Abstract: A powder facility used for spray coating includes at least one injection unit (6), at least two powder stations (2) and at least one cleaning unit (16) which are mutually displaceably in program-controlled manner in order to alternatively convey powder from one of the powder receptacles of the powder stations or to clean the powder-flow itineraries using compressed cleaning air.

Abstract: According to the invention, the cold gas spraying process is carried out in a vacuum chamber at a pressure that is below 800 mbar (80 kPa). To do this, the cold gas spray gun (3) and the work piece (5) are located in a vacuum chamber (4). This enables use of optimally acting carrier gases such as, for example, helium or helium-containing mixtures.

Abstract: An air unit for the removal of excess particulate coating material that is present on products which are in a coating machine comprises, for blowing surplus particulate material off the products, at least one suction member for drawing off air, with particulate material present therein, from the coating machine, separating means for removing particulate material from the air drawn off, and circulating means for feeding at least a portion of the air drawn off to the blowing member.

Abstract: A physical barrier having a carrier device and a sealer material applied to the carrier device. The sealer material is configured to expand when it is activated. In its pre-activation state, the sealer material is flowable. The sealer material is applied directly to the carrier in its pre-activation state through a dispensing orifice without being previously molded.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying powder coating material onto large objects such as automotive, truck or other vehicle bodies includes a powder spray booth defining a controlled area within which to apply powder coating material onto the vehicle bodies, a powder kitchen located at a remote position from the powder spray booth, and, a number of feed hoppers located proximate the booth which receive powder coating material from the powder kitchen and supply it to automatically or manually manipulated powder spray guns associated with the booth. Oversprayed powder coating material is removed from the booth interior by a powder collection and recovery system which transmits the oversprayed powder back to the powder kitchen for recirculation to the powder spray guns.

Abstract: A method for producing semiconductor or metal particles comprises the steps of: storing a semiconductor or metal melt in a crucible having a nozzle; supplying a gas comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of He, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe into the crucible such that the pressure of the supplied gas in a space over the melt in the crucible is higher than the pressure of a gaseous phase into which the melt is dropped; dropping the melt from the nozzle into the gaseous phase by the pressure of the gas to form liquid particles; and solidifying the liquid particles in the gaseous phase to obtain semiconductor or metal particles. The crucible comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of hexagonal BN, cubic BN, Si3N4, TiB2, ZrB2, zirconia and stabilized zirconia at least near the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for forming a pattern on a surface of a panel substrate, includes electrically charging pattern-forming material particles, jetting out the electrically charged pattern-forming material particles through a nozzle by applying electrostatic force to the pattern-forming material particles to form a pattern, and fixing the pattern onto the panel substrate.

Abstract: A booth of a powder coating system is designed for quick color changes. The booth includes a bottom wall supported above a floor. An inner space of the booth is defined above the bottom wall and an equipment-receiving space is defined beneath the bottom wall. The bottom wall has an opening providing communication between the inner space and the equipment-receiving space. The booth is adapted to receive a powder-recovery module beneath the bottom wall in the equipment-receiving space.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method and apparatus for the application of powdered resins to threaded fasteners. In accordance with the present invention, the powdered resin handling system used to apply, collect, recycle and make-up the resin is generally enclosed; that is, with the exception of the application of the resin to the fasteners, the resin is generally maintained within conduit, housings or hoppers that are not open to the surroundings. This tends to minimize discharge of resin into the areas surrounding the fastener processing equipment and also isolates the resin from external environmental conditions that tend to degrade the resin over time. In addition, the present invention introduces fresh, new or make-up resin in a manner that assures intimate and thorough intermixing of the new and recycled resin while minimizing the cost and complexity of the equipment employed for that purpose.

Abstract: An apparatus for powder coating has a coating chamber and a generally horizontal conveyor to electrically ground a article within the coating chamber. A powder dispenser distributes powder within the coating chamber to coat the article.

Abstract: The variable geometry seasoning tumbler is an adjustable tumbling device that allows for the uniform application of seasoning of snack food product such as potato chips, tortilla chips, corn chips, and the like. With the adjustable tumbling device, uniform application of seasoning can be achieved while minimizing snack food product breakage. The tumbler has adjustable upper and lower rolls that support a belt that receives and processes the snack food product. The belt has a catenary region wherein snack product is processed in a tumbling bed. By adjusting one or both rolls, the dimensions of the tumbling bed and the inclination of the belt can be easily modified. Thereby, the tumbling parameters can be optimized for each type of snack product being seasoned.

