Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing dried sized glass fibers wherein a drying device is used to produce current flow along sized fibers to thereby partially or fully dry the size on the fibers. The apparatus may include an applicator for applying a size to the fibers and a drying device which comprises a high voltage electrode connected to a high voltage source and at least one grounded electrode. Drying is performed by passing the sized fibers by the electrodes such that a current flows along the sized fibers from the high voltage electrode to the at least one grounded electrode. The grounded electrodes may comprise grounded gathering shoes.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating the bottom rim surface of a container using a vacuum conveyor for holding and transporting a plurality of empty containers with the bottom rim surfaces exposed so that the bottom rim surfaces may be passed over a coating applicator roll and through a curing oven to provide the bottom rim surfaces with a cured coating and wherein the vacuum conveyor is wide enough so that a plurality of the bottom rim surfaces may be coated at the same time and then passed through the curing oven.

Abstract: There is provided a double-sided substrate cleaning apparatus including a carrier station for loading/unloading a carrier in which objects to be processed are stored, a convey mechanism for conveying an object taken out from the carrier station, at least one cleaning mechanism, arranged along a convey path on which the convey mechanism conveys the object, for cleaning the object, and an object reversing mechanism, arranged along the convey path, for reversing the object.

Abstract: Hard substrates such as ophthalmic lenses or molds are coated with a UV curable monomer which is polymerized to construct a scratch resistant coating on a surface of the lens. The present invention is directed to an apparatus for and method of applying the UV curable monomer to the surface of the ophthalmic lens or mold. Polymerization of the monomer occurs by radiation of UV light while the lens is encased in a curing chamber. The spin coater of the present invention has the following advantages: Excess monomer is collected in a dish away from UV exposure and is readily disposed of. The substrate is revolved at a high rate of speed during the application of the coating to achieve a uniform coating of monomer. Only the holder and substrate are moved to the curing chamber minimizing the items exposed to UV light. The UV light is electrodeless, it has a standby mode and operates cyclically during use so as to prolong its life and to allow a greater degree of control over extent of polymerization.

Abstract: According to a method for applying an insulating layer to a surface fibers, of an inorganic material an sprayed onto the surface under simultaneous wetting of the fibers with water and/or a binder so that the fibers stick to the surface whereafter the layer is formed and dryed/hardened. Prior to or after the drying/hardening a binder can be sprayed to the surface for the purpose of achieving a dustless and mechanically resistant surface layer. A device for applying of an insulation to a surface of an object (10), making use of the method, comprises a store (41) of fibers of an inorganic material, a conduit (20) for the transfer fibers from the store (41) to a spray nozzle (21) and device for generating an air flow in the conduit (20) directed towards the nozzle (21).

Abstract: A stand alone printing system (10) for coating a first face of sheets on which printing may be printed previously by a printer not associated with the system includes a feeding mechanism (14), a driven application roller (76) for transferring coating material disposed on the peripheral surface (77) to the first face; a metering device (78) for transferring a uniform thickness of coating material to the peripheral surface of the application roller; a driven impression roller (85) which contacts a second face of the sheets and which contacts the peripheral surface of the application roller at least at gaps disposed between the sheets during feeding of the sheets along the coating zone which transfers the coating material to the peripheral surface (86) of the impression roller; and a coating material removing mechanism (116) for removing coating material from the peripheral surface of the impression roller prior to rotation of the peripheral surface of the impression roller to a point of contact with the second

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a protective layer on a card by use of a resin solution, includes a coating head having a fiber member, wherein the coating head is relatively positioned on the card so as to be brought in contact with a portion of a surface of the card so that the resin solution is transferred onto the contact portion of the card through the fiber member. The apparatus includes a moving device to selectively move at least one of the coating head and the card so as to move the contact portion along the surface of the card so that the surface of the card is coated with the resin solution.

