Abstract: A textile fabric has at least one raised surface incorporating multicomponent fibers formed of at least a first polymer and a second polymer disposed in side-by-side relationship. The first polymer and the second polymer exhibit differential thermal elongation, which causes the multicomponent fibers to bend or curl and reversibly recover in response to changes in temperature, thereby adjusting insulation performance of the textile fabric in response to ambient conditions.

Abstract: A transparent mat reclosable fastener comprises a bottom layer, in which a material is transparent or semi-transparent nylon monofilament, composed of weaving a plurality of warps and a plurality of woofs; a plurality of tufts interwoven to predetermined positions of a bottom layer through yarns in which diameters are smaller than diameters of the warps and the woofs and in which the materials are transparent or semi-transparent nylon monofilament such that the tufts are intervally woven at a same direction together with the woofs and protrude the bottom layer; and a waterproof glue layer that is a transparent waterproof adhesive and that is adhered to a surface of the bottom layer. Accordingly, the reclosable fastener does not only have light transmittance and transparency, but also has light weight, thin thickness and softness. While incorporating with ejection hooks, the fastener has high pulling force and clear printing patterns.

Abstract: Filamentary materials, such as yarn (18), is wound a frame (28), provided by pairs of movable filaments or wires (35, 38), about which the end of the spindle (22) rotates provides the turns (26) of the winding as the article having the winding is moved along a process path. Mechanically or hydraulically actuated pins (34) support the winding frame in a fixed position. The filaments of the frame may be provided by laterally spaced pairs (44, 46) of filaments of weldable material.

Abstract: In a first aspect the invention is a solid core fibrillation-resistant, synthetic polymeric filament having three substantially equal length convex sides. The sides through substantially rounded tips centered by a distance “a” from the axis of the filament. Each rounded tip has a radius substantially equal to a length “b”. Each tip lies on a circumscribed circle having a radius substantially equal to a length (a+b) and the midpoint of each side lies on an inscribed circle having a radius substantially equal to a length “c”. The filament has a denier-per-filament in the range 10<“dpf”<35; the distance “a” lies in the range 0.00025 inches (6 micrometers)<“a”<0.004 inches (102 micrometers); the distance “b” lies in the range from 0.00008 inches (2 micrometers)<“b”<0.001 inches (24 micrometers); the distance “c” lies in the range from 0.0003 inches (8 micrometers)<“c”<0.0025 inches (64 micrometers); and the modification ratio (“MR”) lies in the range from about 1.1<“MR”<about 2.0.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin comprising a topsheet having a body-facing side and comprising a plurality of discrete tufts of fibrous material. The topsheet has a lotion composition applied to at least a portion of the body-facing side thereof. An absorbent core is in fluid communication with the topsheet, the absorbent core having an average thickness of less than about 10 mm, and a free absorbent capacity of from about 4 to about 125 grams per gram.

Abstract: The technology being at the core of the present invention relates to the use of novel fibers in the construction of reinforced elements and methods for their manufacture. The fibers effectively upgrade the inherent properties of the elements, as specified herein.

Abstract: Dry adhesive structures including a liquid polymer on the second end of the stem that is molded on the stem in a mold, wherein the mold includes a recess having a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the second end of the stem. The liquid polymer is cured in the mold to form a tip at the second end of the stem, wherein the tip includes a second layer stem; corresponding to the recess in the mold. The tip is removed from the mold after the liquid polymer cures.

Abstract: A laminate web having a nonwoven web in facing relationship with a polymer film. The laminate web has a first side comprising the polymer film and a plurality of discrete tufts including fibers integral with and extending from the nonwoven web. Each of the tufts has a tuft base proximal to the nonwoven web and a distal portion opposing the tuft base. At least part of the distal portion of each of the tufts is covered by a cap, each cap being an integral extension of said polymer film extending over the distal portion of a discrete tuft. The cap has a first opening including a location of rupture in the polymer film above which the tuft extends.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for fabricating improved ceramic composite turbine shrouds with abradable seals are disclosed. A high temperature seal with an abradable coating is provided. The seal comprises a three-dimensional, high-density woven composite base structure recessed below the abradable coating, with loops incorporated in and protruding from the base structure. The abradable coating is integrally attached to the base structure via the loops. Additionally, a graded density seal is provided with a three-dimensional, low-density woven composite structure. The low-density structure is abradable. A three-dimensional, high-density woven composite base structure is recessed below the low-density structure, with the low-density structure integrally attached to the base structure via weaving.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polyester yarns made from two or more different polyesters. The invention is also directed to finished articles made from two or more different polyesters, and especially to carpets.

