Abstract: Mechanically divisible multicomponent fibers have at least a component including poly(lactic acid) polymer and at least a second component including at aromatic polyester. The multicomponent fibers are particularly useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a security item comprises coextruding at least two polymer plastic materials (6,7) with different characteristics so as to form a substrate so that neither material are biaxially oriented, and providing security indicia (14) on the substrate.

Abstract: An improved procedure and apparatus for introducing liquids within a thermoplastic or thermoset production system are provided. Such an inventive apparatus comprises a storage tank for the desired liquid, a device which connects to a flow channel (such as a manifold or pipe) through which the target thermoplastic or thermoset composition is flowing, and a transfer line connecting the storage tank with the connecting device. The connecting device itself easily attaches and detaches to the flow channel through a spring-loaded or sliding-lock mechanism. Such a novel apparatus permits an ease in changeover from one liquid to another without the need for time-consuming cleaning and without complicated shut-off, removal, and replacement steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved medical introducer devices which incorporate a single or multi-layer PTFE peelable sheath. Devices of the present invention are suitable for use in inserting an ancilliary medical device, e.g., a catheter, guide wire and the like, into a patient. Methods of the present invention also are disclosed which employ a precision sintering process in order to produce sheaths having excellent tear properties and optimal peelability.

Abstract: A composite pole including a structural member and a cured resin layer adjacent the structural member and defining an exterior surface. The composite pole can be manufactured by providing a mold, inserting a structural member within the mold to define a space between the structural member and the mold, filling the space between the structural member and the mold with a liquid thermosetting resin, curing the liquid thermosetting resin to define an exterior surface, and removing the cured liquid thermosetting resin and structural member from the mold. The composite pole can also be manufactured by casting a jacket onto an installed pole by applying a mold around the installed pole, filling a space between the installed pole and the mold with a liquid thermosetting resin, curing the liquid thermosetting resin to define an exterior surface, and removing the mold from around the cured liquid thermosetting resin and the installed pole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making polyamide filaments, such as nylon 6,6, having high tensile strength. The invention also relates to yarns and other articles formed from such filaments. The invention is particularly useful for providing a filament yarn with tenacity equal or superior to the prior art at high spinning process speeds while retaining the ability to draw the yarn. The invention further relates to providing a filament yarn extruded from a delustered or pigmented polyamide polymer.

Abstract: A process of dyeing a molded article is disclosed. The process entails immersing at least a portion of the article in a dyeing bath, retaining the portion in the bath for a period of time sufficient to allow an amount of dye to diffuse into the article, and removing said article from the bath. The molded article comprises a polymeric resin such as (co)polyester, (co)polycarbonates, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyamide, polyurethane, polyalkyl(meth)-acrylate, allyldiglycol carbonate and styrene copolymers. The dyeing bath contains in addition to dye, water, a plasticizing agent and a leveling agent.

Abstract: This invention provides processes for preparing fiber or film comprising a polyurethane and layers delaminated from a lamellar clay, said layers being dispersed in said Polyurethane. Fiber and film produced by the processes of the present invention exhibit reduced tack and an increased ability to affix at least one dye.

Abstract: An automated process for manufacturing rubber paving blocks uses crumb rubber recovered from used automotive tires. A production line in which the molds are emptied of the formed rubber paving block and then filled with a fresh crumb rubber mixture is balanced with an oven line in which the compressed crumb rubber mixture is heated, cured and cooled before being returned to the production line for further processing. The mold includes a lid having latching mechanisms that are actuated by compressed air. The formed rubber paving block is removed from the cooled mold through a compressed air extraction mechanism so that the formed block is not damaged during the extraction process. The rubber paving block is formed with a textured bottom surface having a central depressed disk and a plurality of grooves forming interconnected passageways for water to pass beneath the blocks when installed.

Abstract: The use of a sulfonated salt polyester ionomer resin in a colored, drawn polyamide or polyester fiber results in improved color strength and appearance. Sodium sulfo isophthalate polybutylene terephthalate copolymers when melt blended with colorants and subsequently used to make melt spun synthetic polyamides or polyesters fibers are shown to enhance color strength in drawn fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a poly(trimethylene terephthalate) BCF carpet modified cross-section yarn having an modification ratio and a arm angle within a specific range and a Y-shaped cross-section, and a method for preparing it. The BCF modified cross-section yarn has excellent bulk property and spinning efficiency, and a carpet made from the BCF modified cross-section yarn has good appearance, sense of touch, and tufting efficiency.

