Non-round solution spun spandex filaments and methods and devices for production thereof

Abstract

Non-round or shaped solution spun spandex filaments as well as methods and devices for production of these non-round or shaped solution spun spandex filaments are provided.

1 . A non-round or shaped solution spun spandex filament produced by solution dry spinning using a spinneret with a plate comprising two or more holes or capillaries spaced less than 0.05 inches apart and greater than 0.016 inches apart. 
     
     
         2 . The spandex filament of  claim 1  wherein the two or more holes or capillaries on the spinneret are spaced less than 0.038 inches apart. 
     
     
         3 . The spandex filament of  claim 1  wherein the two or more holes or capillaries on the spinneret are spaced less than 0.025 inches apart. 
     
     
         4 . The spandex filament of  claim 3  wherein the two or more holes on the spinneret are connected via a narrow rectangular slot. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A non-round or tri-lobal shaped solution spun spandex filament produced by solution dry spinning using a spinneret with a plate comprising three holes or capillaries, wherein said holes or capillaries are between 0.009 to 0.015 inches in diameter and oriented in a triangular configuration. 
     
     
         10 . The spandex filament of  claim 9  wherein the triangular configuration is equilateral. 
     
     
         11 . The spandex filament of  claim 9  wherein the holes or capillaries on the spinneret are connected via narrow rectangular slots 0.0030 inches wide. 
     
     
         12 . The spandex filament of  claim 9  wherein the holes or capillaries are connected via rectangular slots radiating from the center of the capillary cluster to each of the holes capillaries less than 0.0300 inches from the center point, the slot being 0.055 inches wide. 
     
     
         13 . A spinneret for producing non-round or shaped solution spun spandex filaments, said spinneret comprising a plate with two or more holes or capillaries spaced less than 0.05 inches apart and greater than greater than 0.016 inches apart. 
     
     
         14 . The spinneret of  claim 13  wherein the two or more holes or capillaries on the spinneret are spaced less than 0.035 inches apart. 
     
     
         15 . The spinneret of  claim 13  wherein the two or more holes or capillaries on the spinneret are spaced less than 0.025 inches apart. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A spinneret for producing non-round or tri-lobal shaped solution spun spandex filaments, said spinneret comprising a plate with three holes or capillaries, wherein said holes or capillaries are between 0.009 to 0.015 inches in diameter and oriented in a triangular configuration. 
     
     
         22 . The spinneret of  claim 21  wherein the triangular configuration is equilateral. 
     
     
         23 . The spinneret of  claim 21  wherein the holes or capillaries on the spinneret are connected via narrow rectangular slots 0.0030 inches wide. 
     
     
         24 . The spinneret of  claim 21  wherein the holes or capillaries are connected via rectangular slots radiating from the center of the capillary cluster to each of the holes capillaries less than 0.0300 inches from the center point, the slot being 0.055 inches wide. 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . (canceled)