Abstract: A method and apparatus removing creases from a tubular fabric including an assembly for moving the fabric through a fabric travel path, an assembly for internally stretching the fabric locally in the area of the creases and an arrangement for applying steam locally to the internally stretched fabric in the area of the creases.

Abstract: A mangle for circular knitted fabric has a circular spreader is combined with several mangling stations circularly arranged around the spreader for the removal of treatment liquor from tubular fabrics. In order to protect the fabric against excessive squeezing, an upper roller head is entirely avoided by confining the circular spreader in the horizontal direction exclusively by the mangling stations. The vertical support of the spreader is provided fully by the mangling stations if the mangling rollers are mounted in positions slanting to the vertical. If the mangling rollers are not mounted in slanted positions it is preferred that a lower roller head operated by a lifting mechanism assists the mangling rollers in supporting the spreader (8) vertically. In both instances an upper roller head becomes unnecessary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stretcher for tubular knitted fabrics comprising two separate stretcher arms (5, 6) bearing pulleys (23) in contact with belts (22) for carrying fabric (4), driven by drive wheels (11A, 11B) borne by supports (8) suitable to horizontally move in opposite directions and bearing pairs of support rolls (19, 20) with angled axle (21), each pair (19, 20) supporting on the opposite sides a ring (17) which has a particular profile, is idle on each arm (5, 6) and is in contact with each drive wheel (11A, 11B), wherein the above mentioned pairs of rolls (19, 20) are motor-driven.

Abstract: A spreader-propeller apparatus for processing of tubular knitted fabric. Each of two spaced-apart frame sections is formed of upper and lower sheet metal sections mounting a plurality of grooved guide rollers carrying fabric-engaging propeller belts. The frame structure supports entry-side and exit-side belts which, in the mid-regions of the frame structure, are trained about vertically extended substantially cylindrical driving rolls. Smooth surfaced, large diameter tubular structural elements are rigidly secured above and below the sheet metal frame sections and are transitionally contoured in bridging portions to extend at least slightly above and slightly below the vertically extending drive rollers. The geometry of the sheet metal frame sections and the smooth wall tubing secured thereto is such that tubular knitted fabric being processed on the spreader is at all times guided away from and held in spaced relation to fixed surfaces presenting an edge or corner.

Abstract: A spreader included in tubular knit conditioning or finishing equipment is disclosed and includes a frame serving to support a pair of support members having fabric gripping means mounted on the spaced and oppositely disposed support members. A series of rolls some of which are driven are connected to the fabric gripping means to cause same to move the fabric through the equipment or the spreader. An actuator is connected to the spreader and arranged to move the fabric gripping means to move the fabric while moving through the equipment to adjust for any changes in dimension of the fabric to a desired dimension.

Abstract: A device (15) for centering a tubular fabric (10) comprises a central fixed supporting portion (16) located within the fabric. A pair of oscillating arms (17) each having an end mounted to said central fixed portion (16), are kept divaricated against the tubular fabric. A motor driven roller unit (18) is secured to the free end of each oscillating arm (17) and has an electric motor (19). Motors (19) control rotation, in the same direction of rotation, of respective supporting members (21) each fitted with a plurality of idle rollers (22). The rollers (22) are angularly equally spaced around their respective supporting member (21) and are free to rotate about respective axes of rotation transverse to the direction of advancement of the fabric. Rotation of supporting members (21) in the same direction causes the fabric to rotate, while oscillating arms (17) keep the fabric stretched.

Abstract: A fabric expander apparatus for tubular fabrics includes at least two first internal wheel and belt assembly groups kept in position inside and on the sides of the fabric tube by second external corresponding wheel and belt assembly groups. Each first internal wheel and belt assembly group includes a plate which has a wheel conducted by counter-wheels of the second external group and driven wheels. All these wheels from the first internal wheel and belt assembly group have a part of the perimeter exposed outside the plate and in a direction of the second external group, to receive a conveyor belt, which moves in a desired direction to transport the fabric tube. Motor wheels of the second external group are pressed against the conveyor belt and against the wheels of the first internal wheel and belt assembly group to compress the fabric and to contribute to transport it in the desired direction.

