Abstract: The present invention discloses a generic method for producing void and gas occlusion free materials, as well as apparatuses for batch and continuous production of same. This generic method can be utilized in the production of a wide variety of polymeric compounds and composites and specifically encompasses the two ends of the polymeric composite spectrum, that is, polymer concretes on the one hand, and fiber-reinforced polymer composites on the other. The composite materials of the present invention are characterized by visual count as being void and gas occlusion free to the level of 1 micron at 1250.times. magnification. Concomitantly, the invention produces useful polymer concrete materials which exhibit substantially improved integrity for easy machining at high speeds, and high dielectric and mechanical strength, as compared with composite materials produced by conventional methods.

Abstract: A method for thermally processing a textile thread in which the thread is run through a treatment zone. In this treatment zone, the thread temperature is changed by heat exchange, particularly by contact with a flowing liquid. The thread is rotating about its axis while in contact with the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a generic method for producing void and gas occlusion free materials, as well as apparatuses for batch and continuous production of same. This generic method can be utilized in the production of a wide variety of polymeric compounds and composites and specifically encompasses the two ends of the polymeric composite spectrum, that is, polymer concretes on the one hand, and fiber-reinforced polymer composites on the other. The composite materials of the present invention are characterized by visual count as being void and gas occlusion free to the level of 1 micron at 1250.times. magnification. Concomitantly, the invention produces useful polymer concrete materials which exhibit substantially improved integrity for easy machining at high speeds, and high dielectric and mechanical strength, as compared with composite materials produced by conventional methods.

Abstract: In a process for the application of a vat dye, preferably indigo, to a thread bundle (1), before thread bundle (1) enters a dye liquor (3) it is run through a steam lock (5). Steam lock (5) is separated from a chamber (20) through which thread bundle (1) is run after leaving dye liquor (3) via a holding section (21) in an essentially oxygen-free atmosphere.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for thermally processing a textile structure in which the structure is run through a treatment zone in which the structure temperature is changed by heat exchange by contact with a flowing liquid.

Abstract: A process for applying indigo dyestuff on a textile substrate is described, wherein the substrate is saturated with liquid steeping liquor containing indigo dyestuff and the saturated substrate is directly passed through a first low-oxygen wet dwelling section and only thereafter is dewatered. To maximize the dyestuff yield or diffusion into the individual fibers of the substrate, a second enclosed low-oxygen wet dwelling section is defined by an essentially sealed housing which is connected to the first wet dwelling section. The substrate is initially heated in the second wet dwelling section and the substrate travels through the remainder of the second wet dwelling section for a sufficient time to permit diffusion of the dyestuff into the fibers of the still moist substrate.

Abstract: The small finishing installation (100) for continuous strips of textile fabric includes a steam-filled housing (2) into which feed rolls (5) can be introduced at each end. Located in the housing are sets of fabric-handling equipment disposed symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane (40) running across the middle of the housing (2). Disposed in this vertical plane (40) is a squeezer unit (37) from which the strip of fabric can pass, against each feed roll (5), through a treatment bath (30) and then over an array (20) of guide rollers disposed above an open tank (26). The continuous strip of fabric (10) can be wound back and forth between the feed rolls (5), thus making it possible to carry out a variety of different treatments.

Abstract: A system for applying textile treatment compositions to textile materials. A conduit member is provided which includes a passageway having a first end, a second end, and a medial portion with a constricted (narrowed) region. The passageway may include at least one baffle having an opening therethrough. A yarn strand is then moved through the passageway. A textile treatment composition (a sizing agent or dye) dissolved in a carrier medium (a supercritical fluid or liquified gas) is thereafter introduced into the constricted region, preferably at an acute angle relative to the passageway. The carrier medium expands inside the passageway which causes delivery of the treatment composition to the yarn. The treated yarn then passes through the baffle (if used) which facilitates drying of the yarn. During this process, a carrier gas can be introduced into the passageway to ensure the production of a smooth, dry product.

