Abstract: An apparatus for dyeing a textile substrate using a plurality of applicators that each apply an increment of a total dye application. In one form a reduced indigo dye in a leuco-state is applied in an inert atmosphere substantially isolated from oxidizing substances. In another form the foamed dye is applied while open to the atmosphere. In both forms holddown rollers or inverted applicators are located between applicators at decreasing depths to minimize increases in tension as the substrate travels over successive applicator faces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a foamed composition to a traveling substrate that has a tendency to be dimensionally unstable. A pair of closely spaced driven guide rollers guides a traveling substrate with sufficient roller engagement and controlled tension to minimize dimensional distortion. A foam applicator with a substrate engaging foam dispensing nozzle face is positioned within the space between the rollers to deflect the substrate inwardly between the rollers. The face extends in close proximity to the rollers to minimize the free extent of travel of the substrate between the rollers and the nozzle face. Two pairs of guide rollers and two nozzles may be arranged for applying foamed composition to the opposite sides of the traveling substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for dyeing a textile substrate using a plurality of applicators that each apply an increment of a total dye application. In one form a reduced indigo dye in a leuco-state is applied in an inert atmosphere substantially isolated from oxidizing substances. In another form the foamed dye is applied while open to the atmosphere. In both forms holddown rollers or inverted applicators are located between applicators at decreasing depths to minimize increases in tension as the substrate travels over successive applicator faces.

Abstract: An apparatus for dyeing a cellulosic textile substrate with reduced indigo dye in a leuco-state in an inert atmosphere substantially isolated from oxidizing substances. A plurality of applicator faces that each apply a portion of the total dye application. The first foam applicator is spaced from the entrance of the chamber to allow air entrapped in the interstices of the substrate to escape. The applicators are spaced from each other to allow collapse of the foam and dispersion of the dye applied in the previous applicator before the substrate reaches the next applicator. Similarly, the exit is spaced from the last applicator to allow the foam to collapse and the dye to disperse prior to exiting the apparatus and entering the atmosphere in which oxidization of the dye occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a foamed composition to a traveling substrate that has a tendency to be dimensionally unstable. A pair of closely spaced driven guide rollers guides a traveling substrate with sufficient roller engagement and controlled tension to minimize dimensional distortion. A foam applicator with a substrate engaging foam dispensing nozzle face is positioned within the space between the rollers to deflect the substrate inwardly between the rollers. The face extends in close proximity to the rollers to minimize the free extent of travel of the substrate between the rollers and the nozzle face. Two pairs of guide rollers and two nozzles may be arranged for applying foamed composition to the opposite sides of the traveling substrate.

Abstract: Dyeing a cellulosic textile substrate with reduced indigo dye in a leuco state after foaming with an inert gas to maintain the dye isolated from oxidizing substances. Following application of the foam to the substrate, it is exposed to the adjacent atmosphere, with the oxygen in the atmosphere oxidizing the reduced indigo dye to regenerate it and cause it to affix to the textile substrate. A product can be produced using the method and apparatus of the present invention that has different dye characteristics on opposite surfaces of the substrate by applying the indigo dye foam to one surface and another dye, either an indigo dye or some other dye to the opposite surface.

Abstract: An applicator apparatus for controlling the uniform (or predetermined non-uniform) application of a treating fluid to a traveling fabric, web or other substrate includes one or more fluid applicators, each having spaced apart housing or body walls interconnected by a body edge preferably of a generally parabolic shape. Each applicator includes a fluid inlet in one body wall and a transversely elongated fluid outlet in the opposite body wall. The body walls define a fluid distribution chamber extending substantially equally and oppositely relative to the fluid inlet, with the chamber being divided by a plate member having preferably generally parabolically shaped peripheral edges substantially corresponding in shape with and spaced inwardly from the body edge.

Abstract: An applicator apparatus for applying a preferably foamed treating fluid to a traveling permeable fabric, web or other substrate can include either or both of a low-pressure exhaust chamber on the opposite side of the substrate from the applicator nozzle and a flexible lip extending from either or both sides of the nozzle opening, between the nozzle and the substrate. The applicator apparatus is particularly adapted and well-suited for lightly coating or treating the surface of a fragile and fast moving substrate, without deformation or breakage of the substrate and without undesirable substrate penetration.

Abstract: An applicator apparatus for controlling the uniform (or predetermined non-uniform) application of a treating fluid to a traveling fabric, web or other substrate includes one or more fluid applicators, each having spaced apart housing or body walls interconnected by a body edge preferably of a generally parabolic shape. Each applicator includes a fluid inlet in one body wall and a transversely elongated fluid outlet in the opposite body wall. The body walls define a fluid distribution chamber extending substantially equally and oppositely relative to the fluid inlet, with the chamber being divided by a plate member having preferably generally parabolically shaped peripheral edges substantially corresponding in shape with and spaced inwardly from the body edge.