Abstract: The present disclosure describes natural antimicrobial carpet pads that are flexible and resilient sheets of predominantly natural plant fibers and/or animal fibers. These fibers have been subjected to a nonwoven needling process to form a mat. An antimicrobial material is intermixed with the plant and animal fibers. The antimicrobial material may also serve as a bonding agent for the fibers.

Abstract: Dense, highly stable, high performance ballistic material comprises at least one woven layer of ballistic grade fiber (preferably a stack of such layers) and at least one nonwoven layer of fabric which is entangled with the woven or unidirectional layer by needle felting. The resulting core material does not require assembly of individual woven layers during subsequent manufacture of ballistic articles and exhibits excellent ballistic performance at low areal densities and thicknesses.

Abstract: The invention concerns multiaxial fabrics comprising at least one layer of nonwoven fabric, thermoplastic film or thermoset film, a first layer comprising a plurality of first yarns being substantially parallel in a first direction, a second layer comprising a plurality of second yarns being substantially parallel in a second direction and skew or off-set with respect to the first yarns, and transverse yarn interlaced transversely within the layers wherein each layer may be arranged in any sequential order and optionally coated with a high viscosity polymer that has a Tg in the range of about ?40 to about 0° C., and a zero shear melt viscosity of about 2×106 to about 1013 poise at 20° C.

Abstract: A leather-like sheet composed of a microfine-fiber entangled body made of bundles of microfine fibers and an elastic polymer impregnated therein. The bundles of microfine fibers are composed of microfine monofibers having an average cross-sectional area of 0.1 to 30 ?m2 and have an average cross-sectional area of 40 to 400 ?m2. The bundles of microfine fibers exist in a density of 600 to 4000/mm2 on a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the microfine-fiber entangled body. The elastic polymer contains 30 to 100% by mass of a polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer is composed of a soft component having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than ?5° C., a crosslinkable component, and optionally a hard component having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of higher than 50° C. and another component. The polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer is bonded to the microfine fibers in the bundles of microfine fibers.

Abstract: A chemical filter is obtained by pleating a nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric being a spunlace nonwoven fabric prepared by causing fibers to be entangled by a spunlace method, and ion-exchange groups being introduced into the fibers by radiation graft polymerization.

Abstract: Corrugated fluid treatment packs and methods of making corrugated fluid treatment packs are disclosed. The fluid treatment packs may comprise a non-woven fibrous structure and/or porous membrane having a tubular configuration and a longitudinal axis, the fibrous structure and/or porous membrane being corrugated to define at least one crest, at least one trough, and at least one corrugation, each corrugation including first and second webs, the first and second webs extending into one another along a crest or a trough. The crests, troughs, and corrugations may include webs may which extend circumferentially or helically.

Abstract: A woven preform used to reinforce a composite structure which includes a central portion having a plurality of interwoven layers. The preform also includes first and second end portions having a plurality of independent woven layers that are integrally woven with the plurality of interwoven layers in the central portion and which extend along the entire length the preform. Interspersed between the plurality of independent woven layers in the first and second end portions are bias plies. The first and second end portions can have through thickness reinforcements comprising reinforcement fibers that traverse through the independent woven layers and the bias plies, locking them together.

Abstract: A tufted backing and a method of manufacturing a tufted backing from thermoplastic polymer fibers or filaments that are processed to yield a spunbonded nonwoven are described, the spunbonded nonwoven containing only fibers or filaments having a titer of 1 to 15 dtex, the mass per unit area of the tufted backing being 70 to 110 g/m2, its density being 0.18 to 0.28 g/cm3 and the 5% modulus value in the machine direction being >60 N/5 cm, but at least 0.6 Nm2/g.

Abstract: Polymer melt compositions, especially polymer melt compositions that can be processed into polymeric structures, especially polymeric structures in the form of fibers are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous composite comprising or consisting of natural and/or synthetic fibres, characterised in that at least some of the fibres of the composite exhibit a flat cross-section and the fibrous composite is readily decomposable or dissoluble in water or other liquid.