Abstract: A device for feeding into and respectively withdrawing from an autoclave (1), of fabric (11) to be continuously decatized under pressure, together with a felt back cloth (3), includes in addition to the already known lead-in center cylinder (5) between the two runs of fabric going in and coming out (3, 11; 3', 11'), a pair of side cylinders (4, 6) cooperating with the above (5) and replacing the already known inflatable gaskets. It is the fabric-felt assembly (3, 11) itself that, by being compressed between the two pairs of cylinders (4, 5; 5, 6) builds a barrier against steam leakages. The center cylinder (5) and/or the two side cylinders (4, 6) may be recessed in order to define, in the nip area, a recess shallower that the thickness of the paired materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for autoclave continuous decatizing of fabrics, having a rotating cylinder which closes the slot through which a backing cloth and the associated fabric pass to enter and exit the autoclave is provided. A foraminous hollow member, which is adapted to reduce the percentage of oxygen existing within the autoclave (1), is located adjacent to the backing material and the fabric where the backing material and the fabric enter the autoclave. Thin plates (14) are further preferably provided, movable closer to the inside of the fabric (4) immediately before it exits from the autoclave (1), under the external control, in order to be able to possibly continue the "sandwich" pressing action which takes place along the periphery of the foraminous cylinder (2), or to have in this area a free vaporizing stretch.

Abstract: Apparatus for steam treatment and hot-air treatment of garments hanging on a conveyor by clothes hangers in a housing, into which the garments are introduced through an inlet lock and from which the garments are removed through an outlet lock. There is provided in the housing, after the inlet lock in the conveying direction, a steam treatment section with steam outlet nozzles directed onto the garments on both sides of the conveying path. After the steam treatment section in the conveying direction, a hot-air treatment section with at least one inlet opening is provided, which opening introduces hot air into the housing. At least one outlet opening is also provided, which removes hot air from the housing. The inlet and outlet opening are part of an air-circulation circuit system. At least one outlet opening is also provided, which removes hot air from the housing.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to make the addition of a dye solution to a long cloth passing through the interior of a high temperature and high pressure steamer continuously, smoothly and surely. Suitable amount of moisture is added to a cloth prior to the supply thereof to a high temperature and high pressure steamer, and a dye solution is added to the thus soaked cloth with the use of nozzles in the interior of the high pressure steamer body. The addition of the dye solution can be made on the entire surface of the cloth speedily and effectively in the interior of the high temperature and high pressure steamer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the continuous pretreatment of a long cloth produced commercially in completely gaseous system, in which, by utilizing the combination of a desizing and scouring process in a low temperature plasma atmosphere and a bleaching process in an atmosphere of ozone and ultraviolet ray radiation, and thus entirely no application of liquid system.

Abstract: A device for feeding a fabric in a continuously decatizing autoclave, provides improved steam tightness characteristics. A rotating cylinder suitable to close the slot through which the fabric and associate back cloth are passing is provided at the inlet and at the outlet of autoclave, the feed and respective withdrawal of the fabric is at the same speed as a consequence of the friction between the cylinder and two opposite resilient elements, preferably inflatable tubes acting as a gasket. An anti-friction material is interposed to reduce wear. Preferably the cylinder is formed in two parts, with two end resilient rings and two disks of anti-friction material at the ends for a seal against fixed side walls or a portion thereof resiliently biased against the rotating cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous steaming and dimensional stabilization of continuous fabric webs includes a steaming tunnel (11) through which a conveyor belt (12) runs, which supports and conveys a continuous fabric to be treated (13), the steaming tunnel (11) being provided with an inlet opening (14), an outlet opening (15) and a steam delivering device (16), in which apparatus the inlet opening (14) and the outlet opening (15) are both arranged under the bottom tunnel portion and inside the tunnel, opposite to at least one of the openings a temperature sensor (23) is provided which modulates the emission of steam from the steam delivering device (16). Furthermore, a method is accomplished for the steaming and dimensional stabilization of continuous fabric webs, method which is constituted by the treatment of fabric webs in an air-free atmosphere of saturated steam.

