Abstract: A method and an operator interchangeable apparatus with fast warm up time for coating flowable and pasty materials onto a workpiece, especially for the application of glue and other adhesive substances to the back of signatures in bookbinding and the like, uses a first internally heated rotating roller for applying the material which is partly immersed in a bath thereof and a second internally heated roller to smooth and doctor the adhesive on clamped stacks of pages that have passed over the first roller. Production rates suitable of in-line use with reproduction equipment are achieved with no buildup on the edges. The relative velocity of the surface of the adhesive on the first roller is maintained at the same velocity as the clamped stack of pages. A mechanical adjustment device and method that provides for ease of interchangeability. A control device for proportioning the electrical power to the heating elements for the two rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for applying a material pattern by means of a sequentially operating applicator to a substrate moving relative to said applicator, by way of a control valve for liquid material, in particular a hot melt, said valve being controllable for opening and closing, which material pattern in the direction of movement is sub-divided into pattern parts with slight spacing between them, and there being at least two control valves connected to the material supply, and the respective valves being made to open and close sequentially. A considerably faster operation is achieved this way.

Abstract: A fast spot gluing machine for screws is disclosed, having a vibrating body, a horizontal conveyor, a support board, a rubber wheel, a spot gluing plate, a speed-adjustable motor, a control circuit and a glue compressor. A spiral slope is disposed on an inner wall of the vibrating body, extending to a top of the vibrating body to connect with the horizontal conveyor. The support board is disposed at a rear portion of the horizontal conveyor and includes a base board and first and second upright boards. The control circuit is used to control rotational speed of the motor. The motor has a rotary shaft on which the rubber wheel is fitted. The first upright board is formed with an arcuate notch for partially receiving the rubber wheel and the second upright board is formed with an elongated adjusting slot. An adjusting screw formed with a through hole is disposed through elongated slot to engage the spot gluing plate.

Abstract: A device to limit the glue width on a glue applying roll of a gluing station for applying glue on a sheet of material characterized by the glue applying roll dipping into a container of glue, a doctor blade engaging a surface of the glue applying roll to remove glue, said doctor blade being mounted by an arrangement which moves the blade laterally along the axis of the roll in response to the detected position of the web so that as the web shifts laterally, the edges of the glue film are simultaneously shifted. Preferably, the apparatus includes a second blade which is larger than each doctor blade which has an edge positioned spaced from the surface of the glue applying roll to reduce the size of the film in the area of the doctor blade.

Abstract: In the method described, a compound substantially in the form of a paste is fed by means of a pump from a storage container (1) to a metering device (3) which determines the amount of paste to be applied to a workpiece (B). From the metering device, the paste is fed to a spray head (S) where it is mixed with compressed air from a cylinder (4) or other suitable supply and sprayed on to the workpiece (B). The amount of compressed air supplied to the paste for spraying purposes is controlled by means of a control unit (6) in such a way that a strip of substantially constant width is applied to the workpiece (B).

Abstract: A computer controlled system for high speed surface mount adhesive placement in circuit board production includes a dot generator supported for motion along the X, Y and Z axes. The dot generator ejects a jet of viscous adhesive that breaks away from the nozzle of the dot generator as a result of its own forward momentum. The system includes an automatic circuit board conveyor with adjustable width and pneumatically operated lift and lock mechanisms. The system runs through a self-diagnostic set-up procedure and dot calibration routine. Dot size and location are monitored through a video camera and vision circuit. A computer interfaces with the vision circuit and with motion, dot generator and conveyor controllers so that the system can operate in a high volume production assembly line. Application programs are executed by the system computer typically utilizing CAD data from a disk or a computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) controller.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for the production of a filter in the form of a ceramic honeycomb body monolith, starting with a blank of the honeycomb body monolith with the bilaterally open ducts. An image-recording and processing system scans the end faces of the monolith and determines the deviations of the actual geometry of the ducts to be alternatingly sealed from the geometry of an idealized honeycomb body. The image-processing system determines zones on the respective end face of the monolith which correspond, within predeterminable tolerances, to the geometry of the idealized honeycomb body, wherein zones are determined having a maximally high number of ducts. In correspondence with the determination of the aforementioned zones, a processing route is established which predetermines which one of several metering heads with a varying number of nozzles will be activated. The nozzles then inject a plugging compound into the thus-determined ducts.

