Patent ID: 6165207
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: A61F,F28F,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for shaping a group of multiple fibers, comprising the operations of:holding the fibers substantially parallel to each other to form a plane defining top and bottom surfaces;positioning an upper crimping assembly of substantially parallel crimping bars proximate the top surface;positioning a lower crimping assembly of substantially parallel crimping bars proximate the bottom surface;aligning the upper and lower crimping assemblies such that the bars are substantially parallel to each other, and the bars form an oblique angle to the fibers;decreasing relative distance between the upper and lower crimping assemblies sufficient to bend the fibers into oscillating shapes that repeatedly curve back and forth longitudinally along the fibers as the fibers pass around bars of the upper and lower crimping assemblies in alternating fashion; andbefore or while the fibers are bent into the oscillating shapes, heating the fibers sufficiently for the fibers to adopt the oscillating shapes when cooled.