Abstract: A method of repetitively using a sheet or similar toner image carrier produced from an image forming apparatus, and a toner applicable thereto. A toner forming an image on the toner image carrier is removed to erase the image. The toner image carrier is implemented as a synthetic sheet. Use is made of a toner whose adhering force to the sheet is weaker than the adhering force of a conventional toner.

Abstract: Process for cleaning a transport belt of a machine for manufacturing and/or processing a material web with at least one cleaning device. The process includes detecting the contamination of the transport belt with at least one sensor, generating a state matrix which contains the location coordinates of the detected contamination, and one of controlling and regulating the at least one cleaning device for cleaning over at least a width of the transport belt with a varying desired intensity of cleaning in accordance with the generated state matrix.

Abstract: An incentive-based grocery cart washing and disinfecting system including a consumer special-offer coupon applying apparatus, for use in a batch or continuous process comprising a housing having at least one pipe manifold with nozzles positioned therein to provide at least one treatment zone selected from pre-wash, wash, disinfecting, and rinse zones. In addition, blown air water-stripping/drying zones may be provided, with a heating source to assist drying. Following drying, a strip of specially adapted grocery coupons is optionally applied to the grocery cart handle, so that the coupons can be redeemed by customers during their subsequent shopping. The housing is generally a linear tunnel permitting access of soiled carts at one end and removal of the clean, disinfected carts at the other end. A cart pusher system may be employed to transport the carts through the tunnel either singly or in nested groups. A convenient antimicrobial disinfecting solution is a water solution of hypochlorite.

Abstract: The method can be performed by receiving at least one sheet and guiding the sheet through an apparatus for cleaning sheet providing tension to the sheet for processing; and processing both planar surfaces of the at least one tensioned sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for the coating of flat-form substrates, especially of printed circuit boards, solder masks and the like, wherein there is arranged between two coating stations a turning station for the printed circuit boards, which are conveyed on a transporter pathway through the coating stations and the turning station, wherein in the turning station (4) there are provided in the same plane as the incoming transporter pathway (2) receiving elements (5) located, spaced apart, opposite one another, which enter into engagement with the edge of a printed circuit board (11) or a holding element attached to the printed circuit board, it being possible to pivot those receiving elements (5) through 180.degree. so that, when the printed circuit board is discharged, they again lie in the plane of the onwards-leading transporter pathway (2').

Abstract: There are described a method and a device for uniform chemical detachment of layers of resist in the form of easily-filtered particles from plate-shaped surfaces of a material for electroplating. The method is preferably used in horizontal continuous systems in printed circuit board technology. According to prior art, spraying and squirting processes are used for resist stripping. Disadvantageous among other things is the short service life of the bath due to the resist which cannot be entirely filtered out of the solution due to dissolution. According to the invention, the resist is detached from the surfaces of the printed circuit boards with only moderately flowing treatment liquids. In the first process stage a large quantity of treatment liquid is applied in a wave for swelling to the surfaces of the printed circuit boards by means of longitudinally-extended wave nozzles. in the second stage, for film detachment, wave nozzles having pressure in suction areas are preferably used.

Abstract: A cleaning method and related apparatus for cleaning semiconductor screening masks using an aqueous alkali detergent solution applied under high pressure simultaneously from both sides of the mask, followed by a drying step that uses air knives to blow off the mask surface any residual cleaner solution.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus for successively treating substrates includes a body having a carrying unit for carrying the substrate along a carrying surface. The carrying surface is inclined in a plane perpendicular to the carrying direction of the substrate. The body supplies a treating liquid to the substrate being carried for treating the substrate. A receiving station is disposed upstream of the body for changing the posture of the substrate from a horizontal posture to an inclined posture corresponding to the inclination of the carrying surface, and for forwarding the substrate onto the carrying unit. In addition, a delivering station is disposed downstream of the body for returning the substrate forwarded from the carrying unit in the inclined posture to the horizontal posture.

