Abstract: Positioning and adjusting device for at least a cleaning brush of a fabric finishing machine such as a teaseling machine, a fluffing machine or similar, which includes a plurality of rotating chocks having needles or pointed protuberances, where the cleaning brush has a plurality of fibers or filaments suitable to remove, during use, possible residues of fabric or other types of residue from the chocks, the device further including image acquisition means, disposed in proximity to the cleaning brush and suitable to acquire images of the zone of proximity and/or contact between the ends of the fibers and the ends of the needles in order to find the distance between the latter.

Abstract: A thread removal tool for getting rid of loose thread pieces, thread ends, etc. from textiles, fabric, cloth and the like, for example, after ripping open a previously produced seam, contains a thread removal head (3). The thread removal head can be located at one end of a shaft or a handle part (1) and is configured to take hold of loose thread pieces or thread fragments, without itself becoming attached to an underlying textile item, a piece of cloth or the like. The thread removal head can have an uneven surface, e.g., contain bumps (5), to grasp loose thread pieces and thread fragments. Furthermore, or alternatively, it can be made of or have a surface layer made of a material which has a certain sticking or fastening action on such loose thread pieces and thread fragments.

Abstract: A method for preparing high-grade and casual fabric with special leather feel using a corn-based fiber that comprises the steps of: 1) selecting 0.3-0.5 D/PF ultrafine corn-based SORONA fiber from DuPont (U.S.) and 0.2-0.4 D/PF long porous bright polyester yarns as raw materials; 2) compositing by air-jet texturing: having the above raw materials composited by low tension air-jet texturing in an air texturing machine, with the tension force controlled in the range of 4.5-6.0 cN, so as to form ATY yarns with a denier number of 120-180 D; 3) weaving, which includes yarn sizing, preliminary drying, oil applying and plain weaving; 4) dyeing and finishing, which include treating a fabric by pre-treating, presetting, splitting and alkali detaching, water washing and dehydrating, dyeing, water repellent treatment, instant ultrahigh temperature treatment, and one-sided lustering.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing pilling on a piece of garment/fabric includes at least one holding member adapted to secure the piece of garment/fabric, a rotatable brush member adapted to brush on the piece of garment/fabric until loose fibers of the garment/fabric migrates to a surface of the garment/fabric to form a layer of pillable fuzz, a shaving member adapted to remove the layer of pillable fuzz on the piece of garment/fabric, and a control unit adapted to control movement of the rotatable brush member and the shaving member.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for opening a fabric, in which warp and weft yarns can be uniformly opened using a simple method without having to alter the fabric weaving procedure. The method is a method for opening a fabric (4) produced by weaving a warp yarn (2) and a weft yarn (3), each of which having a bundled plurality of fiber filaments (1). A contact body (6) is provided to a surface of the fabric (4) with a protective film (5) interposed therebetween, and the contact body (6) is caused to move over the fabric (4) obliquely, and in a relative manner, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the warp yarn (2) or the weft yarn (3), whereby the warp yarn (2) or the weft yarn (3) is spread.

Abstract: This invention is about a structure for supporting clothes to be decolorized and for aiding in the process of decoloration, to a method of forming the same, and to a method of using the same to decolorize clothes. It includes manufacturing a semi-finished product for supporting clothes and manufacturing the supporting structure as well as a the method of decolorizing clothes using the supporting structure to have various decolorizing textures and styles.

Abstract: The k first elements from an unordered list of n total elements are copied to a result buffer, wherein k is a value smaller than n. The k first elements in the result buffer are sorted. Each subsequent element in the unordered list is compared to elements in the result buffer. If the subsequent element belongs in the result buffer, a current element in the result buffer is replaced with the subsequent element. The elements in the result buffer are then resorted.

Abstract: The stealthiness of a camouflage fabric product is enhanced by rendering the camouflage pattern in three dimensional relief. In one implementation, a treatment such as an anti-pill treatment is applied to selected portions of the pattern prior to a finishing process. In the case of a circular web fabric, the finishing process may involve fleecing the fabric. In this manner, a cost effective process is provided for constructing a three-dimensional relief camouflage fabric product.

