Abstract: A film-forming method comprises the steps of: (a) holding a rectangular substrate by a spin chuck provided in a cup; (b) positioning a solvent supply nozzle above the rectangular substrate and supplying a solvent to the rectangular substrate, the solvent supply nozzle having a liquid discharge port which has a length at least corresponding to that of a peripheral portion of the rectangular substrate; (c) positioning a process liquid supply nozzle above the rectangular substrate and supplying a process liquid to a portion at a rotation center portion of the rectangular substrate, thereby to form a film; (d) rotating the rectangular substrate in the cup to adjust a film thickness of the film; and (e) thereafter positioning the solvent supply nozzle above one peripheral portion of the rectangular substrate and supplying the solvent to the one peripheral portion of the rectangular substrate, whereby the film is removed from the one peripheral portion of the rectangular substrate, the substrate being subsequently

Abstract: An apparatus for coating board-shaped articles, especially printed circuit boards, is described which comprises at least one coating station having a pouring table for coating one surface of the printed circuit boards with preferably UV-hardenable plastics, lacquer or the like, and, adjoining that station, a vapor-removal and drying station having a vapor-removal drier for the removal of vapor from and drying of the coated surfaces of the printed circuit boards in the stream of hot air. The vapor-removal and drying station has an air processing module which is arranged in a housing which adjoins the entrance side of the housing of the vapor-removal drier and extends over the free space above the pouring table.

Abstract: This invention is related to a die set and method for the production of multiple stripes with two different materials A and B adjacent to each other. The special feature of this invention is that a specially designed shim is inserted between two pieces of coating dies. When liquids A and B enter the two sides of the die set separately, B liquid will flow through the distribution passages in the shim to form multiple stripes and then contact stripes of A liquid in the same slot section. The multiple stripes of repeated coating liquids that consists of ABAB patterns will be generated once the multiple stripes are coated and dried on the substrate.

Abstract: Coating liquids are supplied to a coating hopper, and are extruded onto a slide surface of the coating hopper through slits. A pair of guide members are provided at both sides of the slide surface. Side faces of the guide members are positioned at both ends of a desired width of the coating liquids flowing of the slide surface to be applied on a traveling web. Consequently, the coating liquids that flow over the whole width of the slits are divided into the inside and the outside of the desired width by the guide members, and the divided coating liquids are extruded onto the slide surface. The coating liquids within the desired width flow down between the guide members and coat the web, whereas the coating liquids outside the desired width are collected through channels, which are formed in the guide members.

Abstract: A device for the application of a liquid or viscous coating medium onto a moving material web, specifically a paper or cardboard web, includes a curtain coater to apply the coating medium in the form of a curtain or veil to the material web and a suction device to remove air which is carried along by the material web and/or the veil of coating medium. A dynamic pressure analyzer determines the pressure of the air that accumulates before the line of contact of the curtain of coating medium with the moving material web, when viewed in the direction of travel of the moving material web. A control unit controls the suction power of the suction device relative to the determined dynamic pressure.

Abstract: An inexpensive and versatile method for creating a curtain of continuously adjustable width for the purpose of coating portions of a receiving surface to form one or more layers of coating composition comprises a distributor which has a horizontal lip from which the layers detach to form a free-falling curtain. A trough adjacent and below the lip is provided to intercept and divert some portion of the curtain and an edge guide is provided to maintain the width of the remaining portion of the free-falling curtain.

Abstract: A method for curtain coating various compositions at high speed onto a continuously moving receiving surface comprisesa) forming a composite layer of a plurality of coating compositions having density .rho. of total volumetric flow rate per unit width Q, forming a freely falling curtain from said composite layer, and impinging said freely falling curtain of height h against a continuously moving receiving surface such that the point of impingement has an application angle .theta.,b) providing said receiving surface with roughness, R.sub.z (DIN), between about 2 .mu.m and about 20 .mu.m,c) providing an electrostatic field at said impingement point whereby high coating speeds can be attained, andd) providing said coating composition forming the layer adjacent to said receiving surface with a viscosity measured at a shear rate of 10,000 s.sup.-1 sufficiently high that, when combined with said roughness R.sub.z, said curtain height h, said application angle .theta.