Abstract: Tubular knitted fabric is circularly spread and simultaneously squeezed for removing treatment liquor. Spreader components are separated from squeezing components in order to relieve the spreader components from the squeezing forces. For this purpose, pairs (23) of squeezer rollers (23A, 23B) are mounted on brackets (24, 25) which are rigidly secured to the outer pipe section (19A) of the central carrier column (19). The brackets (24, 25) are so arranged that they do not interfere with the spaced struts or braces (20, 21) of the spreader rollers (12). Each pair of squeezer rollers (23) cooperates with a revolving single squeeze roller (26) that is radially adjustable by a power drive such as a piston cylinder device (27) relative to the central column (19) to thereby adjust the squeezing gap between the pair of squeezer rollers and the single squeeze roller and thus also the squeezing force.

Abstract: A sewing apparatus and method for receiving tubular knit fabric from a pre-knitted roll and making the fabric into foot covers. The fabric is first passed through an unique spreader which is mounted at the end of a pivotal boom adjacent a sewing machine. A gripping head advances to the spreader and grips the portion of the fabric held by the spreader. The gripping head than withdraws a predetermined length of fabric from the pre-knitted roll through the spreader. An air jet blows the free end of the length of tubular knit fabric into a vacuum take-off tube connected to a gathering box. The pivotal boom then swings toward the sewing machine. As the pivotal boom completes it swing, the tubular knit fabric is fed to the sewing machine which simultaneously sews the end immediately adjacent the spreader, cuts the free end from the pre-knitted roll, and gathers the finished product in the take-off tube.

Abstract: A tentering system having a pair of spaced tenter rails defining a first end, a second end and a tentering path, and moveable material securement members carried by the tenter rails is disclosed. The tentering system may include first material guides at the first end of the tenter rails and second material guides at the second end of the tenter rails, and at least one drive motor for alternately and selectively driving the securement members in the first and second directions. In addition or in the alternative, a pair of direct drive motors is provided at the first end of the tenter rails, each of the direct drive motors including a clutch moveable between a drive position and a neutral position, and clutch actuating means to selectively and positively move the clutch from the neutral position to the drive position. In addition or in the alternative, first and second pairs of direct drive motors are provided at the first and second ends of the tenter rails, respectively.

Abstract: An expander for tubular fabric is described having roller arrangements provided left and right in a frame for flat spreading of the tubular fabric, whereby each roller arrangement has a driven drive roller, which bears on the inside of a guide roller around which the tubular fabric is laid. The drive roller in turn is supported by a support roller also arranged on the inside. Thus, a trouble-free transport of the tubular fabric in the expander is assured by the drive roller's position between the guide roller and the support roller.

Abstract: Equipment for the calendering of tubular knitted fabric (13) which, in the end step of a processing cycle, allows, by means of a cloth expander device (16), a steaming cxhamber (18) and a flattening, the width of the tubular fabric to be determined and fixed, besides giving the tubular fabric a commercially acceptable appearance. A plurality of calenders (19, 20, 26, 27) are disposed in series for being selectively used in engagement with the tubular knitted fabric (13) to effect a finishing treatment suitable for the individual type of tubular knitted fabric (13) which is undergoing treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a movable frame reciprocatingly movable longitudinally of a tubular knitted fabric, a fixed press bed member spaced apart from the frame in the direction of transport of the fabric, at least one pair of upper and lower fabric feed rollers mounted on the frame and stoppably drivable in the transport direction, a tenter core member reciprocatingly movable with the frame for tentering the fabric as fitted therearound and having one end held by the feed rollers and the other end extending toward the press bed member, and a holding member for releasably pressing the fabric as tentered by the core member against the press bed member. The holding member is provided on the fabric facing side thereof with the cutter blade of a press cutter and elastic pieces.

Abstract: The externally held, adjustable width spreader for tubular material (1) present in a flat state is provided with two spreading and guiding units (2, 3) which are to be arranged next to one another in the interior of the tubular material. The spreading and guide units are each provided with an endless transporting belt (4) which extends along their outer guide faces and is exposed there. The transporting belts (4) and in releasable operating engagement with feed rollers (8, 9, 10, 11) disposed on the exterior of the tubular material (1) passing through.

