Abstract: A process solution applying apparatus comprising a substrate holding mechanism for holding a substrate, a process solution supplying system for applying process solution in a prescribed amount to the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism, the process solution supplying system having a supplying mechanism for changing a rate at which the process solution is supplied, and a substrate rotating mechanism for rotating the substrate holding mechanism, thus rotating the substrate at a predetermined speed to spread the process solution by virtue of centrifugal force and to coat the substrate with the process solution.

Abstract: A method including: sonicating a stream containing a dispersion comprised of agglomerated primary particles; and filtering the resulting sonicated stream containing a dispersion comprised of de-agglomerated primary particles. An apparatus including: an ultrasonic adapter to ultrasonicate a stream of a liquid dispersion of agglomerated primary particles; and a filter member adapted to filter the resulting ultrasonicated stream containing a dispersion of de-agglomerated primary particles; and optionally a coater adapted to coat the resulting filtered stream containing a dispersion of de-agglomerated primary particles onto a receiver.

Abstract: A leaf coater, in which a constant quantity of a coating solution is supplied intermittently from a coating solution supply source through a predetermined coating solution quantity intermittent supply means and a coating solution applying means to a blank substrate, for coating blank substrates one by one with the coating solution, characterized in that a coating solution filtration means is provided in the coating solution flow pipeline from said coating solution supply source to the coating solution applying means, and the Young's modulus of the filter medium in the coating solution filtration means is not less than 200 MPa, while the pore size of the filter medium is in the range of 0.05 &mgr;m to 100 &mgr;m; and a method for producing coated substrates using said leaf coater.

Abstract: An anode assembly by which a solution can be supplied to a surface of a semiconductor substrate includes a housing defining an internal housing volume into which the solution can flow. A closure is provided for the internal housing volume, and the solution can be discharged from the internal housing volume through the closure towards the surface of the semiconductor substrate. A filter divides the internal housing volume into a first chamber and a second chamber located between the first chamber and the closure. During supply of the solution to the surface, a flow of the solution into the second chamber occurs at a higher rate than a flow of the solution into the first chamber, and the flows are blended in the second chamber.

Abstract: An air unit for the removal of excess particulate coating material that is present on products which are in a coating machine comprises, for blowing surplus particulate material off the products, at least one suction member for drawing off air, with particulate material present therein, from the coating machine, separating means for removing particulate material from the air drawn off, and circulating means for feeding at least a portion of the air drawn off to the blowing member.

Abstract: A leaf coater, in which a constant quantity of a coating solution is supplied intermittently from a coating solution supply source through a predetermined coating solution quantity intermittent supply and a coating solution applier to a blank substrate, for coating blank substrates one by one with the coating solution, characterized in that a coating solution filtration is provided in the coating solution flow pipeline from the coating solution supply source to the coating solution applier, and the Young's modulus of the filter medium in the coating solution filtration is not less than 200 MPa, while the pore size of the filter medium is in the range of 0.05 &mgr;m to 100 &mgr;m; and a method for producing coated substrates using the leaf coater.

Abstract: A system and process for industrial painting operations is disclosed. The disclosed system and process includes entraining paint particles from a paint booth operation in a stream of air; directing the stream of air to an aqueous bath covered with a layer of small silica particles; encapsulating the paint particles present in the stream of air with the small silica particles; further cleansing the stream of air by removing residual paint particles and other unwanted compounds as the stream of air is directed through an exhaust system; and recycling the encapsulated paint particles remaining in the paint booth.

Abstract: An apparatus for the coating treatment comprises a coating section for coating a substrate with a process solution, a heating section for heating the substrate coated with the process solution, and a recovery section for recovering at least a part of the solvent vapor contained in the hot exhaust gas discharged from the heating section. The recovery section includes a cooling apparatus, and the hot exhaust gas containing a solvent vapor generated from the substrate when the substrate is subjected to a heating treatment is passed through the cooling apparatus so as to cool and condense at least a part of the solvent vapor contained in the hot exhaust gas so as to recover the solvent in the form of a liquid.