Abstract: Free fibers (10) are deposited on a rotary support turntable (30) by means of a hollow deposition cone (40) having an outer wall surrounding a chamber and pierced by multiple perforations. The fibers are delivered to the outer surface of the perforated wall of the cone (40) in a cone feed zone that is remote from the zone for deposition on the turntable (30), and they are then held by suction being established inside the chamber, leading to suction through the perforations in the cone, so as to be transported by rotation of the cone from the cone feed zone to the zone for deposition on the turntable, and the fibers cease to be held on the cone in the deposition zone by localized interruption of the suction through the perforations in the wall of the cone, at least in said zone, such that the transported fibers are deposited on the turntable which is rotated about its own axis simultaneously with the cone being rotated. The fibers deposited on the rotary turntable (30) may be compacted and needled.

Abstract: A fabric for use as a lining material woven from warp and weft strands contains at least one segment in which all the warp strands are woven together, and at least one other segment in which the warp strands are divided into groups and woven separately. If the divided segment of the fabric is both preceded and followed by a unified section, the divided section intrinsically forms a transversal channel in the fabric. This fabric is well suited for use as a window covering. Window coverings often require transversal stiffening members to ensure that the fabric folds correctly upon opening and closing. Stiffeners can be inserted into the channels formed during the weaving process, without any additional processing of the fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for use in dry forming a fabric by at least two non-woven fabrics. The upper run of the transfer wire is used as a forming wire. A forming head is disposed above the transfer wire. An airlaid non-woven fabric is formed on the transfer wire. This non-woven fabric is carried with the transfer wire onto the top side of the first non-woven fabric. The first non-woven fabric is formed on a preceding forming wire and transferred by the transfer wire to a subsequent conveying wire. This subsequent conveying wire can also be a forming wire so further non-woven fabric can be formed before the fabric is consolidated, e.g. by hydroentanglement or latex bonding/fibre bonding.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fabricating an annular fiber structure, the method comprising the steps consisting in: providing a first fiber sheet made up of substantially unidirectional elements; forming a transverse, first annular sheet by laying the first fiber sheet in alternation in one direction and in the opposite direction between coaxial outer and inner circular rings with the sheets being held at said rings; providing a second fiber sheet made up of substantially unidirectional elements; forming a circumferential, second annular sheet by depositing the second fiber sheet in a circumferential direction between said outer and inner rings; bonding the transverse and circumferential annular sheets to each other; and driving the transverse and circumferential annular sheets in rotation about the axis of the outer and inner rings so as to perform a plurality of complete revolutions in order to obtain a thick annular fiber structure having layers made up by the transverse sheet alternating wit

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable fibrous sheet including fibers containing at least 3% by mass of fibrillated rayon. The fibrillated rayon has a degree of beating of at most 700 cc and has primary fibers of a predetermined fiber length and microfibers extending from the primary fibers. In the fibrous sheet, the microfibers are entangled with at least either of other microfibers and other fibers therein, and the surface friction resistance of the fibrous sheet in dry, measured according to the abrasion resistance test method of JIS P-8136, is at least three rubbing cycles.

Abstract: A transverse fiber sheet is lapped by being guided in a substantially radial direction back and forth along a path between circumferentially outer and inner edges of the sheet, with the transverse sheet being reversed at each end of its path, the width of the transverse sheet being narrowed between the outer circumferential edge and the inner circumferential edge, the transverse sheet being held in place as it is lapped. Substantially mutually parallel yarns or tows are pulled to form a helical longitudinal sheet of density per unit area that decreases between its outer edge and its inner edge. The transverse sheet and the helical longitudinal sheet are superposed and advance continuously in flat rotation, and they are assembled together to form a helical sheet which is removed.

Abstract: The subject invention provides non-woven fabrics having yarns of varying characteristics. In a preferred embodiment the subject invention provides nonwoven fabrics that comprise yarns of different deniers or cross sections. The use of these yarns gives the nonwoven fabric a unique appearance and advantageous properties. The subject invention further pertains to the processes used to produce these fabrics.

