Abstract: A method for reducing or eliminating forming fabric edge curl includes slitting or scoring the knuckles formed by cross-machine direction yarns on the long-shute knuckle side of a papermaker's forming fabric. The knuckles are scored or slit to a depth no greater than half the diameter of the cross-machine direction yarns. At least one such slit or score is provided per knuckle. The scoring or slitting has the effect of bringing the ratio between the shrink forces acting on the two sides of the forming fabric in the cross-machine direction closer to unity, and, in turn, reduces or eliminates the edge curl resulting from shrinkage in the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to provide sealed edge products with a reduced tendency to lint and ravel by supplying a hot air jet in the range of 600.degree.-800.degree. F. to melt and swell the fibers to lock the warp yarns in the fabric. The hot air jet is directed perpendicular to the warp yarns and parallel to the fill yarns in the sealed edge product.

Abstract: A process for forming crepe fabrics on a shuttleless loom is provided which includes temporary stabilization of highly twisted (e.g., 40-70 TPI) filament yarn. To this end, hot melt size is applied at a predetermined temperature in predetermined amounts (e.g., add-on of about 10.5-13.5%) immediately after twisting so as to reduce the liveliness of the yarn and to thereby permit it to be woven. After weaving, the yarn stabilization is reversed by a desizing operation. The fabric is subsequently heat treated to develop crepe characteristics.

Abstract: A web is conducted through various equipments for printing, cutting, creasing etc. It is important to make certain positional adjustments of the web as it travels through such equipment. For example, a web supplied from a roll has a natural but deleterious tendency to curl. A web decurler cancels this tendency by inducing a reverse curl. A web decurler or other such web handling equipment is adjusted through a control signal from a control signal generator. The control signal generator includes a metering device for producing a web signal signifying the longitudinal displacement of the web. Also included is a sensor for producing an adjust signal, signifying the extent of adjustment of the web. A manually operable device can vary the control signal and thus adjust the decurler or other such web handling equipment. A memory is used to store at least one contemporaneous pair of values of the web and adjust signals during an initial interindex interval.

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.