Abstract: In a system for monitoring and controlling the thickness of a laminate, an apparatus is provided to apply material for forming a material layer onto a web so that a laminate is formed. The tip of a knife and the surface of the web upon which the material is applied define a space, and the knife is movable relative to the web to vary the size of the space. The web coated with the material layer is drawn past the knife to form a desired thickness material layer. A measuring apparatus measures whether the thickness of the material layer plus the thickness of the web is equal to a predetermined value. The tip of the knife is moved relative to the web to adjust the thickness of the material layer in response to a signal from the measuring apparatus. A method of monitoring and controlling the thickness of a laminate is also described.

Abstract: The machine employs a rotary apparatus comprising a matrix-bearing cylinder coupled on an underlying transfer cylinder contacting over at least a tract of external surface thereof with an upper surface of a tile transiting on a rest plane. The tile is gripped between two facing branches of two lateral belts which advance the tile below the transfer cylinder; the rotation of the transfer cylinder being synchronized with the translation of the tile moved by the branches.

Abstract: In the method described, a compound substantially in the form of a paste is fed by means of a pump from a storage container (1) to a metering device (3) which determines the amount of paste to be applied to a workpiece (B). From the metering device, the paste is fed to a spray head (S) where it is mixed with compressed air from a cylinder (4) or other suitable supply and sprayed on to the workpiece (B). The amount of compressed air supplied to the paste for spraying purposes is controlled by means of a control unit (6) in such a way that a strip of substantially constant width is applied to the workpiece (B).

Abstract: A paste applicator for drawing a paste pattern on a substrate has X- and Y-axis tables, on which the substrate is mounted, and a paste reservoir tube, a nozzle, a nozzle support and an optical displacement meter all fixed to a Z-axis table in opposite relation to the substrate. The paste reservoir tube and the nozzle are communicated with each other by a horizontal portion of the nozzle support. The horizontal portion is extended to a position below the optical displacement meter so that the nozzle is located close to a measuring point of the optical displacement meter. This arrangement places the nozzle as close as possible to the measuring point of the optical displacement meter, whereby an error between data measured by the optical displacement meter and an actual nozzle-to-substrate gap is substantially eliminated to assure that the paste is applied to the substrate in a desired pattern and configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an apparatus for coating an advancing web on a backup roller Using a coating roller, which enables one to measure and control a coating gap between a lip surface of a coating die and the coating roller. The apparatus includes an extended portion which extends outward from each end of a slit portion of the coating die and has a reference surface parallel to the lip surface, the coating die is slidably located on a frame, a distance sensing means is fixed on each side of the coating roller, a distance is measured from the distance sensing means to the surface of the extended portion and the coating gap is controlled by sliding the coating die in a radial direction of the coating roller. Coating material is thereby controllably transferred from the coating roller to the web.

Abstract: A primer applicator which is movable along a surface of a workpiece such as an automobile window glass panel has a rotatable primer coating roller having an outer circumferential layer of soft resin. A robot arm which supports the primer applicator is actuated to move the primer applicator along the surface of the workpiece in rolling contact therewith to apply a primer to the surface of the workpiece. The primer is supplied to the outer circumferential layer of the primer coating roller when the primer coating roller rolls on the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A roll coating machine for applying liquid materials onto sheet material workpieces. The machine has particular application in the area of coating flexible foam sheets with stiffening or adhesive agents. The roll coater incorporates mechanisms for controlling the spacing between coating rollers which apply the liquid materials onto one or both sides of the workpiece and enables automatic adjustment for various thickness of material. Automatic adjustment is provided through accurate force balancing of one of the rollers and applying a highly controlled net force acting on the rollers such that the rollers self-adjust based on compression of the workpiece. Another mechanism provided in the machine of this invention incorporates pre-gauging and a cam adjustment mechanism for setting separation distance which can be used independently or in conjunction with a force balancing approach mentioned previously.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus is disclosed, in which a manipulator consisting of a plurality of articulations (linear movement articulations and rotational movement articulations) is mounted on a carriage and a spraying nozzle member is mounted on the last stage rotational movement articulation, which are so constructed that material to be sprayed is supplied to this spraying nozzle member through a hose, and a piping path is formed in the interior of at least rotational movement articulations, for which it is feared that the hose becomes tangled therewith or twisted. A sensor is mounted on either the nozzle or the manipulator to detect the distance between the nozzle and the surface being sprayed. A controller responds to the signals produced by the sensor to maintain the nozzle at a substantially constant distance from the surface during spraying.

