Patent ID: 9708686
Date: 2017-07-18
CPC Classifications: B21C,C21D,C22C,C22F

Claim:
1. An apparatus for processing a metal ribbon comprising a main portion and a sacrificial portion adjoining the main portion of the metal ribbon, the apparatus comprising: a heater configured to heat the main portion of the metal ribbon to a first temperature; a first cooler configured to cool the main portion of the metal ribbon from the first temperature to a third temperature lower than the first temperature; a second cooler configured to cool the main portion of the metal ribbon at a first rate from the third temperature to a fourth temperature lower than the third temperature; a drive system configured to successively advance the main portion of the metal ribbon from the heater to the second cooler through the first cooler, wherein the drive system comprises a first rotary drive in communication with the heater and a second rotary drive in communication with the second cooler, the second rotary drive selectively operable to successively advance the main portion of the metal ribbon from the heater to the second cooler through the first cooler; a guide system configured to route the metal ribbon from the heater to the second cooler through the first cooler; a first spool positionable in the heater to engage the first rotary drive, wherein the first spool is configured to dispense the metal ribbon advanced from the heater to the second cooler through the first cooler; and a second spool positionable in the second cooler to engage the second rotary drive, wherein the second spool is configured to collect the metal ribbon advanced from the heater to the second cooler through the first cooler.