Abstract: An apparatus and method effect cleaning of a grooved applicator cylinder which applies molten size to textile strands, such as spun yarns. A plurality of holding blocks have quadrate-shaped channels formed in one end thereof, and a circular cross-section elongated elastomeric material cord (e.g., silicone rubber having a Durometer of about 50-75) is frictionally received within the channel. The position of the holding blocks with respect to a housing may be individually adjusted utilizing a cam slide having a slanted surface which engages an adjustment screw, tightening of the adjustment screw sliding the holding block toward the cylinder. The elastomeric material of the cord deforms to essentially completely fill the grooves and to wipe unused size, lint and the like from the grooves and adjacent lands, including the bottoms of the grooves, to effect cleaning. The housing is beveled to facilitate flow of removed size thereover.

Abstract: Textile fabrics are dyed in open widths in a closed, heated environment by spraying a heated dye composition containing a dyestuff dispersed in a non-aqueous, high-boiling solvent, without the dye applicator directly contacting the fabric, directly onto the fabric. The sprayed fabric is held under transverse tension in a heated (350.degree. to 450.degree. F.) environment and further heated while the sprayed dye dispersion migrates, penetrates thoroughly through the fabric and levels substantially evenly across the width of the fabric. Fabrics are thus simultaneously uniformly dyed and uniformly heatset. Apparatus for conducting the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid nozzle assembly is disclosed for dispensing liquid dye onto an underlying fabric in a substantially closed structure provided with an inert gas atmosphere. The assembly includes an elongated rotatable housing provided along its length with a relatively narrow opening or slot. An elongated manifold, provided with a plurality of laterally spaced dispensing nozzles, is concentrically mounted within the housing so that the nozzles are aligned with the slot. The housing and manifold are rotatable from a first operative position where the nozzles are in communication with the interior of the structure, to a second inoperative position where the nozzles are substantially isolated from the interior of the structure so that the nozzles may be removed for maintenance, cleaning or replacement without significant loss of inert gas from the interior of the structure.

Abstract: The average color, and excursions outside predetermined acceptable color limits, of non-solid-shade fabrics, such as denim, can be determined utilizing a filter colorimeter, an A/D convertor, and computer. A swatch of fabric having a length greater than its width is continuously moved past the colorimeter, and is continuously sampled at the rate of at least about 100 readings per second until the length of the entire swatch has been sampled and analog signals have been generated for all readings. Analog signals are continuously passed from the colorimeter to the A/D convertor, and from the convertor as digital signals to storage in the computer. After sampling is completed the stored digital signals are analyzed. The voltage of the electric light source of the colorimeter is monitored to calibrate the digital signals depending on the voltage to the light source.

Abstract: Textile fabrics are dyed in open widths in a closed, heated environment by spraying a heated dye composition containing a dyestuff dispersed in a non-aqueous, high-boiling solvent, without the dye applicator directly contacting the fabric, directly onto the fabric. The sprayed fabric is held under transverse tension in a heated (350.degree. to 450.degree. F.) environment and further heated while the sprayed dye dispersion migrates, penetrates thoroughly through the fabric and levels substantially evenly across the width of the fabric. Fabrics are thus simultaneously uniformly dyed and uniformly heatset. Apparatus for conducting the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for the effective automatic separation of two textile blanks, such as collars for knit sport shirts. Blanks are connected together by connector threads which extend generally in a first dimension. The blanks rest on a support surface, and are engaged by a presser foot which moves into contact with them and then moves them horizontally along the support surface to a first position. At the first position, the connector thread is sensed and severed at one edge of the blanks, and at the other edge of the blanks a pair of brushes mounted on a scissors linkage move into engagement with each other to grasp a loop of the connector thread between them. The scissors linkage is then moved in the first dimension away from the blanks to begin unravelling of the connector thread, and then the connector thread is released.

Abstract: A noise control system for reducing the noise level emanating from an air jet spinning machine includes an acoustical door for covering a jet chamber which contains the air jets. The door is automatically opened whenever a yarn suction tube is to be inserted into the jet chamber for a threading-up operation.

Abstract: The nozzle velocity profile of a textile treating assembly, such as a tenter oven, is determined in a simple and effective manner. A pitot tube is mounted on a fabric web-engaging support. A pressure transducer is operatively connected to the pitot tube and produces an electrical signal proportional to the difference between the static and total pressures sensed by the pitot tube for each nozzle. A wire is releasably connected to the transducer and extends to the exterior of the tenter oven, and is connected to a reeling assembly at the exterior of the tenter oven. The position of the sensing portion of the pitot tube is adjustable so that it can extend above or below the fabric web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for obtaining a temperature profile of a moving substrate, particularly a fabric web moving through a linear drying or heat-setting oven. Without arresting fabric movement, a temperature sensing probe, preferably a thermocouple mounted on a support, is placed in engagement with a specific point of the fabric web, sharpened pins on the support, penetrating and engaging the web. The temperature probe is connected by a wire to a reel. The reel has a handle held by the operator about which the reel rotates to let out and take up the wire while providing electrical continuity between the wire and a stationary recorder. Level unwinding of the wire takes place from the reel as the probe moves with the fabric through the oven, the probe continuously monitoring the temperature of the specific fabric point and feeding signals back to the recorder through the wire.

Abstract: The temperature of an open textile web is monitored by a sensing unit including an infrared pyrometer. The pyrometer is disposed at a viewing angle between about 5.degree.-25.degree. with respect to the horizontal. A housing mounts the pyrometer, a fan, a filter bag connection, and an exhaust tube. The exhaust tube extends through the wall of a textile-treating oven, with an air flow through the tube preventing pyrometer contamination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for obtaining a temperature profile of a moving substrate, particularly a fabric web moving through a linear drying or heat-setting oven. Without arresting fabric movement, a temperature sensing probe, preferably a thermocouple mounted on a support, is placed in engagement with a specific point of the fabric web, sharpened pins on the support, penetrating and engaging the web. The temperature probe is connected by a wire to a reel. The reel has a handle held by the operator about which the reel rotates to letout and takeup the wire while providing electrical continuity between the wire and a stationary recorder. Level unwinding of the wire takes place from the reel as the probe moves with the fabric through the oven, the probe continuously monitoring the temperature of the specific fabric point and feeding signals back to the recorder through the wire.

Abstract: A wet/dry bulb hygrometer of the psychrometer type is used for monitoring and/or controlling humidity of a gaseous fluid having contaminants therein. The wet bulb sensor of the hygrometer is provided with a wick which is movable over the wet bulb sensor so that a fresh wicking surface is presented to the gas stream and contaminants will not render the sensor useless for accurate measurements. The hygrometer is used to monitor and/or control humidity and temperature in a textile processing environment wherein lint, fumes, condensable oils, tints and resins would tend to foul a stationary wick of a web bulb sensor and, consequently, a wick material is moved into and through the hygrometer over the wet bulb sensor and then out of the hygrometer, thus, always presenting a fresh wicking surface for the gaseous fluid stream.