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Oriented chopped fiber mats and method and apparatus for making same

  • US 5,017,312 A
  • Filed: 04/27/1987
  • Issued: 05/21/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/27/1984
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A process of manufacturing a nonwoven mat from electrically nonconductive fiber feedstock, comprising the steps of:

  • increasing the conductivity of said feedstock by condensation of a gas containing electrical conductive material on the fiber feedstock to form treated fibers that are conductive;

    chopping said feedstock into fibers of a predetermined length;

    causing said treated fibers to fall under the influence of gravity through a directional electric field of sufficient strength to orient the fibers substantially parallel to a predetermined orientation axis;

    collecting said oriented fibers on a transfer surface to create an oriented, nonwoven mat; and

    causing an electric current to flow within said mat on said transfer surface to produce a directional electric field immediately above said mat substantially parallel to the desired orientation.

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  • 6 Assignments
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