Abstract: A method of spreading fiber tows includes applying a coupling medium to a surface of a fibrous structure, positioning an ultrasonic probe adjacent to the surface of a fibrous structure, such that a tip of the ultrasonic probe is in contact with the coupling medium, moving at least one of the ultrasonic probe and the fabric structure relative to the other of the ultrasonic probe and the fibrous structure according to a first pattern, and imparting ultrasonic vibration with the ultrasonic probe to the surface of the fibrous structure while moving the ultrasonic probe along the surface of the fibrous structure. Imparting ultrasonic vibration to the surface of the fibrous structure spreads tows of the fibrous structure.

Abstract: A method for scan, try and/or buy may include receiving, from a mobile device, information that is representative of a clothing outfit. The clothing outfit may include a plurality of merchandise items available for purchase through a store. The information may be obtained by the mobile device by scanning a single code associated with the clothing outfit. The obtained information may be used to cause at least one user interface element associated with the clothing outfit to be displayed on the mobile device. In response to receiving a selection from the mobile device of the at least one user interface element, the plurality of merchandise items associated with the clothing outfit may be delivered to a merchandise check-out location within the store. The merchandise check-out location may be operable to receive payment from the user for the clothing outfit.

Abstract: A system, platform and method for personalized shopping are provided. In some embodiments, a personalized shopping assistant system may include a Point of Sale based automated shopping assistant apparatus, for generating a 3D user shopping profile based on a capture of at least a part of a user's body; a shopping assistant server connected to a shopping assistant database, based in a communications cloud, wherein the user shopping profile is uploaded to the shopping assistant database; a mobile device application for applying the user shopping profile in a store, using the user's mobile device; and multiple product identifiers for enabling the user to capture selected products using the mobile device application, wherein the product identifiers include scannable product data that is stored on the shopping assistant database.

Abstract: A method of finishing garments that includes the steps of providing an endless conveyor that transports a plurality of garment forms mounted on respective carriages successively through a garment loading zone, a steam zone for applying steam to the garments, a hot air zone for applying hot air to the garments as they pass through the hot air zone, a cool down zone for exposing the garments to cooling air, and an unloading zone where the operator removes the garment from the garment form. A plurality of form rotating stations are positioned at predetermined locations relative to the zones that rotate the forms between a position aligned with the direction of travel of the conveyor and perpendicular with the direction of travel of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method for scan, try and/or buy may include receiving, from a mobile device, information that is representative of a clothing outfit. The clothing outfit may include a plurality of merchandise items available for purchase through a store. The information may be obtained by the mobile device by scanning a single code associated with the clothing outfit. The obtained information may be used to cause at least one user interface element associated with the clothing outfit to be displayed on the mobile device. In response to receiving a selection from the mobile device of the at least one user interface element, the plurality of merchandise items associated with the clothing outfit may be delivered to a merchandise check-out location within the store. The merchandise check-out location may be operable to receive payment from the user for the clothing outfit.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in laundering a garment having cups comprising a flexible panel, a pair of cup supports attached to the flexible panel, and a pair of retainer rings attached to the cup supports to hold each cup of the garment against a corresponding cup support. Each cup support comprises a convex member. Each cup support may include a plurality of apertures formed through the convex member. Each cup may further include a plurality of protrusions to space the cups of the garment away from the convex member. The apparatus includes a water permeable bag extending around the flexible panel. In this case, the flexible panel may be attached to the water permeable bag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a fibrous catalyst for the treatment of a waste stream, the method comprising the steps of: (i) treating a fabric comprising polyacrylonitrile fibers with a hydrazine salt and a hydroxylamine salt in the presence of a base to provide a modified fabric; (ii) treating the modified fabric with a base; and (iii) treating the modified fabric with an aqueous solution comprising a sulfate salt of a first metal cation and a salt of a second metal cation, wherein the first metal cation is selected from an iron and nickel cation, and mixtures thereof, and wherein the second metal cation is selected from a lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, zinc, cadmium, mercury, aluminum, gallium, indium, thallium, tin, lead, antimony and bismuth cation, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The Furniture Pad Folding Machine is a dry cleaning machine that is multi-faceted; it can clean and disinfect furniture pads and the machine has the ability to fold furniture pads. The machine is portable and can function on the moving truck and at the warehouse.

Abstract: A process for the production of leather using one or more reaction products of (a) triamines or higher amines with (b) at least one compound of the general formula I A1-R1??I where R1 is selected from hydrocarbon radicals having 10 to 5000 carbon atoms, straight-chain or branched, saturated or having from one to three C—C double bonds, and A1 from groups capable of reacting with amines.

Abstract: A continuous dyeing device and related processes using indigo and/or other colorants for warp yarn chains and/or for fabrics, equipped with at least a first and a second dyeing compartments containing dyeing baths, the first and second dyeing compartments being enclosed, at least partially, in a hermetically sealed chamber. The device also includes at least one squeezing element interposed between the two dyeing compartments and a plurality of cylinders for heating and/or dehydrating the yarn and or the fabric, thereby increasing the diffusion and the absorption of the colorant. The cylinders are positioned downstream of the first dyeing compartment and squeezing element.

Abstract: Customers obtain customized textile materials by selecting style, shape, size, pattern and color for an undyed textile product. Based on a selection made by the customer, the textile product is transformed by a dyeing operation performed on a single item to yield a product, such as a shirt, pants, or jacket, which has a color and pattern of his or her own choosing, in the size and style he or she desires. The process can be performed in a retail setting using a dye machine which allows the process to be viewed by the customer. Preferably, the textile material is constructed from yarns which include cationic cotton alone or in combination with natural cotton or other natural or synthetic fibers, and using anionic dyes, such as a fiber reactive dye, such that the dye is exhausted during the process and effluent from the dye machine is environmentally friendly without excess dye, salts, and alkalis.

Abstract: Methods for coloring socks to match suits, trousers, or shoes involves identifying a dye specification for suit material, trouser material or shoe material. The suit, slacks, or shoe material can be dyed per the dye specification. The dye specification can be transmitted to a sock manufacturing site. The methods continue by dyeing sock material with the dye specification to match the dyed suit material, the dyed shoe material, or dyed trouser material. For the suit materials and trouser materials, the suit or slacks are formed and dye specifications can be placed in a pocket of the resulting garment for future sock ordering. For the shoe embodiment, the dye specification can be placed in the shoes. A pair of socks can be formed from the dyed sock material, and the dyed socks can be connected to the respective manufactured article to form a sock/suit, sock/trouser or sock/shoes unit.

Abstract: The spot cleaning dispenser is a roll-on applicator bottle and a snap on brush attachment. The roll-on applicator bottle is a generally cylindrical container with a roll-on ball applicator at the top. The brush attachment consists of a cylindrical cap and bristles mounted in the top outer surface. The brush attachment freely mounts over the top of the applicator bottle and snaps in a secure position.

Abstract: Color, pattern, design, and/or the like is applied by means of a jet dye process, or any other secondary or post pattern application process, including but not exclusively, silk screen printing, rotary printing, etc., to a bonded carpet, where the yarn in the carpet is all white (no dye applied) or light colored or where the yarn is pre-dyed with a single or multiple colors or where the yarn is treated chemically. The bonded carpet preferably has a low face weight and flat, short, dense, vertical cut pile.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for dyeing garments in a dyeing machine using a dyeing bath. The garments are previously connected to one another to form a line, and the line is moved through the dyeing bath. The disclosure also concerns a textile line for use in a dyeing machine, in which the line comprises garments connected to one another.

Abstract: Reproducing, recoloring and/or recycling of used carpet tiles is provided. In accordance with one embodiment, used carpet tiles, which are recovered, are subjected to a choosing step according to the degree of stains, etc. The chosen carpet tiles are washed with a high-pressure fluid, and entangling of piles is removed and piles raised. The resultant carpet tiles are subjected to a choosing step once again according to the degree of stains, etc. The chosen carpet tiles are treated with such a design and color for recycling as to make less visible the stains or non-uniformity in color remaining after the washing, using a design computer, etc. Thus, reproduced carpet tiles are produced and subjected a choosing step once again, and the chosen ones are shipped.

Abstract: Exciting new optically engaging and controversial three dimensional simulating illusionary digital designs which generate emotional responses and photo-realism shock effects are produced by digitally creating a design or pattern and dying and/or printing the digitally created design using digitally controlled dying or printing equipment on flooring, such as, modular carpet tiles, area rugs, runners, rugs, carpets, floor mats, or the like. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a carpet tile substrate is cut into individual carpet tile blanks which are jet injection dyed with digitally created designs, colors, patterns, and/or the like which provide excellent seamability, look, feel, wear, and allow for true or accurate registration of three dimensional like, complex, complicated, intricate designs heretofore unknown in the carpet industry.

Abstract: Method to obtain a cloth suitable for cleaning any type of surface, the surfaces being glasses, or metallic wooden, plastic-coated and other similar surfaces. It is made by means of microfibres, cloth of polyamide and/or polyurethane and/or polyester. Before being used and once for all, the cloth is dipped in water brought to the boil for about 10 minutes.

Abstract: A method of controlling a shoe washing process of a washing machine performs washing, rinsing, and spin-drying operations. The method includes the operations of determining whether or not to select a shoe washing course, and washing the shoe according to a reversible operation time of a motor preset to correspond to the shoe washing course, when the shoe washing course is selected.

Abstract: Dyeing basket comprising a substantially cylindrical storage body (1) having a preset height, with an upper base (U) and a lower base (L), within which the material (2) to be dyed is disposed, the body (1) being perforated, characterized in that, close to the upper base of body (1), at a preset distance (da) from the longitudinal axis (x-x) of the latter, provision is made for two opposite journals (30) intended for supporting a reel or drum (4), rotating freely about the common axis (y-y) of said journals, the said journals (30) being at a preset distance (ds) from the upper base (U) of body (1), so that the whole surface of drum (4) will result below the same base (S).

Abstract: A system of forming simulated seam abrasion on denim materials. The simulated seam abrasion is formed by using a laser beam to form a seam abrasion type pattern on the material. The pattem is like a ladder with uneven rungs. After the pattern is formed, the material is washed to better simulate real seam abrasion.

Abstract: A recycling process for liquid treatment of denim scrap comprising placing denim scrap on a support surface to form a thickness of flat, layered denim scrap. To the top surface is applied a compression plate to form the thickness of denim scrap into a compact cake. Then treatment liquid is passed through the interior of the compact cake in a direction parallel to the surfaces of the scrap, the liquid passing between opposed surfaces of the denim pieces. The denim scrap is preferably cut into relatively uniform sizes having their largest dimension less than about 4 inches.

Abstract: A trench apparatus and process for liquid treatment of fabric uses a longitudinal trench for holding a treatment liquid. A pull rope, chain, or cable having shackle rings or shackles attached thereto for securing one or more bags to the rope, chain, or cable is positioned for pulling one or more bags containing dyed fabric in a longitudinal direction down the length of the trench. The trench has a liquid treatment zone with a surface level, and the trench includes one or more raised platforms dividing the trench into a plurality of separated treatment vats, the raised platforms having a height extending above said surface level. A conduit communicates from at least one vat to at least one other vat at a level below said surface level for movement of liquid therebetween. A conduit and a pump permits the countercurrent recirculation of treatment liquor within each longitudinal treatment vat.

Abstract: Normally liquid, omega-hydrofluoroalkyl ether compounds (and selected mixtures thereof) have a saturated perfluoroaliphatic chain of carbon atoms interrupted by one or more ether oxygen atoms. The compounds can be prepared, e.g., by decarboxylation of the corresponding fluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids and are useful, e.g., in cleaning and drying applications.

Abstract: Exciting new optically engaging and controversial three dimensional simulating illusionary digital designs which generate emotional responses and photo-realism shock effects are produced by digitally creating a design or pattern and dying and/or printing the digitally created design using digitally controlled dying or printing equipment on flooring, such as, modular carpet tiles, area rugs, runners, rugs, carpets, floor mats, or the like. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a carpet tile substrate is cut into individual carpet tile blanks which are jet injection dyed with digitally created designs, colors, patterns, and/or the like which provide excellent seamability, look, feel, wear, and allow for true or accurate registration of three dimensional like, complex, complicated, intricate designs heretofore unknown in the carpet industry.