Abstract: An article for distress-washing fabric comprising a hollow float and at least one distressing feature projecting outwardly from an outer surface of the float, wherein the article is substantially wear resistant and does not produce residue as a result of impact with fabric, internal surfaces of a washing machine and additional articles for distress-washing fabric. A method for distress-washing fabric utilizing an article described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for finding the best match between buyers (or buyers consortiums) and sellers (or sellers consortiums), by a set of software intermediaries, and for using the information developed in those matches to define monetary and performance commitments between parties, and to create fair distribution of the benefits of the agreement among the respective participants. The system solves three related optimization problems concurrently: the optimal aggregation of individual buyers into buyers consortiums; the optimal aggregation of individual sellers into sellers consortiums, and the optimal match of requirements, posed by the buyers consortium, to offers, posed by the sellers consortium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment apparatus and process for increasing the air permeability of a textile web, and the airbag fabrics made by such process.

Abstract: A spread illuminating apparatus includes a light converging element which has a refractive index profile in a direction orthogonal to two major surfaces of a light conductive plate, and which is disposed between at least one light source and one end surface of the light conductive plate. The light converging element comprises: a plurality of transparent resin films which have respective refractive indexes so as to constitute a refractive index gradation mirror-imaged with respect to the center plane of the light converging element, and which are layered over one another; and a plurality of light-transmittable adhesive layers each of which is sandwiched between two adjacent transparent resin films.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ambient temperature curable coating and coated articles therefrom in a rubbery, high elongation, weatherable coating composition which can be applied to flexible elastomeric substrates for a variety of purposes. Depending on the film forming polymer used in the composition, it may be used to provide resistance to ozone, oils and solvents, or the coating may be applied for the purposes of enhancing the cosmetic appearance of the substrate rubber. The curable coating mixture is a mixture of two parts, one part containing a solution of a functional film forming polymer, and the other part providing the curing component. The stability as a premixed, one-part solution is limited to up to several months. The curable film former and curing component are mixed together at an overall 4% to 25% solids content. The viscosity is less than 20,000 cps (Brookfield) such that the coating can be sprayed, brushed or dipped to form thin coatings of from 0.001-0.020 mils.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of fabric, and including a fabric supply for supplying a length of dry fabric. A plurality of rolls having fabric-altering surface elements thereon is positioned in an upstream-to-downstream flow path for receiving the length of fabric across the surface elements thereof from an upstream fabric supply assembly to a downstream fabric take-up assembly. At least some of the plurality of rolls have drive means for positively rotating the rolls. The take-up assembly pulls the length of dry fabric off of the fabric supply assembly and through the flow path against the surface elements of the plurality of rolls in only a single pass and onto the take-up assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting soft hand to a non-woven, paper, paper with synthetic fibers and/or additives, printed knit fabrics and the like in web form, by mechanically introducing localized tensions on diverse preselected situses of the web. The web is preferably advanced in continuous rubbing engagement with one or more contact members that can be pairs of nip rollers and/or breaker bars. Nip roller pairs include one irregularly surfaced roller deformably engaging into a soft roller with the web passing therebetween. Breaker bars can have straight, serrated or curvilinear edges and the web can be passed over or under the breaker bars. Various combinations of nip roller pairs and breaker bars are provided for and preferably a variable drive can be employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabric raising machine including positively controlled raising/grinding cylinders, which comprises a plurality of rotary working cylinders, circumferentially arranged on a rotary framework, and for each working cylinder, a toothed pulley, thereon are entrained a cylinder closed loop driving toothed belt and cylinder closed loop timing belt to synchronize the operations of the toothed pulleys with the teeth of the driving belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting soft hand to a fabric in web form, especially printed knits and non-wovens, by mechanically introducing localized tension in the web. The web is preferably advanced in continuous rubbing engagement with one or more contact members that can be pairs of nip rollers and/or breaker bars. Nip roller pairs include one knobbed roller deformably engaging a soft roller with the web passing therebetween. Breaker bars can have straight, serrated or curvilinear edges and the web can be passed over or under the breaker bars. Various combinations of nip roller pairs and breaker bars are provided for and a variable drive is employed.

