Abstract: A system and method for enabling customer specification of images to be used for decorating textile substrates at the economies of mass customization. An automated patterning apparatus is implemented that comprises a plurality of individual colorant substances that are directed through a set of colorant applicators in accordance with predetermined pattern data, the colorant substances capable of being selectively applied to individual pixels on the substrate in accordance with the predetermined pattern data. The system and method particularly implements a device providing an interface for enabling remote access to an image manipulation design tool that enables user customization of the digitized image to form a target image over a communications network. A digitized image of the user's choice is imported into the image manipulation design tool and that image is manipulated according the user's artistic vision.

Abstract: A computer-assisted process for the design and placement of multi-colored patterns on absorbent substrates using a limited number of transparent process colorants is described. Through use of this system, a designer, working with a computer-aided design system, can generate and accurately represent on a computer monitor or similar display a multi-colored pattern, as that pattern would appear on a specified absorbent substrate, using coloring elements comprised of groups of multiple pixels in which process colors have been mixed in a controlled manner to expand the range of available colors, and to compensate for colorant delivery limitations that prevent the application of small, accurately metered quantities of colorant. Actuation instructions for a specific dye injection machine capable of patterning a moving textile substrate may be generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sculptured pile fabric having both a printed pattern and a sculpted surface of various pile, heights. The fabric of the present invention has improved aesthetic qualities as compared with sculptured products of the prior art. This improved sculptured fabric is the result of a chemical sculpting method, in which the height of the pile surface is selectively reduced in a pattern configuration, and that is followed by an overall “dilute” dyeing process. This “dilute” dyeing process is similar to that used to “tea stain” textile products, wherein an overall hue is imparted to a textile by the use of a relatively dilute (low concentration) dyestuff. The resulting sculptured product has an appearance that emphasizes the sculptured areas, making the sculptured areas appear to have greater depth, especially when viewed at a distance.

Abstract: A method for printing an image on an absorbent substrate using liquid colorants. The colorants are assigned to pixel groups on the substrate surface that define the image. Some colorants are applied to pixels in quantities that exceed the absorption capacity of the substrate. These colorants migrate into adjoining pixels, blending with other colorants in those pixels and forming new, otherwise unavailable colors.

Abstract: Surface covering display elements, systems and/or methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a multi-patterned rug display sample, element or unit has at least two different geometric designs and/or coloration schemes across a common surface for simultaneous comparative evaluation by a potential purchaser. The rug display sample may be patterned to include two or more geometric or solid patterns corresponding to patterns available on floor covering products independent of the display sample. Also, the display unit may include a feature rug, color runner, color rug, and/or hang tag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sculptured pile fabric having both a printed pattern and a sculpted surface of various pile heights. The fabric of the present invention has improved aesthetic qualities as compared with sculptured products of the prior art. This improved sculptured fabric is the result of a chemical sculpting method, in which the height of the pile surface is selectively reduced in a pattern configuration, and that is followed by an overall “dilute” dyeing process. This “dilute” dyeing process is similar to that used to “tea stain” textile products, wherein an overall hue is imparted to a textile by the use of a relatively dilute (low concentration) dyestuff. The resulting sculptured product has an appearance that emphasizes the sculptured areas, making the sculptured areas appear to have greater depth, especially when viewed at a distance.

Abstract: A process by which dithering techniques and in situ blending techniques may be used to reproduce a desired multi-colored dyed pattern on a substrate using precisely delivered quantities of liquid colorants that are available in only a relatively few colors. Specific preferred process colors, as well as procedures for expanding the range of reproduced colors using such process colors, are presented Optionally, specific actuation instructions for a specific dye injection machine capable of patterning a moving textile substrate may be generated.

Abstract: Color, pattern, design, and/or the like is applied by means of a jet dye process, or any other secondary or post pattern application process, including but not exclusively, silk screen printing and rotary printing, etc., to a carpet substrate, where the yarn in the carpet is all white (no dye applied) or where the yarn is pre-dyed with a single or multiple colors or where the yarn is treated chemically. The carpet can, for example, be made with any conventional loom weaving process or hand weaving process, for example Wilton, Axminster, spool, spool gripper, and Chenille looms, hand gun tufted, or any other conventional method.

Abstract: A method for printing an image on an absorbent substrate using liquid colorants. The colorants are assigned to pixel groups on the substrate surface that define the image. Some colorants are applied to pixels in quantities that exceed the absorption capacity of the substrate. These colorants migrate into adjoining pixels, blending with other colorants in those pixels and forming new, otherwise unavailable colors.

Abstract: The invention provides an immersible and portable module for irradiating fluids including a multiplicity of ultraviolet radiation producing lamp and a first header for receiving and maintaining in position the multiplicity of ultraviolet radiation-producing lamps, the first header having upstream and downstream ends and opposed sides. There is also a second header for receiving and maintaining in position the multiplicity of ultraviolet radiation-producing lamps, the second header having upstream and downstream ends and opposed sides. Fluid flow diverters are positioned between the first and second headers and located adjacent the opposed sides and are adapted to divert fluids flowing adjacent the opposed sides toward at least some of the ultraviolet radiation-producing lamps.

Abstract: Method to jet dry carpet tiles by controlling the solenoid valve to the dye jet to provide a subliminal design over which a darker geometric design is imposed with the darker geometric design crossing the seam line so that the seam line between abutting carpet tiles is very indistinct to the human eye.