Abstract: A method of forming a nonwoven fabric suitable for metal-finishing buffing operations includes providing a precursor web comprising polyester, staple length fibers, with hydroentanglement of the web effected to impart desired physical characteristics. Hydroentanglement is effected on a three-dimensional, image transfer device having an array of three-dimensional surface elements for patterning the fabric which is formed. Application of a binder composition lends desired durability to the fabric, with the binder composition preferably including a melamine polymeric composition to achieve the desired strength and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A method of forming durable nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web comprising a fibrous matrix of staple length fibers and/or substantially continuous filaments. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Enhanced imaging is achieved by advancing the precursor web onto the movable imaging surface of the image transfer device at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which the image surface moves relative to one or more associated hydroentangling manifolds. Treatment with a polymeric binder composition enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting it to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. Mechanical compaction of the imaged and patterned fabric, such as by sanforizing, enhances the desired physical properties.

Abstract: A composite non-woven fabric has two outer non-woven layers with structured surfaces that are efficient at wiping solid or semi-solid matter, with a center non-woven layer that is substantially impermeable to the passage of solid or semi-solid matter. The fabric of the invention thus provides efficient wiping ability for solid and semi-solid matter in combination with a sanitary quality that prevents passage of such matter through the fabric. The fabric of the invention may find particular utility as a wipe. A method of making a composite non-woven fabric includes the general steps of forming a first and second hydroentangled non-woven webs with structured surfaces, and laminating the first and second webs to a central non-woven web that is substantially impermeable to passage of solid and semi-solid matter.

Abstract: A method for making an apertured nonwoven fabric includes the steps of: obtaining wet sheet from slurry containing 0.5˜20% by weight of fibrous component in water, which comprises, in turn, thermoplastic synthetic fibers having a length of 7˜30 mm and a fineness of 0.1˜0.8 d, and subjecting the wet sheet to a processing for fiber entangling by high velocity water jet streams and to a processing for aperture forming by aperture forming elements having predetermined configurations adapted to be followed by individual fibers.

Abstract: The permeable drum for needling tissues, nonwovens, or other permeable materials of a certain width consists of a normally perforated sheet metal drum on which strips that are thin and extend axially over the length of the drum are arranged with small distances between them around the drum. The strips radially support a very thin sheet metal jacket with microfine perforations and produce a uniform flow of liquid through the material that rests externally against the sheet metal jacket. The strips can be joined together for example to form a honeycomb profile and thus uniformly transfer the hydrodynamic load developed during needling to the screen drum.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an entangled nonwoven composite made from absorbent fibers such as wood pulp fibers and matrix fibers such as polyolefin staple fibers. The absorbent fibers are entangled with the matrix fibers in such a manner so that the composite has an absorbent-rich side and a matrix-rich side. Intermediate the two exterior sides there is an entangled interior portion made from a mixture of the absorbent and matrix fibers. The composite is particularly well-suited for use in multifunctional handling of fluids such as, for example, body fluids which are absorbed by personal care absorbent articles. The matrix fiber portion of the composite acts as a fluid intake region while the absorbent fiber portion acts as a fluid retention region and the portion of the composite intermediate the two exterior surfaces acts as a fluid transfer region.

Abstract: A process for treating a fibrous material which includes the steps of: 1) providing a liquid suspension composed of fibrous material; 2) intermixing the liquid suspension of fibrous material with a treatment over a time period T.sub.1 --wherein the treatment requires a period of time T.sub.R sufficient to treat the fibrous material; 3) depositing the liquid suspension of fibrous material and intermixed treatment onto a forming surface to form a layer and removing a substantial portion of the liquid, over a period of time T.sub.2 ; and 4) applying pressurized jets of a liquid to the layer of fibrous material to wash unused treatment from the fibrous material within a period of time T.sub.3. Periods of time T.sub.1, T.sub.2 and T.sub.3 are immediately consecutive and amount to a total period of time at least as great as T.sub.R.

Abstract: The nozzle beam on a device for producing liquid streams for stream interlacing of fibers, for example of a fiber web guided along the beam, consists of an upper part that extends over the working width of the fiber web and a lower part fastened thereto in a fluid-tight manner. On the nozzle beam, on its lower part, a nozzle sheet is mounted with the holes for the nozzles in a fluid-tight manner by means of a sealing O-ring. This O-ring can be replaced without disassembling the lower part from the upper part. In order for this to be readily possible, in the nozzle beam, over its entire length and width and opposite the bearing groove for the O-ring of the lower part, in the upper part of the nozzle beam, a repair groove is provided which is dimensioned vertically slightly larger than the thickness of the O-ring. By means of the repair groove, an elongate strip on which a replacement O-ring is mounted can easily be inserted.

