Weft Angle Adjusting Patents (Class 26/51.3)
  • Patent number: 8296911
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a shifted angle fabric and the product produced thereby. The apparatus includes a supply of fabric and a differential tenter frame. The differential tenter frame includes a frame, a pair of opposed, constant path rails and a differential drive. The differential tenter frame is located downstream from the supply of fabric for receiving the opposing edges of the fabric and advancing the opposing edges at different speeds to shift the weft angle of the fabric as the fabric travels the length of the differential tenter frame. A high velocity, low heat drying range adjacent to the differential tenter frame simultaneously dries the fabric as the fabric travels the length of the differential tenter frame. A take-up roll downstream from the differential tenter frame then takes up the dried fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Highland Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy L. Pruitt, Charles Albert Watson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8037583
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a biased fabric is supplied. The biased fabric supply has a first specified width and a first bias angle of warp yarns relative to weft yarns. At least one overfeed roller configured to overfeed fabric from the biased fabric supply at an overfeed rate is provided. At least one spreading arm configured to stretch the fabric to a second specified width and a fabric oven configured to heat the biased fabric supply to a specified temperature and output a balanced crimp and/or elongation biased fabric are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Johnston Textiles, Inc.
    Inventor: Gayron Nixon Davis