Abstract: Disclosed may be an intermediate surface for supporting a small paver, wherein the surface can also be used to exchange heat with the pavers. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be a hextray defined by a frame with a hexagonal lattice for supporting pavers. The hextray preferably features a tubing track throughout the lattice to accommodate heat exchange tubing. In operation the hextray may be positioned above a pedestal or directly on a subsurface. In embodiment, the hex tray may be outfitted with insulation and a metal plate so that heat may be exchanged with pedestals via fluid passing through tubing installed throughout the hexagonal lattice. In a preferred embodiment, the hextray features a slot in its corners for receiving a locking disk or locking slider.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising the pile of a sheet of cloth web comprising a transport means for transporting the sheet of cloth web along a path; and, at least one primary air knife disposed at a distance from a first side of said path and arranged such that it extends across the path and is inclined such that the air stream from the air knife is incident to the path at an angle to the normal to the path.

Abstract: A soft, durable, nonwoven fabric formed of hydroentangled synthetic polymer fibers in sheet form. The polymer fiber is surface embossed on at least one major surface with a predetermined pattern to provide a fiber sheet having enhanced dimensional stability. The fiber sheet is surface napped to soften the surface and disturb and make indistinct the surface embossed pattern. The pattern may preferably be a twill pattern, and the napping process is preferably a wire-napping process. The fabric can be constructed into blankets and numerous apparel items.

Abstract: A process for making sanded elastic fabrics having low fuzz is described. The process involves sanding an elastic fabric with a microfinishing film to achieve a fabric having good side-center-side consistency, and a thick, consistent nap produced from a large number of short hairs. The fabrics can be produced at greater efficiency than achieved from conventional sanding methods, and with an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A decorative texturized fabric is provided. The fabric is produced from a fabric substrate that includes a yarn nappable from one side of the substrate. For instance, in one embodiment, the fabric substrate is a warp knitted fabric. According to the present invention, the fabric substrate is treated with a size composition according to a particular pattern. The fabric is then napped causing a nap to form on one side of the fabric where the size composition has not been applied. In this manner, a texturized pattern is formed into the fabric. After napping, the size composition can be removed from the fabric and the fabric can be dyed.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently playable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed.

Abstract: The inventive method provides highly desirable hand to various different types of fabrics through the initial immobilization of individual fibers within target fabrics and subsequent treatment through abrasion, sanding, or napping of at least a portion of the target fabric. Such a procedure includes “nicking” the immobilized fibers thereby permitting the fibers to produce a substantially balanced strength of the target fabric in the fill and warp directions while also providing the same degree of hand improvements as obtained with previous methods. Furthermore, this process also provides the unexpected improvement of non-pilling to synthetic fibers as the “nicking” of the immobilized fibers results in the lack of unraveling of fibers and thus the near impossibility of such fibers balling together to form unwanted pills on the fabric surface. Fabrics treated by this process are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a soft finish on a fabric such as a suede tone, raised loops, broken loops or fleeced and for providing a faded effect such as a washed or faded denim. A fillet having a plurality of wires extending therefrom is wound on a cylinder of a finishing machine. The outer ends of the wires extending from the fillet are angled at approximately 80.degree. from vertical. The wires are covered with an abrasive coating which is applied by an arc spray system. The coating extends around the perimeter of the wire from at least just below the bend of the wires and extending to the outer tip of the wires. The fabric is driven over a nip roll that is adjusted to bring the fabric in closer contact with the wires on the cylinder which is rotating. An alternative embodiment of accomplishing the same type of soft finish such as suede or washed or faded denim finish is accomplished with multi rolls (or kiss rolls) finish machinery using the coated wire fillet on each roll.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a soft finish on a fabric such as a suede tone, raised loops, broken loops or fleeced and for providing a faded effect such as a washed or faded denim. A fillet having a plurality of wires extending therefrom is wound on a cylinder of a finishing machine. The outer ends of the wires extending from the fillet are angled at approximately 80.degree. from vertical. The wires are covered with an abrasive coating which is applied by an arc spray system. The coating extends around the perimeter of the wire from at least just below the bend of the wires and extending to the outer tip of the wires. The fabric is driven over a nip roll that is adjusted to bring the fabric in closer contact with the wires on the cylinder which is rotating. An alternative embodiment of accomplishing the same type of soft finish such as suede or washed or faded denim finish is accomplished with multi rolls (or kiss rolls) finish machinery using the coated wire fillet on each roll.

Abstract: A profiled cylinder for teaseling and/or fluffing machines of the type having a generally cylindrical outer peripheral surface and provided at its ends with support hubs for its rotation, in which the radially outer peripheral surface has a particular profile caused by a plurality of variously arranged geometrical forms or surface portions disposed for abraiding contact with a fabric which is to be treated by passage through the machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suede-like raised woven fabric of a combination weave. A yarn having a thickness in a range between 30 and 300 denier, the thickness of most of individual filaments or fibers thereof being in a range between 1.0 and 8.0 denier, is utilized as the warp; while a spun yarn having a thickness represented by a total denier in a range between 50 and 1000 denier, the thickness of the most of individual component fibers thereof being in a range between 0.0001 and 0.4 denier, is utilized as a first weft, and a yarn having a fineness represented by a total denier in a range between 30 and 300 denier, the thickness of the most of individual filaments or fibers thereof being in a range between 1.0 and 8.0 denier, is utilized as a second weft. At least one of the warp and the second weft does not substantially involve crimped filaments or fibers. A combination woven fabric structure provided with a number of floating points of the first weft upon the warp in a range between three and seven is adopted.

Abstract: Tightly woven colored fabrics such as twills, denims, sateens, and poplins are provided with pattern areas thereon simulating the appearance of a printed design and wherein the pattern areas are of a color tone contrasting with the color of adjacent pattern areas and have a discernible softer texture imparting further contrast with the non-pattern areas. The contrasting tone colored pattern areas may either have a lighter color tone appearance than the non-pattern areas or a darker color tone appearance or the pattern areas may appear to change in color tone with respect to the background areas when the fabric is viewed at different angles.

Abstract: In apparatus for napping a circular knitted fabric between the knitting portion and the winding portion of a circular knitting machine, apparatus for napping the circular knitted fabric with emery in the form of a belt or the like. The invention includes a means for stretching the knitted fabric coursewise and an adjacent emery supporting base, an emery supporting frame structured to support said emery in the form of a belt or the like, and a driving portion provided to move said emery in a coursewise direction with respect to said circular knitted fabric while it is stretched coursewise.

Abstract: A fabric is superficially dyed by stamping and then subjected to abrasion to produce a feltlike appearance and a simultaneous mutation in coloring.