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 machine for finishing fabrics in strand from including a container and at least one entrainment pipe associated with an air flow for entraining a strand of fabric. The entrainment pipe has a terminal portion radiused to the bottom wall of the container and provided with a cross-section progressively increasing in the direction of entrainment of the fabric.

Abstract: An improved fabric hydroenhancement method provides for inducing turbulence in a fluid flow in a hydroenhancing manifold and applying the turbulent fluid flow to impinge on a row of orifices of a jet strip in a manifold, such that jet streams issuing from the jet orifices at an output end of the manifold are formed with a constant state of fluctuation in their cross-sectional shape, direction, and structure. This results in the jet streams distributing their delivered energy over constantly changing impact areas on the fabric, whereby more of the delivered energy is converted into enhancement energy for hydroenhancing the fabric. The turbulent hydroenhancing method is also found to obtain a significant reduction in fabric shrinkage, and also eliminates the generation of interference patterns in the fabric. Turbulence is induced by positioning a baffle below the distribution element in the manifold with its lower end in close proximity to the row of jet orifices. Various types of baffle designs may be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing fibrous material into a web (15) of hydroentangled nonwoven fabric, the web (15) passing through an apparatus (11) comprising high pressure jets (51) and drums (31) (32) and rollers (41). The web (15) is initially passed through the apparatus by guide tapes (62) (63) which pass through the apparatus in parallel with the web, and holds the web (15) on one front lateral edge only during the initial pass of the web through the apparatus.

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 technique and apparatus for evaluating the degree of hydroenhancement achieved in a woven fabric. The degree of hydroenhancement is related to the permeability of the woven fabric (i.e., the permeability of the woven fabric will decrease as the hydroenhancement increases). The hydroenhanced fabric is pulled over a vacuum source (while a constant vacuum is maintained) and the air flow through the fabric is measured. The air flow per unit area of fabric is then calculated and defined as the permeability. Alternatively, the permeability can be calculated by maintaining a constant air flow and measuring the vacuum drop associated with the treated fabric. The degree of hydroenhancement may then be assessed as related to this permeability measurement.

Abstract: A process for treatment of a web by means of impingement by high velocity gaseous fluid is provided. The process constitutes the provision of a web to two separate treatment zones. In the first treatment zone the web is subjected to the imposition of high velocity gaseous fluid substantially tangential to the web and in the opposite direction of travel by the web through the treatment zone, such that a series of saw-tooth waves are formed in and move along the web in the opposite direction of travel by the web. In the second conditioning zone, the same type imposition of high velocity gaseous fluid to the web occurs with the gas streams and the resultant saw-tooth waves forced in the same direction as the travel of the web. The two zones are separated by an area of high tension on the web. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: An hydraulic treatment apparatus (10) and method is provided for finishing and upgrading the quality of continuous filament cloth materials. The fabric (12) is supported on a member and impacted with a uniform, high density jet, fluid curtain (34,70) under controlled process energies. Low pressure/low energy treatments spread filaments in the fabric to reduce air porosity and provide improved uniformity in material finish. High pressure and energy treatments increase fabric bulk and porosity. Fluid treated fabrics of the invention demonstrate substantial improvement in at least two of uniformity, cover, opacity, increased or decreased bulk, increased or decreased air permeability, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, edge fray, and seam slippage.

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 combination of rigid, non-elastic wefts with other wefts which are elastic and much thinner allows the creation of a figured, elastic fabric. The floats of the elastic wefts may be stretched between points of bindings. It is the density of the elastic threads along with the length of the elastic weft floats which determines the fabric's elasticity. This ratio is retained throughout the width of the material. Once the weaving process is completed, the fabric undergoes a process which takes place in a tenter subject to temperatures in excess of 100.degree. C., saturated in wet steam. This process acts on the elastic wefts, increasing their elasticity by 100%.

