Abstract: A controller operates a first actuator to produce relative movement between a multi-nozzle extrusion printhead and a support member along a predetermined path for one layer of a three-dimensional printed object. The multi-nozzle extrusion printhead includes a housing with a chamber, a valve assembly having a plurality of passageways, and a planar member having a plurality of nozzles. The passageways of the valve assembly and the nozzles of the planar member are connected to one another in a one-to-one correspondence and valve members of the valve assembly are operated to open and close melted extruded material flow to the nozzles selectively and independently.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slot die, which includes a feed unit for introducing a coating material, a chamber for accommodating a coating material supplied through the feed unit, a slit communicating with the chamber to discharge the coating material, and a die body having die lips which form the slit, wherein the chamber includes a chamber block which has an inner space for accommodating the coating material and is configured so that the entire block is exchangeable with respect to the die body, and wherein a coating width is determined by a width of the inner space of the chamber block.

Abstract: A switchable slot valve for a coating plant controls delivery of a pasty coating material. The switchable slot valve has a valve bore incorporated in a valve main body and is aligned in a valve extent direction, and a valve control rod is rotatable to switch between a throughput position and a closed position and is mounted in the valve bore by bearing faces is disposed. To mitigate disruptions by coating material which has made its way into a bearing gap between the valve bore and the bearing faces, depression regions are provided in the region of which the respective outer circumferential part-face does not bear on the inner circumferential face of the valve bore, on the outer circumferential part-faces between the slot-shaped duct inlet and the slot-shaped duct outlet.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for coating medical devices such as an intravascular stent, are disclosed in the method, a 2-D image of a stent is processed to determine (1) paths along the stent skeletal elements by which a stent secured to a rotating support element can be traversed by a dispenser head whose relative motion with respect to the support element is along the support-element axis, such that some or all of the stent skeletal elements will be traversed (2) the relative speeds of the dispenser head and support element as the dispenser head travels along the paths, and (3), and positions of the dispenser head with respect to a centerline of the stent elements as the dispenser head travels along such paths The rotational speed of the support and relative linear speed of the dispenser are controlled to achieve the desired coating thickness and coating coverage on the upper surfaces, and optionally, the side surfaces, of the stent elements.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device wherein the traditional quasi-planar doors or gates are replaced by one or more plugs of approximately inverted teardrop cross sectional shape. Said plugs rest and bear against a sealing surface to effect sealing of the tank shut, and are actuated in a direction contrary to the direction of fluid outflow, into the interior cavity of the tank or hopper plenum in order to effect opening and dispensing of the contained fluid. Exit flow is markedly more laminar and uniform that that attainable with conventional quasi-planar door or gate systems, providing an improved exit flow characteristic, and greater accuracy in placing the working fluid onto a target.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like products. The apparatus and method provide real-time monitoring of the pharmaceutical product and can provide real-time control. The apparatus and method can monitor the dosage both before and after it has been added to a carrier substrate. The apparatus and method can provide monitoring of each pharmaceutical product that is processed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hot-dip coating a metal strand (1), especially a steel strip, according to which the metal strand (1) is vertically guided through a container (3) accommodating the molten coating metal (2) and through a guide channel (4) disposed upstream thereof. An electromagnetic field is generated in the area of the guide channel (4) by means of at least two inductors (5) disposed at both sides of the metal strand (1) to retain the coating material (2) in the container (3). In order to stabilize the metal strand (1) in a center position in the guide channel (4), an electromagnetic field, superimposing the electromagnetic field of the inductors (5), is generated by means of at least two additional coils (6) disposed at both sides of the metal strand (1).

Abstract: A device for coloring a thread body includes a thread-feeding unit adapted for feeding the thread body at a predetermined speed such that the thread body is transported along a feeding path. A coloring unit is disposed fixedly adjacent to the feeding path, and is operable so as to spray a coloring material onto the thread body. A control unit is connected electrically to the coloring unit, and is operable so as to control the coloring unit to spray the coloring material, which has a desired one of a plurality of different colors.