Abstract: A method of infusing liquid dyestuff into synthetic yarns at the point of fiber production, comprising the steps of providing a molten polymer, at least one non-molten liquid dye, and a spin pack assembly adapted for receiving and mixing the molten polymer and the non-molten liquid dye therein to form a colored molten polymer composition. The spin pack assembly includes a screen for filtering the molten polymer therethrough, and a spinneret adapted for receiving and extruding the molten polymer composition therethrough to form a plurality of colored fibers adapted for being formed into the synthetic yarns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of achieving a uniform distribution of reversible thermochromic pigment within a spunmelt nonwoven fabric, by incorporating the reversible thermochromic pigment into the polymer melt at the time of fiber or filament formation. It has been found that incorporating the pigment into the polymer melt enhances thermochromic uniformity as well as fabric durability. In addition, the reversible thermochromic fabric is processed in a single formation step, resulting in the present invention being more efficient than those methods practiced in the prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing aqueous liquor dyeable modified polypropylene threads. The inventive method is characterized in that a CR polypropylene suitable for fiber formation is mixed with a reaction partner which can react with CR polypropylene and the mixture obtained is processed in an extrusion spinning facility to form a thread. Suitable reaction partners are difunctional carboxylic acids, corresponding carboxylic acid derivatives or master batches made of polypropylene and difunctional carboxylic acids or corresponding carboxylic acid derivatives. The polypropylene threads obtained can be knitted to form textile fabrics. The polypropylene threads and textile fabrics can be dyed with the usual coloring agents according to a standard aqueous liquor extrusion process.

Abstract: Mechanically divisible multicomponent fibers are disclosed having at least a first component comprised of poly(lactic acid) polymer and at least a second component comprised of an aromatic polyester. The multicomponent fibers are particularly useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede.

Abstract: An oriented film with a high degree of orientation may be manufactured even a width of master roll film is wider width, by a manufacturing method for an oriented film, comprising steps of stretching an un-oriented polyvinyl alcohol derived film in dry and in longitudinal uniaxial direction by applying tension produced by peripheral velocity difference between rolls, wherein a value of L/W is not more than 0.6 when a distance between rolls defined as L and a width of the un-oriented polyvinyl alcohol derived film is defined as W; and further heating at 60 to 160° C. after the stretching step.

Abstract: This invention provides processes for preparing fiber or film comprising a polyurethane and layers delaminated from a lamellar clay, said layers being dispersed in said polyurethane. Fiber and film produced by the processes of the present invention exhibit reduced tack and an increased ability to affix at least one dye.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of a differentially dyeable yarn includes the steps of: a) producing two polymers having a different concentration of amine end-groups; b) spinning yarns from said two polymers; and c) producing a yarn by intermingling said spun yarns made from said two polymers, in texturing, or draw twisting, or draw winding processes.

Abstract: Designs and methods of manufacture are disclosed for a fluid detecting device. The fluid detecting device includes a colorant or dye used as the fluid indicator. When the dye comes into contact with the fluid, the reaction between the dye and the fluid is used to evaluate or detect the presence of fluid in the device. The reaction of the dye with the fluid may be detected using visualization, nephelometry, spectrophotometry, infrared detection, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy or other techniques.