Abstract: Modern techniques for manufacturing paper using mechanical wood pulp has lead to a persistent over-acidification of printed manner, and threatens to permanently destroy the same. This over-acidification can be neutralized by using an alkaline active substance whose main component is a salt having a relatively low water affinity. An alkaline deposit can be deposited on the paper by also using said alkaline active substance. A device suited for deacidification using this active substance comprises a case (10) which can be closed. Printed matter which can be fanned out in a stand (1) is treated in said case. The printed matter is treated by introducing the powdered active substance via a screw conveyor (32) into an air stream circulated by a fan (19a), whereby the printed matter is leafed through in order to expose it to the active substance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a thermoplastic powder to threads located in a bore of an internally threaded fastener having, a powder supply conduit in communication with a powder source and a powder application conduit defining a first passageway having a powder discharge port and a second passageway having a powder inlet port located adjacent the discharge port which is in communication with a powder collection system. The powder application conduit is movable for insertion into and through the bore of the fastener and into engagement with the powder supply conduit. The engagement forms a nozzle which directs powder through the powder discharge port onto the threads of the fastener and retrieves excess powder through the powder inlet port for conveyance to the powder collection system.

Abstract: The seasoning applicator applies seasoning onto snack food products such as potato chips, corn chips, tortilla chips, and the like in a two-dimensional seasoning pattern. A two compartment sifting assembly has a first top layer having a screen where seasoning is initially deposited. Upon vibration, the seasoning is passed through the top layer screen into a lower compartment. Therein, the seasoning is further distributed across the surface of the lower layer screen, which generally has a screen with smaller openings than the top layer screen. This promotes the even distribution of seasoning through the lower screen. Thereby, a two-dimensional seasoning pattern is created for depositing on a moving bed of snack food products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a finely-divided powder spray apparatus having a spray nozzle pipe for discharging spacers for liquid crystal displays from the tip together with a gas flow, which is disposed at a prescribed distance from a member to be sprayed, and comprising: a touch panel which enters control factors for controlling the moving-speed of the tip of the spray nozzle pipe at individual spray points the surface of the glass substrate; and an actuator driver which controls the moving speed of the tip of the spray nozzle pipe in accordance with the control factor entered by the touch panel.

Abstract: A method and device for powdering the printed sheets of paper. Powder is periodically introduced into the airflow by a dosing element.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an interior of a coating booth is proposed in which blast air is used as at least one of the means for cleaning. For primary cleaning of the coating booth, blast air and corresponding suction operations are used, whereby blowing and suction can be carried out simultaneously, cyclically or sequentially. The invention also relates to a coating booth. The floor and/or the ceiling of the coating booth are formed by a separate floor part and/or a ceiling part which are movable relative to the peripheral wall. The floor part and/or the ceiling part include a cleaning device which can optionally be integrated with the respective floor part and/or ceiling part. The floor part and/or the ceiling part hence operate as a cleaning device for the coating booth. The cleaning device can be displaced in the interior space of the coating booth in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing granules onto a substrate includes a hopper for containing granules, the hopper having a discharge slot, and a reciprocating gate mounted for rotation across the slot to open and close the slot. A method of depositing granules onto a moving substrate includes providing a hopper for containing granules, where the hopper has a discharge slot. A gate is moved across the slot to open and close the slot. When the slot is open granules fall from the hopper, and when the slot is closed granules are prevented from falling from the hopper. The method further includes detecting the speed of the substrate, and controlling the extent of opening of the slot by the gate to meter the granules falling from the hopper in response to the speed of the substrate.

Abstract: A deposition system is used for depositing particles onto a substrate, such as a wafer in a deposition chamber. The particles are carried in an aerosol that is generated by an atomizer that includes an impaction plate for removing large particles before the aerosol is discharged, and which has an output that is provided through a particle classifier to the deposition chamber. Various branches of flow lines are used such that the aerosol that has classified particles in it, is mixed with a clean dry gas prior to discharge into the deposition chamber, and selectively the aerosol can be directed to the deposition chamber without having the particles classified. The lines carrying the aerosol can be initially connected to a vacuum source that will quickly draw the aerosol closely adjacent to the deposition chamber to avoid delays between deposition cycles.