Abstract: A device for charging a filling material (6) with respect to pieces of dough (1) transferred on a transfer conveyor (2) comprising detectors (3) mounted on the transfer conveyor, the detectors being adapted to detect transverse shifts of the pieces of dough on the transfer conveyor and to generate signals representative of the amounts of the shifts; a filling-charging mechanism (4) disposed downstream of the detectors, the filling-charging mechanism having discharging nozzles (48) mounted movably in the transverse direction; and a control device (7) for receiving from the detectors the signals representative of the amounts of the shifts and controlling the discharging nozzles to move transversely amounts equal to the respective amounts of the shift.

Abstract: An easy to use and inexpensive programmable electronic control system is provided for control of glue guns to spot glue on controllable positions on a carton blank, being conveyed past a glue station. The controls are synchronously related to the position of a workpiece on a conveyor platform by means of a rotary shaft in the conveyor mechanism to which a rotating timing wheel is coupled for precisely and synchronously identifying positions along the length of the workpiece. One or more solenoid actuated glue guns, may be positioned in preselected lanes across the width of the workpiece. By means of markers rotated by the timing wheel and an optical sensor coupled to a position adjacent the moving marker controls the glue dispensers. By means of a small diameter fiber link between the optical sensor and the marker, precise timing and control of glue dot positions is achieved for high fidelity and high speed response.

Abstract: A coating method which reduces the nonuniformity of a sprayed coating film at an end portion of a moving workpiece. A spray gun moves along a locus in a direction transverse to a conveying direction of the workpiece. The dimensions of the workpiece and passage of an end portion of the workpiece past the spray gun are detected. A reduced amount of coating material is sprayed at an end portion of the workpiece in response to the determination of passage of the end portion past the spray gun in order to prevent an increase in thickness of the coating film at the end portion. In the case of electrostatic spraying, an increase in film thickness at the end portion can be prevented by reducing or nullifying the electrostatic voltage applied to the end portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for taping joints between pieces of wallboard comprises a taping head, slidingly contactable with a wall, for substantially simultaneously applying a first layer of a joint compound to a joint between pieces of wallboard, embedding a wallboard tape in the first layer of the joint compound, and overcoating the embedded wallboard tape with at least one additional layer of the joint compound; a handle, connected to the taping head, for supporting the taping head, the handle being manually graspable by an operator, the handle having a fluid conduit formed therein for passing joint compound to the taping head; a tape supply mounted on the handle for supplying wallboard tape to the taping head; a backpack, wearable by the operator, for supporting a supply of the joint compound and for producing a pressurized stream of the joint compound; and a flexible connecting means for fluidically interconnecting the backpack and the fluid conduit to pass the pressurized stream of the joint compound from the backpa

