Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing and changing the direction of a web moving in a web path between web handling devices. The apparatus includes an airfoil having a bulbous front end tapering to a narrowed rear end, the airfoil having first and second oppositely facing surfaces. A coplanar surface extends from the rear end of the airfoil to define an active surface with the second surface of the airfoil. The web is arranged to move in spaced relation with and along the active surface such that the interaction between the active surface and the boundary layer air associated with the moving web serves to both stabilize and alter the direction of the boundary layer air and the moving web.

Abstract: A compact regenerative incinerator for incinerating an effluent includes a single vessel with two compartments separated by a partition. Each compartment includes an opening and a combustion chamber, and these are separated by a thermal storage medium. The incinerator also has a bypass system, which includes a bypass opening in the vessel and a bypass thermal storage medium separating the opening from the combustion chambers. Valving, which includes one or more flushed control valves, directs the effluent to flow into one of the compartment openings and directs the products of incineration to flow out of the other. The valving is also adapted to direct the effluent into the bypass opening while reversing the flow direction in the incinerator.