Abstract: An apparatus for processing an endless web includes means for supporting the endless web at a first location and a roll for supporting the endless web at a second location. The roll has first and second ends. First and second carriages are engaged to first and second substantially parallel tracks respectively for rotatably supporting the first and second ends of the roll respectively in a normal operating position and for moving the roll relative to the support means along the tracks. A bridge connects the first and second carriages. Means are mounted to the bridge for lifting the roll at a location between the first and second ends, whereby the roll is supported by the lifting means and the first carriage, whereby the endless web may be inserted or removed over the second end of the roll.The lifting means includes a cradle for supporting the roll, means for moving the cradle into and out of a position underneath the roll and means for elevating the cradle while the cradle is in the position under the roll.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for drying web-like material, such as knit material, being fed to a pre-shrinking machine such as a compressor. The apparatus includes a frame, at least one drying roller about which the web-like material passes in traveling from a first station to a second station, motive means for rotating the drying roller, and adjustable tension responsive control means controlling the speed and direction of operation of said motive means in response to the tension in the web-like material. The invention is particularly applicable in the situation where a pair of webs of different material are being processed by a single compressor and the necessity exists for accurately controlling the tension existing on both webs of material as it is applied to the compressor. In addition, a novel moisture applying unit is disclosed.

Abstract: A screen printing machine is provided which includes a frame, a backing member supported by the frame, and at least one rotary screen assembly carried by the frame. Each rotary screen assembly includes an inner elongated support member, an outer hollow screen rotatably supported about the inner elongated support member for rotation thereabout, and an elongated applicator, which may be a conventional squeegee, which engages the inner surface of the hollow screen and which is supported by the inner elongated support member located within the screen. A first drive is provided which is operatively connected with the backing member for rotating the backing member. A second drive is provided for rotating the hollow screen independently of said first drive and the backing member.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for longitudinally compressing materials such as knit fabrics. The apparatus includes a frame with the frame having first and second spaced apart side walls. First and second drive rollers are supported between the side walls and first and second idler roller assemblies are also supported between the side walls. A first endless belt passes around the first drive roller and the first idler roller assembly and a second endless belt passes around the second drive roller and the second idler roller assembly. A fabric passing between the endless belts is appropriately longitudinally compressed thereby. The second side wall has an opening therethrough and closure means moveable between a closed and open position with respect to the opening.

Abstract: A screen printing machine which includes a frame, a backing member supported by the frame, and at least one rotary screen assembly carried by the frame in adjustable relationship with respect to the backing member. Each rotary screen assembly includes an inner elongated support member, an outer hollow screen rotatably supported about the inner elongated support member for rotation thereabout, and elongated applicator means which engages the inner surface of the hollow screen and which is supported by the elongated inner support means. Pressure adjusting means are carried within the interior of the hollow screen, comprising a plurality of individually inflatable elongated tubes positioned behind the elongated applicator means. In one embodiment, the outermost tubes extend beyond the extremities of the applicator means.