Abstract: A method for curtain coating various compositions at high speed onto a continuously moving receiving surface comprisesa) forming a composite layer of a plurality of coating compositions having density .rho. of total volumetric flow rate per unit width Q, forming a freely falling curtain from said composite layer, and impinging said freely falling curtain of height h against a continuously moving receiving surface such that the point of impingement has an application angle .theta.,b) providing said receiving surface with roughness, R.sub.z (DIN), between about 2 .mu.m and about 20 .mu.m, andc) providing said coating composition forming the layer adjacent to said receiving surface with a viscosity measured at a shear rate of 10,000 s.sup.-1 sufficiently high that, when combined with said roughness R.sub.z, said curtain height h, said application angle .theta., said total volumetric flow rate per unit width Q, and said minimum liquid density .rho., gives a value of specifying parameter .phi..sub.

Abstract: An applicator for direct or indirect application of a liquid or pasty medium onto a traveling fiber material web includes a metering slot formed as open-jet nozzle between an approach-side lip and a departure-side lip. The approach-side lip or the departure-side lip features on its end directed toward the fiber web an angled flow guide surface.

Abstract: In the method for curtain coating a moving support with any kind of coating solution, lateral flow is supplied to the guided curtain on both sides transversely to the length of the curtain and in parallel to the front wall of the lateral guides. The supply of the liquid film on the lateral guide is effected in such a manner that its surface velocity is equal to the falling velocity of the curtain at any point along the lateral guide. The device implementing the method features a porous plate which is arranged between the liquid supply and the curtain side. This ensures a constant coating without any disturbances due to marginal influences.

Abstract: In a flow coater for applying coating liquid to a plate member such as a printed board by a curtain flow method, a heat exchanger unit of a temperature controller is arranged in a collection tray which is arranged below a coating liquid supplying head across a conveyance path for the plate member. This heat exchanger unit has a coil-shaped structure. The coating liquid is caused to flow down curtainly from the head to come in contact with the heat exchanger unit in which the heat exchange is carried out. Since a small amount of coating liquid comes in contact with the heat exchanger unit, an excellent efficiency of the heat exchange can be obtained, and hence it is possible to cope speedily and accurately with temperature changes. In addition, since after the coating liquid has flowed down from the head, the coating liquid flows naturally down in the tray while contacting the heat exchanger unit, there is no need of providing a special drive apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A method for minimizing coating defects caused by strikethrough when simultaneously slide coating a first fluid layer, a second fluid layer, and a third fluid layer. The method includes preparing the first, second, and third fluids such that the first solute is incompatible with the second and third solutes and such that the first fluid minimizes strikethrough of at least one of the second and third fluids to a slide surface when the first fluid is positioned between the slide surface and the second and third fluids. The present invention is useful in preparing imaging, data storage, and other media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing vortical air flow behind a free-falling curtain in a curtain coating apparatus. There is a critical region within the coating apparatus defined in part by a coating hopper, the free-falling curtain delivered from the coating hopper, a portion of the moving substrate supported on a roller to which the free-falling curtain is delivered, and an air shield located between the roller and the coating hopper. A first intake slot proximate to the moving substrate shield is used to remove boundary-layer air entrained on the moving substrate. A second intake slot positioned within the critical region is used to remove boundary-layer air entrained on the free-falling curtain. Each of the two intake slots is connected to vacuum source. One or two vacuum sources may be used.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for curtain coating a composite layer formed from a plurality of coating compositions onto a moving receiving surface. Edge guides comprising two thin, parallel and closely spaced wires maintain the horizontal extent of the free falling curtain. A flushing and lubricating liquid is supplied to the edge guide. The present invention comprises a distribution body for delivering the flushing and lubricating liquid in laminar flow without initiating stationary waves in the curtain that lead to objectionable coating nonuniformities. The distribution body allows for replacement of the wires without its removal or disassembly. A horizontal conduit near the top of the curtain has an outlet face in contact with the wires that tapers in the upward and downward directions to horizontal edges. The wires pass across the outlet opening within its horizontal diameter. The upper edge of the outlet face positions and supports the wires.

Abstract: In a process for the coating of boards (4) with a poured material (L), especially for the coating of printed circuit boards with, for example, solder resist, the boards (4) to be coated are transported through and beneath a curtain of poured material descending transversely to the transport direction and the poured material descending in the form of a pouring curtain (LV) thus falls onto the boards (4). The descending pouring curtain (LV) falls onto a planar deflector surface (20) before falling onto the board (4), with an acute angle (.alpha.) being formed between the deflector surface (20) and the plane of the pouring curtain (LV), which deflector surface (20) has a cut-off edge (21) at its lower end. After falling onto the deflector surface (20), the poured material runs along that deflector surface (20) downwards towards the cut-off edge (21) and then descends onto the board (4).

