High production steamer for tubular knitted fabric or the like

Abstract

A high production steamer for tubular knitted fabrics or the like which comprises means for distending and conveying the fabric along a predetermined, generally horizontal processing plane and a pair of steam boxes mounted in opposed relation, one above and one below the processing plane. The steam boxes are of a heretofore known dripless construction which includes discharge openings extending across the width of the fabric and arranged to direct steam toward the upper and lower faces of the fabric. According to the invention, a novel steam confining means is provided to confine the discharged steam to a limited region closely surrounding the fabric. The confining means comprises a chamber formed by wall-forming members associated with the discharge sides of the steam boxes and the end plates of the opposed steam boxes which are arranged in a contacting relation along the sides of the path of conveyance for the fabric. To advantage, the steam confining means will facilitate an effective steam penetration of the fabric in a relatively short time period. Means are also provided to heat the upper regions of the steam confining means to prevent condensation of the discharged steam above the processing plane.