Abstract: A method for evaluating standardized test results includes providing a set of class profiles, each indicative of performance of a respective class for a selected test on a question-by-questions basis. One or more normative profiles are generated from these class profiles, and each normative profile is indicative of expected class performance for the test on a question-by-question basis. Individual ones of the class profiles that deviate excessively from the normative profiles on a question-by-question basis are then identified and used as an indication that the test was improperly administered for the respective class.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for impregnating a porous substrate with a solids-bearing saturant first introduces the saturant into the substrate from a first side, and then introduces a displacement material into the substrate from the first side. This displacement material forces at least some of the saturant in the substrate farther into the substrate, away from the first side. A wide variety of devices can be used for introducing the saturant and the displacement material into the substrate, including pressure saturators, converging chamber pressure saturators, roller coaters, blade coaters, and the like. By pushing the saturant away from the first side with the displacement material, the first side can be made more suitable for further processing such as adhesive bonding.

Abstract: A saturator of the type comprising a chamber situated between a chamber defining element and a mandrel, in which a web is moved between the chamber defining element and the mandrel to impregnate the web with a saturant contained in the chamber includes at least one saturant delivery port which extends across substantially the entire width of the chamber or the entire width of one of the saturating zones if the chamber defines a plurality of saturating zones. In this way, uniformity of saturation across the chamber is improved. An insert is removably mounted to the chamber defining element such that a surface of the insert defines a wall of the chamber.

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

Abstract: A saturator of the type comprising a chamber situated between a chamber defining element and a mandrel, in which a web is moved between the chamber defining element and the mandrel to impregnate the web with a saturant contained in the chamber includes at least one saturant delivery port which extends across substantially the entire width of saturation zone which extends only partially across the web if the chamber defines a plurality of saturating zones. In this way, uniformity of saturation across the chamber is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a self-supporting web includes a rotatable mandrel and a stationary block member which defines a recess adjacent the mandrel. The recess is shaped to form a converging chamber between the mandrel and the block member, which converges in the direction of motion of the self-supporting web. A belt is mounted for movement through the chamber and is positioned between the self-supporting web and the block member. The chamber is sized to compress the self-supporting web between the block member and the mandrel, thereby reducing the thickness of the self-supporting web as it passes through the chamber. This apparatus can be used for laminating, liquid removal, or caliper reduction operations on the self-supporting web.

Abstract: A saturator of the type which includes a chamber situated between a chamber defining element and a mandrel, in which a web is moved through the chamber to impregnate the web with a saturant contained in the chamber, includes a chamber defining element which defines an array of grooves. The grooves are separated by raised surfaces. The raised surfaces cooperate with the mandrel to pressurize the saturant in a high pressure zone which causes a relatively large amount of saturant to enter the web. The grooves define respective low pressure zones, which cause a reduced amount of saturant or no saturant to impregnate the web. A desired pattern of impregnation of the web can be obtained by properly positioning the grooves with respect to the raised surfaces on the chamber defining element.

Abstract: A saturator of the type comprising a chamber situated between a chamber defining element and a mandrel, in which a web is moved between the chamber defining element and the mandrel to impregnate the web with a saturant contained in the chamber includes a stencil having at least one impermeable region shaped to cover less than the entire web. The stencil is passed through the chamber at the same speed as the web with the stencil juxtaposed against the web such that portions of the web aligned with the at least one impermeable region are not impregnated with the saturant, while other exposed portions of the web are impregnated with the saturant.