Abstract: A system allows for accurate manual application of a fluid material in a linear pattern to a surface from a container holding the fluid. The system may comprise a container holding a fluid, the container having an application end from which fluid is applied to the surface at a volume flow rate that provides a volume/linear distance of the linear pattern. There is a controllable pressure system that causes pressure in the container, wherein application of higher pressure causes increased flow of fluid from the container and reduction of pressure causes reduced flow of fluid from the container. Also present is a speed indicator that provides a signal of the relative speed between the application end and the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for applying a substance to a web is provided. The apparatus includes a substance and a valve for dispensing a known amount of substance from the valve. A substance supply is in communication with the valve for supplying the substance to the valve. A fluid pressure source is present and is in communication with the valve. The fluid pressure source delivers fluid pressure to the valve to actuate the valve in order to dispense a known amount of the substance from the valve. Also, the valve dispenses the substance at a rate in response to the speed of the web so that a substantially uniform amount of the substance is applied to the web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a polymer coating on an elongated substrate, preferably an elongate intracorporeal device in the form of a guidewire. An extrudable polymer cartridge is moved by a cartridge advancement mechanism into a guide chamber which is heated at an end with a die or orifice through which a desired portion of a guidewire may pass and be coated. Parameters such as guide chamber temperature, pull speed and force exerted by the cartridge advancement mechanism may be controlled with a computer program in order to achieve repeatable results. The guide chamber, extrudable polymer cartridge, die, and push tube may all be made from polymer components which can be reused or disposed of after a single use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively applying, a material to a target moving along a path is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one detector for identifying an upstream position of the target; a dispenser spaced downstream from the detector by an offset distance, the dispenser configured for selectively releasing material to contact the target; a velocity sensor for creating a velocity signal proportional to a velocity of the target; and a controller for selectively varying the offset distance in response to the velocity signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a gel onto a sheet of material for production of disposable undergarments, the sheet moving in a predetermined direction of manufacture at a predetermined rate of travel, the apparatus comprising: a container positioned to contain a supply of the gel; a shoe comprising a body having a lower surface, a proximal end positioned to receive the sheet of material as the sheet travels in the predetermined direction of manufacture, and a distal end, an inlet conduit positioned within the body to receive the gel therein, a chamber connected to the inlet conduit and positioned within the body, a groove extending along the lower surface of the proximal end of the body and a plurality of spaced-apart outlet conduits each extending from the chamber to the groove so that the gel is delivered onto the sheet of material in a pattern of substantially parallel lines; and a gel delivery controller positioned in fluid communication with the container and with the shoe, for providing a variably controlle

Abstract: A spray application apparatus and method, well suited for use in a plywood production resin spray line, provides automatic control of the spread rate of resin applied to the veneer layers built-up to form plywood panels. In lieu of the conventional trial and error method of manually adjusting the height of a spray nozzle to adjust the spread rate, a controller, actuator, and various sensors are utilized in conjunction with a novel control algorithm to achieve continuous automatic spread rate control. The control effectively compensates for variations in process parameters (e.g., resin flow rate, conveyor line speed and veneer temperature) during a production run, whereby product quality is increased with reduced resin consumption. The controller is easily and effectively calibrated without the need to obtain accurate initial values of the variable process parameters.

Abstract: A pair of left and right dies 12 and 14 are installed on both sides of a transfer path of a web 7 and ejection paths 30 of coating solution are made freely openable and closable by installing rotary valves 37 at insides of the dies 12 and 14 by which when coated portions and uncoated portions are successively formed, intermittent coating can be carried out by swiftly forming these portions.

Abstract: In order to provide a hot-dip aluminized steel sheet with increased peeling resistance of the coating layer, the thickness of the Fe--Al--Si alloy-layer is set to be 1-5 .mu.m, while the maximum differential unevenness of thickness of the Fe--Al--Si alloy layer is set to be 0.5-5 .mu.m. The hot-dip aluminized steel sheet is manufactured by controlling an elapsed time from the beginning of immersion of the basemetal steel sheet into the aluminizing bath to the completion of solidification of the coating-metal layer which has passed through the bath. In addition another elapsed time is controlled from the time after the base-metal steel sheet has been guided out over the bath to the completion of solidification of the coating-metal layer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a treating device 1, especially a rotating transverse gluing mechanism for high-speed, register mark-related paper or film webs 2. The movements of the transverse gluing mechanism 1 are synchronized with the web 2, and the transverse gluing mechanism has an independent synchronous drive 6 with a drive motor 7 and a regulating unit for this purpose. The electronic regulating unit compensates variations in the synchronism of the running web 2.

