Abstract: The disclosure relates to the finish processing of tubular knitted fabric in the manner to effect accurate, uniform alignment of the sewn seam at the edge extremity of the fabric tube, as it is being finished and gathered in flat form. Stripe-matched tubular knitted fabric has been slit longitudinally, adjusted to convert stripes from spiral to circular form, and resewn along its entire length. An equipment and method is provided for finish processing of such fabric, wherein a novel arrangement is provided for rotationally manipulating a laterally distended fabric to maintain accurate, uniform edge alignment of the sewn seam.

Abstract: A propeller-spreader for tubular knitted fabric is disclosed, in which internal, fabric edge engaging propeller belts are driven by means of magnetic coupling with internal, magnetic drive sheaves. A spreader frame, of flat configuration, arranged to laterally distend tubular knitted fabric to flat, two-layer form, is supported by means of a pair of spaced, transversely extending rollers. Magnetically coupled drive elements are positioned between the transverse support rollers and are driven to rotate in synchronism with the rotations of the support rollers. Ideally, the spreader frame is supported and positioned exclusively by means of the transverse support rollers, in conjunction with the magnetic attraction of the magnetically coupled drive means.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for pad batch dyeing of tubular knitted fabrics of substantial cotton content, typically 50% or more. One or more connected strings of tubular knitted fabric are advanced toward the dyeing apparatus, where the fabric is gripped across its full width and positively advanced toward the dye solution. A ring guide spreader is positioned in close coupled relation to the driven entry roller and spreads the fabric to flat form and to its natural greige width. Closely coupled to the ring guide means is a dye pad station comprising a pair of horizontally opposed, resilient squeeze rollers, a treating roller forming a submerged dye nip with the front squeeze roller, and a submerged guide roller to receive the fabric as it travels in a downward incline through the dye nip and redirect it to a vertically upward path for passage through the squeeze nip.

Abstract: An process is disclosed for finish drying of tubular knitted fabrics from a wet condition to a substantially finished form in a single process. Wet treated and mechanically extracted fabric is significantly overspread laterally as it enters the upstream end of the dryer and, importantly, although already wet, the fabric is steamed. Thereafter, and throughout most of its travel through the dryer system, the fabric is handled with special care to avoid stitch tension to the greatest possible extent while the wet fabric is assuming geometric stability. The discharged fabric is unique in comparison to conventionally dried fabric in that it is virtually finished and ready for the cutting table. The invention also makes possible mechanical roller compacting of fabrics in wet condition, enabling the wet-compacted fabric to be dried to a substantially finished condition without significant loss of its compacting.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for pad batch dyeing of tubular knitted fabrics of substantial cotton content, typically 50% or more. One or more connected strings of tubular knitted fabric are advanced toward the dyeing apparatus, where the fabric is gripped across its full width and positively advanced toward the dye solution. A ring guide spreader is positioned in close coupled relation to the driven entry roller and spreads the fabric to flat form and to its natural greige width. Closely coupled to the ring guide means is a dye pad station comprising a pair of horizontally opposed, resilient squeeze rollers, a treating roller forming a submerged dye nip with the front squeeze roller, and a submerged guide roller to receive the fabric as it travels in a downward incline through the dye nip and redirect it to a vertically upward path for passage through the squeeze nip.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to techniques for high efficiency drying of wet-processed tubular knitted fabric. The wet tubular fabric is initially spread to flat form and then guided in a controlled manner over a so-called Mach nozzle, at which high velocity gaseous medium, usually steam, at speeds approaching the speed of sound and above, is discharged directly through the fabric, which is maintained in tension as it passes over the nozzle outlet. The thus treated tubular knitted fabric, now with a greatly reduced liquid content, is then immediately directed over a second spreader device, which distends the fabric widthwise to a predetermined, uniform width, to restore the fabric width lost during wet processing and during the relatively high tension nozzle treating operation. In this damp, geometrically stabilized condition, the fabric may be directed immediately into an otherwise conventional tensionless dryer for tubular knitted fabric, where the necessary final drying operations are completed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the finish processing of stripe-matched tubular knitted fabric in the manner to effect accurate, uniform alignment of the sewn seam at the edge extremity of the fabric tube, as it is being finished and gathered in flat form. Stripe-matched tubular knitted fabric has been slit longitudinally, adjusted to convert stripes from spiral to circular form, and resewn its entire length. An equipment and method is provided for finish processing of such fabric, wherein a novel arrangement is provided for rotationally manipulating a laterally distended fabric to maintain accurate, uniform edge alignment of the sewn seam.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to techniques for high efficiency drying of wet-processed tubular knitted fabric. The wet tubular fabric is initially spread to flat form and then guided in a controlled manner over a so-called Mach nozzle, at which high velocity gaseous medium, usually steam, at speeds approaching the speed of sound and above, is discharged directly through the fabric, which is maintained in tension as it passes over the nozzle outlet. The thus treated tubular knitted fabric, now with a greatly reduced liquid content, is then immediately directed over a second spreader device, which distends the fabric widthwise to a predetermined, uniform width, to restore the fabric width lost during wet processing and during the relatively high tension nozzle treating operation. In this damp, geometrically stabilized condition, the fabric may be directed immediately into an otherwise conventional tensionless dryer for tubular knitted fabric, where the necessary final drying operations are completed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treatment of continuous lengths of tubular knitted fabrics, involving wet processing, drying and then moisture conditioning of fabric. The fabric web is impregnated with a finishing resin in a wet processor, and is passed through a dryer to both eliminate the water of the processing solution and to cure the residual resin. The fabric emerging from the dryer is both extremely hot and, typically, bone dry, a condition considered unsatisfactory for gathering and further processing. In the disclosed invention, fabric enters a moisture conditioning chamber, in the lower portion, passes under a condensation guard, and then is guided vertically upward between opposed sets of finely atomizing spray nozzles. The fabric continues an upward course for a distance, and then is guided to a folder or roll up device.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to apparatus for processing of tubular knitted fabric, including an internal flat spreader and width-adjustable edge drives, typically used in connection with other processing apparatus, such as calendars, padding equipment, compressive shrinking stations, etc. The apparatus utilizes a pre-loaded, resiliently biased spreader frame which, within its operating limits, presses outwardly against adjustably movable, opposed edge drive rolls. The spreader frame, which is positioned internally of the moving fabric tube during processing operations, is capable of in-process width adjustments, without either stopping the processing line or damaging the fabric. Width adjustment of the internal spreader frame may be accomplished from a remote operator station. Moreover, the apparatus may incorporate edge-sensing means operative automatically to adjust the width of the spreader to maintain uniformity of width in the processed fabric.