Abstract: A plasma spraying assembly comprising a treatment chamber and a plasma spraying device located in the interior thereof is disclosed that further comprises an assembly for controlling the gas flow in the interior of the treatment chamber. In order to prevent a gas flow in the interior of the treatment chamber that whirls deposits to be created, a deflection device is provided that is located at least partially in the interior of the treatment chamber. Vertically below the treatment chamber, a collecting shaft is located. In the region between the treatment chamber and the collecting shaft, there is provided a basic element comprising baffle members, but leaving open a passage between the treatment chamber and the collecting shaft. In the interior of the collecting shaft, a deflection element is located having essentially conical shape and towering into the passage of the basic element. The collecting shaft is in operative connection with the suction side of a blower and with a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A solvent of a resist solution is dropped from a solvent supply nozzle onto the surface of a semiconductor wafer held by a spin chuck. The semiconductor wafer is rotated by the spin chuck to spread the resist solution over the entire surface of the semiconductor wafer W. Simultaneously, the resist solution is dropped from a resist solution supply nozzle onto the semiconductor wafer and spread following the solvent. During the processing, the processing space is isolated from the outer atmosphere by closing a lid of a processing vessel and a sprayed solvent is supplied into the processing space. The processing space is thus filled with the mist of solvent. In the processing space supplied with the solvent, evaporation of the solvent from the resist solution is suppressed. A film of the resist solution is formed with a uniform film thickness to the edge of the semiconductor wafer W.

Abstract: Cold-reduced flat-rolled low carbon steel strip is surface cleansed of iron fines, iron oxide particulate and associated debris which result from cold-reduction operations. Such ferromagnetic contaminants are permanently separated from the strip steel production and finishing system by continuous regenerative processing of alkali cleansing solution, in which contaminants are continuously filtered and concentrated and are flushed from a continuous-flow filtering apparatus for magnetically-assisted separation of such contaminants which are retained for complete and permanent disposal from the system, providing uniform cleansing solution, on a continuing basis, free of large-volume periodic dumping of contaminated solution, and free of interruption of operations for surface cleansing purposes.

Abstract: A coater having a controllable pressurized process chamber for applying photoresist to a wafer is provided. The controllable pressurized process chamber reduces the evaporation of solvent in the photoresist during a spin-on process step. Reducing premature curing of the photoresist results in improved uniform planarization of the photoresist layer. Contaminants in the photoresist are also reduced by having an environmentally controllable process chamber. A housing having a upper and lower section forms a process chamber surrounding a wafer chuck. The upper housing section includes a solvent vapor opening for introducing pressurized solvent vapor into the process chamber and the lower housing section includes an exhaust opening. The upper housing section also includes an opening for introducing photoresist onto a wafer. A control device is coupled to the exhaust opening and a vacuum device for controlling the pressure in the process chamber.

Abstract: A resist processing system includes a sensor connected for detecting the surface level of the processing solution contained in an intermediate tank, and a controller connected for controlling the fluid pressure on the basis of the surface level detected by the sensor.

Abstract: An installation for the treatment of objects in a defined gas atmosphere whose oxygen content is smaller than that of air and with which environmentally damaging treatment gases are produced with a housing with an entry opening and with an exit opening for the objects passing through, conveyed through the housing, with a first treatment zone in the housing, which comprises the entry opening and which produces the treatment gas for the production of a process gas atmosphere, with a second treatment zone which is connected to the exit opening and which is connected to the first treatment zone via a passage opening for the objects and in which the atmosphere is lean of treatment gas and oxygen, with a circulation for the process gas with which a ventilator suctions process gas from the first treatment zone and sends it via a filter device which holds back the treatment gas, with a first sluice which is allocated to the entry opening and which is flowed upon by the purified process gas coming from the filter

