Continuous decatizing of fabrics in autoclave

An improved apparatus for continuous decatizing of a fabric (4) in a pressurized steam environment comprising:

• an autoclave adapted to maintain a pressurized steam environment and having a passage defined therein;
• a foraminous cylinder (2) rotatably mounted within the autoclave;
• first and second guide rollers (9,10) located within the autoclave;
• a backing cloth (3) which supports the fabric (4) to be decatized that extends into the autoclave through the passage, between the first guide roller (9) and the foraminous cylinder (2), around the foraminous cylinder (2), between the foraminous cylinder (2) and the second guide roller (10), and out of the autoclave through the passage such that the backing cloth (3') and a decatized fabric (4') exit the autoclave, the backing cloth (3) and the fabric (4) having a predetermined width;
• a rotatable cylinder (5) having ends located in the passage between a portion of the backing cloth (3) and the fabric (4) which enter into the autoclave through the passage and a portion of the backing cloth (3') and the decatized fabric (4') which exit out of the autoclave through the passage;
• first and second side gaskets (19, 20) located adjacent to the rotatable cylinder (5) which cooperate with the rotatable cylinder (5) to close the passage;
• an antifriction sheet (21, 22) interposed between each of the first and second side gaskets (19, 20) and the backing cloth (3, 3');
• seals located at the ends of the cylinder (5);
• and
• at least one hollow member (12, 23) having a foraminous and substantially flattened surface located adjacent to and contacting at least one of the backing material (3) and the fabric (4) in a first area in proximity to where the backing material (3) and the fabric (4) enter the autoclave through the passage, the hollow member providing a path for steam flow from one of within the autoclave toward an area outside of the autoclave and from an area outside the autoclave to within the autoclave, the hollow member extending the width of at least one of the backing material (3) and the fabric (4) and being connected by a line (11, 11') to the area outside of the autoclave by a valve (13, 24).