Abstract: A steamer which accelerates the fixing of dyestuffs while reducing backing distortion and minimizing crocking and the accompanying steaming method are disclosed. The steamer uses low pressure jets of steam impinging at low velocity on the upper surface of steamed materials to displace cooler embedded air and promote fixing of printed dyes. Because fixing occurs in less time and the backing is not directly exposed to the hot steam, much less curling and distortion of the backing results. Using low velocity steam also minimizes movement of fibrous surfaces to prevent excessive dye transfer between adjacent fibers.

Abstract: Methods for engraving carpet with beams of radiant energy. A beam of radiant energy, such as a laser beam, is intermittently directed at the surface of carpet to engrave the surface, and, if desired, to cause certain color changes. During the intermittent operation of the beam, the carpet is indexed to allow the beam to engrave designs. Alternatively, the beam may be indexed in relation to stationary carpet by means of lenses or mirrors to engrave designs. The method allows inexpensive and accurate engraving of carpet surfaces by which intricate designs may be formed on those surfaces in a minimum amount of time.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a magnetic material-containing carpet tile which comprises: forming a uniform fluid mixture of a liquid resinous material (e.g., vinyl chloride plastisol or poly(acrylic acid) water-based emulsion) and at least about 60% by weight of the mixture of a particulate magnetizable material (e.g., barium ferrite), applying the uniform fluid mixture to the back of a carpet facing to form a carpet composite, heating the carpet composite to solidify the mixture and fuse the mixture with the carpet facing and thereby provide a carpet covering, forming the resulting magnetized carpet covering into carpet tiles and applying a magnetic force to the carpet tiles to magnetize the particulate magnetizable material.

Abstract: An improved carpet tile for commercial, industrial or home use is disclosed. The carpet tile includes a carpet pile yarn facing portion including a stiffening and stabilizing layer (e.g., glass fiber layer). The backing portion also includes a stiffening and stabilizing layer (e.g., glass fiber layer). Interposed between the facing and backing portions is a stabilizing layer of a mixture of from about 70 to about 90 weight percent non-woven glass fibers and from about 30 to about 10 weight percent of a polyester. The resulting unitary carpet tile shows surprising dimensional stability, stiffness and floor hugging properties even during periods of concentrated stress, and passes rigorous flame retardancy and smoke emission tests.

Abstract: An improved carpet tile for commercial, industrial or home use is disclosed. The carpet tile includes a tufted carpet facing portion including a stiffening and stabilizing layer (e.g., a primary backing layer and a glass fiber layer) in which the tufted carpet portion is embedded. The backing portion also includes a stiffening and stabilizing layer (e.g., glass fiber layer). Interposed between the facing and backing portions is a resilient thermoplastic material (e.g., polyvinyl chloride). The resulting unitary carpet tile shows surprising dimensional stability, stiffness and floor hugging properties even during periods of concentrated stress.