Abstract: A suede-like micro-fibril finish is imparted to fibrillatable cellulosic materials by open width hydraulic treatment. Additional enhancement of the fabric finish is obtained by post hydraulic enzyme and wet processing treatments. Fluid treated fabrics of the invention are characterized by substantially uniform fibrillation of fibers within the fabric body and surface areas.

Abstract: A device for hydrodynamic entanglement operates to compact the fibers of a fiber web made of natural and/or manmade fibers. The device includes a first endless belt supporting the fiber web, the first endless belt being guided under tension and stretched between at least two rolls, including a reversing roll, and a second endless belt likewise stretched between at least two rolls, the second endless belt being located opposite the first endless belt and traveling in the same direction as the first endless belt, a tight side of the second endless belt being located opposite a tight side of the first endless belt. The second endless belt is driven to turn in the same direction as the first endless belt. The tight sides of the first and second endless belts are directed conically toward one another along their lengths, so that the fiber web lying on the tight side of the first endless belt is increasingly compressed between the advancing first and second endless belts.

Abstract: Nonwoven material produced by hydroentanglement of a wet-laid or foam-formed fibre web. The material comprises a mixture of short plant fibres, in particular pulp fibres, and long hydrophillic plant fibres, where the major portion of the fibres presents a fibre length which is at least 10 mm, whereby the portion of long fibres is at least 1 weight-% of the fibre weight. The fibres were mixed with each other in the presence of a dispersing agent which allows a uniform fibre formation, in a wet-laid or foam-formed fibre web which has been hydroentangled with sufficient energy to form a compact absorbing material.

Abstract: A method of forming apertured webs is provided comprising the steps of: (a) forming a foraminous member comprising gross foramina and fine foramina wherein the gross foramina define a patterned design superimposed on the fine foramina by means of applying and curing a photosensitive resin onto a foraminous element comprising fine foramina in order to form elevated portions on the fine foramina defining the gross foramina, (b) providing a layer of fibers on said foraminous member; and (c) applying fluid streams to said layer of fibers such that the fibers are randomly entangled in regions interconnected by fibers extending between adjacent entangled regions in a pattern determined by the pattern of the gross foramina of the foraminous member to form an apertured web.

Abstract: A process for treating a fibrous material which includes the steps of: 1) providing a liquid suspension composed of fibrous material; 2) intermixing the liquid suspension of fibrous material with a treatment over a time period T.sub.1 --wherein the treatment requires a period of time T.sub.R sufficient to treat the fibrous material; 3) depositing the liquid suspension of fibrous material and intermixed treatment onto a forming surface to form a layer and removing a substantial portion of the liquid, over a period of time T.sub.2 ; and 4) applying pressurized jets of a liquid to the layer of fibrous material to wash unused treatment from the fibrous material within a period of time T.sub.3. Periods of time T.sub.1, T.sub.2 and T.sub.3 are immediately consecutive and amount to a total period of time at least as great as T.sub.R.

Abstract: A suede-like micro-fibril finish is imparted to fibrillatable cellulosic materials by open width hydraulic treatment. Additional enhancement of the fabric finish is obtained by post hydraulic enzyme and wet processing treatments. Fluid treated fabrics of the invention are characterized by substantially uniform fibrillation of fibers within the fabric body and surface areas.

Abstract: A topographical support member and method of forming a topographical support member for use in producing nonwoven fabrics, especially tricot-like nonwoven fabrics. The topographical support member includes a body having a top surface comprising a pattern of a plurality of peaks and valleys and a plurality of apertures. The apertures have a conical top portion that is surrounded by a cluster of the peaks and valleys. The center line to center line spacing of adjacent apertures is less than the major diameter of the conical top portion of the apertures. The topographical support member is formed by focusing a laser beam so that the focal point is below the top surface of a starting workpiece and drilling with the laser beam the predetermined pattern of tapered apertures. The pattern of tapered apertures forms the cluster of peaks and valleys surrounding each aperture on the top surface of the resulting support member.