Abstract: Work is performed on workpieces, e.g., coating circuit boards, of different types in random order in assembly line fashion on a rotary table of an apparatus under programmed control. The table is rotated stepwise to move successive sections thereof from a load-unload station at which the respective workpieces are loaded and unloaded in random order, to a sensing station at which the type and orientation of the workpiece is sensed, next to a work station at which work is performed on the workpiece in dependence upon its type and orientation previously sensed at the sensing station, and in turn back to the load-unload station to complete a cycle. The workpiece is either changed in orientation on the table section for a repeat cycle to perform further work thereon or is replaced by another workpiece in random order.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for automation of the masking process for spray painting and other material spray deposition. The methods provide masking simultaneous with the material spray to thereby eliminate additional mask application and removal processes. The arrangements provide non-contact masking and unused material recovery. Air curtain masking and solid non-consumable masking methods are provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring and regulating the quantity of coating in surface sizing or pigmenting of paper or board, wherein the coating agent is spread by means of a coating device in the form of a film onto the face of a roll in a size press. The film is transferred from the roll face onto the paper or board in the size press nip. A fluorescent marker agent is mixed into the roll coating or into the coating agent and the measurement of the coating quantity is carried out by means of X-ray fluorescence technique from the face of the size press roll before the film of coating agent is transferred onto the web.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for regulation of the moisture profile of a paper or board web in a size press in which the paper or board web (W) is made to run through a nip (N) formed by the rolls (1,2) in the size press. Films (F.sub.1, F.sub.2) of size are applied to the faces (3,4) of the rolls in the size press by means of coating devices (10,20) so that these films (F.sub.1 F.sub.2) of size are transferred onto the paper or board web (W) in the roll nip (N). A size (F.sub.1) of substantially invariable profile is spread onto the face (3) of the first roll in the size press (5), and the profile of the size film (F.sub.2) to be spread onto the face (4) of the second roll is regulated so that the moisture profile of the web (W) at the reel-up can be made substantially invariable. The invention also concerns a film size press for implementing the method.

Abstract: Paint or the like coating is applied to a gap between an elongated strip article and an extended surface, such as a coating head. A variable load, such as provided by air cylinders, is continuously exerted on the extended surface during operation for urging the extended surface against the applied layer on the strip, so as to maintain a uniform metering gap between the extended surface and the coated strip surface. The extended surface has a sensor for repetitively determining metering gap. A computer monitors the sensor output and causes load-exerting air cylinders to vary their applied load, in order to urge the coating head toward or away from the back-up roll, so as to reduce difference between the sensed metering gap and a predetermined gap, thus producing a uniform coating film thickness on strip articles having non-uniform surface topography.

Abstract: A developer material coating apparatus for electrostatically coating developer material on a support member in a developer material coating region to form a developer sheet, comprising a counter electrode roller for feeding the support member through the developer material coating region while carrying the support member thereof, a carry roller for triboelectrically charging the developer material and electrostatically supplying the charged developer material to the support member disposed in the developer material coating region, at least one array of electrodes arranged along the inner surface of the counter electrode roller and a control unit for selectively supplying said electrodes with a voltage having an opposite polarity to that of the charged developer material to thereby coat the developer material on a desired portion of the support member.

Abstract: A method for quantifying size encapsulation of yarn on a slasher comprising measuring the hairiness of yarn entering a slasher prior to the application of size to the yarn, measuring the hairiness of the yarn leaving the slasher and solving the equation: ##EQU1## Apparatus for quantifying the size encapsulation of yarn on a slasher comprises an entry hairiness sensor positioned at the entry side of a slasher, a delivery hairiness sensor positioned at the delivery side of the slasher, the entry and delivery sensors producing signals proportional to the hairiness of the yarn at the entry and delivery sides of the slasher respectively, and a computer for solving the above indicated equation and producing an output signal representative of size encapsulation.

Abstract: An epitaxial facility with at least one reaction chamber made of dielectric material, comprising a gas inlet in the ceiling area and a gas outlet in the floor area, a gas mixer connected to the gas inlet of the reaction chamber for the infeed of reaction and scavenging gases, a polyhedral support made of graphite, which is mounted so as to be able to rotate in the reaction chamber between the gas inlet and the gas outlet and tapers toward the gas inlet, for accommodating a number of wafers, and induction heating system essentially surrounding the reaction chamber for indirect heating of the wafer support. The epitaxial facility further comprises a device for transferring the wafer support from a charging zone outside of the reaction chamber to a working position inside the reaction chamber, a device for charging the wafer support with wafers in the charging zone, and a clean-air space accommodating the facility components.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing liquid material onto a workpiece in the form of a deposit having a desired conformation wherein the material is discharged under pressure from the nozzle of a dispensing gun which can be manipulated by a robot to lay the deposit according to a programmed pattern on the workpiece. One or more gas jets is directed toward the material after the material is discharged from the nozzle to impart a desired conformation to the material deposited on the workpiece. The flow rate of the gas jets is controlled in accordance with the liquid flow rate to maintain substantial uniformity of the conformation of the deposit. The flow rate of the gas jets may also be controlled with reference to a toolspeed signal which varies according to the relative speed between the nozzle and the workpiece as well as an auxiliary signal the latter of which can be used to selectively alter the conformation of the deposit.

