Abstract: A descaling method for removing oxide scale from a hot-rolled stainless steel strip. A solution of an alkaline earth metal chloride is applied to the surface of the oxide scale layer formed on the hot-rolled stainless steel strip, and the solution is allowed to penetrate into the oxide scale layer. In a subsequent annealing, the solution is heated and dehydrated to become solid matter and the dehydrated matter is melted and diffused into the oxide scale layer to soften the oxide scale layer. The oxide scale layer is then removed by a simple mechanical descaling by, for example, grinding brushes with or without a subsequent chemical descaling by a weak acid solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the aqueous cleaning of a printed circuit board having surface mounted components assembled thereon. The invention involves a heated aqueous solution sprayed under high pressure through a helically-vaned nozzle that is moving rotationally about the plane of a moving printed circuit board. The apparatus accomplishes a thorough cleaning of all components and areas of the printed circuit board with the use of a water based cleaning solution.

Abstract: A method for removing metallic coatings from polymeric substrates is provided. The method comprises contacting a metallic-coated polymeric substrate with an aqueous solution consisting essentially of from about 0.75 to about 11.25 weight percent trisodium phosphate and from about 0.75 to about 11.25 weight percent of an alkali metal hydroxide for a period of time effective to remove the metallic coating and produce a polymeric substrate substantially free of metal constituents and binder materials. The polymeric substrate and the metal constituents present in the metallic coating are recovered and reclaimed. A composition for removing the metallic coating from a metallic-coated polymeric substrate is also provided.

Abstract: An optical fiber (12) being removed from a storage spool (14) for winding onto a canister (20) passes through a housing formed from separable parts (22, 24). A chamber (34) within the housing has a nozzle (40) connected to a supply of a cleaning solvent and directs a spray of the solvent onto the moving fiber. Another version locates a further nozzle (46) within the housing directing a pressurized air stream on the fiber to dry the solvent as well as remove foreign particulate matter from the fiber. Yet another version has brushes (50, 52) within the housing that the fiber moves against to aid in removing particulate matter from the fiber surface.

Abstract: A treatment cell for spraying two phase treatment fluid on a continuously moving strip work product is enclosed within an air impervious containment chamber having ingress and egress openings to receive and discharge the work proudct. Air knives in the containment chamber receive air under pressure from a blower and this air strips any residual treatment fluid from work product at the chamber entry and egress openings. The air blower is within the chamber and the only air used through the air knives is continuously recycled entirely within the chamber. Cooling coils low in the chamber condense some of the vapor phase treatment fluid from the air in the container and all of the liquid phase of the treatment fluid flows by gravity to a sealed sump for reuse in the treatment cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for washing pulp according to which method the pulp is supplied onto a movable liquid-pervious support surface to form a substantially continuous layer; and washing liquid is supplied to the pulp layer and passed in several successive washing phases through different areas of the layer in such a way that the washing liquid gradually flows in the opposite direction compared with the flow direction of the pulp layer. According to the invention the washing liquid is divided in two or more partial flows which pass alternately through different washing phases in such a way that the washing liquid which in one phase has passed through the pulp layer flows past at least the washing phase preceding it in the flow direction of the pulp layer. The apparatus of the invention preferably includes a rotating cylinder having a casing surface of which serves as the liquid-pervious support surface for the pulp.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process and a device for cleaning parts, in particular glass panes (2) of vehicles to prepare them for subsequent treatment processes, such as application of adhesive, etc. The cleaning device (1) comprises a wiping element in the form of a cleaning band (10) which is moved relative to the part (2) to be treated. The cleaning band is guided in a loop (12) between two rolls (13 and 14) and is brought into contact with the part (2) to be treated, while the cleaning band (10) is wound off section by section and cyclically between or during the cleaning processes. To do so, an additional loop (44) is formed in the area of the loop (12) and fresh band material is wound off of the reserve roll (13). The loop (44) is subsequently eliminated and the used band material is fed to the used-material roll (14).

