Systems and methods for air embossing utilizing improved air lances
US7507364B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06C23/04
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Air embossing systems, air lances, and methods of air embossing fabrics produce an unprecedented level of fine detail, crisp transition between unembossed and embossed regions, and a high degree of uniformity across the width of an embossed fabric. The air embossing systems can utilize air lances for directing a stream of air onto the embossable surface of a fabric that have at least one nozzle having a characteristic orifice dimension substantially less than that of conventional air lance nozzles, and also substantially less than a characteristic length of the nozzle. Air lances can also include one or more nozzles in the shape of an elongated slit oriented so as to be positioned across essentially the entire width of a fabric being embossed. Air lances for embossing fabrics can include a nozzle-forming component that can be separable from the main body of the air lance and that enables the nozzle(s) of the air lance to be positioned within close proximity to the fabric, when the air lance is in operation, and that also can act to redirect air flowing within the air lance so that it is emitted from the nozzle(s) such that a substantial fraction of the air stream is directed essent…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.