Abstract: A powder coating apparatus for forming a resin coating on the inner periphery of a container (2) having a barrel (21), a shoulder (22) and a mouth (23) does have a holder (3) for temporarily holding the container in place, a spray gun (4) for blowing into the container a powder through an open skirt (21a) of the container. The apparatus further has a first passage (51) for guiding to the spray gun a first air stream together with the powder, a second passage (61) for feeding a second air stream for stirring the powder into the spray gun. The apparatus still further has a third passage (81) for collecting a first surplus of the powder from the container mouth (23), a fourth passage (71) for collecting a second surplus of the powder from the open skirt of the container, and control unit respectively connected to the first to fourth passages.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading particles, such as seasoning, on both sides of products conveyed in a product stream includes first and second conveyors arranged at different elevations, and a particle dispensing device arranged above a vertical overlap between the two conveyors such that particles dispensed by the spreading device falls on the product stream on the first conveyor and the product stream on the second conveyor. A turning apparatus is arranged between an outlet of the first conveyor and an inlet of the second conveyor such that the product stream is turned over as it is being deposited from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor. The turning apparatus includes a discharge lip on the outlet of the first conveyor, and a curved turning wall arranged spaced from the discharge lip.

Abstract: Plant for powder coating the surfaces of objects with polymeric powder having a melting and softening temperature below 100° C. The polymeric powder includes a polymer curable under the influence of electromagnetic radiation. Objects to be coated are prepared to retain powder charged with static electricity. The objects are then sprayed with powder charged with static electricity and thereafter heated to a surface temperature of about 100° C. thereby melting the powder retained on the surface by exposure to infrared radiation and heated air. The objects are radiated by electromagnetic radiation for curing of the powder over the surface of the objects.

Abstract: A powder spray-coating cabin, in particular a vertically cylindrical cabin, has its air suction flows shifted away from the center of spray coating toward object wall passages.

Abstract: An improved seasoning system 10,11,13 uniformly coats a food product with the desired amount of seasoning, with the seasoning rate preferably being controlled as a function of the product volume signals from the sensors 26, 34, 108 and 110. The seasoning system preferably utilizes linear motion conveyors and either a rotating drum 36 or a deflector 98 and a second seasoning unit 112,114 between linear conveyors 94, 96. Oil may be sprayed onto food products and tumbled in a drum 16 which both rotates and moves in a reciprocating manner with the conveyor tray 14. An improved seasoning tray 123, 144, 148 has a planar floor 122, 138, 162 with an angled discharge edge 124, 137, 182 for uniformly distributing seasoning on the product. The seasoning system minimizes damage to the food product and uniformly coats the product with a desired amount of seasoning.

Abstract: A powder coating system comprising at least one throttle unit (10) which is adjusted by an electric motor, preferably a stepping motor (6) through a bellows connector (12).

Abstract: A powder paint color changer features a single cleaning fluid port at one end of the color changer manifold for direction of cleaning fluid, such as pressurized air, through the main output interior chamber of the color changer manifold thence through a supply hose which is adapted for coupling to a paint application device. Additionally, the powder paint color changer manifold includes a replaceable insert of impact fusion resistant material which defines the surface of the manifold's interior cavity.

Abstract: A coating, such as ink or paint, is used, where particles in the coating are selected based on electric, magnetic, or light/photo properties, and are dispersed in the coating to provide a desired physical color. In one approach, the application of the coating to the substrate such as paper is controlled using an electric or magnetic field. In another approach, a pattern is formed in a coating on a substrate by targeting an electric, magnetic or photo field to specific locations on the coating. In yet another approach, the color of a coating that is applied to an object is shifted to match a background color so that the coating appears to be erased. In this approach, the coating may be in the form of a label, such as a bar code, that can be read by a scanner at a point of sale location. In another approach a pattern or code is scrambled or removed by applying an electric, magnetic, or photo field to specific locations on the coating or substrate.

