FR2477908A1 - METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR PROCESSING MOBILE SUBSTRATES FOR MODIFYING THE ASPECT BY APPLYING HEATED FLUID, AND PRODUCTS OBTAINED BY THEIR IMPLEMENTATION - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION CONCERNS A METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF THE SURFACE OF ETOFFES. IT RELATES TO AN APPARATUS IN WHICH A STEAM OF INDEFINITE LENGTH 10 PASSES OVER A CYLINDER 16 IN FRONT OF THE SLOT 32 OF A DISTRIBUTOR 30 OF HEATED AND COMPRESSED GAS. PARTS OF THE SLIT 32 ARE SELECTIVELY STOPPED SO THAT THE HEATING FLUID HAS LOCAL EFFECTS ON THE SURFACE OF THE ETOFFE 10 WHICH IS A HAIR STEAM. APPLICATION TO THE FORMATION OF DRAWINGS ON HAIR FABRICS.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating

  moving material relative to the apparatus, by currents of a fluid under pressure

  in order for these materials to have visual effects of

  face, as well as products formed by their implementation.

  In this memo, the term "fluid" refers to

  sign the gaseous, liquid and solid

  feel fluid, able to form one or more cou-

  cohesive pressure materials directed to the surface of a

  material forming a substrate. The term "gas" refers in particular to

  air, water vapor and other gases or vapors and their mixtures, which may be directed in the form of one or more coherent streams under pressure. The term "substrate" refers to any material whose surface may be struck by one or more fluid streams under

  pressure, with change in visual appearance.

  Although substrates that are particularly suitable

  firstly to a treatment by pressurized fluid streams by use of the apparatus according to the invention, or textile constructions in the form of fabrics and

  in particular fabrics containing yarns and / or thermal fibers

  such as treating the surface of the fabric with pressurized fluid streams causes thermal changes in the yarns or fibers and the formation of a desired surface effect or pattern, the apparatus can be used for the treatment of any substrate as long as the nature of the substrate or current

  of fluid under pressure of treatment causes a change in

  visual effect of the surface of the substrate due to contact with the current. For example, the treatment fluid can

  be a solvent of the substrate material, where the temperature

  fluid may be such that it modifies or thermally deforms the constituents of the substrate which are in contact with the fluid streams, with formation of the effects

indicated.

  As used herein, the term "textile fabric" includes all types of continuous or discontinuous sheets or webs, containing fibers or yarns, for example, knitted, woven, tufted, blistered, laminated or non-woven fabric constructions. woven, as fluids heated under pressure can cause a change in visual appearance of the surface of the fabric. We already know how to form a drawing on the surface of

  certain acrylic fabrics with embossed hair

  landre, the surface of the hair being brought into contact with

  projecting faces of the roll so that the fibers of the heated bristles are compressed towards the back of the fabric, the design of the surface of the roll thus being transferred to

  the surface of the fabric. However, this embossing with

  It is very expensive because it is heated.

  a roll with a different design for each

  different shape to form on the fabric, and the length of the

  The pattern of repetition of the pattern in the fabric is limited by the circumference of the roll bearing the pattern. In addition,

  we consider that the drawings formed. in the acrylic fabrics

  Furry nicks by embossing can not be obtained by

  embossing on the calender of fabrics containing heat wires

  moplastics spun in the molten state, such as fabrics

  "Nylon" and polyester, given the diffi-

  difficulty in obtaining the high temperatures necessary for the shrinkage and thermal fixing of the yarns and the tendency

  resultant son to stick to the embossing calender.

  In the field of fabric dyeing, the design dye is known on a moving fabric by means of continuous liquid dye streams, which are selectively deflected so that they do not come into contact with the dyes.

  hitting the fabric, through a combination of air currents

  according to the information representing the

  sin. U.S. Patent Nos. 3,969,779

  and 4,059,880 describe an apparatus used for this purpose.

  The use of an apparatus for directing water vapor or pressurized air is known to

  the surface of a textile fabric so that it modifies the

  placement or the thermal properties of the fibers and son and thus causes a change in the appearance of the surface of these fabrics. U.S. Patent No. 3,010,179 discloses an apparatus for the treatment of synthetic pile fabrics, directing several streams of dry steam by dispensers, on the face of a moderated fabric.

  bile so that the pile fibers are deflected

  in the regions with which the steam comes into contact, and the fabric is thus dried and heated to

  deviated fibers are thermally fixed and

  A visual effect simulates that of skins used for furs. U.S. Patent No. 2,563,259 discloses a method of forming drawings in

  a flocked pile fabric of several layers

  air to the flocked surface of the fabric before hardening

  of the adhesive in which the fibers are

  robbed, so that the pile fibers are reoriented and

  form some drawings. The United States patent of

  No. 3,585,098 discloses an apparatus for treating with dry steam or hot air the surface of a fabric having bristles so that stresses are relaxed in the synthetic fibers and cause

  disorientation and looping of the fibers in the fabric.

  U.S. Patent No. 2,241,222 discloses an apparatus having a plurality of nozzle orifices for directing water vapor or pressurized air through

  direction perpendicular to the surface of a fabric with

  vet so that the down of the fabric is lifted and buckled.

  U.S. Patent No. 2,110,118 discloses a dispenser having a narrow slot for directing compressed air against the surface of a fabric containing a group of tufts so that they form a down

  during a textile treatment operation.

  Although the patents cited in the preceding paragraph generally indicate that water vapor

  and compressed air can be used for

  In view of the appearance of the fabric surface, it is considered that these known devices do not provide sufficient precision and accuracy for adjusting the high temperature gas streams so that the surface patterns can be very accurate and elaborate. with clear boundaries, because in general they can only be used for the formation of relatively coarse drawings of the surface or for modifications of the surface fibers

  in a random and indefinite form. In addition, the

  seems to limit the variety of the different drawings.

  which can be produced in fabrics.

  The modification of the appearance of the surface of a moving substrate relative to an apparatus, for example a textile fabric, by application of fluid streams, presents numerous difficulties relating to the regulation of the flow rate, the pressure and the pressure. direction of the currents with a reliability and precision sufficient for the drawings formed in the fabric to be delimited with

  accuracy and can be complicated. In addition to

  in the definition of the drawing, the efficient use of fluid at very high temperatures, with the preservation of a uniform temperature in the fluid streams over all

  the width of a moving fabric, and the adjustment of the excita-

  rapid de-energization of heated currents

  using conventional valves mounted in the ducts

  heated fluid, present difficulties.

  When a heated fluid such as water vapor or heated air is applied to the surface of a fabric as one or more spaced currents the

  length of an elongate dispenser, the maintenance of a temperature

  uniformly in the current or currents over the entire width of the dispenser presents difficulties. When the pressurized heated fluid is introduced into the dispenser from a single location along its length so that it is evacuated through a narrow and elongated slot or several

  orifices placed along the dispenser, the distances vary

  The flow of fluid in the dispenser from the heat source of the fluid causes variable losses of heat in the fluid, so that differences in temperature appear in the fluid streams projected by the dispenser. When the heat of the fluid of the currents is used for the thermal modification of the thermoplastic yarns and fibers in the fabrics so that the longitudinal shrinkage and the molecular reorientation cause the formation of the desired pattern in the fabric, the differences in the temperatures of the streams

  hitting the fabric may cause irregularities

  unwanted elements in the formed pattern. It is therefore important

  as long as all the currents striking the fabric have practiced

  only the same temperature. In addition, the impurities

  in the heated fluid can easily plug and seal small individual nozzles of an applicator of a compressed fluid, so that the treatment apparatus must be stopped for the removal of the obstacle, and a

  part of the fabric produced is lost as a result of the

  mis-drawing by the apparatus during this ob-

  turing. A method and apparatus for patterning the surface of substrates using pressurized fluid streams with reliability and

  greater accuracy than those allowed by

transferred and known devices.