Abstract: The disclosure relates a method for finishing of tubular knitted fabric involving the steps of laterally distending the fabric to flat, two-layer form by passing it over a spreader frame, and discharging the fabric from the spreader frame into a pair of opposed calendering rolls. In accordance with the invention, the individual layers of the distended fabric are engaged substantially across their full width and the individual layers are controllably advanced independently of each other. Moreover, the side edge regions of the fabric are also controllably advanced independently of said individual layers.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to apparatus for processing of tubular knitted fabric, including an internal flat spreader and width-adjustable edge drives, typically used in connection with other processing apparatus, such as calenders, padding equipment, compressive shrinking stations, etc. The apparatus utilizes a pre-loaded, resiliently biased spreader frame which, within its operating limits, presses outwardly against adjustably movable, opposed edge drive rolls. The spreader frame, which is positioned internally of the moving fabric tube during processing operations, is capable of in-process width adjustments, without either stopping the processing line or damaging the fabric. Width adjustment of the internal spreader frame may be accomplished from a remote operator station. Moreover, the apparatus may incorporate edge-sensing means operative automatically to adjust the width of the spreader to maintain uniformity of width in the processed fabric.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to method and apparatus for processing of tubular knitted fabric with a liquid material, for uniformly impregnating the fabric with the liquid. The fabric initially is directed over a propeller-spreader frame, in which the fabric is laterally distended to flat form and to predetermined, uniform width. At the discharge end of the spreader, the fabric is guided directly into the nip of a pair of opposed, resilient pad rollers. Immediately in advance of the pad rollers, both the upper and lower surfaces of the generally horizontally disposed fabric are sprayed with the liquid processing solution. The sprays are directed from a plurality of nozzles, spaced across the width of the fabric, and directed at an angle to the surface of the fabric and toward the nip area of the pad rolls. The spreader frame is inclined downwardly toward the pad rolls, at a slight angle (e.g. 6.degree. or 7.degree.

