Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing organic monomolecular or multilayer films continuously comprises a tank having a spreading region (S) for spreading a material to form a monomolecular film, a compression region (C) for compressing the material on the liquid surface to form the monomolecular film and a deposition region (D) where the monomolecular film is deposited on a substrate. Means is provided to cause liquid to flow continuously from the spreading region to the deposition region through the compression region. A first control means is provided to maintain the liquid level in the deposition region D at a predetermined level. A second control means is provided for regulating the surface pressure of the monomolecular film at a predetermined value. Fluid flow through the apparatus is regulated so that the thickness of the liquid flow in the region C is less than thickness of the liquid flow in the regions S and D, and a decoupling region DS is provided between the region S and the region C.

Abstract: A variable form spray system includes a robot manipulator, a masking tool assembly integrated with the manipulator, sealer supply hardware which supplies spray material to the manipulator and sealer recovery hardware which recovers material sprayed and skived by the masking tool assembly. Spray pattern form is controlled by collecting overspray using adjustable skive manifolds of the assembly on each side of the spray pattern which function to vacuum off the edges of the airless spray pattern. The positions of the skive manifolds are programmable.

Abstract: A device for detecting the residual amount of a developer has a developer storing vessel, a light-emitting element for projecting a light for irradiation from the outside to the inside of the vessel, a light-receiving element disposed outside the vessel and adapted to receive the light for irradiation projected by the light-emitting element into the interior of the vessel and issuing a signal in response to the received light, and a control device for discerning between arrival and no arrival of the residual amount of the developer in the vessel at the prescribed level on the basis of the signal from the light-receiving element.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier, a transfer device for transferring the developed image on the image carrier onto a transfer medium, a feed device for feeding the transfer medium to a transfer portion by the transfer device, and an optical element for optically detecting the amount of developing agent in the developer. The optical element is arranged at a side opposite to the developer with respect to the convey path of the transfer medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying coatings to yarns, particularly yarns to be utilized as dental floss. In a preferred arrangement, an array of parallel spaced yarns are continuously fed while being intermittently deflected by a cam or deflector. As the yarns are deflected, they enter a grooved liquid applicator, with the grooves maintaining a predetermined amount of liquid therein by capillary action. A predetermined amount of liquid is thus applied at intermittent or spaced locations along the length of the yarn. The method and apparatus is particularly suitable for providing dye at spaced locations along a continuous length of floss, thereby demarcating lengths suitable for individual use. Various aspects are also applicable to a variety of yarn coating and/or dyeing applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the level of material in a container. The apparatus comprises a power source and a first electrode, positioned adjacent the container, electrically connected to the power source. The apparatus further comprises a second electrode. The second electrode is spaced from the first electrode and positioned adjacent the container. The apparatus further comprises an electrical amplifier which is electrically connected to the second electrode. The amplifier amplifies a current induced in the second electrode and generates a voltage signal. The amplifier is adapted to maintain the second electrode at a virtual ground to minimize environmental impedance effects. The apparatus further comprises a rectifier, electrically connected to the amplifier, for rectifying the voltage signal and a comparator, electrically connected to the rectifier, for comparing the voltage signal to a predetermined voltage signal corresponding to the container being full with material.

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: A substrates processing device having a tank in which process solution is contained, a bottle communicated with the tank through a conduit and located above an object to be processed with the process solution supplied, a nozzle located under the bottle, a support for supporting the object to be processed, and a changeover device for making pressure in it negative through a conduit when the process solution is to be added to it and also making pressure in it normal through the conduit when the process solution is to be supplied to the nozzle.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of a type employing the replaceable image forming unit includes a detecting device for detecting an amount of rays of light having passed across a developer hopper, and a determining device for comparing the amount of light detected by the detecting device with a predetermined threshold value to determine the presence or absence of the image forming unit within the pocket. The detection of whether or not the image forming unit has been loaded into the pocket is possible regardless of the condition of the stirrer blade assembly within the hopper, that is, regardless of whether or not the stirred blade assembly is being driven.

Abstract: A liquid coating system according to the present invention comprises, a liquid supply source, a nozzle having an inlet communicating with the liquid supply source and a substantially linear liquid discharge portion, a pressure feed unit for feeding the liquid under pressure from the liquid supply source to the nozzle by means of compressed gas, a spin chuck for fixedly supporting a semiconductor wafer, an up-and-down cylinder for causing the liquid discharge portion of the nozzle to closely face the wafer on the spin chuck, and a rotating mechanism for rotating the spin chuck. The nozzle includes a liquid reservoir, in which the liquid supplied from the liquid supply source is collected, and a large number of small passages communicating with the liquid reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking recyclable books permits the user to retain the recyclable value of the books while effectively deterring third-parties from reselling books which are intended to be recycled. The method includes transporting recyclable books past a designated marking location and marking at least a portion of the covers of the books with a distinguishing mark, and then transferring the marked books away from the marking location. The apparatus includes a marking device for marking the covers of the books, a transport device having a first and a second end for transporting the books past the marking device so that the covers of the books become marked thereby, and a removal device for moving the books away from the marking device after the covers of the books have been marked thereby.

Abstract: A book binding process and apparatus are shown wherein polyurethane adhesive (PUR) attaches a crepe portion of a book binding to a book block and hot glue attaches the crepe portion to the book cover. The PUR delivery system includes an inclined trough positioned adjacent a polyurethane adhesive delivery roll. A polyurethane adhesive source delivers polyurethane adhesive upon the inclined surface of the trough and the polyurethane adhesive is metered onto the roller as a function of the separation of the leading edge of the trough and the roller.

Abstract: A device incorporated in image forming equipment for adjusting the output of an image density sensor which optically senses the density of a toner image formed on a photoconductive element and representative of a reference pattern. The density sensor is made up of a light emitting element and a light-sensitive element. Thresholds divide an output range wherein the output characteristic of the sensor does not change into a plurality of subranges having the optimal output associated with the background of the photoconductive element as the center value. The sensor senses the background of the photoconductive element at predetermined intervals. Whether or not to adjust the output of the sensor is determined on the combination of the subrange where the resulting output of the sensor lies and the number of times that the former lies in the latter. The sensor output, i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus for recirculating a waterbased paint in a vehicle painting assembly line includes paint totes located substantially adjacent a circulating tank near the point of application of the paint, thus reducing line length and the cost of replacing the paint in the line. This feature is enabled because waterbased paints, unlike solvent-based paints, are not subject to the same volume location restrictions. By maintaining a supply of paint to a low volume tank within narrow limits, a high volume application requirement can be met. A single line recirculating system is also disclosed for use with either type of paint. A number of features of a working paint system are also disclosed, including orbital welding of the stainless steel tubing, passivation of the line, use of DI water for passivation and flushing of the system, low point drains for the system, limited surge, and the use of smooth bore components and transitions to avoid paint sedimentation and buildup.

Abstract: A method for recirculating a waterbased paint in a vehicle painting assembly line includes paint totes located substantially adjacent a circulating tank near the point of application of the paint, thus reducing line length and the cost of replacing the paint in the line. This feature is enabled because waterbased paints, unlike solvent-based paints, are not subject to the same volume location restrictions. By maintaining a supply of paint to a low volume tank within narrow limits, a high volume application requirement can be met. A single line recirculating system is also disclosed for use with either type of paint. A number of features of a working paint system are also disclosed, including orbital welding of the stainless steel tubing, passivation of the line, use of DI water for passivation and flushing of the system, low point drains for the system, limited surge, and the use of smooth bends and transitions to avoid paint sedimentation and buildup.

Abstract: A roll (30) of adhesive worked between two rollers (10, 12) of the gumming device is supplied by feed nozzles (34a, 34b) projecting fine streams of adhesive (35a, 35b) with monitored flow. In case of an increase in the measured viscosity of the adhesive or stopping of the machine on which the gumming device is used, a water-atomizing device (40) allows the viscosity to be reduced and prevents the adhesive from drying out. A dimension of the adhesive roll is monitored and controls regulation of the output of the adhesive-feeding nozzles. The gumming device thereby ensures proper gumming of a strip of paper (2).

