Abstract: A pressure pad comprises a plenum chamber, adapted to be conneceted to a pressurized-fluid supply means, having a pair of parallel slit nozzles formed in a top wall, and the chamber is arranged underneath a path of a strip. The plenum chamber is provided with holes in the top wall and at least two obstructions on the top wall. The holes are arranged on imaginary lines that extend between the nozzles on both sides of the top wall and central portions thereof point to adjacent edges of the path. Each of the obstructions comprises at least one obstructing wall arranged on either side of one of the imaginary lines. The lines may have V-, Arch- or Bracket-shaped configurations.

Abstract: A line for continuously annealing and pickling a stainless steel strip comprising: a drying/temperature adjusting zone, provided between a water cooling zone and a tank containing a neutral salt electrolytic solution, including hot air jetting means which controls the temperature and amount of hot air so as to dry the stainless steel strip after the stainless steel strip is cooled with water and uniformly heat the temperature of the material of the stainless steel strip.

Abstract: An improved floatation-type pressure pad is described as having lines of jet nozzles which are so arranged at the opposing ends of the pad that streams or jets of gas, emitting from the nozzles and striking a strip of material passing nearby, tend to stretch the material in a crosswise direction to flatten the strip and eliminate any crosswise distortions in the strip. Ancillary to this, is vertically offsetting pairs of adjacent pads to momentarily form in the strip of material, an inclination or wave in a lengthwise direction to help flatten the strip and eliminate such distortions in the strip.

Abstract: An improved floatation-type pressure pad is described as having lines of jet nozzles which are so arranged at the opposing ends of the pad that streams or jets of gas, emitting from the nozzles and striking a strip of material passing nearby, tend to stretch the material in a crosswise direction to flatten the strip and eliminate any crosswise distortions in the strip. Ancillary to this, is vertically offsetting pairs of adjacent pads to momentarily form in the strip of material, an inclination or wave in a lengthwise direction to help flatten the strip and eliminate such distortions in the strip.