Abstract: A transverse fiber sheet is lapped by being guided in a substantially radial direction back and forth along a path between circumferentially outer and inner edges of the sheet, with the transverse sheet being reversed at each end of its path, the width of the transverse sheet being narrowed between the outer circumferential edge and the inner circumferential edge, the transverse sheet being held in place as it is lapped. Substantially mutually parallel yarns or tows are pulled to form a helical longitudinal sheet of density per unit area that decreases between its outer edge and its inner edge. The transverse sheet and the helical longitudinal sheet are superposed and advance continuously in flat rotation, and they are assembled together to form a helical two-dimensional sheet which is removed.

Abstract: Method of producing a composite nonwoven for receiving and storing liquids or the like, comprising a carded nonwoven, which is treated in order to consolidate it, and a pulp layer, such as a wood pulp fiber layer, applied to the consolidated carded nonwoven and brought into secure contact with same, characterised in that the carded nonwoven is consolidated dry before being coated with the super-absorbent material, then the layer formed from the pulp fibers is applied to this pre-consolidated carded nonwoven and everything is interconnected.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprises a first layer formed of staple fibers having a smooth outer surface, a second layer formed of staple fibers having an outer surface with a roughened texture and a third, spunbond layer sandwiched between the first and second layers. A binder material is applied to the second layer which substantially covers its textured surface and is effective to resist deformation under the application of pressure even in the presence of liquid.

Abstract: A composite fabric comprising a necked and creped spunbond nonwoven web of monocomponent fibers hydraulically entangled with a fibrous component that comprises cellulosic fibers. The nonwoven web contains thermoplastic fibers and the fibrous component comprises greater than about 50% by weight of the fabric.

Abstract: An entangled fabric that contains a nonwoven web hydraulically entangled with a fibrous component is provided. The nonwoven web is formed from staple fibers and is creped. For example, in one embodiment, the nonwoven web is a creped, point bonded, carded web. Excellent liquid handling properties can be achieved in accordance with the present invention without resulting in the poor liquid handling capabilities often associated with point bonded nonwoven webs. In fact, the entangled fabric of the present invention can have improved bulk, softness, and capillary tension.

Abstract: A soft, durable, nonwoven fabric formed of hydroentangled synthetic polymer fibers in sheet form. The polymer fiber is surface embossed on at least one major surface with a predetermined pattern to provide a fiber sheet having enhanced dimensional stability. The fiber sheet is surface napped to soften the surface and disturb and make indistinct the surface embossed pattern. The pattern may preferably be a twill pattern, and the napping process is preferably a wire-napping process. The fabric can be constructed into blankets and numerous apparel items.

Abstract: The method generally comprises the steps of providing a hydroentangled non-woven layer having a first binder component, and depositing a second non-woven layer having a high bulk and loft on to the hydroentangled layer to form an unbonded composite fabric. The second layer also has a binder component with a melting temperature substantially equal to the first binder melting temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrophilic cotton pad for skin-care exhibiting a specific surface weight of at least 150 g/m2, and having two different outer sides of which the fibers are entangled. In the invention, the first outer side has hollow striae apart by a spacing s1 between 1 and 8 mm and having a depth d of at least 0.25 mm and wherein at least 50% of the fibers are entangled. The pad of the invention is used to apply skin-care products, such as cosmetics, to the skin.

Abstract: Insulative fabrics include a plurality of web layers. Each of the web layers comprises monostaple fibers having a length between about 0.5 and 2 inches. The plurality of web layers is positioned in overlying relationship and interconnected to each other (often through needle punching). In this configuration, the insulative non-woven fabric can provide a relatively low cost material with low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Method of producing a composite nonwoven for receiving and storing liquids or the like, comprising a carded nonwoven, which is treated in order to consolidate it, and a pulp layer, such as a wood pulp fiber layer, applied to the consolidated carded nonwoven and brought into secure contact with same, characterized in that the carded nonwoven is consolidated dry before being coated with the super-absorbent material, then the layer formed from the pulp fibers is applied to this pre-consolidated carded nonwoven and everything is interconnected.

