Abstract: A method for cleaning cathode and/or anode plates which are obtained in the electrolytic refining of metals and which are lifted in groups suspended on bars or lugs from the electrolytic bath and thereafter the plates are washed by passing in succession through the washing operation individually or in pairs inclined in substantially V-manner with respect to each other. Additionally, three or more plates, inclined away from each other substantially in fan manner, may pass through the washing operation. The flat sides of the plates are sprayed at least partially by nozzles which execute a relative movement along the flat sides.

Abstract: A method of treating flat glass to reduce its vulnerability to scratching, e.g. during storage and/or transit, wherein a transparent film of a cationic surface active agent is adsorbed on the glass by applying an aqueous solution of the surface active agent to the glass on the production line and drying the glass. The solution may be applied to the glass after is has been washed, near the end of the production line, using for example an anionic surface active agent as detergent. Alternatively, a solution containing both a cationic surface active agent and an nonionic surface active agent as detergent may be applied to the glass to wash it, followed by rinsing with water and drying.

Abstract: A process for removing an adhered substance from steel ingots, which comprises heating or cooling a steel ingot after the casting under such conditions that the heating or cooling rate at the surface layer portion of the steel ingot is not less than 2.degree. C./sec and the temperature difference between the starting and end points is not less than 300.degree. C.

Abstract: After subjecting a semiconductor element to etching, it must be washed with water and then dried so as to remove any etchant therefrom. In the course of the washing and drying steps, the semiconductor element may undergo quality changes due to its contact with water. Such quality changes become remarkable when the semiconductor element is kept for a long time period in the resultant washings. The above quality changes can be successfully avoided by holding an etched semiconductor element horizontally over a water-washing tank, pre-washing its downwardly-directed front surface with an upward jet of water, thoroughly washing the front surface with pure water blown upwardly from a lower part of the tank while washing its upwardly-directed rear surface with water so that both surfaces of the semiconductor element are washed completely, and then immediately spin-drying the thus-washed semiconductor element.

Abstract: Wire is passed through apparatus having two treatment zones, the first treatment zone containing six wire cleaning heads and the second treatment zone containing two wire cleaning heads. Each cleaning head consists of a primary cylindrical chamber flanked by two secondary cylindrical chambers of substantially smaller diameter, the wire passing axially through the cylinders. A working fluid such as dilute alkali, water or an organic solvent is pumped into the primary cylindrical chamber via a tangentially aligned inlet, it circulates in the primary chamber, and leaves via the secondary chamber with a very high annular velocity due to the reduction in the diameter of circulation. The high circulation speed causes vibration in and around the wire in the secondary chambers with resultant abrasion of the surface of the wire. In an alternative embodiment up to all but one of the cleaning heads may be replaced by dies.

Abstract: A method for removing excess etchant from a work piece after the work piece exits an etching chamber. The steps include sensing the presence of the work piece as it exits the chamber and subjecting the work piece to a gas liquid spray to remove excess etchant, capture the excess etchant and recycle the captured excess etchant.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and device for removing liquid from a moving surface such as a continuous metal sheet or strip. The invention has particular application to the removing of lubricant and/or coolant from sheet or strip in a rolling operation or the backup rolls of the rolling mills. The invention comprises a vacuum unit to remove most of the liquid from the moving surface, an air knife to drive the liquid remaining on the surface toward the vacuum unit, and a vent maintained at a pressure intermediate between the low pressure of the vacuum unit and the high pressure of the air knife to minimize eddy current formation in the gas flow from the air knife to the vacuum unit. Eddy currents can cause the redeposition of liquid onto the essentially dry sheet or strip.

Abstract: Iron oxide scale particles are removed from the surface of a mechanically descaled steel strand using jets of compressed air. The strand is moved along a central axis of a housing in continuous fashion through an upstream entrance opening, an entrance nozzle region, a central chamber region, an exit nozzle region and a downstream exit opening. Compressed air jets are directed into both the entrance and exit nozzle regions toward the central chamber region creating a venturi effect which draws air through the entrance and exit openings; thereby preventing dislodged scale particles from escaping into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Steel sheet is subjected to a thermal treatment as a result of which an oxide layer is formed. The sheet is pickled by contact with an organic acid solution (formic acid), containing at least 50 mg/l of iron, at a pH of 1.5 to 4 and at a temperature above a minimum value T.sub.m given by T.sub.m =20+(pH-1.5)32.