Abstract: Non-uniform liquid flows in the curtain limit the process speed and cause defects during coating. These liquid streams are equalized by auxiliary liquids in the curtain holder. If the curtain edge is separated by a free jet of a separating liquid, turbulence in the curtain edge is isolated from the curtain center. The maximum attainable speed is increased. Because the free jet also removes liquid from the curtain in the penetration area, a beaded edge is not generated on the base, and it is possible to coat uniformly thick to the outer edge of the base. The process is especially suitable for making photographic films.

Abstract: A method for producing a light-sensitive material. The method includes the steps of: discharging coating solution, including the light-sensitive material, from a coater die; forming a curtain layer of coating solution by causing the coating solution to fall from a die lip of the coater die in which the curtain layer is formed with an edge guide in which an end of the edge guide is arranged in the vicinity of the die lip and the other end of the edge guide is inclined toward the coater die in relation to the vertical line from the die lip; and coating a support with the coating solution by conveying the support at the downstream end of the curtain layer.

Abstract: A curtain coating apparatus and method in which a catch pan is disposed between a curtain head and a web. The catch pan includes a receiver part used when a curtain film liquid is not coated, an upright level difference part and a shelf part having a slope in the direction of the level difference part. The catch pan is moved in the web running direction or in the opposite direction. The curtain film is received in the receiver part after stopping the coating or before starting the coating, and the tip of the shelf part is moved backward or forward from the curtain film in starting or stopping respectively, whereby an excess coated part is not produced when starting and stopping the coating.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating surfaces consists of a basin, open to the atmosphere, divided into two channels by a wall running perpendicular to the coating direction. Liquid is supplied to the primary channel, the channel farther from the curtain. A continuous, adjustable gap between the dividing wall and the bottom of the basin offers resistance to flow but passes the coating composition from the primary to the secondary channel. The secondary channel has an edge that is horizontal and relatively low so that the coating composition overflows it to form a free-falling curtain. The dividing wall, by providing flow resistance, assists in distributing the supplied coating composition along the length of the primary channel, and reduces any flow disturbances caused by the entering coating composition. The secondary channel promotes additional evening of the flow distribution before the curtain forms.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for setting liquid photographic materials which have been applied as a coating on a support web, while the coated web is moving substantially horizontally with the liquid materials on the underside of the web. Chilling of the liquid materials may be commenced while the web is moving upwards or downwards after coating, but any setting is not permitted to occur until the web has been turned to move substantially horizontally with the liquid materials on the underside. In this way, gravity and surface tension forces act in opposition to one another where the coating lies adjacent surface non-uniformities in the web and tend to retain the uniformity of coating thickness achieved at the time of coating.

Abstract: A method for producing light-sensitive material by using a curtain layer of coating solution. The method includes the steps of: discharging coating solution, including the light-sensitive material, from a coater die; forming a curtain layer of coating solution by causing the coating solution to fall from a die lip of the coater die in which the coating solution has at least 3 layers and a relational structure of dynamic surface tensions of the layers, satisfying the equation: .DELTA.K=.sigma.intermediate.sub.min -.sigma.outer.sub.max .gtoreq.0?mN/m! in which, .sigma.intermediated.sub.min ?mN/m! represents the minimum value of dynamic surface tension of an intermediate layer among the layers, .sigma.outers.sub.max ?mN/m! represents the maximum value of dynamic surface tension of an outer layer among the layers; and coating a continuous support with the coating solution.

Abstract: A coating hopper (10) for coating a radiation-sensitive emulsion on a photographic support (24) is fabricated from hopper bars (12) comprising an inlet slot (16) and a discharge slot (18), said bar (12) comprising a body and hopper lip (22), wherein the body of the bar comprises a metal or metal alloy and the lip area comprises a ceramic insert (30) with a high elastic modulus and low density. The hopper with the ceramic insert prevents the formation of streaks in the emulsion coating layer or layers on the support.

Abstract: A method for minimizing coating defects caused by strikethrough when simultaneously slide coating a first fluid layer, a second fluid layer, and a third fluid layer. The method includes preparing the first, second, and third fluids such that the first solute is incompatible with the second and third solutes and such that the first fluid minimizes strikethrough of at least one of the second and third fluids to a slide surface when the first fluid is positioned between the slide surface and the second and third fluids. The present invention is useful in preparing imaging, data storage, and other media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous galvanizing of a linear element wherein controlled flow of molten zinc onto the linear element is effected through one or more nozzles, whereby galvanizing may be accomplished without immersion of the linear element in molten zinc. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the invention comprises an annular nozzle having a central opening through which the linear element is axially advanced. The nozzle is configured to provide a converging, generally frustoconical curtain of molten zinc flowing continuously onto the exterior surface of the linear element.