Abstract: A continuous method for shrinkproofing tubular fabric, especially knitted and the like goods, is effected so that the fabric is spread when wet, then compressed lengthwise and then dried in a shrinkproof manner. This method provides for overstretching the fabric more than 130%, preferably even 160%, widthwise, overfeeding the fabric uniformly lengthwise while stretching and spreading the fabric, and immediately thereafter, in a relaxing fashion, drying the fabric continuously and in finished form with brief alternating movements under the influence of heat. During this heat treatment, the shrinkage potential produced is completely eliminated, with the meshes of the fabric moving into a stable position which no longer results in a change during domestic washing or tumble drying. It is important for the economics of the method for the fabric first to be pre-dried to about 20%, and then to be treated as described.

Abstract: A propeller-spreader for tubular knitted fabric is disclosed, in which internal, fabric edge engaging propeller belts are driven by means of magnetic coupling with internal, magnetic drive sheaves. A spreader frame, of flat configuration, arranged to laterally distend tubular knitted fabric to flat, two-layer form, is supported by means of a pair of spaced, transversely extending rollers. Magnetically coupled drive elements are positioned between the transverse support rollers and are driven to rotate in synchronism with the rotations of the support rollers. Ideally, the spreader frame is supported and positioned exclusively by means of the transverse support rollers, in conjunction with the magnetic attraction of the magnetically coupled drive means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for finishing a tubular fabric where the apparatus includes a fabric spreader for spreading the tubular fabric into a flattened tube. Edge drive means are provided to move the tube of fabric over a spreader past a fabric treating station. Control means are provided for maintaining and controlling a cross-line configuration of the fabric and/or width of the fabric. The control means comprises a pair of spaced opposed control rolls rotatable in opposite directions with the fabric passing over substantial arcs of each of the rolls. Speed control means are included for varying the speed of the control rolls with respect to the edge drive means to tension or bunch the fabric with respect to edge portions of the fabric driven by the edge drive means.

Abstract: An apparatus for the steam conditioning of lengths of textile fabrics includes a frame carrying a fabric spreader for spreading of the fabric in a spreading zone, steam boxes for application of steam to the spread fabric within a steam zone, a cooling zone, and fabric advancing mechanism for advancing the fabric through the steam and cooling zones. A duct system encloses the steam boxes and, in conjunction with one or more blowers, evacuates steam upwardly and downwardly from a region adjacent the steam boxes thereby confining the steam zone to the region between the discharge sections of the steam boxes and preventing the migration of steam to areas upstream and downstream of such steam zone.

Abstract: A stretcher for tubular knitted fabric aimed at being mounted onto a calender and carrying two stretcher arms each carrying positioning rollers co-operating with supplier rollers for pulling up the knitted fabric and making it pass through said stretcher. Both arms are connected to one another in their median area by a pneumatic jack for the adjustment of the spreading of said stretcher.

Abstract: There is described a method of drying wet items of textile material, in which the wet item is rolled onto a roller and in the process subjected to a width-increase of at least 15% in the transverse direction while being fed without tension in the longitudinal direction, until the outer diameter obtained is substantially equal to the internal diameter of a perforated retaining sleeve into which the rolled item is introduced for subjection to a spin-drying operation.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to apparatus for processing of tubular knitted fabric, including an internal flat spreader and width-adjustable edge drives, typically used in connection with other processing apparatus, such as calendars, padding equipment, compressive shrinking stations, etc. The apparatus utilizes a pre-loaded, resiliently biased spreader frame which, within its operating limits, presses outwardly against adjustably movable, opposed edge drive rolls. The spreader frame, which is positioned internally of the moving fabric tube during processing operations, is capable of in-process width adjustments, without either stopping the processing line or damaging the fabric. Width adjustment of the internal spreader frame may be accomplished from a remote operator station. Moreover, the apparatus may incorporate edge-sensing means operative automatically to adjust the width of the spreader to maintain uniformity of width in the processed fabric.

