Abstract: An inner plate assembly for arrangement between top and bottom plates of an applicator for applying fluid-based chemicals to traveling sheets of textile substrates includes a plurality of interlocking plate segments. Each interlocking plate segment includes an outer frame segment and one or more baffle member segments supported by the outer frame segment. Each interlocking plate segment further includes a first interlocking structure disposed at a first end thereof and a second interlocking structure at a second, opposite end thereof to facilitate end-to-end interlocking arrangement of the plurality of interlocking plate segments.

Abstract: A dye fixing section in a foam indigo dyeing machine for dyeing traveling sheets of textile yarn. The dye fixing section receives traveling sheets of yarn to which indigo dye in leuco form has been applied and penetrated partially through the yarn. Oxygen is applied to the substrate to set the dye at the level of penetration achieved as it enters the dye fixing section, to produce yarns in the sheet with outer dyed rings and undyed cores.

Abstract: A device for applying a foamed treating material under pressure to a traveling sheet of relatively incompressible textile yarns. A foam applicator unit has a nozzle with a foam dispensing slot facing across one side of the traveling sheet of yarns. A drive roll faces the other side of the traveling sheet of yarns in tangential alignment with the foam dispensing slot. The roll has a resiliently compressible, soft rubber outer layer, which compresses to conform with the surface of the relatively incompressible yarns and presses the traveling sheet of yarns against the applicator surfaces leading to and away from the slot to prevent escape of foam and to prevent passage of foam between yarns to maintain uniform distribution of foam applied to the traveling sheet of yarns.

Abstract: An inner plate assembly for arrangement between top and bottom plates of an applicator for applying fluid-based chemicals to traveling sheets of textile substrates includes a plurality of interlocking plate segments. Each interlocking plate segment includes an outer frame segment and one or more baffle member segments supported by the outer frame segment. Each interlocking plate segment further includes a first interlocking structure disposed at a first end thereof and a second interlocking structure at a second, opposite end thereof to facilitate end-to-end interlocking arrangement of the plurality of interlocking plate segments.

Abstract: Dyeing a traveling sheet of textile yarn with a dye in foamed condition, and, more particularly, dyeing by separating a traveling sheet of yarn into separate spaced portions and applying foamed dye to the inner facing and outer facing surfaces of the yarns in the spaced portions. Then recombining the spaced portions into a single sheet and further applying foamed dye to the yarn in the recombined sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for dyeing a textile substrate using a plurality of applicators that each apply an increment of a total dye application. In one form a reduced indigo dye in a leuco-state is applied in an inert atmosphere substantially isolated from oxidizing substances. In another form the foamed dye is applied while open to the atmosphere. In both forms holddown rollers or inverted applicators are located between applicators at decreasing depths to minimize increases in tension as the substrate travels over successive applicator faces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a foamed composition to a traveling substrate that has a tendency to be dimensionally unstable. A pair of closely spaced driven guide rollers guides a traveling substrate with sufficient roller engagement and controlled tension to minimize dimensional distortion. A foam applicator with a substrate engaging foam dispensing nozzle face is positioned within the space between the rollers to deflect the substrate inwardly between the rollers. The face extends in close proximity to the rollers to minimize the free extent of travel of the substrate between the rollers and the nozzle face. Two pairs of guide rollers and two nozzles may be arranged for applying foamed composition to the opposite sides of the traveling substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a foamed composition to a traveling substrate that has a tendency to be dimensionally unstable. A pair of closely spaced driven guide rollers guides a traveling substrate with sufficient roller engagement and controlled tension to minimize dimensional distortion. A foam applicator with a substrate engaging foam dispensing nozzle face is positioned within the space between the rollers to deflect the substrate inwardly between the rollers. The face extends in close proximity to the rollers to minimize the free extent of travel of the substrate between the rollers and the nozzle face. Two pairs of guide rollers and two nozzles may be arranged for applying foamed composition to the opposite sides of the traveling substrate.

Abstract: Dyeing a cellulosic textile substrate with reduced indigo dye in a leuco state after foaming with an inert gas to maintain the dye isolated from oxidizing substances. Following application of the foam to the substrate, it is exposed to the adjacent atmosphere, with the oxygen in the atmosphere oxidizing the reduced indigo dye to regenerate it and cause it to affix to the textile substrate. A product can be produced using the method and apparatus of the present invention that has different dye characteristics on opposite surfaces of the substrate by applying the indigo dye foam to one surface and another dye, either an indigo dye or some other dye to the opposite surface.

