Abstract: Metered amounts of air and liquid are mixed to produce a foam which is directed to an applicator. The applicator includes an apertured spreading plate, a bed of porous material, and a contour which converges towards a discharge orifice to uniformly distribute the foam across the orifice.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a manifold in the form of a pipe having a closed end is utilized to supply a finishing agent to orifices arranged at spaced intervals along the pipe. A foam material surrounds the manifold to receive the finishing agent and to apply it in a thin film to the curved surface of an element comprising a longitudinal section of a cylinder. The film is retained on the curved surface by surface tension as it moves under the force of gravity to a longitudinal edge of the cylindrical section. A web of fabric is tensioned against the section edge as the fabric moves past the cylindrical section. The direction of fabric movement is such that the film of finishing agent is applied to the fabric immediately ahead of the line of contact between the fabric and the section edge.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dyeing carpets and the like in random patterns and multiple colors. Dye is applied in liquid streams from troughs having rollers and doctor blade scrapers. The troughs are arranged in pairs along the path of carpet movement, one trough in each pair being above the other trough of the pair. Dye streams from the pairs of troughs are broken up into droplets before contacting the carpet in such a way as to prevent substantial mixing of the streams prior to contact with the carpet. The particular arrangement of the trough pairs and dye streams results in a dyed carpet of high quality at a substantial savings in equipment cost and quantity of dye used.

Abstract: Flock is treated with a long chain aliphatic acid or a salt of such an acid to control static charges, increase flow and reduce waste. The acid or salt is applied from a solution in a non-aqueous liquid.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for testing the operability of drop wire circuitry associated with yarn handling equipment which does not require yarn movement to be interrupted during tests. A two-position switch operable between normal and test mode positions is included in the circuitry. A jack arrangement is rendered operable with the switch in the test position, thereby permitting an indicator to be selectively inserted in the drop wire circuitry path. The electrical characteristics of the indicator are such as to permit the indicator to be actuated when a drop wire falls while simultaneously disabling the normal response of the remaining drop wire circuitry. Means are provided to selectively bypass the indicator with the switch in the test position to thereby allow the drop wire circuitry to operate as if the switch were in the normal position.

Abstract: In the manufacture of tufted carpets from a sheet of yarns which are dyed along their lengths at different positions with different colors, mending yarns are provided at the edge of the sheet which are dyed in segments along their length using the same dye colors as the yarns in the sheet. The mending yarns are tufted into the selvedge of the carpet where they can be pulled out for use in mending the carpet when dropped stitches occur.

Abstract: A cylindrical body houses a shaft and is movable with respect thereto. The body carries a first jaw element at one end thereof. A second jaw element is joined to fixed support means connected to the shaft within the body. A compression spring surrounds a portion of the shaft projecting from the opposite end of the body, and the spring urges the jaw elements into clamping relationship. The clamp is opened by moving the body in opposition to the force of the spring.

Abstract: A flame-retardant material, and a method for making same, which comprises: (1) a reinforcing ply of textile material; (2) at least one sheet of foam bonded to a face of the reinforcing ply; (3) a layer of flock fibers adhered to the foam thereby covering the exposed face of the foam; and (4) a flame-retardant adhesive system disposed in two layers between said flock fibers and the foam sheeting.

Abstract: Flock is treated with a metal salt of a long chain aliphatic acid to control static charges, increase flow and reduce waste. The salt may be applied from a water solution, or from an aqueous mixture of the metal and the acid under high shear mixing conditions under which at least a part of the acid is converted to the salt.

Abstract: The invention provides a roll over which a sheet of dyed and dried yarns passes from a drying chamber. During operation of the apparatus, the roll is maintained in a position diverting the yarns out of a straight path, creating a surplus in the path. When the machine stops, the roll is moved slowly under controlled conditions to a position nearer a straight path, during which the surplus is given up to compensate for the shrinkage of the yarn residing in the drying chamber whereby yarn in the dyeing stage remains motionless. The invention is particularly (but not solely) useful in the manufacture of tufted carpeting from yarns dyed individually in segments along their length with different colors for production of predetermined complex designs in the carpet.

Abstract: A woven fabric including fibers of high strength and low elongation extending in the warp direction, is laminated to a non-woven mat which is saturated with a latex. The exposed surface of the resultant laminate is buffed to insure precise dimensional thickness.

Abstract: A series of dye troughs or pans are located in a transverse parallel arrangement along the length of apparatus for dyeing parallel yarn ends. Each pan is pivotally mounted on an axis parallel to and eccentric with respect to the horizontal gravitational axis of the pan so that the pan will rotate downwardly when released, for cleaning or repair. Dye rolls are mounted within the pans and driven by gears which automatically engage and disengage with driving means as the pan is let down and restored to normal operational position.

Abstract: The apparatus and the method of the invention dyes the yarn ends of a sheet thereof individually at predetermined positions along their lengths and manufactures tufted carpets therefrom in a tufting machine to provide a predetermined multi-colored complex pattern in the carpet. The invention includes pretreatment of the yarn in a wetting and cleansing bath, removing excess bath liquid in preparation for dyeing, synchronizing the yarn feed at the start with the feed to the tufting machine, simultaneous dyeing of pairs of adjacent yarn ends and separating them for delivery to the tufting machine in an arrangement to produce identical patterns side-by-side in the carpet.

Abstract: Apparatus for leading long lengths of woven or nonwoven textile material over a series of rolls in a sinous path in which the rolls are arranged in upper and lower tiers and some of the upper rolls are driven from electric motors. The lower tier of rolls is supported by parallel beams which are pivoted at one end. At their other ends the beams are connected by a chain and sprocket connection to a motor-speed-control device which automatically adjusts the speed of certain rolls to maintain constant tension on the material along its path through the apparatus, when the material causes the bottom rolls to move up or down.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a conventional bobbin having at least one metallic ring about its base. A pair of spaced plates define a first groove for receiving the ring on one side of the bobbin. A movable plate member is provided at its bottom portion with a second groove. The latter groove is defined by a flange on the plate member and an L-shaped member secured to the plate member. The plate member is spring biased towards the spaced plates whereby the bobbin ring is received within the second groove on the opposite side of the bobbin. The retention of the ring in the grooves prevents the bobbin from being lifted from the assembly.

Abstract: Durable press fabrics are treated with high molecular weight polyethylene glycol to reduce their tendency to liberate dust in factories.