamic acid to give a continuous self-supporting gel film containing 5-50% by weight of solids, stretching the gel film in the machine direction (MD) at a ratio of 1.1-1.9, and stretching in the transverse direction (TD) with respect to the machine direction so as to maintain a TD/MD stretch ratio of from 0.9 to 1.3.

Abstract: A process for the production of a homogeneous, thermoplastically processible melt. The process includes a. introduction of chemically modified starch into an intake zone of an extruder and conveyance thereof to a receiving zone, b. addition of a prehomogenized liquid mixture of plasticizer, emulsifier, and additives, followed by mixing and further conveyance of the starch liquid mixture through the receiving zone at elevated temperature, c. destructurization of the modified starch without adding any water and conveyance of the starch and mixture at elevated temperature to form a homogeneous, thermoplastically processible melt, d. degassing of the melt at elevated temperature and under reduced pressure, and e. extrusion thereof through a die at elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous vacuum forming of a hot plasticized material such as vinyl onto a moving flat forming surface defined between a first and second roller member which are continuously rotatable with a flexibly resilient belt and a woven flexible support belt extending therearound. The upper belt is of a flexibly rubber material and the lower belt is of an open woven metallic material to allow air to be drawn therethrough. These belts pass through a flat forming station positioned between two rollers against which vacuum forming is performed. A flexibly resilient pattern form is defined on the flexibly resilient belt including a plurality of vacuum apertures therein such that as the pattern form passes through the flat forming station a vacuum is applied through the woven support belt and to the apertures defined in the form to draw down the hot plasticized material onto the pattern form for continuous vacuum forming.

Abstract: Air-jet texturing with drawing, especially cold-drawing, or hot-drawing or other heat-treatments of spin-oriented crystalline polyester filaments, and particularly polyester feed yarns, that have been prepared by spinning at speeds of, e.g., 4 km/min, and have low shrinkage and no natural draw ratio in the conventional sense, provides useful technique for obtaining uniform drawn filaments of desired denier and thereby provides improved flexibility to obtain air-jet textured filaments and yarns of various denier. The resulting yarns have useful properties that are improved in certain respects.

Abstract: A meltblowing system with a modular die design and on-line monitoring of web properties is described. The modular die consists of individually fed side-by-side meltblowing units. Automated control of the polymer feed rates to the units have been shown to produce a web with excellent uniformity of basis weight. The die also features a valve assembly for minimizing polymer afterflow and die tip plugging.

Abstract: A precision cartridge filter having an average filter diameter of 10 .mu.m or less is produced by preparing a web composed of conjugate microfine fibers by a conjugate melt-blowing process, wherein the conjugate microfine fibers have a lower melting point component, a higher melting point component, and a melting point difference between the lower melting point component and higher melting point component of 20.degree. C. or more; followed by heating and molding the web at a temperature greater than or equal to the melting point of said lower melting point component, but less than the melting point of said higher melting point component.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for producing a spun-fiber web from filaments of a synthetic polymer which includes a device for taking off the filaments and a web-depositing device with suction unit wherein the filaments are taken off mechanically by means of a take-off roll with a unit for the defined raising of the frictional force between the roll surface and the filaments, the filaments being exposed, in particular, to a vacuum and/or to pressurized air.