Abstract: A toner residual amount detecting mechanism comprises a stirring device and a photosensor. The photosensor has a protrusion, and rotates together with a stirring shaft while the protrusion contacts with a pin planted on the stirring shaft. The stirring device rotates by its gravity when it reaches a top dead point thereof. The stirring device also includes a magnetic rotor attracted by a permanent magnet in a sensor lever to thereby turn the sensor lever about the fulcrum of the sensor lever to a predetermined position. The sensor lever is stopped by a stopper when the stirring device reaches the bottom dead point thereof. The photosensor cannot detect light when the sensor lever is positioned at the bottom dead point since the light is intercepted by the sensor lever but can detect the light when the sensor lever reaches the predetermined position. The mechanism can inform an operator of a toner supply time since the photosensor operates depending on the resistance of toner against the stirring device.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying installation for low-resistivity paint comprises a conveyor which conveys large objects such as automobile bodies, to be painted with a substantially constant distance between their respective leading edges. A plurality of sprayers is positioned to paint respective specific parts of the objects as they are conveyed past the sprayers by the conveyor. A respective spray member in each sprayer is connected to a high-tension electrical supply. All the spray members are substantially situated in a common plane perpendicular to the path of movement of the objects along the conveyor or in a plurality of planes perpendicular to this path and spaced from each other by the previously mentioned substantially constant distance. A plurality of electrically grounded closed loop primary paint circulation circuits each contain paint of a respective color different than the color of the paint in each of the other primary circuits.

Abstract: A toner empty detecting system for use in an electrophotographic printer. A sensor detects the presence of toner and provides toner-empty or toner-present signals. A first counter is incremented when toner-empty signals are detected at pre-determined time intervals and the first counter is cleared when a toner-present signal is detected. When the first counter reaches a predetermined value (first occurrence), the first counter is cleared and a second counter counts the number of printed pages until the first counter again reaches the same predetermined value (second occurrence). An indicator signals the first and second occurrence. Upon the second occurrence, the values of the first counter, second counter and indicator are compared and a comparison signal is provided. The printing is stopped if the comparison signal indicates that an actual toner-empty condition exists and the toner empty condition is displayed.

Abstract: A fluidizing and suction withdrawal unit (14) which can be lowered into a container (20) holding a powder (22), in order to fluidize the powder and withdraw the fluidized powder (92) by suction. The fluidizing and suction withdrawal unit (14) is provided with a level sensor (88) which generates a signal, in contingence on the immersion depth (80, 82) to which the fluidizing and suction withdrawal unit (14) is immersed in a powder layer (92) fluidized by it. This assures a consistent feed capacity which also in the case of direct connection of a spray device (76) results in the coating of articles at good coating qualities.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting and drying powder used for electrostatic coating of a workpiece has air injection means incorporated into the collection bin both to dry and also to homogenize powder recovered, just prior to withdrawal from the bin.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive member; a developing device; a developer accommodating device for accommodating the developer to be supplied to the developing device, the accommodating device having a housing of which a first and second windows made of transparent members are arranged at a ceiling and a bottom; a cleaning device for periodically cleaning the first and second windows; and a detecting device having a light emitting device arranged outside the housing and confronting with one of the windows, and a light receiving device arranged outside the housing and confronting with the other of the windows. Light emitted from the light emitting device is illuminated through the light emitting device. The light receiving device receives the light emitted from the light emitting device to detect an amount of the developer in the housing.

Abstract: A method of detecting toner in the toner supplying unit of a developing unit wherein a toner supplying roller is caused to make a single turn, the duration of a signal indicating "no-existence of toner" issued during this single turn period is accumulated by timer function of a control unit. When a total sum of accumulated signal timer duration is longer than a first preset time, including a constant margin added to the difference between the time required for a single turn of the toner supplying roller and the time required for passing over the toner detecting surface by a cleaning means, the "no-existence of toner" condition is detected for the toner supplying unit.

Abstract: A toner end detection apparatus comprises a toner tank which accommodates a toner, a toner detection sensor which has a surface exposed within the toner tank and outputs a detection signal and made up of an ultrasonic sensor which oscillates at a predetermined frequency when no toner is adhered on the surface, a setting part for variably setting a set value, a measuring part for measuring an oscillation time of the toner detection sensor in response to the output detection signal of the toner detection sensor, and a discriminating part for discriminating a toner end based on a comparison of the set value which is set by the setting means and the oscillation time which is measured by the measuring means. The toner accommodated within the toner tank is less than a predetermined quantity when the toner end is detected.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for dosing and applying liquid or pasty media to an object are disclosed. A dosing apparatus filled with the liquid or pasty medium is positioned relative to the object. The dispenser-like dosing apparatus is pressurized with a pressure surge, so that the dosing apparatus plunger is displaced and the medium ejected. The filling level of the medium in the dosing apparatus is determined by means of a filling level sensor and pressurization is modified as a function of the filling level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for continuous wet-in-wet processing of a length of material in which a continuously regulated additional dosaging occurs using a treatment both of low content, the quantity of treatment liquor added being always exactly the quantity which has just been carried off by the outgoing length of material. In this way the bath concentration can be kept constant with a high degree of accuracy and the balance in the bath is also achieved quickly.

