Importance

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Abstract

A fluid delivery 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 screen 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. In the case of liquid flow, the openings are generally cylindrical, and in the case of gas flow the openings are generally spaced-apart slotted holes. In the cases of both liquid and gas fluids, one of the grooves and/or nozzles are directed upstream relative to the path of article flow. Various adjustments are provided for adjusting the positions of the nozzle plates relative to the path of flow. The nozzle plate has a removable portion, for ease of cleaning and the like, that contains the nozzle orifices, sealing connected to the nozzle base section. The transverse groove that connects the line of orifices can have its center line varied from the center line of the orifices, in the direction of the longitudinal path, and/or the groove can have its angular orientation varied such that the path of flow of fluid discharged can be at an angle other than 90.degree. to the discharge surface of the nozzle plate.

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First Claim