Abstract: A calender having a heated first roll which is opposed to and forms a nip with a soft surface counter roll system comprised of a second roll which has an outer shell. An endless polyurethane belt or blanket having an inside diameter 5 to 50 mm larger than the outside diameter of the second roll shell, is mounted about the second roll. The outer circumferential edges of the polyurethane belt are held by clamping rings to bearings which are circumferentially mounted about the second roll on the roller gables. A small quantity of oil may be placed between the surface of the second roll shell and the polyurethane belt.

Abstract: A smoothing and drying apparatus comprising at least one mangle cylinder and corresponding trough. Laundry to be smoothed and dried is passed between the mangle cylinder and trough by a guiding belt which is recycled at least one shifting roller placed above the mangle cylinder and trough. Each mangle cylinder has a covering which is wound or unwound around the mangle cylinder by a device situated above the mangle cylinder and below the portions of the guiding belt passing around the shifting roller.