Abstract: In a bobbin treating system connected to a fine spinning frame and an automatic winder, a steam setter is installed inside of the automatic winder for steaming bobbins coming from the fine spinning frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous fabric decatizing, comprising a cylindrical drum, the outer lateral surface of which is covered with a sleeve of textile material about which the fabric is fed, the cylindrical drum and the sleeve being at least partially covered and embraced externally by an endless under-piece of textile material arranged so that at least one portion of the under-piece maintains the fabric in contact with the sleeve, the rotary drum being perforated and supported on a fixed coaxial inner cylinder having a diameter less than the drum and being maintained spaced therefrom by radial wall extensions which are positioned within the portion of the lateral surface of the drum in which the fabric is maintained in contact with the sleeve, and are connected together to define a chamber containing an atmosphere of steam under pressure fed from the outside of the fixed cylinder, and a subsequent forced suction treatment chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating traveling textile material in a pressurized fluid, e.g., for heating synthetic filaments to a heat-set temperature in a saturated steam atmosphere is disclosed to comprise a housing defining at least one upstream sealing chamber, an intermediate treatment chamber pressurized with saturated steam, and at least one downstream sealing chamber, separated from one another by constricted strand passageways for traveling movement of the strand successively through the chambers. A pressurized fluid holding chamber is provided between the steam supply and the treatment chamber to reduce condensation within the treatment chamber and the sealing chambers.

Abstract: The solvent vapor concentration which is mixed with air and is obtained in the treatment of articles in an apparatus is controlled in the apparatus by a method comprising the following steps:a) passing gaseous solvent vapor/air mixture from the apparatus through at least one adsorber containing an adsorbent for the organic solvent and recycling the outlet gas stream from the adsorber to the apparatus;b) after completion of the adsorption, opening the apparatus to enable removal of treated articles from the apparatus and closing the apparatus;c) heating the adsorbent and passing a gas stream from the apparatus through the adsorber and recycling the outlet stream from the adsorber directly to the apparatus.

Abstract: The material web (15) is guided through a treatment zone which is formed by numerous collector tubes (33, 34, 35) and by a shaft. Each collector tube is provided with a separate connection (36, 37, 38) and can be fed with its own treatment medium. The collector tubes preferably form a unit which is adjustable through a limited range in relation to the fabric web (15). Through the combined use of liquid and gaseous treatment mediums (44, 45, 46) an intense effect can be achieved, for example for washing, impregnating or similar.

Abstract: In a steamer, a dyed long strip of fabric is spirally guided on guide rollers in a steamy atmosphere to develop and set dye colors, being brought out as a dyed product. Dyes adhering on the guide rollers are washed by washing units so that clean surfaces of the guide roller contact with the dyed fabric strip.

Abstract: In order to be able to operate chambers for the continuous fluid treatment of textile yarns and which comprise several chamber parts with an improved sealing effect, even at elevated pressures and temperatures when aggressive fluids are used, one or both sealing faces of superimposed sealing face pairs undergo shape correction. The shape correction opposes the elastic deformation undergone by the sealing faces when loaded under operating conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sealing unit with rollers (7, 8) for the inlet (5) or the outlet of a treatment apparatus traversed by a conveyor belt (6) passing between the rollers, particularly an air and/or steam pressure apparatus. The sealing means between the frame (2) of the unit and the rollers are designed to be reliable, sturdy and easy to maintain. Specifically, they comprise an upper sealing device (29) and a lower sealing device (30), each one of which is in vertical contact with the corresponding roller (7, 8) and with a fixed element (27, 28). Each one of these devices may comprise a base plate (33) with a shaped slippery covering, consisting of a superficial strip (35) made of PTFE on a strip (34) of compressible flexible material. These devices may be removed without removing the rollers (7, 8). The contact means urging the sealing devices may have springs or hydraulic cylinders (31) or pneumatic cylinders.