Abstract: A method for the production of a laminate material for hook and loop closures, particularly for diaper closures, comprises laminating a textile material onto a carrier film having a surface structure that is suitable for forming a connection with the hooks of a hook and loop closure. The textile material is not connected with the carrier film over its entire area, and the textile material forming the cover layer of the laminate material is brushed after lamination.

Abstract: A foam core cleaning element of stitch-bonded construction having a multi-surface operative cleaning face. The cleaning element includes at least one fluid absorbing layer of absorptive polymeric foam. At least a first plurality of yarns extends in discontinuous patterned stitched relation through discrete selected zones of the fluid absorbing layer such that the first plurality of yarns forms a patterned array of first surface loop zones projecting outwardly away from a first side of the fluid absorbing layer in a defined patterned arrangement across the operative cleaning face of the cleaning element. A plurality of stitch-free zones of the polymeric foam define outwardly projecting convex curved surfaces at positions adjacent to the first surface loop zones across the operative cleaning face of the cleaning element.

Abstract: A fiber-coated marine material has antifouling properties, without necessarily containing bioactive agents. At least a part of the marine material is covered by piles of fibers having a thickness of at least 50 ?m and a fiber length of at least 3 mm. The thickness-to-length ratio of the fibers is at least 0.010, and the piles of fibers have a density lower than 40 fibers/mm2. The fiber coating can be directly applied onto the marine material, such as ropes and construction parts, or can be present on sheets which can be applied on the marine equipment.

Abstract: An artificial grass fiber is formed, which fiber has an elongated cross-section that remains substantially constant along its longitudinal axis. An artificial lawn comprising these artificial grass fibers is provided, as well as to the use of the aforesaid artificial grass fibers. The fibers collectively provide a special type of artificial grass which imitates the advantageous characteristics of natural grass, in particular in the field of ball roll and sliding characteristics.

Abstract: A rectangular carpet plank includes a baseplate having a first side edge opposed from a second side edge; and a carpet layer attached to a top surface of the baseplate. The carpet layer being divided into carpet sections, wherein each carpet section extends from the first side edge to the second side edge; each carpet section has a carpet pattern; and adjacent carpet sections have different carpet patterns.

Abstract: A cushioned, absorbent article such as a mat including a layer of absorbent, quick-drying woven textile material, a layer of viscoelastic polyurethane foam material having an open cell structure, the layer of foam material being glued and sewed to the layer of woven textile material to form a textile and foam assembly and typcially a rubberized base material, glued to a foam material side of the textile and foam assembly.

Abstract: A versatile fabric for use as a towel includes multiple surface areas that are formed of different materials. A support web has hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials woven therethrough. The hydrophilic material is interlaced with the web to define loops of material which extend from a first portion of the web surface and loops of material which extend from a second portion of the web surface which is longitudinally spaced from the first portion. Similarly, the hydrophobic material is interlaced with the web to define loops of material which extend from a third portion of the web surface and loops of material which extend from a fourth portion of the web surface which is longitudinally spaced from the third portion. The first and third portions of the support web surface are arranged opposite each other and the second and fourth portions of the support web surface are arranged opposite each other to define four surface portions of the fabric.

Abstract: A laminate web having a nonwoven web in facing relationship with a polymer film. The laminate web has a first side comprising the polymer film and a plurality of discrete tufts including fibers integral with and extending from the nonwoven web. Each of the tufts has a tuft base proximal to the nonwoven web and a distal portion opposing the tuft base. At least part of the distal portion of each of the tufts is covered by a cap, each cap being an integral extension of said polymer film extending over the distal portion of a discrete tuft. The cap has a first opening including a location of rupture in the polymer film above which the tuft extends.

Abstract: A textile fabric has at least one raised surface incorporating multicomponent fibers formed of at least a first material and a second material disposed in side-by-side relationship. The first material and the second material exhibit differential thermal elongation, which causes the multicomponent fibers to bend or curl and reversibly recover in response to changes in temperature, thereby adjusting insulation performance of the textile fabric in response to ambient conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic thread door mat and a forming mold thereof. By a high frequency heating mold, the edge of the plastic thread door mat is pressed by the specific molding closing structure of the forming mold to form a solid side. Through the solid side, the edge the plastic thread door mat is attached to the ground tightly, providing a better safety for a pedestrian.

Abstract: A flooring assembly and method of manufacturing a flooring assembly includes forming a. working surface by depositing a plurality of heated flexible strands of material onto a surface and cooling the plurality of heated flexible strands so that a first end of each strand is directly physically coupled to a first end of at least one other strand in the plurality of strands so that the coupled first ends of the plurality of strands define a plurality of openings and a second end, opposite the first end, of each strand is physically independent from each second end of each of the strands in the plurality of strands so that each second end of each strand is able to move independent of the second end of each other strand.