Abstract: Striped patterning of dyed fabric, particularly dyed denim, is obtained by impacting the fabric with a row of columnar jet streams of fluid generated from a manifold under pressure while conveying it on a support member in a machine direction through a patterning station. The orifice gauge and diameter, manifold pressure, and line speed are selected to obtain optimal striping without blurring, loss of fabric strength or durability, or excessive warp shrinkage. Preferably, the jet strip is removably interchangeable in a common hydrojet manifold for forming different kinds of striped patterns. The back side of denim fabric may be subjected to pre-treatment to cause the surface of the dyed warp side to fill in and darken with color. A strie striping effect can also be obtained using a combination of jet strips. The striped patterning station can be incorporated at any suitable point in a conventional denim finishing range.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of a nonwoven material wherein a web of material is drawn over a series of parallelly aligned porous rolls. The web is treated with a jet of pressurized water as it moves in contact over each roll. The web is compressed between the first roll in the series and is wetted by a curtain of water as it is being compressed to increase the density of the web material prior to its being treated with the pressurized jets of water.

Abstract: A process of decorating fabric includes the step of imparting wrinkles to the fabric oblique to the warp and weft directions and heat setting the wrinkles into the fabric. The wrinkle imparting step may include moving the fabric longitudinally and simultaneously moving portions of the fabric from side to side by frictionally engaging the fabric to an oscillating means such as an elastomeric pad or interleaved fingers and oscillating the pad or fingers from side to side. Heat setting of the fabric includes exposing the wrinkled fabric to heat at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient duration to set the wrinkles in the fabric. Desirably, the wrinkled fabric is in contact with a transfer print paper while the fabric passes through the heat setting step to set the wrinkles and fix color on the fabric. The longitudinal movement is desirably coordinated with the side to side movement to obtain aesthetically pleasing results. The invention also includes apparatus and the product.

Abstract: A process for producing uncoated woven fabrics from synthetic yarn for an airbag comprises the steps of: (a) producing a woven fabric from high tenacity polyester filament yarn having a filament linear density of not more than 5 dtex, a yarn linear density within the range from 250 to 550 dtex, a hot air shrinkage at 200.degree. C. of less than 9% and a boil off shrinkage of less than 2%, (b) washing the fabric at temperatures of less than 60.degree. C., and (c) drying the washed fabric at temperatures of less than 170.degree. C. under conditions so that the dimensions of the fabric, based on its dimensions prior to washing, do not change at all or by less than 2% in warp and weft directions. The uncoated fabric obtained by this process is particularly suitable for making airbags and is notable for good drapability.

Abstract: An hydropatterning apparatus conveys a sheet of fabric through a patterning station along a machine direction on a conveyor, preferably a drum, having a support surface formed with a pattern of raised or solid areas and lowered or void areas, and has one or more manifolds of hydrojet nozzles disposed above the conveyor for directing a continuous curtain of fluid downwardly to impact on the fabric so that properties of the fabric become altered in correspondence to the pattern of the support surface. The hydropatterning technique is used to emboss the screen pattern into the nap of napped fabric in order to produce aesthetically pleasing surface textures and patterns in the napped fabric, such as a fur-like surface texture. The technique can also be used for displacement of yarn or fiber to obtain three-dimensional effects such as ribbing, wavy lines, checkering, geometric or floral designs, or lacework.

Abstract: The prosthesis is manufactured by knitting a foundation yarn with a high degree of heat-shrinkability and at least one effect yarn which is substantially heat stable, immersing the resulting fabric in boiling water so as to shrink the foundation yarn and thereby reduce its permeability to liquids while not affecting the effect yarn significantly so that it is possible to obtain good velvet effects without resorting to very high overfeed rates for the effect yarn.

Abstract: A fabric-finishing machine comprises a tank in which there is a series of drums driven in the same direction and forming an entrainment path extending from the front portion of the tank to the rear portion in a rectilinear direction. The drums entrain a single piece of fabric spread out or a plurality of pieces gathered into ropes. At least one nozzle is associated with each drum, for supplying an air-jet which presses the fabric, spread out or in ropes, onto the respective cylinder so as to achieve conditions of adhesion such that dry, moist or wet fabrics can be entrained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silk velvet textile and the method of manufacturing the same. Spun silk or pure silk is worked on an ordinary pile loom or knitting machine to produce a silk textile having the luster, touch or texture characteristic of silk so that such textile can be used for wide variety of velvet goods to meet the consumers' needs for upmarket products. Spun silk or pure silk is subjected to a twisting process to be followed by a pasting process or steaming process for 10 to 20 minutes before feeding said spun silk or pure silk is worked on by an ordinary pile loom or knitting machine. The texture such as fabric or jersey is dipped in lukewarm water for a predetermined period of time to remove paste for the texture to shirink such that the shrinking texture ground fastens the piles.

