Appeal No. 98-1184
Application 08/593,670
about 200 ft./second. As previously discussed, the
waves 24 are typically saw-tooth in shape resulting
in small bending radii at the troughs. These sharp
radii, combined with the fast propagation of the
wave[s] down the fabric seem to break the fiber to
fiber resin or finish bonds therebetween, thereby
decreasing the bending and shear stiffness of the
fabric to increase the flexibility and drape. Also,
the passage of the saw-tooth waves down the fabric
generates high accelerations, i.e., several hundred
times the force of gravity, which causes the removal
of loosely bound debris therefrom resulting in a
smoother fabric surface [column 4, line 54, through
column 5, line 6].
Dischler goes on to teach that
[i]n the preferred form of the invention . . .,
the gaseous fluid employed is low pressure, high
velocity air which is supplied tangentially to and
opposite to the direction of travel of the low
tensioned fabric 10 being conditioned. Varied
effects can be accomplished, depending on the fabric
being run, by varying the temperature of the gaseous
fluid, speed of the fabric, tension of the fabric,
direction of impingement of the gaseous fluid, etc.
[column 5, lines 45 through 53].
Sack also discloses a method and apparatus for treating
fabric webs to improve their drape, softness, feel and hand.
In Sack's words,
[t]he apparatus includes a wall means which defines
an elongated tunnel having an inlet end and an
5
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