Abstract: A topographical support member and a method of forming a topographical support member for use in producing nonwoven fabrics with raised portions, especially intaglio and slub type portions. The topographical support member comprises a body having a top surface including a first micro-sized topographical pattern and a pattern of apertures extending through the body. At least one macro-sized region recessed below the top surface is provided. The micro-sized pattern produces a background portion of the fabric and the macro-sized recessed regions produce the raised portions of the fabric. Multiple levels may be provided in the macro-sized region to produce multiple level raised portions.

Abstract: A water-jet machine includes a body having a passage defined therethrough and a plurality of piston devices disposed in a top thereof, a plurality of first holes defined through a lower portion of the body, a bar disposed in an underside of the body and having a plurality of fourth holes defined therethrough, two supporting plates disposed to an underside of the bar and having a gap defined longitudinally therebetween, a board disposed between the bar and the two supporting plates and having a plurality of apertures defined therethrough which communicate with the fourth holes, the first holes and the gap, and at least one transverse bar connected to the piston devices and connected to the two supporting plates by bolts extending through the body so that the board is securely positioned by actuating the piston devices to lift the transverse bar upwardly.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of non-woven unpatterned cloth in which a fibrous base cloth made from elementary fibers is conveyed onto a rotating perforated drum having a plurality of micro-holes. The micro holes are distributed in a randomized manner over the drum surface allowing a plurality of pressurized water jets to effectively act upon the base cloth taken up by the drum with increased pressure and without the effects of shadow marking on the processed cloth.

Abstract: Multiple needling with web guidance on alternate sides is achieved. Either an endless belt and/or a drum performs a carrying function, the belt or drum being arranged so that the fiber web can be associated meanderwise with the other side of a nozzle beam in each case. Transfer from one transport device or unit to another takes place by constant, positive, and non-stretching support of the fiber web, which is sensitive to being stretched.

Abstract: A web of non woven textile fabric is fed on a porous belt into the nip between the belt and a rotating porous drum to compress the web within the nip. A curtain of water is passed through the web while it is in the nip into the drum and a vacuum is drawn on the drum to remove the water. The web, after passing the nip remains upon the drum and is subject to one or more high pressure jets of water to entangle the web fibers.

Abstract: Fiber fleeces made of synthetic fibers or of natural fibers are compacted after their formation, for example, by carding or by simply being laid down in endless fiber fleeces. In the fleece according to the invention, which is intended to be voluminous yet compact, neither low-melting binding fibers nor chemical binders are used for the purpose. The mechanical needling method, i.e. with needles, cannot be used, however, because the volume is reduced too sharply. The desired volume is retained and the double fleece desired for hygienic products, for example, is achieved by the fleece produced, for example, on a card machine or aerodynamically initially being laid down on a previously compacted fleece, such as spun fleece made of endless fibers for example, as the carrier fleece and then being compacted in a continuous processing method by water needling at a water pressure of at least 100 bars and, preferably 180 bars, and thus being simultaneously joined to the carrier fleece.

Abstract: A jet bar on a device for producing streams of liquid for jet interweaving of the fibers of a fiber web guided along the bar includes an upper part that extends over the operating width of the fiber web and a lower part fastened thereto in a liquid-tight manner. In the upper part and extending over its length, a pressure chamber is located which receives liquid that is under pressure, endwise for example. Parallel thereto, with an intermediate partition, a pressure distribution chamber is provided which is connected with the pressure chamber by throughflow holes for liquid extending through the intermediate partition. A jet sheet with holes for forming jets of liquid is mounted in a liquid-tight fashion on the lower part.

Abstract: A topographical support member and a method of forming a topographical support member for use in producing nonwoven fabrics with raised portions, especially intaglio and slub type portions. The topographical support member comprises a body having a top surface including a first micro-sized topographical pattern and a pattern of apertures extending through the body. At least one macro-sized region recessed below the top surface is provided. The micro-sized pattern produces a background portion of the fabric and the macro-sized recessed regions produce the raised portions of the fabric. Multiple levels may be provided in the macro-sized region to produce multiple level raised portions.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric of entangled fibers defining a predetermined pattern of openings with the fabric having excellent draping characteristics.