Abstract: A coater for applying foamed coating material to a traveling textile substrate including a frame, a flush pan, an applicator having an open slot, a pivot shaft journaled in a pair of support arms that are pivotally mounted to the frame and piston-cylinder mechanisms to move the applicator between an operating position wherein the open slot is adjacent the traveling substrate and a flush position wherein the open slot is adjacent the flush pan by pivoting the support arms and rotating the pivot shaft. Foamed coating material is applied by supporting the traveling substrate between two spaced support elements, contacting the traveling substrate with a foam applicator, and forcing a metered amount of foamed material at least partially into the interstices of the textile substrate before the foamed coating material collapses. A metered amount of foamed coating material is applied onto or into a textile substrate regardless of textile substrate structure and regardless of the viscosity of the coating material.

Abstract: An applicator apparatus for controlling the uniform (or predetermined non-uniform) application of a treating fluid to a traveling fabric, web or other substrate includes one or more fluid applicators, each having spaced apart housing or body walls interconnected by a body edge preferably of a generally parabolic shape. Each applicator includes a fluid inlet in one body wall and a transversely elongated fluid outlet in the opposite body wall. The body walls define a fluid distribution chamber extending substantially equally and oppositely relative to the fluid inlet, with the chamber being divided by a plate member having preferably generally parabolically shaped peripheral edges substantially corresponding in shape with and spaced inwardly from the body edge.

Abstract: An applicator apparatus for applying a preferably foamed treating fluid to a traveling permeable fabric, web or other substrate can include either or both of a low-pressure exhaust chamber on the opposite side of the substrate from the applicator nozzle and a flexible lip extending from either or both sides of the nozzle opening, between the nozzle and the substrate. The applicator apparatus is particularly adapted and well-suited for lightly coating or treating the surface of a fragile and fast moving substrate, without deformation or breakage of the substrate and without undesirable substrate penetration.

Abstract: An applicator apparatus for controlling the uniform (or predetermined non-uniform) application of a treating fluid to a traveling fabric, web or other substrate includes one or more fluid applicators, each having spaced apart housing or body walls interconnected by a body edge preferably of a generally parabolic shape. Each applicator includes a fluid inlet in one body wall and a transversely elongated fluid outlet in the opposite body wall. The body walls define a fluid distribution chamber extending substantially equally and oppositely relative to the fluid inlet, with the chamber being divided by a plate member having preferably generally parabolically shaped peripheral edges substantially corresponding in shape with and spaced inwardly from the body edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a chemical foam to a traveling substrate in which a plurality of shut-off valves are spaced along a foam conduit between a foam generator and an applicator head to form the conduit into isolated sections when the valves are simultaneously closed upon stoppage of the traveling substrate, thereby maintaining pressure differential along the length of the conduit in readiness for resumption of operation when the substrate resumes travel and the valves are opened. To avoid decomposition of the foam in the applicator head during stoppage, a small by-pass conduit is connected to the valved conduit upstream and downstream of the valves to allow a small quantity of foam to continue to flow to the applicator head during stoppage of the substrate. A discharge valve at a discharge outlet of the applicator head opens during substrate stoppage to allow foam to discharge from the applicator head and maintain circulation of foam therein.

Abstract: A textile yarn slashing system having a foam applicator disposed therein for pre-wetting the sheet of yarns prior to passing through the size box. The foam is delivered under pressure and a resilient hold down member opposes the slot to create a space for foam on the opposite side of the yarn sheet from the slot for application of foam to both sides of the yarn sheet. A flexible cover sheet covers the surface of the hold down member and is shifted to replace a worn portion with an unworn portion opposite the slot. A valve assembly is incorporated in the applicator to close off the passage to the slot and permit bypass flow of the foam. End seal blocks have rigid metallic outer chamber engaging surfaces and resilient material interior of the surfaces to press the surfaces against the sides of the chamber adjacent the slot. A plurality of horizontal tubes may be used as an alternate to the slot with one or more yarns traveling through each tube.

Abstract: A coater for applying foamed coating material to a traveling, textile substrate including a frame, a flush pan, an applicator having an open slot, a pivot shaft journaled in a pair of support arms that are pivotally mounted to the frame and piston-cylinder mechanisms to move the applicator between an operating position wherein the open slot is adjacent the traveling substrate and a flush position wherein the open slot is adjacent the flush pan by pivoting the support arms and rotating the pivot shaft. Foamed coating material is applied by supporting the traveling substrate between two spaced support elements, contacting the traveling substrate with a foam applicator, and forcing a metered amount of foamed material at least partially into the interstices of the textile substrate before the foamed coating material collapses. A metered amount of foamed coating material is applied onto or into a textile substrate regardless of textile substrate structure and regardless of the viscosity of the coating material.