Abstract: A component placement machine is provided with an activator application station for application of an adhesive activator to an appropriate surface of a surface-mount component. The application station includes an activator reservoir and wick that provide activator to a porous pad by capillary action. The reservoir and wick are substantially sealed from the environment to prevent unnecessary evaporation of the activator. The component placement machine operating program is modified to include the steps of bringing a component to the applicator station, dabbing the component surface against the applicator pad and returning the component to its installation path. A second adhesive component may be pre-applied to the PCB by an adhesive dispenser as is known in the art. The two-part chemically activated adhesive permits rapid low-temperature curing. The invention allows cost-effective fixture of temperature-sensitive surface-mount components to a PCB.

Abstract: A stent mounting device and a method of coating a stent using the device are provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for making absorbent pads that may have a longitudinally asymmetric shape. The pads may be used in various consumer absorbent articles. The method includes delivering a supply of an absorbent web material in a machine-direction and cutting the absorbent web material in a cross-direction to form a repeating nested pattern of generally identically shaped and oppositely oriented absorbent pads, the pads being disposed longitudinally in the cross-direction of the absorbent web. The pads are longitudinally asymmetric and nested such that the crotch portion of one pad is oriented towards the back portions of immediately adjacent pads, and adjacent nested pads share defining cut lines such that there is no wastage of absorbent web material between the nested pads.

Abstract: A method is provided for making absorbent pads that may have a longitudinally asymmetric shape. The pads may be used in various consumer absorbent articles. The method includes delivering a supply of an absorbent web material in a machine-direction and cutting the absorbent web material in a cross-direction to form a repeating nested pattern of generally identically shaped and oppositely oriented absorbent pads, the pads being disposed longitudinally in the cross-direction of the absorbent web. The pads are longitudinally asymmetric and nested such that the crotch portion of one pad is oriented towards the back portions of immediately adjacent pads, and adjacent nested pads share defining cut lines such that there is no wastage of absorbent web material between the nested pads.

Abstract: An improved shaft is described with which a sponge saturated with carbon coating can be pushed through the narrow neck of a cathode ray tube funnel to fully coat the interior of the neck with the carbon coating. The improved shaft is made of a plastic composite material, for example. This improved shaft is much less expensive than previous stainless steel shafts and has enough flexibility that it is not easily bent when plunged into a funnel that is not properly aligned and centered under the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tire dressing fluid to a tire surface is provided. The apparatus includes a tire engagement arm having an applicator manifold and leveling pad. The applicator manifold has an opening for receiving a tire dressing fluid and a plurality of openings for dispensing the tire dressing fluid directly onto the tire surface. The leveling pad is provided for engaging the tire surface and spreading the tire dressing fluid over the tire surface. A method for applying a tire dressing fluid onto a tire surface is provided.

Abstract: A lane maintenance machine having wicks that absorb dressing from a reservoir and transfer it to the applicator of the machine has a gravity-fed dressing supply system that maintains the dressing at a substantially constant level within the wick reservoir. A small pilot chamber upstream from the reservoir and in open communication therewith at the same elevation as the reservoir has its fluid level directly controlled by a float sensor to in turn indirectly control the level within the wick reservoir. The float sensor within the pilot chamber provides a signal to a controller when the level within the pilot chamber drops below a predetermined point so that a control valve between the pilot chamber and the main supply tank opens to allow a makeup volume of dressing to flow by gravity from the main tank into the pilot chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for applying a coating of material to a predefined area on a surface of a part. A movable stencil is provided having a wall or surface with a predefined aperture corresponding to a pattern of the defined area to be coated. A wiper, such as a doctor blade or squeegee, is provided for filling the aperture with the coating of material to be applied to the part. A pad, preferably of silicon rubber, is provided for receiving the coating of material as the coating material passes through the aperture of the stencil and for applying the coating of material to the part in response to relative movement between the part and the pad.

Abstract: Method and apparatus in which a first liquid is extruded through a porous printing plate to its printing surface, a second liquid is externally applied over the first liquid on the printing surface, and a sheet material is contacted with the printing surface in order to print the second liquid onto the sheet material. In some embodiments, the first liquid is a release agent, the second liquid is a printing agent, and a sheet material is contacted with the printing agent on the printing surface, whereby the release agent prevents the adhesion of the printing agent and the sheet material to the printing surface and thereby allows the sheet material to be easily separated from the printing surface. In some embodiments, the printing agent is an adhesive and the release agent prevents the adhesive from strongly adhering to or accumulating on the printing surface.

Abstract: The automated system includes a fluid dispenser having an applicator tip which is used to apply a fluid to an object. A compliance mechanism is utilized to assist in maintaining the applicator tip of the fluid dispenser in contact with the object during the coating operation. A robot can be utilized to advance the object past the applicator tip during the coating operation. The fluid dispenser is mounted on a movable arm to allow the fluid dispenser to be moved or rotated into and away from the position where fluid is applied to the object. The automated system provides a fluid application system that can apply a precise and repeatable layer of fluid to an object. The use of the robot allows larger objects to be easily handled and for the coating process to be done in a rapid fashion. The automated system is flexible and can readily accommodate changes in the object that is to be coated or the configuration of the coating that is to be applied to the object.