Abstract: A molded display form (i.e. a mannequin) or other article is provided, made of an elastomeric material having a pigment and/or dye mixed therein, said form having a selected uniform color throughout the thickness of said material. Any desirable color may be selected, e.g., skin color (to approximate that of any race) grey, tan, red, blue, yellow, metallic colors such as gold and silver, and mixtures thereof. White and black molded articles are also provided herein. The processes of this invention are especially suitable for producing articles having a uniform color throughout without streaking. The forms of this invention are non-brittle, resist burning, and stand up well to high temperatures. If they are scraped or chipped, the uniform color of the material throughout will make the injury less noticeable. The material is also soft enough that seam lines may eliminated by buffing with synthetic pads, and because of the uniform color of the material, there is no need to paint over the buffed surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel dyed cellulosic molded bodies, in particular to fibers or films, containing a heavy-metal-containing colorant, which, according to the thermal stability test described above, reduces the rise temperature of a cellulose solution in a tertiary amine oxide by 10° C. at most, in particular by 5° C. at most. The molded bodies according to the invention may be produced in accordance with the amine-oxide process (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The use of a sulfonated polyester ionomer resin in a colored, drawn polyamide or polyester fiber results in improved color strength and appearance. Sodium sulfo isophthalate polybutylene terephthalate copolymers when melt blended with synthetic polyamides or polyesters are shown to enhance color strength in drawn fibers. In addition the sulfonated polyesters reduce color strength variation in colored fibers made with different batches of colorant. Water insoluble sulfonated polyester ionomers are preferred.

Abstract: An oriented film of polyvinyl alcohol derived film that demonstrates a small dimensional change under a heated or humidified condition is obtained by a manufacturing method for an oriented film comprising the steps of; stretching in two to six times a non-stretched filmwith moisturepercentage adjusted to no more than 10% comprising polyvinyl alcohols or derivatives by heating at no less than 70° C.; and subsequently annealing by heating again at no less than 70° C. after once cooling at no more than 40° C.

Abstract: FIG.

Abstract: To provide a method for processing a cloth to form a three-dimensional design pattern on the cloth not only by a conventional printing system, but also by an ink-jet system. A method for processing a cloth to form a three-dimensional design pattern on the cloth, which involves two processes—one in which it is treated with a Solution A containing a salt formed from a phenol derivative and a hydroxide of an alkali metal or alkali-earth metal and the other in which it is treated with Solution B containing a chemical capable of restoring the salt in solution A to its original phenol derivative. The present invention is advantageous in using highly safe water-soluble chemicals, allowing their uniform application to a cloth to form a three-dimensional design pattern on the cloth.

Abstract: Bulk yarns having improved elasticity and recovery and methods for their manufacture are described. A first embodiment of the invention involves providing a solution-dyed multifilament yarn of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and a multifilament yarn of a second thermoplastic polymer to an air jet texturizer such that the PBT component forms a core and the other yarn forms a plurality of loops and coils extending outwardly from the core. In addition to a high degree of elasticity and recovery, the composite yarn also has a low amount of shrinkage, which enables the yarns to be used in the production of woven fabrics without significant losses in fabric yield. Another embodiment of the invention involves false twisting a multifilament PBT yarn and a second multifilament yarn as individual threadlines to impart crimp thereto, then entangling the two components together using an air interlacing jet, to produce a bulk yarn having high elasticity and recovery.

Abstract: Textile materials having high colorfastness, and methods for their production are described. The process involves heatsetting a textile material, then applying a polysiloxane/catalyst combination to the heatset material. The textile material is then dried at low temperature, thereby resulting in a material having good colorfastness and shade. The process can be used to process fibers, yarns or fabrics, and is particularly useful in the processing of microdenier fibers.

Abstract: Three-dimensional flexible adhesive film structures are described which exhibit tack on demand characteristics. The film is capable of showing minimal or no tack under normal handling conditions, but when pressed against a target surface, exhibits the desired adhesion.

Abstract: This invention provides improved methods and compositions for achieving material coloration using particle scattering. These coloration effects can be designed to be either highly stable or dependent upon the switching effects of either temperature, integrated thermal exposure, moisture absorption, or exposure to actinic radiation. Articles employing materials with these coloration effects are described Composition comprise a solid, light-transmitting matrix component having a non-liquid particle scattering colorant dispersed. Articles are produced wherein another solid second matrix component has an electronic transition colorant dispersed therein and the first and second compositions are disposed on one another and optionally interpenetrate each other. Colored articles are produced in the form of fibers, films and molded articles.

Abstract: Stable dispersions of solid, semi-solid, and liquid resins can be prepared by merging into a mechanical disperser a stream of a molten or liquid disperse phase with a stream of a molten or liquid continuous phase to form a dispersion or emulsion. A polymer that is preferably a solid at room temperature, but molten at some advanced temperature may be dispersed with low molecular weight polymers, or intermediate molecular weight polymers continuously in an extruder. A low polydispersity powder-slurry curable coating composition having volume average particle sizes of less than 10 &mgr;m may be prepared by the method of the present invention. Pigmentation of a powder-slurry coating composition is conveniently accomplished by adding pigment to the melted polymer, or to the continuous phase, or to the dispersion after the continuous phase is merged with the disperse phase.