Abstract: A system and method for washing flexible strip material using low amounts of fresh rinse water. The system comprises a wash tank having cascaded compartments and means for passing strip material into the tank and in serpentine fashion through the compartments. In the method the strip material in passing from one compartment to the next is raised above the wash liquid permitting wash liquid to drain back into the wash compartment from which it emerged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used in the uniform drying of a continuous web, such as a sheet of paper or paperboard. A newly formed web of paper of wet cellulosic fibers and the necessary additives is initially directed through a press section where excessive water is squeezed from the web to reduce its moisture content to about 50-80 percent, by weight, for subsequent passage through a dryer section wherein the moisture content is further reduced to anywhere between 3 and 15 percent, depending on the quality of the paper being processed. The moisture content profile of the nearly dry web of paper is constantly monitored adjacent the discharge end of the dryer section for dry streaks which occasionally occur in the web. Moisture is added accordingly to the web when the web is relatively wet and has a moisture content of at least 25 percent to eliminate further dry streaks and provides a paper product which has a uniform moisture content.

Abstract: Picture or image films are repaired by spraying a repair liquid, such as perchloroethylene, onto the scratched surface of the film while the film is moving through a continuous or constant speed zone on its way to a utilization station. The repair layer has a thickness of a few microns, for example 2.5 microns.

Abstract: A system for selectively collecting washed articles with a washing device and conveyor to convey the articles therethrough, first and second detectors for detecting fabric faults and improperly washed articles, respectively, a device to roll the articles, a control device for controlling the washing treatment and a distributing device in response to signals generated by the detectors.

Abstract: A method of coupling at least a pair of optical fibers together assures predictable coupling ratios and structural integrity. First, the fibers are prepared by coating or dispersing a material (e.g., a metal oxide) on or in them to control the surface tension of their exposed surfaces so that fusion occurs within predictable, extended periods of time. Next, the fibers are twisted together to assume a mutually helical relationship and to apply a small tensional stress on them and they are placed in an inert gas maintained at a predetermined pressure. A coaxially disposed tungsten coil heats them and fuses the twisted, stretched fibers together to effect a desired coupling. Stretching the twisted fibers as they are being fused together creates uniform tapered sections which are needed to induce proper coupling. The rate of heating and fusing, the inert gas and its pressure, and the force exerted during stretching are all factors determinative of the degree of coupling.

Abstract: Apparatus for dividing a fibrous mineral blanket comprising means for slitting the blanket into batts, a suction chamber having one or more narrow openings adapted for contact with the side edges of the batts, and a vacuum pipe extending into the chamber for educting air and airborne particles from the chamber and the side edges of the batts, where the vacuum pipe has its eduction opening positioned near the bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: The system comprises a plurality of on-line cleaning tanks, through which continuous metal strip is passed, and a plurality of storage tanks, each containing a different cleaning solution. Different combinations of cleaning solutions are transferred to the on-line tanks from the storage tanks by selecting a particular combination or sequence of cleaning solutions in accordance with the type or composition of metal or metal alloy comprising the strip and automatically feeding the cleaning solutions to the on-line tanks in accordance with the sequence selected. The on-line tanks and storage tanks are interconnected by a network of conduits, pumps and valves which are automatically conditioned by a control element to operate in response to the selection of a particular cleaning sequence. Upon completion of a cleaning operation, each of the solutions is returned to its corresponding storage tank.