Abstract: It shall be achieved to design tunnel finishers with air rollers such that the replacement of the jackets of the air rollers is easily possible, even if the air rollers are arranged in the interior of a housing.In order to achieve this object the air roller is supported such that the axis (19) may be removed from one of the two bearings therefore such that the jacket (35) can be replaced via the removed free end.Such tunnel finishers can in particular be used in the clothing industry.

Abstract: A tunnel finisher is provided with an entrance and an outlet and respective pairs of air drums associated to the entrance and the outlet. The tunnel finisher comprises a conveyer with grippers for passing a garment to be treated through the tunnel finisher, a steam supply at the inner side of the inlet pair of air drums and close thereto, a recirculation apparatus for the atmosphere and a supply of air into the interior of the air drums. The conventional separation between the steam chamber and the finishing chamber is omitted by providing a detector actuated by a garment to be finished and controlling the cross-section of the air outlet of the recirculation apparatus.

Abstract: Installation including a steaming chamber, a first, upstream cold chamber and a second, downstream cold chamber, with the length of the upstream cold chamber being at least equal to that of the downstream cold chamber. The upstream and downstream cold chambers may be connected by a pressure-equalized pipe. A fan may be provided to extract the stream at the top of the steaming chamber and reinject it, after reheating by a heating element, into a perforated steaming box from which jets of steam issue below the conveyor belt, which is also perforated. The upstream cold chamber and the steaming chamber may be provided with elements for creating an upstream or downstream temperature gradient to prevent the threads from being subjected to thermal shock during passage through the steaming chamber.

Abstract: Machine for the continuous dynamic-fluid treatment of grouped filiform materials, which includes in combination a device (9) to feed previously treated grouped filiform materials (T), a device (1) for producing separation or change of density, or separation and change of density of the materials, and a treatment section (2) to which the materials are fed which includes a tubular chamber for pressure treatment of the materials having at least one perforated area (15) through which treating fluid circulates, the chamber being formed by a fixed part (12) shaped like a channel (17) and a moving part (13) which closes one side of the channel and has carrying elements (21) thereon for the materials comprised of transverse radial shoulders, the channel having entry (19) and exit (20) openings for the materials to be treated.

Abstract: A method for continuous dyeing of tubular cotton knit fabrics with reactive dyes, in which method the fabric passes through a padding phase, optionally a swelling phase, a levelling phase, conducted in a steamer, a fixation phase conducted in the steamer, and a washing out, and in which the tubular fabric is ballooned at least once in the levelling phase, characterized in that before each ballooning in the levelling phase the length of fabric is passed through a bath of a neutral, inert salt and after each ballooning is squeezed to approximately the same moisture content as at the inlet to the salt bath, the squeezed off liquid being recirculated to the salt bath.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment, particularly bleaching, washing, dyeing, boiling, desizing, mercerizing, etc.

Abstract: Enclosure having a controlled atmosphere for the continuous treatment of textile yarns deposited on a continuous conveyor belt outside the enclosure and transported by the conveyor belt through the enclosure. The enclosure is at least partially sealed and includes an inlet and an outlet which are traversed by the conveyor belt, each having a sealing head with rollers, in which each sealing head includes at least one lower roller and an upper roller which are positioned transversely and across from one another below and above the conveyor belt, respectively. The sealing head is arranged to have a biasing force exerted by one of the rollers in the direction of the other in a manner so as to tighten the conveyor belt and yarns that it carries between them. The biasing arrangement includes at least one hydraulic jack connected to a hydraulic pressure source via a control and adjustment device.

