Abstract: An applicator for a crease setting composition includes two or more applicator heads mounted over a surface having vacuum means for gripping a fabric. The applicator heads can be raised and lowered in unison and moved back and forth over the surface. When the rear edge of the fabric is sensed, the applicator heads drop onto the fabric and then are moved backwards while applying the crease setting composition to the fabric. When the front edge of the fabric is sensed, application of the setting composition is discontinued and the applicator heads are raised from the fabric. Channels or grooves in the surface, which supports the fabric during application of composition, receive the creases so that accurate alignment is maintained between the applicator heads and the creases. Air pressure is used for dispensing the composition.

Abstract: A method of treating natural or synthetic polyamide or cellulosic textiles comprises applying an effective amount of an arylating agent, preferably to the dyebath. The arylating agent may be of a formula Ar--(X--Y).sub.n wherein Ar is an aromatic residue such as substituted or unsubstituted benzene or naphthalene ring; X is a bridging group such as --SO.sub.2, --CO-- or --NH--; Y is a reactive group; and n is 1 to 3. The arylating agent reduces fibre damage of natural polyamide fibres during dyeing and proves the degree of dye fibre reaction in dyeing of polyamide and cellulosic textiles to improve wet fastness. Furthermore, on cellulosic textiles, wet and dry wrinkle recovery properties are improved as is the yield of reactive dye fixation. On keratinous fibres shrink resistant and moth resistant properties are improved also. Certain novel arylating compounds are disclosed also.

Abstract: An applicator 10 for crease setting composition comprises an applicator body 12 having at one end thereof a nozzle 14 for applying a crease setting composition to a crease line and at the other end thereof an inlet 26 for compressed air for forcing the composition out of the nozzle 14. Guidance projections 18, 42 are mounted beneath the body so as to guide the applicator nozzle 14 and cause it to deliver composition accurately into the crease. Guidance projections 18, 42 is operatively connected to a valve 2 in the compressed air circuit such that when the guidance projections 18, 42 contacts the garment to be treated pressure is applied to the composition and when the guidance projections are removed from the garment to be creased pressure is removed from the composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a crease-setting composition for setting a crease in textile material in which the composition is forced out of a nozzle at a controlled delivery rate while the nozzle is guided along the crease line.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of crease setting compositions comprises at least one moveable arm capable of insertion into the leg of a pair of trousers to be creased carrying at or near one end thereof an applicator head 10 comprising a cartridge 12 having a nozzle 22 for the application of crease setting composition. Guide means 20, in the form of a pivotted crease sensing blade, are provided for locating the nozzle 22 within the crease to be treated. The guide means 20 is moveable transversely of the direction of the motion of the trousers in order to locate in the trouser crease and the cartridge 12 is rotatable so that the nozzle 22 can follow in the track of said guide means.

Abstract: A filter for noxious gases such as sulphur dioxide or nitrogen dioxide comprises a keratinous fibre substrate within which is deposited an effective amount of manganese dioxide. The fibres, preferably sheep's wool, may be in the form of a fibrous bat and the manganese dioxide is deposited from acidified permanganate solution. The filter is most effective when maintained in the wet state.

Abstract: A method finishing keratinous textile articles, for example wool fabrics, which comprises treating the articles with an anti-felt polymer for example isocyanate functional or bunte salt functional polymers, and a polymer of chlorinated ethylenically unsaturated monomer, for example polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polypropylene, and dichlorobutadiene. Thereafter, the articles are treated with an anionic titanium or zirconium complex at low pH. Textiles so treated exhibit both shrink-resistant and flame-retardant properties.

Abstract: A method of finishing keratinous textile fabrics is disclosed which comprises treating the fabrics with an anionic titanium or zirconium complex at a pH in the range 1 to 4, and with a halogen containing organic acid or anhydride soluble in hot water, but preferably virtually insoluble in cold water. Such a treatment enables wool furnishing fabrics to meet the very stringent National Fire Protection Association standard 701-1969.

Abstract: A process of imparting anti-static properties to textile materials, especially carpets, comprises treating the material with an aqueous solution of a quarternary ammonium salt and a water soluble polyether. Quarternary ammonium salts, containing three C.sub.8 -C.sub.10 alkyl or aralkyl groups, normally insoluble in water, are soluble in the polyether; and compositions of quarternary ammonium salt and polyether may be diluted with water and applied to textile material to produce an anti-static finish.

Abstract: In wool scouring systems in which scouring liquor is continuously withdrawn from the scouring bowls for separation of solid contaminants and wool grease and then recycled to the bowls, improved separation of solids is achieved by adding a soluble silicate, and preferably also a polyelectrolyte to the liquor before solids separation. Silicate can advantageously replace soda as scouring agent. Improved operation can also be obtained by controlled flow down from the circulatory system, as at 27, and by passing the jet phase from a disc centrifuge 17 to a decanter centrifuge 15 for further separation of solids. Alternatively, the entire liquor circulation may be passed first to the disc centrifuge and only the jet phase to the decanter, the middle liquor phase being recycled.

Abstract: A strand break-out device for preventing the formation of the fault yarns due to strand breakage when two unspun fibrous strands are spun on a common twisting spindle. A member (24) has pins (38) forming a passage means to which the strands converge during travel to the spindle and on which the strands may bear to apply force to the member. The member is pivotally mounted on a support (28) so that it may move freely on the support between limits of displacement from a mean, stable disposition. If a strand breaks the force applied by the remaining strand moves the member beyond the respective limit whereupon the member moves to a further position wherein the pins distort the path that the remaining strand would otherwise take. This distortion is such as to cause the remaining strand to break.

Abstract: A durable crease is formed in a textile article by applying a flexible casting compound in a preformed crease using a non-rotary applicator in conjunction with a structure for guiding the applicator along the crease.