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: 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: 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: The invention concerns a device for homogenizing, mixing and/or granulating chemicals which consist of at least one component, particularly additives, by means of an extruder consisting of several housing segments, at least one worm, a nozzle arrangement and at least one cutting device.

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: A extruded filament die tip, such as meltblown filaments, has a plurality of bores communicating with the main polymer distribution channel. The bores have a plurality of capillary openings, or spinnerettes, drilled into the bore to act as extrusion orifices for the die tip. The present die tip differs from conventional die tips in which capillaries are drilled into a deep slot formed in the die tip for polymer distribution. The invention allows more material to remain in the body of the die tip while facilitating more spinnerette openings per linear inch in the die tip and permitting higher operating pressures and smaller diameter fibers such as between 1 and 4 microns. A resultant nonwoven fabric made with the die tip will have a higher hydrohead resistance due to the increased number of fine filaments per inch for the same osy of fabric.

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 honeycomb extrusion die constructed from a strengthening base plate comprising a relatively small number of large feedholes and thin die body plate comprising a larger number of relatively small feed holes supplying extrudable material to a discharge slot array, wherein the two plates are connected by an intermediate compound feed section incorporating branching feed conduits arranged to provide an extrusion path of low flow impedance between the large base plate feed holes and the smaller body plate feed holes.

Abstract: Two rows of nozzles 4a and 4b whose open ends are formed as orifices 2 of a die are respectively made to communicate with introducing slots 3 of orifice units 6, and jackets 7 for temperature regulation are each disposed between the orifice units 6. First nozzle portions 41a and 41b of a small diameter are provided in the nozzles 4a and 4b for the purpose of reducing a dead space where the orifices 2 cannot be disposed due to the jackets 7, and the jackets 7 are disposed at their depthwise position. The first nozzle portions 41a and 41b are disposed eccentrically in mutually opposite directions with respect to second nozzle portions 42a and 42b having the same diameter as the orifice 2, thereby making it possible to substantially reduce the dead space.

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: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing a sectioned candle is provided. For example, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a candle mold is provided which, through various structures, may be oriented at various angles. Thus, by orienting the mold at different angles, improved control of the angle of a sectional divide of various sections of the candle is obtained. Additionally, by controlling the temperatures of the materials for making the candles during processing, the quality of the candle, such as for example, the bonding between the sections of the candle can be improved.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Improved batch uniformity delivered to the discharge slots of an extrusion die is obtained by providing a stressor component of reduced cross-sectional area from the feedholes which suddenly increases the linear flow velocity due to its reduced cross-sectional area, and then just as suddenly restores the original flow conditions as it exits the stressor component into a larger diameter channel. A rapid change in particle alignment, due to the cross-sectional flow change, produces a shearing influence on the batch, and functions to produce a more uniform flow as it enters the discharge slot sections of the extrusion die.

Abstract: Spinnerette assemblies for forming synthetic fibers whereby a relatively thin orifice plate is compressively sealed against a planar face of a mounting block. The spinnerette assemblies preferably include a mounting block having a planar mounting face and a least one supply bore having a discharge opening at the mounting face. A planar orifice plate is positioned in contact with the mounting face of the mounting block and includes a capillary opening in fluid communication with the discharge opening of the supply bore. A series of attachments (preferably screws) circumferentially surround the capillary opening of the orifice plate so as to compressively rigidly fix the orifice plate to the mounting face of the mounting block and thereby seal the capillary opening against fluid leakage. Most preferably, the attachments (e.g.

Abstract: A spinning apparatus for producing a plurality of yarns, wherein the yarns are produced by combining a plurality of filament bundles. To this end, the spinning apparatus includes a plurality of extruders for producing a plurality of melt flows, which are distributed by a plurality of distributor pumps to at least two spinning positions that are arranged side by side. Each of the spinning positions includes a plurality of spinnerets, which extrude a partial flow from a distributor pump to a filament bundle. Also, the spinning positions are arranged so that at least one filament bundle of one spinning position can be combined to a yarn with at least one filament bundle of an adjacent spinning position.

Abstract: The invention provides a spinnerette assembly for forming multicomponenthollow fibers of the sheath/core type. The spinnerette assembly contains an extrusion orifice and a core forming material passage in communication with the extrusion orifice. A hollow needle extends through the extrusion orifice in a concentric manner to define an annular passage surrounding the needle. The core forming material passage includes a core forming material inlet port extending from a surface of the spinnerette assembly to an interior of the assembly and a transverse passage extending from the core forming material port to the annular passage surrounding the needle. A bore forming fluid passage communicates with the interior of the needle. The spinnerette assembly contains at least one sheath forming material passage also in communication with the extrusion orifice.

