Apparatus for fabric web treatment

Abstract

The invention relates to methods for increasing the production over a given period of time of the finishing of tubular knitted fabric and to the semi-automatic control of the batching and doffing thereof. Included herewith are methods for enhancing the speed of steam treatment of such fabrics by increasing impregnation thereof with steam boxes enclosed in a steam chamber, and methods for limiting roll pressure during stretching of the fabric to reduce marking. Also included is a semi-automatic batching and doffing device incorporating controls for sequentially inserting an empty mandrel, cutting, and positively controlling the cut loose end of fabric web for engagement with the new mandrel, with such sequence being initiated by removal of the previous wound-up roll. The cutter and the air jet control for the cut loose end of fabric are movable into and out of engagement with the web path of movement for enhancing the positioning thereof for action upon the web.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.