Abstract: A system for administering fish attractant to a lure at the tip of a fishing pole held by a fisherman through a nozzle outlet remote from the fisherman. The system includes a reservoir containing the fish attractant and a pump responsive to a switch controlled by the fisherman for transferring the fish attractant from the reservoir to the outlet. In a preferred embodiment the switch is a proximity switch responsive to movement of the fishing lure in front of the nozzle and the system includes a timing circuit for automatically returning the switch to its initial condition stopping the pump.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming a developing powder image onto a recording medium comprising, a chamber for accommodating a developing powder and having an opening confronting the recording medium, first electric field generating device for generating an electric field curtain force in the chamber so as to suspend the developing powder in a cloud and second electric field generating device provided in the vicinity of the opening wherein the suspended developing powder is selectively move the recording medium according to an image signal or an electrostatic latent image.

Abstract: A moistening arrangement for moistening the flap of an envelope moving in a first direction in a given plane, includes a nozzle directed to spray a liquid at an envelope flap along a given locus in the plane. A source of first signals that are a function of the position of the edge in the plane is provided. An arrangement responsive to the first signals moves the nozzle in a direction substantially parallel to the plane for moistening the flap at positions thereof. The source comprises a source of first signals corresponding to the edge positions of the flap at a position spaced a given distance from the locus in a second direction opposite the first direction. A source of a second signal corresponding to the velocity of the envelope is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a conveyor for moving books in a spaced apart relationship along a predetermined path along which each book receives a length of adhesive. A roller is supported for rotation about its longitudinal central axis and has an outer cylindrical surface for receiving lengths of adhesive. A glue gun is provided for applying adhesive to the outer surface of the roller. The adhesive applied to the outer surface of the roller is of lengths equal to lengths of adhesive to be applied to the books. The lengths of adhesive are spaced apart by nonadhesive lengths. A nonadhesive length is equal to the spacing between adjacent lengths of adhesive on the books. A length of adhesive is transferred from the outer surface of the roller to a book when the book moves along the predetermined path and into contact with the length of adhesive.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dispensing fluid material whereby the fluid is discharged from a nozzle onto a workpiece. Delivery of fluid to the nozzle is controlled by a metering valve located in close proximity to the nozzle. The flow of dispensed fluid is sensed by a pressure transducer disposed to sense the pressure drop across the nozzle. The pressure transducer generates a feedback signal which can be applied by way of a closed loop control system to an electropneumatic servovalve which operates a double-acting air cylinder the pressure drop across the nozzle thereby controlling the flow of dispensed fluid in accordance with a driving signal. Where the dispenser is carried by a robot, the driving signal can be correlated to the relative speed between the workpiece and the nozzle to accurately control the amount of fluid per unit length contained in a bead deposited on the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A fluid distribution bar, such as for applying a liquid or other fluent medium to a tumbling bed of material to be coated, has concentrically mounted inner and outer tubes in the described embodiment. The inner tube has a plurality of outlets along a length of the tube which are alignable with corresponding openings formed in the outer tube by relative movement of the tubes. A plurality of slidable seals each corresponding to an inner tube outlet are mounted in the interior of the outer tube to overlie and seal the inner tube outlets in a first position, with the relative movement of the tubes unsealing the outlets in a second position for fluid distribution. The described embodiment uses seals comprising an elongated flexible resilient sealing strip mounted at each end in apertures formed in the outer tube such that the flexible strips are elastically deformed to slidably bear against the exterior surface of the inner tube for a good sealing engagement.