Abstract: Known methods involve applying a layer of particularly highly absorbent fibers such as woodpulp on a carrier nonwoven and then compacting the composite nonwoven with the aid of water entanglement. One disadvantage of the compacting method is the high woodpulp fiber loss and the associated purification of the circulating water for the entanglement device. According to the invention, a fine layer of microfibers is initially applied before applying the woodpulp fibers. The microfibers are evenly distributed on the carrier nonwoven using, for instance, a meltblown process and the woodpulp fibers are only then applied in the separating layer. The water during entanglement can no longer merge the woodpulp fibers into the carrier nonwoven due to the fact that the microfibers act as a barrier.

Abstract: The subject invention provides non-woven fabrics having yarns of varying characteristics. In a preferred embodiment the subject invention provides nonwoven fabrics that comprise yarns of different deniers or cross sections. The use of these yarns gives the nonwoven fabric a unique appearance and advantageous properties. The subject invention further pertains to the processes used to produce these fabrics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile web, especially a textile-covered web for a paper-making machine, which, viewed from a transverse direction, is provided with several web sections (6, 7, 8, 19, 20, 27, 28) that extend parallel to one another in a lengthwise direction and are aligned adjacent to one another, with their lateral edges (9, 10, 11, 12, 21, 22, 29, 30) being attached to one another via fasteners (15, 16, 17, 18, 25, 26, 33, 34). This textile web is characterized in that the adjacent lateral edges (10, 11, 21, 22, 29, 30) follow a meandering course with alternating projections (13, 23, 31) and recesses (14, 24, 32), and the web sections (6, 7, 8, 19, 20, 27, 28) are interlocked with one another via these projections (13, 23, 31) and recesses (14, 24, 32), and in that the fasteners (15, 16, 17, 18, 25, 26, 33, 34) connect the projections (13, 23, 31) to one another.

Abstract: A composite sheet is disclosed. The composite sheet comprises an open random fibrous web having substantially vertical fibers near a top surface, a first binder resin and a second binder resin, wherein the first binder resin has a melting point lower than the melting point of the second binder resin, wherein the melting point of the second resin is lower than the melting point of the web, wherein the resins are activated in situ with the web fibers to form a resin-fiber rich region on the top surface and wherein the abrasion-resistant sheet can withstand at least about 3,000 cycles on the Wyzenbeek abrasion test using 80-grit abrasive paper. An abrasion-resistant sheet comprising a single binder resin and other abrasion-resistant sheets are also disclosed. Processes for making these abrasion-resistant sheets are further disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a non-woven fiber fabric comprising a plurality of perforated structures extending along the entire cross-section of said fabric. The inventive method consists of the following steps: in a first step, the matted fibers are placed on a belt screen to form a web of fibers; in a second step, the web of fibers is conveyed to a perforated-structure manufacturing unit, in a third step, the perforated structures are manufactured by mechanically impinging upon the fibers, whereby the mechanical impingement upon said fibers does not affect the mechanical and chemical structure thereof; and in a fourth step, the web of fibers provided with said perforated structures is compacted in a compaction unit for form a non-woven fabric.

Abstract: An improved leather formed of a leather having an internal matrix and a fiber matrix coupled to the leather matrix, the coupling creating a supplementary fiber matrix in the leather which enhances a characteristic of the leather. The improved leather includes fibers from the fiber matrix which pierce the leather in many locations and interlocking with other fibers both within the internal matrix of the leather and on a first surface of the leather. The improved leather is useful for gloves, shoes, garments, luggage and upholstery.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing a microfiber structure for absorbing impact energy, sound energy and/or temperature, the structure being used in the ballistic field and in the sound and temperature isolation fields, wherein the method comprises to provide a plurality of threads consisting of microfibers, subjecting the threads to a pressurized air jet to open the threads by separating the microfibers into each thread and entangling the threads to form a mass of loosely-entangled microfibers, with the mass being confined the mass into a pack which may be appropriately compacted.

