Web processing method and apparatus
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising, (a) a substantially horizontal web path for directing a web, (b) at least one processing container, and (c) at least one cassette having at least one functional fluid element, wherein the insertion of said at least one cassette across said web path redirects said web into said processing container creating at least one festoon.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a web handling apparatus and process ideally suited for applications involving wet chemistry. The invention involves the horizontal processing of webs in processing containers. The web is redirected into the processing container by inserting a cassette across the web and into the processing container. The cassette includes at least one functional fluid element that facilitates processing of the web. The web handling practices of the invention improve the quality of the processed web. The invention is preferably used in electrodeposition processes.
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Citations
54 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising,
(a) a substantially horizontal web path for directing a web, (b) at least one processing container, and (c) at least one cassette having at least one functional fluid element, wherein the insertion of said at least one cassette across said web path redirects said web into said processing container creating at least one festoon.
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18. An apparatus comprising,
(a) a substantially horizontal web path for directing a web, at least a portion of said web suitable for receiving an electrodeposited coating, (b) an electrical contact device for applying a charge to said web, (c) at least one processing container containing an electrodeposition solution, and (d) at least one cassette having at least one functional fluid element, wherein the insertion of said at least one cassette across said web path redirects the said web into said processing container creating at least one festoon, wherein an application of a charge to said web results in an electrodeposited coating on said web.
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38. A method of processing a web, comprising inserting at least one cassette having at least one functional fluid element across a substantially horizontal web to introduce said web into a processing container thereby forming a festoon.
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39. A method of processing a web comprising,
(a) providing a substantially horizontal web path or directing a web, (b) providing a processing container, (c) inserting at least one cassette having at least one functional fluid element across said web path thereby redirecting said web into said processing container to create as least one festoon.
Specification