Abstract: This invention concerns a novel pickling apparatus for removing oxides from the surface of a plurality of parallel laterally spaced wires, continuously moving axially through an enclosed pickling area. The pickling area encompasses one or more sections of turbulent hot acid (hydrochloric or other) pickling liquor submerging the wires. Each section essentially comprises a flooded turbulent processing tray, corrosion resistant centrifugal re-circulating pump, lower reservoir tank and wire wiping components. The pickling fluid is pumped from the lower reservoir tank into the processing tray through laterally (with respect to wire direction) mounted headers. Each header has a plurality of holes to discharge the fluid into the process tray in highly turbulent manner. Weirs at each end of the tray support the wires and flood the tray.

Abstract: The treatment of plate-shaped workpieces in particular circuit boards, with small holes by means of liquid or gaseous treatment agents has been founded to be difficult since the fluid flows through the holes only at very low speeds, particularly if the ratio of hole diameter of these holes to hole length is very small, thus preventing adequate movement of fluid through the hole. The invention calls for this problem to be solved by causing the workpiece held in a horizontal position, to carry out a composite motion made up of a first, continuous and/or periodic intermittent sliding movement along a horizontal path and a second movement consisting of vigorous vibration oscillations, the two movements being produced independently of each other.

Abstract: A method for making a non-peelable, sterilizable receptacle having a low particulate count for receiving articles for storage in pharmaceutical intermediate processing. This method involves providing a continuous first web of polyolefin film, providing a continuous second porous web of spun-bonded polyolefin film. The webs are advanced through cleaning processes that include an anti-static device, an ultrasonic vibrating device and a vacuum device. The two clean webs are then brought together and passed into the heat sealing section. The webs are heated welded together by forming continuous seams on the webs to form an open pouch. The seams are made by applying opposing platens at a pressure between about 30 to about 40 psi to both the webs and a heat welding element at a temperature of about 330.degree. to about 380.degree. F. against only the first web. This causes the first web to melt into the pores of the second web.

Abstract: A process for cleaning a transport belt of a machine to manufacture a material web, in particular a paper or cardboard web, is provided so that the transport belt is cleaned with varying intensity across its width.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for washing, drying, and/or otherwise cleaning or processing flexible, substantially planar sheets is provided. The apparatus includes a guiding means for receiving at least one sheet and guiding the sheet through the apparatus; a plurality of rollers which rotate to move the at least one sheet through the apparatus and provide tension to the sheet for processing; and one or more cleaning stations or processing chambers for processing (such as washing, rinsing, and drying) the at least one tensioned sheet. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for cleaning reusable tier sheets used to separate layers of stacked articles.

Abstract: A papermachine clothing cleaning apparatus has a fluid injection nozzle with an apertured plate (14). The injection nozzle directs fluid onto the papermachine clothing (11) in order to clean the clothing. The areas of papermachine clothing that are adjacent the areas of clothing being impacted by the fluid are located in a press formed by the apertured plate (14) and a body (15) provided at the opposite surface of the fabric (11).

Abstract: A pressurized water drain apparatus, for cooling rolling stock, has a pressurized cooling pipe heat exchanger for applying water through nozzle heads onto the rolling stock in a parallel flow and a storage chamber at an outlet of the cooling pipe heat exchanger. The storage chamber includes a deflection system with guiding funnels, a rolling stock outlet and a water outlet. A steam-barrier chamber is connected to the rolling stock outlet of the storage chamber and has a guide funnel with a diameter B and a bifurcated pipe with an input at a top of the steam barrier-chamber and ducts extending down sides of the steam-barrier chamber with outlets opening into the steam-barrier chamber below the guide funnel a distance A.

Abstract: A blank material washing booth includes a chamber for washing a blank material with a washing liquid. The chamber has a pair of upper and lower vacuum rolls for removing a used washing liquid. The washing booth also has a liquid droplet collecting device which is positioned upstream of a mist collecting device and removes a mist generated when the blank material is washed under a high pressure. The chamber has a swingable door at an inlet and an outlet for the blank material so as to achieve improved seal.

