Abstract: Superheated steam is applied directly to the surface of a web of paper or the like to significantly increase at least the surface temperature of the web impinged by the superheated steam thereby to significantly heat the paper. The web, after steam treatment, is immediately passed into a nip. The steam applicator is maintained at a temperature above 100.degree. C. to insure that condensation problems are substantially avoided and most if not all the steam condensed in the web. An applicator for superheated steam comprises a heated chamber having a steam inlet and apertures through which steam is directed from the chamber toward a travelling web, the chamber is heated to a temperature to ensure that the steam leaving the chamber through the apertures has the desired degree of super heat, i.e. moisture to heat content to raise the temperature of the web without undue amount of condensation forming on the equipment.

Abstract: A surface cleaner that may take the form of a surface strength tester or lint remover for paper wherein lint or like material is freed from the surface of a paper web travelling past the cleaner. The cleaner includes a material pick-up head having an air bearing surface through and along which an air stream is passed to generate an air bearing and a significant negative air pressure between the bearing surface and web. The negative pressure tends to hold the web and air bearing surface in close proximity to each other and causes lint material to be freed from the web surface. The freed lint material is carried in the air stream. A vacuumed pick up has its inlet opening located relative to the air bearing surface such that material freed and carried in the air stream is sucked into the inlet. If the cleaner is used as a tester the pickup head may extend over only a small portion of the web surface and the amount of material measured thereby to provide an indication of the linting propensity of the web.