US4389364A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of making thick-and-thin fibers
Assignee: Toray Industries Inc
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Filing: 1981-07-20
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Granted: 1983-06-21
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Expires: 2001-07-20
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a method of making a thick-and-thin fiber or fibers, wherein the fineness thereof changes gradually and periodically along the longitudinal direction thereof. The method comprises (1) a step wherein molten fiber forming polymer is extruded through spinneret holes at a constant throughput, (2) a step wherein the extruded filaments run through a short gaseous gap whose length is in the range of 0.1 to 6 millimeters before they plunge into liquid for abrupt solidification by cooling, (3) a step wherein the solidified undrawn filaments are touched by at least one vibrating substance before being withdrawn at a constant speed, (4) a step wherein the undrawn filaments are drawn by some roller systems, and (5) a step wherein the drawn filaments are thermally set.
Inventors
- 👤 Tadakazu Endo
- 👤 Shigemitsu Saitoh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:45
CPC Classifications
D; D01; D01D; D01D5/00; D01D5/20; D03; D03D; D03D27/00; D04; D04H; D04H1/00; D04H1/40; D04H1/42; D04H1/4391; D10; D10B; D10B2501/00; D10B2501/04; D10B2501/044
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
In a method for producing thick-and-thin fibers having a thick-and-thin ratio of 4 to 50, defined as the ratio of the cross-sectioned area of the thick portion to that of the adjacent thin portion and having a fineness which changes gradually and periodically along the longitudinal direction thereof, the steps which comprise: (1) continuously extruding molten fiber forming polymer through spinneret holes at a constant throughput; (2) running the extruded filaments through a gap, the length of which is in the range of 0.1 to 6 millimeters and plunging said filaments into a liquid for solidification or coagulation thereof; (3) vibrating the solidified or coagulated undrawn filaments with a vibrating guide such that the vibrating frequency applied to the filaments is in the range of 100 to 10,000 cycles per minute and thereafter withdrawing them at a constant speed, and (4) drawing the undrawn filaments to produce a drawn thick-and-thin yarn.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
In a method for producing thick-and-thin fibers having a thick-and-thin ratio of 4 to 50, defined as the ratio of the cross-sectioned area of the thick portion to that of the adjacent thin portion and having a fineness which changes gradually and periodically along the longitudinal direction thereof, the steps which comprise: (1) continuously extruding molten fiber forming polymer through spinneret holes at a constant throughput; (2) running the extruded filaments through a gap, the length of which is in the range of 0.1 to 6 millimeters and plunging said filaments into a liquid for solidification or coagulation thereof; (3) vibrating the solidified or coagulated undrawn filaments with a vibrating guide such that the vibrating frequency applied to the filaments is in the range of 100 to 10,000 cycles per minute and thereafter withdrawing them at a constant speed, and (4) drawing the undrawn filaments to produce a drawn thick-and-thin yarn.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the liquid temperature in the second step is less than the glass transition temperature of the polymer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the take-up velocity of the filaments in in the range of 1 to 1,000 meters per minute, and the final filament speed in the drawing step is in the range of 1.5 to 6,000 meters per minute.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the drawing step is carried out at a draw ratio which provides a thick-and-thin ratio of the drawn filament which is greater than that of the undrawn filament.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 1, including the further step of thermally setting the drawn filaments.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 5, wherein the setting step is performed for more than 0.01 second at a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the melting point of the polymer.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-06-20 | 1986-12-20 | 1987-06-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-06-20 | 1990-12-20 | 1991-06-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-06-20 | 1994-12-20 | 1995-06-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |