Abstract: A wetting device for the mat (10) of a carrier material comprises a grasping frame which is constituted by side ledges (101, 102, 104), whereby the mat to be coated (10) can be fixed by clamps (105) to the side ledges. At least one of the side ledges of the frame is configured flexible (bendable), since it preferably comprises several segments (101, 102) which are hinged together. Thus, the clamped mat (10) can be brought into a cylindrical configuration in which it can be coated by a spray device which is introduced into the inner space of the cylinder. Due to the subsequent bending of the flexible side ledge in the opposite direction, the mat (10) can be brought into a second cylindrical configuration for which its other upper surface constitutes the inner side of the cylinder and is thus available for being coated by the spray device. During the spraying operation, the cylinder axis is preferably orientated vertically in order to avoid non-homogeneities of the coating because of the gravitation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for batch processing semiconductor lasers producing substantially contamination free laser bar end surfaces for optimal growth of end surface layers are provided. The method includes loading a laser cell comprising a plurality of laser bars and an empty cassette capable of holding a plurality of laser bars into a cleaving chamber and pumping the cleaving chamber down to a desired pressure. Next, a cleaving cycle is performed in which an end laser bar is cleaved off the laser cell. The laser bar is deposited in the cassette, while the laser cell is positioned for a subsequent operation. The cleaving cycle repeats until a plurality of laser bars are cleaved off the laser cell and loaded into the cassette. The cassette is then moved into a deposition chamber where a layer of material is deposited on at least one end surface of all of the laser bars in the cassette.

Abstract: A mounting fixture for making a chemical-resistant protective glove has a seal configured to seal the open end of a glove base so the glove base can be inflated. The seal can include a seal that inflates to press against a peripheral sealing ring. An air inlet enables the glove base to be inflated while secured in place on the fixture. A light enables the interior of the glove base to be illuminated, and seals and connections are provided enabling the fixture to be rotated while the glove base is inflated. The glove base can be rotated as a spray coating is applied, and a lamp lights the interior of the glove base as it is rotated and sprayed to assist the operator to identify unsprayed areas.

Abstract: A wetting device for the mat (10) of a carrier material comprises a grasping frame which is constituted by side ledges (101, 102, 104), whereby the mat to be coated (10) can be fixed by clamps (105) to the side ledges. At least one of the side ledges of the frame is configured flexible (bendable), since it preferably comprises several segments (101, 102) which are hinged together. Thus, the clamped mat (10) can be brought into a cylindrical configuration in which it can be coated by a spray device which is introduced into the inner space of the cylinder. Due to the subsequent bending of the flexible side ledge in the opposite direction, the mat (10) can be brought into a second cylindrical configuration for which its other upper surface constitutes the inner side of the cylinder and is thus available for being coated by the spray device. During the spraying operation, the cylinder axis is preferably orientated vertically in order to avoid non-homogeneities of the coating because of the gravitation.

Abstract: Thickness unevenness of a coating liquid layer in a width direction of a web is adjusted by moving a guide roller at the proximity of a coating rod so as to deliberately provide tension variation in the width direction of the web in purpose of forming the coating liquid layer with a desired thickness on the web by the coating rod.

