Method and apparatus for patterning of substrates

Abstract

Method and apparatus for imparting visual surface effects to a relatively moving, thermally modifiable substrate by application of discrete streams of heated pressurized gas to surface areas of the substrate. The apparatus includes an elongate manifold assembly comprising two gas receiving compartments, each extending across the path of said substrate. Heated gas from the first compartment passes into the second compartment, which is comprised of a series of chambers with an elongate exit slot positioned closely adjacent the substrate surface. The gas is uniformly mixed within this second compartment, and may then be directed from the exit slot onto the substrate as a thin, continuous stream or curtain extending the length of the manifold. By use of blocking streams of relatively cool gas which deflect and dilute selected lateral segments of the heated gas stream in accordance with pattern information after the curtain of heated gas emerges from the exit slot, smaller streams or groups of streams may be formed which squarely impinge on the substrate surface and impart, via thermal modification of the surface, a selected pattern to the substrate.