Abstract: Two or more liquid treating agents which are to be applied to a stationary or running substrate are formed ahead of a collecting unit which thereupon admits a foamed compound composition into the applicator wherein the composition passes through the interstices of a screen so that it is reconverted into a liquid prior to contacting the substrate. The collecting unit can comprise or may be followed by a mixer, depending upon whether or not the constituents of the compound composition are to be converted into a homogeneous foam. The collecting unit receives discrete streams of foamed treating compositions, e.g., in the primary colors, from discrete foam generators each of which is followed by a storing device and by a regulating device, such as a valve which is adjustable by hand and/or by a computer.

Abstract: A method of carpet treating and apparatus for the dyeing of intricate patterns is provided wherein a plurality of spray nozzles are disposed in a spray line transverse to the direction of movement of a carpet. Each spray nozzle is connected to a mixing chamber where air and treating liquid preferably dye, are applied at selected pressures between 0 and 60 p.s.i. Depending on the relative pressure of the air and liquid dye, the mixture is caused to be either atomized or foamed through the spray nozzles onto the face of a moving carpet web. Each nozzle is connected to its own separate mixing chamber the input of which are controlled through a corresponding control valve which turns on and off the spray nozzle by opening and closing a corresponding gas valve and corresponding dye valve.

Abstract: A foam washing method which comprises forming a large amount of foams by blowing a gas through a concentrated aqueous solution of a detergent, and thereafter bringing said foams into contact with soiled textile goods to separate and remove dirts adhered to fibers of said textile goods.

Abstract: A method of treating carpet and apparatus for dyeing of carpet is provided wherein a plurality of spray nozzles are disposed in a spray line transverse to the direction of movement of a carpet. Each spray nozzle is connected to a mixing chamber where air and treating liquid, preferably dye, are applied at selected pressures between 0 and 60 p.s.i. Depending on the relative pressure of the air and liquid dye, the mixture is caused to be either atomized or foamed through the spray nozzles onto the face of a moving carpet web. Each nozzle is connected to its own separate mixing chamber the input of which are controlled through a corresponding control valve which turns on and off the spray nozzle by opening and closing a corresponding gas valve and corresponding dye valve.

Abstract: A printing process employing a water-based foamable ink composition comprising the following steps:(a) foaming the ink composition,(b) applying a coating of the foamed ink composition to the surface of a gravure cylinder which has an array of open cells spaced on the surface thereof,(c) doctoring the surface of the cylinder to convert said coating into discrete thin membranes spanning said cells, and(d) transferring the membranes to a web surface, either directly, or indirectly via one or more intermediate transfer rolls.

Abstract: Immiscible components are controllably released into aqueous systems by impregnating silica-silicate open cell foams with the immiscible components. As the silica-silicate foams are gradually dissolved, the immiscible components are released. Fragrance oils and dyes are particularly adaptable for use in the invention. In fact, silica-silicate foams impregnated with fragrance oils having polar functional groups, exhibit an unexpectedly slower rate of dissolution into aqueous environments and consequently, fragrance oils and dyes admixed therewith are released in aqueous systems over extended time periods.

Abstract: A system for continuously dyeing textile materials, such as tufted pile carpets. A carpet having a face pile on one side and a back surface on the other side is wetted with water. A foamed, steam-fixable dye liquor is deposited on the face pile of the carpet. The carpet is then introduced into a substantially closed space defined between a web substantially non-permeable to steam and a heated surface of a drum such that the back surface of the carpet is in heat transfer contact with the heated surface. The carpet remains in the space for a period of time sufficient for at least a portion of the water to be converted to steam and for the steam to fix the dye liquor on the face pile. The system can also be used to simultaneously dye the pile of a carpet and adhere a secondary backing to the carpet.

Abstract: A process is provided for the wet processing of textile materials, which comprises applying to the textile material an aqueous textile-treating liquor containing a textile-treating component in an amount sufficient to provide a desired effect on the textile material, and further containing in an amount sufficient to provide foam control properties a foam control agent of the formula: ##STR1## where y is O or 1; m and n are both independently selected from integers of from 0 to about 30 with the proviso that the sum of y+m+n must be at least 1; a and b are independently selected from integers of from 1 to about 7; R is an aliphatic group containing from 1 to about 40 carbon atoms; R.sub.1 is an alkyl group having from 1 to about 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to about 7 carbon atoms or an alkoxyalkyl group having from about 3 to about 8 carbon atoms; and Z is hydrogen, halogen, phosphate or phosphite. Also provided is a textile treating liquor which may be employed in the process.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of textile fibre materials with foams, which contain (a) a first surface-active agent with a HLB value of 0.1 to 10.0, for example a fatty alcohol which can be ethoxylated, and is a major constituent, (b) a second surface-active agent with a HLB value of more than 8.5, as a minor constituent, the HLB value being at least 3.0 units higher than that of component (a), for example an alkali metal or ammonium salt of a fatty acid, of an alkylarylsulfonic acid, of an alkylsulfonic acid, of a sulfuric acid alkyl ester or of a glycol-ether-sulfate, or a fatty acid/alkanolamine reaction product or an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, and (c) a dye, a fluorescent brightener and/or a textile chemical.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating a surface with reagents. The method comprises:(i) establishing a reagent in a liquid phase;(ii) forming a foam of said liquid phase;(iii) applying said foam to said surface to be treated;(iv) causing or allowing the foam to collapse at the interface of said surface being treated to deposit the reagent thereon and thereafter removing or deactivating the reagent on said surface when the treatment is complete, whereby the rate of foam collapse is controlled to control the rate of application of the reagent to the said surface.

Abstract: A process for dyeing or finishing textile fibre material using foam, which process comprises applying to said materials an aqueous foam composition which, in addition to containing dye or finishing agent, contains a foamable system comprising water and at least(A) an anionic surfactant and(B) a non-ionic block polymer based on ethylene oxide and propylene oxide units.The material is then dried, if desired, and then subjected to a heat treatment, preferably a steam treatment. Level dyeings with good penetration of dye and/or excellent finishes are obtained on the material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for coloring textile materials to produce random dyed effects wherein a coloring material is added to a foamed composition either before or after the foamed composition is coated onto a textile. The foam is then collapsed to penetrate the coloring material into the textile, and, finally, the textile is dried and cured or fixed.

Abstract: The dyeing of textile fabrics conventionally calls for the wetting of fabric pile with a dye solution. Difficulties arise in achieving uniform wetting and consequently uniform dyeing of the textile fabric without expenditure of large amounts of energy or dyeing solution. The present invention solves the problem of uniform dyeing according to a process wherein the textile fabric is wetted with an unfoamed dyeing solution containing a foaming agent, followed by mechanical treatment by means of alternating compression and relief and finally, a steam treatment process.

Abstract: A method for treating a web of material such as rug with a treatment medium in which one treatment medium is applied as part of a layer of foam to the advancing web and the foam allowed to act thereon and, in order to obtain effects not obtainable with the single layer of foam, a further treatment medium is applied to the foam as a foam, liquid, paste or in solid form and allowed to interact with the foam before either treatment medium is fixed, with both treatment media acting on the web.

Abstract: A de-foaming agent comprising by weight about(a) 80 to 100 parts of a polyoxyalkylene-polysiloxane copolymer of the formula:[R.sup.1 Si(OSiR.sub.2).sub.n ].sub.m Z.sub.m-1 (OR.sup.2).sub.m+2,in whichR represents an optionally halogen-substituted alkyl-group with up to 4 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 represents the substituent R or a phenyl radical,R.sup.2 represents a group of the composition ##STR1## Z represents the difunctional unit --O-- or ##STR2## and R.sup.3 denotes a hydrocarbon radical with up to 6 carbon atoms,R.sup.4 denotes independently from one another hydrogen or R.sup.3,n denotes a number between 3 and 40,m denotes a number between 1 and 15,x denotes a number between 0 and 68,y denotes a number between 0 and 52,x+y denotes a number between 1 and 68 andp denotes a number between 2 and 12,and (b) 0.5 to 20 parts of a hydrophobic silicon dioxide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for treating textile materials with finishing agents wherein a first finishing agent-containing composition is applied to a textile material and a second composition, in the form of a foam, is thereafter applied to the textile prior to fixation of the the first applied composition. The first composition may also be applied in the form of a foam if desired. The compositions may also contain reactive materials therein.

Abstract: A method of treating, especially dyeing, whitening and/or finishing, textile fabrics, in particular carpets, with an aqueous foamed composition which, in addition to containing dye or fluorescent whitening agent and/or finishing agent, contains a foam stabilizer, a foam regulator, and, optionally, other assistants. The aqueous composition employed contains(a) 1 to 4 g/liter of an anionic or non-ionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof, as foam stabilizer, and(b) 0.1 to 1 g/liter of an oxyalkylene-siloxane copolymer as foam regulator,said foam having a blow ratio of (6 to 20).1, applying said foam continuously, in the form of at least one layer, to the textile fabric, if desired vacuuming said fabric to effect penetration of the layer of foam through the fabric, and subsequently subjecting the fabric to a steam treatment.Level dyeings with good penetration and/or excellent finishes are obtained on the treated textile fabrics.

Abstract: A foamable composition suitable for treating fabrics with finishing agents in which a minimum amount of foaming agent is utilized. Up to about 10 percent of foaming system is included in the composition with the ratio of active solids to foaming system being in excess of 8:1. The foam composition may be provided in the form of a paste-like, substantially liquid free admixture of a foaming system and finishing agent.

Abstract: A process for dyeing or treating textile fibre materials with foam, which process comprises applying to the textile fibre materials a foamed aqueous composition which, in addition to containing the dye (or fluorescent whitening agent) or the fabric finishing agent, contains a foamable system comprising water and(A) a fatty acid/alkanolamine reaction product or an alkylene oxide adduct of this reaction product andat least two of the following components(B) a fatty alcohol which is optionally mono-, di- or triethoxylated and which contains 8 to 22 carbon atoms in the fatty alcohol radical,(C) an adduct of 5 to 15 moles of ethylene oxide and 1 mole of a fatty alcohol or a fatty acid, each containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms, or 1 mole of an alkylphenol containing a total of 1 to 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety,and(D) an acid ester, or a salt thereof, of a polyadduct of 2 to 15 moles of ethylene oxide and 1 mole of a fatty alcohol containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying foam to an open-weave substrate. The apparatus contains angled shear strips to shear the foam positioned above a foam outlet. The shear strips, enclosed at each end, define a chamber above the foam outlet having open top and bottom sides for sequential contact of both sides of the substrate with the foam as the substrate travels across the outlet and both open top and bottom sides of the chamber.

Abstract: Foamable fabric treatment compositions are disclosed which are composed of a fabric finishing agent and a foam stabilizer, which compositions are capable of forming a foam having a blow ratio in the range from about 2:1 to 20:1 and a foam density range from about 0.5 gm/cc to 0.05 gm/cc. Methods for preparing and using the foamable compositions are disclosed. Included in the composition is up to about 10 percent of foam stabilizer.

Abstract: A process of treating sheet materials with an aqueous treating composition is disclosed in which surfactants are incorporated in the composition to permit it to be foamed with gas to provide a foam which is stable in the form of a thin layer long enough to be handled, but which will collapse completely when heated. This is preferably done by employing a mixture of water soluble surfactant to stabilize the foam and water insoluble defoamer to break the foam when heat is applied. This foam is applied to a surface of the sheet material to provide stable foam thereon, and heat is employed to simultaneously cause the foam to collapse and dry the composition.

Abstract: A carpet printing method is disclosed, and an apparatus for carrying out the method. The method includes the steps of supporting a piece of fabric on a perforate belt, generating a foam adjacent to the fabric and directing the foam through the belt to treat the fabric. The apparatus includes a pan having pipes for admitting dye and air into the pan to generate a foam. A belt is disposed across the open top of the pan, the belt carrying the fabric. The air both foams the liquid and provides pressure within the pan to urge the foam through the belt and into the fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for printing on textile materials, particularly pile type fabrics, wherein a foamed printing composition is first applied to the textile material; a second foamed composition is thereafter uniformly applied onto the textile over the printing composition prior to fixation of the latter; the second applied foam is then collapsed to form a pre-selected print on the textile; and the printed textile is then subjected to color fixation.

Abstract: A finishing process for porous fibrous materials, especially for textiles, especially a dyeing process, in the presence of relatively small amounts of water and a foaming agent, is carried out at a liquor to material ratio of about 0.25:1 to 5:1. This water-saving finishing process leads to equal and level finishings especially important in the dyeing area.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for preparing a foam composition having a coloring agent therein which is suitable for printing on a fabric. According to the invention, a foam growth inhibitor is added to a previously foamed composition having the coloring agent therein so as to restrict further foaming and substantially maintain the foamed composition at a desired blow ratio.

Abstract: Foamable fabric treatment compositions are disclosed which are composed of a fabric finishing agent and a foam stabilizer, which compositions are capable of forming a foam having a blow ratio in the range from about 2:1 to 20:1 and a foam density range from about 0.5 gm/cc to 0.05 gm/cc. Methods for preparing and using the foamable compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: A finishing process for porous fibrous materials, especially for textiles, especially a dyeing process, in the presence of relatively small amounts of water and a foaming agent, is carried out at a liquor to material ratio of about 0.25:1 to 5:1. This water-saving finishing process leads to equal and level finishings especially important in the dyeing area.

Abstract: Foamable fabric treatment compositions are disclosed which are composed of a fabric finishing agent and a foam stabilizer, which compositions are capable of forming a foam having a blow ratio in the range from about 2:1 to 20:1 and a foam density range from about 0.5 gm/cc to 0.05 gm/cc. Methods for preparing and using the foamable compositions are disclosed. Included in the composition is up to about 10 percent of foam stabilizer.