Abstract: A supply unit 1 is provided for maintaining a desired level of a viscous liquid in a supply tank 2. The liquid is supplied through an inlet passageway 5 down to a horizontal portion 8 and then to a vertical portion 9 communicating with one side of a valve piston 11. When the tank 2 is full of a liquid, this liquid will be drawn up through a passageway 14 in a body 6 by a gear pump 15 which pumps the liquid through a supply line 18 to act on the other face of the piston 11. When the level of liquid within the supply tank 2 falls so that it cannot be drawn up through the passageway 14, the pressure on the upper face of the piston 11 will be relieved and the inlet pressure of the liquid in the inlet passageway 5 will then cause the piston valve 11 to open to allow the liquid to pass through an outlet passageway 13 leading into the supply tank 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and device for applying a reaction mixture to a moving base. The key to the invention resides in the use of compressed air to ensure even distribution of the mixture. The reaction mixture is applied via an elongated pipe-like applicator vessel which extends laterally across the moving base. A cushion of compressed air is maintained in the applicator vessel above the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus with a developing device in which first and second detecting elements are provided respectively at opposite ends of the device to detect that substantially same amounts of developer are present in both ends. By this, the image forming apparatus is permitted to start image formation only when the developer is evenly dispersed in the both ends of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for making laminated dual and multiple arch corrugated structures including a first unit for making single-face corrugated members formed of a corrugated member and an attached liner and a second unit for combining one or more single-face corrugated structures into a double-face structure. The subject invention includes a novel mechanism for laminating one or more portions of the single-face or double-face corrugated structures and/or for impregnating one or more of the members of the such structures with an impregnating substance. The subject improvements also reside in a novel hold down roll construction to prevent wrinkling of the edge portions of web members used in the construction of corrugated panels.

Abstract: A depilatory wax automatic dispenser on depilatory strips essentially comprising: a basement for a pot; an electrical resistance immerged in said pot; a cavity made in said basement near said resistance; a batcher cylinder closing said cavity; a device to positionate a strip at a preselected clearance from said cylinder; at least one outlet port in said cylinder to dispose wax on said strip slipping below said port; means for manoeuvering said cylinder from a first closing position to a second opening position for said port; elements for disposing said strip in a horizontal attitude when said cylinder is in said second position; electrical feeding control means for said resistance.

Abstract: In an automation system for a mixing and dispensing apparatus, different colors of granite granules are placed into different silos. Dampers and proportion gates on the bottom of the silos permit specific proportions of different granite colors to fall and mix on a conveyor. The granite color combination is transported through a bucket elevator to a lazy susan and from the lazy susan into a selected bin. A second combination of granite colors is then mixed by adjusting selected proportion gates and opening and closing selected dampers. The second color combination is transferred through the lazy susan to a second selected bin. Any number of color combinations can be made and transferred to selected bins. The granite color combinations from the several bins are then applied to an asphalt-coated fiberglass mat through a dispensing apparatus on the bottom of the selected bins. The entire process is automated and controlled through logic circuitry.

Abstract: A sealant supply system for a sealant applying machine having a plurality of rotatable sealant applying head devices rotatable about a central axis of rotation and comprising support means for supporting the system on the machine; a rotatable sealant supply chamber means mounted on the support means for holding a supply of sealant material and having a bottom wall portion, a side wall portion, and an upper wall portion; coupling passage means in a lower portion of the chamber means for connection to the sealant applying head means to supply sealant thereto; a spindle means mounted on the upper wall portion of the chamber means for enabling rotation of the chamber means; a first central passage means in the spindle means enabling supply of air and sealant to the chamber means; bearing journal means and bearing means on an outer wall portion of the spindle means for rotatably supporting the spindle means; a non-rotatable housing means for receiving and rotatably supporting the bearing means and the spindle mean

