Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a rack for supporting at least one article during a vacuum impregnation process with the article having treated and untreated surfaces. The rack includes a metallic body defining at least one nest for accommodating the article, the nest being configured to support the article under vacuum impregnation conditions. Also, non-metallic bearing surfaces are disposed on portions of the nest. The bearing surfaces are configured to contiguously contact the treated surfaces of the article during the vacuum impregnation process with contiguous contact between the treated surfaces of the article and the metallic body being avoided. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a metallic rack may be utilized which avoids damage to the treated surfaces of an article undergoing vacuum impregnation.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for heat curing a polymerizable impregnant composition within an impregnated porous article. The amount of the article's porosity that is filled with the impregnant composition is maximized by applying successively discrete temperature and pressure increments in a system comprising at least one porous impregnated article and a curing chamber having a heat transfer medium therein. During such curing, both temperature and pressure are controlled for an initial duration and subsequently increased by successive increments wherein each successive temperature and pressure exceeds a previous temperature and pressure, respectively, until a maximum temperature and pressure is achieved. The maximum temperature and pressure are maintained until the impregnant composition is cured, resulting in an improved product having greater structural integrity and surface quality.

Abstract: A rotating fluid wide band applicator head which permits application of a relatively wide band of fluid without the necessity for translational motion of the head with respect to the object being coated. The applicator head includes a rotatable body having an axis of rotation and having a fluid delivery chamber disposed within the body. A plurality of bounded channels having open inner ends and open outer ends are provided. The open inner ends of the channels are in fluid communication with the fluid delivery chamber, to receive fluid therefrom and transport the fluid. The open outer ends of the channels are arranged to discharge the fluid in a desired pattern, resulting in deposition of a band of fluid having a desired width.