Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for the production of electret filaments, fibers or the like from a thread-forming, high molecular weight substance, which consists of melting said thread-forming, high molecular weight substance, and extruding said substance in the molten state through a die orifice, electrically charging, with either a negative or a positive sign, and electrically polarizing said substance for the production of a stable electric field originating from the formed filaments, fibers or the like, cooling the formed filaments, fibers or the like, and the step of electrically charging, with either a negative or a positive sign, and the electric polarization for the production of a stable electric field originating from the formed filaments, fibers or the like is effected immediately prior to or during the issuance of said thread-forming, high molecular weight substance from the die orifice on said substance, while it is in the molten state.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for the production of electret filaments, fibers or the like from a thread-forming, high molecular weight substance, which consists of melting said thread-forming, high molecular weight substance, and extruding said substance in the molten state through a die orifice, electrically charging, with either a negative or a positive sign, and electrically polarizing said substance for the production of a stable electric field originating from the formed filaments, fibers or the like, cooling the formed filaments, fibers or the like, and the step of electrically charging, with either a negative or a positive sign, and the electric polarization for the production of a stable electric field originating from the formed filaments, fibers or the like is effected immediately prior to or during the issuance of said thread-forming, high molecular weight substance from the die orifice on said substance, while it is in the molten state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
Method according to claim 1, wherein each of the formed filaments, fibers or the like is exposed immediately after its issuance from the die orifice to an electric field which exerts on the carriers of electric charge present in or on the filaments, fibers or the like a force perpendicular to and in the direction of the respective longitudinal axis of the filaments, fibers or the like.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
Method according to claim 2, wherein the formed filaments, fibers or the like are simultaneously cooled.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for the production of electret filaments, fibers or the like from a thread-forming, high molecular weight substance, which comprises: (a) means for melting said thread-forming substance; (b) means for extruding said substance in the molten state through a die provided with orifices; (c) means for electrically charging and for inducing polarization in close proximity with the die orifice; and (d) cooling means for the electret filaments and textile fibers.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for the production of electret filaments, fibers or the like from a thread-forming, high molecular weight substance, which comprises: (a) means for melting said thread-forming substance; (b) means for extruding said substance in the molten state through a die provided with orifices; (c) means for electrically charging and for inducing polarization in close proximity with the die orifice; and (d) cooling means for the electret filaments and textile fibers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
101 words
The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the means for electric charging and for inducing polarization consist of an electrode provided with at least one point, said electrode being coated with or surrounded by an electrically insulating material stable to the conditions prevailing inside the die, except for at least said one point, said one point being disposed in the interior of the die directly in front of the die orifice or protruding into a die orifice, said electrode being connected to one terminal of a source of electric energy, the other terminal of said source of electric energy being grounded.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
157 words
The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the means for electrically charging and inducing polarization consist of an electrode provided with at least one point, said electrode being completely coated with or surrounded by an electrically insulating material stable to the conditions prevailing inside the die, said one point being disposed within the die directly in front of the die orifice or protruding into a die orifice, and of a counter-electrode which is not coated with or surrounded by an electrically insulating material and which is disposed within the die not directly in front of the die orifice or protruding into the die orifice, the electrically insulated electrode being connected to one terminal of a source of electrical energy and the electrically not insulated counter-electrode being connected to the other terminal of said source of electrical energy, and the terminal of the source of electrical energy with which the electrically insulated electrode is connected being also grounded.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus according to claim 4, which comprises a die-plate containing the die orifices, or the entire die, which die plate consists of: either of an electrically insulating material stable to the conditions prevailing inside the die; or of an electrically conductive material stable to the conditions prevailing inside the die; the die plate or the entire die being then insulated from the ground.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
71 words
Apparatus according to claim 4, which is provided on the exit side of the die directly contiguous to each die orifice and axially centered therewith, but without being in direct contact with the die, with at least one hollow cylinder consisting of electrically conductive material, said hollow cylinder being connected with one terminal of a source of electrical energy and the other terminal of the source of electrical energy being grounded.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the hollow cylinders located on the exit side of the die also serve as cooling means for cooling the formed filaments, fibers or the like.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said source of electrical energy produces an electric field inside said hollow cylinder, said apparatus producing no electric field between said die orifice and said cylinder.