Abstract: A device designed for coating a material web with a coating medium includes a coater, a metering/smoothing device positioned downstream of the coater in the direction of feed of the material web, at a certain distance from the coater, and a support roll around which the material web is guided. Moreover, the material web is guided around the support roll only in the area of the metering/smoothing device, and it traverses essentially in a straight line between the coater and the support roll. In accordance to a first aspect of this invention, a support arrangement supports the material web in the straight web section between the coater and the support roll. In accordance to a second aspect of this invention, devices are provided which stabilize the material web in the area where the web traverses in a straight line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the controlled placement of a shear-thinnable polymer composition into a moving web. The controlled placement is preferably performed by applying the polymer composition onto a surface of a moving web, shear thinning the composition and placing it into the web, and curing the polymer composition. A preferred apparatus includes one or more process heads that has mounted thereto a rigid knife blade for engagement with the moving web. The knife blade is movable vertically and rotationally. The process head is also movable horizontally along the path of the moving web. A plurality of macro and micro tension zones are established and are monitored for controlling the apparatus and process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the placement of a curable, shear-thinnable polymer composition into a porous web. The apparatus comprises means for applying tension, means for applying the polymer composition to one surface of the tensioned web, and means for shear thinning the composition and placing it into the web to encapsulate at least some of the structural elements of the web, leaving most of the interstitial spaces open. A preferred apparatus includes one or more process heads that has mounted thereto a rigid knife blade for engagement with the web. The knife blade is movable vertically and rotationally. The process head is also movable horizontally along the path of the web. The invention also relates to an apparatus for selectively placing the polymer composition in a substantially continuous region extending through the web so that the polymer composition fills the interstitial spaces and adheres adjacent structural elements of the web in the region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the placement of a curable, shear-thinnable polymer composition into a porous web. The apparatus comprises means for applying tension, means for applying the polymer composition to one surface of the tensioned web, and means for shear thinning the composition and placing it into the web to encapsulate at least some of the structural elements of the web, leaving most of the interstitial spaces open. A preferred apparatus includes one or more process heads that has mounted thereto a rigid knife blade for engagement with the web. The knife blade is movable vertically and rotationally. The process head is also movable horizontally along the path of the web. The invention also relates to an apparatus for selectively placing the polymer composition in a substantially continuous region extending through the web so that the polymer composition fills the interstitial spaces and adheres adjacent structural elements of the web in the region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing gypsum board having at least one facing sheet, a core of cementitious material such as low density gypsum, and an intermediate layer of bond promoting material, such as higher density gypsum located therebetween. The apparatus includes a forming table having a transverse gap. The facing sheet travels along the forming table over the gap. A spreader roller has an outer surface extending partially into the gap to depress the facing sheet. The bond promoting material is deposited on the facing sheet upstream of the spreader roller and the spreader roller outer surface rotates in the same direction as the facing sheet to coat the facing sheet with the bond promoting material. The core layer material is deposited on the facing sheet downstream of the spreader roller on top of the bond promoting coating.

Abstract: A filament guide assembly is provided with a support rod carrying a plurality of filament guides each for guiding a respective one of a plurality of filaments. A pair of support blocks mount the support rod at each end thereof to allow for (i) rotational movements between a raised position, wherein the filament guides are spaced from a respective one of the filaments, and a lowered position wherein the guides are in contact with the respective one of the filaments, and (ii) lateral shifting movements between an operative position, wherein the guides are aligned with the respective one of the filaments, and a rest position wherein the guides are laterally misaligned with the respective one of the filaments. Most preferably, the guide assembly is employed in combination with a finish oil applicator so that the guides bias the individual filaments into contact with finish oil nozzles thereof, and in so doing, ensure that positive contact between the finish oil nozzles and the filaments occurs.