  It also relates to a method and an apparatus for treating the surface of substrates containing thermoplastic elements by fluid streams under

  pressure at high temperature, so that the appearance of the

face of the substrates is modified.

  It also relates to a method and an apparatus for directing accurately delimited currents of a compressed gas having a high temperature in the

  surface of a textile fabric containing

  plastics so that these are thermally modified

  and form a desired pattern on the surface.

  It also relates to a method and apparatus for directing one or more narrow currents of a

  gas at a high temperature, in a direction

  dicular, in the surface of a textile fabric so that the characteristics of thermoplastic fibers and yarns

  of the fabric are thermally modified, with

  selective passage of currents or portions of currents by colder streams of compressed gas, in accordance with a drawing information,

  that different designs can be formed on the surface.

  It also relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling the temperature of a heated fluid in an elongate dispenser which discharges this fluid and which implements several inlet ducts having sets of

heating the fluid received.

  It also relates to a method and apparatus for establishing fluid output temperatures of a series of parallel-connected individual heating devices to cause a compressed fluid to flow therethrough.

  an elongated distribution compartment is heated.

  It also relates to a simple and inexpensive method and apparatus for controlling the outlet temperature of a fluid of a series of individual heating devices connected in parallel along a fluid distributor, by progressively adjusting the flow rates of the fluid. fluid in the heaters so that the temperatures

  are balanced, the temperatures being

  detected and adjusted from a single point of

along the dispenser.

  It also relates to a valve device mounted in the heated fluid inlet ducts coming to

  a discharge device with a heated fluid distributor

  Thus, such that the flow of a compressed fluid circulating in the individual heating devices of a series of such associated devices can be progressively adjusted so that the fluid outlet temperatures, for the same amount of energy transmitted to the series of heating devices, be balanced, so that the detection,

  control and regulation of the energy transmitted to each

  heating device for the maintenance of temperature

  uniform shapes during the treatment operation by a

fluid, are no longer needed.

  It also relates to an apparatus for treating the surface of a moving substrate with one or more heated fluid streams directed into the surface when the substrate is supported during its movement by passing over a rotating roll, apparatus in which a heat transfer fluid circulates in the roller to prevent buckling or distortion of the

  roll as a result of non-uniform heating of its

  face due to contact with the heated fluid stream (s). It also relates to products in the form of fabrics made by implementing one or more

  methods and apparatus according to the invention.

  Other features and advantages of the

  will be better understood by reading the description

  which will follow examples of embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an overall side elevation

  schematic of an apparatus intended to give

  surface suels with a moving substrate, according to the invention;

  Figure-2 is an enlarged schematic elevation

  die of the pressurized fluid application portion of the apparatus of Figure 1, showing a disposition of the various elements for transmitting

  both a heated compressed gas and a compressed gas relative to

  coldly at the hot gas distributor of the application device; Fig. 2A is a block diagram showing how the electrical energy is transmitted to the series of heaters of Figs. 1 and 2 when adjusting

  temperatures of the compressed fluid transmitted to the

  heated fluid reactor; FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view with portions broken away showing a portion of the hot gas dispenser of FIGS. 1 and 2, this figure showing some of the internal elements.

  and a wedge used in the elongated slot of the

  that a desired surface pattern is formed on the moving substrate relative to the apparatus; FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the gas distributor of FIG. 3 and it also shows the use of a device for dispensing a colder pressurized gas for selectively preventing the exit of heated gas portions from the distributor so that a pattern can be formed in the substrate; FIG. 5 is a schematic section of a

  part of the hot gas dispenser of Figure 4,

  V-V line of Figure 4, in the direction of the arrows; FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic section of an alternative hot gas dispenser in which the shim is withdrawn from the dispenser slot, only the relatively cold gas dispensing device being used for the regulation of the hot gas discharge by slot; Fig. 7 is a schematic sectional view of portions of the dispenser of Fig. 6 along the line V-V in the direction of the arrows;

  Figure 8 is an enlarged partial perspective

  die of a shim used in the hot gas distributor, the wedge allowing the distribution of the gas in narrow and distant currents towards the surface of a substrate; Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams showing how the treatment apparatus according to the invention can be used for lifting the bristles of a substrate in the form of a textile fabric having the bristles oriented in a single general direction; and Figures 11 to 15 are photographs of the surface of certain textile products manufactured according to

  the invention by treatment with the apparatus and

assigned according to the invention.

  In its most general form, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for accurate and high speed application of one or more streams of a fluid.

  under pressure on the surface of a moving substrate by

  port to the device so that the visual appearance of the surface is changed. More specifically, the apparatus comprises a heated fluid dispenser, having an elongate narrow elefance positioned transversely to the relative displacement path of the substrate and the apparatus and disposed very close to the surface to be treated. The invention also relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the amount of energy supplied to a plurality of individual heating devices arranged so that a heated and pressurized fluid is directed to uniformly spaced locations along the compartment of a heater. elongate dispenser, and that the heated fluid along the dispenser retains a

uniform temperature.

  A pressurized fluid, for example air, having a high temperature, for example between 3700.degree. C., is transmitted to the distributor and directed by the slot in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the moving substrate while the evacuation of the The hot air through the slit is adjusted so that it forms one or more narrow and precisely defined currents that strike the surface of the substrate causing a desired change in the surface. The heated air that hits

  the substrate, in the case of substrates formed by

  textiles containing fibers or thermoplastic yarns, causes thermal modification of fibers and yarns

  thermoplastics of the fabric by modifying the phy-

  with longitudinal shrinkage of fibers and yarns in selected regions, so that

  sharp precise boundaries are formed.

  In one embodiment of the invention, a heated fluid such as air is selectively directed as accurately delimited currents using an elongate wedge having notches spaced along one of its edges, the edge of the hold having the notches being

247 7908

  disposed in the dispenser chamber, over the length of

  the latter, and delimiting distant channels intended to

  the air in the form of several narrow currents towards the surface of the moving substrate with respect to the apparatus. The wedge is furthermore made to ensure the filtration of particles suspended in the air by preventing the clogging of the channels while allowing circulation

continuous drafts.

  In another embodiment, the treatment apparatus includes a device for selectively directing compressed gas streams and relatively

  cold in the transverse direction in the slot of the

  at a remote location so that the hot air can no longer circulate and strike the substrate at the corresponding locations, following a

  drawing adjustment information. The evacuation device

  tion of a cold pressurized gas has suitable valves for individually controlling the flow rate of each of the cold stopping gas streams, for example

  of air, and the relative gas locking device

  cold can be used in the dispenser slot,

  with or without the aforementioned wedges so that the selected drawing

  tif is formed on the surface of the substrate as a function of

drawing information.

  The invention also relates to a treatment device

  fluid intended to maintain a uniform distribution

  form of heated fluid along the entire length of the

  and the slot of the latter so that the thermally formed pattern in the substrate has a precision and

accuracy increased.