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the ozone concentration in the output of an ozone-generating system is disclosed. The invention reduces the concentration of O.sup.+ ions, which would otherwise react with ozone to form diatomic oxygen, by means of an ionic filter. In one embodiment, a gas-permeable electrode within a gas conduit attached to the output of an ozonator is negatively charged to several kilovolts with respect to the distribution line. This electrode attracts the positively charged oxygen ions, removing them before they can react with the ozone. This provides a higher ozone concentration that does not vary as much with distance from the ozone generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for exhausting coating materials used in the process of spin coating a top surface of a wafer, the wafer having an edge and a bottom surface that is supported and rotated by a rotatable chuck attached by a shaft to a spin motor. The apparatus includes a bowl having an exhausted drain configured to receive excess liquid and vapor from the spin coating and an assembly configured to maintain the drain at a negative pressure differential relative to the bowl. In a preferred embodiment, a baffle is attached to the bottom to limit the flow of the liquid and vapor into the drain to a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A self-contained, trailer-mounted, portable wash and paint facility particularly useful to retrieve a grease disposal container having a removable lid, wash dirt and grease from the container, repaint the container, and return it to service. The facility contains an extendable boom and winch to handle the container and bring it into the facility. A vat agitated with compressed air is provided containing a heated caustic solution wherein lids are soaked as part of the cleaning process. A trolley mounted winch is provided which assists in removing the container lid and moving it to and from the soaking vat. A circulating high pressure wash system is provided for high pressure spraying of heated soapy cleaning solution. The cleaning system has a high-pressure washer and tank with a delivery hose and nozzle for the operator to employ when washing the grease container. The floor of the facility contains a grate where used cleaning solution is collected in a catch tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating foreign material from coating mix flow circulating in the machine circulation of a coating station (7) in coaters used for coating a web of paper or board. Coating mix is conveyed from a tank (1) to a coating station, where it is applied to the surface of the web to be coated, and the excess of the coating mix conveyed to the coating station (7) is returned to the tank (1). The coating mix flow incoming from said tank (1) to the coating station is screened by at least one pressure screen (5) and the rejects fraction of the coating mix flow is discharged from the pressure screen (5). A portion of the coating mix flow circulating in the machine circulation is passed through a vibrating screen (13) and the accepts fraction of the vibrating screen is returned back to the machine circulation. The invention offers high efficiency in the removal of elongated foreign matter particles from the machine circulation of coating mix.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a strip of liquid material such as a polymer adhesive onto the surface of a traveling web at adjustable cross-directional locations which includes a transfer roll secured to a drive shaft coupled hub by an asymmetric rim plate. A carrier sleeve is secured to the hub by anti-friction bearings for independent rotation about the axis of the drive shaft. A fountain housing is secured to the carrier sleeve. The fountain housing supports a fountain nozzle for pressurized discharge of a fluid onto the perimeter surface of the transfer roll within an evacuated cavity. The cavity perimeter around the fountain nozzle has a close, sealing proximity with the transfer roll surface. An adjustable doctor blade screeds excess liquid on the transfer roll surface into the evacuated cavity for removal by a vacuum system. The apparatus significantly reduces the emissions of volatile fluids to the atmosphere during the coating process.

Abstract: A coating apparatus of the present invention comprises coating solution supply sources for supplying a coating solution, a mounting table for holding a substrate to allow a surface to be coated to face upward, nozzles for pouring the coating solution toward the surface of the substrate to be coated, mounted on the mounting table, a pump chamber capable of swinging its volume and having a sucking port for introducing the coating solution from the coating solution supply source and a spurting port for spurting the coating solution and to be supplied toward the nozzle, pump driving mechanisms for increasing and decreasing an inner pressure of the pump chamber to introduce and spurt the coating solution into/from the pump chamber, a filter provided inside or at the upstream side of the pump chamber for filtrating the coating solution before the coating solution is spurted out from the pump chamber through the spurting outlet, a valve provided between the pump chamber and the nozzle for regulating a flow amount of

Abstract: A device for moving transverse beams and workpieces suspended therefrom along a support rail in the longitudinal direction of the support rail. Each one of the transverse beams is connected by lifting devices, for lowering and lifting the workpieces connected to the transverse beam into and out of the zinc bath, to transport carriages riding on the support rail. The transverse beams have a vertically movable doctor blade arrangement at the leading end for removing contaminants from the surface of the zinc bath.

Abstract: An improved chip termination or application wheel for applying a layer of silver paste to the edge or end of a chip including a wheel that is defined by a broad circumferential surface, for contact with the chip, the surface containing an increased surface area for accepting a larger amount of termination paste for transfer to the edge of a chip.

