Synthetic Resin Or Polymer Patents (Class 428/394)
  • Patent number: 5972498
    Abstract: Solutions of intermediate molecular weight polymers from about 200,000 to about 4,000,000, such as polyethylene, in a relatively non-volatile solvent are extruded through an aperature at constant concentration and thereafter stretched at a ratio of at least about 3:1 prior to cooling to form a first gel. The first gels are extracted with a volatile solvent to form a second gel, and the second gel is dried to form a low porosity xerogel. Stretching occurs with any one or more of the first gel, second gel or xerogel. The polyethylene products produced by our process include products having a molecular weight between about 200,000 and about 4,000,000 a tenacity of at least about 13 grams/denier, a modulus of at least about 350 gram/denier, a porosity of less than 10% by volume, a crystalline orientation function of at least about 0.95, and a main melting temperature of at least about 140.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon Kavesh, Dusan Ciril Prevorsek
  • Patent number: 5972504
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a composite material formed by an organic substrate reinforced by glass strands. The invention consists of the combination of an organic substrate and glass strands coated with a sizing composition constituted by a solution with a solvent content of less than 5% by weight, the said solution comprising a mixture of components which can be polymerized and/or cross-linked by heat treatment, amongst the said components, at least 60% being components with molecular weights (Mw) of less than 750, and from 0 to 25% by weight being coupling agents, lubricating agents, stabilizing agents, polymerization initiators and/or catalysts, the said agents and initiators optionally being capable of being polymerized and/or cross-linked, the said sizing composition being non-polymerized, and of the subsequent subjection of the assembly to heat treatment and/or to the action of actinic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Vetrotex France
    Inventors: Patrick Moireau, Timothy Johnson
  • Patent number: 5972503
    Abstract: In one general aspect, the invention involves applying a chemical treatment to fibers, such as reinforcing fibers suitable for making a composite article, so as to size and/or preimpregnate the fibers. The chemical treatment has a relatively low viscosity and is substantially solvent-free and non-radiation curable. Heat energy may be employed to lower the viscosity and improve the wetting ability of the applied treatment and/or to increase the molecular weight of, or otherwise cure, the treatment with essentially no generation of solvent vapor. The treated fibers are used to form a composite strand, which may be subsequently processed in-line or off-line into a composite article having fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix. Another general aspect relates to encased composite strands, in thread or pellet form, and to wire-coating methods and apparatus for making them. The strands are moldable into fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew B. Woodside
  • Patent number: 5972499
    Abstract: A process and materials made by the process which includes a bicomponent fiber, made of a nonconductive first component, including a first fiber-forming polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, nylon 6, nylon 6,6, cellulose, polypropylene cellulose acetate, polyacrylonitrile and copolymers of polyacrylonitrile; a conductive second component, including carbon particles and a second fiber-forming polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, nylon 6, nylon 6,6, cellulose, polypropylene cellulose acetate, polyacrylonitrile and copolymers of polyacrylonitrile; and a conductive third component, including a polymer selected from the group consisting of polypyrrole and polyaniline, said polymer formed in situ and being interspersed among at least a portion of the carbon particles of the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Sterling Chemicals International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgardo Rodriguez, John W. Lindsay, William E. Streetman
  • Patent number: 5972497
    Abstract: Finish compositions and methods for the manufacture of synthetic fibers and/or fabrics comprise hydrophobic esters of pentaerythritol homologs, such as hydrophobic pentaerythritol ester, as lubricants. These esters may be used by themselves or in conjunction with antistatic agents and/or other lubricants and permit the obtaining of high-strength nonwoven materials with increased production plant line speed and productivity. The finish may be used with a variety of fibers and fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Fiberco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashalata S. Hirwe, William Robert Lanigan
  • Patent number: 5963701
    Abstract: This invention relates to a plastic optical fiber having a three-layer structure comprising a core, a cladding and a protective layer wherein the core material is polymethyl methacrylate and the cladding material is a copolymer composed of 20 to 45% by weight of long-chain fluoroalkyl methacrylate units represented by the following formula (1), 54 to 79% by weight of methyl methacrylate units, and 0.05 to 2% by weight of methacrylic acid units. This invention also relates to a plastic optical fiber cable having a four-layer structure wherein the optical fiber cable is produced by covering the aforesaid optical fiber with a jacket layer.CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH.sub.3)--COO--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 (CF.sub.2).sub.7 CF.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Nakamura, Jun Okumura, Kikue Irie, Makoto Muro, Jun Kamo, Katsuhiko Shimada