Abstract: A method for molding an agglomeration of fused microspheres to create a fragrance delivery system by use of room temperature setting binders. The molded pre-glass agglomeration has an extended fragrance release time exceeding a year and a half, and uses microcapillary action to quickly uptake oils and alcohols. The molded pre-glass agglomeration provides a slow release of fragrance without the escape of any residual liquid. The molded pre-glass agglomeration may be replenished, an unlimited number of times, with fragrance containing oils and alcohols after the odor fades. The molded pre-glass agglomerations may also be colored or dyed.

Abstract: Stabilized solution-dyed fiber is made by melting a polyamide which is amide monomers polymerized in the presence of at least one hindered piperidine compound, coloring the melted polyamide, and spinning the colored polyamide into fibers that have about 40% or better retained tenacity after 2125 kJ exposure to xenon arc radiation as per AATCC Test Method 16-1993, “Colorfastness to Light,” Option E. Copper stabilizers are unnecesssary.

Abstract: Multi-colored products, particularly food products, are obtained by preparing a base mixture suitable for preparing an emulsion, pumping the base material mixture to an emulsifier device and supplying a coloring solution to the emulsifier device and emulsifying the base material mixture and coloring solution to obtain a colored material mixture emulsion, passing the colored emulsion to a distribution valve which is connected to a plurality of parallel piping lines connected in series to extruders to pass differing colored emulsions to the extruders for extrusion.

Abstract: A polyolefin composition having enhanced dyeing capabilities containing: (a) a polyolefin; (b) from 0.01 to 10% by weight, based on the weight of the polyolefin in, of a migratable amphiphile, excluding phenolic and sulfur-containing stabilizers and n-octyl phenyl salicylate; and (c) from 0.01 to 1000 ppm of a transition metal, based on the weight of the polyolefin.

Abstract: Compounding and extruding a composition, comprising 60-95 weight-% polypropylene, 0.1-10 weight-% maleated polypropylene, and 5-40 weight-% nylon or polyester, through a spinneret at a temperature in the range of 235-285° C., and drawing the resulting filament. Drawing is carried out at a draw ratio substantially lower than the draw ratio that would be necessary to obtain the same elongation with 100% polypropylene. Color pigments may be included in the composition which is compounded and extruded. In accordance with this invention, high proportions of polypropylene may be blended with nylon or polyester without detracting substantially from the good touch and luster attributable to the latter polymers. Also disclosed are carpeting and rugs in which the pile is made up of filaments produced by a process of this invention.

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: A method is provided for making a combination hub and catheter. A material is molded in a mold into a body having at least a first hub, and at least a first nose extending from the first hub. The first nose is then elongated into a catheter by moving first and second components of the mold away from one another.

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 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: Novel bicomponent fibers have a polyamide domain and a contaminant-containing polymer domain which is embedded entirely within, and thereby completely surrounded by, the polyamide domain. The preferred bicomponent fibers have a sheath-core structure wherein the polyamide domain constitutes the sheath and the contaminant-containing polymer constitutes the core. Surprisingly, even though the core is formed of a contaminant-containing polymer (which is difficultly spinnable), the bicomponent fibers are readily spinnable and exhibit properties which are comparable in many respects to fibers formed from 100% polyamide. Preferably, the fibers are concentric sheath-core bicomponent fibers having an uncontaminated nylon-6 sheath and a core formed from nylon-6 having a relatively high level of contamination in the form of the cyclic dimer of caprolactam and/or nylon-6 derived from colored regenerated post-consumer nylon carpet fibers.

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: The present invention is concerned with a novel azo compound represented by formula (1), (2) or (3), a water-soluble dye comprising this azo compound, and a polarizing film containing this azo compound. The obtained polarizing film has high hydrothermoresistance and a high polarization degree and is excellent in optical characteristics: ##STR1## wherein each of the groups is defined.

