Polymer Group, Inc.

International Paper Company

Frederick Ty

Herschel Sternlieb

J Michael Greenway

Frank E Malaney

Jackson Lawrence

Gregory Henning

Improvements in Hydroenhancement efficiency are obtained by operating a manifold in relative movement to fabric transported under the manifold so as to deliver a low energy to the fabric per pass in multiple passes on the fabric. This results in greater enhancement efficiency and reduction in wasted energy, and also improves fabric coverage and reduces fabric shrinkage. The low-energy per pass, multiple-pass approach can be implemented with improved hydroenhancing equipment of reduced equipment size and cost which simulate multiple passes on the fabric. Embodiments employ a manifold or manifold system that is reciprocated, oscillated, or rotated to simulate multiple passes on the fabric. Other variations for improving hydroenhancement include angling the manifold at a diagonal to the fabric travel direction, using a high density number of double rows of jets to eliminate interference patterns.

Fabric hydroenhancement method & equipment for improved efficiency

Improvements in hydroenhancement efficiency are obtained by operating a manifold in relative movement to fabric transported under the manifold so as to deliver a low energy to the fabric per pass in multiple passes on the fabric. This results in greater enhancement efficiency and reduction in wasted energy, and also improves fabric coverage and reduces fabric shrinkage. The low-energy-per-pass, multiple-pass approach can be implemented with improved hydroenhancing equipment of reduced equipment size and cost which simulate multiple passes on the fabric. In one embodiment, a jigging hydroenhancing equipment transports the fabric back and forth under a stationary manifold between a pair of unwind/windup reels to simulate multiple passes on the fabric. Other embodiments employ a manifold or manifold system that is reciprocated, oscillated, or rotated to simulate multiple passes on the fabric. Other variations for improving hydroenhancement are disclosed.

Improvements in hydroenhancement efficiency are obtained by operating a manifold in relative movement to fabric transported under the manifold so as to deliver a low energy to the fabric per pass in multiple passes on the fabric. This results in greater enhancement efficiency and reduction in wasted energy, and also improves fabric coverage and reduces fabric shrinkage. The low-energy-per-pass, multiple-pass approach can be implemented with improved hydroenhancing equipment of reduced equipment size and cost which simulate multiple passes on the fabric. In one embodiment, a jigging hydroenhancing equipment transports the fabric back and forth under a stationary manifold between a pair of unwind/windup reels to simulate multiple passes on the fabric. Other embodiments employ a manifold or manifold system that is reciprocated, oscillated, or rotated to simulate multiple passes on the fabric.

Fabric hydroenhancement method and equipment for improved efficiency

An hydraulic treatment apparatus (10) and method is provided for finishing and upgrading the quality of continuous filament cloth materials. The fabric (12) is supported on a member and impacted with a uniform, high density jet, fluid curtain (34,70) under controlled process energies. Low pressure/low energy treatments spread filaments in the fabric to reduce air porosity and provide improved uniformity in material finish. High pressure and energy treatments increase fabric bulk and porosity. Fluid treated fabrics of the invention demonstrate substantial improvement in at least two of uniformity, cover, opacity, increased or decreased bulk, increased or decreased air permeability, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, edge fray, and seam slippage.

Apparatus and method for hydraulic finishing of continuous filament

Woven or knit fabric is pre-tentered (stretched) prior to hydroenhancement treatment to a predetermined width in excess of the desired finished width of the fabric. The pre-tentering width is selected so that the expected shrinkage caused by the hydroenhancing process reduces the width of the enhanced fabric to slightly less than the desired finished width. The fabric is post-tentered hydroenhancing process only by a slight amount to the exact desired finished width. Since only a slight increase in width is required, there is very little loss in cover of the enhanced fabric. Post-tentering to a slight increase in width will also provide a slight tension for holding the fabric in the tenter clips and prevent the fabric from dragging in the tenter.

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Walpole, MA, United States of America

Frederick Ty