Abstract: A device for surface treatment of continuously moving strip, particularly for pickling rolled metal strip, includes a trough-shaped tank containing a treating liquid bath. The trough includes a panel mounted therein and submerged in the liquid, and aligned approximately parallel to the strip. The panel divides the treatment bath into a treatment area underneath the panel through which the strip being treated passes and a return flow sector for the liquid above the panel. The treating liquid is collected in the return flow sector at a discharge end of the trough and is directed along the return flow sector to a receiving end of the trough.

Abstract: Continuous removal of particulate surface contaminants, for example, from flat-rolled steel work product, is achieved free of unscheduled interruption by continuing control of surface cleaning liquid characteristics which enables continuing recycling. A major portion of the cleaning liquid of a large capacity tank is continuously circulated between surface treatment of the work product and a continuous in-line type cyclone filtering apparatus, with continuous return of filtrate to surface cleansing. A minor portion (about ten percent) of the cleaning liquid capacity is used to concentrate contaminants by continuously purging the filtering apparatus. Concentrated contaminants are directed to a non-magnetic tank structure with sources of magnetic flux mounted along its external surface such that penetrating magnetic flux acts internally to separate and retain contaminants. Decontaminated liquid is returned for continuing surface cleansing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuous pickling of metal strip comprises a series of pickling tanks in which the strip is submerged in pickling liquid in a caternary loop and wherein passage of the strip through the liquid produces a low liquid level at a strip entry end of each tank and a high liquid level end at a strip exit end of each tank, piping external to the tanks is provided through which pickling liquid cascades from the high liquid level end of one tank to the low liquid level end of an adjacent tank upstream thereof in a direction opposite the direction of strip travel. Valves in the cascade piping control the amount of pickling liquid flowing in the cascade piping. Pickling tank bottoms are sloped at either end to increase stirring action of the moving strip, and a holding tank or plurality of holding tanks are provided to empty the pickling tanks for repair and maintenance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a razor blade includes steps for removing oil, dirt and grinding debris from a metal surface by providing a plurality of wash, rinse and dry stations separated to prevent contamination carryover from one station to the next. Razor blades in stacks are passed through the stations, the stacked blades being mounted on rods supported by a fixture and the nozzles or jets within the machine being so oriented as to cause a riffling of the blades due to water or air pressure. A purified water rinse and preferably an aqueous cleaning solution are employed in the method and are circulated through the stations by a flow system which provides efficient and economical usage of the cleaning solution and rinse materials.

Abstract: A device in a paper machine or in a finishing device of a paper machine for removing dust in which a blowing is directed at a web to cause the separation of dust from the web and a suction effect is applied to the web to remove the dust separated from the web. A vortex flow is produced before the dust separating blowing in the running direction of the web to prevent carriage of the dust into the environment and to compensate for the suction effect on the runnability of the web. In the device, blow elements produce a blowing that separates dust from the web and suction elements produce a suction effect so as to remove the dust that is separated out of connection with the web. The device includes an arrangement for producing a vortex flow before the dust separation blowing in the running direction of the web to prevent carriage of the dust into the environment and to compensate for the suction effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemically treating the surfaces of printed circuit board work pieces (PCBWP's) includes a tank for holding a bath of the chemical treatment liquid. A receiving device is provided for receiving the PCBWP's from a conventional transport conveyor in a horizontal orientation, and immersing the PCBWP's into the bath in a substantially vertical orientation. A conveyor device in the tank is configured to hold the PCBWP's in the vertical orientation and to move them face-on through the liquid bath while a substantially uniform transverse flow of fresh liquid is provided between the work pieces. Another conveyor device receives the PCBWP's and elevates them out of the bath in the vertical orientation, subsequently returning them to a horizontal orientation for delivery to a conventional transport conveyor.