Abstract: An applicator for coating sheet material has a relatively thick compressible, saturable layer for engaging the sheet which is effective to apply an optically clear coating when saturated with a flood of liquid coating composition. The coated article has virtually no visible defects and has high optical transmission and low haze.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a resin coating on the surface of an article having a three-dimensional structure, comprising: (i) a compartment (a) in which the surface of the article is coated with a resin solution, (ii) a compartment (b) in which said resin solution coated on said article is cured; and (iii) means for successively transporting said article through said compartments; wherein said compartment (b) is substantially shut off from the outside air and has an entrance and an exit for said article transport means, said entrance and said exit being provided with respect guide members having substantially the same cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: The method of repair paint curing for an automotive production line having a prep area, a spray booth, and an infrared oven, with a plurality of longitudinally spaced infrared heating panels upon its opposite sides and top includes the steps of conveying a vehicle from the prep area into a spray booth, locating upon the vehicle body the prepped area to be painted, and manually inputting a code to a computer control for selectively energizing only one of the heating panels immediately adjacent the prepped area. Additional steps include spray painting the prepped area, indexing the vehicle into the oven, and automatically energizing only the selected heating panel to apply preset heating and drying temperatures to the painted area for preset temperatures and time periods in accordance with a preselected program for the computer for drying and curing the painted area, all of the other heating panels remaining inactive. An apparatus in disclosed to practice the method of repair paint curing.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of coating an article by the use of electro-static attraction of ionized particles which are subsequently cured. The apparatus includes a first foraminous conveyor for carrying the article through a powder coating zone and a second conveyor for carrying the article through a curing zone. The surface of the article which rests on the foraminous conveyor is cleaned of particles as the article is transferred from the first foraminous conveyor to the second conveyor. The first foraminous conveyor is also cleaned of particles after the article has been transferred. After the articles have been cured to form a coating on the article, the article is put through the coating system again except that the article is supported on the conveyor so that the surface which was not coated in the first pass through the system is out of contact with the conveyor.

Abstract: This invention relates to coating systems and to methods and apparatus for coating containers and closures employing container and closure indexing machines having vacuum chucks mounted on the edge of one or more turrets rotating in horizontal or vertical planes about a stationary shaft for loading, spray coating, optionally curing and unloading can and can ends secured to vacuum chucks extending radially from the edges of the turret. Further, devices are provided for loading and unloading cans and can lids onto and off of a turret rotating in either the horizontal or vertical plane.

Abstract: A machine for precisely painting large numbers of small various sized tubular pieces. The painting machine includes a chain driven track assembly which moves the tube pieces held on paint fixtures into a paint chamber for painting and into an oven to dry the paint to the tube.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus comprises a sheet transporter for transporting a sheet, a laminating film transporter for transporting at least one laminating film in such a manner that the laminating film is superposed with at least one surface of the sheet transported by the sheet transporter, a pressing mechanism for pressing the sheet and the laminating film in a mutually superposed state, a dryer for drying the sheet before it is superposed with the laminating film, a humidity detector for detecting the humidity of the sheet, and a controller for controlling the dryer according to a detection signal from the humidity detector.

Abstract: An oven for baking a powdered coating material to an object has an inlet air-shield chamber connected to the inlet side of a horizontal heating chamber. The inlet air-shield chamber is provided therein with a radiation heat source which heats the object and the layer of coating powder to a temperature substantially equal to the baking temperature before the object enters the horizontal heating chamber.

Abstract: An improvement in the preparation of printed circuits comprises inserting a deformable layer between the phototool or support layer, and the solder mask. The deformable layer provides a uniform, integral and relatively thin coating of solder mask over circuit components, and results in higher-quality solder joints and lower rejection rates for finished boards.

Abstract: A nail drying apparatus by which any commercially available nail polish of any color can be dried after being applied to a person's finger or toe nails. The apparatus consists of a photo-reactive coating and a device that generates ultraviolet radiation. The photo-reactive coating is applied over the wet nail polish and then irradiated with safe dosages of ultraviolet radiation causing the nail polish to dry in a few minutes.

Abstract: A baking oven is divided into a first baking oven and a second baking oven. A conveyor line is also divided into two sections, a first conveyor line section being so disposed as to pass through the first baking oven only, and a second conveyor line section being so disposed as to pass through the second baking oven only. A substrate is coated with a paint and then conveyed through the first baking oven while being so supported by a carrier with a rotating device and being rotated about its approximately horizontal axis extending in a longitudinal direction thereof with the rotating device. The rotation of the substrate is carried out at a speed which is high enough to prevent the paint coated from sagging due to gravity yet which is low enough so as to cause no sagging as a result of centrifugal force.