  • Patent number: 5962130
    Abstract: A durable dry-spun, polyurethane fiber exhibits a small angle X-ray scattering pattern that forms a layer line scattering image or an eyebrow-shaped four dot scattering image. The fiber is particularly useful in pantyhose, undergarments and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: DuPont-Toray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Umezawa, Tsutomu Wanatabe, Hideki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 5958582
    Abstract: By poststretching, at a temperature between about 135.degree. and 160.degree. C., a polyethylene fiber, which has already been oriented by drawing at a temperature within 5.degree. C. of its melting point, an ultra high modulus, very low creep, low shrink, high tenacity polyolefin fiber having good strength retention at high temperatures is obtained. The poststretching can be in multiple stages and/or with previous annealing. The poststretching should be done at a draw rate of less than 1 second.sup.-1. Tensile modulus values over 2,000 g/d for multifilament yarn are consistently obtained for ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, with tensile strength values above 30 g/d while at the same time dramatically improving creep (at 160.degree. F. (71.1.degree. C.) and 39,150 psi load) by values at least 25% lower than fiber which has not been poststretched. Shrinkage is improved to values less than 2.5% of the original length when heated from room temperature to 135.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: James Jay Dunbar, Sheldon Kavesh, Dusan Ciril Prevorsek, Thomas Yiu-Tai Tam, Gene Clyde Weedon, Robert Charles Wincklhofer
  • Patent number: 5958585
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the direction of ambient airflow and a method for the use thereof. The apparatus includes man-made or natural fibers that float when released into the air by a user. The direction of ambient airflow is determined by observing the direction of movement of the fibers from the point of release from the user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Paul H. Meeks
  • Patent number: 5939138
    Abstract: A treatment for reducing friction of seat belts which is characterized by containing therein a polyether polyester having an average molecular weight of 2000-15000 which is obtained from a polyether diol and an aliphatic carboxylic acid, and preferably further containing a silicone compound. This treatment can be applied to either seat belt yarns in the yarn-making step or to seat belt webbing. The resulting seat belt is superior in slip properties and retains them even after wear. It is also superior in retractiablity and wear resistance (durability).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideo Nagahara, Hiroyuki Terasawa, Isoo Saito, Eiji Ohtsubo
  • Patent number: 5939191
    Abstract: A gut suture is coated with a bioabsorbable copolymer obtained by polymerizing a major amount of .epsilon.-caprolactone and a minor amount of at least one other copolymerizable monomer in the presence of polyhydric alcohol as initiator. The coated gut suture can be packaged in the absence of conventional tubing fluid, i.e., in the dry state, while at the same time retaining flexibility, pliability and resistance to fray. In an alternative embodiment, a gut suture is coated with a pre-coating composition prior to being coated with the bioabsorbable copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Bennett, Ying Jiang, Mark S. Roby, Nagabhushanam Totakura
  • Patent number: 5929178
    Abstract: There are provided a heat-aging-resistant polyamide resin composition comprising (C) a polyamide containing 10 to 100% by weight of (A) a polyamide obtained by polymerizing a monomer containing 70 mole % or more of m-xylylenediamine as a diamine component and a monomer containing 70 mole % or more of adipic acid as a dicarboxylic acid component and 90 to 0% by weight of (B) other polyamide, (D) a copper compound in an amount of 0.001 to 0.1 part by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polyamide (C), (E) a halide of a Group 1 or Group 2 metal of the Periodic Table of the Elements, an ammonium halide, or an organohalide in an amount of 0.005 to 1 part by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polyamide (C), at least one selected from among (F) hindered phenols and (G) hindered amines with the amount of each of the hindered phenols (F) and the hindered amines (G) being 0.05 to 3 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polyamide (C), and (H) an organophosphorus compound in an amount of 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Takatoshi Shida, Makoto Takahashi, Masahiro Harada
  • Patent number: 5928785
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is fine inorganic particles-containing fiber which is characterized in that the fiber contains fine inorganic particles with an average particle size of not larger than 10 .mu.m and the fiber-forming polymer contains not less than 0.01 milliequivalent/gram of any of the polar groups consisting of sulfonic acid group, carboxyl group and phosphoric acid group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Japan Exlan Company Limited
