Abstract: A self-texturing hollow fiber that exhibits a desirable tendency to coil rather than to bend sharply or zig-zag. In one embodiment the invention is a hollow polymer filament having a generally cylindrical cross-section. The filament is further defined by a cylindrical wall formed of at least two generally C-shaped sections, each section including first and second ends separated by an intermediate portion in which no two points along the cross-section of the wall corresponding to the intermediate portion share the same width. In another aspect, the invention is a coiled bilateral hollow polymeric filament in which the two component polymers are identical except for their degree of orientation. The filament is further defined by a non-linear wall formed of at least two non-linear sections.

Abstract: Provided is an electrically conductive elastic composite yarn having an elastic member that is surrounded by at least one conductive covering filament. The conductive covering filament has a length that is greater than the drafted length of the elastic member such that substantially all of an elongating stress imposed on the composite yarn is carried by the elastic member. The elastic composite yarn may further include an optional stress-bearing member surrounding the elastic member and the conductive covering filament.

Abstract: A method for preparing stretchable bonded nonwoven fabrics which involves forming a substantially nonbonded nonwoven web of multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers which are capable of developing three-dimensional spiral crimp, activating the spiral crimp by heating substantially nonbonded web under free shrinkage conditions during which the nonwoven remains substantially nonbonded, followed by bonding the crimped nonwoven web using an array of discrete mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds. Nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of stretch-recovery properties, textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a decorative mass of fiber fluff wherein a source of supply of staple fibers made of natural or synthetic textile fiber and arranged in continuous form, such as in a strand of yarn, are provided as a pattern array of discrete streams of different selected colors with the colors being uniform in each stream and comprising at least one base color and one contrasting color. The array stream of fibers is fed as an array of multiple strands of yarn into a carding operation wherein the fibers are brushed or carded from their input form into card or brush clothing to thereby only partially intermix fibers of at least two different colors in the bristles or wires of the card or brush clothing. The accumulated fibers are then removed from the clothing to form a pillow batt or roving having a streaked appearance representative of the original colors of the individual yarn strands, and with a partial intermixing and blending of the streaks of one color with those of another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a roll cover for a calender or press roll for treating a material web. The roll cover includes a layer of elastomeric material having filaments running approximately longitudinally with respect to a web run direction and transversely to the web run direction embedded for reinforcement, and at least one layer of additional reinforcing filaments embedded in at least some sections of the elastomeric layer. The additional reinforcing filaments run at an angle between 20° and 70° with respect to the web run direction. The layer is arranged to form roll ends connectable to a roll axle. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

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

Abstract: The present invention concerns a cable erection technique using a plastically deformable coil comprising a metal wire formed in a spiral shape and synthetic resin coated on a surface of the metal wire, wherein said coil is inserted outside around a tensile line drawn between utility poles, the coil is elongated until its plastic deformation for forming a series of cable arrangement spaces inside the spiral, and a cable is extended, added or extracted through the cable arrangement space.

Abstract: This invention relates to paper machine clothing, particularly a press felt, comprising a support and comprising filaments which are formed as profiled monofilaments (1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 18, 23, 24, 25) with a profile which differs from a circular cross-section, which is characterised in that profiled monofilaments (1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 18, 23, 24, 25) are present which are helically profiled.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure designed for handling compression stress states when the structure is molded into a composite. The structure, specifically a wrapped cord with metallic filaments contained therein, is suitable for both compression and tension load forces. The reinforcing structure has a core comprising a plurality of essentially straight, nested filaments arranged in parallel, the filaments forming a line of contact with adjacent filaments that extends along the length of the filaments. Wrapped about the core is at least one helically wound wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing structure (13), comprising metallic elements (15) (16), to be used to reinforce stiff composite articles (14) comprising such reinforcing structure and a polymer matrix. The reinforcing structure comprises metallic elements with structural deformations in order to improve the bending properties of the reinforcing structure and the impact properties of the stiff composite article, for which the reinforcing structure is used. The metallic elements run essentially parallel to each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns a feather-based padding product having a coherent shape resulting from the presence of a structure in the form of a three-dimensional network; said network consists of mutually bound thermoplastic fibres (2), which enclose said feathers. Said fibres (2) are first mixed with the feathers, then with appropriate heat treatment, said fibres are bonded at their contact points (5). The padding product is thus in the form of a web and it is packed in rolls or in the form of slabs.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable nonwoven fabric including thermoplastic elastomer filaments; the filaments being heat-sealed and/or mechanically intertwined together to form the nonwoven fabric that has crimped regions and non-crimped regions wherein each of the crimped regions has fine crimps in the rate of 50/cm or higher.