Abstract: In-line flat-rolled steel cleansing and finishing methods and apparatus are disclosed which enable flat-rolled steel, as supplied with surface areas contaminated with iron fines and other debris from gauge reduction operations, to be continuously processed in-line, free of interruptions for cleansing purposes. Continuous-strip methods and apparatus are disclosed which enable in-line continuous-strip cleansing in a manner which decreases iron fines carried by strip surfaces to a desired level while providing for continuous uniform cleansing. Carry-over of iron fines from the cleansing operations so decreases such that iron content of a coating means is decreased resulting in improved corrosion-protection coating. Diminishing iron content in a hot-dip galvanizing bath increases efficiency of aluminum additions and diminishes iron-aluminum dross.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting thin materials, such as printed circuit boards, through an apparatus for treatment of said boards with an etchant, rinse or other chemical process step, including a transport conveyor having a plurality of rotation members with a specially configured rim for contacting the thin materials and moving them through the apparatus with a longer contact path in each rotation of a rotation member than the circumference of the rotation member.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus, including a lower substrate transportation and fluid head including a plurality of lower drive rod members provided in a plurality of spaced apart lower drive rod member receiving passages. The lower drive rod members at least partially extend through an upper surface of the lower substrate transportation and fluid head. A plurality of fluid injector passages and fluid drain passages are provided between the lower drive rod members. An upper substrate transportation and fluid head is provided including a plurality of upper drive rod members provided in a plurality of spaced apart drive upper rod member receiving passages. The upper drive rod members at least partially extending through a lower surface of the upper substrate transportation and fluid head. A plurality of fluid injector passages and fluid drain passages are provided between the upper drive rod members. A fluid supply apparatus supplies fluid to the fluid injector passages.

Abstract: A hot rolling line is constructed by a pair or a plurality of pairs of rolling rolls disposed opposingly on an upper side and on a lower side of a workpiece (1) to be rolled that is pinched in between the rollers. A descaling apparatus (5) has jet flow nozzles disposed so that two jetted flows, being liquid, gas or plasma, are opposing flows so as to collide with the surface of a strip on the upstream side of the rolling rolls and then collide with each other. The jet flow nozzles are disposed, so as to incline in a direction to face each other so that the angle of inclination is 15.degree. to 60.degree. from the horizontal direction of the strip surface.

Abstract: Print cartridges for ion/electron deposition printing are periodically cleaned to provide preventive maintenance, using a simple cleaning assembly that automatically moves the cartridges first past a water washing nozzle, and then past an air drying nozzle, at slow speed, then being manually withdrawn from the cleaning assembly and replaced in the printer. The drive mechanism typically is a single roller disposed above the print cartridge, driven by a motor connected to the housing. A single water spray nozzle is disposed at an intermediate portion of the housing directed with a fan pattern spray up toward the cartridge, and a single air nozzle supplied with heated air is disposed adjacent the outlet of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the fine cleaning of a thin substrate. The apparatus has a transporter capable of moving the substrate through the apparatus by non-fluid contact with the edges of the substrate alone. In a typical embodiment, the transporter is a series of centrally-tapered rollers. As the substrate is moved through the apparatus by the transporter, its central section is supported by a fluid. Thus, the substrate moves through the apparatus without contact with any solid material except on its edges. As the substrate is moved through the apparatus by the transporter, fluid ejectors wash the substrate by spraying a cleaning fluid against the substrate. After being washed, the substrate is rinsed and then dried. Anti-dragout devices are positioned upstream and downstream of the washing and rinsing sections so as to minimize liquid dragout.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a flexible panel along a feed path is disclosed. In detail, the apparatus includes a platen member for receiving pressurized fluid and directing same through a plurality of jets in a path transverse to the feed path as the panel travels thereunder. First and second roller shafts having rollers thereon, in a spaced relationship, are located upstream and downstream of the platen member, respectively. The roller shafts are coupled to a drive system for rotating the rollers such that the panel is advanced along the feed path from the upstream sisde, under the platen, to the downstream side. The platen member includes first wing portions extending between adjacent rollers of the first roller shaft for stripping the panel from the rollers of the first roller shaft and providing support for the panel as it passes under the platen member and into contact with the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling strip includes a path of travel for the strip and cooling apparatus having a plurality of elongated gas nozzles within which are disposed water nozzles such that the water nozzles will have a discharge outlet within the gas nozzles and discharge water in generally the same direction as said gas discharge. In a preferred embodiment, the gas enshrouds the water and establishes a cocurrent two-fluid stream which impinges upon the strip moving by the cooling apparatus. Subsequently, heat transfer is enhanced by the air and water dynamics which are provided after impingement by fluid flow fields. The gas nozzles and water nozzles may be coaxial and in one embodiment are each circular. In one embodiment, containment gas is caused to impinge on the strip at a position longitudinally displaced from the regions of impingement of the cocurrent two-fluid stream on the strip so as to resist undesired flow of water.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing images on an image carrier sheet to allow the image carrier sheet to be repeatedly used. The apparatus includes an image removing member for removing images from an image carrier sheet, the images being fixed on the image carrier sheet. A liquid supply supplies a liquid to the image removing member and a transporting mechanism transports the image carrier sheet with the fixed images to the image removing member. The fixed images on the image carrier sheet are removed by the image removing member when the liquid supplied to the image removing member is applied to a surface of the image carrier sheet. A pressing member presses the surface of the image carrier sheet against the image removing member, the image removing member including a squeeze roller. The liquid supply means includes a liquid supply roller and the transporting mechanism comprises a pair of transport rollers. The squeeze roller is rotated at a higher speed than the pair of transport rollers.