Abstract: A method producing a thermobonding interlining comprises the steps of depositing a non-woven layer of intermingled fibers or filaments presented in a general direction on a conveyor of wire netting, directing toward said conveyor weft yarns made of textured continuous filaments that are kept in a stretched condition and parallel with one another; depositing the weft yarns in a zone where the non-woven layer is being deposited such that the weft yarns are oriented crosswise to the general direction of and covered by the non-woven layer. Afterwards, such superposed weft yarns and non-woven layer assembly is subject to the high pressure jets of water from injectors disposed above the conveyor so that the weft yarns and the fibers or filaments of the non-woven layer are intermingled to obtain a base material of interlining. Then, the base material of interlining is dried in a thermal treatment. The dots of thermofusible polymer are deposited one face of the base material of interlining.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulically entangled, autogenous-bonding, nonwoven composite fabric composed of a matrix of substantially continuous, thermoplastic polymer filaments and at least one substantially non-thermoplastic fibrous material integrated in the matrix so that the composite fabric is adapted to autogenously bond to itself upon application of heat. The hydraulically entangled, autogenous-bonding, nonwoven composite fabric may be suitable as infusion package material for applications such as, for example, tea bags and coffee filter pouches. Also disclosed is a method of making a hydraulically entangled, autogenous-bonding, nonwoven composite fabric.

Abstract: Patterned spunlaced fabrics formed of synthetic fibers and woodpulp and/or woodpulp-like fibers are disclosed having very low wet and dry particle counts and good absorbency. The patterned spunlaced fabrics according to the invention are particularly useful as cleanroom wipers, robotic covers, food service wipes, and as coverstock for sanitary napkins, diapers, surgical body part bags, and the like. The invention also comprises a process of making the patterned spunlaced fabrics..

Abstract: This invention relates to a spun-laced fabric having improved water absorbency containing a blend of certain hydrophilic cellulosic and pack resistant fibers with a hydrophobic fiber material layer attached to one side of the blend. The fabric may be used as an absorbent layer in a multilayer or laminated structure.

Abstract: A low fluid pressure dual-sided fiber entangling method and apparatus for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric. A fibrous starting material whose individual fibers are capable of movement relatively to one another under the influence of applied fluid forces is subjected to coacting opposed fluid streams while being confined between a flexible screen belt and a rigid perforated hollow drum. The fibers of the starting material are entangled under the effect of fluid forces applied in opposition, forming a reticular network which defines a pattern of blind holes, each hole extending transversely to the fabric plane and containing a protuberant fiber packing at a closed end thereof.

Abstract: A sheet or web of fluoropolymer fibers, such as ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene fibers, which has been hydroentangled. Such hydroentangled sheets or webs may be employed as filters, masks, membranes, synthetic papers, industrial fabrics, or liquid separators for use in oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing apertured non-woven fabric which includes a cylindrical support having both a plurality of specially formed projections and a plurality of drainage holes in and around said projections.

Abstract: The invention provides composite elastic nonwoven fabrics and processes of making the same. The composite elastic fabrics of the invention include a plurality of longitudinally extending elastomeric filaments and at least one fibrous web including staple fibers and anchoring fibers entangled with the elastomeric filaments. The anchoring fibers strengthen the attachment of the staple fibers to the elastomeric filaments, so that the entire fibrous mass extends as a unit when the fabric is extended. The resultant product is a coherent, substantially unitary structure encompassing the elastomeric filaments.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprising at least one layer of textile fibers or net of polymeric filaments and at least one web of melt blown microfibers, bonded together by hydroentangling. The nonwoven fabric may be apertured by hydroentangling or may have areas of higher density and areas of lower density. The fabric has a favorable combination of softness, dryness, tensile strength and hand. Several processes are provided for producing the nonwoven fabric of the invention.