Abstract: In a duplex type coating apparatus, a left-right pair of dies and are disposed on opposite sides of a carrying path of a web, the dies and are each made up of an upper member and a lower member, a tip part of the lower member projects further toward the carrying path than a tip part of the upper member, and coating liquid discharge passages are inclined in the direction of the carrying path of the web. As a result, because the same amount of coating liquid is discharged from each of the dies and coated onto each side of the web, it is possible to carry out coating at the same coating thickness and in the same position on both sides of the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for fiber impregnation for use in a fiber placement system is disclosed. Resin is impregnated in the fiber rovings as they pass through a manifold. The manifold includes grooves for the fibers to travel, a reservoir to receive the resin and channels for the resin to flow to the individual fibers for impregnation. A control system measures and monitors the fiber speed and then mixes, pumps and delivers the desired quantity of resin to the tows for impregnation.

Abstract: A hot melt material coating system (10) is provided, comprising (i) a rotary coater (12) driven by a motor (604); (ii) a rotary coater position, speed and direction indicator (610) operatively connected to the rotary coater and providing a signal representing the position, speed and direction thereof; (iii) a web position, speed and direction indicator (612) operatively connected to the web and providing a signal representing the position, speed and direction thereof; and (iv) a control system (600).

Abstract: A web coating apparatus includes a supply roll of web and a wind-up spindle for receiving a discrete length of the web. Fluid is discharged from a coating die in a direction toward the wind-up spindle to coat the web as the web is wound about the wind-up spindle. A variable speed pump directs fluid through the coating die at flow rate that is proportional to the speed of advancement of the web. The apparatus is particularly useful for coating discrete lengths of orthopedic splinting and casting tape that is packaged for single patient use.

Abstract: A solid lubricant application procedure is combined in-line with a steel strip processing method which comprises processing steps upstream and downstream of the lubricant application procedure. The latter comprises applying the lubricant material in molten form or as a solution and may include temperature adjusting steps both upstream and downstream of the lubricant material-applying step. The space for incorporating the lubricant application procedure into the steel strip processing line is limited. The strip speed in the lubricant application procedure is synchronized with the strip speed normally attained in the steel strip processing method in the absence of an in-line lubricant application procedure. The steps of the lubricant application procedure are constrained to accommodate the space limits and strip speed synchronization requirement imposed on the lubricant application procedure when it is combined in-line with the steel strip processing method.

Abstract: A hot melt material coating system (10) is provided, comprising (i) a rotary coater (12) driven by a motor (604); (ii) a rotary coater position, speed and direction indicator (610) operatively connected to the rotary coater and providing a signal representing the position, speed and direction thereof; (iii) a web position, speed and direction indicator (612) operatively connected to the web and providing a signal representing the position, speed and direction thereof; and (iv) a control system (600).

Abstract: A coating machine comprising a backing roll and a lip-type nozzle with a doctor edge. The nozzle comprises a first chamber connected to the inlet, a passage, and an outlet for discharging the liquid coating material under pressure toward a web on the backing roll. The outlet comprises a recess in the upper wall of the nozzle body extending toward the doctor edge to form a second chamber at the outlet. A pressure sensor is arranged in the second chamber. A thickness sensor is arranged to detect the thickness of the coated layer. The nozzle is adjustably supported to the machine frame by the left-end, central, and right-end support means, which are controlled in accordance with outputs of the pressure sensor and the thickness sensor so as to obtain a uniform coating layer. Also, the speed of the pump for delivering a coating material is suitably controlled.

Abstract: A paper tinting and drying machine has a tinting module and a dryer module spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance so that aqueous liquid ink with less than five percent volatile organic compounds by volume applied to the underside of the paper can be visually inspected by the machine operator and so that ink application adjustments located on the paper output side of the tinter module can be accessed by the machine operator. Rollers in the tinting module constrain the paper to follow a path of travel through two sets of inking rollers so that both sides of the paper are evenly coated. After entering the dryer module without smearing or transferring wet ink to the dryer module input guide roller, the ink on the paper is dried by air knives and infrared heaters within the dryer module. In a first embodiment, the rollers in the tinting module drive the paper through the machine.

Abstract: A strip or roll of thermal transfer type recording sheet has a base film on one side of which a hot-melt ink layer is formed for recording on paper or other surface by thermal transfer. An end mark or marks to be detected optically for warning the user of the fact that the recording roll is being used up is/are formed adjacent one end of the strip by gravure printing with use of a light-reflective ink. The end mark or marks produced by gravure printing are of such constant thickness, and with the bounding edges so sharply defined, that they permit positive detection by an optical sensor.For the production of the end marks by gravure printing, a web of base film with the hot-melt ink layer formed on one side thereof, with a width several times greater than that of each strip of recording sheet to be manufactured, is fed through a printing unit of a gravure printing section.

