Abstract: A method for space dyeing yarn wherein a rapidly advancing yarn is intermittently deflected into and out of a nip of a pair of rotating dye applicator rollers, such that those portions of the yarn which pass through the nip are subjected to a rapidly applied and substantial compressive force in the nature of a hammer-like impact in the nip, to cause the dye carried by the rollers to deeply penetrate into the yarn. In the illustrated embodiment, the yarn is advanced past a plurality of such pairs of dye applicator rollers, and an external pattern control acts to deflect the yarn into and out of the various nips in accordance with a predetermined program.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing randomly or space dyed skeins of yarn and which comprises an open vat adapted to be filled with a liquid dye bath, a rack for supporting a plurality of skeins, and means for selectively lifting the rack such that the rack and skeins may be translated between a fully lowered position in the dye bath and a plurality of raised positions.