Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuously treating staple length fibrous materials by applying a liquid dye or other chemical to the fibrous materials, conveying the liquid impregnated materials into and through an elongate heating tube under compression to react or fix the dye or chemical in the fibers, and collecting the fibers; and wherein the continuously moving loose fibers are condensed into a fibrous web before passage through the liquid dye or chemical applicator to provide sufficient cohesive integrity to the web so that it can be passed into and through the liquid dye or chemical, and the driven nip rollers of the dye applicator without parting.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for continuously treating moving textile material in staple length fiber form by impregnating the moving fibers with a dye or other chemical, compressing and conveying the impregnated fibers in a continuous compacted mass form through an elongate heating tube to fix or react the dye chemical on the fibers, and periodically discharging in compacted mass sections of the fibers onto a conveyor which transports the fibers while they are being washed. The improvement in such apparatus comprises a pair of agitating rollers and a pin conveyor section disposed in the path of movement of the compacted fiber mass sections to break the sections apart and generally uniformly distribute the fibers on the washing conveyor to facilitate removal of excess dye or chemical therefrom.