Abstract: A spinneret holder assembly for producing a continuous plastic multiple-component yarn with a preset component ratio, comprising in a mutually superimposed arrangement: a plate for conveying a first component and at least one second component; a distribution plate with first channels for the passage of the first component and a first compensation element for the second component; a pre-spinneret with second channels for the passage of the first component which are aligned with the first channels and a second compensation element for the second component; and a spinneret with extrusion holes which are connected to the channels for the passage of the first component and extend from a region for the distribution of the second component.

Abstract: A spinneret 20 for producing easily splittable plural-component fibers includes two passages 22 and 26 for respectively delivering two incompatible polymers (A and B) to two sets of inclined capillaries 34-39, 46-51. The two sets of capillaries converge toward each other in a downstream direction and direct molten polymer streams to two respective rows of orifices 40-45, 52-57. The centerlines of the polymer A capillaries lie along axes that, when extended beyond the spinneret, are offset and non-intersecting with axes along which the centerlines of the polymer B capillaries lie, such that the centerlines of the extruded polymer streams are directed along non-intersecting axes. The capillary angles and orifice arrangement cause the extruded polymer streams to extend toward each other in an interleaved fashion, with the polymer streams contacting each other in a generally tangential manner.

Abstract: Fiber spinning of two polymer compositions wherein one of the compositions contains carbon nanotubes produces structures such as fibers, ribbons, yarns and films of carbon nanotubes. The polymers are removed and stabilization of the carbon nanotube material is achieved by post-spinning processes. The advances disclosed herein enable the carbon nanotube composites to be used in actuators, supercapacitors, friction materials and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

Abstract: An apparatus for spinning bicomponent sheath/core filaments such that the filaments are uniformly quenched. The apparatus includes a distributor plate, and spinneret and a shim position between the distributor plate and the spinneret. The spinneret includes a plurality of holes positioned so that the density of holes is the lowest near the center of the spinneret and increases as radially proceed outward. More specifically, the holes are substantially configured in the shape of a parallelogram in which the sides of the parallelogram are all of equal length. Additionally, the shape of the parallelogram is more flat the further the parallelogram pattern is located from the center of the spinneret. In this manner of positioning the holes, filaments therefrom do not significantly impede quench air from uniformly reaching filaments in the outer rows.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming a plurality of multi-layered filaments from multiple thermoplastic synthetic polymers and an apparatus containing a melt spinning beam which comprises multiple polymer inlet passages each communicating with separate multiple coat hanger distribution manifolds, separate filters connected downstream of each coat hanger distribution manifold, a combining manifold connected downstream of said filters and spinneret orifices connected downstream of said combining manifold for spinning of said multi-layered filaments.

Abstract: A system and methods for collecting and managing air discharged from a melt spinning apparatus. The air management system includes an outer housing defining a first interior space, an intake opening for receiving the discharged air into the first interior space, and an exhaust opening for discharging the air. Positioned within the first interior space is an inner housing defining a second interior space coupled in fluid communication with the exhaust opening and an opening fluidically coupling the first and second interior spaces. The air management system includes a flow control device inside the first interior space that controls the flow of air from the first interior space to the second interior space and an air-directing member outside of the first interior space near the intake opening that extends in a cross-machine direction for dividing the intake opening into two portions in a machine direction.

Abstract: A fiber spinning device and process for manufacturing a web of fibers in the nature of a homogeneous mixture of fibers of different characteristics. Monocomponent fibers of different polymers can be extruded side-by-side from the same die system. Sheath/core bicomponent fibers can be alternated with monocomponent fibers formed of the same core polymer as used in the bicomponent fibers. Bicomponent fibers having a common core polymer and different sheath polymers can be extruded from alternate spinneret orifices in the same die plate. Multiple distribution plates are provided with surface grooves or depressions to direct polymer materials from independent sources to only selected spinneret openings in an array of spinneret openings while maintaining the polymers segregated from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a fiber from a biocompatible biopolymer includes a fiber-formation tube that defines a bore extending generally vertically from an upper end to a lower end. Coagulation fluid enters the tube through a fluid inlet coupled to its upper end and establishes a laminar flow of coagulation fluid within the tube. A spinneret introduces a stream of liquid biopolymer into the laminar flow of coagulation fluid so that the stream is surrounded and swept downstream by the coagulation fluid as it coagulates into a biopolymer fiber. The laminar flow of coagulation fluid surrounding the biopolymer stream maintains the shape of the stream so that the resulting fiber is homogeneous in both geometry and structure. The laminar flow of coagulation fluid also prevents the resulting fiber from contacting the inner wall of the fiber-formation tube.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus including a spinpack with a die tip block having a recess with a converging portion, such as an angled trough, which terminates in a row of filament discharge outlets. The recess selectively receives a configuration insert, such as a side-by-side insert or a sheath-core insert, that separates the converging portion of the recess into two sheets of liquid that combine at the filament discharge outlets. The spinpack may be configured by inserting either of the inserts to produce filaments having different cross sectional configurations of two different materials. Separation of the two liquids prevents premature interaction between the two liquid flows which minimizes instabilities between the liquid flow interface. The minimization of these instabilities can result in less formation of shot and improve other significant finished product properties. In addition, each type of liquid material may be maintained at an optimum temperature for proper extrusion.