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: A method and apparatus for continuous treatment of webs of fabric having upright pile comprised of wetting the fabric to at least 50% saturation, heating the fabric to approximately 225.degree. to 350.degree. Fahrenheit and then brushing the fabric in both the pile and counter-pile directions. The presence of liquid and steam plasticize and lubricate the fibers, thereby allowing an easier, more complete return to the uncrushed state.

Abstract: Method of making a reinforcing fabric comprising warps and woofs which are multifilament yarns made of carbon fibers. The widths W (mm) and finenesses D (d:denier) of the warps and woofs satisfy the equation:W=k.multidot.(D/.rho.).sup.5/9wherein k represents 3.5.times.10.sup.-2 to 10.0.times.10.sup.-2 (mm.multidot.d.sup.-5/9) and .rho. represents specific gravity of the carbon fibers. The woven fabric has a cover factor K.sub.c of 90.0 to 99.8%. The fabric is made by treating a precursor fabric with water jets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique knit construction having a nonfiberglass stiffness-controlling yarn in the fabric of the backing. Preferably, the nonfiberglass stiffness-controlling yarn is used in combination with a heat shrinkable yarn or a stretch yarn, and alternatively a nonfiberglass microdenier yarn. More preferably, the nonfiberglass stiffness-controlling yarn is in combination with a stretch yarn and a nonfiberglass microdenier yarn. Most preferably, the nonfiberglass stiffness-controlling yarn is in combination with a heat shrinkable, elastically extensible yarn, and a nonfiberglass microdenier yarn.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique knit construction having a nonfiberglass microdenier yarn in the fabric of the backing. Preferably, the nonfiberglass microdenier yarn is used in combination with a heat shrinkable yarn or a stretch yarn, and alternatively a nonfiberglass yarn for controlling stiffness, i.e., a stiffness-controlling yarn. More preferably, the nonfiberglass microdenier yarn is in combination with a stretch yarn and a nonfiberglass stiffness-controlling yarn. Most preferably, the nonfiberglass microdenier yarn is in combination with a heat shrinkable, elastically extensible yarn, and a nonfiberglass stiffness-controlling yarn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous treatment of webs of fabric having an upright pile comprising spraying the pile fabric with a sheet of liquid and then optionally heat-setting the fabric. The spraying of pile fibers allows the fibers to return to their preferred upright orientation.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing uncoated industrial woven fabrics having specifically adjusted air permeability from synthetic fibers, after the synthetic fibers have been woven into a fabric the fabric is passed through an aqueous bath having a temperature of approximately 20.degree.-100.degree. C., then is passed through a drying zone. The woven fabric is allowed to shrink in the aqueous bath and in the subsequent drying zone to produce a woven fabric having a specific air permeability. The method is especially suitable for the manufacture of fabric used in air bags.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creation of moire fabric. This can be achieved by placing a first piece of fabric against a support member and directing at least one stream of fluid at the surface of said first piece of fabric to provide lateral yarn displacement. Then delivering said stream at a peak dynamic pressure in excess of about 300 p.s.i.g. and less than 4,000 p.s.i.g. and selectively interrupting and re-establishing contact between said stream and said surface in accordance with pattern information in order to pattern said first piece of fabric. This is followed by combining said patterned first piece of fabric with an unpatterned second piece of fabric in overlapping relationship and applying pressure by means of calender rolls having smooth surfaces to said combination of said first piece of patterned fabric and said second piece of unpatterned fabric.

Abstract: A chemical fiber knitted towelling making method which is to brush the pile yarn of the fabric and remove impurities from the pile yarn after the steps of knitting, dyeing and napping, and then to cut the pile yarn to a uniform length after brushing, and then to steam damp the fabric and to dry the damped fabric by steam heat, and then to set the well-treated fabric in shape, and therefore the pile yarn of the fabric does not twist into rings and will not deform as a result of washing with water.