Abstract: In the present invention, a waste solution and a exhaust gas are guided together from a drain cup DC into a storing means through common discharge means. Naturally, the gas-liquid separation is performed within the storing means in place of performing the gas-liquid separation within the drain cup DC. Therefore, the waste solution is not solidified within the drain cup so as to plug the common discharge means. Also, a predetermined waste solution is kept stored in the storing means included in the coating apparatus of the present invention, making it possible to permit the surface of the stored waste solution to absorb the mist, and the waste solution is prevented from being solidified within the storing means. Further, since a minimum amount of the exhaust gas is kept discharged even during non-operation of the coating apparatus by using an exhaust gas damper whose degree of opening can be controlled, the waste solution stored in the storing means is prevented from being solidified.

Abstract: There is provided a suction system for use in a method of lining the internal surface of a pipe, said suction system comprises a pig receiving device to be attached to an open end of the pipe, a liquid receiving tank connected with the pig receiving device, and a suction pump connected with the liquid receiving tank. Further, a pig detecting device for detecting the passing of a pig is provided between the open end of the pipe and the pig receiving device, a suction force controlling device is provided between the pig receiving device and the liquid receiving tank, and a gas-liquid separation apparatus is provided between the liquid receiving tank and the suction pump.

Abstract: The present invention offers a method for recovering the paints suitable to an object that, in a booth for a spray coating used for coating a material, the oversprayed paints can be easily recovered and recycled as they are or after a simple adjustment as reusable paints and it also offers a receiver used for said recovery. A method for recovering paints, characterized in that, a receiver using an ultrafiltration membrane or a microfiltration membrane is placed in a spray coating booth and water or organic solvent is contacted the one side of said membrane so that the oversprayed paint are received on the other side of said membrane and recovered therefrom; and a receiver for recovering paints, characterized in that, said receiver has two or more hollow fiber membranes arranged on a plate where at least one end of the membranes is open, with a fixing material which fixes and holds the hollow fiber membranes on the plate and distributing pipes connecting to the open end of each of the hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A system for pumping resist to a wafer coating machine includes a line that returns a selected proportion of the resist entering the resist pump to the resist supply tank. The return line to the tank is connected to the pump outlet at a higher point than the pump outlet to the wafer coating machine, and the resist that is returned to the tank carries substantially all of the bubbles that are carried in the resist entering the tank. The bubbles are removed from the resist in the tank and the resist can be used normally.

Abstract: An application unit for directly or indirectly applying a fluid or pasty medium to a continuous material web, particularly one made of paper or cardboard, includes a beam that extends across the entire length of the application unit, and a distribution pipe arranged within beam. The pipe is connected via through-flow openings to a feed duct merging into a metering gap forming a free-jet nozzle. The pipe may alternatively be coupled to an application chamber. The through-flow openings are arranged in an upper portion of the distribution pipe and at least one discharge opening for fluid or pasty medium is provided at any one or more other portions of the distribution pipe.

Abstract: In-line flat-rolled steel cleansing and finishing methods and apparatus are disclosed which enable flat-rolled steel, as supplied with surface areas contaminated with iron fines and other debris from gauge reduction operations, to be continuously processed in-line, free of interruptions for cleansing purposes. Continuous-strip methods and apparatus are disclosed which enable in-line continuous-strip cleansing in a manner which decreases iron fines carried by strip surfaces to a desired level while providing for continuous uniform cleansing. Carry-over of iron fines from the cleansing operations so decreases such that iron content of a coating means is decreased resulting in improved corrosion-protection coating. Diminishing iron content in a hot-dip galvanizing bath increases efficiency of aluminum additions and diminishes iron-aluminum dross.

Abstract: An apparatus for surface coating or for lacquering a substrate, such as a disk-shaped substrate 2, which can be placed on a substrate carrier 14 and can be driven or given a rotating movement by means of a drive device, wherein the material or the lacquer fluid 5 to be applied is placed on the substrate 2 from a feed device 6. The fluid medium or the lacquer 4 released by the substrate support 14 is delivered at least to a first collecting reservoir 17 which is connected with at least one filter 28, from where the fluid is indirectly or directly conducted via a pump 29 to the first collecting reservoir 27, wherein an underpressure can be set between a first flow-off line 33 of the first collecting reservoir 27 and the pump 29.

