US 7,579,291 B2
	Bicomponent monofilament
Dana Eagles, Sherborn, Mass. (US)
Assigned to Albany International Corp., Albany, N.Y. (US)
Filed on May 05, 2008, as Appl. No. 12/115,097.
Application 11/973503 is a division of application No. 10/334168, filed on Dec. 30, 2002, abandoned.
Application 12/115097 is a continuation of application No. 11/973503, filed on Oct. 09, 2007.
Prior Publication US 2008/0207072 A1, Aug. 28, 2008
Int. Cl. D03D 15/00 (2006.01); D02G 3/00 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 442—192  [442/189; 442/195; 442/197; 428/375; 428/397]

7 Claims

1. A forming, press, dryer, TAD, pulp, sludge dewatering, chemiwashers or other engineered fabric comprising a plurality of monofilaments, said monofilaments include at least one longitudinal groove having a bottom and an open top in a paper or nonwoven web contacting or forming surface, wherein said groove is wider at its bottom than at its open top, said plurality of monofilaments positioned in a fabric structure such that said plurality of monofilaments are on said paper or nonwoven web contact or forming surface, said at least one groove comprises a cavity having a closed bottom and an open top running along a length of said groove and a coating applied to said fabric on the paper or nonwoven web contacting or forming surface, said coating filling said at least one groove, and said coating mechanically anchored in and adhered to said groove, said coating having greater resistance to peeling or wearing away from the paper or nonwoven web contacting or forming surface compared to a coated fabric comprising monofilaments without a grooved surface.