    Inventors: Ryosuke Nishida, Hiroshi Ono
  • Patent number: 5925461
    Abstract: A water blocking composite for use in cables which includes an article selected from the group having one or more strengthening members and buffer tubes impregnated with or coated with a mixture of a thermoplastic resin and a water-swellable particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Neptco, Incorporated
    Inventor: Stuart Paterson Fairgrieve
  • Patent number: 5919554
    Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth includes a polyester resin composition and an antimicrobial agent incorporated therein. The polyester resin composition includes a polyester resin, high modulus fiber reinforcements, a curing catalyst and a polyester resin gelcoat. The antimicrobial agent is incorporated into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the polyester resin composition. A method for forming the FRP composite having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth is also disclosed. The antimicrobial additive is incorporated into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the polyester resin composition using a solubilizing agent carrier system, thereby incorporating the antimicrobial agent into the FRP composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Microban Products Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Watterson, III, William D. Hanrahan
  • Patent number: 5912078
    Abstract: A lubricant finish for high speed twisting of textile yarns is provided which incorporates an alkenyl succinic acid, or an anhydride, ester or salt of the acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Schuette, Randy Dell Petrea
  • Patent number: 5910361
    Abstract: A hybrid yarn is made up of an intimate mixture of spun yarns of reinforcing fibers and spun yarns of thermoplastic matrix fibers. The spun yarns are obtained by cracking with slow, gradual stretching of the multifilaments. After stretching, parallel fibers are wrapped with a continuous thermoplastic filament. The invention may be used to produce hot-stamped parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: SA Schappe
    Inventors: Jean Guevel, Marc Francois, Guy Bontemps
  • Patent number: 5906693
    Abstract: An organic fiber cord for rubber reinforcement satisfies relationships of S1.gtoreq.2.5, S2.ltoreq.1.8 and S2.ltoreq.S1-2.0 wherein S1 and S2 are dry heat shrinkage factors under particular conditions in order to improve the durability and dimensional stability of rubber articles without the degradation of other properties in the rubber article. When such an organic fiber cord is applied to a carcass ply of a pneumatic radial tire, the tire durability and uniformity are considerably improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Morii, Yasuyuki Tamura
  • Patent number: 5897952
    Abstract: Temperature adaptable fibers are provided in which a polyol/glyoxal based crosslinking system is used to create a water-insoluble polyacetal coating. The formaldehyde release properties characteristic of methylolamide finishing agents is avoided. The non-catalytic reaction utilizes stoichimetric amounts of sulfonic acids to derivatize the polyols which in turn react with the glyoxal to form a water-insoluble polymer. The material also possesses improved properties relating to soil release, durable press, resistance to static charge, abrasion resistance, pilling resistance and water absorbency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Tyrone L. Vigo, Gary F. Danna, Joseph S. Bruno
  • Patent number: 5891572
    Abstract: Improved anisotropic fluid separation membranes are prepared from blends of polymers with surface energy differences. The membranes are formulated by processes wherein low surface energy polymer with desirable fluid separation and permeation characteristics is preferentially concentrated in the surface discriminating layer of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Timothy Macheras, Benjamin Bikson, Joyce Katz Nelson
  • Patent number: 5891937
    Abstract: An absorbent agriculture residue product and method of making the product. Preferably the agriculture residue material is reduced in size, adhesive added, consolidated to form panels or other shapes and heated to cure the adhesive. Preferably, the agriculture material is reduced in size from less than about 2 inches and the adhesive is present in an amount ranging from between about 2% to about 20% by dry weight. The products possess good absorption characteristics, durability and the ability to retain absorbed liquids upon application of pressure to saturated panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Larry E. Berg, Brian K. Brashaw, Chris F. Edwardson, Roy D. Adams, Robert J. Vatalaro
  • Patent number: 5888609
    Abstract: A planar porous composite structure including a plurality of regular textile planar layers formed of continuous yarns. The layers are placed on top of each other to form a structure having two dimensions at right angles to each other and a third dimension perpendicular to them and defining a plane having a direction along the two dimensions. A plurality of openings extends through the layers. Each opening is defined by portions of the continuous yarns extending substantially in the direction of the plane and existing in the regular textile planar layers to make the planar layers regular in structure prior to placing them on top of each other. A plurality of passages extends entirely through the structure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Valtion teknillinen tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Mikko Karttunen, Esa Suokas
