Abstract: A metering rod type coating applicator is provided with a metering rod having its peripheral surfaced texture to a texture in a range of Ra 0.06 to Ra 1.6 to improve the application of coating to a moving surface and permit uniform coating application using higher solids content coatings and/or lower coat weights. Preferably, the rod will be rotated at a speed significantly higher than that conventionally used and preferably with a peripheral velocity in the range of about 15 to 20 m/min.

Abstract: Lubricant is applied to the rolls of the size press to lubricate the rolls prior to moving the coating heads into their coating position by substantially simultaneously applying a lubricating film to each of the rolls of the size press in stripes symmetrically positioned relative to the center line of the web passing through the size press to in stages symmetrically relative to the axis of the web substantially equally increase the surface area of the roll to which the lubricating film is applied until the full surface corresponding to the full width of the web on each of the rolls is lubricated and then a metering rod type coating head apply coating to each of the size press rolls are simultaneously moved into coating position.

Abstract: A spinnaker halyard turret is affixed to a sail boat's masthead permitting a spinnaker halyard to be lead from within the mast through an exit tube at the top of the mast; then over a pair of sheaves aligned one forward of the other to a point on an arc beyond the perimeter of the mast. The turret has a crane which pivots freely in response to the load and direction of pull established by the sail on the halyard. The halyard maintains a fair lead over the sheaves to the head of the spinnaker sail. The arc through which the crane pivots in normal operation is controlled by limit stops to prevent twisting the halyards internally within the mast. The crane is mounted to a plate which pivots about the halyard exit tube. The plate and the exit tube are supported by bearing surfaces that minimize friction. With a second set of sheaves set adjacent and parallel to those described above, a second spinnaker halyard may be used to set a second spinnaker before the first spinnaker has been doused.

Abstract: The amount of coating applied by an applicator is locally adjusted by locally disturbing the flow to the metering outlet, for example, by locally bleeding selected amounts of coating from the metering chamber of the coater to thereby controllably profile the amount of coating applied.