Abstract: The present invention discloses a way of separating and treating the covered surfaces of stacked articles in abutting face-to-face contact. It is particularly applicable to stacked planar articles, those having a relatively small width dimension and at least two substantially parallel surfaces in abutting contact, such as metal beverage container closures. The articles are pushed through a curvilinear path defined by a constant width trackwork of a herein specified design, allowed to pivot on the portions of the articles in proximity to the shorter radius whereby fan-like separation of the portions in proximity to the longer radius occurs, and treating medium, such as heated air, is directed toward the separated portions. Greater uniformity in treatment may be obtained by rotating the articles, at least once, as they traverse the curvilinear path. A preferred embodiment designed to dry the sealant on metal beverage container closures is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for applying a light coating of fluid to the outer surface of a circumferential strip of one end of a cylindrically shaped article. The article is stabilized against angular axial movement while being advanced and rotated, in a planar path, through a treating zone. An airborne mist containing fine particles of the fluid is produced. This mist is transported to the treating zone and directed to impinge upon said circumferential strip. The impinged fluid mist is then leveled to achieve a uniform coating.

Abstract: A method of applying a water soluble epoxy resin to the interior surface of a heated beverage can of the lightweight design is disclosed. The epoxy, in a low viscosity solution, is directed against the interior surface of the can while the can is rotated. Centrifugal forces act on the epoxy solution causing a flow of the solution from the center portion of the can bottom to the difficult to access inner frustoconical surfaces.

Abstract: Crack-free hydrides of zirconium and zirconium-uranium alloys are produced by alloying the zirconium or zirconium-uranium alloy with beryllium, or nickel, or beryllium and scandium, or nickel and scandium, or beryllium and nickel, or beryllium, nickel and scandium and thereafter hydriding.