Abstract: A surface tension gradient driven flow (a Marangoni flow) is used to remove the thin film of water remaining on the surface of an object following rinsing. The process passively introduces by natural evaporation and diffusion of minute amounts of alcohol (or other suitable material) vapor in the immediate vicinity of a continuously refreshed meniscus of deionized water or another aqueous-based, nonsurfactant rinsing agent. Used in conjunction with cleaning, developing or wet etching application, rinsing coupled with Marangoni drying provides a single-step process for 1) cleaning, developing or etching, 2) rinsing, and 3) drying objects such as flat substrates or coatings on flat substrates without necessarily using heat, forced air flow, contact wiping, centrifugation or large amounts of flammable solvents.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus and method is provided wherein either liquid or gaseous fluid is provided from fluid dispenser manifolds, via nozzle plates associated therewith, on each side of a path of travel of articles being treated by the fluid, and wherein nozzle openings in a nozzle plates cooperate with transverse groove(s) to provide a screen flow of fluid extending transversely of the path of travel of articles, and directed toward the articles. In the case of the fluid being a liquid, the nozzle openings provide cylindrical filament-like columns of liquid which are rendered by the associated grooves into generally flat, transversely disposed semen spray of liquid. In the case of the fluid being a gas, the nozzle openings and transverse grooves cooperate to deliver the gas in transversely spaced apart, transverse, planar zones of gas directed toward the path of article travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemically etching the copper foil of a copper foil-clad substrate are disclosed. Significantly, this apparatus includes fluid jet injectors which serve to produce jets of chemical etchant. These fluid jet injectors are arranged so as to simultaneously achieve a relatively high etch rate and a relatively high etch uniformity.

Abstract: In-line flat-rolled steel cleansing and finishing apparatus is disclosed which enable flat-rolled steel, as supplied with surface areas contaminated with iron fines and other debris from gauge reduction operations, to be continuously processed in-line, free of interruptions for cleansing purposes. Continuous-strip apparatus is disclosed which enable in-line continuous-strip cleansing in a manner which decreases iron fines carried by strip surfaces to a desired level while providing for continuous uniform cleansing. Carry-over of iron fines from the cleansing operations so decreases such that iron content of a coating means is decreased resulting in improved corrosion-protection coating. Diminishing iron content in a hot-dip galvanizing bath increases efficiency of aluminum additions and diminishes iron-aluminum dross.