  In another embodiment, an ambient fluid under pressure, such as air, is transmitted to

  each heating device, by individual ducts

  each containing a metering or flow control valve for independently and accurately controlling the flow rate of fluid flowing through each

  heating. The heating devices are connected electrically

  in parallel with a common

  temperature sensing device such as a thermo-

  torque is disposed at or near the heated fluid outlet in each heating device to the distribution compartment. Each thermocouple is

  connected to a temperature recorder that allows observation of

  vation of the fluid outlet temperature corresponding to each heater. A unique sensor under

  form of a thermocouple, placed centrally in the distribution

  fluid, is connected to a feed regulator incorporated in the common supply of the heaters. When the compressed fluid and energy are initially transmitted to each heater assembly, the individual fluid output temperatures of each heater are observed and any temperature variation is accurately compensated for.

  that the temperature has a common value obtained by re-

  gradual setting of the flow in one or more devices

  of heating, using the aforementioned metering valves.

  Thus, when the fluid outlet temperatures of the heaters are suitably balanced, the temperature in the dispensing compartment can be detected at a single location along the length, and provide uniform and simultaneous adjustment of the feed.

  of all the heating devices.

  The possibility of gradually adjusting the flow rate of fluid in each heating device so that the fluid outlet temperatures are well balanced renders superfluous the individual control and the separate adjustment of the energy transmitted to each heating device,

  subsequently, to maintain a uniform temperature

  shape over the entire length of the dispenser.

  The invention also relates to a device des-

  to circulate a transmission fluid of each

  in a support cylinder which maintains a posi-

  a moving substrate in the vicinity of the heated fluid distributor so that the substrate is struck by the heated currents. The heat transfer fluid provides uniform heat transmission around the surface of the cylinder and prevents warpage or

  deformation of the cylinder during milking operations

  due to non-uniform heating of the cylinder surface as a result of localized contact with the fluid

heated treatment.

  The method and apparatus for treating with a high temperature fluid according to the invention are particularly suitable for forming drawings having

  very precise limits, in

  melt spun thermoplastic yarns, these designs could not be formed so far with

  the hot fluid treatment apparatus of known type.

  Surface patterns may also be formed in pile fabrics containing non-thermoplastic yarns, for example rayon or acrylic yarns, although the definition of the drawings is generally not as good as in the processing of the fabrics containing the yarns. thermoplastics. In addition, the method and apparatus

  can be used for the selective treatment of

  containing thermoplastic threads so that they

  have blistering or crepe drawings.

  The invention also relates to a method of scraping

  uniformity of the pile threads of a fabric having an inclination

  its unidirectional initial, by applying a

  gas heated on the surface of the pile, with relative movement of the fabric in the opposite direction to the direction of inclination

yarn forming the bristles.

  Although the apparatus according to the invention is

  well suited to the treatment of textile fabrics

  containing thermoplastic fibers and yarns, with

  of various visual effects on the surface, the apparatus may

  also be used for the treatment with the fluid of

  very substrates containing thermoplastic elements so that their visual appearance is modified or that a desired design

be formed there.

  We now refer more specifically to

  drawings which represent advantageous embodiments of

  devices and some products in the form of fabrics according to the invention. Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation of the assembly of a processing apparatus according to the invention. As indicated schematically, a section of indefinite length of a substrate such as a textile fabric 10, is directed continuously by a reserve such as a roller 11 and by means of rollers 12, 13 led in advance. variable speed to a

  treatment device with a fluid heated under pres-

  The moving fabric 10 is supported during the application of the heated fluid by

  passage on a cylinder or roller 16 support, and the etof-

  The fluid-treated fluid is then

  led takers 18, 19 at variable speed to a wheel

collecting water 20.

  A conventional fabric edge guiding device 21, of a type well known in the art, may be disposed in the path of the fabric between the feed rollers 12, 13 and the processing device 14 so that the fabric is properly aligned during its passage on the cylinder 16, in the lateral direction. The speed of the rollers 12, 13 in advance, the support roll 16 and the pick-up rolls 18, 19 can be set in a known manner so that the fabric moves at the desired speed, with the desired tensions in the fabric when it enters the processing device 14, when it circulates

  in it and when it leaves.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the

  positive 14 of treatment with a fluid under pressure

  carries an elongated distributor 30 of heated gas disposed perpendicularly to the path of the fabric 10 and has a narrow and elongated vent slot 32 which directs a stream of pressurized heated gas, e.g.

  superficial part of the fabric, with a sen-

  perpendicular to the surface during its movement

on the cylinder 16.

  A compressed gas such as air is transmitted inside the distributor 30 by a connected compressor 34

  by a pipe 36 at the opposite ends of a

  elongated cold air distributor or distribution pipe 38. A main valve 40 and a valve 42

  pressure regulators are arranged in the channeling

  36 and regulate the flow and pressure of the trans-

  dispenser 38. A suitable air filter 44 is

  also to facilitate the withdrawal of foreign materials

  Air Managers Entering the Dispenser 38.

  The compressed air present in the cold air distributor 38 is transmitted by the latter to the interior compartment of the hot air distributor 30 by a series 46 of individual electric heating devices of which

  two are identified by the reference 48 in FIG.

  Each heating device is connected by inlet and outlet conduits, respectively, uniformly spaced along the two distributors 38, 30 so that they heat and distribute the compressed air uniformly.

  distributor 38 over the entire length of the dispenser 30.

  For example, in the case of a dispenser i52.5 cm

* of length, it is possible to use, for series 46, twenty-

  four 1 kW electric heaters having outlet ducts 52 spaced 6.35 mm apart along the length of the dispenser. The series of heating devices 46 may be housed in a suitable insulated box. A manually adjustable regulating or metering valve 61 is placed in each inlet conduit joining each series heater 48 to accurately regulate the flow rate.

  of compressed air transmitted from the distribution piping 38

  in each of the heating devices 48. For example, the valves may be of the needle type for precise adjustment and is described in the following

their usage.

  A temperature sensing device such as a thermocouple is placed in the air outlet duct 52 of each heater and the position of a single device 54 has been shown in FIG. the air leaving each heating device is measured. Each of the thermocouples 54 is electrically connected by suitable wiring (shown as lines 55 in FIGS. 2 and 2A) to a conventional electrical tape-type recording 58 in which all conduit temperatures

  output of the heaters may be observed

  visually or by an alarm signal.

  An electric current is transmitted uniformly, with the necessary intensity, to all individual heating devices by a common supply identified by the

reference 60.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the electric heating devices 48 are connected in parallel by a suitable electrical wiring 22 connected to the power supply.

  60. A conventional organ of food control

  is placed in the main supply line

  This connection to the individual heating devices 48, for example, is a thyristor device of the type 7301 manufactured by Electronic Control Systems. A temperature sensing device or thermocouple 26

  (Figure 2A) is placed in the inner compartment of the

  tributor 30, in a middle part, and is electrically connected

  to a conventional temperature control device

  28, for example a control circuit of the type 6700, which

  Electronic Control Systems. The temperature control member 28 is electrically connected in known manner to the control member 24 so that a desired temperature can be maintained in the distributor compartment.

  , by periodic transmission of unified electric energy

  form to the heating devices 48 of the series 46.

  As clearly indicated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the hot air distributor 30 has upper and lower wall portions 62, 64 fixed removably to one another by fasteners such as that remote bolts 66 so that they form the internal compartment 68 of the distributor as well as opposite parallel walls 70, 72 of the slot

elongated evacuation.

  Before evacuation through the slot 32, the heated air transmitted to the compartment 68 of the distributor 30 via the outlet pipes 52 of the series of heating devices 48 is directed backwards and then forwards.

  following a change of direction in the

  distribution (as indicated by the arrows) using a deflector plate 74 which forms an orifice

  narrow and elongated, behind the compartment

  68, for the passage of air from the upper

  at the bottom of the compartment. This plate de-

  flector 74 thus ensures a more uniform distribution of air in the distribution compartment and facilitates

  in addition, the maintenance of temperature and pressure

  air forms of the dispenser. This deflector plate 74 is supported in the compartment 68 by sleeves

  of spacers 76 surrounding the bolts 66.