Abstract: A continuous finishing process for flexible materials using a continuous printing machine of the thousand dot type. A small controlled amount of a finishing product, comprising 90 to 100% of photopolymerizable active material, is deposited at a rate of 5 to 35 g/m.sup.2 per pass in the printing machine. The finishing product is then photopolymerized, and a satining or graining operation is performed. The above stages are repeated until the desired finish is obtained.The finishing product is photopolymerizable under ultraviolet radiation and comprises unsaturated prepolymers, liquid monomers, and photoinitiators.The apparatus comprises at least one module comprising a continuous printing machine, an ultraviolet radiation oven, and a satining or graining machine, these various machines being placed so as to achieve a continuous conveying of pieces to be treated from one machine to the other.

Abstract: An improved curing oven using Wellsbach conversion is disclosed. The present invention 10 provides an improved curing oven which cures materials with electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet region. The invention consists of a surface 12 lined with a layer of material 14 effective to radiate ultraviolet radiation in response to the application of infrared radiation. In a specific illustrative implementation, the invention 10 includes a second surface 18 overlying the first surface 12 providing a passageway therebetween. The oven temperature is set and maintained by a conventional temperature controller 20. The temperature controller 20 measures the oven temperature and controls a valve 22 which adjusts the gas pressure from a gas supply 24 to a set of oven burners 26. Air is supplied through inlet ports 28 included in the second surface 18.

Abstract: An open top oven (10) for curing and cooling a painted object such as a vehicle body (12) comprising a plurality of ducts (62,64,70,72,74) for selectively supplying air at different times in the paint curing and cooling process, including a plurality of quartz lamps (92) selectively spaced from the vehicle body (12) which are used to controllably raise the temperature of the body. A mechanism, supported by a cover (50) which cover encloses the oven, is provided to oscillate the body during paint curing and subsequent cooling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of colored egg packages, apparatus for carrying such a method into effect and egg packages manufactured by this method. The invention concerns a method for the manufacture of colored egg packages (6) made from wood pulp and/or waste paper (paper pulp) in which the egg package receives its final outside color only after the moulding phase by subsequently spraying-on (3) a dye, an apparatus for the carrying such a method into effect and egg packages manufactured by this method.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved method and apparatus by which the adhesion of a photo-resist applied onto a wafer substrate can be improved when using an adhesion reinforcing agent in combination. The method of applying a photo-resist according to the present invention comprises a steps of washing the substrate, a step of drying said substrate, a step of feeding an adhesion reinforcing agent to said substrate while heating it to a prescribed temperature, a step of carrying out additional heating in the state that the adhesion reinforcing agent is stopped from being fed to said substrate, a stop of cooling said substrate to a room temperature, and a step of coating the surface of said substrate with the photo-resist.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for heat treating a coating applied to an automobile body. The process includes the steps of radiant heating of a coating prior to convection heating.

Abstract: The attachment is selectively usable to apply heat, anti-offset powder, or both heat and powder to freshly printed sheets passing to the sheet collection station of a printing press. Operation of the heat and/or powder applying assemblies is changed automatically to compensate for changes in the press speed. The location at which heat is applied to the sheets is upstream from that at which powder is applied, and is spaced from the collection station. Shields and air currents assist in regulating heat transfer. A compact housing assembly supports both heat and powder applying components.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a coating to semiconductor chips mounted within apertures in a dielectric film. The film containing the semiconductor chips and input-output connectors is fed from a reel past an applicator for applying the coating on one side of the chips. After passing through a curing chamber, the film passes about a substantially square sprocket so as to reverse the direction of travel. The sprocket is of such a dimension that the film bends on a line between each individual chip or a selected group of chips. The strip then passes by another applicator for coating the other side of the chips. After passing through the curing chamber, including a substantially square sprocket, the film is wound on a driven sprocket. The coating may be a silicone composition, an epoxy resin, or a urethane composition.