Abstract: Thin thermoplastic foil is applied with the aid of a wide slit nozzle and an electrostatic discharge electrode to a nonwoven mat of thermoplastic fibers and filaments on a bonding roller and the resulting composite is then subjected to biaxial stretching utilizing at least some of the bonding heat carried by the composite. The composite may then be thermally fixed before being cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the controlled placement of a shear-thinnable polymer composition into a moving web. The controlled placement is preferably performed by applying the polymer composition onto a surface of a moving web, shear thinning the composition and placing it into the web, and curing the polymer composition. A preferred apparatus includes one or more process heads that has mounted thereto a rigid knife blade for engagement with the moving web. The knife blade is movable vertically and rotationally. The process head is also movable horizontally along the path of the moving web. A plurality of macro and micro tension zones are established and are monitored for controlling the apparatus and process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a moving paper or cardboard web, in which the moving web is brought to a first backing roll and coating mix is metered onto the web by means of a pre-doctoring blade in the form of a high-velocity laminar flow in front of the pre-doctoring blade. The applied coating mix is smoothed evenly onto the web with the pre-doctoring blade and the coated web is brought to a second backing roll, where the applied coating mix is smoothed using a doctor blade working on the web supported by the second backing roll. The tension of the web is measured upstream from the first backing roll and the rotational speed of the second backing roll is set so that the tension of the web is set at a desired value. The rotational speed of the first backing roll is set so that a speed difference between the first and the second backing roll compensates for elongation of the web caused by wetting between the first and second backing rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tipping, cutting, and sorting sutures includes a suture supply, a tipping station wherein delimited portions of the suture are tipped, preferably with a cyanoacrylate tipping agent, a diameter measuring station, a cutting station wherein a knife is operated to cut the suture at a tipped portion to form cut suture lengths having tipped suture ends for insertion into the barrel end aperture of a surgical needle, and a pair of graspers for alternatively grasping and drawing the suture from the suture supply through the tipping apparatus, the diameter measuring station and the cutting station. Optionally, a drying station can be interposed to hasten the curing of the tipping agent. Preferably, a controller is provided for controlling the sequence of operation of the apparatus and for controlling sorting of cut suture lengths deposited by the graspers onto a tilting sorting table.

Abstract: A length of conductive wire is supported between a first reel and a second reel. The first reel is driven to move the wire through the device in a stepped fashion. Each time the wire stops a reciprocating plunger brings a material to be evaporated into contact with the wire. An electric current is passed through the length of wire in the area where the material contacts the wire. The wire is heated by the electric current to melt the material onto the wire to form a bead of material thereon. The wire is advanced to repeat the bead forming process. The wire with the beads formed thereon is wound onto the first reel for later use in an evaporator process. An infrared sensor monitors the heating process to determine if the material is melted at the desired temperature. A sensor is also provided to stop the device if the wire breaks. The advancing of the wire, the operation and refilling of the plunger and the heating of the wire are all performed automatically.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming corrosion protection coatings on prestressing strands. It comprises the steps of untwisting sequential lengths of a prestressing strand; keeping the surrounding steel wires apart from the core steel wire to coat these steel wires with a synthetic resin; and twisting the coated steel wires to provide a prestressing strand of the original shape, thus permitting the separate coating of each steel wire, leaving, on the prestressing strand surface, the helical dent as deep and wide as the noncoated prestressing strand to assure the bond of the twisted wire to the surrounding concrete as firm as the noncoated prestressing strand. Also, an apparatus for carrying out such coating method is disclosed.

Abstract: A grid structure with sinuous interstices comprises intersecting grid sections having undulate surfaces. The intersecting grid sections of the grid structure are made of a composite material consisting of fibers (e.g., graphite fibers) embedded in a matrix (e.g., epoxy resin).

Abstract: A wire tensioning device having a guide for taking up an advancing wire having slack and a brake for applying a braking force to the guides. In a wire insulating system, a wire from a supply reel or spool is passed to a take-up reel or spool, through intervening components, which accumulate, tension and apply insulation to the advancing wire. The wire is first passed from the supply reel to an accumulating device in the form of a vertical accumulator or a flipper payout. From there it is passed through the device of the present invention having a plurality of rotatable sheaves or pulleys about which the advancing wire is trained. A braking force is applied to one of the sheaves by an air brake to apply a tensioning force. From the tensioning device, the wire is fed through an insulation-applying crosshead device and then on to a take-up reel or spool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the speed of a slave drive roller in a coating machine. Speed of the slave drive roller at a second coater is regulated by an adaptive gain allowing greater tolerances when not at run speed. That is, in addition to normal speed correction, the system accommodates greater web speed fluctuation during threadup, acceleration, and deceleration. This accommodation may be based on the sensed position of the float roller or, alternatively, on the sensed rate of acceleration/deceleration of the master drive roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for uniformly coating a fiber or tow of fibers (10) with a powder at relatively high speed to produce a prepreg. The apparatus uses an elongated chamber (401) in a container (400) for confining the fiber which is coated by an aerosol of powder dispensed from a powder dispensing apparatus (500) in counter-current mode. A fiber tensioning apparatus (300) for the fiber maintains the proper tensioning of the fibers spread by a speaker (201) below the fibers on roller bars (203) so that the uniformly spread fibers are fed to the chamber (401). A heater apparatus (600) fuses the powder to the fiber and then is taken up on a spool (700).

Abstract: A method and system for significantly increasing the density of particulates on a substrate includes disposing a particulate material, such as fibers or abrasive material, onto a surface of the substrate, whereby the particles adhere to the substrate. The substrate is then exposed to conditions sufficient to cause the surface area, on which the particulate material is disposed, to diminish, thereby significantly increasing the density of the particulate material. The system includes a support on which the substrate is disposed, apparatus for disposing the particulate material in the substrate and apparatus for causing the surface on which the particulate material is disposed to significantly diminish.

Abstract: A process for applying a pattern in a contrasting color to textile articles such as socks consists of entering the textile article onto an expandable article support (29), bringing a perforated pattern (38) over the article on the support, causing the support (29) to expand to press the textile article against the interior of the pattern (38), and applying typically by spraying a coloring agent onto the article through the pattern. The support (29) is subsequently contracted and the pattern (38) and then the textile article which a corresponding design has been printed, removed. Apparatus for applying a single color or multicolor pattern to articles such as socks has a carousel (23) carrying a multiple number of article supports (29). The carousel (23) rotates with a stepped movement between printing stations (54).

Abstract: A hot bridle mechanism to tension and to guide metal strip at the exit of a metal strip processing line. A bridle comprising one or more roll means is positioned and enclosed in a sealed hood at the end of a line of interconnected heat treating and cooling enclosures, and maintained in a controlled atmosphere at substantially the same temperature as that of the strip. The roll means are adapted to selectively pivot in a horizontal plane in a controlled manner for the purpose of guiding the strip. The hood is stationary and the roll means are secured to a pivot frame which is adapted to pivot in a horizontal plane relative to the stationary hood. Flexible seals connect the stub shafts of the rolls in sealing engagement with the hood.

Abstract: In order to coat with a uniform metal deposit the fibres of slivers to be used in the production of composite materials with a metallic or non-metallic matrix, it is proposed to use a spread fibre sliver (30) wound onto a feed spool (28) with an interpolated sheet (32). In order to avoid the deformation of the spread sliver, the latter is unwound by pulling on the interpolated sheet by means of an interpolated sheet receiving spool (34) driven by a motor (M1). Thus, the sliver travels by gravity in front of metallization means, such as rotary magnetron cathodes (40a, 40b). It is then rewound, together with a second interpolated sheet (46) onto a spool (42) driven by a motor (M2) via a brake (43) having a very limited torque.

Abstract: A continuous hot dip galvanizing line for coating steel strip includes a continuous annealing furnace for annealing the strip before discharging the strip directly into the molten coating metal and a broad based bridle is located in the final cooling zone of the furnace. The broad based bridle includes at least two spaced bridle rolls each of which is independently driven and controlled to produce a more uniform tensile load in the strip and improve strip stability and coating quality in the final product.

Abstract: A hot dip metal strip coating apparatus includes at least one roll submerged in a bath of molten coating metal for guiding the strip through the bath. The submerged rolls are mounted on the ends of support arms by bearings including a pair of substantially flat metal surfaces disposed in planes parallel to and spaced from the horizontal axis of the roll shaft, with the planes of the flat surfaces intersecting one another at an angle within the range of about 60.degree. to about 135.degree.. The flat bearing surfaces are oriented to contact the roll shaft tangentially, with the load in the strip and the flat bearing surfaces supporting the roll during coating and the bearing permitting the free flow of liquid metal between the bearing and shaft on each side of the tangential line of contact of each flat surface with the shaft.

Abstract: A continuous vacuum processing apparatus has a vacuum processing chamber and at least one auxiliary vacuum chamber connected to at least one of the upstream and downstream ends of the vacuum processing chamber as viewed in the direction of flow of a material to be processed. The apparatus further has a slit-type seal device provided in the auxiliary vacuum chamber and capable of conveying the material to be processed while sealing the vacuum processing chamber from exterior of the vacuum processing chamber. The seal device is provided with a guide member for guiding the material. Independent tensioning devices are provided in the vacuum processing chamber and the auxiliary vacuum chamber and capable of independently applying tensions to the portions of the material in the vacuum processing chamber and auxiliary vacuum chamber, so that a material which is not resistant to heat can be processed without being damaged.

Abstract: A coating head assembly for applying a coating material to a web, comprises an applicator block; a paint reservoir defined in the applicator block for the storage of the coating material; and a generally elongated nozzle integral with the applicator block and extending in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of transportation of the web. A free edge of the nozzle opposite to the applicator block has a generally curved nozzle face. This nozzle face has a plurality of applicator grooves defined therein in communication with the paint reservoir. During the passage of the web in sliding contact with the nozzle face, the coating material is supplied outwardly from the applicator grooves for the transfer thereof onto the web, resulting in the formation of a striped pattern of the coated layer on the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for color coding and dyeing or otherwise marking a light wave conductor optical fiber includes a dyeing stage and a drying stage; the conductor is unreeled from a spool for passing through the stages, the marked conductor is taken up by another spool or the like, and a downstream drive is coupled to the conductor for moving it at a particular speed through the dyeing and drying stages. An upstream drive mechanism is also coupled to the conductor upstream from the dyeing stage for pulling the same from the supply spool, and includes a drive controlled towards the same speed as the downstream drive and a compensating roller to ensure sufficient tension in the conductor so that the upstream and downstream speeds are similar.

Abstract: Fluid jet printing apparatus having a fluid jet printhead and a pair of substrate positioning rolls for moving the substrate between a position below the printhead for printing on the substrate and a position removed from the printhead enabling access to the printhead. Two or more printing stations, each having a fluid jet printhead and substrate positioning rolls, are serially aligned in the direction of movement of the substrate to print different fluids on the substrate. Idler rolls are arranged to effect printing on opposite sides of the substrate at the respective printing stations. The direction of travel of the substrate past the printhead may be in a direction to first pass the catcher and then the droplet streams thereby minimizing or eliminating the tendency of particles to enter the region of the electrodes.

Abstract: The solidification characteriztics of a solidifiable liquid film are monitored by effecting relative movement between a stylus and the film and monitoring the resistance to movement of the stylus through the film as the film is solidifying. The film may be subjected to ultraviolet radiation or elevated temperature to cause solidification. The resistance to movement may be monitored electrically in which case it may be recorded as a trace or a chart recorder.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the hot melt or other fluid coating and the web handling of lightweight low web-tension-supporting, non-woven and similar materials, having a novel nozzle region using entrance and exit web-supporting surfaces and positioning in order to compensate for web deflection caused by the fluid coating ejection forces that otherwise render the coatings non-uniform and destroy sharp leading and trailing edges of intermittent coatings.

Abstract: Coating device whose coating vessel is driven simultaneously with a rotary motion on itself around an axis of rotation and with a planetary motion around this axis of rotation. The device makes it possible to coat various products, especially kernels, seed, fruit, confectionery products, dragees, sweets, pharmaceutical products, and the like.

Abstract: An array of at least three parallel rolls is provided. The rolls are constrained against each other to provide an elongated coating chamber through which passes a web entrained on at least one of the rolls. As it exits from the chamber, the coated web surface is wiped by another of the rolls, whose surface is entering the chamber at that point.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a liquid smoke impregnated casing comprising an unwind shaft adapted to have a roll of casing, a tension dancer roll to control the tension on the casing, an unwind roll brake co-acting with the unwind shaft and controlled by a dancer roll-operated regulator, edge guiding means to align the casing to a liquid smoke contacting means, a rewind shaft mounted with a roll core for rewinding the casing, side plates on the rewind shaft to align successive layers of the casing, means to spin the rewound roll of casing, and a rider squeeze roll for contacting the casing during the spinning of the casing.