Abstract: A constant flow felt dewatering system including first and second suction pipes with a slot in each pipe. A felt is positioned to pass over the slots of the first and second pipes. A centrifugal exhauster is connected by conduits to the first and second suction pipes. Drive structure is provided to operate the centrifugal exhauster and apply suction to the first and second suction pipes and to advance the felt over the pipes whereupon suction is applied thereto to dewater the felt. Controls are responsive to change in felt conditions to vary the dwell time of the felt with respect to the slots in order to maintain a substantially constant flow.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for cleaning a continuous web of material (1), for instance a paper web, whereby the web of material is brought to pass through a suction chamber (2) having inlet (12) and outlet (13) for the web of material and one or more air outlets (11), for instance at the bottom thereof, which outlets are connected to a suction source. A means (4) for working the web of material (1) may be provided inside the suction chamber. The inlet (12) and the outlet (13) have substantially the same cross-section area. The amount of air entering the suction chamber through the web inlet (12) is restricted to cause a greater amount of air to flow into the suction chamber through the web outlet (13) than flows into the suction chamber through the web inlet (12).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dewatering papermaker's felt utilizing positive pressure, the felt being deflected in an arc of at least about 90.degree. but less than about 180.degree. by means of a dewatering shoe with a rounded nose having a radius of from about 2" to about 4", the nose of the shoe having an elongated orifice with an effective width of from about 1" to 4" through which air under pressure is directed into the felt. Low pressure flooding means or high pressure shower means may be mounted in the rounded nose of the shoe in advance of the dewatering orifice to direct a cleaning fluid into the felt in advance of dewatering.

Abstract: A method and a washing machine for cleaning of rugs or mats having a nap or pile side, whereby the rugs or mats are successively conveyed along a conveying path and are exposed to cleaning operations, at least one of which is a pulsating operation, during which each mat or rug is also exposed to a relatively abrupt change of direction of conveyance in order to open an area of pile at the pile side of the mat or rug. The change of direction preferably has a radius of curvature in a range between 1.5 cm and 15 cm during an angular change of direction of approximately 180 degrees. The cleaning fluid used in one operation is for saving of energy preferably used also in another earlier cleaning operation on the mats or rugs, possibly after having been conditioned for this earlier operation.

Abstract: Liquid is removed from a pile face of an elongated web and the pile is simultaneously oriented so that its lateral edges are folded inwardly and the remainder of the pile is rendered flat and unidirectional by advancing the web over a suction head having a suction port which extends transversely at least across the full width of the advancing web; the suction head also having passageways at transversely opposite ends of the suction port communicating with the exterior of the suction head.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a copying process wherein a latent image produced on a chargeable imaging surface by electrostatic charging and exposure is developed by means of an aqueous ink and transferred onto a receiving material and the imaging surface is then cleaned, the improvement being that the imaging surface has a completely smooth, hydrophobic surface which preferably is not wetted by the aqueous ink applied by means of a known structured applicator element, and the cleaning liquid used to detach residual ink still present after transfer can be easily wiped off and forms a wetting angle of more than 90.degree. with the imaging surface.The invention also relates to the developer liquid and the cleaning liquid used in the process.

Abstract: A descaling slurry is applied to a surface of an elongated metal strip from a nozzle array while the strip is moving in the direction of its length. The nozzle array is positioned in spaced relation to the strip surface and extends transversely to the strip at an acute angle so that the individual slurry streams emanating from the nozzles do not intersect and strike the strip in a line at the same acute angle as the nozzle array. The nozzles of the array are directed toward the strip surface at an acute spray angle in the direction of movement of the strip.

Abstract: In order to obtain a high degree of efficiency of spraying of articles, e.g. wires, which travel singly or in groups through a spray zone of a spraying apparatus for cleaning their surfaces, the surface temperature of the articles, produced by the impact of the particles of the spray medium, is measured after their passage through the spray zone. Thereafter, in accordance with the temperature measured, the articles are displaced in the spray zone in a direction transverse to their direction of travel until the measured temperature substantially reaches a maximum.

Abstract: A arrangement for the sterilization of a web of packing material is provided which includes a container having an outer wall including an opening. A bath of sterilizing liquid is disposed within the container, with said liquid being conveyed onto the web by a rotary brush as the web is conveyed across the opening. Means to collect sterilizing liquid within the container after having contacted the web may also be provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a paper making felt continuously during the paper making process, and wherein the moving felt is passed through a cleaning bath, and ultrasonic vibrations are applied substantially uniformly across the entire width of the felt while the felt is immersed in the bath, to thereby achieve uniform cleaning of the felt and thus uniformity in the paper produced on the machine. A circulation system for the bath is provided for continuously separating the dislodged fibrous residue therefrom, while retaining the chemicals and heat, and the apparatus includes provision for readily replacing the felt.