Abstract: A coating layer such as a paint coating, a sealer, or the like on an electrically conductive workpiece such as an automotive body is baked or dried by holding an induction coil or induction coils closely to the workpiece, supplying an electric current to the induction coil or coils to induce eddy currents in the workpiece to heat the workpiece with the eddy current, and applying a gas such as air to the surface of the coating layer to bake or dry the same.

Abstract: The attachment is selectively usable to apply heat, anti-offset powder, or both heat and powder to freshly printed sheets passing to the sheet collection station of a printing press. Operation of the heat and/or powder applying assemblies is changed automatically to compensate for changes in the press speed. The location at which heat is applied to the sheets is upstream from that at which powder is applied, and is spaced from the collection station. Shields and air currents assist in regulating heat transfer. A compact housing assembly supports both heat and powder applying components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of casting a shape. A laser or electron gun is directed at a fusible powder in a fluidized bed. The beam melts the powder and the melted powder fuses and solidifies on a surface to form the shape. Also disclosed is apparatus for casting a shape. The apparatus includes a fluidized bed containing a fluidized powder, a surface within the bed on which the shape is cast, an electron beam or laser directed at the surface, which has an energy sufficient to fuse the powder, means for controlling the level of the powder in the fluidized bed relative to the surface, and means for controlling the horizontal position of the surface relative to the beam.

Abstract: A fiber web reinforced plastic is formed by applying dry resin powder to opposite sides of a vertically moving web, and then melting and pressing the power into the web. The dry powder is applied to the web by being thrown thereagainst. The powder thus more effectively occupies the voids in the web to minimize the presence of air in the web. The thrown-on powder can be melted before the laminating pressure is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat treating a coating applied to an automobile body is disclosed. The apparatus includes radiant heating elements for generating radiant heat in a predetermined path and convection heating elements for generating the flow of heated air. The method comprises the stips of positioning a freshly coated automobile body within the apparatus and heating the body with the radiant heat for a time sufficient to set the coating on Class A surfaces of the body. After the Class A surfaces are set, heated air is flowed around the body to heat the body and cure the coating on the Class A surfaces and the non-Class A surfaces.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for interior coating of hollow bodies comprising a mandrel introducible into at least one tubular body, a coating arrangement on the mandrel for applying a coating medium to an interior of the tubular body and a heating mechanism on the mandrel and arranged so as to predominantly deliver heat directly from the mandrel into a surrounding area toward the tublular body. The heat-applying efficiency of burning in a coating medium can be improved by applying the heat from the interior at least predominantly directly to one of an interior area of the tubular body just before being coated and an interior area of the body already coated to burn in the coating according to the disclosed method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a hollow article with at least two coating materials, said method comprising the steps of applying a first coating material to the article and drying or partially curing at least the surface of the first coating before the application of the second material. Thereafter the two coatings may be fully cured together or alternatively the second coating material may be partially cured in readiness to receive a further coating. The preferred curing means is a gas flame.

Abstract: A coater applies ultraviolet curable coating material to the opposite sides of roll film by a double-sided coater which employs offset coating rolls and smoothing bars. A splice detector responds to the occurrence of a splice upstream of the coater and causes the splice region to move through the coater without applying coating material to the splice region, by lifting the emulsion side of the film off of the coating roll as the splice passes and by temporarily and sequentially interrupting the operation of the smoothing bars and the offset applicator roller on the non-emulsion or base side, concurrently with the passage of the splice therepast. In a second embodiment, the film is lifted by lifting bars off of both coating rolls and tension on the film is concurrently decreased in the coater to prevent marking of the surface of the coated film by the final smoothing bars.

Abstract: A method and a device for lining existing pipelines such as water conduits and sewers disposed in the ground with a flexible hose containing a curable plastic material which hose is introduced into the pipeline to be lined in uncured state and is then made stable in form by curing of the curable plastic material included in the hose. To make possible a rapid and efficient curing of the plastic material included in the hose (4) the hose (4), after being pressed out against the pipeline (1) by means of compressed air, is exposed to radiation energy from a curing aggregate (18) containing a radiation source (19), which aggregate is drawn internally through the hose (4) at the same time as air flows through said hose.

