GB997447A - Shrinking machine - Google Patents

Abstract

997,447. Finishing fabrics; textile treatment apparatus. PASOLDS Ltd. April 16, 1964 [July 17, 1963], No.28238/63. Headings D1L and D1S. A shrinking machine for tubular fabric a movable belt or chain 5 having projecting pins 11 to engage and transport the fabric 10, and feeding means to feed the fabric on to the pins 11 at a speed greater than that of the belt or chain 5 so that the fabric forms transverse folds thereon. The fabric 10 to be shrunk passes into a steam box 1 in which the fibres are moistened and expand whilst the fabric is passing over an internal spreader 2 preferably a flat framework carrying small wheels (not shown). The fabric then passes between steam heated rollers 3, on to a short conveyer belt 12 driven at the same speed as the rollers 3, under free-running wheels 13 having a brush or sponge rubber surface and on to the pins 11 on the segment chains 5 adjustably mounted so as to accomodate different fabric widths. The fabric is delivered on to the pins 11 at a speed greater than the speed of the chains 5, e.g. by up to 50% of the latter speed, to form transverse folds so that the fabric is free to expand and contract lengthwise. The fabric also sags between the chains 5 to form a longitudinal fold. The chains 5 transport the fabric 10 through mist spray apparatus (not shown) in which it is heavily sprayed with water containing wetting agents, then through a steam chamber (not shown) to distribute the water throughout the fabric and subsequently through drying and cooling chambers (not shown). A conveyer 6, running at approximately the same speed as that at which the fabric is fed to the chains 5, lifts the shrunken fabric off the pins 11 and it is then conveyed to a J-box 7 from which it falls to form a stack 9 by the reciprocation of rollers 8. In a modification (not shown), after the fabric has been engaged by the pins 11 the distance between the chains 5 is reduced to allow the fabric to relax. A stream of air may be directed on to the lower surface of the fabric to reduce the downward force of the weight of the damp fabric sagging between the chains 5.