Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying liquid mixtures on a mix-on-demand basis for consumptive use, and for maintaining the composition of such mixture on a highly accurate and stable basis. For wet-on-wet processing of fabrics, the processing solution is supplied at start-up on a mix-on-demand basis to precise specifications and is maintained at such precise specifications throughout fabric processing, which involves continuous additions of water by the incoming fabric and removal of solution by the exiting fabric. Recirculation of the solution at a high rate, together with rapid and repetitive measurements of the composition of the recirculating solution enables the solution to be precisely monitored and maintained. Periodic small additions of chemical are injected as necessary to maintain highly stable, accurately controlled process conditions. Extraordinary economies, both direct and indirect, can be realized with the new system.

Abstract: A method for supplying liquid mixtures on a mix-on-demand basis for consumptive use, and for maintaining the composition of such mixture on a highly accurate and stable basis. For wet-on-wet processing of fabrics, the processing solution is supplied at start-up on a mix-on-demand basis to precise specifications and is maintained at such precise specifications throughout fabric processing, which involves continuous additions of water by the incoming fabric and removal of solution by the exiting fabric. Recirculation of the solution at a high rate, together with rapid and repetitive measurements of the composition of the recirculating solution enables the solution to be precisely monitored and maintained. Periodic small additions of chemical are injected as necessary to maintain highly stable, accurately controlled process conditions. Extraordinary economies, both direct and indirect, can be realized with the new system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for finish processing of knitted fabric. Fabric, supplied in substantially dry condition and in generally flat form, is directed through an open bottom, vertically oriented steam chamber, constantly supplied with fully saturated steam at atmospheric pressure. Upon exiting the steam chamber, the knitted fabric is laterally distended to a predetermined width, and then subjected to finish processing, such as calendering or compacting. A sensing device in the steam chamber maintains a steam-air interface slightly above the open bottom of the chamber. More effective moisturizing of the fabric is accomplished, enabling the steaming operation to be performed prior to the spreading operation, without compromising the finish processing operations. Improved performance is realized, along with extraordinary savings in operating costs.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressive lengthwise shrinking of tubular knitted fabrics and other materials, particularly in a single stage. Feeding and retarding rollers are separated from each other by a distance significantly greater than the thickness of the fabric. Zone-forming blades are projected between the rollers from opposite sides and form between them a confinement zone which extends at a large angle from the feeding roller to the retarding roller. Fabric is guided to the zone under low contact pressure by the feeding roller and is conveyed away from the zone under similarly low contact pressure by the retarding roller. At the entrance to the zone, the fabric is decelerated and compacted lengthwise without burnishing or abrasion and without crimping. Tubular and open width knitted fabrics can be compressively preshrunk in large amounts, up to 25% and more, in a single stage. Significant savings and other benefits are realized.

Abstract: A method for compressive lengthwise shrinking of tubular knitted fabrics and other materials, particularly in a single stage. Feeding and retarding rollers are separated from each other by a distance significantly greater than the thickness of the fabric. Zone-forming blades are projected between the rollers from opposite sides and form between them a confinement zone which extends at a large angle from the feeding roller to the retarding roller. Fabric is guided to the zone under low contact pressure by the feeding roller and is conveyed away from the zone under similarly low contact pressure by the retarding roller. At the entrance to the zone, the fabric is decelerated and compacted lengthwise without burnishing or abrasion and without crimping. Tubular and open width knitted fabrics can be compressively preshrunk in large amounts, up to 25% and more, in a single stage. Significant savings and other benefits are realized.

Abstract: An process is disclosed for finish drying of tubular knitted fabrics from a wet condition to a substantially finished form in a single process. Wet treated and mechanically extracted fabric is significantly overspread laterally as it enters the upstream end of the dryer and, importantly, although already wet, the fabric is steamed. Thereafter, and throughout most of its travel through the dryer system, the fabric is handled with special care to avoid stitch tension to the greatest possible extent while the wet fabric is assuming geometric stability. The discharged fabric is unique in comparison to conventionally dried fabric in that it is virtually finished and ready for the cutting table. The invention also makes possible mechanical roller compacting of fabrics in wet condition, enabling the wet-compacted fabric to be dried to a substantially finished condition without significant loss of its compacting.