Abstract: A laminate web having a nonwoven web in facing relationship with a polymer film. The laminate web has a first side comprising the polymer film and a plurality of discrete tufts including fibers integral with and extending from the nonwoven web. Each of the tufts has a tuft base proximal to the nonwoven web and a distal portion opposing the tuft base. At least part of the distal portion of each of the tufts is covered by a cap, each cap being an integral extension of said polymer film extending over the distal portion of a discrete tuft. The cap has a first opening including a location of rupture in the polymer film above which the tuft extends.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fibrous web having a first region and at least one discrete integral second region, the second region having at least one portion being a discontinuity exhibiting a linear orientation and defining a longitudinal axis, and at least another portion being a deformation having a plurality of tufted fibers integral with but extending from the first region.

Abstract: A system for covering (i.e., closing) various types of sites where waste is deposited comprises a composite of one or more geotextiles that are tufted with synthetic yarns and an impermeable geomembrane, which is comprised of a polymeric material. The cover can include wind-resistant textured synthetic blade-like elements, such as vertical filaments, secured over a low-permeable polymer liner backing. Advantageously, the system does not rely on piled-on weight to resist wind forces and the cover can be deployed over a large area with little or no ballasting or anchoring. Optionally, the cover includes vertical filaments attached to the liner to break the wind aero-dynamics on the exposed cover.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a tufted carpet. The carpet may include a pile layer having a bulked continuous filament (BCF) yarn. The BCF yarn may include a polypropylene (PP) yarn with a tenacity between about 2.6 cN/dtex and about 3.2 cN/dtex at an elongation of about 50% to about 70%. Alternatively, the BCF yarn may include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a tenacity between about 2.6 cN/dtex to about 3.4 cN/dtex at an elongation of about 20% to about 40%.

Abstract: Carpet, comprising high piles and low piles, wherein a majority of the fibres which the high piles comprise is lighter in weight than the smaller fibres which the low piles comprise, and wherein particularly the high piles comprise fibres with a diversity of weights, wherein some of the fibres of the high piles have a weight of less than 15 dTex, and preferably less than 5 dTex, and the remaining fibres of the high piles have a weight of less than 25 dTex.

Abstract: A velour fabric article consists of a fabric body having a technical face formed by a filament stitch yarn and a technical back formed by a filament loop yarn. The filament stitch yarn includes a heat sensitive material, e.g. a hot melt material or a heat shrinkable material, and/or an elastomeric material, such as spandex. The fabric body has a velour surface formed at at least the technical back. The fabric body has permeability of about 80 ft3/ft2/min, or less, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the fabric body.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the creation and harvesting of algae using tufted products. One exemplary tufted product comprises a substrate and tufts tufted through the substrate. The use of a tufted product provides various advantages with respect to the creation and harvesting of algae. Among other things, such products can be configured to improve the amount of algal-growing surface area provided and other growing environment characteristics and to facilitate the harvesting of the algae from the tufted product by facilitating the release of all or most of the algae from attachment to the tufted product.

Abstract: A laminate web comprising a first and second precursor webs, at least the first precursor web being a nonwoven web, the laminate web having a first side, the first side comprising the second precursor web and at least one discrete tuft, each of the discrete tufts having a linear orientation defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of tufted fibers being integral extensions of the first precursor web and extending through the second precursor web; and a second side, the second side comprising the first precursor web.

Abstract: A textile sheet element having selectively applied arrays of surface projection elements defining raised zones across an active surface for cleaning and/or personal care, The textile sheet element is adapted for use by itself and/or for attachment to a user manipulated support with or without a handle such as a mop head or the like.

Abstract: A polyester garment material including a set of 100% polyester warp yarns and a set of 100% polyester weft yarns, wherein the warp and weft yarns are interlaced to form the garment material. The warp and weft yarns comprise of air-jet spun polyester fibers that wisk moisture away from an individual wearing the garment material and, therefore, provide a quick-drying, breathable garment material that simulates the absorbency characteristics of cotton yarns. The set of polyester warp yarns and the set of polyester weft yarns may be interlaced to form a ground fabric, where a set of polyester pile yarns may then be interlaced with the ground fabric so that the pile yarns extend outwardly (e.g., forming a plurality of loops) on the front side, back side, or both sides of the ground fabric.