Abstract: A web coater is provided with a doctor blade having an active edge or tip engaging the web at a predetermined position. The force applied by such active edge is adjusted by movement of jaws gripping the opposite edge of the blade. The jaws are moved along a curve empirically established to maintain the active edge of the blade in a predetermined fixed position during the adjustment. The angle of incidence of the active edge of the blade relative to the web is also maintained constant by pivoting a blade supporting frame about an axis coincident with the active edge. A controller is supplied with empirically established data developed by utilizing test blades to establish polynomial formulas having constants corresponding to each of the various blades intended to be used by the coater. The controller also automatically compensates for blade wear.

Abstract: A sprayer of an elongated shape receives a desired liquid from an outside urce and spray-applies the liquid onto a fiber in response to motivating force provided by pressurized gas. The unsprayed, virgin fiber enters the sprayer through an inlet hole, is sprayed on with the liquid as it travels the width of the sprayer and exits the sprayer as a sprayed fiber through an exit hole. The pressure of the motivating gas can be varied to provide the optimum jettisoning force for a selected liquid, taking into consideration the viscosity, volatility and other pertinent characteristics of the liquid.

Abstract: In the case of an apparatus for the contact-free application of a liquid strip, more particularly a strip of glue, on a moving web of material, comprising at least one application head, which is provided with at least one nozzle arranged at a distance from the web of material and a valve adapted to put the nozzle into and out of operation and adapted to be operated in accordance with the desired pattern of application, the aim of the invention is to provide such an improvement using simple and low-price means that despite the contact-free application of liquid high accuracy becomes possible. This accomplished by a modification such that the timing of the valve is modified to depart from the basic values, which are dependent on the application pattern, in accordance with a correction value which is a function of the speed of the web of material and at least the distance of the web from the nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for painting traffic marking lines over old paint markings on road pavement is disclosed. The apparatus, normally installed on a marking vehicle having a paint gun and a paint supply, includes a detector which illuminates the pavement and utilizes a spectroscope to analyze the return inspection for the presence of one or more known preselected constituents of the old paint marking to control actuation of the valve on the paint gun and also track the old pavement marking. The apparatus also provides a paint gun delay function to account for the lead distance between detector and paint gun and enables the application of new paint markings directly over the old markings at a relatively high rate of vehicle speed.

Abstract: Coating apparatus for applying continuous or spot coatings to an image printed surface includes a plate cylinder; a blanket cylinder for transferring a coating material from the plate cylinder to the copies; a blanket coating roller for transferring a continuous layer of coating material to the blanket cylinder; a plate coating roller for selectively applying spot coating material to the plate cylinder; a first retractor for moving the blanket coating roller laterally into and out of transferring engagement with the blanket cylinder; and a second retractor for moving the plate coating roller into and out of transferring engagement with the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A coating system is provided with a controller which transforms a demand signal responsive to the speed, relative to the dispensing apparatus, of an object to be coated, into a control signal which adjusts for the non-linear output characteristics of the flow of coating powder through the dispensing apparatus to cause the material to be dispensed with a uniformity that is corrected for the non-linear relationship between those output characteristics and the speed of the object. In the preferred embodiment, the system corrects for the non-linear characteristics of different powder pumps in dispensing different powder coating materials upon objects carried by variable speed conveyors. A plurality of stair-step tables are stored in the memory of the controller. Each table represents a different selectable powder pump to provide a desired powder pump output characteristic.

Abstract: A method for creating a registered pattern on a metal coil includes providing a pattern applicator roll and a drive motor for rotating the roll, moving the coil into contact with the applicator roll to permit it to create a pattern sequentially on the moving strip from the coil, measuring the pattern length and comparing the same with the desired pattern length, and adjusting the speed of rotation of the pattern applicator roll if the measured pattern length departs from the desired pattern length by a predetermined amount. Preferably, coil line speed is also monitored. A microprocessor may be used to effect the comparison between the desired pattern length and the actual pattern length. Apparatus for creating a registered pattern on a metal coil includes a pattern applicator roll which has the strip from the coil moved into contacting relationship therewith, an appropriate drive motor to drive the roll, and apparatus for monitoring coil line speed, pattern length and motor speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a uniform application of a functional coating to one or both sides of a moving metal strip includes an enclosed cabinet in which a corona discharge field is established between high voltage electrodes and the strip. The coating liquid and air are separately supplied under pressure to atomizing nozzles within the enclosure. The nozzles create a dense flat spray that is directed into the discharge field at an acute angle relative to the strip. The particles in the spray become charged and are attracted to the grounded strip, while those that are not charged are directed onto the strip by the force of the discharge field. The rate at which the coating liquid is supplied to the nozzles is varied in accordance with the speed of the strip to thereby obtain a uniform coating regardless of variations in strip speed or width.

