Abstract: The invention concerns variable contour rollers for use in calendering or pressing devices, printing presses and like applications. The rollers include an external element of cylindrical form, for example of cast iron, and in their interior a number of transverse elements which can be made to expand radially by heating. More or less substantial radial expansion provokes directly or indirectly a change in the profile of the exterior generally cylindrical working surface. The interior of the roller may be a shaft carrying heating elements and which is fixed or rotates with the external working surface.

Abstract: A control system is provided for maintaining a constant predetermined transverse width in a continuous elastic or extensible web while the web is traveling longitudinally and while simultaneously transversely aligning the longitudinally moving web in register with a transversely extending work station which transversely extends across the web path at a preset location. The invention further provides contoured electrifier apparatus which is adapted for use in the polishing of three dimensional deep pile surface contoured fabrics and the like. In addition, the invention provides ways of adapting the control system for use with a plurality of transversely extending processing units, each one of which can have transversely varying process conditions such as required in a contour shearing device or contoured electrifier.

Abstract: A plurality of electrifier cylinders are arranged in tandem along the conveyance path of a synthetic pile fabric. Each cylinder is provided with surface grooves in opposite directions in order to introduce a bias of different directions to the individual fibers being treated. Individual speed and temperature controls are provided for these cylinders to effect a wide range of treatments.