Abstract: A wafer surface treating apparatus has an overflow treating tank for holding therein a chemical in which a wafer is to be soaked to perform a surface treatment of the wafer, piping for circulating the chemical overflowing from said treating tank to said treating tank, a filter unit for filtering the chemical passing through said piping to remove foreign articles from the chemical, and at least two temperature regulating mechanisms. The first temperature regulating mechanism keeps a temperature of the chemical in said treating tank at a predetermined temperature. The second temperature regulating mechanism regulates the temperature of the chemical in said filter unit to a temperature at which no deposit is produced from the chemical in said filter.

Abstract: In the present invention, a waste solution and a exhaust gas are guided together from a drain cup DC into a storing means through common discharge means. Naturally, the gas-liquid separation is performed within the storing means in place of performing the gas-liquid separation within the drain cup DC. Therefore, the waste solution is not solidified within the drain cup so as to plug the common discharge means. Also, a predetermined waste solution is kept stored in the storing means included in the coating apparatus of the present invention, making it possible to permit the surface of the stored waste solution to absorb the mist, and the waste solution is prevented from being solidified within the storing means. Further, since a minimum amount of the exhaust gas is kept discharged even during non-operation of the coating apparatus by using an exhaust gas damper whose degree of opening can be controlled, the waste solution stored in the storing means is prevented from being solidified.

Abstract: Apparatus for dip coating comprising a drum having an outer surface to be coated, an upper end and a lower end, at least one coating vessel having a bottom, an open top and a cylindrically shaped vertical interior wall having a diameter greater than the diameter of the drum, an inlet at the bottom of the vessel, the inlet adapted to feed flowing coating fluid into the vessel, a mandrel adapted to maintain the outer surface of the drum in a concentric relationship with the vertical interior wall of the cylindrical coating vessel while the drum is immersed in the flowing coating material, the outer surface of the drum being radially spaced from the vertical interior wall of the cylindrical coating vessel, and at least one flow regulating member adapted to maintain laminar flow motion of the coating material as the fluid passes between the outer surface of the drum and the vertical inner wall of the vessel.

Abstract: Supplying method of powder paints wherein powder paint pellets are manufactured and stored as they are at the manufacture site and, when ordered, they are shipped and transported to the coater, and, at the coater site, they are stocked, and pulverized and classified into a sprayable powder upon powder coating thereby enabling to control the particle size of the powder paint while continuing the powder coating.A powder coating machine therefor pulverizes and classifies powder paint pellets into a sprayable powder at the coater site while continuing powder coating using the pulverized powder paint.

Abstract: An assembly for a seed treating device incorporating a high volume, downwardly tapered hopper with metering gates and a series of high pressure chemical nozzles which laterally introduce a measured chemical treatment to the flow of falling grain or seed inside a spray chamber. A series of valves control the flow of chemicals through the apparatus while sump pump gathers and recirculates excess chemicals from inside the spray chamber for reuse or disposal. The spray chamber exit can be closed with a water tight seal and the system flushed with water and filtered for purposes of cleansing.

Abstract: A vacuum rig apparatus for introducing a liquid into a space defined by a shaped article, which apparatus comprises a series of interconnected vessels attached through a port to a vacuum line, wherein one of the vessels is adapted to hold the shaped article and the apparatus is tiltable about a point midway along the vessel so that liquid from a reservoir flows into the vessel to surround the shaped article and fill the space therein when a vacuum is applied to the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a coating to a continuous length of tubing. A coating chamber having entry and exit ports substantially encloses a portion of the tubing while permitting the tubing to pass continuously therethrough. Airflow into the coating chamber through the exit port strips excess coating material from the tubing surface. Air is withdrawn from the coating chamber by vacuum pumps through one or more separation chambers which separate entrained particles or droplets of coating material from the air. The coating chamber is preferably disposed at a distance from the separation chamber(s). The vacuum line connecting the coating chamber with the separation chamber(s) is preferably flexible or breakable. The separation chambers are preferably capable of being operated in series or in parallel. Adjustable masks are preferably provided at the entry and exit ports of the coating chamber. A seal is preferably provided at the entry port.