Abstract: A hydrophilic elastically stretchable composite sheet composed of an elastically stretchable first sheet and an inelastically stretchable second sheet intermittently bonded to at least one surface of the first sheet. At least one of the first sheet and the second sheet contains hydrophilic material. The composite sheet has a high sweat absorbability.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a variegated multicolor fabric by knitting or weaving from a yarn spun from decorative mass of fiber fluff made from staple fibers arranged in continuous form of discrete streams of different uniform colors. The streams are brushed or carded so as to only partially intermix fibers of at least two different colors. The accumulated fibers removed from the card clothing form a pillow batt or roving having a streaked appearance with only a partial intermixing and blending of the streaks of one color with those of another. These are slightly further worked into a final fluff product having randomly dispersed bands, streaks and/or islands of one color softly merging into another color to produce a decorative randomized and interrupted candy-cane like appearance in the cotton-candy like mass of final fiber fluff for spinning into yam for making the fabric.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs of continuous filaments are provided having a mixture or blend of first and second continuous filaments wherein the first and second continuous filaments are different from the first continuous filaments in one or more respects such as size, cross-sectional shape, polymer composition, crimp level, wettability, liquid repellency, and charge retention. The second continuous filaments can be substantially surrounded by the first continuous filaments wherein the ratio of first continuous filaments to second continuous filaments exceeds about 2:1.

Abstract: An apparatus or method for forming a pile assembly without the use of additional materials as an adhesive or preformed core, and the products/articles made therefrom. The method and apparatus uses the beam or base member of the elongated pile sub-assemblies (e.g. tuftstrings or rooted tuftstrings) to form a continuous tubular core. This method and/or apparatus can be used to form articles such as brush rollers, interior panels for various modes of transportation, or a flooring article. The melt flow of the beam adjacent to one another along a mandrel surface form a continuous base material. In the case of a roller brush this base material forms a core from which the pile for roller brushes radially extend. Making a roller brush or other article in this manner eliminates the cores adhesives and fabric support material normally required for the pile yarn. Also a mandrel can be used to form a variety of geometric shapes for the cores of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil substitute useful in supporting plant growth. More particularly, the present invention relates to biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymer fibers for use in plant cultivation.

Abstract: A continuous fiber granulate material includes granulate particles having reinforcing staple fibers helically arranged in a thermoplastic matrix. The reinforcing staple fibers are located in a sheathed zone of the granulate particles along with a melted matrix material, with the granulate further including a core zone having unmelted thermoplastic staple fibers. The continuous fiber granulates have good free-flowing properties and a uniform distribution of reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A composite yarn formed of a core yarn and a cover yarn, wherein one of the core yarn and the cover yarn is a fluid-soluble strand and the other of the core yarn and cover yarn is a non-fluid-soluble strand. The composite yarn can be knitted into an intermediate fabric product. The soluble element is dissolved to leave a use fabric suitable for other processing, such as coating with materials such as latex. the non-fluid-soluble strand may be either a single strand or multi-filaments of steel wire.

Abstract: An integral ceramic insert for a radiant tube. The insert has a helical shape and contains ceramic material; and it has a thermal expansion rate of less than 6.0×10−6 meters/meter/degree Celsius and a thermal conductivity of at least 0.2 calories/centimeter/second/degree Celsius. The diameter of the insert is from about 2 to about 10 inches, and it has a length such that the ratio of its length to its diameter is from about 2/1 to about 8/1. The helical shape of the insert contains one or more pitches of from about 2 to about 32 inches, each which defines a helix angle of from about 15 to about 80 degrees.

Abstract: Melt processable perfluoropolymer forms in woven, non-woven and knitted manifestations, and products produced therefrom such as filters and filtration support media are made of melt processable single and/or multicomponent yarns from a wide range of deniers, shapes and crimps.

Abstract: Micro-electromechanical tools for minimally invasive techniques including microsurgery. These tools utilize composite shape memory alloy (SMA), shape memory polymer (SMP) and combinations of SMA and SMP to produce catheter distal tips, actuators, etc., which are bistable. Applications for these structures include: 1) a method for reversible fine positioning of a catheter tip, 2) a method for reversible fine positioning of tools or therapeutic catheters by a guide catheter, 3) a method for bending articulation through the body's vasculature, 4) methods for controlled stent delivery, deployment, and repositioning, and 5) catheters with variable modulus, with vibration mode, with inchworm capability, and with articulated tips. These actuators and catheter tips are bistable and are opportune for in vivo usage because the materials are biocompatible and convenient for intravascular use as well as other minimal by invasive techniques.