Abstract: The invention provides a spinnerette assembly for forming hollow fibers. The spinnerette assembly contains an extrusion orifice and a fiber-forming material passage in communication with the extrusion orifice. A hollow needle extends through the extrusion orifice in a concentric manner to define an annular passage surrounding the needle. The fiber-forming material passage includes a fiber-forming material inlet port extending from a surface of the spinnerette assembly to an interior of the assembly and a transverse passage extending from the fiber-forming material port to the annular passage surrounding the needle. A bore forming fluid passage communicates with the interior of the needle.

Abstract: A unique isotropic sub-denier spunbond nonwoven product created by an apparatus comprising a unique multi-head resin metering system, a spinneret head with spinning sections, separated by a quench fluid extraction zone, a two sided, multilevel quench system, a fluid volume control infuser system which automatically guides the filaments into the filament drawing system while conserving energy by using a portion of the quench fluid as part of the drawing fluid and also minimizing turbulence at the entrance to the draw slot. The filament drawing system comprises a draw jet assembly with adjustable primary and secondary jet-nozzles and a variable width draw jet-slot. The entire draw jet assembly is moveable vertically for filament optimization. The offset, constant flow secondary jet-nozzle system provides an unexpectedly high velocity increment to the filaments by oscillating the filaments and increasing their drag resulting in remarkably low fiber denier on the order of 0.5 to 1.2.

Abstract: A decorative food formed of a plurality of kinds of fluid food materials and manufactured by using a mold is provided. The decorative food has an outside shape thereof conforming to an interior surface of the mold inclusive of an opening of said mold. The decorative food has a colored pattern divided into multiple divisions extending up to a central portion of the decorative food, in a direction to extrude the food materials into the mold, the colored pattern being formed such that the multiple divisions are arranged with substantially the same ratio at any of a cross sectional area intersecting the direction to extrude the food materials, and wherein the decorative food contains therein a foodstuff. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for manufacturing the decorative food.

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: An extruder for use in a plastic extrusion process comprises a plurality of extruder members. Each extruder member comprises a plate portion and a hollow tubular portion perpendicular to the plate portion. The plate portions of the extruder members are located side by side with one another and define a first plastic handling part of the extruder in which there is firstly a feeding and then a transition of plastic material fed to the extruder. The tubular portions of the extruder members which are telescopically interfitted with one another define a second plastic handling part of the extruder for metering of plastic flow output from the extruder.

Abstract: A stripe coating applicator for coating at least two stripes having a plurality of slit outlets provided at a nozzle edge and a pair of block edges forming said slit outlets. Stripe partitions partition and define the plurality of slit outlets formed at the pair of block edges. Notches are formed on at least one of said block edges toward a direction of the coating fluid to be discharged and correspond to the positions of the stripe partitions. Movable parts are formed at the at least one of said block edges where the notches are provided. The notches and thin parts form the movable parts. A slit gap adjustment means is provided for adjusting slit gaps by moving the movable parts.

Abstract: A multiple extrusion nozzle having an outer extrusion segment and an inner extrusion segment for extrusion of casing, particularly potato dough casing material, having two or more axial cavities.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes extrusion apparatus, method, and product wherein and by which ground meat replicates selected cuts of natural, unground meat. A ground meat product substantially free of bone and heavy tissue is extruded through a die having a perforated area extending sidewise of the die and constituting at least one row of a series of elongate openings extending closely end-to-end along the perforated area in preferably multilayer rows, the openings of the outer layers of which preferably intercommunicate end-to-end, or even interconnected end-to-end so that a continuous ribbon-shaped, stranded, intermediate product is extruded and may be cut transversely to make final, stranded meat products, both intermediate and final products being preferably enclosed substantially peripherally by an envelope of side by side, substantially merged, longitudinal strands of ground meat that substantially replicates a cut of natural, unground meat.

Abstract: A die for extruding ceramic honeycomb structural bodies, have a plurality of ceramic batch discharge slits, a plurality of ceramic batch supply holes communicated with the ceramic batch discharge slits, and a plurality of pipes fitted into at least some of the ceramic batch holes. In the die, the pipes are inserted into the ceramic batch supply holes in such a manner that tip portions of the pipes are located apart from bottom portions of the ceramic batch supply holes.