Abstract: In-line flat-rolled steel cleansing and finishing apparatus is disclosed which enable flat-rolled steel, as supplied with surface areas contaminated with iron fines and other debris from gauge reduction operations, to be continuously processed in-line, free of interruptions for cleansing purposes. Continuous-strip apparatus is disclosed which enable in-line continuous-strip cleansing in a manner which decreases iron fines carried by strip surfaces to a desired level while providing for continuous uniform cleansing. Carry-over of iron fines from the cleansing operations so decreases such that iron content of a coating means is decreased resulting in improved corrosion-protection coating. Diminishing iron content in a hot-dip galvanizing bath increases efficiency of aluminum additions and diminishes iron-aluminum dross.

Abstract: A screening chamber for filtering paper coatings is cleaned with the use of a plurality of water sprays. The water sprays are provided by nozzles located on spray bars positioned transversely across the width of the screening chamber. The nozzles are oriented to direct selected spray patterns tangentially against the screens, and against the interior surfaces of the screening chambers, to remove particulates, debris and other contaminates which collect on the screen during the filtering process.

Abstract: Supplying method of powder paints wherein powder paint pellets are manufactured and stored as they are at the manufacture site and, when ordered, they are shipped and transported to the coater, and, at the coater site, they are stocked, and pulverized and classified into a sprayable powder upon powder coating thereby enabling to control the particle size of the powder paint while continuing the powder coating.A powder coating machine therefor pulverizes and classifies powder paint pellets into a sprayable powder at the coater site while continuing powder coating using the pulverized powder paint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing process particularly for a sealing/adhesive product which comprises at least one step of pumping the sealing/adhesive product to allow a step of distribution thereof onto at least one part to be sealed, such as for example a motor vehicle mechanical component; an intermediate step of deaeration of the sealing/adhesive product, so as to optimize its distribution on the part to be sealed, is provided between the pumping step and the distribution step. The apparatus for dispensing the sealing/adhesive product (14) comprises elements (2) for feeding the sealing/adhesive product to elements (4) for distributing it onto at least one part (5) to be sealed and sealing/adhesive product deaeration means (3) which cooperate with the pumping and distribution elements for the uniform deposition of the sealant/adhesive on the part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a coating to a continuous length of tubing. A coating chamber having entry and exit ports substantially encloses a portion of the tubing while permitting the tubing to pass continuously therethrough. Airflow into the coating chamber through the exit port strips excess coating material from the tubing surface. Air is withdrawn from the coating chamber by vacuum pumps through one or more separation chambers which separate entrained particles or droplets of coating material from the air. The coating chamber is preferably disposed at a distance from the separation chamber(s). The vacuum line connecting the coating chamber with the separation chamber(s) is preferably flexible or breakable. The separation chambers are preferably capable of being operated in series or in parallel. Adjustable masks are preferably provided at the entry and exit ports of the coating chamber. A seal is preferably provided at the entry port.

Abstract: A low contaminant level is maintained in a high flow rate paper machine coating fluid circulation system by shunting a significant minority portion of the total flow through a full flow, atmospherically open, self-cleaning screen having a fine mesh screen cloth. Accept flow from the open screen is directed to the flow inlet of an entrained air purging apparatus for dispersing consolidated particulates of excessive size. Flow from the particulate disbursing apparatus is thereafter pumped through an enclosed pressure screen of moderate screen mesh.

