Abstract: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition/distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-lobal hollow filament having stiffening ribs in the core portion and at least one transverse web in each lobe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers having both relatively low and relatively high coefficient of friction characteristics. The fibers of the present invention are useful for toothbrush bristles and dental floss.

Abstract: Brush filaments having an outer surface which, distal from the filaments' free ends, exhibits sudden directional changes which in use can effect a cleaning action additional to that due to the free ends of the filaments is disclosed.

Abstract: A synthetic turf having a substrate and a plurality of synthetic polymer turf filaments anchored in the backing and extending therefrom, each said filament having a substantially diamond-shaped cross section.

Abstract: Microfibers and microfibrillated articles are provided by imparting fluid energy to a surface of a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt-processed polymeric film. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.

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: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition/distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.

Abstract: A blanket substrate comprising spun yarn of polyvinyl alcohol based fibers, in which the fibers have primary ridged streaks which are formed on their surfaces in the direction of the fiber axis with finer secondary ridged steaks formed in the primary ridged streaks, the fibers having a cross-section circularity of at least 80%.

Abstract: Charged, high-strength, high-modulus, melt-processed microfibers, films having a charged, microfibrillated surface, and methods of making the same are described. Charged microfibrillated articles of the invention can be prepared by imparting fluid energy, typically in the form of high-pressure water jets, to a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt processed film to liberate microfibers or microfibrous flakes therefrom. Microfibrillated articles of the invention find use as tape backings, in the preparation of woven or nonwoven articles, filters for particulate contaminants, such as face masks and water or air filters, fibrous mats, such as those used for removal of oil from water, wipes for dust or debris removal, and thermal and acoustical insulation.

Abstract: A color-developing composite short fiber having a length of 0.01 to 100 mm is obtained by cutting a color-developing short fiber capable of reflecting visible rays and interfering therewith consisting of two or more kinds of polymer compounds having different refractive indices which are laminated alternately, while a color-developing structure is formed by binding particles of the short fiber one another, dispersing the short fiber in or mixing it with other materials to be bound therewith or adhering the short fiber on the surface of a support. Further, a color-developing composite short fiber having a length of 0.

Abstract: An improved cutting filament for use in a rotary trimmer is an extruded resin, being subject to vertical extrusionto sustain true-section profile, and to structural orientation to enhance the strength and toughness of the material. One embodiment, a polygonal extruded section is drawn down in size, being found to possess improved abrasive, herbiage-cutting characteristics. One embodiment has a finned profile with at least one fin in the form of a projecting rib, preferably with a scarified surface, to enhance its abrasive characteristics. In a polygonal section, the fin portions of the section are located at the apices of the polygon. The draw-down molecular orientation process enables the use of an extrusion die of sufficient size that the scarified finning provision is readily incorporated into the die.

Abstract: Polyester yarns whose polyester fibers are of simple oval peripheral cross-section of aspect ratio at least about 1.85:1 have shown better dye yield in fabrics than polyester staple fibers having lower aspect ratios. Such superior cross-sections for polyester staple fibers have also provided advantages in open-end spinning in providing yarns with fewer spinning failures than fibers of conventional round cross-section.

Abstract: A moisture vapor permeable, substantially liquid impermeable composite sheet material includes a powder-bonded nonwoven web adhered to a moisture vapor permeable thermoplastic film. The nonwoven web includes a first layer comprised primarily of fibers that are compatible with an adhesive used to bond the web, and a second layer comprised of a blend of fibers, some of which are compatible with, and some of which are incompatible with the bonding adhesive and the thermoplastic film. A method for making the composite sheet material and an item of apparel made from the sheet material are also provided.

Abstract: A wholly aromatic polyamide (aramid) fiber synthetic paper sheet includes 70-96 wt % of an aramid staple fiber component which includes 30 wt % or more of a para-type aramid staple fibers each having two or more annular projections spaced from each other and having an average ratio R/&ggr; of the largest diameter R of the annular projections to the smallest diameter &ggr; of the annular projection-free portions of the staple fiber, of 1.1 or more, and 4-30 wt % of a binder component, namely a resinous binder and/or heat resistant fibrids.

Abstract: A process of making polytrimethylene terephthalate staple fibers, comprising (a) providing polytrimethylene terephthalate, (b) melt spinning the melted polytrimethylene terephthalate at a temperature of 245-285° C. into filaments, (c) quenching the filaments, (d) drawing the quenched filaments, (e) crimping the drawn filaments using a mechanical crimper at a crimp level of 8-30 crimps per inch (3-12 crimps/cm), (f) relaxing the crimped filaments at a temperature of 50-120° C., and (g) cutting the relaxed filaments into staple fibers having a length of about 0.2-6 inches (about 0.5-about 15 cm), and polytrimethylene terephthalate staple fibers, yarns and fabrics. Further, a process of optimizing the crimp take-up of a polytrimethylene terephthalate staple fiber comprising determining the relationship between denier and crimp take-up and manufacturing staple fibers having a denier selected based upon that determination.

Abstract: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable composite sheet includes an elastically stretchable first web and an inelastically stretchable second web of thermoplastic synthetic resin fiber which is intermittently bonded to the first web in a y-direction. Component fiber of the second web has its cress-section cut in a direction orthogonal to the y-direction defined by a width w and a height h dimensioned to be at a ratio h/w less than 0.5. The composite sheet having such a structure improve its flexibility.

Abstract: A tension member, for use as a tendon or tether for a tension leg platform consisting of a plurality of carbon fiber filaments (6) gathered into a plurality of strands (5) in which the filaments (6) run against one another, around which strands there is arranged a sheath (16). The tension member comprises pressure-resisting spacers (7) having recesses (9, 11, 12, 14; 25, 26, 28, 31) wherein the strands (5) are laid singly so that they can move in the longitudinal direction unobstructed by each other and the spacers (7).

Abstract: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition/distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite hollow fiber membrane having a composite structure consisting of a homogeneous thin film interposed between porous substrate layers wherein the ratio of the oxygen permeation flux to the nitrogen permeation flux of the membrane is not less than 1.1 and wherein, after the membrane has been immersed in chemical liquids according to JIS K 7114, the percentage change of the ratio is within ñ10%. This composite hollow fiber membrane can be used to degas chemical liquids without any liquid leakage.

Abstract: A cleaning element (1) for use in the fuser section of electrostatographic reproduction or printing apparatus. The element includes projections projecting from an outer surface to form a pile (5). The cross section of each projection has a cross section having a peripheral dimension and an area. The ratio of the peripheral dimension and area is greater than the same ratio for a projection of circular or substantially circular and equal area of cross section. The projections may be formed by tri-lobal fibres.

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: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition/distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.

Abstract: Polymeric monofilaments having 3 to 12 circumferential striations exhibit excellent performance when used in woven papermaking belts.

Abstract: Highly crimped, fully drawn bicomponent fibers, prepared by melt-spinning, followed by gas-flow quenching, heat treatment and high speed windup, are provided, as are fine-decitex and highly uniform polyester bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing yarn having reduced heatset shrinkage. Preferably, the fibers used in making the yarn are bicomponent fibers. The present invention also provides a process for producing yarn having reduced heatset shrinkage at reduced heat temperatures.

Abstract: Mechanically divisible multicomponent fibers are disclosed having at least a first component comprised of poly(lactic acid) polymer and at least a second component comprised of an aromatic polyester. The multicomponent fibers are particularly useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede.

Abstract: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition/distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.

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: Viscose filaments, preferably in staple fibre form, which have a decitex of less than 5.0 and a multi-limbed cross-section, the limbs having a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least 2:1. Examples of multi-limbed cross-sectional shapes are Y-, X-, H- and T-shapes. The fibre can be formed into woven, non-woven or knitted fabrics, and is especially useful for absorbent products.

Abstract: Microfibers and microfibrillated articles are provided by imparting fluid energy to a surface of a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt-processed polymeric film. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.

Abstract: A unitary polymer substrate having a plurality of microfibers projecting from a surface is provided. The presence of the microfibers greatly increases the surface area and can impart a cloth-like feel to the surface. The projecting microfibers may have a variety of forms, including frayed-end microfibers, tapered microfibers, microfibers having an expanded cross-sectional shape, and microfibers having a very high aspect ratio. A number of methods of producing unitary polymer structures with a plurality of projecting microfibers are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high modulus elastomer composition reinforced by pulp having a high surface area and composed of a combination of at least two organic polymeric materials.