Abstract: A method for use with a slide coater including preparing a first coating fluid and flowing the first coating fluid down at least a first slide surface of a slide coater when coating of the first coating fluid onto the substrate is desired and flowing a minimizing fluid down the at least first slide surface when coating of the first coating fluid onto the substrate is not desired. The minimizing fluid has a composition which minimizes drying of the first coating fluid on the at least first slide surface. This invention applies to imaging, data storage, and other media.

Abstract: A binder applicator for applying binder to a moving substrate includes a distribution pipe extending transverse to the direction of movement of the substrate, with the distribution pipe having a bottom provided with a discharge opening. A distributor channel receives liquid binder from the discharge opening and directs the liquid binder upward. A horizontal reservoir receives the liquid binder material from the distributor channel, and a weir meters the discharge of the binder from the horizontal reservoir to form a thin horizontal flow of liquid binder material. A curved surface receives the thin flow of binder material and gradually changes the flow path to a substantially vertical thin flow of binder material for discharge onto the moving substrate.

Abstract: Precise control of the wetting of an edge guide by a coating fluid (i.e., the wetting profile) can be achieved by providing a wetting line below which the coating fluid will wet the surface of the edge guide. Preferably, the height of the wetting line corresponds to a predetermined depth profile of a coating fluid flowing down a coater face. Optionally, a non-wetting surface can be provided above the wetting line, and the non-wetting surface can optionally have a low energy coating provided thereon.

Abstract: A process for forming an abrasion resistant sheet which comprises forming a web of cellulosic fibers on a papermaking machine and applying a slurry including an abrasion-resistant grit to the upper surface of the web on the papermaking machine using a slot orifice coating head applicator, said grit being uniformly distributed on said surface of said fibrous cellulosic overlay sheet at a coat weight of about 2 to 40 pounds per 3000 square feet.

Abstract: A fountain applicator for applying coating liquid onto a web of paper carried past the applicator, has a coating liquid flow path that includes a curved surface along which a sheet of the coating liquid is flowed to subject the sheet to centrifugal force to cause air entrained in the coating liquid to move away from one side of the sheet that is toward the curved surface, so that the one side is relatively free of entrained air. After being flowed along the curved surface, the sheet of coating liquid is directed toward the web in a free standing jet curtain of coating liquid, to contact the web surface primarily with the one relatively air-free side of the coating liquid sheet to decrease the occurrence of skip coating on the web surface, especially when the web is traveling past the applicator at high speeds. The coating is applied in excess onto the web surface and is metered and leveled to a desired coat weight by a downstream doctor.

Abstract: An ultra thin walled wire reinforced endotracheal tubing includes a thin walled tubing comprising a polymeric material having a spring material incorporated therewith. Utilization of the spring wire material in combination with polymeric material results in a reduced wall thickness which results in a significant decrease in resistance to air flow through the endotracheal tubing. The endotracheal tubing of the present invention is made by depositing a dissolvable polymeric material on a rotating mandrel in successive layers. A spring material is also applied around the mandrel to produce the ultra thin walled wire reinforced endotracheal tubing. By controlling the rate of deposition of polymeric material along the length of the mandrel, different wall thicknesses of tubing may be achieved.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is to control the generation of the contamination of a coating apparatus and web tearing which originate in an excess portion of coating color produced when commencing and terminating the coating in curtain coating. Means for solving the subject described above is a curtain coating apparatus in which a curtain film 5 flowing down vertically from a lip head 3 is allowed to contact a continuously running web 9 to form a coated layer, wherein a receiving pan 1 in which at least a coating plate disposed at the tip thereof can move in the running direction of the web 9 is disposed under the lip head 3; the coating plate 2 is connected with one end of the receiving pan 1; and the tip of the coating plate 2 has a function of being capable of sliding in a contact state with the web 9 in commencing and terminating the coating of the curtain film 5.

Abstract: A paint curtain device is proposed in which object (13) to be painted are moved through a paint curtain (5) consisting of liquid paint. In order to make possible the optimal orientation of the objects (13) to be painted, while passing through the paint curtain (5) they are continuously fixed in place on holding means (25) of a conveying system (12) which crosses through the paint curtain (5) when passing through the area of a lateral edge (16). Furthermore, a method for painting objects (13) is proposed for whose execution the paint curtain device is suited.

