Patent US4574413A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4574413A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods and apparatus for employing electrical conductivity for fixing dye to carpets
Assignee: Otting International Inc
•
Filing: 1985-03-14
•
Granted: 1986-03-11
•
Expires: 2005-03-14
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus for fixing dye to pile fabrics such as carpet material by employing the electrical conductivity of the wet carpet itself for the purpose of heating the carpet and dye to a temperature sufficient to fix the dye. The present apparatus, in the space of several feet along the length of a continuous carpet treating apparatus, performs the same function as a conventional carpet steamer, which is typically several hundred feet in length. In one specific form, the electric current is passed in a direction through the thickness of the carpet employing a pair of flat plate-like electrodes which contact the front and back surface of the carpet. In another specific form, the electric current is passed through the carpet in a direction generally parallel to a surface of the carpet, e.g. longitudinally, employing electrodes on the back surface of the carpet which do not disturb any pattern which may be printed on the carpet during the dyeing process. A dye fixing station employing electrical conductivity also may be employed in combination with a carpet steamer of conventional construction, but of greatly-reduced length, e.g., thirty feet.
Inventors
- 👤 David L. Otting
- 👤 Billy J. Otting
- 👤 Robert B. Putney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 20:13
CPC Classifications
D; D06; D06B; D06B19/00; D06B19/0005; D06B19/007; D06P; D06P5/00; D06P5/20; D06P5/2016
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 47
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for fixing to wet carpet dye applied in liquid form to the carpet, said method comprising physically and electrically contacting the wet carpet with electrodes in order to establish a conductive path, and passing through the wet carpet by means of the electrodes an electric current of sufficient magnitude to cause heating of the carpet and dye to a temperature sufficient to fix the dye to the carpet.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for fixing to wet carpet dye applied in liquid form to the carpet, said method comprising physically and electrically contacting the wet carpet with electrodes in order to establish a conductive path, and passing through the wet carpet by means of the electrodes an electric current of sufficient magnitude to cause heating of the carpet and dye to a temperature sufficient to fix the dye to the carpet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the electric current is an AC current.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method in accordance with claim 2, wherein the temperature to which the carpet and dye are heated is the boiling point temperature of the liquid dye.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the temperature to which the carpet and dye are heated is the boiling point temperature of the liquid dye.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method in accordance with claim 1, which comprises physically and electrically contacting the wet carpet with electrodes arranged for passing the electric current in a direction through the thickness of the carpet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method in accordance with claim 5, which further comprises continuously transporting a length of carpet through a dye fixing station at which the electric current is passed through the carpet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method in accordance with claim 1, which comprises physically and electrically contacting the wet carpet with electrodes arranged for passing the electric current in a direction generally parallel to a surface of the carpet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method in accordance with claim 7, which further comprises continuously transporting a length of carpet through a dye fixing station at which the electric current is passed through the carpet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method in accordance with claim 1, which further comprises continuously transporting a length of carpet through a dye fixing station at which the electric current is passed through the carpet.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for continuous treatment of a length of carpet material, said method comprising the steps of sequentially: wetting the carpet with a dye-compatible liquid; applying dye in liquid form to the carpet; physcially and electrically contacting the wet carpet with electrodes in order to establish a conductive path; and passing through the wet carpet by means of the electrodes an electric current of sufficient magnitude to cause heating of the carpet and dye to a temperature sufficient to fix the dye to the carpet.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for continuous treatment of a length of carpet material, said method comprising the steps of sequentially: wetting the carpet with a dye-compatible liquid; applying dye in liquid form to the carpet; physcially and electrically contacting the wet carpet with electrodes in order to establish a conductive path; and passing through the wet carpet by means of the electrodes an electric current of sufficient magnitude to cause heating of the carpet and dye to a temperature sufficient to fix the dye to the carpet.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the electric current is an AC current.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the temperature to which the carpet and due are heated is the boiling point temperature of the liquid dye.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method in accordance with claim 10, which further comprises ensuring that the dye-compatible wetting liquid and the liquid dye have sufficient electrical conductivity to pass the electric current.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method in accordance with claim 13, wherein both the wetting liquid and the liquid dye are aqueous and include in the order of two grams per liter of a dissolved salt to enhance electrical conductivity.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method in accordance with claim 10, which comprises: applying dye to the carpet substantially uniformly to produce a solid color; and passing the electric current in a direction through the thickness of the carpet.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method in accordance with claim 10, which comprises: applying dye to the carpet to form a pattern; and applying electric current to the back side of the carpet such that the electric current flows in a direction generally parallel to a surface of the carpet and the pattern is substantially undisturbed.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
81 words
Apparatus for fixing to wet carpet dye applied in liquid form to the carpet, said apparatus comprising at least a pair of electrodes disposed for physically and electrically contacting the wet carpet in order to establish a conductive path and arranged for connection to an electric power source so as to pass through the wet carpet an electric current of sufficient magnitude to cause heating of the carpet and dye to a temperature sufficient to fix the dye to the carpet.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
81 words
