Abstract: An extended nip press apparatus is disclosed for pressing water from a web. The apparatus includes a press frame and a backing roll rotatably secured to the frame. An elongate shoe is connected to the frame, the shoe being movable relative to the roll. The shoe defines a concave surface having a lubricant thereon. The concave surface cooperates with the roll for defining therebetween an extended nip. An endless blanket having a first and a second lateral edge is slidable relative to the shoe, the blanket extending contiguously with the web through the nip such that the web is disposed between the blanket and the roll for pressing water from the web. First and second beads are connected to the first and second edges respectively, the beads extending continuously around the respective edges.

Abstract: In conventional processes for coating continuous filaments the filament is handled by various mechanical means such as, rollers, pulleys, etc. In the manufacture of, for example, optical fibers, such handling causes unacceptable mechanical damage to the fiber. Mechanical contact of the fiber being manufactured can be avoided by passing the fiber through a capillary wetted with a curable coating liquid. The flow of the coating liquid through the capillary is limited by reducing the pressure of the ambient above the liquid level within the vessel containing the coating liquid.