Abstract: An automated dye pattern application system includes a support bed to support a mat or other dye receiving medium; perpendicular guide tracks supporting a carrier on which a dye spray head is mounted; stepper motors engaged between the tracks, the support bed, and the spray head carrier and forming an x-y plotter apparatus to move the spray head in two dimensions over the mat; and a pneumatic dye supply mechanism to supply liquid dye to the spray head and including control valves to actuate the spray of dye from the spray head. A dye control computer is interfaced to the stepper motors and valves and controls their operation. Data representing a digitized image is converted to a file of plotter commands to control the motors to scan the spray head over the mat and spray dye from the spray head at selected picture element locations to reproduce the digitized image in a colored dye pattern on the mat.

Abstract: An automated dye pattern application system includes a support bed to support a mat or other dye receiving medium; perpendicular guide tracks supporting a carrier on which a dye spray head is mounted; stepper motors engaged between the tracks, the support bed, and the spray head carrier and forming an x-y plotter apparatus to move the spray head in two dimensions over the mat; and a pneumatic dye supply mechanism to supply liquid dye to the spray head and including control valves to actuate the spray of dye from the spray head. A dye control computer is interfaced to the stepper motors and valves and controls their operation. Data representing a digitized image is converted to a file of plotter commands to control the motors to scan the spray head over the mat and spray dye from the spray head at selected picture element locations to reproduce the digitized image in a colored dye pattern on the mat.

Abstract: An automated dye pattern application system includes a support bed to support a mat or other dye receiving medium; perpendicular guide tracks supporting a carrier on which a dye spray head is mounted; stepper motors engaged between the tracks, the support bed, and the spray head carrier and forming an x-y plotter apparatus to move the spray head in two dimensions over the mat; and a pneumatic dye supply mechanism to supply liquid dye to the spray head and including control valves to actuate the spray of dye from the spray head. A dye control computer is interfaced to the stepper motors and valves and controls their operation. Data representing a digitized image is converted to a file of plotter commands to control the motors to scan the spray head over the mat and spray dye from the spray head at selected picture element locations to reproduce the digitized image in a colored dye pattern on the mat.

Abstract: A dye setting apparatus for use with carpets, mats and the like comprises a cover having a generally planar interior surface pivotally connected to a support surface. The cover includes a steam containment and support structure having an interior channel flow connected to a steam source. The cover, support structure and support surface form a confinement chamber for the carpet. Steam is released into the chamber from apertures in the support structure to set dye in the carpet. The interior surface of the cover is constructed of a material which is generally non-heat conductive and somewhat water absorbent, such as plywood, to prevent steam from condensing as droplets on the interior of the cover and dropping on the carpet during dye setting. An alternative embodiment includes multiple stacked covers that form multiple chambers, each chamber adapted to receive a mat and steam therein such that dye may be set on multiple mats simultaneously.

Abstract: A dye setting apparatus for use with carpets, mats and the like comprises a cover having a generally planar interior surface pivotally connected to a support surface. The cover includes a steam containment and support structure having an interior channel flow connected to a steam source. The cover, support structure and support surface form a confinement chamber for the carpet. Steam is released into the chamber from apertures in the support structure to set dye in the carpet. The interior surface of the cover is constructed of a material which is generally non-heat conductive and somewhat water absorbent, such as plywood, to prevent steam from condensing as droplets on the interior of the cover and dropping on the carpet during dye setting.