Abstract: A method for fiber splitting for conjugated fiber, which includes the steps of i) preparing polymers: charging a first polymer and a second polymer respectively into corresponding extruders and adding a nucleated agent, releasing agent or catalyst into one of the first and second polymers to differentiate crystallinity between the first and the second polymers, or differentiate crystallinity by adjusting viscosities thereof at different temperatures; ii) spinning: the first and second polymers are transferred to a spinning zone and are spun at a winding speed of 3000 to 8000 meters per minute to be conjugated fiber via a spin pack; iii) weaving; and iv) dyeing finishing, and the conjugated fiber is split during the dyeing and finishing step without any physical and chemical treatments.

Abstract: A composite film of two layers, including a graphic color layer containing at least 50 wt % thermoplastic polyurethane, at least 10 wt % pigment, and a polyester elastomer, and an adhesive layer containing a thermoplastic adhesive. The color layer contains a non-blooming internal wax lubricant constituting less than about 0.1 wt % of the color layer. A combination including a laminate of two layers, one layer of which contains a polyurethane and the other layer of which includes an amorphous polyester directly adhered to a fabric, the improvement including the layer which contains a polyurethane, having an opaque exposed surface substantially free of surface lubricants. In a process for extruding polyurethane film, the improvement including mixing no more than about 0.1 wt % of a non-blooming internal wax lubricant in the polyurethane, prior to extrusion.

Abstract: A novel composite high-nitrile fiber in which the polymers are arranged in a sheath core type configuration. One polymer of the composite filament contains a solventless, waterless, melt-processable acrylonitrile olefinically unsaturated polymer and the other polymer of the composite filament contains an organic polymer. Either polymer can be employed as the sheath or the core component of the composite filament.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fluorescence based sensor for measuring the concentration of a gas (e.g., CO.sub.2 or ammonia) in a medium such as blood which has improved drift stability. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors of the present invention comprise microcompartments of an aqueous phase having a pH sensitive sensing component within a hydrophobic barrier phase. The sensors of the present invention are substantially free of partitioning species other than the analyte of interest which can migrate from one phase to the other in response to a change in pH in the aqueous phase and which substantially affect the concentration dependent signal. In an alternative embodiment, the sensors of the present invention are constructed so as to retard the migration of partitioning species, thus reducing the initial rate of drift.

Abstract: Aminated cellulosic synthetic fibers are produced by adding an amine-substituted cellulose derivative to a viscose or an alkali cellulose and spinning fibers by the viscose spinning process, or by adding said cellulose derivative to a cellulose solution and spinning fibers from said solution.

Abstract: A method for molding a novelty candle having flat sides incorporating a plurality of defined shapes located at the outer surface of the flat sides of the candle and a method of making same are provided. The method has the steps of: forming a sheet of wax to a desired thickness; heating the sheet of wax to below the melting temperature of the wax; cutting a plurality of shapes from the heated sheet of wax; arranging the plurality of shapes in a mold having an interior defined by flat sidewalls flush against the flat sidewalls and filling the interior of the mold with wax. In another embodiment, a novelty candle having a tree-like wax ornamentation on the surface thereof and a method of making same are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of continuously producing sequential lengths of different additive-containing melt-spun filaments include continuously supplying a melt-spinnable polymeric host material to orifices of a spinneret and controllably dosing at least one dispersible additive concentrate system containing a pigment in a liquid nonaqueous polymeric carrier to the melt flow of polymeric host material upstream of the spinneret orifices. In such a manner, a first polymeric mixture of the dispersible additive concentrate system and the polymeric host material is obtained which achieves an additive attribute. During a first time interval, the first mixture is extruded through the spinneret orifices; and thereafter, during a second subsequent time interval, the dosing of the at least one dispersible additive is changed so as to form a second mixture having a second additive attribute different from the first additive attribute while continuously supplying the melt flow of polymeric host material to the spinneret orifices.

Abstract: The specification describes a process of making a fiber for a carpet face yarn, the yarn being made of polyolefin/polymer filaments which contain a plurality of longitudinally dispersed relatively small, short polymer fibrils inside the filaments generally concentrated toward the center thereof within the polyolefm matrix. The yarn has the stain resistant properties of polyolefm based yarns and the resiliency of polyamide based yarns at a substantially lower cost than nylon carpet yarns.