Abstract: A patterned zipper tape fabrication method including the steps of (1) preparing warp yarns and weft yarns, (2) using a jacquard knitting machine to knit the prepared warp yarns and weft yarns into patterned zipper tapes each having a cord along one side edge and a trademark and/or a logo, and (3) using a zipper tape ironing apparatus to iron patterned zipper tapes being transferred from said jacquard knitting machine. The invention relates also to the zipper tape ironing apparatus used in the patterned zipper tape fabrication method.

Abstract: An industrial ironing machine comprising an ironing cylinder and a bed extending substantially around half of this ironing cylinder, characterized in that the bed of the industrial ironing machine is composed of flexible stainless steel plates (1, 2) having besides a laser weld (4) along the circumference a series of welded spots (5) obtained by the laser technique.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for operating the rollers and one or more steam chests in a laundry flatwork ironer. A two-way, variable delivery, high pressure, main pump operates a hydraulic motor driving the ironer rollers. A one-way, fixed delivery, charge pump keeps the hydraulic circuit between the main pump and the hydraulic motor fully charged. The charge pump also powers a hydraulic control circuit for the main pump and controls the operation of steam chest lift cylinders. The control circuit for the main pump has a positioning cylinder and a speed control cylinder which jointly control the direction and delivery rate of the main pump, thereby controlling the direction and speed of the ironer rollers. The control circuit has a solenoid valve for stopping the hydraulic motor in an emergency and a solenoid valve for selectively controlling the speed of the chest lift cylinders.

Abstract: The outside convex surface of the bent plate forming the trough of a rotating cylinder type ironing machine is carved with two grooves which run parallel to its bending axis and divide the trough into three equal curved sectors. Each of these grooves providing, by reduction of the thickness of the said plate, an axis of less resistance of the latter to bending, such that the adjustable supports of the trough against the outer lining wrapping the rotating cylinder of the machine by the slight bending of the trough occurring along each of the said grooves, regardless of the temperature and the expansion of the trough.

Abstract: A heated revolving ironing cylinder is affixed with a flexible ironing bed drawn taut against the polished revolving cylinder surface functioning to efficiently iron and dry laundry work pieces in a single pass through the ironer. The ironer is comprised of a feed conveyor system delivering laundry work pieces to the top of the revolving ironing cylinder. The flexible ironing bed features holes and anti-friction and anti-static materials to provide a dry, highly polished, static-free laundry work piece. Further ironing efficiency is gained by reduced roller maintenance by means of a roller and air cylinder cooling system.

Abstract: For operating the rollers and the steam chest in a laundry flatwork ironer a hydraulic system is provided which includes a hydraulic motor for driving the rollers, hydraulic cylinder-and-piston units for raising the steam chest, and a pump for operating the motor and the cylinder-and-piston units. Valves between the pump and the motor are selectively operable to establish low pressure standby operation of the pump with the hydraulic motor off, or low speed operation of the motor to jog the rollers or higher speed operation of the motor to drive the rollers at a speed appropriate for laundry flatwork. Other valves between the pump and the cylinder-and-piston units are selectively operable to raise the steam chest, reduce the cylinder pressure after the steam chest has been raised, and to increase the cylinder pressure whenever laundry flatwork is in the ironer.