Apparatus for fixing to wet carpet dye applied in liquid form to the carpet, said apparatus comprising at least a pair of electrodes disposed for physically and electrically contacting the wet carpet in order to establish a conductive path and arranged for connection to an electric power source so as to pass through the wet carpet an electric current of sufficient magnitude to cause heating of the carpet and dye to a temperature sufficient to fix the dye to the carpet.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 17, wherein said electrodes are arranged for connection to an AC electric power source.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 17, wherein said electrodes are disposed for physically and electrically contacting opposite surfaces of the carpet so as to pass the electric current in a direction through the thickness of the carpet.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 19, wherein said electrodes comprise a horizontally-disposed plate-like lower electrode arranged for supporting the carpet by the carpet back side, and a horizontally-disposed plate-like upper electrode opposite said lower electrode arranged for bearing against the front side of the carpet.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 20, wherein said upper electrode is arranged to bear against the carpet with a force equivalent to a weight in order of seven pounds per square foot.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 21, wherein said upper electrode comprises an aluminum plate in the order of one-half inch thick disposed so as to bear by the force of gravity on the carpet.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 22, which further comprises an upper plate support structure arranged to limit downward movement of said upper plate in the absence of carpet so as to prevent electrical contact between said upper and lower plates, and arranged to permit freely floating vertical movement of said upper plate in the presence of carpet so as to maintain physically and electrical contact of said upper plate with the carpet.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 17, which further comprises a driving arrangement for continuously advancing a length of carpet past said electrodes.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 24, wherein said electrodes are disposed for physically and electrically contacting opposite surfaces of the carpet so as to pass the electric current in a direction through the thickness of the carpet.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 24, wherein said electrodes are disposed for physically and electrically contacting the back surface of the carpet so as to pass the electric current in a direction generally parallel to a surface of the carpet.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 26, wherein said electrodes are elongated and embedded in a semi-cylindrical electrode support member over which the length of carpet is pulled.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
86 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 26, which further comprises: a cylindrical roll of electrically insulative material and guides for bringing the back side of the carpet in contact with at least a portion of the cylindrical surface of said roll; and said electrodes being elongated and embedded at the cylindrical surface of said cylindrical roll parallel to the axis of said roll and circumferentially spaced from one another so as to pass the electric current in a direction generally parallel to a surface of the carpet.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 28, which further comprises a roll drive for rotating said cylindrical roll as the carpet is advanced.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 29, wherein said roll drive rotates said roll in a direction and at a rotational velocity such that the cylindrical surface of said roll moves in the same direction as and faster than the carpet.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
126 words
Apparatus for continuous treatment of a length of carpet, said apparatus comprising: a wet-out station for wetting the carpet with a dye-compatible liquid; a dye applicator for applying dye in liquid form to the carpet; a dye fixing station including at least a pair of electrodes disposed for physically and electrically contacting the wet carpet in order to establish a conductive path and arranged for connection to an electric power source so as to pass through the wet carpet an electric current of sufficient magnitude to cause heating of the carpet dye to a temperature sufficient to fix the dye to the carpet; and a driving arrangement for continuously advancing the length of carpet through said wet-out station, said dye applicator, and said dye fixing station.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
126 words
Apparatus for continuous treatment of a length of carpet, said apparatus comprising: a wet-out station for wetting the carpet with a dye-compatible liquid; a dye applicator for applying dye in liquid form to the carpet; a dye fixing station including at least a pair of electrodes disposed for physically and electrically contacting the wet carpet in order to establish a conductive path and arranged for connection to an electric power source so as to pass through the wet carpet an electric current of sufficient magnitude to cause heating of the carpet dye to a temperature sufficient to fix the dye to the carpet; and a driving arrangement for continuously advancing the length of carpet through said wet-out station, said dye applicator, and said dye fixing station.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 31, wherein the dye-compatible wetting liquid and the liquid dye have sufficient electrical conductivity to pass the electric current.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 32, wherein both the wetting liquid and the liquid dye are aqueous and include in the order of two grams per liter of a dissolved salt to enhance electrical conductivity.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 31 wherein: said dye applicator is arranged so as to apply dye to the carpet substantially uniformly to produce a solid color; and wherein said electrodes of said dye fixing station are disposed for physically and electrically contacting opposite surfaces of the carpet so as to pass the electric current in a direction through the thickness of the carpet.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 34, wherein said electrodes comprise a horizontally-disposed plate-like lower electrode arranged for supporting the carpet by the carpet back side, and a horizontally-disposed plate-like upper electrode opposite said lower electrode arranged for bearing against the front side of the carpet.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 35, wherein said upper electrode is arranged to bear against the carpet with a force equivalent to a weight in order of seven pounds per square foot.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 36, wherein said upper electrode comprises an aluminum plate in the order of one-half inch thick disposed so as to bear by the force of gravity on the carpet.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 37, which further comprises an upper plate support structure arranged to limit downward movement of said upper plate in the absence of carpet so as to prevent electrical contact between said upper and lower plates, and arranged to permit freely floating vertical movement of said upper plate in the presence of carpet so as to maintain physical and electrical contact of said upper plate with the carpet.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
63 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 31, wherein: said dye applicator is arranged so as to apply dye to the carpet in a pattern; and wherein said electrodes of said dye fixing station are disposed for physically and electrically contacting the back surface of the carpet so as to pass the electric current in a direction generally parallel to a surface of the carpet.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 39, wherein said electrodes are elongated and embedded in a semi-cylindrical electrode support member over which the length of carpet is pulled.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
113 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 39, wherein: said dye applicator is arranged so as to apply dye to the carpet in a pattern; and wherein said dye fixing station comprises a cylindrical roll of electrically insulative material, guides for bringing the back side of the carpet in physical contact with at least a portion of the cylindrial surface of said roll, and said electrodes being elongated and embedded at the cylindrical surface of said cylindrical roll parallel to the axis of said roll and circumferentially spaced from one another so as to pass the electric current in a direction generally parallel to a surface of the carpet and to avoid disturbing the pattern.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 41, which further comprise a roll drive for rotating said cylindrical roll as the carpet is advanced.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 42, wherein said roll drive rotates said roll in a direction and at a rotational velocity such that the cylindrical surface of said roll moves in the same direction as and slightly faster than the carpet.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-03-10 | 1989-09-09 | 1990-03-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-10 | 1993-09-09 | 1994-03-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-10 | 1997-09-09 | 1998-03-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |