Abstract: A method of detecting the release of dye from laundry in a washing machine despite the presence of dirt in the washing water. During a washing operation, a radiation flux including an infrared flux part (.phi..sub.I) and a visible flux part (.phi..sub.V) is passed through the wash water in which it is subject to absorption and diffusion. The flux parts .phi..sub.I and .phi..sub.V are compared during the entire washing program and the ratio of .phi..sub.V and .phi..sub.I is determined. The release of dye is signalled by a substantial variation of said ratio. The signal may be used for actuating an alarm device and/or controlling the washing program.

Abstract: A method of determining the average nature of the materials of a laundry in a laundry washing machine including measuring the weight of the laundry loaded into the machine, detecting the volume and the level of water admitted to the tub of the machine, determining the volume of water absorbed per unit of weight of the laundry and from these factors determining the nature of the materials in the laundry for a determination of the specific treatment and washing operation for such materials. A laundry washing machine with sensors and circuitry to carry out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for applying a foam composition containing a coloring agent randomly dispersed therein onto a textile fabric. The coloring agent is mixed into the foam in a non-homogeneous manner and deposited onto a fabric in a system having a depositing means which is rotated and moved transverse to the direction of travel of the fabric being treated so as to achieve substantially random motion with respect to the fabric. The foam-coloring agent composition is caused to flow axially and in one embodiment over the edges of a baffle means in a random manner onto the textile fabric being treated so as to impart a random application of the coloring agent thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used in the uniform drying of a continuous web, such as a sheet of paper or paperboard. A newly formed web of paper of wet cellulosic fibers and the necessary additives is initially directed through a press section where excessive water is squeezed from the web to reduce its moisture content to about 50-80 percent, by weight, for subsequent passage through a dryer section wherein the moisture content is further reduced to anywhere between 3 and 15 percent, depending on the quality of the paper being processed. The moisture content profile of the nearly dry web of paper is constantly monitored adjacent the discharge end of the dryer section for dry streaks which occasionally occur in the web. Moisture is added accordingly to the web when the web is relatively wet and has a moisture content of at least 25 percent to eliminate further dry streaks and provides a paper product which has a uniform moisture content.

Abstract: A process is provided for dyeing textile materials in a solid shade with a jet injection dyeing apparatus, including conveying means for transporting the textile, jet orifices for delivering dye to said textile material, and control means for supplying data to control the operation of the application of dye from the jet orifices to the textile material, which comprises the steps of: modifying the textile material prior to dyeing of same by applying to said textile material an aqueous admixture containing an effective minor amount of a thickening agent to maintain the viscosity of said aqueous admixture at from about 150 to about 750 centipoises, preferably about 200 to about 400 centipoises, to thoroughly wet said textile material; dyeing said textile material in a solid shade with an acid dye composition having a viscosity of from about 150 to about 750 centipoises, preferably from about 200 to about 400 centipoises, by applying said dye composition by means of said jet injection dyeing apparatus in an amoun

Abstract: Particularly uniform and rapid dyeing of textile material is achieved, subsequent to feeding the dyeing liquor into a processing container filled with the textile material and heating the dyeing liquor approximately to boiling temperature, by a gradual lowering of the container pressure by means of a regulating device and/or by supplying the dyeing liquor with heat by means of a temperature regulating arrangement, so that the dyeing liquor will be kept boiling slowly and steadily at partial evaporation, and the rising steam bubbles will agitate the dyeing liquor without requiring induced circulation by means of a pump or similar, and bring the dyeing liquor into intimate contact with the textile material. The dyeing process may be aided by a pulsating motion of the dyeing liquor. In certain instances, all energy required is supplied in the form of steam.

Abstract: Described is a process for the dyeing of textile material by the exhaust method, whereby the dyeing is commenced at a pH value of between 6 and 12 and terminated at a pH value of between 3 and 7, which process is characterized in that during dyeing the pH value is lowered, by the addition of an inorganic acid, by at least 1 unit of pH value; and that subsequent to the dyeing the exhausted bath, after the addition of alkali, dye and, if required, further auxiliaries, is optionally used afresh for dyeing.Furthermore an apparatus for carrying out this process is described which consists of a dyeing aggregate having a liquor-circulating system which contains at least one pH-measuring point as well as at least one dosing device.

Abstract: In wool scouring systems in which scouring liquor is continuously withdrawn from the scouring bowls for separation of solid contaminants and wool grease and then recycled to the bowls, improved separation of solids is achieved by adding a soluble silicate, and preferably also a polyelectrolyte to the liquor before solids separation. Silicate can advantageously replace soda as scouring agent. Improved operation can also be obtained by controlled flow down from the circulatory system, as at 27, and by passing the jet phase from a disc centrifuge 17 to a decanter centrifuge 15 for further separation of solids. Alternatively, the entire liquor circulation may be passed first to the disc centrifuge and only the jet phase to the decanter, the middle liquor phase being recycled.

Abstract: The specification describes a procedure for the washing of clothes in a washing machine with a horizontal, perforated, driven tub arranged inside a housing, in which during the washing and rinsing cycles the clothes are repeatedly lifted up, and then fall in a trajectory onto the lower portion of the tub, and are then distributed and pressed against the tub wall, largely without unbalance, as the tub velocity is gradually increased, and are then centrifuged as the velocity is increased further.

Abstract: A process for desizing a fabric web comprising the steps of: first wetting the dry size-loaded fabric with the desizing liquor separated from a previous batch of fabric after desizing, so that the fabric, and the size adhering thereto, take up water from the desizing liquor by swelling and/or solvation, thereby increasing the concentration of the desizing liquor; separating the concentrated desizing liquor from the fabric; recycling the concentrated desizing liquor to a sizing operation; desizing the wetted fabric by a continuous fresh water wash; separating the desized fabric from the resulting desizing liquor; and recycling the desizing liquor to the first wetting step.

Abstract: In a laundering process which includes providing steam at high pressure, directly blowing the steam into fresh water in order to heat the water, and washing and rinsing laundry using the heated fresh water, the step of directly blowing is carried out by delivering at least part of the steam into the fresh water by directing that steam through the laundry which has been rinsed while subjecting the steam to a pressure reduction in a manner to cause the steam to extract rinse water from the laundry which has been rinsed, and conducting the steam and the extracted rinse water into the fresh water in order to heat the fresh water with accompanying condensation of the steam.

Abstract: An automatic liquid level control system is provided for a laundry appliance having a tub and a perforate fabric basket within the tub. Washing liquid is injected onto the surface of fabrics to be laundered. A portion of the washing liquid will be absorbed by the fabrics and a portion will flow through the fabrics and fabric basket perforations for accumulation in the tub. Sensing devices are provided for monitoring the changing liquid level in the tub and the time required to reach predetermined levels. A programmable controller determines the quantity of additional liquid required to launder the fabric load responsive to the sensing devices and commensurate with the load characteristics and controls the injection thereof onto the fabrics.

Abstract: In application of metered finish to a high speed running yarn, the exit portion of the finish passageway is angled such that a positive atmospheric gauge pressure adjacent to the exit of said passageway is maintained.

Abstract: In application of metered finish to a high speed running yarn, a vent is provided in the finish passageway just prior to the exit.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic washing machine of which the washing, the water draining, and the rinsing operations are automatically controlled by an electric control circuit including an electric timer, arithmetic-operation processor circuit and memory. The machine includes a degree-of-rinse detecting unit which detects the degree of rinse involved and, when this degree has reached a specified value, supplies an output signal to the arithmetic-operation processor circuit to carry out a short overflow rinsing step thus to complete this rinsing operation.