Abstract: The process serves to impregnate planar carrier materials, especially those in the form of continuous webs, with synthetic resin to manufacture a stackable product, such as, e.g., paper-prepregs to be used for the manufacture of synthetic-resin-laminated panels.For the process, a highly viscous liquid synthetic resin coating (5) is applied to one surface of the carrier material (1), the coating is heated to a higher temperature, during or after which, respectively, the synthetic resin (4) of the coating (5) is at least in part absorbed by the carrier material (1). The carrier material (1') thusly coated with synthetic resin is then briefly subjected to such pressure, e.g., with the aid of a pair of pressure rollers (9), that the synthetic resin (4) evenly permeates the carrier material. For the concurrent impregnation of several carrier materials (1), the superposed carrier materials (1') coated with synthetic resin can be subjected to mechanical pressure.

Abstract: A film coater apparatus applies an ultraviolet light curable coating to the opposite side of filmstrips in which the filmstrip is initially supported at one end on a plastic leader, includes a coater formed with complementary leader guiding passageways in the opposite side walls of the coater which guide the leader through the coater in non-contacting relation to the offset coater applicator rolls and to the smoother bars so that coating material is not built-up on the leader. The coater apparatus is self-threading and includes an inlet drive roll, an ultraviolet light curing chamber, and an outlet drive pinch roll assembly which serves to grip the leader and thereafter to grip and drive the filmstrips through the coater. The outlet pinch rolls provide a draw or tension to the film to assure the desired delivery of the filmstrips through the coater and in contacting relation to the coating and smoothing elements therein.

Abstract: A system for the thermal and/or liquid treatment of edge supported substrates, such as printed electronic circuit boards and hybrid circuits. The system includes an elongated tunnel treating chamber. The system includes a conveyor system comprised of a pair of lubricant-free tape conveyors supported for movement through the treating chamber on a pair of elongated tracks. The lubricant-free tape conveyor is comprised of a closed loop flexible steel tape provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart vertical tabs throughout its length. The tabs are in longitudinal alignment, spaced inwardly from the edges of the tape and provide lateral support for substrates suspended between a pair of conveyor tapes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-contained radiant unit in the form of a portal for use particularly as a drying and baking tunnel for the automobile industry which is equipped with a plurality of infrared lamps on its inner surfaces. Air inlet openings are provided in the roof and/or side walls of the portal, at least over the region midway along with their horizontal extension, for the turbulence-free removal of the vapors emanating from the surface of the object being treated as well as of suspended particles present in the drying and baking zone.

Abstract: The rays of the UV-radiation source (2) are directed on to the coated substrate (1) by a partially transmissive mirror (3). The heat-bearing IR-rays pass through the mirror in a straight line and are possibly absorbed by a cooling means. In that way, the surface temperature at the substrate can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating non-woven and other porous webs and the like with controlled or negligible penetration into the pores by subjecting a coating carried by a surface to electron beam radiation before laminating the web to the surface carrying the coating and with a radiation dose that only partially cures the coating into a soft or tacky state such that the laminating will effect surface spreading adhesion to the web with controlled or substantially no penetration into the pores, and thereafter subjecting the laminated web and partially cured coating to greater electron beam radiation fully to cure the coating.

Abstract: A sheet metal enclosure is used for spray painting automobiles and for heat curing the paint. A fan draws filtered air through the enclosure. An air supply permits spray painting. Quartz tube radiant heaters are mounted flush with the interior walls of the enclosure for heating the painted vehicle. A safety interlock prevents simultaneous enablement of the sprayer and heaters. Further, there is a first time delay before the air supply is enabled to assure that the heaters are cool before spraying paint, and a second time delay before the heaters are energized to permit the fan to exhaust paint fumes before applying heat.

