Drying apparatus

A drying apparatus, for use in drying tufted carpets following application of latex thereto, comprising a housing for engaging the edges of the carpet during its passage through the housing, one stenter chain occupying a fixed position in the housing and the other stenter chain being laterally adjustable to suit the width of the carpet, said housing including a space above the carpet for circulation of hot air, tubes in the housing which are disposed above and below the stenter chains and extend transversely to the direction of travel of the carpet, the tubes having longitudinal slots constituting nozzles which direct hot air onto the top and bottom surfaces of the carpet, means for blowing hot air into the tubes, tapes coupled to the adjustable stenter chain and movable with it to blank off the portions of the slots which are offset from the carpet and a screen mounted for lateral movement with said adjustable stenter chain to increase and decrease said space in accordance with the adjustment imparted to said chain.