Abstract: A sleeve expander for use with a steam treatment machine that generally includes a base, a first expander arm, a second expander arm, and an actuator. The base supports the expander arms and actuator, and it has a mounting surface for connecting the sleeve expander to the steam treatment machine, preferably at a lower portion of the machine. The actuator is linked to the expander arms to move the first expander arm toward and away from the second expander arm during a steaming cycle so that the operator merely has to place the garment sleeves over the expander prior to initiating the steaming operation. A full steam treatment machine including a suzi and two of the sleeve expanders is also disclosed.

Abstract: A garment clamp apparatus for stabilizing a shirt during pressing of the sleeves. The apparatus is for use on a shirt pressing machine of the type having a housing, a plurality of press platens supported by the housing, and a movable tray carrying sleeve supports or bucks. The garment clamp apparatus includes a clamp for securely mounting the apparatus to the support structure of the housing. A frame extends forwardly from the clamp between the press platens. A pneumatic cylinder connects the frame with an extendable foot, which is movable linearly against the bias of a pair of return springs between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the foot engages the shirt in the area between the sleeves and holds the sleeves taut on the sleeve supports for the pressing operation. Guide shaft assemblies are disposed between the frame and the foot. The pneumatic cylinder can be connected into the existing pneumatic control system without modification of the control algorithm.

Abstract: A collar former (10) for use in finishing garment collars (24) as a part of laundering of the garments (22). The collar former (10) includes a split-cone section (12), base section (14), and a control mechanism (16). The split-cone section (12) includes two partially conical support members (18, 20) that are pivotally connected together at their smaller axial ends to form an axially-split conical support structure (42). The support members are outwardly biased from each other by a spring (28). Heating pads (38, 40) are mounted on the inside surfaces of the support members (18, 20), respectively, to supply heat to their outer surfaces. The control mechanism (16) includes a foot pedal (68), lever (70), pulley (74), and cable (76). Downward actuation of the foot pedal (68) is transferred via the cable (76) to the first support member (18) to move it toward the other support member (20) against the outward bias provided by spring (28).

Abstract: An exerciser provides low impact exercise for the upper and lower body of an operator. The apparatus includes an upper portion having moving rungs simulating a hand-over-hand motion to exercise one's upper body and a lower portion having moving platforms simulating a stair-like climbing motion to exercise one's lower body. The upper and lower portions are oriented at different angles to maximize user comfort, the angle of the lower portion in particular providing clearance for one's knees during use. The exerciser also includes a variable speed control to adjustable vary the speed of the moving rungs and platforms, thereby adapting to the needs of various users.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring textile articles laden with solvent from a solvent cleaning machine to a solvent reclaiming machine in a manner that significantly reduces the emission of solvent vapor to the atmosphere. An enclosed transfer vehicle includes a transportable basket, a flexible shroud covering the basket and a pair of sealed gloves for manipulating the machine access doors and the articles being transferred. A frame to which the shroud is attached includes an opening configured to match-up with the access opening of the cleaning/reclaiming machine and a closure for the opening. A collet is attached to either the transfer vehicle or each of the machines in a manner to be positioned between the vehicle opening and the machine access door to seal the interface. The collet is connected with a vapor recovery unit to recover vapors emitted by the articles while being transferred to the vehicle.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring textile articles laden with solvent from a solvent cleaning machine to a solvent reclaiming machine in a manner that significantly reduces the emission of solvent vapor to the atmosphere. An enclosed transfer vehicle includes a transportable basket, a flexible shroud covering the basket and a pair of sealed gloves for manipulating the machine access doors and the articles being transferred. A frame to which the shroud is attached includes an opening configured to match-up with the access opening of the cleaning/reclaiming machine and a closure for the opening. A collet is attached to either the transfer vehicle or each of the machines in a manner to be positioned between the vehicle opening and the machine access door to seal the interface. The collet is connected with a vapor recovery unit to recover vapors emitted by the articles while being transferred to the vehicle.