Abstract: A high production steamer for tubular knitted fabrics or the like which comprises means for distending and conveying the fabric along a predetermined, generally horizontal processing plane and a pair of steam boxes mounted in opposed relation, one above and one below the processing plane. The steam boxes are of a heretofore known dripless construction which includes discharge openings extending across the width of the fabric and arranged to direct steam toward the upper and lower faces of the fabric. According to the invention, a novel steam confining means is provided to confine the discharged steam to a limited region closely surrounding the fabric. The confining means comprises a chamber formed by wall-forming members associated with the discharge sides of the steam boxes and the end plates of the opposed steam boxes which are arranged in a contacting relation along the sides of the path of conveyance for the fabric.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mechanism for high speed horizontal folding of fabrics, such as tubular knitted fabrics, enabling the fabric to be folded at greatly increased linear speed in relation to the prior art. The folder apparatus includes horizontally reciprocating downfeed rollers which receive the incoming fabric and propel it downwardly, while guiding the fabric horizontally to lay it in back and forth folds of substantially uniform length. Means are provided for reciprocating the downfeed rollers horizontally at high speed during the folding operation. Means are also provided for continuously rotating the downfeed rollers, independently of the horizontal reciprocating motion thereof, for directing the incoming fabric downward toward the accumulating fold stack. Reciprocating weight is held at a minimum by providing a novel external drive for the downfeed rollers, which are operative to provide a constant rate of downfeed of the fabric in any horizontal position of the downfeed rollers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for finishing of tubular knitted fabric including means for laterally distending the fabric to flat, two-layer form by passing it over a spreader frame, and discharging the fabric from the spreader frame into a pair of opposed calendering rolls. Improved arrangements are provided for engaging the tubular fabric, across its fully spread width, above and below the spreader, for independently advancing or retarding the respective layers of the fabric in order to bring them into proper alignment. The improved arrangements include a thin, flat contact plate, incorporated into the spreader frame structure, which provides a contact support for the fabric, enabling it to be drivingly engaged by independently driven contact rolls. The structure of the invention enables the fabric to be adjusted substantially across its full width, reducing to a practicable minimum areas at the extreme edges of the fabric tube that are not under positive control during the adjustment stage.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for continuously framing and steaming discrete segments of tubular knitted fabric, particularly sweater body segments and the like which are constructed to include a body section provided with a cuff at one end. The apparatus provides for differential width stabilization of the segment, such that the body portion is set at one width and the cuff portion is set at a slightly narrower width. Individual segments are advanced over a spreader frame and distended to the desired width for the body portion. The section is discharged, cuff first, off of the spreader and enters between a pair of conveyor blankets. The blankets are held in noncontacting relation, initially, to permit the cuff to return to narrower dimensions, but the blankets then close upon the segment, so that the body portion thereof is maintained at an increased width. While the segment is thus engaged, it is steamed to stabilize its geometry.

Abstract: A method for processing tubular knitted fabrics in a continuous form, wherein the tubular fabric is delivered in a substantially dry condition and the edge portions thereof are engaged for simultaneous conveyance and lateral stretching. In this manner, the fabric is stretched to a uniform, predetermined width. In accordance with the invention, the fabric is maintained free of externally applied moisture during the lateral distension of the fabric. The distended fabric is then discharged onto endless supporting surfaces while the edge portions are disengaged in a zone of predetermined dimensions to accommodate a controlled, lateral relaxation of the fabric. Thereafter, both faces of the laterally relaxed fabric are engaged between the endless supporting surfaces. During the time the fabric is engaged by the endless supporting surfaces, steam is applied over the entire area of the fabric to accommodate further relaxation and adjustment of the fabric.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved stop mechanism for controlling edge drives of fabric spreaders, in the processing of tubular knitted fabrics. A combination spreader and propeller mechanism, consisting of a frame and fabric engaging belts, is received internally of a section of tubular knitted fabric, in order to distend the fabric laterally during or prior to certain processing operations. The fabric engaging belts are driven by means of edge drive rolls, which externally engage the fabric at its opposite edges and drive the belts through the intervening fabric layer. Occasionally, the fabric may jam on the spreader frame such that, with continued fabric movement, the spreader frame tends to become dislodged from the edge drive rolls. Various photoelectric and mechanical arrangements have been proposed for stopping the equipment at such times, in order to prevent damage to the spreader frame and/or other parts of the equipment.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to apparatus for folding processed fabric. It is particularly useful for, although not necessarily limited to, the folding of processed tubular knitted fabric. The folder is positioned at the discharge end of a fabric processing line, and is arranged to convey the fabric, moving at relatively high speed, to a discharge point directly above a folding platform. The fabric is then directed downward between guides, which oscillate back and forth over the folding platform, to lay the fabric in successive layers of substantially uniform length. A significant feature of the invention relates to the construction of the oscillating guide member to accommodate passage of the fabric, moving downward at relatively high speeds while the oscillating guide is moving forward and backward at relatively high speed.