Abstract: A pressure saturator system includes a grooved mandrel and an opposed element which define a converging chamber therebetween. A web is passed through the chamber with a first side of the web adjacent the mandrel. A liquid saturant is introduced into the chamber such that the saturant contacts the second side of the web and impregnates the web as the web passes through the chamber. A gas receiving belt is passed through the chamber with the belt interposed between the web and the mandrel and in contact with the first side of the web. The belt receives gases and any excess saturant form the first side of the web as the saturant enters the web in the chamber, thereby facilitating the removal of gases from the web, improving the saturation process, and protecting the mandrel from undesired contact with the saturant. In alternate embodiments the betls is formed of a porous material or defines an array of gas receiving slots positioned against the first side of the web.

Abstract: A pressure saturator for impregnating a substrate with a saturant is disclosed, having a block member with an arcuate, sloping upper surface that is graduated from a relatively deep portion to a relatively shallow portion. Rollers are disposed on each side of the block member for conveying the substrate into and out of the saturator, and a mandrel is disposed between the rollers for guiding the substrate through the saturator. The lower portion of the mandrel is spaced from the block member and extends into the recess formed by the arcuate surface to define a chamber therebetween. The chamber has an inlet and an outlet for admitting the substrate and the saturant, and converges in depth from the inlet region to the outlet region to pressurize the solution and force the saturant into the interstices of the substrate.

Abstract: A pressure saturator for impregnating porous substrate materials with solids in solution, in which a reservoir contains the saturant solution and has a base member with a portion forming a depression therein. A mandrel is disposed within the depression in spaced relation to the surface of the depression. Preferably, the distance between the surface of the depression and the mandrel is three times the thickness of the substrate material. Heating elements are disposed in the base and heat the portion of the base member forming the depression, thereby heating the solution between the mandrel and the surface of the depression. The substrate is fed into the saturator from a supply roll and is passed through the space between the depression and the mandrel. The heated solution causes solids from the solution to replace the air in the interstices of the substrate in a near 100 percent weight-to-weight saturation.

Abstract: An apparatus which controls the electric tracking motors of solar energy collectors and other solar devices which are adapted to be aimed at the sun.

Abstract: A sponge mitt is covered with an abrasive surface material. The mitt is composed of a sponge material covered with a piece of woven, knitted or mesh material. The mitt is used wet to treat and smooth a joint between plasterboard drywall building panels.