  • Patent number: 5879802
    Abstract: A vehicle panel material comprises a mixture of recycled, reground thermo-formable material and reprocessed headliner material which includes fibrous bats with polyester fibers, glass fibers and a thermo-setting resin. The method of manufacturing such material includes the steps of shredding thermo-formable material into strips; shredding headliner material comprising thermo-formable fibrous bats, glass fibers and thermo-setting resin; mixing and carding the thermo-formable material and headliner material into a mat; heating the mat to at least partially melt the thermo-formable material; and shaping the mat into a vehicle panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis J. Beard, Thomas J. Dellinger
  • Patent number: 5869596
    Abstract: This invention relates to a nonwoven web and fibers comprising a water soluble polyamide and articles constructed therefrom. The water soluble polyamide may be used alone or in combination with conventional thermoplastic web and fiber forming materials such as water insoluble polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and polyamide. The water soluble polyamide may also be combined with biodegradable or selectively dispersible material to form nonwoven webs and fibers having various combinations of properties. Such water soluble webs and fibers have utility in the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, feminine napkins, incontinent products and cellulosic articles such as tissues and towels, as well as for water soluble heat fusible webs for the textile industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: H. B. Fuller Licensing & Financing, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharf U. Ahmed, Greg J. Van Lith
  • Patent number: 5866251
    Abstract: A process and device produce fibrous starch materials through extrusion of a dispersion or aqueous solution of starch material in a flow of saline coagulant. The dispersion or aqueous solution is extruded through a microporous tubular wall in an annular chamber surrounding the microporous wall to obtain an extrusion flux of starch material which surrounds the tubular wall. Coagulation of the starch material is carried out by feeding a flow of coagulation agent in the annular chamber parallel to the extrusion surface. The fibers obtained from the process or device are able to be used in the paper sector as a substitution for or in combination with cellulose fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Eridania Beghin-Say
    Inventors: Catia Bastioli, Bruno Casale, Gino Zanardi
  • Patent number: 5861213
    Abstract: By dissolving a vinyl alcohol polymer (A) and an incompatible vinyl polymer (B), preferably an acrylonitrile polymer in a common solvent to prepare a spinning stock solution of a phase separation structure wherein the polymer (B) is present at particle sizes of 2 to 50 .mu.m, and wet spinning or dry-wet spinning the resulting spinning stock solution in a solidifying bath containing a mixture of an organic solvent capable of solidifying both the polymers (A) and (B) and the solvent of the spinning stock solution at a weight ratio of 25/75 to 85/15, thereby drawing the resulting yarn by 8-fold or more, a fiber is provided; and from the fiber can be produced a fibril with good hydrophilicity, a higher strength, and excellent heat fusion resistance, along with excellent wiping performance, filtering performance, micro-particle capturing properties and reinforcing performance, readily, stably and inexpensively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Ohmory, Hayami Yoshimochi, Tomoyuki Sano, Satoru Kobayashi, Syunpei Naramura, Masahiro Satoh
  • Patent number: 5858522
    Abstract: The invention describes a process for the preparation of a natural fiber and thermoplastic composite and the resulting products therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Formtech Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Turk, Otto Grill
  • Patent number: 5855790
    Abstract: Magnetic particles which comprise a core of a magnetic material surrounded by a mixture of a fibrous material and a solid binding agent. The particles may be embedded in a polymer resin which incorporates sites, which are selective for particular ions, to form composite magnetic resin particles. The composite magnetic resin particles may be used for the removal of pollutant ions from an aqueous solution in which they are contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Selective Environmental Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bradbury, George Richard Elder, Adel Taha Sayed Ahmed Hendawi
  • Patent number: 5853882