Abstract: An improved vertical axis clothes washing machine and method having wash, rinse, and spin extraction operations including a tub, an agitator, a first basket within the tub, a second basket disposed within the first basket and positioned on the agitator for movement therewith. There is also a water supply for feeding hot and cold water into the machine, electrically powered drive for operating the agitator to effect washing of the fabrics and for rotating the baskets to centrifugally extract water from the fabrics. Water is allowed to flow from the baskets into the tub and may be recirculated from the tub into the baskets during the wash and rinse operations. The improvement is a separate cycle of a continuous wash and rinse operation followed by a spin extraction operation for washing clothes in only the second basket during the combined wash and rinse operation and directed to drain and not recirculated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an impregnation/rinsing of a web with fluid is disclosed wherein the web is repeatedly gently squeezed and allowed to open. A preforated conveyor belt carries the web within a longitudinal tank in which a series of squeeze rollers and a series of singular or cooperating rollers are arranged with the cooperating rollers being disposed intermediate the squeeze rollers. The web is carried by the conveyor belt beneath the first squeeze roller where the web is gently squeezed in a nip defined between the conveyor belt and the roller. The conveyor belt then carries the web above a cooperating roller. After the web has been gently squeezed, it is allowed to absorb the fluid in the tank without restraint until the web is gently squeezed again between the conveyor belt and the next squeeze roller. The steps of squeezing and absorbing are repeated throughout the longitudinal tank.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of textile materials, such as woven fabrics, with finishing agents such as dyestuffs, waterproofing materials and the like. The finishing agent is applied in a foam composition to a downwardly moving length of textile material immediately prior to the passage of the material through a pair of horizontally disposed pressure rollers. A predetermined quantity of the foam composition is maintained just prior to the pressure rollers in a dam through which the textile material passes. The pressure rollers break the foam and impregnate the finishing agent into the textile which is thereafter dried and/or cured/or fixed.

Abstract: A solid product impregnated with a liquid substance is subjected to successive washing operations in a washing zone by a process wherein:the successive washing operations are carried out with a washing liquid the content of the substance to be eliminated therein decreasing from the first washing operation towards the last washing operation;a small quantity of liquid rich in the substance to be eliminated is removed from the washing liquid used during the first washing operation and an equivalent amount of the liquid free of the substance to be eliminated is introduced into the washing liquid used during the last washing operation;during each washing operation a substantial quantity of washing liquid is used, the greater quantity of this liquid being recovered and with the exception of the first washing operation, a small quantity of this washing liquid is transferred into the washing liquid corresponding to the washing operation at the immediately lower level whereby the content of the substance to be elimina

Abstract: A method for producing randomly dyed skeins of yarn in an apparatus which comprises an open vat adapted to be filled with a liquid dye bath and having rack means for supporting a plurality of skeins of yarn which are to be randomly dyed. The rack means includes valved conduits to control the flow of dye therethrough. Further valve means are provided for selectively adjusting the level of the liquid dye bath relative to the skeins supported in the dye bath while maintaining the liquor ratio, i.e., the ratio of liquid dye bath to yarn dyed, constant and as low as practical.

Abstract: A process for reducing the pollutant concentration of effluent liquor from wool-scouring operations. The suint concentration of scouring liquor is allowed to build up to a point where suspended dirt and grease particles are destabilized and hence more efficiently removed by centrifugation. The centrifuged liquor is then recycled for further wool-scouring. Apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An endless strand of textile material is initially dyed by transporting it spirally through successive compartments of a vat and simultaneously and separately circulating a homogeneous dye liquor through the compartments individually, and then the textile material is rinsed while continuing to transport it through said successive compartments, by causing a rinsing liquor to flow successively through the compartments in countercurrent to the movement of the textile material.

Abstract: Process for the uniform application of treatment liquors to textile material webs with the aid of a measurement of the total moisture content applied, wherein, in the course of the material run, immediately behind a machine for applying the liquor to the continuously fed material, several measuring position are arranged transversely to the transport direction of the material and measurements of the total moisture are made by means of a contactless method, the measuring pulses determined in this manner are transmitted to the control elements of the preceding liquor application unit and there the amount of liquor pick-up from several separately controllable sections, which are distributed across the width of liquor application unit, is controlled in agreement with the measured values of the total mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a carpet on location without removing the carpet to a cleaning plant, the method comprising washing the carpet on location with an alkaline solution and neutralizing the alkaline residue left on the carpet after washing by blowing a spray of an acid solution under pressure into the washed carpet and removing the blown acid solution from the carpet after blowing by drawing a vacuum over the washed and blown carpet. The washing step also comprises blowing a heated spray of the alkaline solution under pressure into the carpet and removing the blown alkaline solution and loosened dirt from the carpet after blowing by drawing a vacuum over the blown carpet.