Abstract: Method and apparatus in which moving metal strip is treated in a treating solution in an elongated tank having a granite bottom sloping upwardly on each side of the longitudinal center line of the tank and ultrasonic energy is directed downwardly through the moving metal strip to be reflected back and forth between the sloping granite bottom and the surface of the treating solution in a path that extends across the width of the tank and repeatedly intersects the moving metal strip. The minimum number of ultrasonic generating units are possible in an arrangement in which the ultrasonic generating units extend longitudinally of the tank along a line above a marginal portion of the moving metal strip. The sonic generators can be supported in liquid-containing receptacles which extend below the liquid level of the treating solution in the tank. The liquid-holding receptacles can be supported on cover members which extend across the tank and enclose the top of the tank.

Abstract: In treating certain types of steel strip, it passes through a plurality of processes including a salt bath having a driven sink roll therein. In order to by-pass the salt bath the sink roll and its drive are raised while maintaining them horizontal. This permits changing from one type of strip which is subjected to the salt bath to another type of strip which is not subjected to the salt bath without rethreading the entire line. A guide roll at the exit end of the salt bath tank is below and out of contact with the strip which has been in the salt bath, but is raised into contact with strip which by-passes the salt bath. The guide roll is covered in its lower position and uncovered in its upper position.

Abstract: A fluid bearing for supporting, independently of each other, a plurality of webs. The bearing comprises a housing, for containing a fluid within its interior, having an outer surface for cooperating with a surface of each web of the plurality of webs. A guide flange is provided on the outer surface, defining with the outer surface a support channel. The guide flange maintains the plurality of webs within the boundaries of the defined support channel. A fluid outlet and a fluid inlet are provided for passing the fluid from the interior of the housing through the outer surface, within the channel, to form a fluid layer thereover having a fluid spike therein, for independently supporting each web.

Abstract: A strip is continuously passed through a molten salt bath in a main tank having a central longitudinal baffle providing passageways at each end thereof. A sink guide roll is provided for the strip at the exit half of the tank. A heating tank is located along one longitudinal side of the main tank at the entry end thereof and has front and rear connecting openings with the main tank. An agitator is positioned at the front end of the heating tank. A forward tank section located along the other side of the tank has a bottom opening connecting therewith. An intermediate tank section has upper and lower compartments, the upper compartment serving as a sludge settling basin. A rear tank section has an agitator therein and is connected to the forward tank section through the lower compartment. Small openings adjacent the top of the upper compartment open into the main tank and to the rear tank section.

Abstract: A felt conditioning system is disclosed for use in connection with paper-making apparatus wherein an endless belt of absorbent felt is pressed at a station along the path of belt motion, into contact with a paper sheet in order to de-water the latter. In accordance with the invention, the felt is purged of water and other foeign matter transferred thereto from the paper, by passing the belt around a hollow, foraminous conditioning roll at high speed. Air pressure controlled within selected limits is applied to a portion of the inside surface of the belt in contact with the roll. The combined action of centrifugal force, air pressure and gravity expels the water and foreign matter carried by the belt.

Abstract: A process for sterilizing an article, more particularly packaging material, by wetting the article with a sterilizing solution having an active-chlorine-concentration in the range of 500 to 20,000 mg/l, and treating the sterilized article with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide to deactivate any remaining active-chlorine.

Abstract: Strip is cleaned by passing it through a molten salt bath in a rectangular tank having U-shaped heating tubes arranged horizontally along each longitudinal side of the tank. Agitators positioned within L-shaped ducts at diagonally opposite corners of the tank cause movement of the bath past the heating tubes, thus heating the bath uniformly and keeping it in motion to prevent sludge from settling out. A second tank arranged along one side of the main tank has two spaced apart openings into the main tank and an agitator which causes movement of molten salt therethrough. The second tank also has a settling chamber therein through which molten salt passes slowly so as to cause sludge to settle out.

Abstract: Objects in long lengths such as strip, wire, rod, sections or fibres which have been surface treated in a preceding step are, according to the present invention, liberated from entrained surface treating agent or agents by a method for stripping off said agent or agents, washing and drying said objects, said method being performed continuously and the individual steps viz. the stripping off, the washing and the drying taking place sequentially against the feeding direction of the object in question. Also an apparatus for performing the method is described. The apparatus includes a fluid inlet assembly and a fluid discharge assembly, there being a passage through said assemblies through which the object can pass in an object-feeding direction. Liquid is discharged through a jet nozzle, which surrounds the object, in an opposite direction. The liquid is recirculated, and can be transferred to a station which is prior in treatment.