Abstract: A compartment for powder coating of workpieces (20) which is simple in structure, cost effective, and easy to clean comprises a floor (32, 40), two sidewalls (2, 4), and two end walls (10, 12) at least one (12) of which has a door opening (16) for entry and/or exit of the workpieces (20). Two oblique walls (22, 24) are arranged symmetrically inclined with respect to each other at the inside surfaces of the sidewalls (2, 4) in the lower corner regions of the compartment, so that, together with the corner regions, they define a suction channel (34, 36) each, and with their lower edges they form suction gaps (s). The walkable floor (32) may be embodied by a stationary plate or a discharge belt. The oblique walls (22, 24) can be tilted up against or removed from the inside surfaces of the sidewalls (2, 4) for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: Improved nozzle design that discharges more powerful, more focused fluid streams through a series of nozzle orifices distributed along a length of the nozzle. The present invention may be incorporated into a wide range of microelectronic device manufacturing processes and equipment types for which an array of more forceful, more focused process streams are desired for treating microelectronic workpieces. The present invention is particularly useful to cryogenically clean microelectronic workpieces, where the improvements allow the conventionally more troublesome smaller contaminant particles to be cleaningly removed with greater particle removal efficiency.

Abstract: A powder coating assembly comprising a compartment (1) in which workpieces (3) are coated with powder and which includes a discharge belt (15) for conveying excess powder to a recovery unit (5) or a filter unit (4) is characterized in that both a recovery unit (5) and a filter unit (4) are provided, each connected by a separate conduit (16; 18) to an exhaust opening (17; 19) of the compartment (1), and in that a shutoff member (42) is provided in the separate conduits (16; 18) for selectively blocking conveyance of powder to the filter unit (4) or the recovery unit (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to the technology of applying a coating of powder materials by spraying and can be used for producing a coating of metals; their mechanical mixtures and dielectrics, adding various functional properties to treated surfaces. The proposed method of applying a powder coating comprised as follows: producing a gas-carrier flow, mixing powder with it, accelerating the gas-powder flow in the nozzle, generating its preset profile, further simultaneously generating the second gas-carrier flow, heating it, generating its preset profile and accelerating it in the nozzle, after that superimposing the accelerated gas-powder flow of the preset profile over the gas-carrier flow of the preset profile, and directing the cumulative jet to an article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing a charge falling onto an article. The apparatus includes a baffle to present a continuous deflection surface to the falling charge, the deflection surface deflecting at least a portion of the charge radially outwardly, and a guide arranged downstream of the baffle to deflect at least a portion of the charge radially inwardly to cause the charge to fall onto the article with a required distribution. The baffle and the guide may be adjustably mounted such that the relative positions of the guide and the baffle can be adjusted to achieve a desired distribution of the charge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing seasoning on lanes of stackable chip product using a series of vibrating funnel fingers. A narrowed discharge end for each funnel finger is positioned over a lane of chips, thereby directing the seasoning on each chip and limiting the amount of seasoning that must be recycled or discarded. Oscillation of the funnel fingers insures even seasoning distribution on the chips and precludes accumulation of the seasoning on the distribution apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a thermoplastic powder to threads located in a bore of an internally threaded fastener having a powder supply conduit in communication with a powder source and a powder application conduit defining a first passageway having a powder discharge port and a second passageway having a powder inlet port located adjacent the discharge port which is in communication with a powder collection system. The powder application conduit is movable for insertion into and through the bore of the fastener and into engagement with the powder supply conduit. The engagement forms a nozzle which directs powder through the powder discharge port onto the threads of the fastener and retrieves excess powder through the powder inlet port for conveyance to the powder collection system.

Abstract: A central powder supply system, referred to as a so-called powder center (1) is made available for use especially in high-performance industrial powder coating installations. The powder center (1) is divided into two separate chambers (2, 3), an operating chamber (2) and a powder chamber (3). Both chambers (2, 3) can be connected with a powder separating device via an opening which can be closed off. The powder chamber (3) essentially houses the powder preparation device (5), while the operating chamber (2) contain the operating parts (22) and supply parts (20, 21). The powder preparation device (5) comprises a height-adjustable lifting table (7) with vibration device for the powder supply container (6 positioned thereon. In addition, there is a suction plate (12) which serves as suction device and has through openings (13). The suction plate (12) is surrounded by a strain basket (17) which, optionally, has a support basket (18).