Abstract: A system for continuously reusing and recycling water and chemicals in consecutive dyeing cycles wherein hosiery goods are placed in a vat and subjected to dyeing, rinsing and finishing operations. The unabsorbed dye bath, rinse waste water and finish waste water are continuously recirculated to eliminate waste discharge to municipal sewage facilities. The waste waters are clarified in a treatment zone, and the unspent dye bath is continuously recirculated or periodically clarified as necessary or desirable. Treatment of the waste waters and the unabsorbed dye bath removes dyes while permitting certain chemical constituents to remain in the clarified water for reuse in subsequent dyeing cycles.

Abstract: A continuous washing machine has an impregnation bath and a rinsing chamber. The rinsing chamber includes three successive sieve drums over which the tubular fabric is made to pass. The fabric passes over the second downstream sieve drum in a reverse direction so as to overturn the fabric and expose the other surface thereof and to retain the fabric over the sieve drum. A sump area is maintained in the bottom of the chamber, and the liquors from the sump are recirculated by means of spray pipes spraying rinse liquor onto the fabric. The spent rinse liquor coming from the fabric over the first sieve drum is drained out of the chamber.

Abstract: Process for creating uniform flow conditions for circulating liquors flowing through textile wound packages or packaged material of synthetic and/or natural fibers in the course of machine dyeing by the exhaustion method under elevated pressure, wherein the zones of liquor flow which deviate from a mean value are determined across the entire block of material by measuring the differential pressures within the wound packages of material at several pairs of positions, whereupon the localized flow differences are equalized in all positions of the block of material by altering the properties and structures of the packages of material, by modifying the dyeing program, by varying the pumping power, by design changes in the dyeing machine and/or special selection and optimum metering of auxiliaries.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for washing rugs and the like which includes conveying a rug upwardly along an inclined path, with the nap of the rug facing upwardly, then compressing the rug, preferably by a roller, at a location extending transversely to the inclined path of the rug. A jet of water and detergent is then directed toward the rug as it is conveyed past the compressing roller to thereby form a pool of water and detergent that is dammed by the roller, such pool of water and detergent being continuously agitated by the directed jet to clean the rug. A cleaning brush may also be added ascensionally to the directed jet, and compartmentalized collection means may be provided for collecting the water and detergent mixture separately from the cleaner rinse water, with the rinse water being recirculated through the washing system to reduce the water requirements of the washing operation.

Abstract: Exhaust process for the isothermal high-temperature dyeing of textile material made of hydrophobic synthetic fibers in a closed dyeing system with water-insoluble disperse dyestuffs, according to which the disperse dyestuff predispersed in water of 40.degree. to 60.degree. C is introduced into the aqueous bath free of dyestuff that is already circulating and heated together with the material to a dyeing temperature within the range of from 115.degree. to 140.degree. C and adjusted to pH 4 - 6, which comprises evaluating the number of the bath circulations per minute by measuring it and the amount of dyestuff exhausted onto the fiber at the same time, and introducing the predispersed dyestuff in doses into the dyebath, depending on the obtained measuring values.

Abstract: An improved arrangement and method for bleaching textile goods is provided wherein a J-box is employed for storing the goods transiently for the bleach while allowing the travel of the stored goods to shut down whenever desired while leaving the goods in place without damage.

Abstract: A cleaning head is adapted to rest on and be moved over the material to be cleaned. The cleaning head has a central chamber, open at its bottom, and at least one relatively narrow chamber, open at its bottom, peripherally surrounding the central chamber. Ultrasonic transducer means are provided in the central chamber and means are provided for supplying a cleaning solution to the central chamber and for maintaining the level of the solution in the chamber such that at least a portion of the transducer means is immersed in the solution so that vibrations of the transducer means are imparted to the solution. Means are provided for adjusting, i.e. controlling, the pressure of the cleaning solution in the central chamber and the pressure in the at least one peripheral chamber to substantially eliminate the flow of air into the solution in the central chamber and to prevent escape of substantial amounts of solution from the cleaning head.

Abstract: A technique for controlling the amount of dissolved material in a slurry liquid stream containing dispersed particulate solids which is being continuously processed in a zone of countercurrent particulate solids separation and washing. Flow rates and conductivity measurements are made on streams entering such zone which are then used to estimate the amount of dissolved material in a starting slurry liquid. Preferably, conductivity measurements are made with electrodeless conductivity measuring probes. The technique is well adapted for use in a brown stock washing system employing a plurality of counterflow washers. The technique can be used for measurement of the quantity of gas in an agitated process stream in such a zone.