Abstract: The present invention is a general structural member assembly. A basic structural unit of the present invention has two adjacent shafts, both further having a cross sectionally triangular shape with a longitudinal side completely or substantially mostly removed to form legs. The leg ends are formed or machined such that they present two outward surfaces generally parallel to the the open face of a first adjacent shaft. The outward surfaces of the leg ends are then positionally fixed, albeit with some flexible movement in some embodiments, to generally have a parallel and longitudinal interface with the longitudinal outside edges of a solid side of a second shaft. Additional shafts may be added in this open side opposed to solid side assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming electrically insulated magnet wire and a coil formed therefrom. The method involves feeding a flexible electrical insulation tape along a path which converges with a path along which the wire to be wrapped is conveyed. Along the tape travel path at a location upstream of the point where the tape and wire converge, a quantity of heat activated adhesive that has been heated to a sticky state is applied to the passing tape. Then, before the adhesive coating sets, the adhesive coated tape reaches the point of convergence with the wire and is adhered to the wire to provide an electrical insulating wire wrap. The method of the invention provides for a longitudinal, partial wrapping of a conductor wire that furnishes suitable turn-to-turn insulation in coils formed with the wrapped wire.

Abstract: Wire screening fabric for a machine for the production and/or finishing of a pulp web, such as a paper, cardboard, or tissue web, comprising at least one layer each of lengthwise fibers, oriented in the direction of travel, and crosswise fibers, running at a transverse angle thereto, woven together. An improvement of the adhesion of the pulp web on the wire-screening fabric is accomplished in that at least some of the crosswise fibers have a roughly drop-shaped or substantially three-sided, acute-angled cross-section, whereby the pointed end is oriented roughly in the direction of travel of the wire-screening fabric.

Abstract: Exemplary mechanically-flattened fibers of the invention comprise generally elongate bodies having varied width or thickness dimensions and micro-diastrophic surface deformities. Preferred fibers are elongate synthetic polymer or multipolymer blend fibers for reinforcing matrix materials such as concrete, shotcrete, gypsum-containing materials, asphalt, plastic, rubber, and other matrix materials. Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers comprise subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers.

Abstract: A polyamide/polyurethane composite filament yarn, contains a filament having a polyamide sheath component and a polyurethane eccentric core component exposed, through a neck portion of uniform width, on the surface of the filament. The filament is manufactured by a process comprising inserting, immediately before extruding from a spinneret orifice, a molten polyurethane flow, at an oblique angle from above, into a molten polyamide flow flowing down in a conduit, so that a small part of the polyurethane flow radially projects in a restricted width through the thinnest portion of the polyamide flowing flows down the inner wall of the conduit.

Abstract: A method of producing a rubber thread for a golf ball comprises (a) an extruding process of extruding a rubber composition in the shape of a sheet by using an extruder (2) to obtain a sheet material (6); (b) a rolling process of rolling the sheet material (6) to make it thin to obtain a thin sheet material (10); (c) a cross-linking process of cross-linking the thin sheet material (10) to obtain a cross-linked sheet material; and (d) a cutting process of cutting the cross-linked sheet material to obtain a rubber thread. The rolling process is performed successively to the extruding process. The thickness t1 of the sheet material (6) obtained in the extruding process is set to the range of 1 mm to 8 mm both inclusive. The thickness t2 of the thin sheet material (10) obtained in the rolling process is set to the range of 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm both inclusive.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a multi-filament article comprising filaments having a substantially hexagonal cross-section and a method for making the same. The filaments are formed by spinning a melt or solution of a polymer through a capillary spinneret having an orifice with a centrally disposed, generally circular, center cavity portion with six side cavity portions projecting radially away from the center cavity portion.

