Abstract: A metal wick to be used for the absorption of molten solder is deoxidized and flux coated by a process that does not involve the application of heat to the wick or the flux. In one embodiment the wick is cleaned by heating in a reducing atmosphere and is then immersed in a coating bath containing a solution of a rosin flux in an organic solvent. On leaving the bath the welted wick enters a low-pressure chamber in which the solvent rapidly evaporates at room temperature. In another embodiment the deoxidized wick is coated with comminuted solid resin by electro-static means.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising an edible web having deposited thereon or at least partially thereon a particulate medicament, the webs being thereafter fabricated and finished to pharmaceutically elegant solid dosage forms having no medicament exposed on an exterior surface. The dosage forms have a consistency of release of medicament which can be controlled to exacting specifications. The disclosed solid dosage forms are prepared by high speed automated equipment and the process by which they are made is characterized by non-destructive quality control analysis and performance evaluation both conducted on-line and integrated into the manufacturing operation. Included in the scope of the disclosed invention are certain apparatus and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising an edible web having deposited thereon or at least partially thereon a particulate medicament, the webs being thereafter fabricated and finished to pharmaceutically elegant solid dosage forms having no medicament exposed on an exterior surface. The dosage forms have a consistency of release of medicament which can be controlled to exacting specifications. The disclosed solid dosage forms are prepared by high speed automated equipment and the process by which they are made is characterized by non-destructive quality control analysis and performance evaluation both conducted on-line and integrated into the manufacturing operation. Included in the scope of the disclosed invention are certain apparatus and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: Electrostatic printing or coating apparatus including a main drum for transporting developer mix to an application or printing zone and having permanent magnet segments mounted within the drum for attracting developer mix to its exterior surface. An electric field is produced in the printing zone to provide movement of developer particles toward the article to be printed or coated and a field producing electrode is mounted within the drum adjacent the printing zone. A container conveyor extends past the printing zone to provide positioning of container portions to be coated, and a further drum having interior permanent magnet segment is positioned to remove developer mix from the main drum. The further drum may be rotated in the rotational direction opposite that of the main drum to reduce developer turbulence.

Abstract: A method of coating an article comprising passing a coating material adjacent to a plurality of conductors connected to a high voltage source whereby to electrostatically charge the material and wherein each of the conductors is connected to said source through an impedance adapted to resist reduction of charge on a conductor relatively remote from an articles to be coated in consequence of reduction of charge on a conductor relatively adjacent to said article to be coated. The coating material may be supplied from a powder dispensing and metering device comprising a powder reservoir, a rotor mounted for rotation at the base of the reservoir and an air inlet adjacent the rotor through which air is drawn in use to mix with powder during rotation of the rotor to draw a powder-air mixture away from the reservoir.

Abstract: The rotary disk that mechanically provides radial acceleration to the particles of the coating powder as they enter the electrostatic field of the apparatus is provided with a grid or screen of fine wires on its upper side near its outer edge to break up agglomerates of the coating material that may be present in the powder when it reaches the neighborhood of the disk.

Abstract: Electrostatic deposition of air atomized liquid coating materials by adjusting the conductivity of the coating material and the voltage applied thereto so that virtually no air ionization occurs. Thus, essentially all of the current reaching the object to be coated is carried by the sprayed material thus minimizing the charge build-up on the subject, and eliminating charge accumulation on ungrounded objects out of the spray zone.

Abstract: An active crossmixer comprising a pair of rotatably driven augers and a baffle for partially submerging the augers in developer is mounted in the development system of an electrostatic processor above the sump in a position to intercept the developer returning from the development zone and any additional toner added to maintain the toner concentration at a suitable high level. The developer is divided between the augers which, in turn, laterally transport the developer in opposite directions. Preferably, the baffle is apertured so that developer not only flows over the ends of the baffle but also through the baffle, thereby distributing the developer across the full width of the sump.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing electrostatically and magnetically responsive particulate matter on a conductive surface having an electrostatically charged latent image comprises an elongate permanent magnet that is disposed adjacent to the conductive surface and that is capable of producing a magnetic field having a region of concentrated magnetic flux that permeates the surface and also a region of dilute magnetic flux that is inclined and generally adjacent to the surface, a hopper for storing the particulate matter, and a channel connected to the hopper disposed in the region of dilute magnetic flux having two opposite converging walls that terminate adjacent to the conductive surface in the region of concentrated magnetic flux. The particulate matter when introduced to the region of dilute magnetic flux is caused to be moved by magnetic forces and gravitational forces from the region of dilute magnetic flux to the region of concentrated magnetic flux.