Abstract: A method and a device for fibrillating cellulose fibers contained in a fabric web (3) comprise the fabric web (3) being withdrawn from a fabric storage chamber (6), accelerated through a guide slot by means of liquid flowing at high speed and then flung against a rebound surface (13). The fabric web can be transported alternatingly in both directions through the guide slot (7) and flung onto the first rebound surface (13) and a second rebound surface (16).

Abstract: A denim fabric sheet is drawn into a folded rope configuration, and passed through an impact mechanism and an abrasion mechanism to give the fabric sheet a worn-out stonewashed appearance. Prior to passage through the impact mechanism the fabric sheet is coated with a water solution containing about five percent lubricant, four percent surfactant and about one percent antimigrant. After passage through the impact mechanism, the fabric sheet is rinsed and coated with a more dilute water solution about one percent lubricant, one quarter percent surfactant, about one half percent migrant, and about one half cellulase enzyme. The process is controllable to produce a consistent product appearance and fabric texture.

Abstract: A process of decorating fabric includes the step of imparting wrinkles to the fabric oblique to the warp and weft directions and heat setting the wrinkles into the fabric. The wrinkle imparting step may include moving the fabric longitudinally and simultaneously moving portions of the fabric from side to side by frictionally engaging the fabric to an oscillating means such as an elastomeric pad or interleaved fingers and oscillating the pad or fingers from side to side. Heat setting of the fabric includes exposing the wrinkled fabric to heat at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient duration to set the wrinkles in the fabric. Desirably, the wrinkled fabric is in contact with a transfer print paper while the fabric passes through the heat setting step to set the wrinkles and fix color on the fabric. The longitudinal movement is desirably coordinated with the side to side movement to obtain aesthetically pleasing results. The invention also includes apparatus and the product.

Abstract: Denim fabric is made from warp yarn which is at least 30% novelty cotton yarn having irregularly spaced effects (e.g. slubs) about one-half inch to two inches in length. The cotton novelty yarn is made by separating cotton sliver into cotton fibers, and acting on the cotton fibers with a negative wire combing roll, and then twisting the cotton fibers into the cotton novelty yarn. The negative wire combing roll has a tooth angle of about -0.01 to -15.degree. (e.g. about -2.degree.). The novelty cotton yarn is combined with at least 10% conventional novelty yarn or non-slub open end or ring spun yarn and made into a warp of about 54-100 ends per inch, and may be ring dyed (with indigo, vat, sulphur, pigment or reactive dye) so that the core of the yarn remains white. The warp is woven with a filling yarn to produce a denim fabric with a weight of about 5 oz. -17 oz. per sq. yd. having the weave and yarn size selected so that a tight construction is provided which highlights the slubs.

Abstract: Denim fabric is made from novelty cotton yarn having irregularly spaced irregularities (e.g. slubs) about one-half inch to two inches in length. The cotton novelty yarn is made by separating cotton sliver into cotton fibers, and acting on the cotton fibers with a negative wire combing roll, and then twisting the cotton fibers into the cotton novelty yarn. The negative wire combing roll has a tooth angle of about -0.01.degree. to -15.degree.. The novelty cotton yarn is made into a warp of about 54-100 (e.g. 54-78) ends per inch, and is ring dyed so that the core of the yarn remains white. The warp is woven with a filling yarn to produce a denim fabric with a weight of about 5 oz.-17 oz. per sq. yd. having the weave and yarn size selected so that a tight construction is provided which highlights the slubs. The fabric is subjected to surface abrasion to remove the surface of dye on the slubs to show a lighter slub than body of the fabric.