Abstract: A collectively coating die device (2) is provided for applying coating resin in a lump to coated optical fibers (1) arranged in parallel on one and the same plane so as to form a plurality of optical fiber ribbons (16) at the same time. The collectively coating die device (2) has a nipple portion (9) and a die portion (10), a resin accumulation space (8) formed between the nipple portion (9) and the die portion (10). The nipple portion (9) has two parallel planes and having a plurality of optical fiber passageways (13) shaped like ellipses in section and provided in the direction perpendicular to the planes. The die portion (10) has two parallel planes and has a plurality of optical fiber passageways (14) shaped like ellipses in section and is provided in the direction perpendicular to the planes. Each of the optical fiber passageways (13) of the nipple portion (9) has a tapered portion.

Abstract: A honeycomb extrusion die comprising a die body incorporating an inlet face, a discharge face opposite the inlet face, a plurality of feedholes extending from the inlet face into the body, and an array of intersecting discharge slots extending into the body from the discharge face and interconnecting with the feed holes, the intersecting discharge slots being formed by the side surfaces of a plurality of pins bounded by the slots and extending into the die body from the discharge face, wherein a plurality of the pins include one or more multi-textured side surfaces, each side surface including at least two surface regions differing in surface finish from each other.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing biodegradable products with a blown foamy structure, wherein a mass comprising at least natural polymers such as starch is passed under pressure into or through a mould and the mass is heated in the mould in a manner such as to give rise to at least cross-linking of natural polymers, while the mass prior to the introduction into the mould has a temperature which is below the gelatinization temperature and in the mould is brought at least to the baking temperature.

Abstract: A die for manufacturing honeycomb bodies includes batch supply holes which are opened to a backside surface of the die, slit channels which are communicated with the batch supply holes and are opened to a foreside surface of the die and a taper worked portion which is formed by working an outer peripheral portion of the foreside surface of the die in a taper manner. In the die mentioned above, at least one cut-out portion is formed to the taper worked portion of the outer peripheral portion.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing die module for mounting on a manifold incudes (a) a die body having formed therein polymer and air flow passages, and a valve for selectively closing the polymer flow passage and (b) a die tip or die nozzle detachably mounted on the die body. The die tip or die nozzle is secured to the die body by a pair of clamping members depending from the die body and adapted to engage die tip or die nozzle therebetween. The clamping members can selectively be moved toward one another to clampingly secure the die tip or die nozzle therebetween or moved away from one another to release the die tip or die nozzle, permitting it to be replaced without the need to remove the die module from the manifold.

Abstract: A multiple-orifice extrusion manifold 10 is disclosed which includes a first housing 20 defining an outer chamber 170 and an extrusion wall 140. A plurality of orifices 80, adapted for extruding a first substance from the outer chamber 170, extend through the extrusion wall 140. An inlet pipe 40 is provided in the first housing 20 for flowing the first substance into the outer chamber 170. The inlet pipe 40 is located so as to permit flow of the first substance symmetrically within the outer chamber 170. A second housing 190 which defines an inner chamber 200 is provided within the first housing 20. The second housing 190 is located symmetrically within the outer chamber. A plurality of tubes 210 extend from the second housing 190. Each tube 210 has a first end 212 opening into the inner chamber 200 and a second open end 213 cooperatively aligned with an orifice 80 for extruding a second substance from the inner chamber 200 through the tube 210 and to within the first substance.

Abstract: A decorative food formed of a plurality of kinds of fluid food materials and manufactured by using a mold is provided. The decorative food has an outside shape thereof conforming to an interior surface of the mold inclusive of an opening of said mold. The decorative food has a colored pattern divided into multiple divisions extending up to a central portion of the decorative food, in a direction to extrude the food materials into the mold, the colored pattern being formed such that the multiple divisions are arranged with substantially the same ratio at any of a cross sectional area intersecting the direction to extrude the food materials, and wherein the decorative food contains therein a foodstuff. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for manufacturing the decorative food.

Abstract: Rectangular or round spinning nozzle packs for extruding thermoplastic filaments each have both melt channels and orifices for the higher melting polymer compound and also melt channels with orifices through which is passed a polymer compound that melts at a temperature 5 to 50.degree. C. lower. Variously designed insulation channels thermally separate these melt channels, which are operated at different temperatures.

Abstract: Core filaments for the formation of a fleece are formed in a spinneret assembly which has a wide slit extrusion die provided with two outlet slits for different thermoplastic synthetic resins. Below the die, a distribution plate has two sets of feed bores which deliver synthetic resin from the two sets of bores to a core-forming plate directly beneath the distribution plate and a spinneret plate below the core-forming plate whose spinneret bores are aligned with core-forming bores in the core-forming plate.

