Abstract: A coating apparatus is disclosed for applying a coating onto a surface of a moving web. The apparatus includes a backing member which defines a perforate surface such that when the member is connected to a source of partial vacuum, the web is drawn towards the perforate surface of the member. A coating blade is disposed adjacent to the backing member such that the blade urges the web towards the perforate surface. A permeable belt extends around the backing member with the belt being disposed between the web and the backing member such that when the source of partial vacuum is connected to the backing member, air flows through the belt and the perforate surface for drawing the web into close conformity with the belt. The belt and the web then move together in the same direction for inhibiting the buildup of deleterious material adjacent to the blade that would otherwise remain adjacent to the blade causing marking of the coating applied to the surface of the web by the blade.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for dewatering a web in a paper making machine having press means, a first thermal dryer section having a long continuous support looped belt carrying the web along a first drying run with rolls and suction zones beneath the web and a hot air generating means for directing a flow of air onto the web in the first thermal run with the web being received substantially 40% bone dry at the beginning of the first thermal run and being delivered substantially 50% bone dry at the end of the run onto a heated drum dryer section.