Tumbling Device Patents (Class 451/326)
  • Patent number: 5363599
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of materials in order to modify the texture and appearance. This is created by application of one or more gas jets directed away from the interior curved surface of a cylinder, generating a vortex which rapidly and repeatedly cycles the substrate at low tension past the gas jets. The rapid vibrations generated in the substrate by the jets serve to break apart fiber to fiber bonds caused by finish and loosen up the structure of the yarns and that of the substrate. This creates a desired aged appearance as well as a very soft texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Louis Dischler
  • Patent number: 5355638
    Abstract: A centrifugal finisher having an outer vessel and at least one inner vessel includes a traction surface between the inner surface of the outer vessel and the outer surface of each inner vessel. The inner vessels revolve about the axis of the outer vessel, and rotate about their own internal axes. The traction surface permits the outer wall to restrain the inner vessels and simultaneously causes the rotation of the inner vessels through interaction with the outer vessel, which can be stationary or moving at a different rotational speed and/or at a different rotational direction than the part which revolves the inner vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Steve E. Hoffman