Abstract: A tool employing a solder foot to deposit solder on a series of conductive surfaces as the tool moves. In one embodiment, non-wettable blade attached to the tool breaks the film. A pair of sensors coupled to a control circuit monitor the position of the solder foot and the position may be changed as a function of the operation to be performed, i.e. deposit, reflow, standby while tool is moved. In a second embodiment a discrete solder mass is extruded and deposited on a preheated pad. In a third embodiment, solder wire is delivered to an omnidirectional tool for deposition.

Abstract: A method of coating articles comprises providing a plurality of coating dispensing devices at each station in a coating material application line, each device being connected to a common source of coating material. Coating material is dispensed fron only one device while measuring the flow rate of coating material therethrough. When the measured flow rate falls below a predetermined threshold, flow through the device is automatically terminated and switched to another device. Apparatus for practicing the method includes a plurality of dispensing devices connected to a common coating source through respective flow rate sensors. A programmable logic control station connected to the sensors and the devices is used to control the operation of the dispensing devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a substance to a work area in which the method includes the steps of determining the quantity of the substance to be dispensed substantially evenly to the work area, calculating the rate of dispensing the substance to the work area for the quantity determined in the determining step to achieve substantially even dispensing, dispensing the substance to the work area at the calculated rate during movement over the work area, and adjusting the rate of dispensing at intervals during such movement to minimize error in such dispensing.

Abstract: This die-bonding method relates to an improvement in a method to apply high pressure air to a resin vessel under a predetermined discharge condition to discharge the resin onto a portion subject to bonding, thus to adhesively join or connect a semiconductor chip to the portion subject to bonding by the resin discharged. This method includes a process for detecting a pressure waveform applied to the resin vessel, and a process for controlling the discharge condition to compensate the difference between the pressure waveform detected and a predetermined reference pressure waveform so that a predetermined resin quantity is discharged at all times even when the quantity of resin within the resin vessel varies. There is also provided an apparatus for implementing this die-bonding method, which includes a correction circuit for performing the above compensating operation.

Abstract: Apparatus to apply brazing flux to a joint between two vertically oriented parts. A reservoir containing liquid brazing flux is in liquid flow communication with a pump capable of metering a fixed amount of flux when actuated. A nozzle in liquid flow communication with the pump has a housing with an outer casing and an inner casing spaced from the outer casing to form a passageway. The inner casing is open at one end to receive the parts to be joined and has two spaced apart opposing side walls with ports in each side wall in liquid flow communication with passageway. The nozzle and parts are moved relative to each other to position the joint between the two parts adjacent the ports in the side walls of the inner casing. Actuation of the pump will deliver the fixed amount of liquid brazing flux to the joint.

Abstract: At least one complete surface of at least one metallic part of a can is given a uniform coating of corrosion-preventing lacquer and this part is subsequently worked such that the metal of the part is exposed at regions at least immediately adjacent the coated surface. Dots of lacquer are sprayed by the ink-jet method substantially only on the exposed regions of the part after working thereof and so that the dots together form a continuous layer covering the exposed regions. According to the viscosity of the lacquer the surface coating can be achieved by partially overlapping adjacent dots of the applied lacquer or without overlapping by the running together of the adjacent dots of the liquid, with no excess material having to be applied to and subsequently removed from the regions to be coated.

Abstract: A moving part has material initially applied to it a predetermined distance from its leading edge. Whenever a sensor senses a notch in a flange of the moving part, application of material to the moving part is stopped for a predetermined distance prior to the start of the notch to a predetermined distance beyond the notch. Application of material to the moving part is finally stopped a predetermined distance prior to its trailing edge. Two separate sensors are used to control each of three spray guns for applying the material in the selected areas.

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: An apparatus for applying a fluid such as an insecticide to grain or similar material that is carried by a conveyor. A flap device which is formed from a sheet of resilient flexible material is pivotably mounted at one of its ends to a supporting structure which is located above the conveyor, and the flap device is positioned to contact and ride over the material that is carried by the conveyor. A distributor extends across the width of the flap device and includes a series of distribution channels which open to a lower surface of the flap device. The fluid is delivered to the distributor and is directed into the material which, in being carried by the conveyor, is contacted by the flap device. A sensing device is incorporated in the apparatus for detecting the degree of pivotal movement of the flap device as it rides over the material on the conveyor and, thus, for providing a measure of the quantity of material on the conveyor.