Abstract: A cleaning device for spot-cleaning fabrics without causing fiber damage is provided. A hand-held device with a convex face comprises treatment means, such as fibers. In use, the stained fabric is moistened with a cleaning composition and the device is rolled or rocked on the stained area. The fibers mechanically dislodge the stain. The device is especially useful as a pre-spotter in a dry cleaning operation.

Abstract: Moldable products which conform to the size and shape of a particular object and methods of forming the same are provided. The products are made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural leathers, synthetic leathers, and mixtures thereof. The products and methods of the invention are particularly useful for manufacturing custom-fit footwear at a reasonable price. Methods in accordance with the invention comprise molding the starting material on and around a foot, wetting the material with a mixture comprising a leather stiffening or hardening agent, and drying the wetted material while still on the foot.

Abstract: A method for forming patterns or to create a Jacquard effect in dyed fabric. A nozzle type is selected. The water pressure is selected. Temperature of the water is selected. The distance between the nozzle and the garment is adjusted. The water is directed to the garment to selectively remove dye from the dyed garment to form a particular pattern.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing pantyhose efficiently year round. The method includes dyeing and post-boarding the pantyhose during one portion of the year in the normal manner. During slack order times, the pantyhose are pre-boarded, folded and bagged for subsequent dyeing. A portion of the bagged pantyhose are then stored until orders are received and the correct dyes are known. In the preferred embodiment, a dye bag is used having a base portion sized approximately equal to the size of a pair of folded pantyhose. Between about 6 to 12 pair of the pantyhose are folded together before stacking into the dye bag. Between about 1 to 3 dozen of the folded together pantyhose are then dyed in a single dye bag. The pantyhose are then removed from the dye bag, dried, individually folded, and packaged for shipment to the end user.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating animal skins or hides (10) comprises stretching the hide to extend it and to open the structures and mounting the hide in a frame (15) by ties (12) extending between the hide edge attachments (11) and the frame. The hide (10) while in the frame. The hide (10) while in the frame passes through multiple process operations involving sequentially applying treatment fluids under pressure. A pressure differential maintained across the hide thickness enables the fluids to pass through the flesh surface (10a) and emerge from the grain surface (10b). The hide (10) can be supported on a porous backing membrane (45) during treatment. The treatment fluids are collected and processed for recycling, recovery of by-products and disposal.

Abstract: A device 10 is used during washing of a brassiere 24 to protect the brassiere and maintain the shape of the cups 24a and 24b of the brassiere. It includes an inner spherical framework 12 contained within a larger outer spherical framework 14. Each framework is formed by a pair of hemispherical sections that upon being coupled together form the individual frameworks. With the inner framework 12 open, the brassiere 24 is fitted over the hemispherical sections, with one section being placed inside each cup of the brassiere. The sections of the inner framework 12 with the brassiere thereon are then closed and placed inside an open outer framework 14. The outer framework 14 is then closed to enclose the inner framework 12, and the assembly of frameworks is placed into a washing machine. The inner and outer frameworks are open structures that allow water to flow thereto during washing.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a plurality of soiled towels and determining the quantity of the towels comprises removing any foreign objects from the soiled towels, saturating the soiled towels with a liquid that prevents the evaporation of any volatile compounds, compressing the saturated towels to remove unabsorbed liquid, then weighing the compressed towels and calculating the approximate number of towels present by dividing the weight of the soiled compressed towels by the known weight of a soiled compressed towel. An apparatus for performing the method also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for cleaning garments. The garments are spread out in the interior of a cylinder (1) of a cleaning machine, attached there with bands (7) and hangers (10) and cleaned in this manner. By the method shrinkage and wrinkles will be avoided. Spin drying following cleaning and rinsing can be carried out at high speed, because the centrifugal forces act on garments which are spread out and lying flat and hence the forces do not create unwanted creases and wrinkles. The cleaning and spin drying will be followed by drying the spread out and attached garments by supply of heat. An ironing effect is improved by an intermediate spin speed. This method is suitable especially for cleaning in aqueous solutions. The garments are attached to the interior of the cylinder (1) by bands (7) with loops (8) connected to hooks (5). The solvents used for cleaning enter through the aqueous duct (11) and the hot air for drying enters through air duct (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for saving soiled clothes from being permanently stained is disclosed. The apparatus includes a resealable bag having an inside portion and an outside portion. A rupturable container is fastened to the inside portion of the resealable bag, and a stain-removing solution is contained inside the rupturable container. The soiled clothes are placed inside the resealable bag, the resealable bag is sealed, and the rupturable container is manually ruptured through the bag. This releases the stain-removing solution onto the soiled clothes, thereby preventing the clothes from being permanently stained.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dyeing textile articles in which the articles are confined in bulk but in orderly fashion in a dyebath up to a level therein, the dyebath is loaded with dye liquor to cover the articles and the liquor is circulated through forceful sprays directed towards the articles from above said level.