Abstract: A process for the production of a non-woven sheet of continuous interconnected filaments, comprising producing biconstituted filaments of a size less than 4 dtex comprising two interconnected elemental filament components each of a different polymer, imparting to the biconstituted filaments a curl having a curling frequency of 3 to 30 curls per centimeter to impart to the filaments a bunching upon curling of 50 to 400%, and forming a non-woven sheet from the curled biconstituted filaments, the sheet having a weight of 10 to 400 g/m.sup.2. The non-woven sheet is then subjected to water jets supplied under a pressure of 50 to 300.times.10.sup.5 Pa to interlace and entangle the curled filaments constituting the sheet and to separate the interconnected filaments from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of making an superabsorbent composite material which contains a hydraulically-needled fibrous web and superabsorbent materials. The method includes the steps of providing a nonwoven fibrous web; hydraulically needling the nonwoven web to enhance its liquid distribution properties; and introducing dry superabsorbent materials into intimate bonding contact with at least one surface of the hydraulically needled fibrous web. Also disclosed is the superabsorbent nonwoven composite material made by the described process. The hydraulically needled fibrous web component of the material may contain pulp fibers, synthetic fibers, natural fibers, bicomponent fibers, continuous filaments or mixtures thereof. The superabsorbent composite material has a saturation capacity greater than about 500 percent and a wicking rate greater than about 12 centimeters per 15 minutes. The superabsorbent composite material may be used as a liquid management material in an absorbent product or absorbent structure.

Abstract: A three-dimensional non-woven fabric with a thermally activated adhesive surface well suited for use as a facing fabric for covering a fibrous mat. The fabric comprises two adjoining fiber layers, namely an adhesive layer including bond-forming fibers fusible at a predetermined temperature and a facing layer of fibers having a considerably higher melting temperature than the bond-forming fibers. The fibers of both layers are mechanically engaged one with another and are arranged flat-wise in bundles interconnected at junctures by protuberant fiber packings disposed in a staggered relationship throughout the fabric. Bond-forming fibers are concentrated in the apex portions of the fiber packings to form the thermally activated adhesive surface. The invention also extends to a process for manufacturing the three-dimensional non-woven fabric, based on the so-called "rosebud" technique for producing foraminous webs.

Abstract: An electrically conductive textile fabric in which the electrical conductivity may be made to vary in a pattern configuration, and a method for manufacturing such fabric. A textile fabric is coated with an electrically conductive polymeric coating, and the coating is selectively removed in those areas in which a reduced electrical conductivity is desired. The removal may be achieved by means of high velocity water jets, sculpturing, or other means.

Abstract: A process for hydraulically needling a web of staple fibers into an unbonded flash spun web made of continuous plexifilaments to form a spunlaced nonwoven fabric. The web of staple fibers is positioned against the unbonded flash spun web and then hydraulically needled such that the staple fibers are embedded into and entangled with the unbonded flash spun web to form a spunlaced nonwoven fabric. Optionally, the spunlaced nonwoven fabric can be thermally bonded to maintain or increase the permeability of the fabric. Thermal bonding can be used to control the level of permeability depending on the end-use desired. Spunlaced nonwoven fabrics made by the inventive process are particularly useful in filtration applications (e.g., vacuum cleaner bags) when thermal bonding is employed and as bulky, downproof and featherproof barrier liners for garments, sleeping bags, pillows, comforters and the like when thermal bonding is not employed.

Abstract: Stitchbonded fabrics are treated with columnar jets of water under specific conditions to rearrange fibers within the fabric so that holes caused by the stitches of the stitchbonding are substantially filled and the fabrics are made suitable for filter fabrics. The process requires at least the last part of the treatment to be performed on fine mesh screens with fine jets. The resultant fabrics are particularly suited for use as filter fabrics.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a non-woven fabric with irregular patterns by using a belt having projections for providing irregular patterns on the non-woven fabric and applying highly pressurized water and hot air onto a fiber assembly placed on and carried by the belt in order to press the fiber assembly to the belt and entangle the fiber of the fiber assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a non-woven from unbleached cotton or other natural ligno-cellulose fibers comprising a surface layer of substances rendering the fiber hydrophobic and comprising the following stages:formation of a sheet of unbound fibers on a water-permeable cloth,tangling the sheet fibers by means of a plurality of water jets issuing from arrays of injectors located transversely to the direction of advance of the support, the method being characterized in that the total energy imparted to the sheet by the set of jets is at least equal to a minimum threshold corresponding to the value at which said sheet becomes hydrophilic.The invention also concerns a hydrophilic non-woven made by hydraulic binding from unbleached cotton or other natural, ligno-cellulose fibers such as flax, hemp or ramie and free of chemical treatment.