Abstract: A device applicable to an electrophotographic color copier or a color ink jet printer for selectively supplying visualizing liquids of different colors, e.g. black, red, green and blue or a mixture thereof to a photoconductive drum, paper or like recording medium to form a visible image on the medium which corresponds to an image of an original document. The device includes a black liquid vessel, a red liquid vessel, a blue liquid vessel, and a cleaning liquid vessel. The liquids from the various vessels are selectively fed to the device and, after a visualizing operation or a cleaning operation, selectively returned to the respective vessels by two switching units. Residual toner particles are returned to the black liquid vessel. A purifying member for capturing toner or like visualizing agent which is contained in the black liquid is situated between an overflow port of the black liquid vessel and the other liquid vessels and cleaning liquid vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing corrugated board by combining a non-waterproof starch based adhesive and a waterproofing resin continuously and in small quantities to ensure improved wet strength board performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a plastics coated paperboard web with a sterilizing liquid such as hydrogen peroxide, the web adapted to be folded and cut to form aseptic packages for filling with foodstuffs such as fruit juices and milk. The apparatus includes a pair of rolls between which the web is moved and is coated. The lower (applicator) roll of the pair is provided with continuous helical grooves and is partially immersed in a bath of sterilizing liquid. The configuration of the grooved surface of the applicator roll has been found to be critical in meeting coating standards in the field of aseptic packaging. The grooves make a pitch angle of from 5.degree. to 12.degree. with the longitudinal axis of the applicator roll, with a preferred angle of 9.degree.. Either single grooves or crossed grooves may be used, with the land area of this roll being from 60 to 80%. The applicator roll is manufactured from stainless steel (#316).

Abstract: A low labor, highly efficient process and system for manufacturing chocolate coated ice cream cookie sandwiches is achieved by incorporating conveyor means for transporting the ice cream cookie sandwich through the various stages of its manufacture along with uniquely constructed ice cream brick slicing machines and a unique chocolate coating machine. In addition, a pass-through freezer is preferably employed prior to the chocolate coating, in order to assure a high quality, tasty product. The ice cream slicing machine of the present invention employed in the process and manufacturing system of this invention is constructed for receiving a plurality of ice cream bricks and cutting each brick into a plurality of slices in an efficient, automatic, integrated operational procedure and presenting each ice cream slice to a holding zone for placement on a cookie moving along the conveyor means.

Abstract: A coating applicator for a suspended cable comprises a housing defining a coating reservoir and having a roller rotatably mounted in said housing that is at least partly immersed in the coating reservoir. The coating roller includes a peripheral groove defined by tapered walls adapted to receive the cable therein. In one form of the invention, a pair of brackets support suspension rollers from opposite sides of the housing so that each suspension roller is spaced from the other and aligned over the groove in the coating roller from opposite sides of the cable. The housing includes a fluid coupling for connection with a conduit in fluid communication between the coating reservoir and a reversible pump which is in fluid communication with a supply reservoir, so that a predetermined level of fluid can be maintained in the coating reservoir and so that the coating can be drained from the reservoir when the coating operation is completed.

Abstract: A silicone applicator and method are disclosed which apply a controlled concentration of an aqueous silicone emulsion to a paper web as the web is moving through a printing press. The applicator comprises a silicone concentrate supply tank, a water supply, and a mixing tank for mixing the slicone concentrate with the water to form an aqueous silicone emulsion of desired concentration. A silicone holding tray holds a supply of silicone emulsion, and a roller picks up the silicone emulsion from the holding tray and applies it to the paper web. A first transfer device transfers to the mixing tank metered quantities of the silicone concentrate from the supply tank, and water from the water supply. Water is charged to the mixing tank when a sensor in the tank senses that the level in the tank is below a predetermined lower limit. The charging is discontinued when the level reaches a predetermined high value as detected by another sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus (28) for dispensing solder paste into openings (26-26) in a stencil (24) comprises a housing (30) having a piston (60) slidably mounted therein. A manifold (70), having a successively increasing cross-sectional area, is attached to a side wall (42) of the housing for admitting a viscous material, such as solder paste therein through successively larger sized openings (76-76) so the paste is distributed evenly beneath the piston. A pair of elastomeric blades (50-50) are secured to, and depend from the housing on opposite sides of a slot (46) to contact the stencil (24). Upon the application of a fluid pressure against the piston, paste will be expelled from the slot within a working region (96) between the blades. The blades force paste into the openings in the stencil when the housing is moved thereacross.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for dispensing a solution for use in a process including a flow meter and a precision valve are disclosed. A solenoid valve is incorporated within the dispensing apparatus and is electrically connected to the process for preventing flow during process interruption periods. Additional alarm means and safety interlocks are provided for controlling flow based upon operating conditions of the process.

