Abstract: A system for analyzing fabrics, knitted or woven, particularly to perform in-process analysis of stitch count or yarn count. A camera positioned over the fabric is exposed by means of a high speed strobe to form a freeze-frame image, which is digitized and stored for computer processing. An early processing step involves scanning the image along a large number of angularly displaced scanning axes, to determine the construction line of the fabric, which may be skewed relative to the imaging camera. The image is thereafter scanned along lines parallel to (and/or at right angles to) the construction line. A more precise and useful analysis is made possible by this technique. Color insensitivity is achieved without the use of expensive infra-red strobe devices, by using a common xenon strobe and a filter to exclude wave lengths below the near-infra-red range.

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: The disclosure is directed to mechanical compressive shrinkage apparatus of the type comprising opposed feeding and retarding rollers arranged for cooperation with a confining shoe. Fabric or the like is advanced over the feeding roller, being maintained in contact therewith by the confining shoe. The feeding and retarding rollers are arranged to form a nip, and the fabric enters this nip immediately after its emergence from between the feeding roller and the confining shoe. The retarding roller, moving at a slightly slower rate of speed than the feeding roller, and having a superior grip on the fabric, causes the fabric to be decelerated at the nip and mechanically compacted between the nip and the shoe. The disclosed improvements are directed specifically to the construction of the confining shoe itself, enabling manufacture of the shoe to be accomplished at significant savings and facilitating maintenance and repair of the shoe.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to the mechanical compacting of woven gauze bandages. An improved bandage gauze, having increased crimp and bulk, and a desirable degree of lengthwise stretch, is produced by passing the gauze through a two-roll compactor which, in its generalities, is of a known type, but which is specifically modified and improved to enable the gauze material to be processed effectively. The compactor comprises opposed feeding and retarding rolls, forming a nip. A compacting shoe is associated with the feed roll and the roller nip so as to drive the fabric to be fed toward the nip. At the nip, the gauze is decelerated by the retarding roll, and the material is continuously and progressively gathered and compacted in a short zone between the terminal edge or tip of the shoe and the roller nip.