Abstract: Method to refurbish cut or loop pile carpet products including carpet tiles by passing the product under a high pressure water or liquid dispensing head projecting a stream of water against the subject product at a pressure in the range of 200-2000 p.s.i.g.

Abstract: A process for applying a pattern in a contrasting color to textile articles such as socks consists of entering the textile article onto an expandable article support (29), bringing a perforated pattern (38) over the article on the support, causing the support (29) to expand to press the textile article against the interior of the pattern (38), and applying typically by spraying a coloring agent onto the article through the pattern. The support (29) is subsequently contracted and the pattern (38) and then the textile article which a corresponding design has been printed, removed. Apparatus for applying a single color or multicolor pattern to articles such as socks has a carousel (23) carrying a multiple number of article supports (29). The carousel (23) rotates with a stepped movement between printing stations (54).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for dyeing textiles wherein simultaneously the surfaces of these textiles are mechanically processed in such manner that wear shall appear and that the fabric softens, making it possible to minimize energy and material expenditures on one hand and ecological stress on the other.For that purpose the invention provides that the textiles in the form of finished pieces or yard goods are stressed in-line by the bristles of brushes through which simultaneously a dye liquor with a very low proportion of dye of the order of magnitude of approximately 0.01 to 0.05 g/liter is deposited on the textile pieces.

Abstract: Method to jet dry carpet tiles by controlling the solenoid valve to the dye jet to provide a subliminal design over which a darker geometric design is imposed with the darker geometric design crossing the seam line so that the seam line between abutting carpet tiles is very indistinct to the human eye.

Abstract: Liquid dye deposited on the pile of a carpet tile can be fixed by inserting an array of heated pins into the pile. The pins, mounted on a block, penetrate the tufts of the pile which have liquid dye thereon but do not penetrate the backing of the carpet tile. A heating element to raise the pins to the fixation temperature of from 90.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. is clamped to or located within the block. Preferably, both the block and the pins are made of metal (not necessarily the same metal).

Abstract: An automated dye pattern application system includes a support bed to support a mat or other dye receiving medium; perpendicular guide tracks supporting a carrier on which a dye spray head is mounted; stepper motors engaged between the tracks, the support bed, and the spray head carrier and forming an x-y plotter apparatus to move the spray head in two dimensions over the mat; and a pneumatic dye supply mechanism to supply liquid dye to the spray head and including control valves to actuate the spray of dye from the spray head. A dye control computer is interfaced to the stepper motors and valves and controls their operation. Data representing a digitized image is converted to a file of plotter commands to control the motors to scan the spray head over the mat and spray dye from the spray head at selected picture element locations to reproduce the digitized image in a colored dye pattern on the mat.

Abstract: Pairs of socks are joined in preparation for laundering by removing a length of material from a supply of the material, wrapping the length of material around a pair of socks and securing the wrapped length of material to the pair of socks, such as by tying or using an adhesive on the material. The length of material can be impregnated with a fabric conditioner, such as a fabric softener, an anti-cling agent and so forth. To easily separate or segregate pairs of socks into groups according to their identities, such as owner or type of sock, a visually different length of material for each group is used. The visual differences may be a matter of color, markings or indicia, such as numbers or letters.