Abstract: An elongated fibrous insulation blanket is pre-cut for custom fitting the insulation blanket into wall, floor, ceiling and roof cavities of different widths formed by the framework of a building. The blanket has one or more cuts extending for the length of the blanket which separate the blanket into two or more longitudinally extending sections. Adjacent sections of the blanket are joined together along the cut(s) by separable connectors which hold together the sections of the blanket for handling, but are separable by hand along the cut(s) so that the blanket can be handled as a unit for insulating a cavity having a predetermined width or easily separated by hand into two or more sections at a cut for insulating a cavity having a lesser width.

Abstract: A variety of methods of improving the dyeability and printability of fabrics comprising or consisting essentially of high tenacity fibers having a tensile breaking strength of at least about 10 g/Denier are disclosed. Such methods can result in fabrics, yarns, and/or fiber bundles having an improved ability to be dyed and/or printed with a printed pattern (e.g., a camouflage pattern), when compared to typical high tenacity fiber-based fabrics known in the prior art. The fabrics can have dyeability characteristics enabling them to be dyed with a variety of commercially relevant fabric dyes, such that the fabrics, after exposure to the dyes, are characterized by an essentially visually uniform dyed color density. In one embodiment, a dyeable fiber bundle, which can be utilized to form dyeable yarns and fabrics, which comprises at least about 5% of high tenacity fibers having a tensile breaking strength of at least about 10 g/Denier is disclosed.

Abstract: A fabric for the forming, press and dryer sections of a paper machine, for use as a reinforcing base for a polymeric-resin-coated paper-processing belt or as a corrugator belt, or in other industrial settings where a material is being dewatered, is formed from a monofilament yarn, which is spirally wound in the form of a closed helix, adjacent turns thereof being abutted against and joined securely to one another. The monofilament yarn has a first side and a second side which are oppositely and correspondingly shaped, so that, when spirally wound in a plurality of turns, the first side fits closely into or against the second side of an adjacent and abutting turn, and adjacent spiral turns are secured to one another at the abutting first and second sides to form the fabric.

Abstract: Provided is a glass fiber prepared by combining two glasses, preferably at least one of which is biosoluble, in a core/sheath arrangement. Such an arrangement can provide fibers potentially stronger than those of single glasses, while also having a permanent twist or curl to impart improved loft and recovery to blankets or mats comprised of them. Preferably, the core is offset from the center of the fiber. In one embodiment, the glass fibers of the present invention comprise a core and a sheath, where the core glass of the structure contracts as it cools to a greater extent than the sheath glass of the structure. Benefits are achieved in this manner, preferably with regard to biosoluble fibers.

Abstract: Hollow carbon microcoils are provided having a pitch that is substantially zero. Also provided are ceramic microcoils comprising a metal nitride, a metal carbide or a metal carbonitride. The invention also includes methods for producing such microcoils.

Abstract: A rebar forming apparatus includes a malleable material supply station for continuously supplying a malleable planar material and a malleable material forming station for forming the malleable material into first and second corresponding shell portions and related rebar products. The apparatus also includes a core pultrusion station and a cladding forming station for respectively forming core and cladding layers. A shell forming station is positioned downstream of the core and cladding forming stations which unites the first and second shell portions to form an outer shell with the core and cladding layers contained therein. The rebar product includes shell portions which are matably configured to form a disposable outer shell over the core and cladding layers. Related reinforcing composite product forming methods also include the use of a removable outer shell.

Abstract: A stock from which circumferential lengths can be cut to be used as horseshoes, the stock comprising a helical coil of plastics materials wound about an axis such that the cross section of the coil in a plane containing the axis is constant in shape for any such plane and substantially corresponds to the cross section of a horseshoe in the same plane.

Abstract: A yarn for use in a cement mortar matrix, includes a core and a multitude of staple fibers forming a layer which envelopes the core and provides an extended surface area and interstical spaces for infiltration by cement fines and hydrates. The staple fibers are spun around the core and attached to the core, and have sufficient freedom of radial movement to provide said spaces and permit ingress of cement fines and the formation of hydrates in said spaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to nonwoven fabrics with advantageous characteristics and the method to produce these fabrics. Advantageously, the fabrics of the subject invention have increased thickness (loft) compared to conventional nonwoven fabrics and have high air permeability and open space while maintaining softness and strength at the same basis weight.

