Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for space-dyeing yarns. A yarn sheet passes over a yarn-driven roll equipped with a digital sensor that tracks the position of the sheet as it then passes through a dyeing apparatus. A computer precisely controls the spray application of dyes at the desired locations on the length of the yarn sheet. Undyed areas and areas of unwanted overlap of dyes are virtually eliminated, reducing the amount of off-quality yarn produced versus conventional methods. Sprayed dye droplets are collected and reused.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for permanently patterning a textile fabric with a visually pleasing random-appearing network of line segments, as well as the fabrics produced thereby. The fabric is preferably calendered on at least one side, then packed into a heated chamber via a multi-stage folding or pleating process. The packed fabric is retained in the heated chamber a sufficient time to heat set the network of creases generated by the packing process. The fabric may then be dyed; creased portions of the fabric appear more saturated with dye.

Abstract: A yarn heater for a running length of yarn which has a plurality of tubes mounted adjacent a resistance heater to heat air under pressure passing through the plurality of tubes. The tubes are connected to a hollow yarn tube and are located therein to blow the heated air therefrom onto a yarn passing through the hollow tube.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to produce a novelty textured yarn by intermittently blowing hot air at high temperatures into a tube through which previously textured yarn is passing. This produces a yarn having spaced, detextured portions along the length thereof.

Abstract: A method for sculpturing a pile fabric, e.g., acrylic pile fabric, is provided which comprises contacting selected areas to be sculptured of the pile surface of the fabric with a sufficient amount of a sculpturing composition to provide a sculptured effect, said composition comprising: at least one lower alkylene carbonate, e.g., ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, etc., provided in said composition in a concentration sufficient so that said fibers may be subsequently caused to shrink to a lower energy configuration upon application of heat; said sculpturing composition further containing E-caprolactam in an amount sufficient to maintain a relatively soft hand of the shrunken pile fibers; and heating said pile fabric to a temperature sufficient to cause the pile height of said fibers in the selected areas of the pile fabric to be reduced sufficiently to provide a sculptured effect on said pile fabric.