Abstract: Three reuasable surgical/medical fabrics provide improved barrier properties, as reflected by their Suter ratings, and also posses a "hand" similar to a "cotton hand". The Suter ratings are degraded in the order of 10%-20% after 100 sterile reprocessing cycles. The fabrics are reliable free of "voids", permitting their use as a single layer barrier panel. The fabrics are woven, respectively, with false twist 100/100 warp yarns and air texturized core and effect 2/60/100 fill yarns; flat trilobal 100/50 warp yarns and air texturized core and effect 2/60/100 fill yarns; and false twist 2/50/34 warp yarns and false twist 150/200 fill yarns. The fabrics are characterized by a minimum porosity of at least 10.times.10.sup.6 pores/square centimeter and maximum average. and mean pore sizes. The fabrics have a thickness of at least 0.005 inch, a weight of at least 3.5 ounces per square yard and a filament density of at least 2.0.times.10.sup.6 filaments per square inch.

Abstract: A fabric having both a high degree of user comfort and a high degree of Ultraviolet Radiation protection is provided. The preferred yarn is at least 40 Denier by 40 Denier, preferably 70 Denier by 2 70 Denier Nylon Yarn. The yarn is woven into a fabric with a yarn count of at least 80 by 50, preferably about 118 by 68 yarns per inch. The fabric is sanded, preferably moderate to heavy, on one side. The fabric is jet treated, preferably air jet laundered. The fabric provides an Ultraviolet sun protection factor of at least about 30, preferably about 70 or more.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creation of moire textile fabric. This can be achieved by directing at least one stream of pressurized heated gas at the surface of said first piece of overfed fabric to provide lateral yarn displacement and selectively interrupting and re-establishing contact between said stream and said surface in accordance with pattern information in order to pattern said first piece of fabric. This is followed by combining said patterned first piece of fabric with an unpatterned second piece of fabric in overlapping relationship and applying pressure by means of calender rolls having smooth surfaces to said combination of said first piece of patterned fabric and said second piece of unpatterned fabric. By using high pressure heated gas and shrinking some of the thermoplastic yarns, there is movement of the filling yarns in the fabric.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a non-woven fabric printed with a decorative pattern. 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 a fluid stream for entangling the fibers to form a unitary fibrous network. The unitary fibrous network is impregnated with liquid binder which solidifies and consolidates the non-woven fabric. Before the binder has cured and is still in a liquid condition, the unitary fibrous network is printed with a decorative pattern. Subsequently, the unitary fibrous network is dried to simultaneously cure the binder and the colorant forming the decorative pattern.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for modifying fabric and fiber by impaction with particles that create axially aligned micro-cracks and increased porosity allowing penetration of dyestuffs into the fiber or fabric without the need for swelling agents or carriers. The apparatus includes a container, pressurized gas supplied to a first inlet, particles supplied to a second inlet, and an outlet passage through which the particles and gas are supplied to a textile fabric.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for the manufacture of imitation Jacquard fabric by passing a flocked fabric through a printing station whereat a selected drawing or design is printed on the fabric by pressurized air. The flocked fabric is moved on a table beneath a rotatable drawing cylinder extending transversely to the table and spaced from the table only by a distance to allow the passage of the fabric therebetween. A stationary tube is placed within the drawing cylinder and the tube is supplied with pressurized air which passes into the drawing cylinder. The pressurized air passes through apertures in the drawing cylinder correlated with the design to be printed onto the fabric. The fabric is advanced under tension by rollers and a driving assembly rotates the drawing cylinder and at least one of the rollers.

Abstract: An improved method of making (100% heat-resisting) chemical or synthetic fiber knitted towelling which includes a step of primary shearing to cut the pile yarn of a knitted fabric, obtained after napping of the fabric; a step of brushing the knitted fabric, after the step of primary shearing by means of the application of two reversed card-wire raising fillets, permitting the knitted fabric to be fed at a speed of 3-4 meters per minute; a step of steam damping at about 100.degree. C. and a step of steam heat drying respectively performed in a dryer; the above steps taking place before the fabric is shaped by a step of setting of the knitted fabric in a heat-setting oven. Further shearing of the pile yarn is employed when needed.

