초록 ▼

A new fiber-forming method, and related apparatus, are taught in which extruded filaments of fiber-forming material are directed through a processing chamber that is defined by two parallel walls, at least one of which is instantaneously movable toward and away from the other wall; preferably both w

A new fiber-forming method, and related apparatus, are taught in which extruded filaments of fiber-forming material are directed through a processing chamber that is defined by two parallel walls, at least one of which is instantaneously movable toward and away from the other wall; preferably both walls are instantaneously movable toward and away from one another. Movement means provide instantaneous movement to the at least one movable wall. In one embodiment, the movement means comprises biasing means for resiliently biasing the wall toward the other wall. Movement of the wall toward and away from the other wall is sufficiently easy and rapid that the wall will move away from the other wall in response to increases in pressure within the chamber but will be quickly returned to its original position by the biasing means upon resumption of the original pressure within the chamber. In another embodiment the movement means comprises oscillating means for oscillating the wall at a rapid rate. The invention also provides new nonwoven webs, which comprise a collected mass of fibers that includes fibers randomly interrupted by isolated fiber segments that comprise oriented polymer chains but differ in morphology from the main portion of the fiber.

대표청구항 ▼

A new fiber-forming method, and related apparatus, are taught in which extruded filaments of fiber-forming material are directed through a processing chamber that is defined by two parallel walls, at least one of which is instantaneously movable toward and away from the other wall; preferably both w

A new fiber-forming method, and related apparatus, are taught in which extruded filaments of fiber-forming material are directed through a processing chamber that is defined by two parallel walls, at least one of which is instantaneously movable toward and away from the other wall; preferably both walls are instantaneously movable toward and away from one another. Movement means provide instantaneous movement to the at least one movable wall. In one embodiment, the movement means comprises biasing means for resiliently biasing the wall toward the other wall. Movement of the wall toward and away from the other wall is sufficiently easy and rapid that the wall will move away from the other wall in response to increases in pressure within the chamber but will be quickly returned to its original position by the biasing means upon resumption of the original pressure within the chamber. In another embodiment the movement means comprises oscillating means for oscillating the wall at a rapid rate. The invention also provides new nonwoven webs, which comprise a collected mass of fibers that includes fibers randomly interrupted by isolated fiber segments that comprise oriented polymer chains but differ in morphology from the main portion of the fiber. e elongate body, and a proximal portion extending along the exterior of the elongate body within the outer member toward the proximal end of the outer member; and a tip member associated with the distal end of the elongate body and including a bore through which the control element extends, the bore defining a distal end, a proximal end and a bore diameter which increases at least in the area adjacent to the distal end of the bore. 6. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the bore is substantially frusto-conically shaped. 7. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the bore curves outwardly. 8. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the elongate body comprises a catheter tube. 9. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the outer member comprises sheath. 10. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control element comprises multiple strands. 11. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one operative element comprises an electrode. 12. A probe assembly, comprising: an outer member including a wall defining an interior bore having a distal end and a proximal end; an elongate body, defining a distal portion, a distal end, a proximal end and an exterior, carried within the outer member, the distal portion of the elongate body including at least one operative element; a control element defining a distal portion operably connected to at least one of the distal end and the distal portion of the elongate body, and a proximal portion extending along the exterior of the elongate body within the outer member toward the proximal end of the outer member; and a tip member associated with the distal end of the elongate body and including an elastomeric member defining a bore through which the control element extends. 13. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: a shape retainer ring around at least a portion of the elastomeric member. 14. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the elongate body comprises a catheter tube. 15. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the outer member comprises a sheath. 16. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the control element comprises a pull wire. 17. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one operative element comprises an electrode. 18. A probe assembly, comprising: an outer member including a wall defining an interior bore having a distal end and a proximal end; an elongate body, defining a distal portion, a distal end, a proximal end and an exterior, carried within the outer member, the distal portion of the elongate body including at least one operative element; a pull wire defining a distal portion operably connected to at least one of the distal end and the distal portion of the elongate body, and a proximal portion extending along the exterior of the elongate body within the outer member toward the proximal end of the outer member; and a tip member associated with the distal end of the elongate body and defining an aperture through which the pull wire extends, the tip member including stress reducing means for reducing bending stress on the pull wire. 19. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the elongate body comprises a catheter tube. 20. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the outer member comprises a sheath. 21. A probe assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the at least one operative element comprises an electrode. 22. A probe assembly, comprising: an outer member including a wail defining an interior bore having a distal end and a proximal end; an elongate body, defining a distal portion, a distal end, a proximal end and an exterior, carried within the outer member, the distal portion of the elongate body including at least one operative element; a control element defining a distal portion extending into the distal end of the elongate body and operably connected to at least one of the distal end and the