Patent ID: 6203743
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: D01D,D02J

Abstract:
A method of treating a traveling tow of synthetic filaments comprised of molecular chains which are generally unoriented or are only partially oriented with respect to one another, the method comprising the sequential steps of:drawing the tow in a moisture wetted state to orient generally lengthwise the molecule chains in the synthetic filaments;then dewetting the tow to remove moisture therefrom by conveying the wetted drawn tow between a pair of nip rolls exerting a pressure of at least about 500 pounds of force per linear inch of axial nip contact between the nip rolls; andthen heat setting the dewetted drawn tow to crystallize substantially the oriented molecular chains in the synthetic filaments, the amount of energy required to heat set the tow being reduced in relation to the amount of moisture removed by the dewetting of the tow.