Abstract: A method of treating a continuously travelling belt-like article with various processes in a tightly closed treatment chamber, comprising the steps of: introducing the belt-like article horizontally into the treatment chamber; guiding the introduced belt-like article up and down in a meandering path between an upper guide roller and a number of successive drive rollers in the treatment chamber while the belt-like article is being treated with the various processes, the guiding including firstly directing the belt-like article upwards via the first drive roller, twisting the belt-like article by 90.degree. in one direction, winding the belt-like article around the upper guide roller, then directing the belt-like article downwards and winding around the second drive roller, secondly directing the belt-like article upwards again, twisting the belt-like article by 90.degree.

Abstract: Industrial fabrics have controlled air permeability <120 l/dm.sup.2 .times. min and a very good ageing resistance. The air permeability value does not change by more than 15% in the ageing test. This fabric can be made by adapting production conditions for weaving, wet processing, and in particular, hot air treatment. The process is particularly suited for manufacturing air bag fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a narrow orthopedic casting tape which can be handled in longer lengths suitable for economical production of coated fabric products. The narrow casting tape of the present invention is knitted as a wide fiberglass fabric with at least one removable connecting yarn in the length (i.e., warp) direction of the fabric which acts to connect two narrower strips of fiberglass fabric. The removable connecting yarn is subsequently removed from the fabric by a heat treatment process which separates the wider fabric into two narrower fabrics and also heat sets the fabric. Alternatively, the removable connecting yarn may be removed from the fabric by a dissolution process. Narrow fabrics of the present invention can also be constructed of organic yarns.The present invention also provides a tearable orthopedic casting tape which has a high degree of extensibility.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creation of moire fabric. This can be achieved by placing a first piece of fabric against a support member and directing at least one stream of fluid at the surface of said first piece of fabric to provide lateral yarn displacement. Then delivering said stream at a peak dynamic pressure in excess of about 300 p.s.i.g. and less than 4,000 p.s.i.g. and selectively interrupting and re-establishing contact between said stream and said surface in accordance with pattern information in order to pattern said first piece of fabric. This is followed by combining said patterned first piece of fabric with an unpatterned second piece of fabric in overlapping relationship and applying pressure by means of calender rolls having smooth surfaces to said combination of said first piece of patterned fabric and said second piece of unpatterned fabric.

Abstract: A method to determine differential filter pressure caused by filter pluggage in a high pressure liquid system operated by a computer-operated control valve without the need for a pressure sensor coupled to the filter by corerlating the percent the control valve is open with the differential pressure of the filter. A signal is provided when the percentage of time the control valve is open exceeds a predetermined time and the filter is replaced in response to the signal.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing apertured or non-apertured nonwoven fabric wherein fibrous web is introduced onto support means and treated with high velocity water streams jetted from above. The non-apertured nonwoven fabric may be produced by fiber entangling treatment on a smooth surfaced plate including a plurality of drainage holes as first support means or by further fiber entangling treatment performed on water impermeable second support means after the fiber entangling treatment performed on the first support means.

Abstract: An elastic warp knitted fabric having a pulling out force for pulling out an elastic yarn from the knitted fabric of 30 g or more, and in which a shape of a sinker loop of a nonelastic yarn is maintained as a bulge shape after an application of a dyeing and finishing treatment. This elastic warp knitted fabric can be manufactured by using a specially prepared dyeing and finishing treatment, so that the sinker loop of the nonelastic yarn can be maintained in the treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of relatively moving substrate materials and the novel products produced thereby created by precise application of high temperature pressurized streams of fluid against the surface of the materials to melt and remove material which imparts a recessed channel to the materials that facilitates separation of the materials. The apparatus includes an elongate manifold for receiving heated pressurized fluid, such as air, disposed across the width of the relatively moving material and having a single slit the full width of the substrate for directing the fluid into the surface of the material. The substrate material is treated with an acrylic resin to eliminate jagged or frayed edges either prior to or after the melting and removal process by means of the high temperature pressurized fluid streams.