Abstract: A paint pad allows a user to produce a unique finish to a surface without having to wear gloves. The pad includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. A painting medium, which is a cross-section of a natural sponge or chamois leather, Preferably, a handle extends from the upper surface of the base. In one preferred embodiment, the base and handle are both circular, with the handle extending from a center of the base and with the diameter of the base being greater than the diameter of the handle. The present paint pad provides for even paint distribution, is long lasting and is economical. In preferred embodiments, the paint pad is packaged in a single paper or paperboard sheet having a front panel, a back panel and a middle panel connecting bottom edges of the front and back panels. The back panel includes a cutout region for receiving the handle of the paint pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying and/or spreading liquid or pasty substances for coating surfaces, especially paists, varnishes and lacquers on the surface of objects (2). The device has at least two pinions (7, 7′) the axes of which are arranged substantially parallel in relation to the object's surface to be coated. The spindles are provided with circumferential brush-like spreaders (8). At least one spindle can be moved across the surface of the object, with the object being moved along the brush-like spreaders.

Abstract: A flow through felt liquid dispensing apparatus for applying liquids to a receiving surface. The dispensing apparatus may include one or more dispensing heads each including a dispensing gun and an articulated rub block. The articulated rub block includes a recess or galley just behind the felt so as to provide a puddle of liquid material for soaking through the felt during a dispensing operation. The apparatus may be tilted so as to present only one dispensing head at a time to the receiving surface. The galley has a geometry to improve the bead profile of the liquid material dispensed onto the surface. Liquid material is dispensed by relative lateral movement between the apparatus and the receiving surface.

Abstract: A painting device includes a scrubbing material secured to a board for being applied with a painting material. A device may be used for moving the board and the scrubbing material along a supporting surface, such as the corner strap. The scrubbing material may be adjusted relative to the board for being adjusted relative to the surfaces to be painted. One or more wheels may be used for facilitating the movement of the scrubbing material along the floor. A handle may be secured to the board or the scrubbing material for moving the scrubbing material along the corner strap.

Abstract: A coating tool and a coating set including such a coating tool can uniformly and reliably apply protection liquid onto the recording surface of a recording medium so as to avoid problems of uneven application and uncoated areas. The coating tool comprises a protection liquid absorbing member for absorbing and holding protection liquid. The protection liquid absorbing member is formed to show a density not less than 30 kg/m3.

Abstract: An applicator tip (10) for applying fluid to the surface of an object is disclosed. The applicator tip (10) has a base (13) formed of thermoplastic material having a first surface and a second surface. At least one aperture (25) extends through the base. A fluid supply port (29) is operatively connected to the second surface of the base and is in communication with at least one aperture in the base. A fluid application material (35) is positioned on the first surface of the base. The fluid application material is positioned to receive fluid that passes through the aperture from the fluid supply port. The fluid application material is secured to the first surface of the base by a portion of the base that is caused to be molten and fuses to the fluid application material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paper dispenser, especially to a paper dispenser for moistening reel paper.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for applying a liquid lubricant to at least one surface of a moving metal sheet. The apparatus includes a wick and a liquid lubricant reservoir and at least one conduit in flow communication with the wick and reservoir. The liquid lubricant moves from the reservoir in controlled amounts, through the conduit or conduits to the wick by gravity flow and is moved by capillary action through the wick to the surface of the moving metal sheet without the application of an external mechanical force, such as a piston, to generate a pressure gradient through the wick to move the liquid lubricant therethrough.

Abstract: A surface treating apparatus having: a frame supported on wheels; fluid treatment applicator pivotally mounted to the frame; fluid treatment supply; a pump actuatable for moving the fluid supply to the surface; trigger mechanism responsive to rotation of a support wheel to actuate the pump; and a timer to limit the term of the pump actuation.

Abstract: An oil application device having an oil application amount control layer bonded to an oil retaining member for retaining application-use silicone oil using the mixture of adhesive and mixture-use silicone oil. The ratio (VKS)/(VTS) of a viscosity (VKS) of the mixture-use silicone oil at 25° C. to a viscosity (VTS) of the application-use silicone oil at 25° C. ranges from 50/1 to 1/10. By using the oil application device, releasing oil can be applied to a thermal fixing roller uniformly. The oil application amount control layer does not peel off or is not displaced during operation, and no oil exudes during nonuse.

Abstract: A method for applying a sealant to a component, in which the sealant is applied to a part of or the entirety of a sealing surface of the component, comprises the steps of: disposing in the sealant, an abutting member approximately in parallel to a surface of the sealant, which is a liquid, formed into a film of a specified thickness; pressing the sealing surface of the component to the abutting member in the sealant formed into the film; and transferring the sealant to the sealing surface of the component by pulling the component apart from the sealant.