Abstract: The present invention is an edge blade attached to an edge guide for removing an edge of a falling curtain. The edge of the falling curtain is intercepted by the edge blade and is vacuumed away by a vacuum tube disposed near the edge blade wherein the air flow is blocked to said suction means from the outboard direction and directing said suction means to draw air from the inboard direction towards the curtain; and flushing liquid is distributed to encompass the intercepted liquids of the free falling curtain.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for improving the uniformity of a liquid curtain which includes the specification of, prior to the coating of the composition under the coating conditions, forming a curtain with flow rate and viscosity conditions (1, 2) which are such that the rear face of the lip is wet over a height greater than the height over which the composition would naturally wet the rear face under the coating conditions. Then, maintaining these flow rate and viscosity conditions over a given period of time.

Abstract: A system for coating a substrate with ultra-thin layers in stripes includes moving the substrate through a coating station and forming a composite layer including coating fluids and a carrier fluid. The composite layer flows at a rate that is sufficiently high to form a continuous flowing fluid bridge of composite layer to the substrate surface and to contact the substrate with the flowing composite layer to interpose the coating layers between the substrate and the carrier fluid. The carrier fluid is removed while leaving the coating fluid deposited on the substrate as a coating layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for improving the uniformity of a liquid curtain in a curtain coating system. The apparatus comprises means for, prior to the coating of the medium, forcing the liquid composition which flows on the forward face of the lip to wet the rear face of the lip of the coating device over a predetermined distance greater than the distance over which the liquid composition would naturally wet the rear face.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enclosure for a coating apparatus, the coating apparatus being of the type comprising a coater face adapted for the flow of a fluid thereover. The fluid flows over the coater face in the form of a film having one or more edges contacting the coating apparatus at one or more "edge contact surfaces." The enclosure defines a partially enclosed space above one or more of the edge contact surfaces. The atmosphere within the partially enclosed space can be at least partially saturated with solvent vapor to prevent or inhibit drying of coating fluid at the edge contact surfaces. Also, the enclosure has a shape that allows visibility of and access to a substantial portion of the coater face of the coating apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is an edge blade attached to an edge guide for removing an edge of a falling curtain. The edge of the falling curtain is intercepted by the edge blade and is vacuumed away by a vacuum tube disposed near the edge blade wherein the blade is extending from the edge guide into the falling curtain to intercept a part of the free falling curtain and positioning the blade above the impingement of the falling curtain on the support wherein the blade is angled into the free falling curtain so that the blade is closest to the support where the part of the free falling curtain is intercepted and farthest from the support at the edge guide. Air to the vacuum tube is blocked from the outboard direction, and the tube is directed to draw air from the inboard direction towards the curtain.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for coating egg-yolk disks containing egg-yolk materials. The egg-yolk is initially produced in the form of a cylinder, which is cut into disks, which disks after being encapsulated into an edible membrane, are used in combination with egg-white to form egg-products which may be fried or poached in a similar manner as real eggs. The methods and apparatuses of the present invention are useful for coating articles other than egg yolk disks.

Abstract: Substantially uniform distribution of a particulate composition such as a seasoning or spice, on both the top and bottom surfaces of baked good or snack pieces is achieved by applying the composition as a curtain or sheet from within a housing as the substrate pieces are transported and tumbled by counterrotating brushes. The curtain or sheet extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal cavity through which the substrate pieces are transported. The apparatus includes a housing having a raised portion for enclosing and permitting the curtain or sheet to disperse in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing cavity as the composition descends towards the baked good or snack pieces. A lowered portion, downstream of the raised portion of the housing prevents escape of airborne particulate composition to the atmosphere through the baked good or snack piece outlet.

Abstract: A method of coating moveable supports at high speeds comprises moving a support along a path through a coating zone; forming two or more layers including a topmost layer of coating liquids to form a liquid coating composition; and applying the liquid coating composition to the moving support wherein the topmost layer of the liquid coating composition is shear thinning.

Abstract: A method of coating moveable supports at high speeds comprises moving the support along a path through a coating zone, forming two or more layers of coating liquids including an actual top coat layer to form a liquid composition (with a slide hopper coating a plurality of outlets for coating liquids) and applying a starting top most layer of coating liquid, which layer has a lower viscosity than that of the actual top coat layer, to the liquid coating composition either through the first outlet of the hopper or through an x-hopper located between the first outlet and coating zone, applying the coating composition and starting top most layer, and terminating the application of the starting top most layer when the coating operation is at steady state. Apparatus for carrying out this method is also described.