Abstract: A web dryer for floatingly suspending a running web and having a horizontal exit slot through which the web exits from the dryer, makeup air being drawn into the dryer through said slot and in a direction opposite to that of web exit movement. The running web is forced to move up or down based on the fluctuations in air movement and which cause the web to billow across its width, a rotatable roll arranged is in parallelism to the exit slot and located downstream from the web exit slot and around which roll the moving web is wrapped. The web, due to said tendency to billow across its width, thereby creates a tight side of the web around the roll and consequently transversely shifts to the tight side. An airfoil is located transversely across the web and adjacent and inside of the horizontal web exit slot, whereby the incoming makeup air is uniformly distributed transversely by the airfoil and across the web width to eliminate uncontrolled web billowing and consequent transverse shifting of the web.

Abstract: A steamer contains cleaning elements formed as rotating brushes or nozzle arrangments that extend over the length of guide rollers conducting a textile web through the steamer. The cleaning elements are movable along rows of guide rollers to clean the guide rollers.

Abstract: A dye setting apparatus for use with carpets, mats and the like comprises a cover having a generally planar interior surface pivotally connected to a support surface. The cover includes a steam containment and support structure having an interior channel flow connected to a steam source. The cover, support structure and support surface form a confinement chamber for the carpet. Steam is released into the chamber from apertures in the support structure to set dye in the carpet. The interior surface of the cover is constructed of a material which is generally non-heat conductive and somewhat water absorbent, such as plywood, to prevent steam from condensing as droplets on the interior of the cover and dropping on the carpet during dye setting. An alternative embodiment includes multiple stacked covers that form multiple chambers, each chamber adapted to receive a mat and steam therein such that dye may be set on multiple mats simultaneously.

Abstract: In the textile industry there is a constant need for processes where the textile material to be treated can be treated in a simple form, for example in rope form instead of in the open-width state, and continuously. According to the invention, this need is met when the textile material is introduced via pressure seal elements into a specially constructed jet dyeing machine, is impregnated there with treating liquor during entry or immediately thereafter and is conveyed further in the machine by means of at least one jet operated by means of a gas stream, the treating agent applied, preferably dye, having advantageously been subjected to fixation in the course of the presence in the gas atmosphere. The necessary physical conditions (pressure, temperature) for this are created by the driving gas. Moreover, in the course of the passage of the textile material it is possible to carry out a further, including a completely different, impregnation.

Abstract: A textile steamer is disclosed which is adapted for use in association with a continuous dyeing, scouring, bleaching, or other textile processing operation. The steamer includes at least two vertical rows of fabric guide rollers such that the fabric may be threaded onto the rollers along generally horizontal runs. In addition, a water spray system is provided which is designed to avoid the necessity of having an operator enter the steamer to effect cleaning, and which also avoids the risk of having condensed water dripping from the water spray system onto the runs of the fabric. The water spray system includes vertical rows of water delivery pipes positioned parallel to and laterally outside of the rows of fabric guide rollers, and each of the pipes includes a plurality of nozzles for directing a water spray onto the full length of the adjacent guide rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous decating of a fabric continuously fed to an area provided with a pressurized-steam atmosphere, wherein the area is tightly sealed from the external environment, and the fabric under treatment is maintained in the area between at least one back gray and a cylindrical drum coated with a textile material.

Abstract: A dye setting apparatus for use with carpets, mats and the like comprises a cover having a generally planar interior surface pivotally connected to a support surface. The cover includes a steam containment and support structure having an interior channel flow connected to a steam source. The cover, support structure and support surface form a confinement chamber for the carpet. Steam is released into the chamber from apertures in the support structure to set dye in the carpet. The interior surface of the cover is constructed of a material which is generally non-heat conductive and somewhat water absorbent, such as plywood, to prevent steam from condensing as droplets on the interior of the cover and dropping on the carpet during dye setting.