Abstract: A method and device of treating an irregularly shaped article to prepare the article for painting is provided. The device includes a burner which can produce an adjustable flame tongue which can fit into crevices, openings and other irregular topographical features of an item to be painted or otherwise coated. The burner device further provides means to apply a grafting chemical on a freshly oxidized surface. Further, the invention provides means to colorize treated objects so that they may be recognized as having been treated. In another embodiment, the grafting chemicals may be enhanced with electrolytic solutions such that electrostatic methods of painting may be subsequently employed on the item. In an alternate embodiment, the burner is adapted to spray a powder inside of a generally enclosed flame, and is used in conjunction with chop guns to manufacture glass or carbon fiber preforms.

Abstract: A powder coating control system comprising a plurality of gun controls associated with a like plurality of powder spray guns. Each of the gun controls stores a plurality of presets spray parameters. Each of the gun controls responds to part identification signals and part position signals to select in real time one of the stored presets of spray parameters and trigger its respective powder spray gun ON and OFF to apply a powder coating to the moving part in accordance with the selected set of spray parameters. The control system further permits a gun purge cycle to be programmed either before or after the powder coating process is executed. The control system automatically initializes and brings each of the gun controls to an operable state on-line with the system control.

Abstract: A coil coating system for embedding discrete masses of material in a resinous coating on sheet metal as it is pulled from a dispensing coil through a series of rollers, said system comprising a paint pan, a roller rotating in the pan and picking up said resinous coating composition and transferring it to an applicator roller; thenceforth to the moving sheet metal, an oven, and a sprayer that can heat thermoplastic resin particles to a molten or plastic state and spray the particles to the moving sheet metal.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing granules onto a substrate includes a hopper for containing granules, the hopper having a discharge slot, and a reciprocating gate mounted for rotation across the slot to open and close the slot. A method of depositing granules onto a moving substrate includes providing a hopper for containing granules, where the hopper has a discharge slot. A gate is moved across the slot to open and close the slot. When the slot is open granules fall from the hopper, and when the slot is closed granules are prevented from falling from the hopper. The method further includes detecting the speed of the substrate, and controlling the extent of opening of the slot by the gate to meter the granules falling from the hopper in response to the speed of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with powdered resin feeders provides a continuous stream of powder to a plurality of threaded or non-threaded fasteners. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus generates a gravity induced powder stream at the free end of a discharge conduit which is intersected by a series of fasteners carried on a conveyor. A vacuum nozzle is positioned adjacent to the powder stream and the conveyor. Both the vacuum nozzle and the free end of the discharge conduit are adjustably positionable relative to the path of the fasteners carried on the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrically controlling a flow of material, wherein a single- or multi-component, essentially polymer-based material (1), such as plastics, elastomer or the like, is charged electrically (I) and sprayed (II) in an electrical field (E) to a three-dimensional mould (2)/target (3). The method of the invention makes use of the mould (2)/target (3) set at an electric potential and provided with two or more treatment blocks (Li) to be set at voltage levels different from each other, especially for coordinating the courses of sprayed material particles and the electrical field (E) affecting the same, in such a manner that each section/area of the mould/target surface forms a material layer of desirable thickness in the spraying cycle (II). The invention relates also to an apparatus operating in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A rotary drum seeder for depositing seeds onto food products. The seeder includes a primary support structure, rotary drum assembly, seed hopper, feed gate disposed between the seed hopper and a hopper discharge, and controller. The surface of a rotatable drum of the drum assembly includes repeating patterns made up of apertures. Seeds are selectively adhered to and dislodged from the apertures by high and low pressure fluids provided to the apertures. The low and high pressure fluids come from a vacuum source and a high pressure source, respectively. The vacuum source causes seeds to adhere to the apertures, while the high pressure source generates a localized positive fluid pressure in a seed dislodging device disposed within the rotary drum, thereby forcing the seeds from the apertures when they pass over the seed dislodging device. A boundary layer air knife is used to remove excess seeds from the surface of the rotary drum.

Abstract: The installation includes an endless conveyor belt which allows pulverulent material to pass through and has a top part and a bottom part, an element for forming a layer of pulverulent material on a portion of the top part on which products can be accommodated and can be moved in the direction of transport, as well as a device for applying a layer of pulverulent material on the products present on the top part, which device includes a container having a discharge for the pulverulent material, as well as a distributor which allows the pulverulent material to pass through, for uniformly distributing the pulverulent material over the width of the top part. The distributor includes a distribution element that is located transversely below the discharge and allows the pulverulent material to pass through, as well as a part, such as a plate, located below the distribution element, that does not allow the pulverulent material to pass through.

