Albany International Corporation

Jennifer L Bowden

Lynn Faye Kroll

John J Lafond

Joseph P Botelho

Dana Eagles

Maurice R Paquin

Joseph Gerald O'Connor

Amit Ganatra

Jeffrey Scott Denton

Maryann C Kenney

John Michael Dempsey

The invention relates to ultrasonic gap welding of flat woven fabrics. Specifically, the invention relates to a method of ultrasonic welding the seam termination yarn ends of a fabric using a controlled gap. A mechanical stop may be employed to control the distance or gap between the horn and anvil to a predetermined level based on the depth of welding and amount of weld energy. By adding another degree of control, the ultrasonic gap welding technique of the present invention is able to achieve fabric seams that are stronger than conventional seams, and even those enhanced with gluing, and is conducive to formation of fabric seams by spot welding or along the termination yarn ends of the fabric.

Formation of a fabric seam by ultrasonic gap welding of a flat woven fabric

The invention discloses herein the use of short wavelength infrared energy to selectively control the locations where thermal fusing or bonding takes place or does not take place in an industrial fabric. Also, the method involves forming a mushroom cap on the tail of a fiber/yarn or monofilament and also creating a surface pattern formation.

Process for producing papermaker's and industrial fabrics

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Pittsville, WI, United States of America

Jennifer L Bowden