Abstract: A fluid nozzle assembly is disclosed for dispensing liquid dye onto an underlying fabric in a substantially closed structure provided with an inert gas atmosphere. The assembly includes an elongated rotatable housing provided along its length with a relatively narrow opening or slot. An elongated manifold, provided with a plurality of laterally spaced dispensing nozzles, is concentrically mounted within the housing so that the nozzles are aligned with the slot. The housing and manifold are rotatable from a first operative position where the nozzles are in communication with the interior of the structure, to a second inoperative position where the nozzles are substantially isolated from the interior of the structure so that the nozzles may be removed for maintenance, cleaning or replacement without significant loss of inert gas from the interior of the structure.

Abstract: In conjunction with a heat-set apparatus for carpet yarns which incorporates a plenum chamber having a porous upper surface in combination with a forced draft system for recirculating the heating medium throughout the length of the heat-set chamber, an improved design of the plenum chamber and the distribution of the medium to compensate for a temperature gradient which has heretofore existed in the heat-set chamber resulting from the introduction of cooled yarn into the chamber. Such temperature gradient has been the cause of dye streaking which occurs when the yarn is subjected to relatively cooler temperature adjacent to the entrance to the heat-set chamber when the machine is stopped.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for treating a permeable web with a fluid. The apparatus has a rotatable drum with a fluid permeable endless belt reeved about at least a portion of the drum circumference. Two or more spaced-apart press rolls bear against the outer surface of the belt, pressing it against the drum with sufficient force to form nip zones. A belt position control mechanism gives the belt limited freedom of radial movement away from the drum in the area between the nip zones. This permits a gap of controllable dimension to form between the drum and the belt. The gapped region defines a volume which creates a permeable web treating zone. The drum surface has at least one row of spaced apertures located entirely around its circumference. These apertures communicate with a fluid supply system which can supply treating fluid under pressure outwardly through the surface apertures into the treating zones between the press rolls.

Abstract: The conditioning of synthetic fiber material to produce perfect products with a low residual solvent content using comparatively small quantities of steam is carried out in a steam-tight conditioning apparatus consisting of several zones with a rotating perforated belt, using steam which has been superheated to temperatures of from 105.degree. to 150.degree. C., and the material having a residence time in the apparatus of more than 3 minutes.

Abstract: A wet heat treating apparatus of a long cloth for performing dyeing and washing in combination comprising a wet heat treating chamber provided with a cloth inlet and a cloth outlet at the bottom thereof, a ceiling with an acute-angled shape, liquid supply means for supplying a high pressure hot liquid to the cloth in the interior of the chamber, a pair of right and left guide roll groups arranged in up and down directions, a group of intermediate guide rolls positioned nearly at the middle of the right and left guide rolls, a transfer mechanism for moving the intermediate guide rolls to the direction of the right and left guide roll groups, and a doorway for an operator to go into and out of the chamber when cleaning the guide rolls. The cleaning of the guide rolls in the wet heat treating chamber can easily and surely be done, and therefore the dyeing and washing of a cloth can be done in combination with the use of a single apparatus satisfactorily.

Abstract: An electrode plate for generating low temperature plasma comprising a plurality of long electrode plate members with the same form, a plurality of cooling water passages, which serve simultaneously as support members, for connecting each pair of the adjacent electrode plate members respectively along their longitudinal direction with a cooling water passage therebetween so as to arrange the adjacent electrode plate members alternately up and down in parallel with no formation of a projection, and cooling water communicating pipes provided outside the electrode plate members.By arranging a pair of the present inventive electrode plates up and down in parallel and supplying high frequency electric current thereto, low temperature plasma can be generated uniformly and effectively all over the electrode plates.