Abstract: The method and the apparatus serve to cool cast billets made of an aluminum alloy after a homogenizing anneal.The billets emerging from a full-annealing furnace continuously one after the other in the longitudinal direction at a first temperature are guided in-line through a spray unit at a program-controlled feed rate and while being sprayed on all sides with the cooling medium in a program-controlled manner to reach an adjustable surface temperature. The internal and surface temperature of the billets are equalized a short time after leaving the spray unit.The spray unit for the billets (16) passing through in-line is equipped over its entire length and over the entire periphery of its inner space with nozzles which can be adjusted as a whole, in groups or individually.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing liquid residues from the surface of a continuously advancing strand or filament by using a plurality of vacuum probes positioned such that they continuously expose the entire surface of such advancing strand or filament to a greatly reduced pressure thereby removing substantially all of such residues from the strand's or filament's surface.

Abstract: A device in which the wafers are moved with the aid of aqueous media, is posed for the transportation of semiconductor wafers and also for use in processes for the cleaning thereof, the device including a guideplate having a bottom plate with nozzle systems which are differently inclined in each case and independent of one another and through which the transportation fluid is, if necessary, forced into the transportation space, as a result of which the wafer can be loaded, retarded, caused to rotate and unloaded again. The devices can be combined to form treatment lines, different fluids being used in each case in the individual sections thereof, so that no mechanically moving parts act on the wafers during retardation and rotation and that no change of reagents has to be carried out inside a treatment station.

Abstract: The cleaning method of the present invention comprises; (a) immersing a material to be cleaned in a mixed solvent contained in the first open vessel, wherein the mixed solvent consists of a chlorofluoro-hydrocarbon with a boiling point of 20.degree.-50.degree. C. and an organic solvent with a boiling point of 50.degree. C. or more higher than that of said chlorofluoro-hydrocarbon and compatible therewith, but not azeotropic therewith, and kept at a temperature within a range between the boiling point of the chlorofluoro-hydrocarbon and a temperature of at least 30.degree. C.

Abstract: A separation tank adapted for use in washing and separating recycled polymeric material from contaminants, the separation tank comprising a centrally disposed baffle and being adapted to receive and circulate an aqueous medium around the baffle; transversely mounted, rotatable members adapted to submerge floating material within the aqueous medium; transversely mounted, rotatable members adapted to aggressively agitate the surface of the aqueous medium; and longitudinally spaced sumps disposed in the floor of the tank on the side of the baffle opposite the agitation members to collect contaminants settling out of the aqueous medium; and members adapted to divide the aqueous medium into surface and subsurface portions for the respective recovery of the polymeric material and recirculation of the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A venetian blind or similar flexible flat article is held in tension on a foraminous belt and passed through washing, rinsing and drying zones. The condensate from the air from the drying zone is used as final rinse. The slats of the blind are held at a slight angle to improve drainage and prevent sag or the blind below the edge of the belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pickling method for electrical steel bands having excellent surface properties without requiring any especial treatment and increasing costs, where the pickling conditions of the hot rolled steel band are optimized not only in view of de-scaling properties but also interglanular corrosions, and the pickling is performed with hydrochloric acid for a period of a specified time determined by Si content of steel, temperature and HCl concentration of a pickling liquid.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a procuedure for washing off flux residues subsequent to soldering from a circuit board or equivalent component. The circuit board washing procedures of prior art have either been detrimental to the environment or poor in their washing result. These problems have in the present invention been solved by including at least one step in the procedure in which steam is sprayed on the circuit board or equivalent. The steam spraying step is advantageously combined with preceding water washing and rinsing steps. A circuit board or equivalent component rinsed with hot steam is recovered in a cleaner condition than before, and moreover, entirely dry.

Abstract: Silicon wafers can be provided with a hydrophilic surface and/or freed of hering cement residues originating from the polishing operation with the aid of solutions adjusted to a pH of 8 to 14 with the aid of alkali-metal or alkaline-earth-metal compounds and containing hydrogen peroxide. These processes can even be carried out at room temperature and are remarkable for their low chemical consumption and easy manageability.