Abstract: A device for application of coating powder in a process including a conveyor with an air permeable conveyor surface for conveying a base sheet in a direction of travel, wherein the base sheet is coated with at least one layer upstream of the conveyor, and a powder-applying device, arranged to apply coating powder onto the base sheet. A device for directing a jet of air towards the base sheet is also arranged downstream of the powder applying device such that the jet of air effectively removes any excess coating powder from the base sheet. A suction device is also arranged to create an under-pressure beneath the conveyor surface, causing the base sheet to be pulled towards the conveyor surface, and forcing the excess coating powder to pass through the conveyor surface.

Abstract: A machine for coating particulate material includes a rotatable drum with a solid or perforated sidewall. A boom extends into the drum to support one or more spray nozzles and one or more powder applicators. Particulate material is introduced into the drum and subjected to a solution coating from the nozzles and a powder coating from the powder applicators, while the drum rotates. Air may flow through the perforated drum to facilitate drying of the coating solution and powder. The powder applicators are individually regulated so as to provide even distribution of the powder throughout the length of the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of coating the outer surface of a non-rotating pipe with a fluid including a fluid reservoir for containing fluid to be discharged onto the surface of a pipe, and a pipe receiving chamber extending through and separate from the fluid reservoir. The apparatus further includes a fluid application assembly having a plurality of fluid intake openings positioned in the fluid reservoir for the intake of fluid therefrom. The fluid intake openings are rotatable in a circular pattern within the reservoir about a path extending through the chamber. The assembly has a plurality of fluid discharge outlets in fluid communication with the fluid intake openings and directed towards the path. The fluid discharge outlets are rotatable in unison with the fluid intake openings about the path, whereby fluid entering the fluid intake openings from the reservoir is discharged through the fluid discharge outlets to coat the outer surface of a pipe being conveyed along the path.

Abstract: The assembly includes a moving web drawn in a first direction and a spreading apparatus evenly distributing solid particles onto the moving web. The spreading apparatus includes a rotating disk having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface is adapted to distribute solid particles outwardly as the solid particles strike the upper surface of the rotating disk. The spreading apparatus further includes a baffle positioned about the rotating disk. The baffle includes a first diameter and a second diameter wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter, and the first diameter is oriented perpendicular to the first direction in which the web is moving and the second diameter is oriented parallel to the first direction in which the web is moving. The spreading apparatus also includes a feed assembly positioned above the rotating disk so as to provide a predetermined supply of solid particles to the upper surface of the rotating disk.

Abstract: A remote control device that provides a wireless connection between the operator and a control console of a material coating spraying system, thereby allowing the operator to select, change, modify and otherwise control a variety of parameters and functions of the spraying operation. The remote capability permits an operator to be stationed at, in or near the spray booth so as to be able to observe the actual spraying operation and transmit instructions to the control console. In one embodiment, a powder spray system includes a spray gun having a pressurized air inlet and a powder inlet, a powder spray booth, a powder supply for feeding powder to the gun, a control console separately located with respect to the booth; the console being operable to control a spraying operation; and a hand-held remote control device for wireless operation of the control console by an operator positioned a distance from the console.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for electrostatic deposition of dry powder to a tablet, capsule, or a specific area of any of a wide range of pharmaceutical substrates. The apparatus includes: a magnetic brush having a rotatable multi-pole magnetic core and a stationary outer shell; a developer supply for supplying a magnetic developer powder, consisting of a magnetic carrier particles and pharmaceutical dry powder particles, to the magnetic brush; a print head on the outer shell; a tablet or other pharmaceutical substrate arranged in spaced relation to the print head to define a pharmaceutical powder transfer region through which the substrate can be moved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for treating yarn to enhance the performance characteristics, such as the odor adsorption capacity, of the yarn while retaining the physical properties, such as hand and feel, associated with the yarn. Methods for treating the yarn involve incorporating solid particles such as activated carbon into the yarn using an air dispersion technique or a padding technique. The air dispersion technique disperses the solid particles over the yarn in a controlled air stream. The padding technique incorporates solid particles into the yarn when the yarn passes through a bath of solid particles. The yarn treating method may apply a binding agent to the yarn. The binding agent binds the solid particles to the yarn without inhibiting the performance characteristics of the solid particles. The yarn treating method further includes curing the binding agent to permanently attach the solid particles to the yarn.