Method for improving strength of elastic strand
US6531085B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2924
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
We have determined that strength characteristics of elastic strand improve when the strand is heated. Thus, the present invention is directed to improving strength characteristics of an elastic strand by heating the strand. The strand may be heated by thermal conduction and/or convection, by irradiative methods using, for example, infrared or microwave radiation, or some combination of these. If the elastic strand is made at a location different from the location where the strand is used as a raw material, the strand may be heated at either location, or both locations. Furthermore, the strand may be heated in-line, i.e. as part of the process that makes the strand or the process that uses the strand as a raw material, or off-line, i.e. in a step separate from either of the aforementioned processes. Finally, in addition to heat treating the strand, the strand's exposure to water or water vapor may be regulated to reduce or eliminate strength degradation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.