Abstract: Fabrics of which the warp is sized with water-soluble polymers of acrylic acid and/or their alkali metal salts or ammonium salts, are desized by treating the sized fabric with from 30 to 300 percent by weight of water, based on the dry weight of the fabric, and separating the resulting size solution from the fabric. The recovered size solution can be directly re-used for sizing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel exhaust-dyeing process to obtain level dyeings which is characterised by the step of regulating the parameters that affect the rate of adsorption of the dye onto the substrate in order to prevent the rate of bath exhaustion as a function of the number of cycles of dye liquor and/or substrate from exceeding a predetermined limit. The invention also relates to an apparatus for effecting said process.

Abstract: Process for the exhaust dyeing of wound bodies of synthetic or natural fiber materials with appropriate dyestuffs, by heating the wound-up textile articles to temperatures ranging at or above 100.degree. C while replacing the air in the dyeing vessel by saturated or superheated steam, and by preparing the dye bath in the batch vessel which is connected by pipes with the dyeing vessel, and heating up the dyebath to temperatures also ranging at or above 100.degree. C. A special control of the temperature and of the steam pressure in both closed systems is provided to secure the formation of a relative excess pressure of 2.94 to 9.8 bars in the batch vessel or such an excess pressure is produced from the outside. The hot dyebath is pressed by the differential pressure over a period of 3 to 60 seconds at the same time from inside and outside into the dry or wet wound bodies.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches a process and machine particularly suited for dyeing at a low liquid to goods ratio synthetic fibers, such as polyesters, orlon, and nylon, or blends of such with cotton, where further there are minimal risks of thermal shock, cracking, or bruising during cool down.The disclosed apparatus has a tub enclosing the dye bath, spaced air inlet and outlet openings for the tub, and a blower for forcing air through these openings and in close proximity to the dye bath and its surface. This forced venting of the dye bath enclosure with air effectively cools the dye bath quickly but uniformly during the cool down phase of the dye cycle.Preferably, dampers at the inlet and outlet openings can be closed to minimize the unwanted escape of vapors from the dye bath during the heat up and/or boil phases of the dye cycle; and further can be opened controlled amounts for varying the volume of airflow over the dye bath during cool down.

Abstract: Procedure for obtaining materials with a low content of soluble elements for multiple applications involving the treatment of deionized water inside a suitable tank evacuating the water, centrifugating the fibers and drying them and repeating the cycle according to the maximum number of soluble elements wanted at the end.

Abstract: An improved clothes washing machine and method of washing clothes for increasing the unbalance capacity of the machine. The machine includes a tub for containing water, a clothes receiving basket in the tub, the basket having perforations arranged in a pattern from the top to the bottom of the side wall of the basket, a pump for removing water from the tub, and a mechanism for rotatively accelerating the basket from zero to over 220 revolutions per minute. The unbalance capacity improvement is achieved by retaining between 20 and 40% of the initial water in the machine as measured under water only load conditions until 220 revolutions per minute is reached, pumping water continuously from between the tub and basket during such basket acceleration and discharging it from the machine, and restricting the flow of water from the basket to the tub such that the level of water between the tub and basket is lower than the level of water in the basket during such acceleration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilized in forming a hemispherical shape from a cast thermoplastic acrylic resin sheet or the like, dyeing the inside surface of the hemisphere to provide a uniform color density or a color density variation increasing from light to dark from the horizon to the zenith point of the hemisphere, heating the hemisphere to its forming temperature, causing it to revert to a flat sheet, and reverse forming the hemisphere to have the dyed surface on the outside.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the rapid, continuous and waterless dyeing of textile and plastic materials in which the dyestuff is dissolved, suspended or dispersed in a high boiling solvent, such as glycol or glycol ether, for carrying out the dyeing step per se, after which the dyed textile or plastic material (after cooling if desired) is subjected to a washing with a low boiling liquid such as methanol or ethanol (preferably the former) or a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent, and subsequently dried. The entire series of operations is carried out under nonaqueous or substantially nonaqueous conditions with the complete or substantially complete recovery and recycling of the used dyestuff, the used high boiling solvent, and the used low boiling wash liquid.

