A web-processing apparatus comprises a dryer with air-turn apparatus for flotatingly supporting a web and, preferably, for changing a direction of web movement. The air-turn apparatus may be used in the web dryer or with other suitable web-processing equipment, particularly in applications where a coated web side faces the air-turn apparatus. Preferred forms of the air-turn apparatus comprise a body having an outer surface defining a web flotation zone facing a coated side of the web and a plurality of openings in the body positioned along the web flotation zone. An air-conducting conduit provides pressurized air to the body and body openings thereby forming an air cushion at the web flotation zone on which the coated web is flotatingly supported without contacting the body.

The present invention relates to metallic sheets having an improved antimicrobial property and also related to a method of manufacturing such sheets. More particularly, it relates to the continuous coating on metallic sheets with a resin composition containing antimicrobial additives. The surface of the metallic article is afforded antimicrobial properties by coating a liquid dispersion or solution of fine particles made of an antimicrobial ingredient on the surface of the metallic sheet dispersed in a uniform layer and cured or dried to affix to the metallic surface. The inorganic antibacterial particles are metal component-supporting oxides and zeolite powders. The inorganic antibacterial core particles have at least a primary surface coating of at least one metal or metal compound having antimicrobial properties. Roll coaters apply the coating. The metallic article generally includes sheet articles made of metals, for example, metallic sheets made of stainless steel, conventional steel sheets and aluminum sheets or plate.