    Abstract: An composite prepreg ply which can be designed to exhibit desired electrical properties without loss of structural integrity or the addition of parasitic weight, and a method of preparing the composite prepreg ply. The composite prepreg ply includes: (i) a low dielectric cloth substrate having a metal layer adherent on both sides thereon, the metal having been selectively removed from at least one portion of at least one side of the cloth, such that there is at least one area of cloth without any metal adherent thereon; (ii) a layer of encapsulant resin material adherent on the metal layer; (iii) a resistive resin layer containing a filler material dispersed in a carrier resin, the resistive resin layer adherent on desired areas the cloth without any metal adherent thereon, and (iv) an impregnating resin covering one or both outermost surfaces of the encapsulant resin material and the resistive resin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Anne E. Cenedella, Richard E. Sharp
  • Patent number: 5853879
    Abstract: High moisture-absorbing and releasing fibers exhibiting excellent moisture-absorbing properties and moisture-releasing properties, capable of withstanding repeated use, having both flame resistance and antibacterial properties, and further having excellent whiteness and workability, as well as processes for their production, are provided. These fibers are made from acrylic fibers and have been particularly adjusted to have an increase in nitrogen content by hydrazine crosslinking, amounts of salt type carboxyl groups and amido groups, tensile strength, limited oxygen index (LOI), sterilization rate, amount of heat evolved by moisture absorption, and whiteness. The production of these fibers are achieved by hydrazine crosslinking treatment, acid treatment, alkali treatment, and conversion of carboxyl groups into those of the salt type. The above fibers can be used for various purposes and can find an enlarged range of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takamiya, Yohko Yamamoto, Masao Ieno
  • Patent number: 5846654
    Abstract: Spinning polypropylene at relatively high temperatures with delayed quenching, and drawing at relatively high temperatures with moderate draw ratios, provides fibers having an improved tensile factor, especially improved elongation, and can be used to produce fibers also having a high tenacity. The fibers are particularly useful for reinforcement applications when provided in the form of staple fibers and exhibit a tensile factor TE.sup.0.50 of at least about 60, where T is tenacity (gpd) and E is elongation (percent), especially those having a tenacity of at least about 8 gpd and/or an elongation of at least about 25%, and most especially those having a tenacity of at least about 10 gpd and elongations of 50% to 400%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventor: James P. Modrak
  • Patent number: 5840424
    Abstract: A curable composite material has a thermosettable resin matrix and a continuous-fibre reinforcement impregnated by said matrix. The fibres of the reinforcement are sized with an aromatic thermoplastic resin, preferable selected from polysulphones, imidized polysulphones and polyisoimides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Fiberite, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Terence McGrail, Stephen Derek Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5840423
    Abstract: A high-strength and highly wet-heat-resistant polyvinyl-alcohol-based fiber--in which the crosslinking agent has hardly been oxidized by the heat at the drawing time upon preparation of the fiber, the crosslinking agent has not exhaled so much at the time of dry heat drawing, and the crosslinking agent has penetrated even inside of the fiber so that not only the surface but also the inside of the fiber has sufficiently been crosslinked--can be obtained by the steps of: preparing a polyvinyl-alcohl-based fiber by spinning the polyvinyl-alcohol-based solution, wet drawing the fiber, applying an acetalization compound of an aliphatic dialdehyde having at least 6 carbon atoms to the fiber, subjecting the fiber which contains above compound to dry heat drawing to a total draw ratio of at least 15, and then crosslinking the drawn filament with an acid under mild crosslinking treatment conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Sano, Tomoyuki Sano, Mitsuro Mayahara, Yoshinori Hitomi, Akira Shimizu, Yusuke Ando, Hiroshi Sumura
  • Patent number: 5837371
    Abstract: A process for lubricating acrylic fibers before dyeing in which packages of acrylic yarn formed by winding acrylic yarn about a dye tube are treated immersed in an aqueous lubricating bath containing a polyethylene, a low melting paraffin wax emulsion; and a high melting paraffin wax emulsion, followed by raising the temperature of the bath, to sequentially coat the fibers of the yarn with the polyethylene, the low melting paraffin wax emulsion, and the high melting paraffin wax emulsion. The yarn packages are then separated from the lubricating bath, and immersed in a dye bath to dye the yarn. In commercial application, the lubrication and subsequent dyeing is conducted in the chamber of a dye machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Amital Spinning Corporation
    Inventor: Dominick J. Rivas
  • Patent number: 5827612
    Abstract: The present invention provides a secondary aqueous coating composition for coating sized glass fibers of a glass fiber strand, including a first water soluble, emulsifiable or dispersible curable acrylic polymer and a second water soluble, emulsifiable or dispersible curable acrylic polymer different from the first acrylic polymer, the secondary aqueous coating composition being essentially free of a urethane-containing polymer. Other aspects of the present invention include a strand of sized glass fibers having thereon the aforementioned coating composition and an optical fiber cable assembly including an optical fiber and a reinforcement strand of the sized and secondarily coated glass fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mikhail M. Girgis