Abstract: The material web (3) to be treated is supplied continuously to a first material web store (1) and stored there in sections, is removed therefrom by being pneumatically conveyed and is hurled compressively against a first impact surface (4). Thereafter, the material (3) compressed in this way is supplied to a second material web store (2) and stored there in sections. Then, the same procedure is carried out in the opposite direction of conveying from the second material web store (3) against a second impact surface (4') and thereafter to the first material web store (1), but with a smaller length advance of the material web, this alternating movement is repeated alternately, and the difference in advance between these length sections of material web moved to and fro is guided away continuously from the second material web store (2).

Abstract: Method and apparatus to soften the backing and consequently the material attached thereto of a nonwoven fabric by passing the back over and around a series of rollers arranged in a staggered diamond shape to break up the bond between individual fibers and clumps of fibers but maintain the bond at cross-over points of the fibers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to soften the backing and consequently the material attached thereto of a nonwoven fabric by passing the back over and around a series of rollers arranged in a staggered diamond shape to break up the bond between individual fibers and clumps of fibers but maintain the bond at cross-over points of the fibers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to soften the backing and consequently the material attached thereto of a nonwoven fabric by passing the back over and around a series of rollers arranged in a staggered diamond shape to break up the bond between individual fibers and clumps of fibers but maintain the bond at cross-over points of the fibers.

Abstract: A continuous method is provided for mechanically conditioning a textile sheet material having a face and a back moving in a longitudinal direction, which comprises subjecting successive adjacent sections of both the face and back of the material across the entire width of the material to impact and friction with flexible impact means such that at least some simultaneous impact occurs with at least one impact means on the face of the material and at least one impact means on at least a portion of a corresponding section on the back of the material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to subject the face and back side of a fabric to successive impacting by a plurality of flaps to break up the fiber or filament bond thereof and increase the yarn-to-yarn mobility therein. The fabric is supplied at an angle to the impacting flaps and the flaps do not compact the fabric therebetween and cause a streak or lie therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for texturizing a flocked fabric comprising a flock fabric delivery station; a flock fabric receiving station; means for conveying the flock fabric from the delivery station to the receiving station; and means for orienting the flocked fabric comprising, a plurality of flexible beaters connected to means for bringing the beaters into continuous and vigorous contact with the flock side of the fabric, means for wetting the fabric prior to its being contacted by the beaters, and means for drying the fabric subsequent to its being contacted by the beaters.

Abstract: Apparatus for mercerization of cellulosic fabrics with liquid ammonia. Denim fabrics and the like, especially those made from open-end spun yarn, have liquid ammonia for mercerization applied thereto by a metering roller while tensioned. The metering roller has a number of deep engravings formed in the periphery thereof, which may be in the form of a truncated cone or a tetrahedron. Pile or ribbed fabrics are treated by application of liquid ammonia with a metering roller to the back of the fabric, while tension is maintained by relatively gentle apparatus, such as a pinned drive cylinder. When fabric direction is changed, soft rollers engage the fabric face to change the direction, and the fabric face is brushed with rotary driven brushes of Nomex or the like. Final ammonia removal from the fabric is facilitated by passing the fabric over a large cylinder with a perforated surface, steam transfer occurring across the fabric in the steam chamber.

Abstract: A device for forming surface designs on pile fabric is disclosed, in which a plurality of conical brushes are utilized to swirl the fibers of the fabric. The device is provided with two tiers of rotatable brushes, and the fabric passes beneath both tiers of brushes. The brushes of one tier constantly rotate in contact with the surface of the fabric, while the brushes of the other tier also rotate, but are normally suspended above the fabric. Control means is provided to selectively move individual brushes in the second tier downward, and into momentary contact with the pile fabric passing beneath. Shifting means are provided to selectively move both tiers of brushes as a unit across the width of the fabric.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for texturizing a flocked fabric by first wetting the flocked portion and/or its supporting fabric and adhesive, orienting the wet flock in a pre-determined design pattern by continuously, rapidly and vigorously contacting the flock with a plurality of flexible beaters and drying the fabric.