Abstract: A novel catch pan is disclosed for use in apparatus for coating of a support or moving web using curtain coating method and apparatus. The catch pan is used during start-up and shut-down. In use the catch pan is positioned between first and second edge guides and in close proximity to a support. The catch pan includes a main catch pan surface and first and second opposing sides each having a resilient, flexible shim projecting out along the upper edge thereof and into contact with the first and second edge guides, respectively. Each shim strips liquids from the adjacent edge guide, and then directs such liquids onto the catch pan surface during start-up and shut-down without the deposition of excess liquids on the support, web, or coating roller. Means are provided for retracting the catch pan and controlling the falling curtain during start-up, and for inserting the catch pan for intercepting the falling curtain during shut-down.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is disclosed for the coating of a support or moving web using curtain coaters during the start-up and shut-down of a free falling liquid curtain. The apparatus is typically a catch pan positioned between a first and second edge guide and in close proximity to a support. The catch pan includes a main catch pan surface and first and second opposing sides each having a shim projecting out along the upper edge thereof and into contact with the first and second edge guides, respectively. Each shim strips liquids from the adjacent edge guide, and then directs such liquids onto the catch pan surface during start-up and shut-down without the deposition of excess liquids on the support, web, or coating roller. Means are provided for retracting the catch pan and controlling the falling curtain during start-up, and for inserting the catch pan for intercepting the falling curtain during shut-down.

Abstract: The start-up of a free-falling liquid curtain (12) in the coating of objects or a moving web (18) using curtain coaters is considerably improved by the controlled retraction of a catch pan device (30) positioned in close proximity to the moving web (18). The catch pan device which includes a primary lip (32), and a secondary lip (44), is positioned so that it can be retracted through the falling curtain at a predetermined speed and direction relative to the moving web (18). The device (30) is retracted at the start of a coating process so that the falling curtain is interrupted first by primary lip (32) and then secondary lip (44). Primary lip (32) prevents the coating liquids from flowing onto the moving web (18) during the start-up process and secondary lip (44) retains the coating liquids of an extended falling curtain resulting from contact between the curtain and primary lip (32).