Abstract: A process for the wet treatment of fibrous material especially synthetic fiber strands or cables, wherein the material is conveyed on a liquid-permeable conveyor support while being carried by a liquid bath; the liquid layer is provided above the conveyor support and is maintained, with the liquid flowing by the effect of gravity through the material lying on the support. The flow of liquid takes place uniformly over the supporting surface of the conveyor support.

Abstract: A process for treating filamentary products, such as yarn, includes advancing the yarn in a groove, which has orifices opening in the bottom thereof, and which communicate with a channel through which a fluid is expelled. The fluid supports the strand so that the yarn does not touch the groove. In addition, the fluid treats the yarn and helps to advance the yarn.

Abstract: A method for minimizing setting of wrinkles in fabrics, particularly permanent press fabrics, during a liquid extraction cycle by adding moisture to the fabrics while they are being centrifuged to maintain their level of moisture content above a predetermined value.

Abstract: A laundry machine for washing clothes having both a wash and extraction operation. There is included a rotatable drum for tumbling the clothes and means for introducing liquid into the drum. Means are also provided for producing a vacuum or negative pressure to which is connected two active baffles located on opposite sides of the interior of the drum to withdraw the liquid and air from the drum and two inactive baffles therebetween. This arrangement improves the washability of such a laundry machine.

Abstract: A laundry machine and method for washing clothes having both a wash and extraction operation. There is included in the machine a rotatable drum for tumbling the clothes and liquid introduction means are provided for introducing liquid into the drum at the average rate of 0.5 to 3 gallons per minute during the wash operation. Means are also provided for producing a vacuum or negative pressure to withdraw the liquid from the drum during the wash operation at a rate sufficient to prevent a bath type washing action, then at the end of the wash operation stop the introduction of liquid into the drum and continue the negative pressure to withdraw the liquid during the extraction operation.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a continuous process for the treatment, with liquid ammonia, of moving webs of fabric, the fabric having at least a partial content of natural or regenerated cellulose fiber. Fabric in substantially continuous web form is guided into a treatment chamber and there impregnated with liquid ammonia, desirably by immersion in a bath thereof. The advantageous effects of the liquid ammonia reaction are substantially realized, while undesirable excessive shrinkage of the fabric is avoided, by strictly limiting the time within which liquid ammonia reactions may occur and controllably terminating the reaction at the end of the controlled period. In the process of the invention, the liquid ammonia reaction period commences when the fabric is first introduced into the bath of liquid ammonia and is controllably terminated by bringing the ammonia-saturated web of fabric into contact with a heated drum.

Abstract: A method for dyeing polyester fibers by contacting the fiber, which may be in the form of loose fibers or staple, filament or texturized yarn, woven or knitted fabric, with a solution of a soluble dyestuff in a suitable solvent, such as a chlorinated solvent, reducing the volume of the solute in contact with the fiber while maintaining the volume of liquid in contact with the fiber substantially constant by addition of a nonsolvent, maintaining the temperature of the fiber and contacting solvent-nonsolvent at a temperature to effect dyeing. The process also includes the procedures for purifying the solvent and nonsolvent to enable their reuse (recycling) in the process economically and reducing the waste material from the process.The process also provides for scouring and/or drying the fiber if such be necessary.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the pattern dyeing of moving pile fabrics such as carpets, by the application of plural, continuously flowing dye streams, wherein the dyes are applied in multiple discrete small increments from the streams and control means are provided for accurately positioning the points of application of the dye increments in the pile fabrics to obtain sharp, detailed intricate patterns.

Abstract: Two dye baths each have hangers and orificed spindles, about which may be mounted yarn hanks. A dye supply alternatey simultaneously supplies dye through the spindle orifices of one bath to spray dye the yarn hanks therein, and supplies dye into the other bath to dip dye the yarn hanks therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a textile method of continuously dyeing a fibrous material and particularly a pile fabric which includes the steps of applying a foam containing a dye to the fiber or fabric, subjecting the foam treated material to a steaming operation to effect fixation of the dye, and washing the dyed material. The apparatus includes means for producing a foam, containing a dye, a tank for containing the foam and immersing the material to be dyed therein, a steamer that is in direct communication with the foam tank, and a wash box that receives the steamed material directly into its water bath without subjecting the dyed material to the atmosphere.