Abstract: Insulative fabrics include a plurality of web layers. Each of the web layers comprises monostaple fibers having a length between about 0.5 and 2 inches. The plurality of web layers is positioned in overlying relationship and interconnected to each other (often through needle punching). In this configuration, the insulative non-woven fabric can provide a relatively low cost material with low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Specific nonwoven fabrics having a good hand, high strength both wet and dry, and very high absorbency are useful for disposable health care and commercial bedding material. These fabrics are composed of randomly entangled natural and synthetic fibers interconnected so that the individual fibers are held in place to form a coherent, stable, strong fabric having a high absorption capacity. The fabrics are cut and converted to the desired dimensions. Bottom coverings can include elastic strips that can be fastened for a close fit to beds, cribs, gurneys and the like, regardless of shape.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a weaving device for the production of thick textile armatures constituted by superposed layers of threads secured together by a binding thread traversing said layers, said device comprising a frame (13) provided laterally and at its periphery with regularly distributed hooking pins (17), means (21) for depositing with the aid of said pins, thread (22) and means for compressing the layers, characterized in that said pins (17) are constituted by pins comprising a first section (17a) with a slight inclination outwardly of the frame and a second straight section (17b) prolonging the first and having an a substantially greater inclination outwardly of the frame, in that said means for depositing thread are constituted by a plurality of guides (21) each supplying a thread (22), and moved simultaneously and spaced at an interval equal to n times the interval between pins, and in that said means for weaving the layers are constituted by means (23 to 25) adapted to press the assembly (1

Abstract: Lightweight, non-woven loop products for hook-and-loop fastening are disclosed, as are methods for making them and end products employing them. The products are non-woven webs of entangled fibers of substantial tenacity, the fibers forming both a sheet-form, bonded web body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from the web body. The product is, in important cases, stretched before bonding to produce spaced-apart loop clusters extending from a very thin web of taut fibers. In important cases a binder is added to stabilize the product in its stretched condition. An example of the loop product is produced by needle-punching a batt of staple fibers in multiple needle-punching operations, applying a foamed acrylic binder, and then stretching the needled batt and curing the binder with the batt stretched. Other forming techniques are disclosed and several novel articles employing such loop products are described.

Abstract: Artificial leather sheet material is made by hydroentanglement of waste leather fibres. A web (28) of the fibres is advanced on a porous belt (8, 9) high pressure water jet heads (13) in a number of successive hydroentanglement steps. Screens (14) are pressed onto the surface of the web (28) between the water jet heads (13) and the web (28). The screens (14) have apertures which allow deep penetration of the water jets into the web (28) whilst thin screen portions between the apertures act to interrupt the jets * and limit formation of furrows (30). Deflector plates (19) are provided alongside water jet heads (13) to remove re-bounding water.