Abstract: In the apparatus for feeding test strips automatically into an analyzer, in order to separate these, fix the position of the test zones and reverse the test strips and moisten their test zones with liquid, a supply container (1) for the test strips (13) is equipped with an orifice (14), in which a transport device (12) is arranged. The transport device is equipped with a guide plate (7) and with drivers and has noses (19, 19a) which interact with a moveably arranged bar (11) projecting into the orifice (14). The guide plate (7) merges into a guide (8) which opens into a reversing device (2, 2a). Between guide (8) and reversing device is arranged a closing means (9) for the guide (8), the said closing means being connected via a lever (5) to a holding device (10) for the test strips (13), and the holding device projects into the guide and is mounted rotatably in synchronism with the closing means. It is also equipped with a drive device (16).

Abstract: A coating method and apparatus using an extrusion head to apply a liquid film to a running web. The thickness of the film is measured at two transverse points and a roller conveying the web is tilted to correct any difference. The amount of tilt per roller with a roller bearing span of 750 mm is 0.5 to 20 mm, preferably 0.5 to 15 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing materials on a substrate includes a manifold having a plurality of inlet valves located equidistantly from the manifold outlet. Preferably the inlet valves are mounted in radial configuration to minimize any "dead space" between the valves and the manifold outlet. The manifold connects a plurality of gas sources through its inlets to a process chamber at its outlet. The valves within the manifold switch continuous reactive gas flows from the sources back and forth between the process chamber and a vent chamber during the deposition process. A purging gas flow is also provided at each valve to purge the "dead space" within the manifold of reactive gases that can linger once the reactive gas flow has been switched to the vent. The method employed by the apparatus maintains a predetermined constant gas flow through the process chamber to produce uniform deposition on the substrate.

Abstract: Included within an enclosure is a hanger for supporting and rotating a garment in the vicinity of spray and heater means. The spray means is provided to direct a chemical toward the garment with the heater means applying heat to the sprayed garment to cure the applied chemical thereon. Motivation means is also provided to move the spray and heater means to maintain a selected distance between them and the surface of the garment during processing. All of the functions occur in response to signals from a control unit to control, apply and cure the chemical to and on the surface of the garment.

Abstract: An automatic washer for cleaning objects, particularly hands, comprises a housing substantially enclosed on all sides with at least one opening for introduction of the objects to be cleaned, at least one nozzle, preferably a plurality of nozzles, for admitting at least one cleaning medium, whereby the nozzles are aligned and oriented appropriately to clean the surfaces of the object to be cleaned positioned in the interior of the housing, a control device detecting and responding to characteristics, particularly the shape, orientation, and position, of the object inserted into the interior of the housing to be cleaned, so as to activate the cleaning process when those characteristics correspond to those preset in the control device, and an operating mechanism which monitors and controls the method and timely running of the cleaning process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for wetting pourable solid matter. A preferred apparatus includes a tank (31) for accepting the solid matter, a mixing mechanism (32) for moving and breaking up the solid matter within the tank (31), at least one apparatus (5) for spraying the liquid substance supplied from a reservoir (11) into the tank, and an apparatus (2) for continuously feeding solid matter into the tank (31), characterized by the fact that the apparatus for spraying in the liquid substance includes at least one spraying nozzle (5) with an unchangeable (fixed) outlet opening (178) and a closure member (15, 16) that is to be opened (for aerating) and closed continuously, in a controllable sequence, that is connected to a feed line (9) that is under almost uniform pressure, and that is to be opened intermittently, for example electropneumatically, by control signals furnished from the apparatus (2) for supplying the solid matter.

Abstract: The specification describes a process and apparatus for charging eye rods with solutions or suspensions of active substance. The latter are applied dropwise, by means of a micrometering device, to specific points on the eye rods which are set in rotation, and simultaneously or subsequently the solvent or suspension agent is removed.