Abstract: A compact washing and sanitizing unit and method for cleaning and drying food service trays as well as other articles after being serially loaded in an upright manner in guide tracks that lead through the unit so that the trays process one at a time through adjacent washing and drying stations of the unit. After being manually loaded, an operator by exerting a displacement force on a last loaded tray urges preceding trays through the unit by virtue of their edge-to-edge physical contact.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the surface treatment of material to be treated by means of a treatment liquid, in particular a band pickling plant, with a vessel (1) receiving the treatment liquid (F), through which the material (S) to be treated can be conveyed, with a lid (2) with which the vessel (1) can be tightly sealed, with an inlet and outlet opening (4, 5) through which the material (S) to be treated enters into and exits from the vessel (1), and with suction openings (9a, 11a) through which the evaporated treatment liquid (F) can be sucked off from the vessel (1), the quantity of the gas to be discharged is reduced in accordance with the invention and, simultaneously, the danger of damaging the material (S) to be treated is reduced without impairing the performance of the apparatus in such a way that in the zone of the inlet and outlet opening (4, 5) of the vessel (1) one inlet chamber and one outlet chamber (9, 11) are separated from the inner space (8) of the vessel (1) by at least one shut-off partition (7,

Abstract: The present invention discloses a continuous, shallow bath plastic pickling tank for carbon or stainless steel strip or product. The present invention provides first and second end stands spaced from each other and secured to a foundation with a trough extending between the end stands anchored at the center and adapted to receive a pickling acid therein. An expandable seal according to the present invention couples each end stand with the trough with the seal specifically allowing for the thermal expansion of the trough relative to the stands while prohibiting the escape of pickling acid or fumes. The invention includes a device to allow for cleaning of the seal with cleaning fluid such as flushing water.

Abstract: A wire strand cleaner employs a fluid detergent, a fluid rinse and an air dry under controlled agitation and turbulence to avoid the use of CFC's. The wire is pulled through the various stations in sequence, and the cleaning and rinse are accomplished by agitator components that are identical. Further, the wire is pulled through the cleaner in a straight line, thus avoiding the bending and stretching that usually accompanied ultrasonic cleaning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting thin materials, such as printed circuit boards, through an apparatus for treatment of said boards with an etchant, rinse or other chemical process step, including a transport conveyor having a plurality of rotation members with a specially configured rim for contacting the thin materials and moving them through the apparatus with a longer contact path in each rotation of a rotation member than the circumference of the rotation member.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning tools during the manufacture of shells or core packets that are ready for casting, by means of core shooters or shooting stations that are preferably in a linear arrangement, the core shooter comprising tool sets consisting of a tool upper section, an ejector plate of the tool upper section, and a tool lower section, it being possible to uncouple the tool set from the core shooter and remove it preferably to a tool store (5), is provided, for purposes of ensuring rapid and fully automatic tool cleaning, with a delivery system (6), a first flushing system (7), at least one ultrasound bath (8), a second flushing system (9), optionally, a cooling system (10), a drying system (12), optionally an inspection station (13), and a removal system (14), the tool sets (4) being moved by means of the delivery system (6) from the core shooters or from the tool store (5) to a first manipulator (15), from this into the first flushing system (7), preferably by means of a second manipulator (16) into

Abstract: A processing device for processing sheet-like media via immersion in a special fluid, for example, for renewing a copy sheet by removing printed material such as toner therefrom. The processing device has a tank accommodating a fluid therein; a sheet feeding device for feeding a sheet into the fluid in the tank, a sheet accommodating device for accommodating a sheet, a sensing device for outputting a signal responsive to a state of the sheet in the sheet accommodating device, and a changing device for changing a relative position between the tank and the sheet accommodating device, the relative position including a retracted position where the sheet accommodating device is positioned outside the tank and an operating position where the sheet accommodating device is positioned within the fluid in the tank, the changing device changing the relative position in response to the signal outputted by the sensing device.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the treatment of board-shaped articles, particularly printed circuit boards, with a liquid treatment medium, particularly a cleaning, etching, metallizing or rinsing liquid, along a substantially horizontal conveying path defined by a conveying means, for improving the handling of thin circuit boards it is proposed that the conveying means on either side of the conveying path and both above and below the conveying plane comprises elements guiding the longitudinal edges of the boards.