Abstract: Tank for depositing a monomolecular film. It comprises a tank having walls and a base and containing a liquid, a barrier defining two areas on the surface of the liquid, means for displacing the barrier on the surface of the liquid, at least one substrate and means for displacing the substrate. The level of the liquid is below the horizontal rim of the tank. The barrier has a break at each of its ends and rests on the edges of the tank. The break defines a narrower portion partly submerged in the liquid. Sealing means are provided between the faces of the narrower portion and the facing walls.

Abstract: A crucible containing molten silicon, has a strip of carbon film vertically transported through the melt, an optical system imaging a small area of the silicon surface onto a photodetector, said image area being that of the silicon liquid-solid interface, and a servo system connected to said photodetector and to an electrical drive for feeding silicon into said melt. The invention is applicable to the manufacture of solar cells.

Abstract: A tester can resolve a sensed signal whose duty cycle is proportional to the amount of a developer disposed in a copier. The tester includes an input device and an indication device. The input device is coupled to the copier for providing a processed signal relating to the extent the sensed signal resides in a predetermined state. The indication device is coupled to the input device and can provide an indication of the magnitude of the processed signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of large-surfaced, band-shaped silicon bodies for solar cells through a continuous layering process which uses a net-like structured graphite carrier unit. The net-like structure is used in conjunction with a melting pot made from graphite for receiving silicon smelt. The smelt is fed via a drain opening provided in the floor section of the melting pot to the carrier unit guided through a canal which has been arranged in horizontal direction below the melting pot. In order to ensure a continuous replacement of the smelt volume in the layering canal, the canal is shaped in downward direction as a shallow basin made from quartz, whereby the basin areas "a" and "b" are of different depth. In this manner, a "reserve volume" is provided, which ensures a uniform layering. The apparatus allows a continuous production of silicon bands for solar cells.

Abstract: A supply tank 11 from which adhesive will be dispensed by an applicator wheel 12 to the flap of a carton incorporates a valve assembly 16 connected through an inlet 20 to a pressurized supply of molten adhesive. The adhesive will enter pockets 19 in a rotating feed member 14 carried by a shaft 13 and mounted in a housing 15. If the level of adhesive in the supply tank 11 falls below the top of an outlet 21 from the housing 15 then any charge of adhesive within a pocket 19 passing the opening 21 will be dispensed into the supply tank 11 by gravitation. There is no direct connection between the pressurized supply to the inlet 20 and the outlet 21.

Abstract: A viscous medium such as a fabric treatment foam is applied to a fabric web by a distributing device extending across the continuously moving web. The foam is pressurized in a first stage and delivered over a long pipe to a distributing chamber of the device where it is distributed over the entire width of the web. The foam is then admitted into a compartment in which it can form a column surmounted by a float to establish a lower second pressure stage and at this lower pressure the foam passes to a pressure generator which forces the foam from a slot-like orifice at a third pressure higher than the second pressure.

Abstract: A device for use in fluidized bed techniques, particularly for coating tablets or the like, which comprises a container for use as a processing zone for the material to be processed, a sensor device or the like for monitoring the upper end area of the processing zone, and apparatus for moving the material through the processing zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying foam from the outlet of a continuously operated foam generator to a consumer which applies the liquid fraction of the foam to a substrate has a conduit which receives foam from the outlet and contains a storing device serving to take up the surplus of foam when the requirements of the consumer are less than the output of the foam generator and to satisfy the requirements of the consumer when such requirements exceed the output of the foam generator. The storing device contains a compensating device which ensures that the pressure of foam in the interior of the storing device is substantially constant, and such compensating device (which may consist of a reciprocable piston and a hollow piston rod receiving foam from the foam generator) can actuate a monitoring device which regulates the operation of the foam generator, of a pump which is installed between the foam generator and the storing device and/or a valve which can divert foam into a collecting receptacle.

Abstract: A toner solution circulation apparatus controls the application, concentration, and circulation by pumping of toner solution for an electrostatic imaging system by using a vacuum to draw toner solution, which is selectively mixed with concentrated toner solution and clear isopar, from a mixer manifold, and by using the rotating action of an applicator roll to pump, circulate, and mix toner solution, pigment, and isopar. A float and pivot block assembly maintains the correct isopar solution level in the chamber.A tube pump apparatus, having two tubes, one inside the other with sliding seals between the tubes, each tube having a ball type check (foot) valve at its end is submerged in concentrated toner solution in a supply container or bottle, to add pigment to the toner soltuion.The cycle time of the pump stroke is monitored by a Hall effect sensor.