  • Patent number: 5824413
    Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous coating compositions adapted to coat a fiber strand having thereon a sizing composition. The aqueous coating compositions include a urethane-containing polymer and a polymer prepared by addition polymerization of a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and a mixture thereof. Also provided by the present invention are sized fiber strands coated with the secondary coating composition and composites reinforced with the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip L. Schell
  • Patent number: 5820984
    Abstract: A process for spinning a fully water washed fluorinated olefinic polymer intermediate fiber structure from a mixture of an aqueous dispersion of particles of the fluorinated olefinic polymer and a solution of a cellulosic ether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Nicole Lee Blankenbeckler, Joseph Michael Donckers, II, Warren Francis Knoff
  • Patent number: 5817415
    Abstract: Ethylene/carboxylic acid ionomers may be made, using a meltspun, and particularly meltblown process, into microfibers and thence to filter webs which are efficient gas filters for removing particles having a diameter of from 0.5 to 20 microns from a gas. The webs are effective without a deliberate specific post-charging operation during production. A deliberate post-charging operation can also be carried out to result in further efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Richard Tien-Hua Chou, Patrick Stephen Ireland, Charles John Molnar, Hyun Sung Lim, Hyunkook Shin
  • Patent number: 5817416
    Abstract: The processability of polymer fibers, and more specifically of aramid fibers, was intended to be improved. This object was attained by the use of resin solutions or dispersions of resins in an organic solvent containing0.2 to 20 percent by weight of at least one polyamide resin based on long-chain branched dicarboxylic acids and having terminal carboxylic and/or amino groups,0.02 to 10 percent by weight of a copolymer compatible therewith and containing carboxylic acid and/or carboxylic acid anhydride groups and carboxylic acid esters,0 to 5 percent by weight of further auxiliary materials, andorganic solvents to make 100 percent by weight for the surface treatment of polymer fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignees: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Henkel
    Inventors: Jurgen Wichelhaus, Serge Rebouillat, Johannes Andres, Werner Gruber
  • Patent number: 5804304
    Abstract: A propylene homopolymer having a stick-point of 30 cm or less during melt spinning, an oligomer content of less than 1500 ppm without postpolymerization treatment to remove oligomers, and a melt flow rate greater than 300 dg/min is prepared by radiation visbreaking in a multistage fluidized bed reactor. The polymer is subjected to irradiation in the substantial absence of oxygen, followed by a multistage treatment in the presence of a controlled amount of oxygen. The radiation visbreaking process can also be applied to other propylene polymer materials. The propylene polymer materials produced by this radiation visbreaking process can be used, for example, for extrusion coating, film production, and injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Montell North America Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Williams, Hee Ju Yoo
  • Patent number: 5804308
    Abstract: Provided is a cellulosic substrate which is impregnated with a polymeric binder, preferably a latex, and a metal containing fatty acid compound. The cellulosic substrate is excellently suited as cushion stock to be used as heat lag media in the manufacturing of circuit boards since it provides excellent heat dispersion and release properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Richard C. McAllister
  • Patent number: 5800920
    Abstract: A durable dry-spun, polyurethane fiber exhibits a small angle X-ray scattering pattern that forms a layer line scattering image or an eyebrow-shaped four dot scattering image. The fiber is particularly useful in pantyhose, undergarments and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Dupont Toray
    Inventors: Masao Umezawa, Hideki Nakanishi, Tsutomu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5786083
    Abstract: A floor mat has tufts made of a yarn which is formed with a monofilament core around which a multifilament yarn is air entangled. The resulting yarn is sufficiently stiff to clean dirt off of the shoes of passers by, yet is easily cleaned. The monofilament core is a polypropylene between 600 and 1200 denier, preferably about 1095 denier. The multifilament yarns entangled around the core are also polypropylene and total about 160 filaments and about 4800 denier. The air entangling is accomplished using higher than normal air pressure (i.e., about 110 p.s.i.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Turtle Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis Taylor Harris
  • Patent number: 5786080