Abstract: A steel cord for reinforcement of a radial tire and a radial tire employing the same are disclosed. The steel cord is made of more than three steel filaments of which one or two filaments are regularly twisted, the other filaments are open-twisted and each filament is twisted in same direction. Each steel filament using carbon steel has the carbon content of 0.7 to 0.96 wt %, the tensile strength of the filament is in the range of 260 to 380 kgf/mm2, the twisting pitch is 10 to 20 mm, and each filament is plated with brass. The topping characteristic is improved and the uniformity of tire is enhanced.

Abstract: An insert for a radiant tube comprised of an oxidation resistant metal alloy or a refractory material.

Abstract: A process for producing sharp surface visible patterns on composite articles formed of resin coated reinforcing strands employs a liquid uncured resin having a coloring component therein to produce an opaque resin of light color to mask the color of the reinforcing strands. An absorbent surface veil is applied to the surface of the article before curing the resin to produce an absorbent opaque surface layer of light color into which a pattern of contrasting color is then transferred by sublimating an ink or dye pattern from a pattern carrier into the opaque resin impregnated surface layer and veil. Articles ready for application of the surface pattern thereto by sublimation may be produced using pultrusion or hand lay-up methods. Distribution of the surface pattern partially or entirely through the thickness of the surface layer results in an article having a surface in which the pattern remains sharply visible despite surface wear.

Abstract: A decorative twisted spiral garland includes one or more continuous webs of material, each arranged in a series of flattened, generally helical coils about a longitudinal axis, with the coils extending generally transversely of the axis and having a predetermined pitch longitudinally of the axis, and a pair of wires extending generally parallel to the axis outside of the coils and respectively along opposite sides of the coils, the wires being twisted together along the axis so that the coils are pinched together along the axis and twisted about the axis. The actual shape of the garland depends upon the amount of twist imparted to the wires and coils. One or more filaments may also be disposed along the axis inside the coils and twisted together with the wires and the coils.

Abstract: The present invention provides a yarn having a force-displacement profile such that:

Abstract: A resilient material shaped into a bent strand with a preferred length from 1.5 to 7 inches forms a filling element for cushions, pillows and upholstered articles. The strand may be bent so as to have a Z-shape or an S-shape or a V-shape or a C-shape along a portion of its length. The length of the strand is greater than its nominal cross-sectional thickness. A quantity of filling elements (e.g., the filling material), preferably formed from flexible, open cell polyurethane foam, is inserted or blown into a casing for a cushion, pillow or upholstered article. Following compression, the filling elements rebound substantially to their uncompressed state without clumping together or leaving pockets within the casing.

Abstract: Concrete strengthening members, particularly prestressing tendons such as strands of steel wire, are provided with a strongly adherent plastic coating which may be substantially impermeable for improved corrosion resistance, and/or which may have embedded therein abrasive or grit-form particles to provide improved bond with the concrete, and particularly to provide controllable bond transfer in prestressing tendons of the pre-tensioned type. The plastic coating preferably is applied electrostatically in powder form, and fusion bonded by heat. The abrasive can be applied by spraying during a viscous state of the heated resin, and can be varied as to size and spacing density so as to control the surface condition and the bonding effect. Fusion and curing heat may come from preheating of the member before application of the resin powder, which preferably is a heat curable, thermosetting epoxy. Coating thickness and grit application are readily variable to meet particular requirements.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bristle (1) for a toothbrush, in particular for an electric toothbrush, which is comprised of a monofilament (2) made of plastic. The monofilament (2) is of a non-circular cross-section, is twisted about its longitudinal axis, and is fixed as a result of the action of chemical agents. In this manner, the bristle (1) is provided with a three-dimensionally structured surface which effects an improved cleaning action, in particular with regard to the removal of plaque.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber reinforcing system that enhances ductility of concrete at small and large crack openings, while avoiding the necessity of using steel fibers at high (e.g., 1%) volumes, by taking into account Young's modulus, deploying large surface area to volume ratios for improved anchorage, and using different relative lengths.

Abstract: A yarn is formed from discontinuous parallel fibers which are not twisted d which are held together by a covering yarn of sacrificial material wound around the fibers. The fibers comprise an intimate mixture of fibers of at least two different natures selected from carbon fibers or pre-oxidized polyacrylonitrile based carbon precursor fibers, or anisotropic or isotropic pitch based carbon precursor fibers, or phenolic or cellulosic based carbon precursor fibers, and ceramic fibers or ceramic precursor fibers. The mixture of fibers comprises, in its carbon state, at least 15% by weight of high strength fibers, having a tensile strength of at least 1500 MPa and a modulus of at least 150 MPa, and at least 15% by weight of fibers with a low Young's modulus of at most 100 GPa.

