Abstract: A manufactured metal member, such as a wire, having a magnetite oxide film thereon, is subjected to mechanical stress to produce cracking of the magnetite film approximately to the surface of the metal member. The metal member is then moved through an electrolysis cell bath in which the metal member forms the anode thereof, and vertically positioned steel bars form the cathode. A pulsating DC current is applied to the anode and the cathode. The current flows to the surface of the metal member via the cracks in the oxide, maintaining the metal member anode in a state of depassivation and loosening the bond between the oxide film and the metal member. The loosened magnetite is then readily cleaned off the metal member. A thermal stressing step may also be used prior to the mechanical stressing.

Abstract: An actuator having first and second brake sections, one of the first and second sections movable relative to the other along a predetermined axis, spaced apart pairs of brakes in each of the brake sections, a spring connected between the first and second brake sections for biasing the first section away from the second section along the axis, a pusher rod between the first and second sections parallel to the predetermined axis, operative in response to an activating control signal to expand axially and upon removal of the control signal to contract to its original length, and a device for selectively activating the brakes in each section and the push rod such that the actuator moves in a selected direction along the axis.

Abstract: A radiant burner assembly for a gas fired infrared burner has a first block of permeable material for transporting and distributing a mixture of combustion gas and air. A second block of material which has properties different from the material of the first block completes transport and distribution of the mixture and provides a combustion zone in which the mixture burns and heats the outer surface of the second block to incandescence for efficient infrared radiation. The pore spaces through which gas flows in the second block are larger than the pores spaces through which gas flows in the first block so that the mixture expands to form a turbulent mixture in the second block. Varying pore size may be provided in each block of material. Ceramic materials are used for withstanding elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for uniformly drying a web to obtain a desired moisture content within a predetermined tolerance. A matrix of emitters arranged in m rows and n columns (where m,n.gtoreq.2) are operated at either low or high flame conditions. At least one emitter in each column is operated in a duty cycle fashion wherein the said emitter is maintained at the high flame condition for a predetermined portion of the duty cycle and at the low flame condition for the remainder of the duty cycle as a function of the amount of drying desired. This technique yields a finer adjustment than is capable in conventional systems. The high flame condition is selected to operate the emitters at a radiant energy whose wavelength optimizes the drying capability. Air circulators enhance the drying operation and protects the system from damage. Sprayers spray the emitters to prevent damage due to overheating when a web break occurs.

Abstract: A flame intensity controller for controlling the air/gas mixture introduced into a conveying and/or mixing tube. Plural heating arrays are transversely aligned to the direction of movement to dry the moving web. The controller selectively controls the heating intensity of each section of the heating arrays to thereby control the amount of drying experienced by each longitudinal section of the web. The controller may be a countercurrent air controller or a mechanical restrictor. The energy output of each section is controlled between adjustable upper and lower energy levels. However, the lower energy level is chosen to be sufficient to sustain combustion. The independent control of the dryer sections provides dramatic improvement in uniformity of the moisture "profile" across the web.