System and method for processing fiber

Abstract

A system for processing fibers includes a dryer configured to remove moisture from at least a portion of the fibers, and a cleaner configured to remove at least one of dirt, sticks, and seeds from the portion of the fibers. The system further includes a conduit for transferring the portion of the fibers between the dryer and the cleaner, and a treatment system configured to apply chemical to the portion of the fibers. The system for processing fibers is configured to alter at least one of a color characteristic, moisture content, and a texture characteristic of the portion of the fibers via application of chemical to the portion of the fibers.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 771,024, filed on Feb. 8, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure relates to certain aspects of the design and operation of textile operations. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for processing fiber.BACKGROUND[0003]Textile operations include systems and methods for processing fibers to make them more desirable for the end use of the fibers. For example, textile operations include systems and methods for changing the nature of the fibers, for example, changing the color, the moisture content, and / or the texture of the fibers. In particular, natural fibers, such as wool, silk, and cotton may not occur naturally in a form desirable for the intended end use. Therefore, it may be desirable to process the fibers such that they are more suit...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In particular, natural fibers, such as wool, silk, and cotton may not occur naturally in a form desirable for the intended end use.

Typically, such cotton lint or mote cotton may tend to be considered of inferior grade or quality relative to the bulk of the cotton that has been processed, since it may still have undesirable qualities.

For example, the lint may still contain trash, and / or the lint may have an undesirable color, moisture content, and / or texture.

Since the cotton lint may be considered of inferior grade or quality, it may be sold only at a price substantially below the market price of the remainder of the processed cotton or it may be discarded entirely.

Since a relatively large amount of cotton lint or mote may accumulate during the cotton processing, the value of the cotton lint or mote may represent a potential windfall for the cotton processor if the suitability of the cotton lint or mote for its intended end use can be improved.

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