Abstract: The area which is to be cleaned is intially subjected to a pulsating jet of a liquid which penetrates through the area and which liquid contains a cleaning agent. Thereafter the area is rinsed by a pulsating jet of water which also penetrates through the area. Accordingly, the dirt gets dissolved and a mechanical working of the respective area is achieved simultaneously with a rinsing away of the dirt. Immediately thereafter the now wet area is penetrated by a hot pressurized air jet such to achieve a driving away of the dampness and accordingly a complete drying. If necessary, above sequence is repeated. Due to the speedy drying a forming of rings at the cleaned area is prevented and it is immediately possible to see if a visually complete cleaning has been achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the rapid dyeing of a series of successive garments or batches of garments with a vat dye, preferably indigo dye, wherein the garments while contained are submerged in and impregnated with the dyeing solution in a first bath, then removed from it while draining the dyeing solution and conserving it for re-use, then promptly immersed in an oxidizing solution in a second bath so as to shock oxidize the dye present in the garments, then removed from the oxidizing bath while draining the oxidizing solution and preserving it for re-use, and then washed and dried, and wherein the time elapsed between removal of the garments from the dyeing solution and their immersion in the oxidizing solution is less than 5 minutes.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for altering fabric finishes on a garment to give the garment a "lived-in" or worn appearance before the garment is actually worn by the user. According to the method of the present invention, a batch of garments is preferably stone-washed to generally fade and abrade the entire garment. The garment is then inflated by passing air through an inlet port in the garment and by substantially sealing one or more exit ports in the garment to create a greater than atmospheric pressure within the garment. The inflated garment is then sprayed with a low-strength bleaching solution on selected exterior portions to provide an additional fading or worn appearance on those portions of the garment. Thereafter, the garment is placed in a neutralizing liquid to chemically counteract the sprayed bleaching solution. A plurality of garments may be each suspended from a common air duct interconnected with a blower for providing air to inflate the garments.

Abstract: A dyeing apparatus and method is presented whereby garments such as socks and other articles can be dyed to provide a mottled, random coloration thereon. The apparatus consists of a rotating container into which colorants or discolorants are dripped as the articles therein are tumbled. Garments can be colored with one or more substances to provide a wide variety in styles and patterns.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the rapid room temperature dyeing of a series of successive garments with a vat dye, preferably indigo dye, wherein the garments while supported on supports that keep all fabric surfaces of each garment accessible to treating solutions are first uniformly impregnated with the dye solution in a first bath and then immersed in an oxidizing solution in a second bath so as to uniformly oxidize the dye present in the garments.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element permitting to simultaneously wash in the same bath two types of textile articles, the articles of the first type being dyed with dyes liable to run in the washing bath and to settle on the articles of the second type. The element according to the invention is in the form of a filtering envelope inside which one of the types of textile articles is enclosed, the envelope being made in a material having more tinctorial affinity towards the dyes liable to run in the bath than the articles of the second type.

Abstract: Continuous laundering apparatus having a continuous conveyor carrying the goods to be laundered through the apparatus. Devices additional to, and separate from, the conveyor are provided for agitating the goods as they are carried by the conveyor. The conveyor positively carries the goods, including in one form, opposed elements confining the goods therebetween and in another form a single element on which the goods rest. The agitating means includes selectively (a) rollers which are free turning, and turn by engagement therewith by the conveyor and compress the goods between the rollers and a reaction plate; (b) plungers or pushers which are positively driven against the goods, compressing them against the reaction plate; and (c) grippers on opposite sides of the conveyor gripping the conveyor, and thus the goods, between them. A plurality of laundering units are arranged in serial attitude to accommodate different kinds of laundering steps in a continuous operation.

Abstract: A washing bag for curtains, drapes and the like, has a net fabric and is formed at its mouth with two spaced-apart ties (drawstrings) adapted to define a compartment between them in which the suspension hooks, rings or other attachment of the curtains or drapes can be confined so that removal of these members prior to cleaning is not necessary and nevertheless the hooks and like members do not endanger the fabric of the curtain or drape during the washing operation.