Interference 103,685
These dye diffusion promoting agents all contain
between 8 and 13 carbon atoms in their structure and
show a positive dyed-only swelling value. Those amides
containing less than 7 or more than 14 carbon atoms . . .
were ineffective, as were all the structures producing
a negative dyed only swelling value. It thus appears
that a combination of two properties - 7 to 14 carbon
atoms in the molecular structure and a positive swelling
value - is sufficient to define an effective class of dye
diffusions [sic] promoting agents for fibers such as Nomex.
7. Dyeing and Flame Retarding - Two separate
procedures for dyeing and flame retarding have been
described above. In Procedure A, dyeing and flame
retarding were conducted simultaneously, while procedure B
is surprisingly effective in imparting enhanced flame
resistance to Nomex Fibers, in spite of the fact that
much of the diffusion promoting agent has been removed
by scouring. This result suggests that the diffusion
promoting agent has produced a change in the structure
of the Nomex which makes it easier for flame retardant,
and possibly dyes, to enter the fiber. Procedure B is
useful for a two-step process for flame retarding Nomex
or for the printing of patterns on Nomex fabric dyed to
a solid background shade.
Given identical teachings in the specifications of Riggins’
patent and Riggins’ involved application that scouring at boil
to remove residual diffusion promoting agent after initial
treatment of aromatic polyamide fibrous material or fiber with a
dye and/or flame retardant diffusion promoting agent removes
“much” of the diffusion promoting agent, it is unclear from
Riggins’ disclosures that (1) some residual amount of diffusion
promoting agent remains on post-scoured aromatic polyamide
fibrous material or fiber, and (2) this residual amount of
diffusion promoting agent, if any, patentably distinguishes the
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