Abstract: A filler rod for occupying space in a stranded optical fiber communications cable having at least one buffer tube containing at least one optical fiber is disclosed. The filler rod comprises an elongated rod extruded from a polypropylene homopolymer, a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer (i-PP) resin material, or preferably, from a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer having a nucleating agent disbursed therein. The resin material is foamed during extrusion so as to have a plurality of void spaces therein and a relative density which is less than 1 relative to the unfoamed resin material. As compared to rods made from high density polyethylene, the i-PP filler rods show a greater foaming efficiency, more efficient use of material, an improved combination of mechanical properties and density, reduced post-extrusion shrinkage and a substantial reduction in the sticking of the filler rods to the outer jacket that is experienced with high density polyethylene filler rods.

Abstract: A fiber having increased cut resistance is made from a fiber-forming polymer and a hard filler having a Mohs Hardness Value greater than about 3. The filler is included in an amount of about 0.05% to about 20% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the fiber-forming polymer is poly(ethylene terephthalate) or a liquid crystalline polyester comprising monomer units derived from 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Preferred fillers include tungsten and alumina.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite armor for absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy from high velocity projectiles, comprising a panel provided with a layer of a plurality of high density ceramic bodies, the bodies having a specific gravity of at least 2 and being made of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic material which does not contain aluminium oxide and ceramic material having an aluminium oxide content of not more than 80%, each of the bodies being substantially cylindrical in shape, with at least one convexly curved end face, and each of the bodies having a major axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of its respective curved end face, wherein the ratio D/R between the diameter D of each of the cylindrical bodies and the radius R of curvature of the respectively convexly curved end face of each of the bodies is at least 0.

Abstract: Exemplary mechanically-flattened fibers of the invention comprise generally elongate bodies having varied width or thickness dimensions and micro-diastrophic surface deformities. Preferred fibers are elongate synthetic polymer or multipolymer blend fibers for reinforcing matrix materials such as concrete, shotcrete, gypsum-containing materials, asphalt, plastic, rubber, and other matrix materials. Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers comprise subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers.

Abstract: The monofilament of this invention is a polyamide of polyhexamethylene adipamide oriented from 1.0-4.0 times its original length, has a diameter of 400-1600 microns and contains 2-20% by weight, based on the weight polyamide of the monofilament, of an alkyl aryl sulfonamide plasticizer and 5.0-40.0% by weight, based on the weight of the monofilament, of abrasive particles having a particle size of 10-400 microns. These monofilaments are particularly useful as bristles used in brushes that are operated under dry conditions at relatively high temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a novel process for the formation of high denier as-spun and heat-treated multilobal filaments of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer. Preferred embodiments include process for the formation of as-spun and heat treated octalobal monofilaments of a few wholly aromatic polyesters and polyesteramides. The process involves (a) heating of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer to above its melting transition temperature; (b) passing said molten polymer through an extrusion chamber equipped with an extrusion capillary having a multilobal cross-section to form a multilobal filament; and (c) winding the filament at a suitable draw-down. The filaments so formed are of at least 50 denier per filament (dpf) and feature essentially uniform molecular orientation across their cross-section. In a final optional step, the filaments are heat treated in stages to form filaments exhibiting excellent tensile properties.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cellulose acetate filaments.

Abstract: An elongated flexible cutting string, or substantially self-supporting strut cutting element, is connectable to a rotating device for use in a method of cutting vegetation. The cutting string has numerous advantages over conventional cutting strings, having a drag coefficient which is at least about 5% (e.g. 10-300%) less than the drag coefficient of a string having a substantially round and smooth cross-section. The drag coefficient of aerodynamic line 10 is 1.0 or less, e.g. about 0.35 or less. The cross-sectional configuration preferably simulates a tear drop (with or without an extension nose), and can have a textured (e.g. with golf ball simulating dimples, saw toothed or a wavy configuration) exterior surface. The pitch of the line is positively maintained while it is rotated in a cutting plane, e.g. controlled with an eyelet and/or a compound taper. Other cross-sectional configurations are an ellipse of at least 1.

Abstract: A sheath/core fiber having increased cut resistance includes a core made from a fiber-forming polymer and a hard filler having a Mohs Hardness Value greater than about 3. The filler is included in an amount of about 0.05% to about 20% by weight. The fiber-forming polymer of both the sheath and the core components includes an aromatic polyamide polymer.