  As clearly indicated in FIGS. 4 to 7, several outlets 78 for discharging cold air are disposed in the surface 72 of the lower wall 64 of the distributor and are spaced along the discharge slot. Each outlet is individually connected by a suitable flexible conduit 80 and a solenoid valve 82 to a distributor 84 of cold air which is itself connected

  compressor 34 through a conduit 86 (Figure 2). A sou-

  main adjusting poppet 88, an air pressure regulating valve 90 and an air filter 92 are arranged in

the conduit 86.

  As indicated schematically in FIG.

  each solenoid valve is electrically connected to a device

  suitable drawing control tif 94 which transmits electrical pulses intended to open and close

  solenoid valves selected according to a pre-determined information

  determined drawing. Different classic devices of

  well known in the art.

  for the excitation and de-excitation of electromagnetic

  born with the desired sequence. For example, the drawing control device may be of the type described in the patent

  United States of America No. 3 894 413.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, each of the cold air discharge ports 78 is placed in the lower wall surface 72 of slot 32 to direct a separate stream of relatively cold air under pressure, transversely to the heated air discharge slot, in the direction perpendicular to the heated air stream. The pressure of cold air currents

  is kept at a value which is sufficient for stopping or

  the passage of heated air in the slot in the

  parts in which cold air currents are

  Cues. Thus, the excitation and de-excitation of the currents

  of cold air by the solenoid valves 82

  information from the Com-

  the drawing direction ensures the direction of heated air

  pressure passing through the slot in the form of one or more

  If there are two distinct currents that strike the surface of the moving fabric at the desired location, thereby giving an effect corresponding to a pattern on the surface of the fabric as it passes through the dispenser. The cold air that prevents the passage of hot air comes out of the slot instead of the heated air and dissipates around the surface of the fabric or in it without modification

  thermal characteristics of the fabric or without any disturbance

  noticeable basting of threads or fibers. It should be noted that

  the arrows indicate the flow of air on the

  Figures 4, 6 and 7. Ambient air can be cooled before evacuation in the slot 32, by a cold air distributor 95 in which are arranged ducts 80 of cold air so that the cold air stop be cold enough to

  that it does not cause any effect or

the fabric.

  Although the particular device described for stopping, using cold compressed air, is advantageous for controlling the evacuation of heated compressed gas streams, other types of devices, for example

  example of mobile or similar partitions, may be

  in slot 32 for the selective stopping of the passage of

  compressed air heated to the fabric.

  Upon initial startup of the fluid treatment apparatus, the electrical energy is transmitted uniformly to the series 46 heating devices 48 by the supply 60 and the compressed air flows through the

  heating devices from the compressor 34.

  The temperature setting member 28 is set to a time

  chosen temperature. When the temperature of the air present in the outlet distribution compartment, indicated

  thermocouple 26, reaches the desired value of

  sign, the individual outlet air temperatures of each individual heater output duct are observed on the logger 58. If there is a temperature variation for one or more of the

  exhaust air currents from heating devices,

  indicated on the recorder 58, the needle valve valve 61 of the heater in which a deviation is observed, -25 is manually set progressively so that the air flow in the heater is increased or reduced so that that the temperature of the air coming out of

  particular device decreases or increases

  sponding. Thus, the individual outlet air temperatures of the entire series of heaters

  can be accurately balanced by

  the airflow at a uniform temperature so that variations due to manufacturing tolerances of the heaters or small changes in flow rates in the heaters may be

  compensated in the device. Then, a uniform temperature

  form can be maintained throughout the length of the

  distribution unit by regulating the supply of all heaters uniformly, using the single central thermocouple sensor 26

distribution compartment.

  The invention also relates to an apparatus for circulating a heat transmission fluid inside the rotatable support cylinder 16 (FIG. 1).

  around which the continuous section of substrate passes

  contact with the heated fluid from the

  30. It may be noted that, when the streams of fluid heated under pressure strike the surface of the substrate and thermally modify it by forming desired visual changes, the heated fluid also ensures the heating of the adjacent surface portion of the substrate.

  support cylinder 16. This localized heating of this last

  deny can cause thermal dilatation and contraction

  Differential effects of the cylinder along its length especially when the moving substrate can be temporarily stopped during the processing operations. This differential expansion and contraction of the cylinder 16 can

  cause warping and deformation of the surface

  face of the cylinder near the slot 32 of the dispenser so that the fabric substrate can be maintained at

  different distances from the slot 32 along that

  it can cause the formation of an irregular pattern in the substrate due to differences in temperatures and pressures of hot fluid currents striking the

surface of the substrate.

  A device is for circulating a heat transfer fluid in the rotating cylinder 16 during fluid processing operations to prevent such bulging or deformation being avoided, as well as the formation of uneven patterns on the surface of the substrate. which is the consequence. As shown in FIG. 1, a suitable fluid such as cooled or heated water, steam or the like flows through the cylinder 16 from a suitable reserve 96 and into a conduit 91 connected to the hollow central support shaft of the cylinder. Apparatus for circulating a fluid in a rotating cylinder from a fixed supply is well known and available in the art and is not described in detail herein. For example, such a circulation apparatus may be of the manufactured type

  as 8000 series rotary union unions, dis-

  by Duff-Norton Company, Charlotte, Caroline

North, U.A.A.

  As indicated previously, the fluid

  heat mission may be cold water or it may be a heated fluid such as hot water or steam, if necessary so that the heating of the entire substrate is facilitated during fluid treatment operations. The heat transfer fluid circulating inside the cylinder 16 assures

  a uniform distribution of localized heat to the over-

  face of the cylinder 16 near the slot 32 to the entire periphery of the cylinder, so that the expansion and

  aforementioned differential thermal contraction of the cylindrical

  during treatment operations are avoided.

  The hot gas distributor 30 and its

  heating elements 47 are hinged at 97 and a device

  The plunger 98 is used to rotate the dispenser and the discharge slot away from the path 10 so that the fabric can not be damaged by the presence of heated gas as the fabric advances. more.

  FIG. 3 represents a first embodiment of

  According to the invention, an elongated plate or wedge 99 having a plurality of elongate and parallel notches 100 uniformly spaced along a first edge of the

  plate, is removably arranged in the compartment

  68, its notched edge penetrating into the elongated slot

  32 and forming, with the walls 70, 72 of the slot, several

  the corresponding heated air exhaust ducts for directing narrow and separate streams of heated compressed gas to the surface of the moving fabric. As

  indicated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the notches 100 of the

  that enter the compartment 68 and form an elongate entrance above and below the plate, for each of the evacuation channels formed by the notched edge of the

  wedge and the walls 70, 72 of the slot 32. Thus, the

  wedge ensures not only the direction of the compressed gas in the form of narrow currents to be discharged into the remote channels, but also ensures

  edges that delimit upper and lower holes

  narrow, elongated entrances (see Figure 4), trapping and filtering foreign particles

  may be present in the compressed gas, while

  putting the continuous circulation of compressed gas around

particles and in the channels.