Abstract: In a method of treating one-side electrogalvanized steel sheets, the uncoated side is contacted with an aqueous pickling solution containing a water-soluble hydroxycarboxylic acid and a water-soluble peroxo compound. In this way, extremely resistant mixed oxides are separated from one-side electrogalvanized sheets, which, otherwise, would lead to stripy yellowish and brownish stains on the uncoated steel surface. In addition, the new metal surface formed is passivated.

Abstract: A process and device for removing a sprayed asbestos layer are provided, in which the asbestos is simultaneously cut and suctioned by a scraper and a suction air duct, and then transported into a carrier container for collection through primary, secondary and tertiary collection steps, in order to maintain a safe and sanitary operational environment for those who are engaged in removing the asbestos layer.

Abstract: A cleaning process is provided for window blinds of the type comprising vertical strips of fabric which are supported at an upper end so as to lie in parallel planes which are rotatable. The process includes a carrying frame for attachment to the lower end of the strips by which the strips are maintained in their proper parallel condition during detachment, washing, rinsing, drying and reattachment. After detachment the strips are immersed in a bath of cleaning liquid which flows longitudinally of the strips from the carrying frame to trailing end of the strips. Rinsing is carried in a similar bath. Drying is carried out by passing the strips between parallel runs of an absorbent fabric.

Abstract: A method of cleaning the bottom of a feeding channel supplied fresh water to be fed to fish such as fry of salmon and trout is disclosed in which a baffle means for preventing the flow of water in the feeding channel is maintained to the orientation such as to extend upwardly from the height position spaced apart upwardly from the bottom to block the flow of water in the channel while the baffle means is moved in the channel from the upstream side to the downstream side, thereby collecting the deposit in the channel toward the downstream side of the channel due to the flow of water passing through the gap between the bottom and a lower edge of the baffle means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for chemically treating articles, often with a liquid treatment fluid that is corrosive, while the articles are being delivered along a path through a substantially closed chamber. During treatment, the articles pass through a nip formed between opposed rollers, at least one of which is rotatably driven. Because of the thickness of the articles, at least one roller of the nip must be moved away from the other roller in order for articles to pass through the nip. The roller being moved remains positively driven as it moves away from the nip and remains driven until the nip is again closed, all without interferring with the drive.

Abstract: A fluid carrying chain is drawn between the interface of circumferentially abutting wheel members having pockets in the circumferential edge faces thereof configured to the shape of the link members of the chain such that each link member becomes snugly enveloped in its own chamber thereby expelling fluid from the link member.

Abstract: A non-contact method of cleaning a surface comprising forming a thin gas film (10) of high velocity gas between a surface (14) to be cleaned and a cleaning device (16). The gas film (10), being also a gas bearing, supports the cleaning device (16) and thus forms a self-regulating gap (G) between the surface (14) and the cleaning device (16) so that the cleaning device (16) never contacts the surface (14). The cleaning device (16) comprises a plurality of bores (22) for directing gas onto the surface (14) and an opening (24) for vacuum. In the preferred embodiment, the bores (22) are arranged in a circle and the opening (24) is located centrally of the circle. The thickness of the gas film (10) is determined by the pressure of the incoming gas and vacuum. The creation of turbulence and eddy currents and the use of an ionized gas are enhancements to the cleaning ability of the gas film (10). The method includes moving the cleaning device (16) relative to the surface (14) and vice versa.

Abstract: Drag out of lead with elongated steel elements (1) upon exit from a bath (2) of molten lead is prevented by bringing the elongated steel elements into contact with an amount of a substance such as H.sub.2 S, Hcl or ZnCl.sub.2 /.nNH.sub.4 Cl, that is capable of transforming lead oxide into another product at the exit conditions of said elongated steel elements (1) from the bath (2) of molten lead. The steel may emerge from the bath into a non-oxidizing atmosphere, such as a bed of coal, where the converted lead or lead compound may be mechanically stripped from the element.