Abstract: An apparatus to increase the orifice density in a spinneret by using an elongate boss having a plurality of orifices. The apparatus is for spinning bicomponent sheath/core filaments. The apparatus includes a distributor plate, and spinneret and a shim position between the distributor plate and the spinneret. The spinneret includes a plurality of elongate bosses spaced apart by channels. Each boss having a plurality of orifices of which the distance between the orifices are restricted only by manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: An apparatus for spinning hollow bicomponent filaments. The apparatus includes a distributor, a spinneret having holes and a shim having openings fixed between the distributor plate and the spinneret. The distributor supplies a first polymer having an MV to a first part of the spinneret holes and a second polymer having a lower MV to a recessed section of the spinneret. The shim openings are positioned above the spinneret holes and extend away from the first part of the holes to allow the second polymer to flow from the recessed section, through the shim openings, to a second part of the spinneret holes. The two polymers travel along the opposed first and second parts of the holes until exiting the spinneret through respective asymmetric C-shaped apertures. The apertures are sized so that hydraulic split does not occur between the polymers and consequently potential filament kneeing is obviated. Upon exiting the apertures, the polymers self-join to form hollow filaments and are quenched.

Abstract: Spunbond nonwoven fabrics are produced with an apparatus which comprises a spinnerette having a plurality of orifices for extruding filaments; an attenuator for receiving and attenuating the filaments; and a collection surface upon which the filaments are deposited to form a nonwoven web. A filament diffuser is positioned between the attenuator and the collection surface in the path of filament travel. The diffuser comprises a pair of opposing divergingly arranged side walls and a pair of opposing end walls, these walls collectively defining filament passageway. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a flow of fluid is injected along the walls of the diffuser in the direction of filament travel. More particularly, fluid is injected along both the opposing divergingly arranged walls and the opposing ends walls which form the diffuser. In another aspect of the present invention, the filaments are electrostatically charged and a like electrical charge is imparted to the walls of the diffuser.

Abstract: Robust homofilament fibers are meltspun from a differently shaped dual capillary spinneret design to induce differential fiber morphology to produce crimping. Crimping may further be aided by quenching and drawing of the fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spinning hollow bicomponent filaments. The apparatus includes a distributor, a spinneret having holes and a shim having openings fixed between the distributor plate and the spinneret. The distributor supplies a first polymer having an MV to a first part of the spinneret holes and a second polymer having a lower MV to a recessed section of the spinneret. The shim openings are positioned above the spinneret holes and extend away from the first part of the holes to allow the second polymer to flow from the recessed section, through the shim openings, to a second part of the spinneret holes. The two polymers travel along the opposed first and second parts of the holes until exiting the spinneret through respective asymmetric C-shaped apertures. The apertures are sized so that hydraulic split does not occur between the polymers and consequently potential filament kneeing is obviated. Upon exiting the apertures, the polymers self-join to form hollow filaments and are quenched.

Abstract: An apparatus for meltblowing multiple types of liquid materials into multi-component filaments. A pair of outer manifold elements sandwich an intermediate manifold element. Respective channels are formed between opposing sides of the outer manifold elements and the respective opposite sides of the intermediate manifold element. These recesses form channels which diverge or widen away from associated inlets at the top of the manifold assembly. A die tip is coupled to the manifold assembly at a lower side and communicates with the outlets of the channels. The die tip includes a combining member for producing a desired multi-component filament configuration and further includes air discharge passages for impinging the discharged multi-component filaments with pressurized air.