  It should be noted that trained evacuation channels

  the wedge and the slot direct several

  viduals separated and separated on the surface of the

  bile so that these currents form narrow lines parallel and distant, in the direction of displacement

  fabric beyond the dispenser. When the temperature

  ture and the pressure of heated gaseous currents are suf-

  the thermoplastic yarns of the

  bristles, - placed in contact with these heated currents, have longitudinal shrinkage, retract

  in the surface carrying the bristles, and are attached thermal-

  by forming distinct continuous grooves in

  the fabric, thus enabling the formation of

  face of the fabric in various ways some of which are described later in this memo. The change of the pattern formed by grooves in the fabric only requires the loosening of the bolts 66 and the replacement of an existing wedge plate with another having other dimensions of grooves and / or other groove spacings. along the edge. FIG. 8 shows another wedge plate 102 having an irregular spacing of the notches 104 along the plate, so that the drawing which

  can be formed on the surface of the fabric can be modified

  fied. Thus, it is noted that various surface

  be formed on the moving sheet using only the

  in the form of shims, and without additional control of the currents by the outlets of relatively cold compressed air,

previously described.

  Figures 4 and 5 represent a mode of

  wherein wedge plates are used with the relatively cold compressed gas outlets in the slot 32 so that more elaborate or detailed patterns are formed in the textile web. As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge outlets 78 are arranged in the channels formed by the wedge and the walls 70, 72 of the slot so that the channels are selectively blocked by cold gas and thus allow intermittent evacuation. selected currents of heated gas, forming drawings of

  which may vary over the width of the fabric and

  if that in the direction of displacement of it in

face of the dispenser.

  Figures 6 and 7 show another way of

  embodiment of the invention in which the formation of

  sin in the fabric is provided by an elongated slot 32 and cold compressed gas outlets, without the use of wedges. As indicated in FIG. 7, the selective excitation of the cold gas supply of some of the outlets 78, according to a drawing information, makes it possible to block the

  passage of the heated gas in the slot 32 by the gas

  in the corresponding regions of the cleft,

  so that the fabric takes a corresponding design.

  The compressed gas distributor heated according to

  the invention can also be used for the universal scraping

  forming thermoplastic yarns of a pile fabric having uniformly unidirectional orientation bristles, for example a fabric formed by cutting or shearing the yarns of a double-backed knit, so that two layers of pile fabric are formed . When carrying out such a method of making pile fabric, the yarns of the two plies are generally uniformly inclined in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the fabric during

the cutting operation.

  As indicated schematically in FIGS. 9 and 10, it can be seen that when a pile fabric having a unidirectional inclination passes in front of the narrow and elongated slot 32 of the distributor 30 in the opposite direction to the

  tilting of the wires, these are sup-

  in a position perpendicular to the surface of

  the fabric, and the heated gas stream striking the

  face of the fabric ensures the thermal fixing of the wires in

  this position. Figures 9 and 10 show the sub-

  stratum 106 of the fabric, the strands 108 of the bristles, their inclination

  tion, and the direction of the heated gas stream 110 when

  it strikes the surface carrying the hairs. As a representative

  té, it is advantageous that the current 110, as indicated

  arrows, strikes the surface at an angle of 900

  or more in relation to the direction of movement of the fabric so that the threads are put back vertically. If the fabric moves in one direction and with a direction other than the direction and direction of tilting of the yarns or when the compressed gas stream is directed at a different inclination from that indicated, the yarns

  do not straighten uniformly but are either more

  or randomly disoriented on the surface of the fabric. The use of the apparatus according to the invention for the implementation of some of the methods described appears clearly in the following specific examples giving operating conditions used in the treatment of fabric having threads, allowing the formation of a desired design or appearance. The examples are given for illustrative purposes only and do not limit

  by no means the use of the apparatus according to the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

  A polyester plush knit having a weight of 440 g per square meter and a pile pile height of

  2.5 mm, feed continuously into the device

  FIG. 1, with a speed of 4.6 m / min. The weather

  temperature and the pressure of the heated air in the

  distribution are maintained at 3150C and 0.42 bar respectively. Dispenser outlet slot is maintained at a distance of approximately 1.25 mm from the surface

  hairs and has a notch configuration wedge

  3. The remote evacuation channels -10 formed in the slot have a rectangular section of 0.28 x 1.57 mm. The length of each channel in the slot is 6.35 mm and the channels have a spacing pitch of 1 mm along the dispenser. The hot gas streams striking the surface of the fabric cause longitudinal shrinkage of the yarns in the contact areas so that the yarns lower and settle in the fabric forming narrow, elongated and distinct grooves along the length of the fabric. path of movement of the surface. The wires adjacent to the sides of the grooves remain virtually unchanged and disturbed and form vertical sidewalls spaced apart for

  the throats. The fabric has a surface appearance as represented

  felt by the photograph of Figure 11.

EXAMPLE 2

  In the apparatus of FIG. 1 is treated a plain weave polyester fabric having a mass of 128 g / m with a construction of 36 warp yarns and 33 picks per centimeter, with a fabric speed of 3.65 m. / min and with an overspeed of 12% between the rollers 12, 13

  and the rollers 18, 19. The support cylinder 16 is

  dragged in overspeed during the passage of the stuff on him.

  The temperature and pressure of the heated air, as well as the dimensions and spacings of the drainage channels in

  the distributor are the same as in example 1.

  The gas streams compressed at high temperature, striking the fabric advancing in overspeed on the cylinder of

  support, in the direction of the chains, cause a

  longitudinal thermal feature of the warp son in contact with the currents continuously along their length. The

  intermediate parts of the fabric, between the lines containing

  yarns that are not thermally shrunk, give a crepe or ruffle appearance as indicated by

the photograph of Figure 12.

EXAMPLE 3

  A pile fabric of the type indicated in Example 1 is treated in the processing apparatus of FIG. 1 at a speed of 1.8 m / min. The temperature of the air

  in the dispenser is maintained at 370 ° C and the pressure

  is 0.14 bar. For a fabric speed of 1.8 m / min, the hot air outlet channels of the wedge described in Example 1, but spaced at a pitch of 2.5 mm, are selectively blocked by currents. of colder compressed air from the cold air outlets in the dispenser slot, depending on the drawing information. The cold air pressure is maintained at 0.84 bar in the cold air distributor. The treated fabric has a design comprising a series of distinct narrow grooves and well

  delimited as shown in the photograph of Figure 13.

EXAMPLE 4

  Two polyester fabrics indicated in

  example 2 with the conditions and the communication device

  cold air drawing example 3 so that the

  warp yarns undergo thermal shrinkage at

  distantly along the direction of travel of the fabric. The fabric obtained, according to the transmitted design information, has a pleated and blistered appearance as

  shown in the photographs of Figures 14 and 15.

EXAMPLE 5

  A polyester pile fabric is treated in the form of

  velvety, neither thermally fixed nor thermally

  truction shown in Example 1, with the apparatus of

  Figure 1, for a treatment speed of 1.85 m / min.

  The fabric has a unidirectional tilt of the hair-forming threads and moves in front of the slot of the

  distributor of hot air in a direction opposite to the meaning of

  bending of the threads in the fabric as indicated on the

  Figures 9 and 10. The compressed air heated to a temperature of 1500C in the dispenser and at a pressure of 0.11 bar is constantly directed against the moving surface in the perpendicular direction. The width of the slot is 0.41 mm. The air current striking the surface of the fabric causes the scraping of the fabric which takes a position

  vertical perpendicular practically uniform

  wearing on the surface of the fabric and upside down of it.

  The treated fabric gives a uniform surface appearance to

perpendicular hair.

EXAMPLE 6

  A "Nylon" trim knit and a trimming

  acrylic filler neck, each having a mass of about 406 g / m 2 and a pile height of 2.5 mm, in the apparatus of FIG. 1 and under the processing conditions and with the spacer described in Example 1 The "Nylon" treated knit has a distinct and well-defined pattern of shallow grooves, wherein the threads which contact the hot air currents have longitudinal shrinkage of the fabric upside down. The acrylic fabric also has a grooved surface pattern, but with a less distinct appearance and a poorer delineation of the grooves than in the melt-spun thermoplastic material fabric, for example polyester and polyester fabrics. Nylon"

other examples.