Abstract: The disclosure relates a method for finishing of tubular knitted fabric involving the steps of laterally distending the fabric to flat, two-layer form by passing it over a spreader frame, and discharging the fabric from the spreader frame into a pair of opposed calendering rolls. In accordance with the invention, the individual layers of the distended fabric are engaged substantially across their full width and the individual layers are controllably advanced independently of each other. Moreover, the side edge regions of the fabric are also controllably advanced independently of said individual layers.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to apparatus for processing of tubular knitted fabric, including an internal flat spreader and width-adjustable edge drives, typically used in connection with other processing apparatus, such as calenders, padding equipment, compressive shrinking stations, etc. The apparatus utilizes a pre-loaded, resiliently biased spreader frame which, within its operating limits, presses outwardly against adjustably movable, opposed edge drive rolls. The spreader frame, which is positioned internally of the moving fabric tube during processing operations, is capable of in-process width adjustments, without either stopping the processing line or damaging the fabric. Width adjustment of the internal spreader frame may be accomplished from a remote operator station. Moreover, the apparatus may incorporate edge-sensing means operative automatically to adjust the width of the spreader to maintain uniformity of width in the processed fabric.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to method and apparatus for processing of tubular knitted fabric with a liquid material, for uniformly impregnating the fabric with the liquid. The fabric initially is directed over a propeller-spreader frame, in which the fabric is laterally distended to flat form and to predetermined, uniform width. At the discharge end of the spreader, the fabric is guided directly into the nip of a pair of opposed, resilient pad rollers. Immediately in advance of the pad rollers, both the upper and lower surfaces of the generally horizontally disposed fabric are sprayed with the liquid processing solution. The sprays are directed from a plurality of nozzles, spaced across the width of the fabric, and directed at an angle to the surface of the fabric and toward the nip area of the pad rolls. The spreader frame is inclined downwardly toward the pad rolls, at a slight angle (e.g. 6.degree. or 7.degree.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for finishing of tubular knitted fabric including means for laterally distending the fabric to flat, two-layer form by passing it over a spreader frame, and discharging the fabric from the spreader frame into a pair of opposed calendering rolls. Improved arrangements are provided for engaging the tubular fabric, across its fully spread width, above and below the spreader, for independently advancing or retarding the respective layers of the fabric in order to bring them into proper alignment. The improved arrangements include a thin, flat contact plate, incorporated into the spreader frame structure, which provides a contact support for the fabric, enabling it to be drivingly engaged by independently driven contact rolls. The structure of the invention enables the fabric to be adjusted substantially across its full width, reducing to a practicable minimum areas at the extreme edges of the fabric tube that are not under positive control during the adjustment stage.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for continuously framing and steaming discrete segments of tubular knitted fabric, particularly sweater body segments and the like which are constructed to include a body section provided with a cuff at one end. The apparatus provides for differential width stabilization of the segment, such that the body portion is set at one width and the cuff portion is set at a slightly narrower width. Individual segments are advanced over a spreader frame and distended to the desired width for the body portion. The section is discharged, cuff first, off of the spreader and enters between a pair of conveyor blankets. The blankets are held in noncontacting relation, initially, to permit the cuff to return to narrower dimensions, but the blankets then close upon the segment, so that the body portion thereof is maintained at an increased width. While the segment is thus engaged, it is steamed to stabilize its geometry.