Abstract: Novel pickling method and apparatus are described. A plurality of parallel side-by-side laterally-spaced wires is passed horizontally from end to end of an enclosed pickling zone and are countercurrently contacted by a wave of hot hydrochloric acid pickling liquor formed by a hydraulic jump and passing through the pickling zone submerging the wires. The pickling zone is enclosed at the sides and top and bottom by solid walls and at the ends by water curtains which prevent the egress of fumes of hydrochloric acid. The pickling zone is followed by a washing zone in the same enclosure as the pickling zone comprising further water curtains and wiper bars. The side walls of the enclosure include depending side walls from an upper enclosure portion and upwardly-opening channels at the upper extremity of side walls of a lower portion into which the depending side walls extend below water baths located in the channels to seal the side walls but permit wires to be restrung.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing particles from a flexible sheet. The sheet is run over a rotating rod, rotating oppositely to the moment of the sheet. The rod is immersed on its lower side in a bath of solvent and excess solvent is removed from the bath and is filtered. Additionally, solvent may be applied to the sheet before it reaches the rotating rod or a negative pressure applied just upstream of the rod sucks away the particles.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing oxides, millscale and other impurities from continuous metal strip longitudinally fed at regulated speeds from a coil at one end through a series of horizontally aligned treatment stages, including three shallow pickling tanks, to a recoiler at the other end. The pickling tanks are constructed of granite slabs formed into a V-shaped cross section near the ingress and a flat ramp near the egress. Variable speed pinch rolls at the ends of each tank regulate the immersion of the strip in the tanks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for washing pulp according to which method the pulp is supplied onto a movable liquid-pervious support surface (2) to form a substantially continuous layer (7); and washing liquid is supplied to the pulp layer and passed in several successive washing phases through different areas of the layer in such a way that the washing liquid gradually flows in the opposite direction compared with the flow direction of the pulp layer. According to the invention the washing liquid is divided in two or more partial flows which pass alternately through different washing phases in such a way that the washing liquid which in one phase has passed through the pulp layer flows past at least the washing phase preceding it in the flow direction of the pulp layer. The apparatus of the invention preferably comprises a rotating cylinder (1) the casting surface (2) of which serves as the liquid-pervious support surface for the pulp.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for continuously reducing oxides which form on the surface of copper bar and rod during casting including means for collecting cleaning mixture vapors; means for raising the temperature and pressure of the collected vapor; means for lowering the temperature of the collected vapor below the temperature at which the vapor will condense without lowering the system pressure; and means for separating condensed cleaning mixture from uncondensed vapor as the uncondensed vapor is being conveyed to a furnace or other means for oxidizing residual vapor.

Abstract: A method of cleaning residual dye material from rollers of a textile fabric drying oven during passage of a travelling cloth lead therethrough. The method involves applying a cleaning material to the travelling cloth lead in advance of the oven and rotating the rollers to be cleaned at a surface speed different from the surface speed of the cloth lead to cause a cleaning action of the cloth lead against the rollers. The change in roller speed can be accomplished progressively, either by acceleration or deceleration and can be accomplished on the rollers individually or in sets.

Abstract: A fluid carrying chain is drawn through a perforated cannister containing fluid removal nodules that remove fluid from the chain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented for removing filler from electrical cords during manufacture. The electrical cord is stripped of its outer jacket to expose the filler and conductors and thereafter positioned within a nozzle where the stripped end is subjected to microprocessor controlled heated and unheated air pulses to degradate and remove the filler along the stripped end portion prior to attaching the cord conductors to electrical appliances or the like.

Abstract: An improved bath for use in pickling of steel strip manufactured in a hot strip mill. Pickling fluid, usually acid, is supplied to the bath through apertures in the sidewalls of the bath. A plurality of apertures are provided spaced at differing heights from the bottom of the bath so that acid may be supplied to the bath at various fluid depths. Advantageously, the bath comprises downwardly and inwardly sloping surfaces and the outlets of the apertures are elliptical in shape. In this manner the bath accommodates steel strip of varying widths while ensuring addition of acid to the bath adjacent the edges of the steel strip. Improved agitation of the fluid in the bath enhances the throughput speed of steel strip. To further enhance agitation the inlet apertures are arranged to introduce pickling fluid in a direction which so countercurrent to the direction of movement of steel through the bath.