  In the above specific examples, the processing speeds of the fabric in the apparatus may be increased by preheating the fabric prior to its passage in front of the dispenser slot. For example, the fabric may be preheated by infrared heaters of known type and / or by heating

of the support cylinder 16.

  Although the preceding examples set out

  examples of operating conditions suitable for processing

  In the case of friable textile fabrics and fabrics, giving visual patterns and changes in the surface, it should be noted that the process fluid and the temperatures and conditions of treatment with the fluid may vary with the particular construction of the substrate and the appearance particular that must be given to the surface. Excellent results are obtained for pattern formation in pile fabrics containing thermoplastic yarns at processing speeds of about 3.6 to 5.5 m / min, with hot air temperatures at devices

  heating, between 315 and 3700C, for pres-

  from 0.14 to 0.49 bar in the distribution compartment. In general, the pressures used can be increased when the escape slot or the channels

  formed by the slot have a smaller section. Temperatures

  Higher gas erasures may also be desirable when a cold compressed gas is used for control

  circulation of hot gas currents.

  A number of substrates are contacted

  having various constructions and compositions with a

  heated compressed air stream directed from an orifice of a single fixed nozzle having a diameter of 0.76 mm to show the ability of various substrate materials to exhibit changes by applying streams of a fluid compressed heated in selected regions of the surface of the substrate, according to the invention. The substrates are moved randomly near the orifice under the treatment conditions shown in the following table. Visual observation of the treated substrate under the conditions indicated above shows that narrow grooves are formed in the regions of the surface which are in contact with the hot air stream for the substrates 1 to 5, with a more precise delimitation of the formed grooves in

  substrates 1 to 4 containing a thermally fibrous material

  plastic spun in the molten state, with respect to non-thermoplastic fibers such as rayon (substrate 5) or Distance between pressure temperature orifice and air substrate, air bar, C surface of the substrate

1) Fabric

holding a sur-

hair face

stuck and

born of a

filament

  polyethylene 0.07 204 2.5 2) Sheet of paper containing a bonded pile surface having

a filamentary material

  based on polyethylene 0.21 177 2.5

3) Non-woven fabric

woven and needle

* letée formed by

a filamentary material

  Polypropylene based 1.05 315 2.5 4) Tufted pile fabric formed by

wires of poly-

  propylene 0.42 315 2.5) Stuffed rayon fabric 0.35 315 2.5 6) Spunbonded "nylon" 66 fabric (34 g / m2) 0.40 315 2.5

  with acrylic fibers, as shown in Example 6.

  In the substrate 6 of the table, the conditions of treatment by the drafts are such that these

  through the substrate, this indi-

  whereas the invention can also be used for the formation of lace effects in fabrics and substrates

in tablecloths.

  Thus, it is noted that the use of the apparatus and the method according to the invention allow the modification of the surface of textile fabrics containing yarns and fibers.

  thermoplastics and other substrates, with

  precise, well-defined and complex drawings,

  corresponding aspects of the surface. The treatment of the fabrics can be carried out before dyeing, so that it then presents a differential dyeing sample,

  in thermally modified and unmodified fibers and yarns

  This behavior gives two-tone coloring effects as well as surface

the fabrics.

  It should further be noted that it is advantageous that the heating temperature of the compressed gas is, if necessary, greater than the second order glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic material of the fibers or yarns. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art to the devices and methods which have just been described solely as examples.

  non-limiting without departing from its scope.

Claims (61)