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for the deposition of ettringite (3CaO-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 .multidot.3Ca(SO.sub.4).multidot.30-32H.sub.2 O) onto the surfaces of fibers, aggregates, and other fillers. The ettringite is produced in situ within an aqueous suspension while in proximity to the fibers, aggregates, or other fillers to form a mineralized composite material comprising ettringite coated fibers, aggregates or other fillers. Ettringite treated fibers, aggregates, or other fillers are formed by adding chemical reactants such as calcium oxide and aluminum sulfate, which react together in the presence of water to form ettringite, which then precipitates onto the surface of the fibers or other substrates being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries
    Inventors: Per Just Andersen, Shaode Ong, Simon K. Hodson
  • Patent number: 5786087
    Abstract: A "honeycomb"-like paintbrush bristle, either leveled or tapered, has a consistently circular cross-section and two enclosed, longitudinal, hemi-cylindrical voids separated by a single planar interior web which extends diametrically across the bristles interior. The honeycomb bristle is made by extrusion through a die or spinneret which has two generally E-shaped facing openings, so that the resultant bristle has only two external seams along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Specialty Filaments, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald B. Cansler
  • Patent number: 5780152
    Abstract: High temperature resistant blended yarns exhibiting an ignition loss of 70% or less when heated in air at 850.degree. C. for 30 minutes are provided. The blended yarns can attain, without using asbestos, heat resistance at 500.degree. C. or higher temperatures, satisfactory resistance to flexing abrasion, high yields in the spinning step, excellent light-weight properties and soft touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignees: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha, Soshin Lining Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaharu Ichiryu, Eiji Shinya
  • Patent number: 5773146
    Abstract: Aqueous forming size compositions for treating a plurality of glass fibers include an oleophobic starch; a N-vinyl amide polymer; a wax component containing an ester formed from reacting (a) a monocarboxylic acid and (b) a monohydric alcohol; an emulsifying agent for the wax component; and a cationic lubricant different from the wax component. The forming size composition is essentially free of: (1) oleophilic starches; (2) polyolefin emulsions; and (3) preservatives selected from organometallic compounds, formaldehydes, derivatives and mixtures thereof. Glass fibers sized and coated with such compositions can be woven into fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest L. Lawton, Xiang Wu
  • Patent number: 5770307
    Abstract: This invention relates to a coextruded monofilament having a core material made of a first resin and a sheath material made of a second resin, with the second resin being different from the first resin, and a pocket formed in the end of the monofilament. This invention also relates to a method of forming a pocket in the end of a coextruded monofilament by chemical or mechanical means, or a combination of chemical and mechanical means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Robert Lee Rackley, Charles Fletcher Nelson
  • Patent number: 5763103
    Abstract: A novel flexible biregional carbonaceous fiber is disclosed comprising an inner core region of a thermoplastic polymeric material and an outer region of a carbonaceous sheath. The flexible biregional carbonaceous fibers are particularly characterized by having a ratio of the radius of the core region with respect to the total radius of the fiber (r:R) of from about 1:4 to about 1:1.05, a density of from about 1.45 to about 1.87 g/cm.sup.3, and a bending strain value of from greater than 0.01 to less than 50%. In a further embodiment of the invention, a biregional precursor fiber is disclosed having an inner core region of a thermoplastic polymeric material and an outer sheath region of a oxidation stabilized, thermoset polymeric material. The oxidation stabilized precursor fiber is characterized by having a density of from about 1.20 to about 1.32 g/cm.sup.3. The invention further resides in methods of making the biregional fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Francis Patrick McCullough
  • Patent number: 5763080
    Abstract: Propylene homopolymers and copolymers formed by metallocene catalyst system exhibit generally lower melting behavior than previous propylene polymers. This lower melting behavior will be of use in the fabrication and use of fibers and fabrics that depend upon either lower melting behavior in general or upon a melting point differential between two fabrics or fibers to achieve bonding. Such fibers are, for instance, chenille or tufted cord, core and sheath. Fabrics such as spunbonded and meltblown, when combined in SM or SMS fabrics will show bonding at lower temperatures with fewer pinholes. Such fabrics may also be bonded by adhesives such as hot melt, water based and extruded polyolefins. Combinations of Ziegler-Natta catalyzed and metallocene catalyzed polymers are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Co.
    Inventors: Glenn Allan Stahl, James John McAlpin