Abstract: An improved automatic blanket wash system for offset printing wherein the washing medium is a water-in-oil emulsion containing 5-35 percent by weight water and 65-95 percent by weight of a water insoluble phase that contains certain hydrocarbons in specific proportions and a surfactant having an HLB of 3-11.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning in-process wire are developed. In one embodiment a moving string loops around the wire and advances to present a clean surface to remove dirt from the surface of the moving wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved settling and handling of sludge in a fused salt bath for treating materials is provided. The apparatus includes a tank divided into a work zone and a salt processing zone, with the salt processing zone having a salt recovery section and a salt heating section. A pumping device is provided which together with adjustable gate means, generate a relatively quiescent flow in the work zone allowing sludge to settle, and a relatively turbulent flow in the salt processing zone and especially the salt heating section, to keep the sludge in suspension.

Abstract: An apparatus for etching supports that have deposited thereon an etchable metal with an etching medium, which apparatus includes an etching chamber, means to convey the supports with metal deposited thereon through the etching chamber, a plurality of nozzles which are positioned to spray etching medium containing acid on the supports as they move through the etching chamber, a sump for receiving residual etching medium withdrawn from the etching chamber, a first circulating system for circulating residual etching medium from the sump back to the plurality of nozzles, a reservoir for an oxidizing agent, a device for regulating the addition of oxidizing agent into the circulating system in an amount which is stoichiometrically in excess of that required to remove metal from the supports, a chamber containing a metal which will react with the oxidizing agent, a second circulating system for circulating residual etching medium from the sump through the chamber containing a metal, a regenerating chamber to receive

Abstract: A method for removing processing oil from thin sheets of microporous plastic material is comprised of a tank having a liquid zone in its bottom portion which is divided into three sub-tanks having decreasing depths extending across the tank. Heating coils in each sub-tank vaporize the solvent to form a cleaning zone, containing vaporized solvent, above the liquid portion, and condensing coils located at the top of the tank condense the vaporized solvent and deposit it into the deepest sub-tank which also is supplied fresh make up solvent when required. A series of rollers feeds the material through the tank, from the side having the shallowest sub-tank toward the side having the deepest sub-tank, while repeatedly passing it between the cleaning zone where solvent is condensed on it to clean it, and the condensing zone where it is cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the vaporous solvent.

Abstract: A doctor blade assembly has a doctor blade supported in a blade holder. The blade has a projecting front edge adapted to be placed in contact with a moving surface to be doctored, and a rear edge adapted to be received in the blade holder. The blade is preloaded in a manner such that tensile stresses are induced in the front edge thereof. The level of such tensile stresses is below the yield strength of the blade material, yet high enough to prevent compressive stresses from developing at the blade front edge as a result of heat being generated by frictional contact between the blade and the moving surface being doctored.

Abstract: A device and method is presented for removing filler from electrical cords or the like comprising a heater, a nozzle for directing a thin stream of heated air against the filler, and a pulse generator is provided whereby cord filler is degraded by heat and ejected from the cord by a pulse of high pressure air.

Abstract: In an installation for etching material to be etched consisting at least partly of metal, preferably copper, oxidizing agent is added to the etching medium containing an acid, directly before the actual etching operation, in a quantity which is in a ratio to the quantity required according to stoichiometric calculation for etching the quantity of metal to be removed respectively from the material to be etched. For this a device is provided which emits a first electrical signal. This gives information about the quantity of material to be removed from the material to be etched respectively being processed. A second signal is emitted by a detector when the material to be etched enters the actual etching machine. Both signals are processed by a central control unit. This takes place in such a way that the central control unit emits a third signal which it has ascertained according to a memorized program from the first signal and whenever the detector signal is received.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rotary buffing or wiping of workpieces having uneven surfaces in which the workpiece generally linearly advances relative to one or more buffing rolls which are spinning about spin axes disposed in a plane generally parallel to the workpiece surface and simultaneously rotating about an axis generally perpendicuar to the workpiece surface. In a preferred embodiment, the buffing rolls are supported in a rotating carriage with their spin axes in coparallel relationship.