  1. Apparatus for treating a moving substrate with respect to the apparatus, by applying a heated gas   under pressure on selected parts of the surface of the sub-   strat to modify the visible appearance of the surface of the substrate, said apparatus being characterized in that it comprises:   a) a distributor (30) delimiting a compartment   intended to receive a pressurized heated gas and having a narrow and elongated discharge slot (32)   gas communicating with the compartment and designed to direct   a stream of heated compressed gas against the surface of the   mobile substrate, and a device for selectively stopping the   gas heated in the slot at specific locations.   after the length thereof, and b) a device for presenting the surface of a substrate in relative motion relative to the narrow and elongated slot so that the substrate is in contact with the substrate.   one or more streams of hot gas under pressure   raked by the slot (32) in a direction inclined by   relative to the direction of relative displacement of the substrate.   2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the device for selectively stopping the passage of gas   heated in the slot at defined locations   takes a device (78) for selectively directing one or more compressed and relatively cold gas streams transversely to the slot (32) at locations chosen along this one.   3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized   in that the dispenser (30) further comprises a   as an elongated spacer (99) having a plurality of elongate slots (100) spaced along an edge of the plate, which plate is disposed in the narrow, elongate slot (32) of the dispenser (30) so that its edge having the notches are disposed in the slot and delimits with it several remote channels formed in the slot and communicating with the distributor compartment so that a corresponding number of hot gas streams under   pressure is directed towards the surface of a mod-   bile passing in front, and the device intended to direct   selectively one or more gas streams under pres-   and relatively cold transverse to the slot (32) has gas outlets (78) formed in each of the channels and having intersecting evacuation axes   the evacuation axes of said channels.   4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the device for selectively directing one or more cold gas streams transversely to the slot (32) further comprises a conduit and a valve (80, 82) for transmitting a gas cold under pressure at each of the gas outlets, and a draft control device for controlling the valves in accordance   information relating to a drawing.   Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the device for selectively directing the relatively cold compressed gas comprises a device (95)   of cooling the gas before its transverse passage- at the crack.   6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized   in that the device for presenting the substrate in de-   placement includes a device for moving the sub-   strat in front of the slot (32) along a longitudinal path which passes very close to the slot, a device for interrupting the displacement of the substrate, and a device (98) for moving the slot (32) away from the distributor of the   surface of the substrate when it does not move.   7. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a device for introducing a heated compressed gas into the distributor compartment,   comprising an elongated distributor (38) of cold gas of   designed to receive a relatively cold compressed gas,   a plurality of individual heating devices (48) each having a gas inlet and a gas outlet and a device for heating the compressed gas circulating therein, and a duct (50, 52) connecting the heating devices in parallel so that their inputs gas communicate with cold gas distributor (38) at remote locations   over the length of the latter, the gas outlets of the   heating devices communicating with the dispenser compartment (30) at locations uniformly spaced along the length of the dispenser so that the uniform distribution of the heated and compressed gas in the compartment   of the dispenser (30) is facilitated.   8. Apparatus for treating a moving substrate   relative to it, by application of a fluid under pres-   selected parts of the surface so that the   Visual pect of the substrate is modified and forms a drawing   said apparatus being characterized in that 1S takes   a) a distributor (30) delimiting a compartment   intended to receive a fluid under pressure and comprises   a narrow, elongated slot (32) for discharging a compressed fluid from the compartment, and b) a wedge device comprising a   elongate plate (99) having a plurality of notches (100)   parallel and spaced apart from each other   others along one edge of the plate, the latter being   in the dispenser compartment (30) so that the edge with the notches is in the slot   narrow and elongate (32) and along it and delimiting   with it, several distant channels formed in the slot and intended to direct a corresponding number of   flows of compressed fluid against the surface of a sub-   movable strat passing in front, and the notches (100) of the plate open into the dispenser compartment (30) so that they form elongated entrances to the channels, side portions of the plate defining the inputs being intended to cooperate with foreign particles present in the compressed fluid and to prevent   their passage in the canals while allowing the circulation   continuous compression of the compressed fluid in these channels.   9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a device (52) for introducing the fluid heated under pressure in the compartment, and a baffle device (74) placed in the compartment of the dispenser (30) and for directing the flow of fluid introduced into the compartment in the opposite direction before evacuation through the channels.   Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized   in that the dispenser (30) has upper walls   upper and lower chambers (70, 71) detachably cooperating with each other to define the narrow and elongated slot (32), said upper and lower walls clamping the wedge plate (99) in the slot to this plate can be easily removed and replaced with plates having other slot configurations so that the pattern formed on the surface of the substrate moving in front of the slot (32) of the dispenser can to be modified.   11. A method of forming a pattern giving a visual appearance to the surface of a moving substrate with respect to the apparatus and containing thermoplastic elements, said method being characterized in that it comprises a) the direction of a or more streams of heated and pressurized gas in and out of a defined space to the surface of the substrate at spaced locations along the width thereof, with selective control of the flow of a or more streams of heated gas flowing in said space so that the current is blocked, and b) maintaining the temperature of the currents   heated gas to a value sufficient for the characteristics   Thermal properties of the thermoplastic elements of the substrate are modified and give a surface drawing effect.   12. The method of claim 11, characterized   in that the flow rate of one or more streams is selectively regulated by the direction of currents of a relatively cold compressed gas in the transverse direction in the defined space and transversely to the heated gas streams circulating therein so that their circulation be interrupted.   13. The method of claim 11, characterized   in that the substrate is a textile fabric.   14. The method of claim 13, characterized   in that the fabric contains polyester yarns and polyester yarns, when in contact with the streams, undergo a longitudinal withdrawal.   15. The method of claim 13, characterized   in that the textile fabric contains yarns of "Ny-   lon ", and these wires, when in contact with the aforesaid   are thermally modified and give a surface forming a drawing.   16. The method of claim 11, characterized   in that the substrate is a pile fabric containing thermoplastic threads.   17. The method of claim 16, characterized   in that the temperature and pressure of the heated gas streams are maintained at levels sufficient for the thermoplastic yarns to shrink longitudinally when in contact with the streams, whereby the yarns experience a reduction in height on the   the surface of the fabric that has the hair.   18. The method of claim 11, characterized   in that the substrate is a fabric containing threads   thermoplastics, and the temperature and pressure of the   heated gas are kept at   for the threads to shrink longitudinally and for the fabric to fold in areas that are not   not in contact with heated gas currents.   19. The method of claim 18, characterized   in that it includes the selective control of the flow rate of pressurized heated streams to the fabric so that   the formed surface effect corresponds to a drawing that goes   irregularly in the direction of travel of the fabric. 20. Product obtained by implementing the process   according to claim 11, characterized in that the elements   thermoplastic substrates are selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide and polyolefin.   21. Textile fabric containing thermoplastic yarns   ticks having substantially uniform characteristics   thermal shrinkage, said fabric having an appearance of   face forming drawings and being characterized in that   has warp threads that have been longitudinally   dinal at spaced locations along their length so that they form folds in portions of the fabric that do not contain portions of yarn that have undergone longitudinal withdrawal.   22. A plush velvet fabric having a surface appearance forming patterns on the pile side, said fabric being characterized in that it comprises thermoplastic bristles of which some have undergone thermal longitudinal shrinkage and have penetrated the surface, below the height of the adjacent wires, so that they form narrow grooves on the surface of the fabric, the adjacent wires forming the edges of the grooves   practically no withdrawal and disturbance   tion and being perpendicular so that they form   net limits to narrow gorges.   23. Fabric according to claim 22, characterized   riseable in that the pile of threads per unit area is uniform throughout the fabric.   24. Fabric according to claim 22, characterized   in that the grooves are continuous in a direction   the fabric and are spaced in a transverse direction dirty.   25. Fabric according to claim 22, characterized   rised in that the grooves are discontinuous in a di- rection of the fabric.   26. Fabric according to claim 22, characterized   2477g08 rised in that the grooves are spaced in the direction   cross-section at intermittently varying distances.   -27. Fabric according to claim 22, characterized   in that it is formed of polyester, polyamide or polyolefin type yarns. 28. A textile fabric having a crepe surface appearance in a pattern, the fabric being characterized by containing thermoplastic yarns having   substantially uniform characteristics of thermal shrinkage   groups of adjacent yarns, parallel to a yarn direction of the fabric, having undergone longitudinal thermal shrinkage along at least parts of their length, whereas yarns of other parts of the fabric have not undergoing longitudinal shrinkage, the fabric thus having the appearance of a pancake.   29. Fabric according to claim 28, characterized   in that the remote wire groups have been heat shrinked only at spaced locations following their length.   30. Fabric according to claim 28, characterized   rised in that groups of yarns have shrunk   thermal continuous along their length.   31. Fabric according to claim 28, characterized   in that the groups of threads are warp yarns and these groups have a spacing intermittently varying transversely to the direction of weft of the fabric.   32. Fabric according to claim 28, characterized   in that the thermoplastic yarns are yarns polyester.   33. Fabric according to claim 28, characterized   ridiculous in that it forms a polyester fabric with plain weave. 