Abstract: A machine and control are provided for effecting motion of a function element, such as an adhesive material dispensing gun, and controlling the operation of the function element by means of a control signal proportional to the velocity of a workpoint associated with the function element. The control produces a velocity signal representing the velocity of the workpoint, calculates the value of a control signal using the velocity signal and predetermined constant defining the constant of proportionality and zero velocity output and applies the control signal to a digital-to-analogue converter to produce an output signal for controlling the function element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method of controlling the generation of somewhat-to-highly viscous fluid fibers, droplets and combinations of the same, including hot melt adhesive and other fluids, that comprises, spraying a stream of such pressurized fluid through a fine orifice and along a predetermined direction in free flight, and simultaneously funneling a cone of pressurized air symmetrically about and against said stream, intersecting the same in its free flight below said orifice to control the nature, dimensions and pattern of the resulting fluid coating on surface disposed therebelow. Supplemental air controls are also providable for contouring and other effects.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for applying a coating of material to a moving substrate. Use of apparatus of this invention enables varying the quantity of liquid material supplied to an atomizing nozzle proportionately with any variance in speed of the substrate moving through the apparatus. A uniform thickness or weight of coating for a unit area of substrate is maintained regardless of the speed of movement of the substrate.

Abstract: A fluid jet applicator is disclosed which senses orifice plate fluid pressure and the fabric substrate speed and electronically controls the flow of fluid by modulating fluid pressure in accordance with the speed and characteristics of the fabric substrate. In this fashion, a highly uniform solid shade is applied across the width of the fabric. The uniformity of the applied solid shade is limited only by the uniformity of the orifices in the applicator orifice plate. Additionally, by operating at higher fluid pressures than electrostatic fluid jet applicators, the present invention is significantly more productive than such electrostatic applicators.

Abstract: A supply line for supplying a sealant from a sealant supply source to a sealing robot has pressure sensors and is coupled to relief valves through branch lines. If the pressure in the supply line excessively rises or drops, then the relief valves are opened to release the pressure from the supply line and the supply pump is inactivated. The pipes, devices, and pump on the supply line are therefore protected from damage. The sealing robot has an sealant applicator gun movable with respect to an article to which the sealant is to be applied by the sealing robot. A pump driving device is controlled to vary the rate at which the sealant is discharged from the pump as a function of the speed of relative movement of the sealant applicator gun with respect to the article.

Abstract: A thermographic printing machine has a powder applicator, a heating stage, and a cooling stage wherein the heating stage has a paper transport path which is sinuous and passes on both sides of a heater, the paper passing around rollers which define the ends of the transport path. The rollers at one end do not touch the printed surface of the paper and a guide shell prevents buckling. The machine can run much faster than any previous thermographic machine because of the compactness of the heater stage. The machine may have a re-folding device for continuous fan-folded paper, wherein the paper is drawn through the machine by a drive mechanism at the exit end of the machine prior to the re-folding stage, and wherein an adjustable linkage between the drive mechanism and the re-folding device ensures re-folding of fan-fold paper of different sheet lengths.

Abstract: Freshly printed sheets are sprayed with antioffset material while being transported from the printing station to the sheet stacking station of a printing press. The control circuitry for the spray apparatus includes a sensor for detecting and signalling the location of successive ones of the sheets, and timers whose timing periods determine when each cycle of operation of the spray apparatus is initiated and terminated. The time periods are manually adjustable by potentiometers associated with the timers, and are automatically and compensatingly adjusted in response to changes in the press speed. Operation of an air compressor component of the spraying apparatus terminates automatically after spraying of the final printed sheet of a press run.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying adhesive onto flutes of single facers of corrugated media, so that the single facers may be adhered together and to a facing to form a composite web, comprises a plurality of adhesive applicator rolls, each for applying adhesive to the flutes of an associated one of the single facers. The actual speed of travel of the single facers passing across the applicator roll peripheries is sensed, and the rate of rotation of each roll is independently and accurately controlled, in accordance with the sensed speed, to apply a desired amount of adhesive onto selected areas of the flutes. The independent accurate control over applicator roll speeds enables minimum amounts of adhesive to be applied onto the flutes of the individual single spacers, as determined by their configurations and consistencies, while still ensuring proper adhesive of the single facers one to the other ad to the facing.