Abstract: A fiber spinning device and process for manufacturing a web of fibers comprising 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: Apparatus for extruding composite products, especially food products such as simulated bacon slabs having components representing meat and fat, respectively, that replicate the random pattern of natural bacon slabs. The apparatus has an extrusion die member which, in some embodiments, is rotatably mounted for manual or motorized movement from one selected position of adjustability to another selected position of adjustability about a substantially circular path of adjustability that is preferably visually indexed to indicate the extent of any positional adjustment of the extrusion die from time-to-time. The apparatus may include a standard sausage stuffing machine for controlling movement of the extrusion die. In all embodiments of the die, it is independent of the apparatus in which it is adapted to be installed so as to be easily removable and replaceable relative to such apparatus, but need not be rotatable.

Abstract: A honeycomb extrusion die comprising a die body incorporating an inlet face, a discharge face opposite the inlet face, a plurality of feedholes extending from the inlet face into the body, and an intersecting array of discharge slots extending into the body from the discharge face to connect with the feed holes, the intersecting array of discharge slots being formed by the side surfaces of a plurality of pins bounded by the slots and extending into the die body from the discharge face, wherein at least some of the side surfaces of the pins incorporate at least one geometrically designed flow-modifying surface discontinuity.

Abstract: A meltblowing method and apparatus for dispensing an adhesive through a plurality of first orifices of a die assembly fabricated from a plurality of laminated members to form a plurality of adhesive flows at a first velocity, and dispensing air through a plurality of second orifices in the die assembly to form a plurality of air flows at a second velocity. The plurality of first and second orifices arranged in an alternating series so that each of the plurality of first orifices is flanked on substantially opposing sides by one of the plurality of second orifices, wherein the plurality of first and second orifices are oriented to direct non-convergently the plurality of adhesive flows and the plurality of air flows.

Abstract: A spider in an extruder head has a plurality of internal plastic flow passages extending axially through the spider and a spider leg between each flow passage. Each spider leg has upstream and downstream spider leg parts. The upstream part is a flow splitter which splits flow of plastic along the extruder to the spider leg into a plurality of independent plastic streams. The downstream part of the spider leg has a plurality of flow guides staggered at different radial depths in the spider leg with all of the flow guides being directed at one another to guide the bonding of independent plastic streams.

Abstract: The apparatus for manufacturing the nonwoven fabric contains at least one, and may contain up to forty or more, spinneret devices, such as rectangular spinneret plates or round spinneret disks. The spinneret devices may be arranged in rows or in staggered arrangement above a linearly moving collector belt. Spinning orifices on the spinneret devices are respectively dedicated to producing a monofilament or a bicomponent filament from a melt and, viewed in the direction of motion of the collector belt, are arranged with respect to one another so as to correspond in their totality to the cross sectional structure of different filament types in the nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A parallel plate nozzle for extruding visco-elastic fluidic materials, useable in the manufacture of non-woven materials, and method therefor dispenses a plurality of first and second fluids from a corresponding plurality of first and second orifices to form first and second adjacent fluid flows. The first fluid flows are drawn and attenuated by not more than one corresponding second fluid flow at a second velocity greater than a first velocity of the first fluid flow to form corresponding first fluid filaments, which are preferably relatively continuous and vacillated chaotically. The first and corresponding second fluid flows are spaced as closely as possible to maximize filament drawing efficiency, and adjacent first fluid orifices are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent merging of the first fluid flows prior filament formation.

Abstract: An improved elastomeric mold for use in fabricating microstructures, the mold having first and second surfaces, the first surface including at least one recessed microchannel and the second surface including an access opening or filling member that extends through the mold to the first surface and communicates with the recessed microchannel. The mold is used by placing it onto a substrate with the recessed microchannel facing the substrate. The access opening of the mold is filled with a liquid material which is capable of solidifying. The access opening continuously introduces the liquid material into the space defined between the microchannel and the substrate. After the liquid material solidifies, the mold is removed from the substrate thereby leaving a microstructure formed from the solidified liquid material on the substrate.

Abstract: In a metal honeycomb extrusion die which incorporates apertures for the conveyance of extrudable material through the die body toward a discharge opening in the face of the die, the aperture sidewalls are shaped by electrochemical machining or the like to develop a periodically varying aperture size, surface shape or surface finish, superimposed on the conventional randomly varying machined aperture sidewall surface, in order to reduce the adverse effects of random surface variations on extrusion process stability and extruded product quality.