Abstract: The device comprises a blowing device (2) extending transversely to the screen travel direction, said device having two mutually parallel strips extending transversely to the travel direction of the screen, namely a leading strip (41) and a trailing strip (42), each of which contacts circulating screen (11) with a screen guide surface. Between the two strips is a blowing opening connected to a source of compressed air (62). Between leading strip (41) and screen (11) a wedge-shaped gap (45) is formed, tapering in the screen travel direction, in which gap a water-spraying device (3) terminates. Blowing device (2) is located inside the endless loop of screen (11), and water-spraying device (3) is located on the outside.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning stainless steel or aluminum shutter members in a blanked and generally U-shaped form as they are fed continuously comprises a guide rail for guiding the shutter members so that they are transferred in a specified direction and a plurality of cleaning nozzles through which a cleaning solution is sprayed onto the shutter members. A plurality of vessels for supplying the cleaning solution to the Cleaning nozzles are provided along the guide rail and the cleaning solution overflowing a supply vessel downstream the guide rail is allowed to flow into sequentially upstream supply vessels via flow lines. The cleaning solution is recovered from the most upstream supply vessel and, after the cleaning debris is separated out, the cleaning solution is supplied into the most downstream supply vessel. The apparatus enables efficient cleaning of the shutter members.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a processing installation, particularly a metal strip pickling installation, comprising a series of vats (2) filled with a pickling liquid (20), each vat (2) being separated from adjacent vats by two bulkheads. The upper portion of these bulkheads has a sill located above the level of the liquid (20) and which supports the strip (1). According to the invention, each sill (22) is fitted with a support part limited by a rounded, upwardly convex, contact face (4) on which a liquid recovery groove is provided. This liquid recovery groove extends along the upper part of the supporting part at right angles to the strip feed direction, and is extended, at at least one of its ends, by a return channel leading to the upstream vat (2a). The bottom (53) of the groove (5) and return channel (6) are downwardly inclined to allow the liquid recovered in the groove (5) to return naturally to the upstream vat (2a).

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus including a first fluid flow manifold having at least one fluid head positioned on a first side of a surface of a substrate to be treated by a fluid. The first fluid flow manifold includes at least two sets of a plurality of fluid jet injectors formed therein and apparatus for directing a fluid into the fluid jet injectors. Each of the fluid jet injectors creates a fluid jet impinging upon the surface of the substrate. Apparatus is interconnected with the first fluid flow manifold for supplying fluid to the fluid injector jets. Apparatus connected between the supply apparatus and the first fluid flow manifold alternates a flow of the fluid through the sets of fluid jet injectors. A fluid source is connected to the fluid supplying apparatus.

Abstract: The specification discloses an extrusion billet quenching system which directs a continuous circular curtain of water onto a billet to be quenched. The water delivery system is a spray ring defining a continuous opening about its entire circumference. The opening is defined by a pair of plates. Push and pull screws enable the width of the opening to be carefully adjusted. A reciprocating billet pusher assembly includes opposite cantilevered heads for pushing billets through the ring in either of two opposite directions.

Abstract: A semi-continuous "push-pull" pickle line for removing oxides from hot-rolled steel strip. In addition to other value added features, a treatment portion of the pickle line includes: (1) a two-high temper mill operable to break scale on the strip as well as elongate, shape correct and controllably reduce the gauge of the strip; (2) a pickling zone including at least one V-shaped, shallow-path pickling tank within which a plurality of sparging ports dispense substantially laminar flows of acid solution toward the bottom surface of the strip as it passes through the pickling tank; and (3) a displaceable inspection table desirably cooperating with lights and mirrors to permit simultaneous inspection of the top and bottom surfaces of the steel after pickling.

Abstract: An etching system for etching openings in a metal web including multiple etching station for etching a metal web from opposite sides, with each of the etching stations including a set of first bank of oscillatable nozzles located in a first chamber in the etching station, with the first bank of oscillatable nozzles having predetermined spacings from one another and operable for directing etchant at a first side of a metal web and a second bank of oscillatable nozzles located in a second chamber in the etching station, with the second bank of oscillatable nozzles having a predetermined spacing substantially identical to the first bank of oscillatable nozzles, with the second set of oscillatable nozzles laterally offset from the first set of nozzles, so they do not spray on directly opposite regions located on the metal web, with the banks of the nozzles in adjacent etching stations offset from each other with the oscillation axis of the nozzles at an angle off normal, so that etchant is sprayed in elliptical p