Abstract: An apparatus for extruding multiple types of liquid materials into multi-component filaments. A pair of outer manifold elements sandwich an intermediate manifold element. Respective channels are formed between opposing sides of the outer manifold elements and the respective opposite sides of the intermediate manifold element. These recesses form channels which diverge or widen away from associated inlets at the top of the manifold assembly. A die tip is coupled to the manifold assembly at a lower side and communicates with the outlets of the channels. The die tip includes a combining member for producing a desired multi-component filament configuration.

Abstract: A die head assembly for producing meltblown bicomponent fibers in a meltblown apparatus includes a die tip detachably mounted to an underside of a support member. The die tip has a row of channels defined therethrough terminating at exit orifices along a bottom edge of the tip. The channels receive and combine first and second polymers conveyed from the support member. A recess is defined along the top surface of the die tip and defines an upper chamber for each of the die tip channels. A plurality of breaker plates is removably supported in the recess in a stacked configuration. An upper one of the breaker plates has receiving holes defined therein to separately receive polymers from supply passages in the support member. The remaining breaker plates have holes defined therethrough configured to divide the polymers into separately polymer streams and to direct the polymer streams into the die tip channels, the number of polymer streams corresponding to the number of holes in the lowermost breaker plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinning device for the production of a spun thread from a fiber bundle, comprising a nozzle part 6 with an upper nozzle part 7 and a lower nozzle part 8.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to increase the orifice density in a spinneret by using an elongate boss having a plurality of orifices. An apparatus and method for spinning bicomponent sheath/core filaments. The apparatus includes a distributor plate, and spinneret and a shim position between the distributor plate and the spinneret. The spinneret includes a plurality of elongate bosses spaced apart by channels. Each boss having a plurality of orifices of which the distance between the orifices are restricted only by manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: A die head assembly for producing bicomponent meltblown fibers includes a die tip detachably mountable to a support member. The support member conveys first and second polymers separately to the die tip. The die tip has a row of channels defined therethrough that terminate at exit orifices or nozzles along the bottom edge of the die tip. These channels receive and combine the separate first and second polymers conveyed from the support member. An elongated recess is defined in the top surface of the die tip. The recess defines an upper chamber for each of the die tip channels. Stacked breaker plates are removably supported in the recess. The breaker plates have vertically aligned pairs of adjacent holes defined therethrough such that a pair of the aligned holes is disposed in each upper chamber of each channel. A filter screen is in the recess to separately filter the polymers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spinning bicomponent sheath/core filaments such that the filaments are uniformly quenched. The apparatus includes a distributor plate, and spinneret and a shim position between the distributor plate and the spinneret. The spinneret includes a plurality of holes positioned so that the density of holes is the lowest near the center of the spinneret and increases as radially proceed outward. More specifically, the holes are substantially configured in the shape of a parallelogram in which the sides of the parallelogram are all of equal length. Additionally, the shape of the parallelogram is more flatten the further the parallelogram pattern is located from the center of the spinneret. In this manner of positioning the holes, filaments therefrom do not significantly impede quench air from uniformly reaching filaments in the outer rows.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus including a spinpack with a die tip block having a recess with a converging portion, such as an angled trough, which terminates in a row of filament discharge outlets. The recess selectively receives a configuration insert, such as a side-by-side insert or a sheath-core insert, that separates the converging portion of the recess into two sheets of liquid that combine at the filament discharge outlets. The spinpack may be configured by inserting either of the inserts to produce filaments having different cross sectional configurations of two different materials. Separation of the two liquids prevents premature interaction between the two liquid flows which minimizes instabilities between the liquid flow interface. The minimization of these instabilities can result in less formation of shot and improve other significant finished product properties. In addition, each type of liquid material may be maintained at an optimum temperature for proper extrusion.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus includes fiber producing features to produce multi-component filaments by extruding two or more single-component strands that combine after extrusion and are then attenuated by process air. The two or more liquid materials do not contact one another in the spinpack. Separation of the two types of liquid material throughout the spinpack prevents premature leakage between two liquid materials and allows for an optimized temperature for each type of liquid material for proper extrusion.

Abstract: A spin pack assembly for spunbond production for constructing spunbond fabrics or laminates composed of bicomponent filaments that includes a spinneret, one or more distribution plates, a dual-chamber spin pack housing for polymer A and polymer B, and a diversion frame in each polymer housing chamber in conjunction with a screen and screen support to provide uniform polymer flow to the distribution plate for large-scale spin pack length-to-width ratio and for use with a large number of holes, up to 6,000 per meter. The present invention provides an even and accurate distribution of the polymer flow to insure uniform fabric in thickness and weight basis to be produced.

