Abstract: The invention provides a method and composition for coating a ferrous metal surface with a zirconium/vanadium conversion coating which is substantially free of an organic film forming composition and tannins. The method is a low temperature method which contemplates an aqueous conversion coating composition which is low in phosphates and which comprises zirconium, vanadium, fluoride, as well as phosphate ions in a ratio and a concentration effective for providing a conversion-coated ferrous metal surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for applying a liquid lubricant to at least one surface of a moving metal sheet. The apparatus includes a wick and a liquid lubricant reservoir and at least one conduit in flow communication with the wick and reservoir. The liquid lubricant moves from the reservoir in controlled amounts, through the conduit or conduits to the wick by gravity flow and is moved by capillary action through the wick to the surface of the moving metal sheet without the application of an external mechanical force, such as a piston, to generate a pressure gradient through the wick to move the liquid lubricant therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating metal which is capable of selectively monitoring and controlling various aspects of a multi-staged metal treatment process to more accurately and reliably administer treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for applying a liquid lubricant to at least one surface of a moving metal sheet. The apparatus includes a wick and a liquid lubricant reservoir and at least one conduit in flow communication with the wick and reservoir. The liquid lubricant moves from the reservoir in controlled amounts, through the conduit or conduits to the wick by gravity flow and is moved by capillary action through the wick to the surface of the moving metal sheet without the application of an external mechanical force, such as a piston, to generate a pressure gradient through the wick to move the liquid lubricant therethrough.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-chrome rinse and method for treating a phosphate conversion-coated ferrous metal substrate. The rinse comprising zirconium ions, vanadium ions, fluoride ions, and phosphate ions in a ratio and a concentration effective for providing the phosphate conversion-coated ferrous metal substrate with improved corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A solid lubricating and coating composition for metal working which composition is suitable for the addition to water for the formation of an aqueous lubricating and coating composition which aqueous composition when dried will form a hard lubricating film on a substrate, such that film will provide lubricity but residues of film will not buildup on metal working tools and dies. The solid composition includes a solid alkali metal salt of a saturated monocarboxylic acid having from about 12 to 30 carbon atoms; polyethylene glycol or a polyoxyethylene glycol having a molecular weight in the range of from about 1500 to about 8000; an acrylic polymer and an effective amount of a surface active agents to effect low hygroscopicity and complete mixing of the ingredients in water.

Abstract: An aqeuous acidic composition provides improved coating for aluminum. The composition comprises from about 10 to about 150 ppm zirconium, from about 20 to about 250 ppm fluoride, from about 30 to about 125 ppm tannin, from about 15 to about 100 ppm phosphate and from about 5 to about 50 ppm zinc, said coating solution having a tannin to phosphate ratio in the range of at least about 1:1 to about 2:1 and a pH in the range of about 2.3 to about 2.95.

Abstract: An apparatus having an article counter, a set-point register and a comparator, and at least one electrode for detecting solution pH, with a controlled system adapted to add pre-selected amounts of replenishing solution to the cleaning and treating baths controlled by the system when indicated by coincidence between the number in the pre-set counter and the number in the article counter, in response to system pH, whereby the solutions being replenished will retain predetermined characteristics throughout an extended operating life. A method which comprises sampling solution pH counting the articles being treated and replenishing treatments and cleaning solutions in response to article count and pH or other solution condition from time to time to maintain desired process characteristics.

Abstract: A highly acidic aqueous conversion coating for aluminum which is corrosion resistant, provides excellent adhesion with overlaying coatings and does not blacken when the coating substrate is immersed in boiling water. The coating composition is a ternary variety which contains zirconium, fluoride, and tannin. The pH of the coating bath is uniquely more acidic than conventional baths which operate at a pH of 3 and above, and is between 2.3 and 2.95.

Abstract: A firmly adherent black oxide coating for chromium-containing martensitic and ferritic stainless steel substrates, particularly windshield wiper blade assemblies, consisting essentially of (Fe,Cr).sub.2 O.sub.3 and Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4.