Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing a forensically unique demarcation on a fabric substrate and mass producing fabric articles which displaying varying gradients in color reflecting the variations in pressure and motion of a tire wherein a unique tire tread mark capable being distinguished by forensic analysis is created.

Abstract: A dyed fabric, and apparel constructed therefrom, that has a high degree of colorfastness and a soft hand, formed by the process comprising the steps of applying dyestuffs directly to a polyester fabric that has been pre-treated with a wicking agent, and fixing the dyestuffs to the fabric by heating the fabric at between about 350 degrees Fahrenheit for between about 90 and 120 seconds, whereby the finished fabric has a crocking index of at least 4.0, and a soft hand.

Abstract: A material is impregnated into leather by incorporating the material into micro-capsules and then applying said micro-capsules to said leather material by means of a suitable process. A roller coating process is described in which the material is applied to a roller under which said leather material passes whilst compressed. Alternatively, the micro-capsules may be applied to said leather by drumming-in in a wet process.

Abstract: A method of dyeing a textile product to achieve a desired appearance effect including the steps of applying an aqueous pretreatment composition of epoxy ammonium salt, caustic and wetting agent to a textile product in a selected manner to achieve a desired coverage of the pretreatment composition to the textile product, drying the textile product, dyeing the textile product to achieve an appearance effect corresponding to the selected manner of application of the pretreatment composition to the textile product. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of applying the pretreatment composition to the product is selected from the group of application methods which includes padding, spraying, brushing, dripping, writing and roller printing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for quickly and easily applying hair dye to the hair of a person. The method allows the creation of simple patterns and designs or increasingly complex patterns and designs of a highly intricate and detailed fashion. The method provides a hair dye applicator which can be rolled or daubed on the hair of a person to create highly unique and personalized patterns. By providing applicators of various shapes and patterns, and a tray to hold hair dyes of different colors, designs of increasing intricacy and complexity can be realized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively carving textile fabric by selectively applying chemicals containing a liquid repellent either alone or with other chemicals such as dye to a textile fabric and subsequently finishing said fabric. The textile fabric is then rewetted by the application of liquid. The printed areas containing liquid repellant remain dry and the areas without liquid repellent are selectively wetted out. The textile fabric is then subjected to pressurized heated gas which selectively carves the dry areas printed with liquid repellent leaving the wetted areas protected and uncarved. As an alternative embodiment, the yarns that make up a textile fabric can be individually treated with a liquid repellent prior to being formed into a textile fabric.

Abstract: A method of dyeing polypropylene fiber to create areas of different color on the fiber. A first dye solution containing a disperse dye and a dye-promoting agent is applied to substantially the entire surface of the fiber to cover the fiber with a first color. Thereafter, and while the fiber surface is still wet with the first dye solution, a second dye solution containing a disperse dye of a second color is applied only to selected discontinuous areas of the fiber. The second dye solution displaces the first dye solution in those areas of the fiber surface to which the second dye solution is applied. Then, the fiber is subjected to an elevated temperature high enough, and for a period of time sufficient, to fix the dyes in the fiber. Preferably, the second dye solution is more viscous than the first dye solution. After the dye fixation step, the fiber is scoured to remove excess dye. If desired, the second dye solution also contains a dye-promoting agent.

Abstract: A wet process with no heating for continuous transfer pattern printing of a cellulose fabric web or its blends by using a corona-treated plastic film as a pattern carrier web and a dye admixed with a thickening agent containing water-soluble and alcohol-soluble hydroxypropyl cellulose or polyvinyl pyrrolidone as ink.

Abstract: A printed woven blanket is provided which is printed on only one side but has the appearance of having been printed on both sides. A cationic dye is applied to one side of the blanket utilizing a roller which forces the dye into the fabric forming a printed pattern. The printed blanket is dried and then steamed to set the dye. The blanket is napped which further enhances the appearance of the side which is not printed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying dye marks to a line at predetermined fixed increments. An unmarked line is wound around a roller tube which has a slot formed therein communicating with the interior of the roller tube. A vaporized dye is supplied to the interior of the roller tube and exists through the slot and the roller tube. The disperse dye contacts and penetrates the portion of the line overlying the slot to produce a dye mark on the line at predetermined increments equal to the circumference of the roller tube.

Abstract: A printed woven blanket is provided which is printed on only one side but has the appearance of having been printed on both sides. A cationic dye is applied to one side of the blanket utilizing a roller which forces the dye into the fabric forming a printed pattern. The printed blanket is dried and then steamed to set the dye. The blanket is napped which further enhances the appearance of the side which is not printed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for heat treating textile substrates wherein a substrate may be dyed in pattern configuration and, optionally, thermally modified to produce visual surface effects in the pattern areas in perfect registry. Dye is applied to the textile substrate, and optionally dried, without being fixed. Heat is selectively applied in pattern configuration to the substrate. The heat is sufficient to fix the dye in pattern configuration, at a pre-determined level of fixation, and may also be sufficient to cause thermal shrinkage or other thermally-induced physical modification to the substrate, also in pattern configuration. Unfixed dye may then be removed, leaving a pattern-dyed substrate which, optionally, may have physically modified areas in perfect registry. A mixture of dyes having different fixation energy levels may be used for multiple color effects.

Abstract: Process of producing and a resulting simulated "Berber" yarn produced from long staple spun or continuous filament yarn, preferably having continuous filaments or fibers at least six inches in length, and more preferably continuous filament nylon, to provide strength and other desired characteristics of such yarn while simulating the natural aesthetic appearance of "Berber" wool yarn. The yarn, preferably after having been initially completely dyed with a base color, is surface dyed at selected areas of varying sizes and random locations along the length of the yarn with heather colors or shades which do not penetrate all the way through the yarn for simulating varying staple lengths of natural wool fibers, and is thereafter dyed on small selected areas of the yarn at random locations along the length with one or more "Berber" accent colors which penetrate all the way through the yarn for simulating small clumps of very short natural wool fibers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for applying color to continuous synthetic fibers in the form of tow comprising the steps of first spreading the tow into a flattened sheet, applying color in a first predetermined design pattern to one side of the sheet so as to impregnate the color into the depth of the sheet to a given depth, and then applying color in a second predetermined design pattern to the other side of the sheet so as to impregnate the color into the depth of the sheet from the other side. The thus treated tow is suitable for forming into blended yarn, commonly known as "heather". An apparatus is also disclosed for accomplishing the above treatment and continuous fibers in the form of tow having intermittent portions of said fibers colored are also disclosed.