Abstract: A process for making spunlaced nonwoven fabrics comprised of fusible fibers and non-fusible staple length fibers. The preferred process comprises wet-laying a mixture of fusible and non-fusible staple length fibers into a nonwoven web and then lightly bonding the web to melt the fusible fibers. Optionally, the bonded web is then wound on a roll so the web can be easily transported. Thereafter, the lightly bonded web is hydraulically needled to entangle the fibers in a three-dimensional state. The hydraulically needled web is then optionally dried to remelt the fusible fibers and improve durability and abrasion resistance. The resulting spunlaced nonwoven fabrics made by the inventive process are useful in apparel and wiper applications.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method of patterning a textile fabric comprising fluid jets directed at an angle from the perpendicular line of intersection between the fluid jets and the fabric which eliminates stress lines, troughs and valleys in the fabric by placing a lateral force on the fabric.

Abstract: A wound dressing of alginate staple fibers has improved integrity when its fibers have been hydroentangled. Even when its basis weight is as low as 50 g/m.sup.2, the resulting wound dressing, when saturated with saline fluids, can be removed by forceps from a wound as a single piece, having little or no residue in the wound. At basis weights below 50 g/m.sup.2, the wound dressing preferably includes reinforcing fibers such as rayon.

Abstract: A hydroentangled composite fabric is made by subjecting a spunbonded base web material of continuous man-made filaments to stretching in the cross direction at least 5 percent of its original dimension but less than the cross direction elongation of the material under ambient temperature conditions at the time of stretching. The base web material in its cross-stretched condition is stabilized to provide a prestretched base web material substantially free from cross direction tensioning. A covering layer of fluid dispersible fibers, preferably in the form of one or more wet-laid wood pulp fibrous webs, is applied to one surface of the relaxed prestretched base web to form a multilayer structure and the multilayer structure is subjected to hydroentanglement while in its relaxed condition to embed the covering fibers in the spunbonded base layer and affix the fiber layer to one surface of the prestretched base material.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric having high performance aqueous fluid retention and wiping characteristics and a method of producing such fabric. The fabric comprises a reinforcing web of self-bonded continuous filament synthetic fibers having at least one surface with spaced clusters of synthetic staple fibers and short natural fibers generally surrounded by void areas having a concentration of synthetic staple fibers and short natural fibers which is lower than such concentration in the clusters. The desired pattern of clusters may be obtained by hydroentanglement using a coarse apertured forming surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and related process for entangling a fibrous web which employs columnar fluid jets to eject a continuous curtain of fluid in an entangling station. The web is advanced through an entangling station on a conveyor which supports an entangling member having a symmetrical pattern of void areas. Baffle members disposed in the void areas are provided which include radiused curvatures and define apertures having a frusto-conical configuration. Dynamic forces in the fluid curtain impact the web in discrete and controlled patterns determined by the baffling members to enhance efficient energy transfer and web entanglement. Textile-like fabrics having a uniform, non-apertured, surface cover are obtained by coaction of fluid curtain and baffle structures.

Abstract: A hydraulically needled nonwoven pulp fiber web is disclosed. This nonwoven pulp fiber web has a mean flow pore size ranging from about 18 to about 100 microns, and a Frazier porosity of at least about 100 cfm/ft.sup.2. The web may also be characterized by a specific volume ranging from about 8 to about 15 cm.sup.3 /g. The nonwoven pulp fiber web may contain a significant proportion of low-average fiber length pulp and still have a total absorptive capacity greater than about 500 percent and a wicking rate greater than about 2 centimeters per 15 seconds. The hydraulically needled nonwoven pulp fiber web may be used as a hand towel, wipe, or as a fluid distribution material in an absorbent personal care product. Also disclosed is a method of making the hydraulically needled nonwoven pulp fiber web.

Abstract: A method for producing a non-woven fabric having specific designed patterns in designated areas is shown. The method requires the use of a fine-mesh woven screen of metal or plastic threads. The desired patterns may be pressed onto the screen to form raised indentations. Alternatively, they may be attached or extruded thereon, or woven or stitched thereinto. The non-woven fabrics produced, using the screens in place of those typically found on a non-woven fabric production apparatus, will have patterns corresponding to those on the screen.

Abstract: A hydroentangled nonwoven fabric containing ribbon shaped staple synthetic fibers having a crenulated cross-section and formed from a wet-laid web containing such crenulated fibers, preferably a blend thereof with short natural fibers, such as wood fibers. The use of a wet-laid web containing such crenulated synthetic fibers enables optimal interaction with the hydroentanglement jets of water, and a reduced level of hydroentanglement energy is required to achieve the desired performance characteristics in the fabric.