Abstract: Resin evenly applied to the surface of rotatable drive roller applicator is worked into the fibers of a band of fibrous material one ply thick by fiber tension, without abrasion. Resin is pumped to the roller applicator through a spring loaded applicator block in sealing contact with the surface of the applicator. The resin is pumped by a piston and cylinder pump at a rate determined by the rate of rotation of the applicator roller and thereby in accordance with the rate at which the fibrous band is pulled from the surface of the roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively plating on an elongated metal strip, at intervals of a predetermined length in the lengthwise direction, while the strip is being fed in the lengthwise direction. The apparatus includes: strip feeder which discharges the strip from a reel in a direction in which the strip is fed and a sensor for detecting the amount of slack in the strip. A pre-treating station treats the strip, before being plated, while it is continuously fed. A plating station intermittently feeds the strip and selectively plates it, while the strip is stopped during its intermittent movement. An after-treating station treats the strip by again continuously feeding the strip and a strip take-up section winds the strip onto a reel after it has been treated. Tension mechanisms are disposed between the continuous feeding station and the intermittent feeding station to impart a predetermined tensile force to the strip.

Abstract: In continuous hot dipping of metal strip, the tension of the strip at pre-treatment furnaces and that at air-wiping nozzles are isolated and made independent of each other. For this purpose bridle rolls driven by motors are disposed downstream of the pre-treatment furnaces. The tension at the former is maintained at a lower value, while the tension at the latter is maintained at a higher value. The bridle rolls are mounted in bearings which are covered by seal boxes in which an inert gas is enclosed so as to prevent the intrusion of atmospheric air into the furnaces.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a developer roller transports insulating developer material into contact with a flexible member in a development zone so as to develop a latent image recorded thereon. The flexible member is maintained at a preselected tension. In this way, the developer material being transported into contact with the latent image spaces the flexible member from the developer roller. The thickness of the layer of developer material on the developer roller is adjustable to control the spacing between the flexible member and the developer roller. In this way, development of solid areas and lines in the latent image may be optimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating textile cord on a continuous basis where the cord is sequentially treated by application of aqueous solution passed through a squeeze roll station, passed through a pull roll station and then to a drying operation. The applied liquid is additionally removed from the cord by specially positioned and designed elastomeric squeeges located in the squeeze roll area and the pull roll area.

Abstract: A filter rod making machine wherein a continuous tow of fibrous filter material is flattened to form a foraminous layer prior to advancement through an impregnating station where a rotating brush sprays particles of atomized plasticizer against the underside of the layer. The brush is installed in the trough-shaped lower portion of a receptacle which flares upwardly and outwardly toward the underside of the layer and the bristles of the brush sweep along the internal surface of the lower portion of the receptacle. The lower portion receives a continuous stream of liquid plasticizer from the outlet of a variable-delivery pump whose intake receives plasticizer at a constant pressure. The brush is driven by an electric motor independently of the system which transports the layer of filter material.

Abstract: A method of tensioning metallic strips on a slitting line is combined with the steps of uncoiling a metallic web having a non-uniform cross sectional thickness from an uncoiler, slitting the web into a plurality of strips having varying thicknesses, and recoiling the strips into individual strip coils on a recoiler, the tensioning method being the additional step of depositing a strippable polymeric compound onto thinner strips so that the effective cross sectional thicknesses of the thinner strips is increased to that of the thicker strips so that the strip coils formed from the strips are of similar diameter and recoil the strips at the same rate, thereby preventing the formation of slack strips. The apparatus includes a hot melt unit for generating strippable plastic in liquid form, a hot melt gun communicating with the apparatus, a support frame and movable arm on which the gun is mounted, and a motor driving a rack and pinion for positioning the hot melt gun over a selected strip coil.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a manifold in the form of a pipe having a closed end is utilized to supply a finishing agent to orifices arranged at spaced intervals along the pipe. A foam material surrounds the manifold to receive the finishing agent and to apply it in a thin film to the curved surface of an element comprising a longitudinal section of a cylinder. The film is retained on the curved surface by surface tension as it moves under the force of gravity to a longitudinal edge of the cylindrical section. A web of fabric is tensioned against the section edge as the fabric moves past the cylindrical section. The direction of fabric movement is such that the film of finishing agent is applied to the fabric immediately ahead of the line of contact between the fabric and the section edge.