Abstract: Robust round homofilament fibers are meltspun from a spinneret having two conjoined capillaries of different length to diameter ratio to induce differential shear to produce fiber crimping. Crimping may further be aided by quenching of the fibers.

Abstract: A system and process is provided for producing spunbond nonwoven fabric. Two or more polymeric components are separately melted and are separately directed through a distribution plate configured so that the separate molten polymer components combine at a multiplicity of spinnerette orifices to form filaments containing the two or more polymer components. Multicomponent filaments are extruded from the spinnerette orifices into a quench chamber where quench air is directed from a first independently controllable blower and into contact with the filaments to cool and solidify the filaments. The filaments and the quench air are directed into and through a filament attenuator and the filaments are pneumatically attenuated and stretched. The filaments are directed from the attenuator into and through a filament depositing unit and are deposited randomly upon a moving continuous air-permeable belt to form a nonwoven web of substantially continuous filaments.

Abstract: At least two different liquid streams are sub-divided into a dense plurality of individually separated parallel pixels oriented in respective misregistered arrays. Therefore, an individual pixel of one of the liquid stream arrays will be surrounded by pixels of the other liquid stream array. These individual pixel arrays are then bought into contact with one another to form a multi-pixel liquid stream comprised of the misregistered pixel arrays of the two different liquid streams. The “pixelated” liquid stream—that is, the liquid stream containing in cross-section the misregistered pixel arrays of the two different liquid streams—may then be further processed. For example, the pixelated liquid stream may be subjected to further mixing by being directed along a tortuous flow path.

Abstract: A synthetic fiber forming apparatus is disclosed for the manufacture of a variety of synthetic fibers at an improved rate of efficiency and uniformity. The synthetic fiber forming apparatus includes a distribution plate and a metering plate which is positioned downstream of the distribution plate. The distribution plate contains at least one flow path which is in fluid flow connection with at least one exit hole in the distribution plate. The metering plate contains at least one orifice which is desirably positioned immediately downstream of the distribution plate exit hole, and which is adapted to meter the flow of a flowable material therethrough. The metering plate orifice is desirably smaller than the distribution plate exit hole and preferably a plurality of orifices are in fluid flow connection with a single distribution plate exit hole. The metering plate acts to provide a flowable material at a consistent pressure to the spinneret.

Abstract: A process for forming a multiple component meltblown fiber comprising extruding a first distinct melt-processable polymer through a first extrusion orifice, simultaneously extruding a second distinct melt-processable polymer through a second extrusion orifice, fusing said first and second melt-processable polymers into an extruded composite filament after extrusion, and pneumatically attenuating said extruded composite filament with jets of high velocity gas so as to form said multiple component meltblown fiber.

Abstract: A composite yarn formed of at least two different individual polymeric fibers may be spun by directing at least two streams of different polymer melts (e.g., polymer melts of different colors and/or characteristics) to a spin pack such that one of the streams has a greater volumetric throughput as compared to the volumetric throughput of the other stream. The polymer streams are each distributed within the spin pack among individual filtration chambers so that the filtration chambers receive substantially the same volumetric throughput allotment of the polymer melt streams. In such a manner, the polymer melt streams are distributed among the filtration chambers in substantially equal throughput allotments even though the total throughput of the melt streams of each of the different polymers may be unequal. The filtered polymer melt streams may then be directed through fiber-forming orifices of a spinneret plate to form the composite yarn.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for spinning solutions of cellulose carbamate by extruding the solution through a spinneret into a precipitation bath, coagulating the cellulose carbamate fibers thus formed and drawing off the fibers by mechanical means, where the fibers are enveloped from the outlet of the spinneret to the outlet of the precipitation bath in a stream of precipitating medium flowing in the same direction, where the velocity of flow of the precipitation medium where the fibers exit the spinneret (plane X1) amounts to 0.1 to 0.8 times the draw-off speed of the fibers, and the velocity of flow of the precipitation medium where the fibers exit the precipitation bath (plane X3) amounts to 0.96 to 1.1 times the draw-off speed of the fibers.

Abstract: A fiberizer has a spinning head that is partitioned to create separate extrusion zones for fiber formation. Molten feed stock is allocated between the zones to promote a greater formation of fiber of having a narrow spectrum of fiber diameters.

Abstract: Apparatus for making two component fibers or continuous filaments which includes a pre-die plate having first openings through which a component flows to aligned second openings in a die juxtaposed the pre-die plate, and a flexible tube member extending from the first openings into the second openings to accommodate any misalignment of the first openings relative to the second openings without adversely affecting the flow of the two fiber components.