Abstract: An air-permeable cushioning floor mat includes a top surface layer, a middle air permeation layer, and a bottom anti-skid layer. The surface layer can be of various variations, including being made of carpet like materials, fabric like materials, or plastic materials. For fabric like materials, knit fabrics and brushed knit fabric can be used. For plastic materials, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, or polyvinyl chloride can be used. The surface layer is bonded to the air permeation layer. The air permeation layer includes upper and lower netting portions between which multiple tiny and stiff synthetic fiber yarns are interposed. The anti-skid layer is bonded to the underside of the air permeation layer and the anti-skid layer includes a loop-and-hook type anti-skidding material. As such, the mat offers the advantages of comfortableness, resilient cushioning, and tiredness removal and shows excellent effects of air permeation and skidding resistance.

Abstract: A secondary ply structure suitable for incorporation into a continuous fibre reinforced composite structure comprising a matrix material and a plurality of fibre ply reinforcing structures, a continuous fibre reinforced composite material so formed, and a method for the fabrication of the same are described. The secondary ply comprises a carrier sheet for example in the form of a ply of primary fibres and carries a two dimensional planar array of secondary fibres extending outwardly of the plane of the sheet into a third dimension in generally aligned manner and disposed across at least a major part of the surface thereof in generally aligned manner to provide out of plane reinforcement in the consolidated structure.

Abstract: An adaptable garment material and method of producing such a material. The material may have a substrate and a plurality of shape memory polymer elements integrated therewith, or may be a mat of interwoven shape memory polymer elements. The shape memory elements adapt in the presence of an actuation trigger and exhibit different properties upon actuation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis comprising at least two pieces of knitted fabric and to the method of manufacturing it using a sonotrode to perform ultrasonic welding. The prosthesis comprises at least one first piece of knitted fabric and at least one second piece of knitted fabric, which are welded together by means of a plurality of welds situated in a joining region in which at least a portion of the said first and second pieces of knitted fabric are superposed, the said first and second pieces of knitted fabric each comprising a group of yarns extending respectively in first and second directions A and B, characterized in that the said directions A and B are substantially aligned with one another in the said joining region, and each said weld in the joining region is of elongate shape with its longitudinal axis being aligned with the said directions A and B.

Abstract: An area pad that is movably positioned upon a surface, supporting an article, the pad includes a base with first and second side portions, and an outer periphery. Also a plurality of fibers each with a proximal and a distal end portion, each fiber having a thickness and a length parallel to a longitudinal axis, each proximal end is affixed to the second side, each proximal end is spaced apart from an adjoining proximal end by at least a thickness forming an open volume, and each length is at least ten times the thickness. Further included is a low friction layer affixed to the first side, wherein the layer contacts the surface, the layer allows free relative movement to the surface. Also a flexible binding is affixed to the outer periphery, the binding contacts a portion of the proximal ends to substantially position each longitudinal axis perpendicular to the base.

Abstract: Matting material (1) comprises a supporting web (3) of comparatively coarse filaments (11) in which is embedded a web (5) of comparatively fine fibres (15). The upper surface of the embedded fibrous web (5) provides a shoe-wiping surface, and the coarse filaments (11) of the supporting web (3) project above the upper surface of the embedded web (5) to provide shoe-scraping elements.

Abstract: Filamentary materials, such as yarn (18), is wound a frame (28), provided by pairs of movable filaments or wires (35, 38), about which the end of the spindle (22) rotates provides the turns (26) of the winding as the article having the winding is moved along a process path. Mechanically or hydraulically actuated pins (34) support the winding frame in a fixed position. The filaments of the frame may be provided by laterally spaced pairs (44, 46) of filaments of weldable material.