34. A method of treating a pile fabric having a surface formed by thermoplastic yarns, having a substantially unidirectional inclination by   compared to the surface, the treatment being intended to reorientate   the wires in a direction substantially perpendicular to   the fabric, said method being characterized in that   takes the relative displacement, in the opposite direction to the direction of   bending of the bristles of the surface, of this surface and of an elongated, narrow and continuous stream of heated gas disposed   transversely to the relative displacement path, this cou-   being directed towards the surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement relative to the point of contact of the current with the surface or in a direction at a greater angle, and maintaining the pressure and temperature of the gas of the stream at values that are sufficient for the hair threads to be reoriented and   thermally fixed in a perpendicular position uniformly.   35. The process according to claim 34, characterized   rised in that the relative displacement is obtained by moving   of an undefined length of pile   in front of a stream of heated gas having a fixed position.   36. The method of claim 34, characterized   in that the stream is directed by passage of a pressurized heated gas into a narrow and elongated gas outlet slot of a dispenser, said slot being   arranged transversely to the relative displacement path.   37. A method of treating a plush pile fabric formed of thermoplastic yarns, said process being intended to modify the visual appearance of the surface and being characterized in that it comprises: a) the direction of a plurality of narrow individual streams a gas heated under pressure towards the surface to   at locations distant transversely to that   ci, with relative movement of the fabric and currents   so that they come to hit the next naked surface   a corresponding number of narrow, allon-   located along the fabric, and b) adjusting the temperature and pressure of the heated gas streams under pressure so that the thermoplastic yarns of said lines undergo longitudinal shrinkage and contraction forming grooves.   corresponding narrow lines in the nude surface without   significant alignment of adjacent wires that form   side walls of the gorges which are   diculaires in the plane of the surface of the fabric.   38. The method of claim 37, characterized   in that the temperature of the heated gas currents striking the surface of the fabric is greater than the second order glass transition temperature of the wires.   thermoplastic bristles of the fabric.   39. The method of claim 37, characterized   in that it includes the selective adjustment of the flow of the currents during the relative movement so that the   narrow and elongated gorges that are formed are dis-   continuous in the direction of relative displacement.   40. The method of claim 37, characterized   in that the streams are directed to the surface of the fabric by at least one gas discharge outlet of an elongated dispenser containing a heated gas, the temperature of the gas in the dispenser being comprised between about 315 and 3450C.   41. The method of claim 40, characterized   rised in that the gas pressure in the distributor   is between about 0.14 and 0.42 bar.   42. The method of claim 41, characterized   rised in that the relative speed of movement is com-   taken between about 3.6 and 5.5 m / min.   43. The method of claim 37, characterized   in that the distance between the dispenser gas outlet and the pile surface of the fabric does not exceed not about 1.25 mm.   44. A method of modifying the visual appearance of the surface of a moving substrate so that this surface takes a visual design, said method being characterized in that it comprises:   a) the direction of a fluid under pressure   designed to create a change of appearance of the surface of the sub-   particular stratum to be dealt with, by a narrow slot and   long, with blockage of the passage of the fluid under pressure   in parts of the slot so that the fluid under pres-   sion is directed along a plurality of separate streams under pressure to the surface of the substrate, and   (b) the relative displacement of the surface of the sub-   strat and fluid streams under pressure so   that the currents striking the surface give a visible drawing. suel wanted.   45. The method of claim 44, characterized   in that the surface of the substrate is formed by a thermally deformable material, and the pressurized streams are maintained at a temperature causing thermal deformation of the material with which they are in touch.   46. The method of claim 45, characterized   in that the substrate is a textile fabric.   47. The method of claim 46, characterized   in that the fabric contains fiber elements   thermoplastic yarns which undergo a long-term shrinkage   longitudinal when in contact with fluid currents heated under pressure.   48. The method of claim 47, characterized   in that the fiber elements or thermoplastic yarns   ticks form a bristle-like surface on the fabric substrate, and the pressurized fluid streams are controlled to form a plurality of narrow and distinct grooves in the pile surface, fibers or wires in the grooves and undergoing a longitudinal shrinkage in the bristle-bearing surface while the fibers or wires forming the side portions of the grooves undergo substantially no shrinkage and are substantially undisturbed by the heated currents of fluid.   49. Product characterized in that it is obtained   by carrying out the process according to claim 48.   50. Method of modifying the visual appearance of the surface of a fleece textile fabric which is movable   and which contains elements of yarn or thermo-   plastics in the bristles, the method being intended to   a visual design and being characterized in that it take:   (a) the direction of more than one   at elevated temperature on the surface of the pile-carrying fabric, with relative movement of that surface and currents, and b) adjusting the temperature, pressure and size of the currents so that the fibers or wires which are in contact with the currents undergo a longitudinal shrinkage and that several distinct grooves are formed   in the pile surface, the yarns or fibers forming the   side kings of throats undergoing virtually no   shrinkage and not disturbed on the surface of the fabric.   51. A textile product, characterized in that   is obtained by carrying out the process according to the 50.   52. Apparatus for directing one or more streams of fluid heated under pressure in directions   chosen, maintaining a substantially uniform temperature   form of the heated fluid stream or streams, said apparatus being characterized in that it comprises a distributor (30) delimiting an elongated compartment intended to receive   a fluid heated and under pressure and comprising a device   outlet manifold (32) for directing the heated fluid outwardly as one or more streams along the dispenser compartment, wherein a plurality of fluid inlet conduits (50, 52) communicate with the   distributor compartment at uniform locations   spaced along the length of the dispenser, a device   heater (48) associated with each fluid inlet duct, so that the circulating fluid is heated, a device (24) for transmitting   energy substantially uniformly with each   heating system so that it is heated, a   positive (28) for determining the temperature of the heated fluid near the communication location of the   each of the inlet ducts with the compartment of the dis-   tributor, and a valve (61) in each inlet conduit for gradually adjusting the flow of fluid in each inlet conduit and in the associated heater so that the temperature of the fluid is adjusted at spaced locations along the   valve compartment (30) and so that a temperature   fluid flow is established along the compartment. *is lying.   53. Apparatus according to claim 52, characterized   in that the temperature determination device   the fluid stream includes a temperature sensing device (54) located in the fluid stream near each of the inlet conduit communication locations with the dispenser compartment (30), and a   temperature indicator (58) connected to the detecting device   for the observation of the temperature of the   heated fluid detected by each detection device.   54. Apparatus according to claim 52, characterized   in that each valve (61) is a spool valve   placed in each of the ducts, upstream of the associated heating system (48).   55. Apparatus according to claim 52, characterized   in that the device for transmitting energy to each heating device comprises a source (60) of energy, a device (26) for detecting the temperature of the heated fluid at a single location on the   along the dispenser compartment (30), and a device   tif (24) uniform adjustment of energy transmission   to all the heaters according to the temperature detected temperature.   Apparatus according to claim 55, characterized   in that each of the heaters (48)   comprises an electric heating assembly having an   trea and a fluid outlet and a fluid passage to   inside, and an electric heating element   passing through and intended to heat the fluid which circulates in the heating assembly.   57. Apparatus according to claim 52, characterized   in that it comprises a cold fluid distributor (38) delimiting an elongated compartment and receiving a relatively cold and pressurized fluid, each of the fluid inlet conduits (50, 52) communicating with the   compartment of the cold fluid dispenser at locations   uniformly spaced along the length of this distribution.   scorer so that cold fluid under pressure can be evenly distributed to the dispenser compartment (30) heated fluid.   58. An apparatus for treating a moving substrate with a pressurized fluid having a high temperature, said apparatus being of the type which comprises a device (30) for directing one or more high pressure fluid streams to the surface of the movable substrate so that this surface undergoes a visual effect, and a rotatable cylinder (16) for supporting the moving substrate in the contact position of its surface with the fluid stream or streams heated under pressure, said   apparatus being characterized in that it comprises a   sitive device (96) for circulating a transmission fluid.   heat mission within the cylinder so that the heat is uniformly transmitted around the peripheral surface of the cylinder (16) and the cylinder (16) does not undergo deformation and bulging during the treatment with a compressed fluid, is heating   differential of different parts of its peri- pheric.   59. Apparatus according to claim 58, characterized   characterized in that the cylinder comprises an elongate and rotatable cylinder disposed transversely to the path of movement of the substrate to support the latter, an internal compartment containing a fluid and disposed along the length of the cylinder, and a device (91) for introduction of a liquid   in the compartment so that this li-   which circulates and transmits heat uniformly over   turn of the periphery of the surface of the cylinder.   A method of maintaining a heated and pressurized fluid at a uniform temperature, the fluid being dispensed from a compartment of an elongated dispenser, in the form of one or more streams formed along the   distributor compartment, said method being characterized in that it comprises:   a) the compressed fluid direction in the com-   elongated part of a distributor, by several inlet ducts and by individual heating devices   associated with these conduits, the latter communicating with the   stretcher lying at distant locations on its length LATIONS,   b) the transmission of energy to each of the heating devices, in a uniform quantity, so that the fluid under   pressure that flows through these devices is heated, c) determining the temperature of the heated fluid flowing in the dispenser compartment near each location for introducing pressurized fluid from said conduits, d) gradually adjusting the flow of fluid heated transmitted in selected input ducts and   the associated heating devices according to the   temperature extremes so that a uniform temperature   form be established in the heated fluid and underpressure   opening into the compartment along the length of this   and then e) detecting the temperature of the heated fluid transmitted to the dispenser compartment at a single location along it and adjusting the amount of energy uniformly transmitted to each of the heaters as a function of that temperature.   so that the temperature of the fluid present in the remain at the desired value.   61. The method of claim 60, characterized   rised in that the pressurized fluid passing through the   inlet ducts and the heating devices is re-   progressively adjusted by manual adjustment of a control valve disposed in each fluid inlet duct.