Abstract: A coater applies ultraviolet curable coating material to the opposite sides of roll film by a double-sided coater which employs offset coating rolls and smoothing bars. A splice detector responds to the occurrence of a splice upstream of the coater and causes the splice region to move through the coater without applying coating material to the splice region, by lifting the emulsion side of the film off of the coating roll as the splice passes and by interrupting the operation of the smoothing bars and the offset applicator roller on the non-emulsion or base side, concurrently with the passage of the splice therepast.

Abstract: A container comprising a bottom and walls extending therefrom forming a volume having an opening opposite from said bottom; and means for enclosing the volume, the enclosing means including means for supporting and suspending a workpiece within the enclosed volume apart from the walls and the bottom and means for circulating the heated air within said enclosed volume including an axial or radial flow fan.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and an apparatus for baking an organic coating which has been applied to a substrate. Such coated substrates are conventionally baked in a furnace using a mixture of combustion gas and air. This process in uneconomical in terms of energy consumption and also involves cleansing of used gases before they can be discharged into the atmosphere. The present invention provides a rapid process for baking such coatings in an inert gas atmosphere by means of short-wavelength infra-red rays. Coatings are heated in such a penetrating manner than they are baked at the substrate/coating interface and this prevents the formation of swellings.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing ink screen print on articles, particularly large articles such as pails or barrels, includes a rotatable turntable having a plurality of spin table compartments each of which is to receive a pail and carry the same in a circular path past a radiation source covered by a housing at a curing station. Each article is spun as it reaches the curing station to assure complete irradiation about the circumference of each article. The housing is provided with a large opening to facilitate loading of articles onto the spin tables and removal of articles with cured ink from the spin tables. An ejector mechanism is mounted on the apparatus to automatically eject cured articles from the turntable to reduce the labor needed to operate the apparatus. The preferred ejecter mechanism includes a fluid cylinder having a pusher mounted centrally of the turntable, and operable to extend into a compartment to push an article therefrom onto a takeaway conveyor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an overvarnish unit for applying varnish to a web of printed material as a protective overlay. The overvarnish unit includes a varnish fountain for receiving paste varnish, a form roller, and a plurality of rollers intermediate the fountain and form roller. The form roller engages an impression cylinder roller forming part of a printing assembly. The varnish is transferred from the fountain to the form roller by the intermediate rollers which also mill the varnish as it is being transferred to reduce its viscosity. The form roller is driven at a peripheral speed greater than the linear speed of the web over the impression cylinder roller. This form roller overspeed provides a smearing action in applying the varnish to the web rather than a one to one or line by line printing action thus achieving control over the thickness of the applied varnish and the appearance of the final product.

Abstract: Apparatus for ultraviolet light curing by photopolymerization of ultraviolet curable ink printings on the external surfaces of tubular articles, such as plastic, glass or metal bottles, jars or other containers. The tubular articles are placed in an upright position on a rotating disc in a housing which carries them through an ultraviolet radiation field emitted by an appropriate ultraviolet source, and reflected by specially shaped reflectors to provide intense ultraviolet radiation in the entire housing and thereby eliminating the need to stop and spin the articles in front of the ultraviolet source to achieve complete curing around the entire article. An elongated guide is mounted to extend partially across the upper surface of the table, and as the table rotates it serves to move the articles against the guide which causes them to rotate about their respective vertical axes so that the entire peripheral surface of each tubular article is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which applies and cures a coating of viscous ink to a moving strand material. This apparatus includes an ink applicator module which comprises a series of rotatable rollers which receive and apply the ink to the moving strand. This apparatus allows substantial quantities of glass fiber waveguide strand material to thus be coated with a UV curable ink in a relatively short period of time so that they may be color coded to facilitate handling and installation.

Abstract: A drier intended for drying printing ink applied to a material by a printing machine, incorporating a conveyor device consisting of a support for the material as it passes through the drier and at least two organs which emit ultra-violet radiation, UV radiation, for the purpose of drying and/or hardening the printing ink. These two organs which emit UV radiation are located at such a distance from each other that a material which has passed beneath the first organ, where it has been exposed on the one hand to UV radiation for the purpose of hardening the printing ink and on the other hand to the heat emitted by the organ which emits UV radiation, will be able to pass through a section which will cause the temperature of the material to fall before the material passes beneath the second organ.