Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for drying web-like material, such as knit material, being fed to a pre-shrinking machine such as a compressor. The apparatus includes a frame, at least one drying roller about which the web-like material passes in traveling from a first station to a second station, motive means for rotating the drying roller, and adjustable tension responsive control means controlling the speed and direction of operation of said motive means in response to the tension in the web-like material. The invention is particularly applicable in the situation where a pair of webs of different material are being processed by a single compressor and the necessity exists for accurately controlling the tension existing on both webs of material as it is applied to the compressor. In addition, a novel moisture applying unit is disclosed.

Abstract: A screen printing machine is provided which includes a frame, a backing member supported by the frame, and at least one rotary screen assembly carried by the frame. Each rotary screen assembly includes an inner elongated support member, an outer hollow screen rotatably supported about the inner elongated support member for rotation thereabout, and an elongated applicator, which may be a conventional squeegee, which engages the inner surface of the hollow screen and which is supported by the inner elongated support member located within the screen. A first drive is provided which is operatively connected with the backing member for rotating the backing member. A second drive is provided for rotating the hollow screen independently of said first drive and the backing member.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for longitudinally compressing materials such as knit fabrics. The apparatus includes a frame with the frame having first and second spaced apart side walls. First and second drive rollers are supported between the side walls and first and second idler roller assemblies are also supported between the side walls. A first endless belt passes around the first drive roller and the first idler roller assembly and a second endless belt passes around the second drive roller and the second idler roller assembly. A fabric passing between the endless belts is appropriately longitudinally compressed thereby. The second side wall has an opening therethrough and closure means moveable between a closed and open position with respect to the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus having a substantially uniformly heated surface is provided for heat exchange purposes, such as use in the printing of textile web materials. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical, rotatable drum including narrowly spaced inner and outer concentric shells defining an annular flow space, and provided with alternating partitions and baffles extending longitudinally within that flow space, thus providing approximately U-shaped flow paths, having entrance and exit legs, for the circulation of a suitable heat-transfer medium, such as hot oil therethrough. The apparatus also includes a centrally disposed concentric tubular conduit, or central feed passage, coaxial with the cylinder or drum, for supply and return of the heat-exchange medium.