Abstract: The disclosure is that of an invention directed to a horizontal padder and extractor for circular knit fabric tubes and includes a pair of squeeze rolls disposed with their axes in the same horizontal plane, thus defining an upwardly open nip for retaining a puddle of impregnating liquid. A safety guard is pivotally mounted over the squeeze rolls and is operably connected to an electrical interlock to deactivate the machine whenever the safety guard is not in proper position. A steaming station is provided ahead of the padder and extractor and a horizontal orienting spreader feeds the spread fabric tube to the padder at a tangent to the upper surface of the front squeeze roll thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved stop mechanism for controlling edge drives of fabric spreaders, in the processing of tubular knitted fabrics. A combination spreader and propeller mechanism, consisting of a frame and fabric engaging belts, is received internally of a section of tubular knitted fabric, in order to distend the fabric laterally during or prior to certain processing operations. The fabric engaging belts are driven by means of edge drive rolls, which externally engage the fabric at its opposite edges and drive the belts through the intervening fabric layer. Occasionally, the fabric may jam on the spreader frame such that, with continued fabric movement, the spreader frame tends to become dislodged from the edge drive rolls. Various photoelectric and mechanical arrangements have been proposed for stopping the equipment at such times, in order to prevent damage to the spreader frame and/or other parts of the equipment.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a pair of pressure rollers mounted on a frame for removing the excess liquid from the fabric at the nip formed between the rollers. A predetermined planar path passes through the nip of the rollers coincidental with the path of the tubular fabric, and a blade having a first flat elongated surface extends laterally of the path upstream of the squeeze rollers below and adjacent the path of the tubular fabric such that the tubular fabric is in contact with the surface. A second surface upstream of the first surface merges therewith and at an angle sloping downwardly from the first surface. A third surface downstream of the first surface merges therewith and is at an angle to the plane passing through the path of the fabric, such that the blade causes liquid and air to be drained from the tubular fabric as it passes over the first surface in contact therewith at relatively high speeds.

Abstract: Knitted tubular sweater sections, including a body section and a relatively elastic cuff section, are applied in succession to a spreading frame and are distended to a predetermined, uniform width throughout. The distended sweater sections are then discharged from the spreader frame into a processing section, including a pair of opposed conveyor blankets. In a controlled space interval, between the end of the spreading frame and the line of engagement of the sweater section by the opposed conveyor blankets, controllable width contraction of the sweater section is caused or permitted to occur.Immediately thereafter, the fabric section is engaged by the opposed conveyor blankets, which grip and confine the fabric section lightly over substantially its entire surface area to retain the geometry of the fabric. While thus gripped and confined, the fabric section is steamed, conveyed for a short distance further between the conveyor blankets, and then released.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading and guiding a tube of fabric which includes four free turning spheres, two of which are associated with and magnetically attracted to a respective drive sheave and the other two of which are associated with and magnetically attracted to a respective pair of drive sheaves. Upon rotation of their respective drive sheaves, each free turning sphere, by reason of its magnetic attraction thereto, rotates with the drive sheave or sheaves and, since the spheres are positioned inside and the sheaves outside of the tube of fabric, it is thereby conveyed. One pair of guide rods are connected to a pair of the spheres on one side of the apparatus and another pair of guide rods are connected to a pair of the spheres on the other side of the apparatus. Each guide rod extends through guide rings projecting from the surface of the spheres for connection therewith.

Abstract: The disclosure is that of conditioning equipment for performing either straightening or overfeed calendering operations upon circular knit fabric tubes and includes a feed stand, a control roll station, a drive roll station, a steaming station and a calender station. A horizontal spreader extends from the control roll station to the calender station and provides a circumferential drive for the fabric tube at the control roll station, a face drive therefor at the drive roll station and an internal edge drive therefor along at least that portion of the length of the spreader that extends from the control roll station through the drive roll station. Thermo-fixing of the conditioned fabric tube also may be effected.

Abstract: In the wet treatment of tubular fabric a ballooning phenomena occurs as the tubular fabric is withdrawn from the wet treatment upstream from the squeeze rolls which squeeze out the excess liquid in the fabric. A plurality of pairs of rollers are placed upstream of the squeeze rolls such that each pair includes a roller on either side of the fabric and spaced apart a short distance in order to reduce and control the ballooning phenomena and to knead the fabric whereby to increase the impregnation of the liquid in the fabric.

Abstract: The disclosure is that of an invention directed to a horizontal padder and extractor for circular knit fabric tubes and includes a pair of squeeze rolls disposed with their axes in the same horizontal plane, thus defining an upwardly open nip for retaining a puddle of impregnating liquid. A safety guard is pivotally mounted over the squeeze rolls and is operably connected to an electrical interlock to deactivate the machine whenever the safety guard is not in proper position. A steaming station is provided ahead of the padder and extractor and a horizontal orienting spreader feeds the spread fabric tube to the padder at a tangent to the upper surface of the front squeeze roll thereof.