An example method to clean a continuous substrate involves applying a high pressure, low flow spray of a first cleaning fluid at the continuous substrate from one or more nozzles to remove particulate matter from the continuous substrate; transporting the continuous substrate from a first volume having the high pressure, low volume spray, to a second volume having an agitation bath; vacuuming moisture from the continuous substrate during transporting of the continuous substrate from the first volume to the second volume; directing energy at the continuous substrate in the agitation bath using at least one of a megasonic transducer or an ultrasonic transducer; and drying the continuous substrate.

An example method to clean a continuous substrate involves applying a high pressure, low flow spray of a first cleaning fluid at the continuous substrate from one or more nozzles to remove particulate matter from the continuous substrate; an agitator, comprising at least one of a megasonic transducer or an ultrasonic transducer, and configured to direct energy at the continuous substrate; and drying the continuous substrate.

A treatment method includes: preparing a vibration applying section including a contact member that has a base and a plurality of protruding portions which are provided so as to protrude from the base and which come into contact with a fabric and including a vibration generation source that applies a vibration to the contact member; and a vibration applying step of, in a state in which the protruding portions are made to be in contact with the fabric, driving the vibration generation source such that the protruding portions vibrate and applying vibration to the fabric via the protruding portions.

Described herein is an antiviral face mask and methods of use thereof to inactivate a virus in contact with the face mask. The face mask may include a fibrous material with silicon nitride powder impregnated therein and a layer surrounding the fibrous material. In some embodiments, silicon nitride is present in the fibrous material at a concentration of about 30 wt. % to about 50 wt. %.

The invention relates to a method for producing an antimicrobial fabric or yarn, said method comprising the steps of immersing a fabric or yarn in an aqueous solution of a metal salt whilst simultaneously subjecting said solution to ultrasonic radiation; and removing the fabric or yarn from said solution and subsequently converting the metal salt in situ in the fabric or yarn into metal oxide nanoparticles, preferably via chemical and heat treatment. Fabrics and yarns obtained or obtainable by such method are also provided. In a further aspect the invention provides an apparatus for performing such method.

A method of spreading fiber tows includes applying a coupling medium to a surface of a fibrous structure, positioning an ultrasonic probe adjacent to the surface of a fibrous structure, such that a tip of the ultrasonic probe is in contact with the coupling medium, moving at least one of the ultrasonic probe and the fabric structure relative to the other of the ultrasonic probe and the fibrous structure according to a first pattern, and imparting ultrasonic vibration with the ultrasonic probe to the surface of the fibrous structure while moving the ultrasonic probe along the surface of the fibrous structure. Imparting ultrasonic vibration to the surface of the fibrous structure spreads tows of the fibrous structure.

There is provided an impregnated natural fiber including a cuticle and an interior lumen, the cuticle circumscribing the interior lumen; and insoluble particulates possessing a preselected property embedded in the fiber. The particulates comprise at least 0.1-30 wt. % of the impregnated fiber and the particulates are embedded on the cuticle and within the lumen of the fiber. The fiber has an increased strength, micronaire value and rate of water absorption. Also provided is a system for surface treating cellulose sliver fibers. The system includes a vessel containing a moist paste which comprises at least one particulate material possessing one or more preselected desired properties, a thickening agent and water. The paste from the vessel is dispensed directly onto sliver fiber ribbon(s). A bore sonotrode generates ultrasonic waves which embed the particulate material(s) in the sliver fibers.

A system for in-line treatment of thread for use with a thread consuming device is provided. The system includes a treatment unit including at least a first and a second print head each being configured to dispense one or more coating substances onto the at least one thread when activated; and a control unit configured to determine if a maintenance sequence is to be performed on at least the first print head, and if so schedule said maintenance sequence on at least the first print head. A method is further provided.

A decolorization method for a dyed fiber cloth is provided. The decolorization method for the dyed fiber cloth includes steps of: providing a fiber cloth attached with a dye, extracting the dye attached on the fiber cloth by an extractant, and applying a microwave to evaporate the extractant so as to obtain a dried and decolored fiber cloth.

An ultrasonic drying method used in yarn dyeing and drying machine (200) for drying the washed and dyed wet yarns (300) in the process of dyeing one or more yarns at a desired length in one or more colors in the manufacture of products such as carpet, hand-knit, knitwear in the textile sector, and to an ultrasonic drying system (100) for performing this method, wherein the system contains an Ultrasonic booster (101) which creates sound waves to be transmitted over the wet yarn (300) bundle the excess water of which has been removed by the vacuum unit (209) to remove the water therein before the drying tunnel (210); a horn (103) which is positioned between the ultrasonic booster (101) and the wet yarn (300) to transfer the sound waves generated by the Ultrasonic booster (101) to the wet yarn (300) bundle.