Abstract: Means and method for extracting moisture from a traveling web of textile material containing high-moisture content processing fluid using a fluid applicator extending transversely across the path of the traveling web for applying low-moisture content fluid through holes in a distribution manifold on one side of the traveling web. A flow restricting roller is disposed on the opposite side of the travelling web in opposition to the fluid applicator holes closely downstream from the holes and serving to confine the low-moisture content fluid flow from the applicator into and through the traveling web, thereby causing displacement of high-moisture content fluid from the traveling web with low-moisture content fluid. The flow restricting roller is disposed at a spacing above the applicator less than the free-standing thickness of the traveling web and applies pressure to compress the traveling web and effect flow restriction.

Abstract: Hybrid yarn is produced from thermoplastic and reinforcing fibers by spreading the fibers separately to form a band and combining and homogeneously intermixing the two bands on rolls or rods. The spreading is carried out in such a way that the reinforcing fiber band will be from 20 to 100% wider than the thermoplastic fiber band. The hybrid yarn can be sized and processed into fabrics which can be molded to produce fiber composites.

Abstract: The process of treatment according to this invention is applied to a textile piece--weave, knit or finished article--constituted wholly or partly by yarns of continuous filaments with adherent microfilaments, obtained by star--or lamellar spinning, for example comprising six to eight unitary microfilaments of 0.2 to 0.4 dtex. It consists in subjecting said piece, resting on a support screen, to the action of jets of water at a pressure of at least 4.multidot.10.sup.6 Pa, whereby the structure of the piece is modified and the unitary microfilaments are separated.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and related process for enhancement of woven and knit fabrics through use of dynamic fluids which entangle and bloom fabric yarns. A two stage enhancement process is employed in which top and bottom sides of the fabric are respectively supported on members 22, 34 and impacted with a fluid curtain including high pressure jet streams. Controlled process energies and use of support members 22, 34 having open areas 26, 36 which are aligned in offset relation to the process line produces fabrics having a uniform finish and improved characteristics including, edge fray, drape, stability, abrasion resistance, fabric weight and thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in puncture-resistant and medicinal treatment garments. Garments made from fibers such as KEVLAR.RTM. and designed to deter penetration of objects are subjected to an additional brushing step to enhance the fibers' abilities to prevent penetration of sharp needle-like penetrating objects. The fibers may also be coated with an abrasive material to further engage and deflect penetrating objects. In another aspect of the invention, the fibers may be coated with a disinfectant or pharmaceutical agent. The coated fibers, having the improved fiber structure resulting from the brushing step, may be used in fabrics to treat skin conditions, disinfect penetrating objects in puncture-resistant materials, or as a disinfecting prevention fabric for use in textiles in high risk infection areas such as hospitals and public facilities.

Abstract: A novel textile fabric having a napped face which is uniform in height and in which most of the fibers comprising the nap extend from yarns extending in the warp direction of the fabric.

Abstract: Means and apparatus for extracting moisture from a traveling web of textile material containing high-moisture content processing fluid using a fluid applicator extending transversely across the path of the traveling web for applying low-moisture content fluid through holes in a distribution manifold on one side of the traveling web. A flow restricting roller is disposed on the opposite side of the traveling web in opposition to the fluid applicator holes closely downstream from the holes and serving to confine the low-moisture content fluid flow from the applicator into and through the traveling web, thereby causing displacement of high-moisture content fluid from the traveling web with low-moisture content fluid. The flow restricting roller is disposed at a spacing above the applicator less than the free-standing thickness of the traveling web and applies pressure to compress the traveling web and effect flow restriction.

Abstract: In setting a web, e.g. a wire sieve or felt in a heating and setting plant, air of a desired temperature is blown towards said web. The air in the air box is heated to a desired starting temperature, the air meanwhile being redirected to circulate in the air box without flowing towards said web to any substantial degree. When the air has reached the starting temperature, it is redirected to be blown towards the running web. This procedure may be repeated as desired until the web is set as desired.A setting plant for setting webs comprises an air box with two portions between which the web may run. At least one portion of the box acting as an active box portion, comprises equipment for air treatment.