Abstract: An apparatus for drying fabric and other materials comprises a vacuum chamber to contain the fabric, a condenser for condensing vapor generated from the fabric in the vaccum chamber, a heat exchanger in the vacuum chamber through which the condensate is passed and a heater for supplying heat to the condensate on its way from the condenser to the heat exchanger. Preferably the fabric is drawn continuously through the chamber through an inlet and an outlet both provided with vacuum seals.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying tufted carpets having stenter chains for advancing the carpet of which one only is laterally adjustable, means for blowing hot air onto opposite sides of the carpet through longitudinal slots in tubes extending transversely to the carpet and tapes coupled to the adjustable chain which blank off the portions of the slots which are offset from the carpet.

Abstract: A knife assembly for a tufting machine includes a knife bar; a plurality of knife blocks mounted side by side on the knife bar; projecting pegs extending from the knife blocks which are each inserted into one hole of a row of uniformly spaced retaining holes in one side of the knife bar; clamping screws for retaining the pegs in the holes; and a row of uniformly spaced pins carried by the knife, or a plate attached to the knife bar, which engage corresponding slots in the faces of the knife blocks from which the pegs project to determine the orientation of the blocks with respect to the knife bar, the pins being laterally offset by the same amount with respect to the retaining holes; and knives mounted in the knife blocks.