Abstract: A process and apparatus for shrinking and smoothing single layer or tubular textile material where the material is first pre-shrunk by conveyance along a first curved path through a heated curved pull-in gap formed by a guide shoe and a pull-in conveyor roller. The material is then conveyed along a second curved path, curved oppositely to the first curved path, and then to a compaction zone formed by cooperation between a smoothing conveyor and a shrinkage conveyor belt. The size of the pull-in gap and the speed of the pull-in conveyor may be varied in order to achieve a variation in the residual shrinkage of the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for smoothing and shrinking tubular fabric material. The method comprises stretching the material along its width and moistening the stretched material. The material then enters a first smoothing and shrinking unit and is turned around a turning roller. The material engages a shrinkage belt which presses one side of the material against a support roller. The material then exits the first smoothing and shrinking unit and enters a second where the other side of the material is treated. The shrinkage of the material is increased since an elastic layer on each shrinkage belt varies the surface tension engaged to each side of the material.

Abstract: The externally held, adjustable width spreader for tubular material (1) present in a flat state is provided with two spreading and guiding units (2, 3) which are to be arranged next to one another in the interior of the tubular material. The spreading and guide units are each provided with an endless transporting belt (4) which extends along their outer guide faces and is exposed there. The transporting belts (4) and in releasable operating engagement with feed rollers (8, 9, 10, 11) disposed on the exterior of the tubular material (1) passing through.