Abstract: A durable, low-density, high performance insulating material is suitable for use as a high temperature thermal and acoustic insulation. The insulation includes fiber batting made with non-thermoplastic fibers or blends of fibers such as aramid fibers and ceramic fibers, which are bound within at least some interstices by high temperature non-flammable thermoplastic binder such as polyphenylene sulfide. In addition, a fireblocking layer can be provided on at least one surface of the insulation to further improve fire ablation or flame retardance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ballistic resistant material having a V50 value of at least about 1000 feet per second. The ballistic resistant material includes at least two types of fibrous materials, which are blended and consolidated together, preferably by needlepunching, to create a single layer of nonwoven, composite material. The needle punching is preferably in the range of 200 to 1000 needlepunches per square inch. The fibrous materials are characterized by being deformed when subjected to the impact of a ballistic object. One of the fibers phase changes, e.g. melting, upon impact and at least one other fiber fibrillates upon impact. One of the fibers must phase change at a temperature at least 80° C. lower than the highest melting or destruction point fiber in the high modulus fiber blend.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric having improved absorbent characteristics. The fabric has three different fiber arrays which are interconnected to produce a unique fiber distribution in the fabric.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric comprising multiple, layers of a web formed from a blended mixture of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers is provided. The metal fibers preferably have a rough outer surface with irregular shaped cross-sections that vary along their length. The fibers of adjacent layers of the web material are interengaged in a needlepunching step. The composite nonwoven fabrics of the invention, which have very good isotropic strength. In a preferred embodiment, the composite nonwoven fabric is employed as a floor buffing pad for use with an electric floor buffing apparatus.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate is formed by providing a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric exhibiting cross-direction extensibility and recovery, which fabric comprises a nonwoven web of staple length fibers of about 0.8 to 3.0 denier having a basis weight of about 1.0 to 4.0 ounces per square yard. A polymeric binder composition substantially uniformly applied to the nonwoven web imparts desired elasticity to the web, with the fabric exhibiting at least about 50% extensibility in a cross-direction thereof, and at least about 90% recovery in a cross-direction. The nonwoven web may comprise synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and blends thereof, as well as continuous filaments. An elastomeric composition comprising polyurethane or polyvinylchloride is applied to the extensible nonwoven fabric, which forms the stretchable laminate. The laminate provides a highly conformable and aesthetically pleasing leather-like product.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric, the outer surface of which exhibits highly entangled fibers whereas the inner layer exhibits lightly entangled fibers. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a fibrous batt that is subjected to fluidic energy, preferably hydraulic energy, applied to one or both faces of a fibrous batt. The hydraulic energy is moderated against the basis weight of the fibrous batt to achieve the degree of surface entanglement desired. Fabrics formed in accordance with the present invention exhibit a sufficient degree of softness and non-linting performance, while providing the necessary resistance to tearing and abrasion, to facilitate use in a wide variety of applications such as cast padding or orthopedic wraps.

Abstract: A system is provided for structurally reconstituting fibers from recycled waste fabric material, including cotton denim waste, wherein the reconstituted fibers are incorporated into a hydroentangled or needle punched product without binders or additives. A tearing line includes the application of steam and enzymes at a rate sufficient to remove surface additives from the fibers. The process completely opens the fibers and eliminates fraying, twisting and nonconformities. A fiber finishing process provides fibers which are substantially uniform with respect to a desired characteristic such as length, weight, type, or a desired blend thereof. The finishing process also provides a fiber web characterized by a uniform directional orientation of fibers, making the fibers more amenable to hydroentanglement. The resulting nonwoven product is characterized by high strength, fiber integrity and high uniformity and can be cross lapped to thereby provide greatly increased strength and absorbency.

Abstract: Method for producing a nonwoven material comprising at least one layer of continuous filaments, such as spunbond- or meltblown fibres. A first web of continuous filaments (19) are laid on a wire (14) or other permeable support member having a resilient extensibility in the transverse direction and which substantially resumes its original dimension when the extension is discontinued, that the wire is stretched in the transverse direction to at least 120% of its original width when the continuous filaments are laid on the wire. The stretching is discontinued after the continuous filaments have been laid on the wire.

Abstract: A system is provided for structurally reconstituting fibers from recycled waste fabric material, including cotton denim waste, wherein the reconstituted fibers are incorporated into a hydroentangled or needle punched product without binders or additives. A tearing line includes the application of steam and enzymes at a rate sufficient to remove surface additives from the fibers. The process completely opens the fibers and eliminates fraying, twisting and nonconformities. A fiber finishing process provides fibers which are substantially uniform with respect to a desired characteristic such as length, weight, type, or a desired blend thereof. The finishing process also provides a fiber web characterized by a uniform directional orientation of fibers, making the fibers more amenable to hydroentanglement. The resulting nonwoven product is characterized by high strength, fiber integrity and high uniformity and can be cross lapped to thereby provide greatly increased strength and absorbency.

Abstract: A fabric for use in an air bag is provided. The fabric of the invention is produced by mechanically compressing a preliminary fabric constructed substantially of synthetic yarn such that the packed volume per unit area of the compressed fabric is less than the packed volume per unit area of the preliminary fabric. Air permeability is not adversely affected.