Abstract: A radially wound tubular fiber disk comprises a single strand of tubular fiber having a feed inlet at one end and a feed outlet at the other. Radially arranged adhesive strips forming seams maintain a desired spacing between adjacent convolutions of the tubular fiber disk and hold the disk in place.

Abstract: A molding material for thermoplastic composites is provided. The molding material is prepared from a commingled yarn containing continuous thermoplastic fibers and continuous reinforcing fibers, in a form of threads, textile fabrics, knitted fabrics, or multiaxial laminated fabrics, wherein the fiber commingling parameter of said continuous reinforcing fibers in said commingled yarn is 20% or more, and wherein the orientation index after heat treatment of said continuous thermoplastic fibers is 0.3 or more, and/or the thermal shrinkage ratio of said continuous thermoplastic fibers is 15% or less.

Abstract: Fiber additives for addition to proportioned concrete comprise a plurality of thermoplastic fibers having a profile geometry defined by the equation, ##EQU1## wherein the amplitude a.sub.0 falls within a range of from about 0.1 d.sub.f to 2.0 d.sub.f and the period .lambda. falls within a range of from about 2 d.sub.f to 15 d.sub.f for fibers having a diameter d.sub.f of from about 0.5 to about 1 mm; the peak pull-out stress .sigma..sub.peak and the specific pull-out energy absorbed to a maximal displacement of 7.5 mm .psi..sub.peak, both increase linearly with a deformity factor defined by the equation, ##EQU2## where .alpha.=0.8 and .beta.=-1, such that the peak pull-out stress is defined by the equation, ##EQU3## and the specific pull-out energy is defined by the equation, ##EQU4## the fiber additives having an optimimum deformity,D.sub.optimum .apprxeq.(0.5 to 1)D.sub.critical,D.sub.critical being that deformity where the ultimate tensile strength of the fiber equals k.sub.1 D.sub.

Abstract: Glass fibers of curly habit may be prepared from a heterogeneous melt of blended particles of at least two distinct glasses. Linear glass primaries controllable in pot and marble processing may be prepared from the heterogeneous melts. Fibers prepared from the randomly heterogeneous primaries exhibit a unique biodissolution mechanism and high biodissolution rates. The process is also amenable to other glass fiberization processes, including the rotary process and the sliver process.

Abstract: Multiple sheets spiral bound together as a unit by a continuous filament. The sheets have a plurality of closely spaced perforations aligned along an edge thereof. The filament is an elongated rod-like member having an outer surface and a centrally-located longitudinal axis. The filament is flexible and is disposed in spiral configuration through the perforations. The filament additionally comprises an inner surface defined by an internal elongate passage extending therethrough. The internal opening facilitates crimping of the inventive filament after it has been spiraled into a plurality of closely spaced perforations aligned along an edge of a stack of sheets. The internal opening in the filament also provides improved control over the outer dimension of the filament during manufacture.

Abstract: Microstructures formed from fluorinated amphiphiles and mixed fluorinated and non-fluorinated amphiphiles and having the geometry of tubules, helixes and fibers and methods for preparing them. Tubular forms are capable of encapsulating or incorporating bioactive agents or other useful substances for controlled release in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-woven fiber mat suitable for reinforcing resilient sheet floor coverings, such as vinyl floor coverings. The non-woven fiber mat is in the form of a sheet of reinforcement fibers which at least includes semi-coiled fibers and can also include coiled fiber, with one or more turns, and even some relatively straight or slightly curved fibers. It is desirable for most, if not all, of the reinforcement fibers to be made from glass. However, it may also be desirable for the reinforcement fibers to include glass fibers and synthetic fibers. It may even be possible for the reinforcement fibers to include only non-glass fibers. At least one polymeric binder is used for bonding together the reinforcement fibers so as to make the fiber mat a suitable substrate for reinforcing resilient sheet floor coverings, such as an interlayer for vinyl floor coverings.

Abstract: Improved polyester fibers, filling materials and filled articles are provided by fibers of helical configuration, high void content and low friction.

Abstract: The low-shrinkage hybrid yarns comprise reinforcing filaments and matrix filaments composed of thermoplastic polymers having a lower melting point than the melting or decomposition point of the reinforcing filaments. The yarns are characterized by a 160.degree. C. hot air shrinkage of not more than 2% and a 200.degree. C. hot air shrinkage of not more than 5%.These yarns are useful for producing composites.