Abstract: A textile fabric has at least one raised surface incorporating multicomponent fibers formed of at least a first polymer and a second polymer disposed in side-by-side relationship. The first polymer and the second polymer exhibit differential thermal elongation, which causes the multicomponent fibers to bend or curl and reversibly recover in response to changes in temperature, thereby adjusting insulation performance of the textile fabric in response to ambient conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lining element, in particular an interior lining and/or covering element, for motor vehicles, having a decorative layer and a support layer structure with at least one support layer, in which the air permeability and/or density and/or the mass per unit area of the support layer structure are preset for controlling the acoustic properties, and to a method for producing a lining element, in particular an interior lining element or covering element for motor vehicles, having a decorative layer and a support layer structure of at least one support layer with controlled acoustic properties. In particular, the acoustic properties of the lining element are controlled by matching the thickness, and/or the mass per unit area, and/or the air permeability of the lining element in zones, or over the entire surface, to sound emissions which are to be absorbed.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbon nanotube arrays and methods for the preparation and modification of carbon nanotube arrays. The method includes synthesizing a plurality of carbon nanotubes on a substrate such that the carbon nanotubes are substantially vertically aligned and exposing the array to a plasma to change the topography of the array, change the structure or chemical nature of the individual nanotubes, remove at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes, and/or removing nanotubes to expose monodispserse groupings of nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carbon film that is remarkably excellent in current voltage (IV) characteristics. This is achieved by way of a carbon film structure, two or more carbon film assembly units 12 are formed on a substrate 10. The carbon film assembly units 12 comprise: a stem-like carbon film 14 which is made into a film in the shape of a long and thin needle; and a branch-like carbon film cluster 16 which is made into a film so as to surround the stem-like carbon film 14 from the halfway to the lower part of this stem-like carbon film 14. The stem-like carbon film 14 has the shape of a long and thin needle having a configuration which has a spiral streak-like step part 18 towards the distal end at the circumference face of a near tip and in which the radius becomes small as going to the distal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven web comprising a plurality of loops. At least one of said loops having a loop circumference length to loop base length ratio that is greater than about 4:1. The loops may also have a base length less than 0.5 cm and a base length less than the maximum width of the loops. The present invention also relates to articles selected from the group consisting of disposable hygiene article and wipes comprising a nonwoven web wherein at least one region of the nonwoven web comprises loops in at least about 10% of the surface area of the nonwoven web. A method for producing a nonwoven web comprising a plurality of loops is also included. The method comprises the steps of providing a nonwoven web; providing means for moving fibers of the nonwoven web into the shape of a loop; and moving fibers of the nonwoven web into the shape of a loop.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fibrous web having a first region and at least one discrete integral second region, the second region having at least one portion being a discontinuity exhibiting a linear orientation and defining a longitudinal axis, and at least another portion being a deformation having a plurality of tufted fibers integral with but extending from the first region.

Abstract: Weatherseals are provided by a pair of base members which may be attached to a pile formed by winding fibers around a band as the band travels along an endless path. A section of the pile on one side of the endless band is cut to provide cut pile section and a continuous pile section. The continuous pile section forms the bow, arch or loop by disposing the base members in side-by-side, back-to-back, or perpendicular relationship. The cut pile section may be removed at the base members or halves of the cut pile section maybe left in place. The cut pile section halves and the outside surface of the bow, arch, or ioop may be attached by base members to a member, such as by adhesive or via one or more T-shaped slots, that is in sealing relationship with another member and engagable therewith to provide a resilient seal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multiple layer composites suitable for use as wall and floor coverings, among other uses, that provide a strong durable structure and a soft textile or fabric face. The composite includes a face layer bonded to an adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer penetrates into the face layer. The face layer can have legs extending there from, and such legs are anchored by the adhesive layer to provide stronger attachment between the adhesive layer and the face layer. A backing layer may also be provided in contact with the adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer also embeds into the backing layer, and the legs extending from the face layer may penetrate into the backing layer.

Abstract: A composite ply is provided by the present invention, with a substrate having a plurality of fibers extending from at least one side and a plurality of fiber fasteners each being formed by the adhering together with a bonding agent of adjacent groupings of fibers. The bonding agent increases the form-holding characteristics of the fiber fasteners, such that the fastening qualities are enhanced. Advantageously, soft fiber can be stiffened to a certain level and used as fasteners that resist crushing during engagement of the fasteners. After the fastener engagement process is done, the engaged fasteners may be crushed and further interlocked when compressed within a layup with a increased compression load.

Abstract: A fibre-coated marine material has antifouling properties, without necessarily containing bioactive agents. At least a part of the marine material is covered by piles of fibres having a thickness of at least 50 ?m and a fibre length of at least 3 mm. The thickness-to-length ratio of the fibres is at least 0.010, and the piles of fibres have a density lower than 40 fibres/mm2. The fibre coating can be directly applied onto the marine material, such as ropes and construction parts, or can be present on sheets which can be applied on the marine equipment.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin comprising a topsheet comprising a plurality of discrete tufts of fibrous material, wherein the topsheet has a density of less than 0.027 g/cc under a load of 0.004 psi, and a density of less than 0.068 at a load of 0.23 psi.

Abstract: A laminate web comprising a first and second precursor webs, at least the first precursor web being a nonwoven web, the laminate web having a first side, the first side comprising the second precursor web and at least one discrete tuft, each of the discrete tufts having a linear orientation defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of tufted fibers being integral extensions of the first precursor web and extending through the second precursor web; and a second side, the second side comprising the first precursor web.