Abstract: A hybrid fluid jet apparatus is disclosed which is particularly useful in uniformly applying liquid dye to a fabric substrate. The applicator is controlled in an electrostatic control mode while operating below the practical limit of speed for electrostatic operation to achieve uniform fabric coverage. When fluid is being supplied to the substrate at its maximum flow rate in the electrostatic control mode, the applicator senses that the "full flow" condition has been reached. The applicator is then controlled to operate in a non-electrostatic control mode to control the fluid flow rate by modulating the fluid pressure received at the orifice array in accordance with the required fluid flow rate needed to achieve a uniform application of fluid to the substrate.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing an absorbent pad for utilization as a diaper or an adult incontinent brief, wherein a pair of continuous bands of adhesive are applied to the backing sheet of the pad, prior to assembly thereof. The nozzles eject adhesive onto a moving web comprising the backing sheet. The nozzles are shifted sideways during their extrusion of adhesive, from a first location to a second location, thus generating a pair of non-linear bands of adhesive on the backing sheet. The nozzles are again shifted from their second location to their original first location upon receipt of proper signals from a control mechanism. The elastic band is not shifted when the nozzles are, thus effectuating securement of the elastic bands only on the portions of the backing sheets where the adhesive was applied at the first location.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the flow of fluid in which the fluid is allowed to flow through a selected number of parallel paths of various flow capacities as determined by restricting orifices and cutoff valves. Accurate volume/length of fluid is dispensed at variable velocities by controlling both applicator velocity and flow rate. An arrangement is also provided for controlling the shape of the deposited fluid employing controlled air flow confinement.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for applying a treatment liquid to a web moving horizontally in a predetermined direction and having a width measured horizontally perpendicular to the direction has a body extending longitudinally above the goods the full width thereof and formed with a longitudinally extending body chamber. The liquid is supplied to the chamber via appropriate passages and conduits. A nozzle bar secured to the body is formed with a bar chamber extending longitudinally the full length thereof and with an outlet slot opening downward from the bar chamber. The bar and body are formed with at least one upright connecting passage between the chambers. Thus the liquid in the body chamber flows via the passage into the bar chamber. The liquid is distributed uniformly the length of the chambers, principally by maintaining a generally constant pressure on the liquid in the body chamber. The pressure can be maintained by a piston upwardly closing and vertically displaceable in the chamber.

Abstract: A method of controlling the flow of finish to a moving synthetic fibrous tow involves continuous non-contact monitoring of electrostatic voltage (ESV), tow speed and temperature by appropriate sensors which are interfaced with a computer that provides continuous computation of percent finish on the tow. Out of limit signals are relayed to the point of finish application to adjust the amount of finish being applied to the tow.

Abstract: Coating apparatus (10) is disclosed which includes a foam table assembly (A), a coating roll (D), and an automatic trough control system (58). A blade assembly (B) having a coating blade (44) may be selectably positioned over a foam table (20) of the foam table assembly (A) or the coating roll (D) depending upon the type of coating technique desired. A roll mandrel assembly pivotably supports the coating roll (D) by means of a pair of pivot arms (124, 126). Air cylinders (138, 140) provide a constant pressure on the pivot arms which holds the coating roll (D) in a coating position under the constant pressure. The coating roll deflects upon the passage of a thickened seam portion (S) of the fabric. During the deflection, the constant pressure is maintained on the coating roll. The support arms (124, 126) are carried on carriages (102, 106) to move the support arms laterally to accommodate different length coating rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a foamed treatment material such as size to a textile material such as threads as the latter passes between a pair of drive rollers includes a frame which forms a pocket for the size above the rollers with the rollers forming the bottom of the pocket. A guide projects down into the pocket toward the line of contact between the drive rollers and the threads pass through a passage in the guide so that the threads are shielded from the size in the passage and only the lengths of thread between the lower end of the guide and the drive rollers are exposed to the size. In order that the application of size to the threads is comparatively uniform, the guide is raised and lowered in response to the speed of travel of the threads so that longer lengths are exposed at faster speeds and shorter lengths are exposed at slower speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining the relationship of a transverse oscillating mechanical production member containing dye valves with a product moving linearly at a relatively high speed and with the program of operation of the valves. Encoders related to both the linear motion and the transverse motion are continuously monitored and the speed of the oscillating element adjusted to match the linear motion while a proximity switch operated at one point in the oscillating member cycle monitors the synchronization of the oscillating member which is adjustable once every cycle to maintain synchronization.