Abstract: Wire is cleaned by passing it through an electrolytic cleaner then through an ultrasonic rinse. The electrolytic cleaner comprises a graphite tube through which the wire passes, an alkaline aqueous solution between the wire and the graphite tube, and an electric current, at least half D.C., between the wire and the graphite tube.

Abstract: Removing the crust of oxide formed on the surface of a continuously casted copper bar by projecting a liquid (water or a rolling emulsion) under pressure of between 20 and 60 atmospheres against the periphery of the bar, the flow of the liquid under pressure being less than 50 liters/minute.

Abstract: The efficiency of a multi-stage rinsing operation is improved by routing a substantial portion or all of the overflow rinse liquor from the collecting tank of one stage directly to the spray rinse of the next succeeding stage along with rinse liquor from said succeeding stage. Improved cleanliness of the rinse liquor at each rinse stage is thereby attained while maintaining a self-regulating rinse system.

Abstract: An air wipe device to direct linearly displaced opposing jet streams of compressed air or pressurized solvent, to incrementally remove adhering particulate matter from a linearly drawn article of indefinite length passing through a central channel. The air wipe is characterized by a plurality of transverse extrusion channels defined by oblique swept baffles, each extrusion channel having mediately positioned opposing jet stream orifices and each channel further communicating and merging with longitudinal exhaust channels coaxial with the central article channel, the exhaust channels terminating in exhaust ports adjacent to, but displaced from, a central wire entrance orifice.

Abstract: A method for treating elongated flexible material such as metallic strips, wire and tubes in a processing container holding a treatment fluid for treatment of the material chemically, electrolytically, by pickling, deposition and similar processes, provides for the steps of: coiling the material; imparting the coiled material the shape of a helix having a plurality of loops; causing at least a partial immersion of the loops of the helix in the treatment fluid; advancing the helix in the said container at an advance speed; controlling the entry speeds of the helix relative to a predetermined speed withdrawal of the helix from the container.In a preferred and more efficient mode of treatment, the inlet speed of the helix exceeds the exit speed with a consequent slow and progressive increase of the length of the helix immersed in the treatment fluid at a time in a first phase of the operation.

Abstract: The platen belt on an automatic document handler is treated to minimize the variation in frictional characteristics between a dirty belt and a clean belt by applying silicone oil to the belt after it has been cleaned with solvent.

Abstract: A method of pickling metallic material particularly for the continuous treatment of material in strip or wire form and especially such material consisting of stainless steel, wherein the material after annealing is subjected in a first step to the chemical attack of a first aqueous solution which is heated to a temperature above room temperature, preferably to between 55.degree. - 60.degree. C, and which contains HF in contents of from 7 to 25%, or which contains HF in the contents mentioned above and H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 over 2%, or which contains HF in the contents mentioned above the NaCl up to 10%, but especially from 0.5 to 2.5%; or which contains HF in the contents mentioned above and H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 in the contents mentioned above and NaCl in the contents mentioned above, and in a second step the material is subjected to the chemical attack of a second aqueous solution heated to a temperature above room temperature, preferably to between 55.degree. - 60.degree. C, and containing HF and HNO.sub.3.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for cleaning the surface of cast strip produced on continuous casting machines, and concerns in particular strip of aluminium, zinc or their alloys. The cast strip is formed between two endless strip molds which are spaced apart and are provided at least in part with a protective layer in the form of a particulate material. Particles of the protective layer adhering to the cast strip are removed from the strip by spraying with water under pressure immediately after the strip solidifies, on leaving the mold.

Abstract: A rotary drilling apparatus and method are disclosed in which well tools are washed as they are pulled from the well bore and large pieces of formation are broken into pieces small enough to pass through the mud return line by directing a plurality of streams of drilling mud against the tools and the pieces of formation as they pass through the bell nipple. The material washed off the tools and the pieces of the broken up larger pieces of formation are carried from the bell nipple laterally with the mud through the mud return line. A plurality of nozzles are mounted on the bell nipple for this purpose and each nozzle includes a flow restricting member that can be easily removed and replaced when it becomes fluid cut.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus for plastic webbing comprises a chamber containing one or more rollers having a porous surface. Disinfectant is fed through the porous roller surface as the webbing passes thereover, thus sterilizing the surface of the webbing.