Abstract: A yarn heating chamber is disclosed which comprises a rigid outer housing of U-shaped cross section and including transversely spaced apart side walls, and three plates mounted between the two side walls. A contact pressure gap is formed between the side walls and the adjacent surfaces of the two outer plates, and the central plate includes a yarn receiving groove on each of its outer surfaces. The central plate is laterally movable to a threading position wherein the grooves are exposed, and heating duct means is provided for introducing a hot pressurized vapor into the contact pressure gaps, to bias the two outer plates inwardly toward each other and thereby resiliently engage the central plate therebetween. The pressurized vapor is also conducted to each of the yarn receiving grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous wet-heat treatment of a cloth. The apparatus includes a steamer body provided with a plurality of guide rollers for continuous transportation of the cloth to be treated therethrough with formation of up and down snake-like undulations, a plurality of water-receiving tanks for immersing the cloth repeatedly in high temperature water stored therein, and a plurality of cloth-widening rollers floating on the water's surface of the water-receiving tanks and in contact with the cloth for the purpose of increasing its width direction and thereby preventing the formation of curled selvages and creases.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for retaining liquid in a chamber at a level above some of the sides of the chamber includes two pairs of rollers. The rollers of each pair contact one another at a height above the low sides of the chamber. The rollers in each pair are arranged at different levels so that the rollers contact one another at a point higher than the height of the low sides of the chamber. Flexible seal members extend from the bottom of the chamber to a point above the center of each of the bottom rollers. Pressure of liquid in the chamber biases the flexible seal members against the rollers to prevent liquid from leaking along the bottom of the rollers. Restrictions in the outlets of the chamber establish the liquid level at a height which is above the contact point of the pairs of rollers so that both sides of a strip of material passing between the pairs of rollers are washed with the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous liquid treatment of a cloth comprising a treating solution soaking tank (A) provided at a position adjacent to a cloth inlet of a steamer body (B), through which a cloth 2 to be treated is continuously transported for wet-heat treatment, said treating solution soaking tank (A) including:a fixed tank 5 fitted with a cloth guide roll 7;a movable tank 4 having a wall surface adjacent to the wall surface of the fixed tank 5 for forming a cloth passage 6 of a cloth to be treated therebetween;a cylinder 13 for turning the movable tank 4;treating solution supply pipes 8 for supplying a treating solution successively to the cloth passage 6; andwashing showers 12 for jetting washing water to the cloth passage 6. The exchange of a treating solution in the treating solution soaking tank can be done speedily and effectively with no need of interrupting the transportation of the cloth prior to the wet-heat treatment of the cloth in the steamer body.

Abstract: A bundle of fibers fed from a stuffer box longitudinally in a corrugated form is wrapped with a breathable heat resistant fabric to form a continuous belt-like shape and then introduced into and drawn out of a thermal treatment region by the aid of inlet and outlet ducts and guide channel in a heat-treatment chamber into which is supplied a heating medium comprising one of non-condensable gas, superheated steam, and a mixture of said non-condensable gas and said superheated steam. The chamber includes a high-pressure portion and a low-pressure portion disposed on opposite sides of the guide channel. The heating medium flows longitudinally along the inlet and outlet ducts in opposite directions towards outsides and transversely from the high-pressure portion to the low-pressure portion across the guide channel, whereby the fibers wrapped with the breathable heat resistant fabric is thermally treated.

Abstract: A method for setting and pretreating a cloth by a continuous process which comprises supplying a long cloth soaked with a treating solution continuously into a steamer body by piling up several sheets one on top of the other, separating these sheets, and then steaming each cloth while applying a high temperature treating solution thereto and widening the sheets for setting the cloth. Then the cloth is steamed by piling up the sheets once again during application of the high temperature treating solution still further thereto for pretreatment of the cloth. Then with the use of washing water, the cloth is washed and then finally taken out of the steamer body. A long cloth can effectively and economically be set and pretreated while sparing heat energy and water resource.

Abstract: An apparatus for low-temperature plasma treatment of a textile product such as a cloth comprising transporting a textile product to be treated through a reaction chamber, in which low-temperature plasma is produced in situ by applying high frequency electric wave to electrodes provided in the chamber uniformly without stay, for subjecting the textile product to low-temperature plasma treatment uniformly.