Abstract: A method is described for oxidatively treating the outer surface of a steel shape such as welding wire which comprises, cleaning the surface and subjecting the cleaned surface to a heated atmosphere of air or a gas mixture containing more oxygen than normally found in air. The atmosphere is heated to a range of about 300.degree. C. to about 800.degree. C., and the surface is removed from the heated atmosphere upon oxidation of the surface to a depth of about 0.5 to about 2.5 microns. The resulting welding wire may be used to provide rates of deposition significantly greater than heretofore possible with conventional wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and conditioning a fabric in which pressurized fluid is directed into a restricted and diminishing passageway formed by the fabric and a member forming an extended nip therewith so that the fluid is forced through the fabric.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning a flexible sheet moving along a travel path, such sheet including a leading edge extending transverse to the direction of sheet travel. A rotatable fibrous cleaning brush is located with its fibers intercepting the travel path of the moving sheet. Responsive to the approach of the leading edge of the sheet, a standing wave is generated in the fibers of the rotating brush. The standing wave results in the fibers being temporarily moved away from the travel path to enable the leading edge to pass substantially freely by such fibers. The fibers return substantially immediately into contact with the sheet after passage of the leading edge to clean the sheet including the area of the sheet adjacent to such edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning particles from a web is disclosed. An air flow is directed against the web through a pressure slit whereupon the air flow is deflected and guided along the web to two suction slits. The air flow is directed against the web by means of an nozzle in the shape of two expanding blades, which each are ended in an edge. Also the suction slits are surrounded by two blades and another two blades prevent the inlet of surrounding air. Each slit opens into a chamber, which each comprises an air distribution tube provided with rows of holes which are so adapted that the volume flow per length unit of the distribution tube of the slit will be essentially constant.

Abstract: A device and method are set forth for continuous, fumeless treating of products like steel wire. The device includes a generally closed tank having an inlet opening to pass the wire through a passageway to exit the tank at an outlet opening. Intermediate the inlet and outlet openings along the passageway are means for treating the wire in the desired manner. To prevent fumes from the treating means from escaping through the inlet and outlet openings, the tank is provided with means for continuously cascading a liquid across the openings to define barriers against the escape of such fumes while still permitting the product to be drawn through the tank. Preferably the tank has a removable top. Extending along the sides of the top are downwardly depending side skirts which are received by and are partially submerged in the liquid filled troughs to seal against the escape of fumes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cable cleaning and lubricating system comprising a chamber (5) adapted to surround a section of a cable (4) to be cleaned and to be displaced relative to the cable (4), nozzles (7) within the chamber (5) for directing jets of relatively high pressure cleaning liquid onto the surface of the cable (4), sealing means (6) at both ends of the chamber (5) and adapted to contact the cable (4), the chamber (5) being provided with an outlet (10) which is in communication with a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the chamber (5) to a value below atmospheric pressure. The invention relates furthermore to the use of this system for cleaning and lubricating a cable (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sonicating an article such that the liquid used as the sonication medium cannot recontaminate the article. A sonication medium in the form of a film of liquid is streamed over the article. A probe of a sonic horn is positioned in sonic energy transfer relationship to the sonication medium next to the article. Sound waves transmitted through the sonication medium dislodge particles from the article and into the sonication medium. The sonication medium carrying dislodged particles is drained away after passing the probe of the sonic horn. A subsequent sterilization means can be used to further clean the article. The article can be a web of packaging material used subsequent to sterilization for forming into individual containers for the aseptic packaging of foodstuffs or the like.

Abstract: A method is provided for descaling metal strip, such as titanium in a molten salt bath. The improvement eliminates the production of defects in the strip as a result of electrical arcing between the strip and the submersion rolls used to maintain the strip submerged within the molten salt bath. The method includes providing a portion of the roll with an electrically insulating coating so that the arcing between the strip and the roll is eliminated.A roll having a coating thereon and useful in molten salt bath descaling processes is also provided.