Abstract: A coating feed apparatus and method (10) for depositing a uniform overflow curtain-like layer of coating composition (c) to a gravure surface (14) has a reservoir (14) and means for delivering the coating composition to the gravure surface (14). The reservoir (14) has a base (24) sloped upwardly from a rear wall (22). A widthwise lip (40) is directed generally downwardly towards the gravure surface (14). Widthwise lip (40) and the undercut portion (48) together enable the coating composition (c) exiting the outlet end (26) of the reservoir (12) to overflow downwardly across widthwise lip (40) in a uniform curtain-like layer (32) towards the gravure surface (14) without creating a backflow of coating composition along the base (24).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spraying a liquid or hot melt material involve placing the material in a plurality of parallel grooves arranged across the entire width of a movable member and then causing a compressed gas to impinge upon the material in the grooves, thereby to spray the material from the grooves toward a substrate, as by extending, fiberizing or atomizing the material, or by mixing a gas with the material. For some materials of relatively high viscosity, a scraper is used to scrape the material from the grooves, and the compressed gas impinges the material while it is on the scraper, thereby to cause spraying. This provides a wide band deposition of a liquid or hot melt material with uniform material distribution across the entire width, along with improved ability to quantify the amount of material deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A system for coating a substrate with an ultra-thin layer includes moving the substrate through a coating station and forming a composite layer including a coming fluid and a carrier fluid. The composite layer flows at a rate that is sufficiently high to form a continuous flowing fluid bridge of composite layer to the substrate surface and to contact the substrate with the flowing composite layer to interpose the coating layer between the substrate and the carrier fluid. The carrier fluid is removed while leaving the coating fluid deposited on the substrate as a coating layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making thermoplastic resin-coated paper which comprises coating a paper sheet with a liquid thermoplastic resin, passing the thermoplastic resin-coated paper sheet through a nip of a pressure roll and a thermally conductive medium to form a resin-medium interface, heating the interface to a temperature of from 35.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. for a nip time period of from 0.002 to 10 seconds and a pressure of from 17,500 to 1,750,000 Pa-m, cooling the interface to a temperature of -73.degree. to 32.degree. C. for a cooling time period of from 0.001 to 100 seconds, and separating the thermoplastic resin-coated paper from the medium.

Abstract: A method for curtain coating a moving support with a liquid coating material. An evacuating device is utilized to evacuate air carried along with the moving support. A device for carrying out the method includes a pourer having a pourer lip, a pouring roll carrying a support, and an evacuating device which is disposed in front of the curtain. The evacuating device includes an evacuating blade having a front edge facing the curtain. The front edge is provided with a slot which is connected to a vacuum installation. The method and device allow a substantial stabilization of the curtain at its point of contact with the support.

Abstract: A liquid flow distribution apparatus for forming highly uniform liquid layers on substrates without stagnation within a flow distribution cavity of the apparatus. A primary cavity has a primary inlet means and a plurality of secondary inlet conduits which terminate in angled secondary ports in the cavity wall. Each of the secondary ports is angled away from the primary inlet means. The apparatus can be used under varying rheological conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for curtain coating a support with one or more layers of a liquid coating composition. Stripes of a liquid coating composition are formed at the edges of the free falling curtain. These stripes are guided by edge guides which are positioned so that there is an uncoated margin of support at each edge of the support. Liquid is removed from the edges of the free falling curtain near the point of impingement on the support. Drag that emanates from the edge guide is contained within the stripe which is removed thereby producing a more uniform coating. In addition free falling curtains having an extremely low flow rate can be coated that previously were not possible.

Abstract: Substantially uniform distribution of a particulate composition such as a seasoning or spice, on both the top and bottom surfaces of baked good or snack pieces is achieved by applying the composition as a curtain or sheet from within a housing as the substrate pieces are transported and tumbled by counterrotating brushes. The curtain or sheet extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal cavity through which the substrate pieces are transported. The apparatus includes a housing having a raised portion for enclosing and permitting the curtain or sheet to disperse in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing cavity as the composition descends towards the baked good or snack pieces. A lowered portion, downstream of the raised portion of the housing prevents escape of airborne particulate composition to the atmosphere through the baked good or snack piece outlet.