Abstract: A filter apparatus and coating method particularly adapted for thixotropic coating solutions and which yet permits the dead space within the housing of the filter apparatus for the secondary region to be reduced under a broad range of conditions at all times. The improved filter apparatus has a filter provided within a housing in such a way that it divides the interior of the housing into a primary region into which a coating to be filtered is supplied and a secondary region which receives the coating solution after it is filtered. The apparatus filters the coating solution just before it is coated on a flexible base. The apparatus is characterized in that the housing for the secondary region is designed in such a way that an index for measurement of the dead space within the housing satisfies the relation T/.tau.> 0.95, where .tau. is an experimentally determined dimensionless number for the indicial response time of the housing and T is a dimensionless number of theoretical time.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating dowels with a substantially uniform coat of water soluble glue. A plurality of dowels and a preselected amount of liquid, water soluble glue are placed in a closed container. The container is rapidly shaken so that the container moves in a combination oscillating motion comprising an up and down movement and a back and forth movement that is substantially perpendicular to the up and down movement. Dowels coated with the liquid, water soluble glue are removed from the container and deposited on a drying surface. The dowels are dried by applying heat and a stream of air to the dowels. When the exposed surface of the coat of water soluble glue on the dowels has become essentially tack free but before the coat has dried completely, the dowels are rotated about their longitudinal axes so as to separate any dowels that are stuck together and to free any dowels stuck to the drying surface.

Abstract: A process for making a battery paste includes steps of forming an active material in an aqueous slurry, then dewatering the slurry to form a battery paste. In one described embodiment, a slurry containing one or more basic lead sulfates suitable for use as the active material in lead-acid battery electrodes is formed in a continuously stirred tank reactor (36). The slurry is withdrawn from the reactor (36) and fed to a belt press (67) which reduces the moisture content of the slurry to the desired level. Battery pastes produced according to the invention may be fed continuously to a paster (89) for mass production of positive and negative battery plates from grids (91).

Abstract: Deaeration apparatus for removing entrained air from liquid paper coating and method includes a cylindrical vortex tube which has an inlet end with a vortex generator insert formed with helical flighting surrounding a solid center shaft. The flighting has an outer diameter which is proportioned to be received in the tube inlet and causes a vortex flow to the coating material. A rejects conduit is positioned in the outlet end of the vortex tube with an opening which faces the vortex generator insert and which is positioned on the axial center of the tube and spaced from the vortex generator. The entrained gas forms as bubbles on the vortex generator shaft and form a column immediately downstream of the insert so that the base of the column is at the inner end of the generator shaft and extends toward and into the rejects conduit. The very small bubbles are also carried by the mass flow of the coating toward the outlet end of the tube and into the open end of the reject conduit.

Abstract: For conveying and for dispensing of degassed work liquid(s), an apparatus and a method for precision conveying and/or ratioing and/or mixing and/or dispensing of work liquids are presented using a pump of a positive displacement, high precision, piston/cylinder constant flush type with piston smaller than the chamber. The piston is programmably advanced along a stroke with tiny repeatable adjustable steps. Infinitely adjustable precision ratioing and/or programmable mixing of degassed materials may be provided downstream of the pump outlets when degassed liquids are presented to the inlets of two such pumps. The mixing occurs in a mixing chamber, the output of which is then used. The vacuum degassed work liquids may be dispensed in a system which features the creation and maintenance of a positive absolute pressure on the work liquids throughout, from the point of exiting a first degassing chamber to an end use at a dispensing outlet.

Abstract: A vacuum-coating apparatus has the vacuum-coating chamber mounted on an upright housing part of the upper end of which the suction generator is provided and whose lower end communicates with a horizontal housing part containing the coating-liquid supply. The liquid circulator includes a cartridge filter for removing solids from the liquid which is fed to the coating chamber and which has a conical easily-replaceable filter unit. The air from the changer is directed downwardly along an adjustable air-control plate on the underside of an air-guide plate and then upwardly around an edge of the air-control plate.

Abstract: A device for separating a moving fiber from processing fluid is disclosed and claimed. A chamber defining hydrophilic and hydrophobic flow paths respectively is exemplified. The device is placed so that substantially all water associated with processing exits via the hydrophilic path while the fiber exits via the hydrophobic path.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing sludge from a spray booth tank using a single pump for withdrawing liquid including sludge from the tank. A portion of the liquid from the pump is returned to the tank through eductors for agitating liquid in the tank. At least a portion of the liquid from the pump flows through a hydrocyclone separator. Sludge from the separator is collected in a settling tank. A small portion of the clarified liquid from the separator flows through an aspirator pump to the booth tank and the remainder of the clarified liquid is returned directly to the booth tank. The aspirator pump returns excess liquid from the settling tank to the booth tank.