Abstract: A method of fabricating composite metal wires such as aluminium clad steel wires is disclosd which comprises providing a core of hard metal with a cladding of soft metal by extrusion. In fabricating a composite metal wire by extrusion, a core is generally aligned, polished, cleaned or otherwise pretreated before entering an extruder so that a high and variable tension is imparted to the core. By avoiding such tension variation and maintaining the core under a constant low tension and by electrically heating the core before the core enters the extruder, a composite metal wire of improved quality is fabricated in a stable manner.

Abstract: A process and machine are disclosed for reflowing solder plated continuous flexible circuit webs. During reflow in a vapor environment, the flexible web is maintained in a planar orientation to produce a relatively uniform distribution of solder. Virtually all of the heat transfer fluid used in producing the vapor is recovered and retained.

Abstract: An extrusion coater for high viscosity, thin coatings of the hot melt type, includes an elongated slot coating head across which the web to be coated is advanced under tension and includes a lead-on lip at the slot plus a fixed, unyieldable, lead-off lip having an elongated, rotatable, cylindrical rod deeply seated for about two thirds of its circumference therein and unyieldably supported on a fixed axis of rotation. A yieldably mounted, press roll with a rubber like surface forms a pressure nip with the smooth hard unyieldable surface of the rod and the rod is rotated intermittently, or continuously by power means depending on the amount of impurities in the coating media. The rod rotation is not for metering purposes but for spreading wear while overcoming any streaking.

Abstract: Coating apparatus wherein a pretreated sheet metal ribbon passes from a supply coil successively through entry rolls, coating rolls, a curing oven, cooling apparatus, and tension rolls to a recoiler. The ribbon extends through the coating rolls and the curing oven as a long-span catenary. No looping facility is required. The apparatus incorporates novel leading end gripper means and trailing end gripper means for establishing and terminating the catenary in a manner which minimizes the unusable length of ribbon, that is, the uncoated leading end and uncoated trailing end of the processed ribbon. A method of initiating, maintaining, and terminating the catenary is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for sputtering printing or similar type cylinders by means of r.f. sputtering in which a cylindrical metal substrate is mounted on a mandrel which is installed in a sputtering chamber. The apparatus includes targets arranged around the cylindrical substrate, the substrate comprising the anode or being mounted on the anode. The sputtering operation is arranged to apply a highly uniform coating of a photoconductive material on the substrate and the structure is arranged so that the finished cylinder can be removed from the sputtering chamber along with the mandrel and replaced by another metal cylindrical substrate on another mandrel. In this way a printing cylinder comprising a seamless thin-walled metal sleeve having a coating of photoconductive material is easily produced economically and rapidly, said coating having uniform thickness and properties throughout.

Abstract: A substrate to be patterned, such as a textile web, is moved past an array of nozzles with discharge orifices closely spaced from its surface, the substrate being firmly backed at locations confronting the nozzles by being drawn against a supporting conveyor or by being led around rollers. The nozzles are electromagnetically operated by needle valves, the valve needles being carried by membranes under substantially balanced pressures from the printing liquor and from a fluid such as compressed air. The electromagnetic coils are energized by a generator of short current pulses separated by a low holding current, the generator including two complementary power transistors in series with a coil winding. A dyestuff applicator carrying one or more of such nozzles may be transversely displaceable across the substrate, under the control of a programmer, between intermittent advances of the substrate in its longitudinal direction.