Abstract: A vehicle tire dressing apparatus according to the present invention comprises left and right dressing applicators situated alongside a vehicle conveying track, the dressing applicators being moveable individually into contacting engagement with tires on left and right sides of a vehicle in the track. Each applicator has an applicator pad mounted to a mount bar and the mount bar is hinged to a frame which allows articulation of the applicator pad into and out of contact with the tires. The applicator pad is configured with a plurality of orifices, each of which orifices receives fluid sprayed from a complimentary spray nozzle. Each orifice has an elongated capillary which assists dispersing fluid into the pad. The spray nozzles emit fluid into the pads for a predetermined amount of time, the spraying being initiated by movement of the vehicle into proximity with the tire dressing assembly.

Abstract: A coater for applying coating material to a moving strip of metal or other substrate. The coater comprises at least one dispenser unit and preferably a pair of dispenser units disposed about the moving strip of substrate. Each dispenser unit is adapted to be in communication with a supply of coating material and to apply coating material to a side of the moving strip. Each dispenser unit comprises a receptacle, a coating discharger strip received within the receptacle having an applicator surface for applying coating material to the respective side of the moving strip, a retainer member received within the receptacle for securing the discharge strip within the receptacle, and an anti-wicking member associated with the retainer member for hindering wicking of coating material away from the applicator surface of the coating discharger strip.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a coating applicator carried on a frame. The frame and the coating applicator cooperate to define a coating region. The coating applicator applies coating material to a moving strip of material when the moving strip is in the coating region. The frame is arranged to be moved from an on-line position placing the moving strip in the coating region to an off-line position removing the moving strip from the coating region.

Abstract: A system for easy opening of sealed packages. The system comprises a tape dispensing apparatus, and a tape. The tape dispensing apparatus has a cutter therein. The tape is used for sealing a seam of a package. The tape is sized and shaped for being dispensed from the tape dispensing apparatus. The tape dispensed from the dispensing apparatus has a predetermined length cut by the cutter. The predetermined length of tape has a first side with a self-adhesive section for attaching the predetermined length of tape to the package. The predetermined length of tape also includes a non-adhesive section, and a ribbon disposed on the first side of the tape section. The predetermined length of tape has a tear strip defined by the ribbon, and non-adhesive section of the first side together. The tear strip extends longitudinally along the predetermined length of tape. The tear strip ends in a pull tab for pulling the tear strip open and opening the predetermined length of tape attached to the package.

Abstract: The automated system includes a fluid dispenser having an applicator tip which is used to apply a fluid to an object. A compliance mechanism is utilized to assist in maintaining the applicator tip of the fluid dispenser in contact with the object during the coating operation. A robot can be utilized to advance the object past the applicator tip during the coating operation. The fluid dispenser is mounted on a movable arm to allow the fluid dispenser to be moved or rotated into and away from the position where fluid is applied to the object. The automated system provides a fluid application system that can apply a precise and repeatable layer of fluid to an object. The use of the robot allows larger objects to be easily handled and for the coating process to be done in a rapid fashion. The automated system is flexible and can readily accommodate changes in the object that is to be coated or the configuration of the coating that is to be applied to the object.

Abstract: A coating apparatus is configured to coat a moving strip of material with liquid coating material. The apparatus includes a liquid coating material supply unit and a coater for dispensing liquid coating material onto the moving strip of material. A recycler is provided for returning liquid coating material dispensed from the coater to a position in the coating apparatus upstream of the coater.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using a vehicle tire dressing apparatus which includes left and right dressing applicators situated alongside a vehicle conveying track, the dressing applicators being moveable individually into contacting engagement with tires on left and right sides of a vehicle in the track. Each applicator has an applicator pad mounted to a mount bar and the mount bar is hinged to a frame which allows articulation of the applicator pad into and out of contact with the tires. The applicator pad is configured with a plurality of orifices, each of which orifices receives fluid sprayed from a complimentary spray nozzle. Each orifice has an elongated capillary which assists dispersing fluid into the pad. The spray nozzles emit fluid into the pads for a predetermined amount of time, the spraying being initiated by movement of the vehicle into proximity with the tire dressing assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle tire dressing apparatus according to the present invention comprises left and right dressing applicators situated alongside a vehicle conveying track, the dressing applicators being moveable individually into contacting engagement with tires on left and right sides of a vehicle in the track. Each applicator has an applicator pad mounted to a mount bar and the mount bar is hinged to a frame which allows articulation of the applicator pad into and out of contact with the tires. The applicator pad is configured with a plurality of orifices, each of which orifices receives fluid sprayed from a complimentary spray nozzle. Each orifice has an elongated capillary which assists dispersing fluid into the pad. The spray nozzles emit fluid into the pads for a predetermined amount of time, the spraying being initiated by movement of the vehicle into proximity with the tire dressing assembly.

Abstract: An automated priming system and method for applying a liquid, such as a primer or treatment liquid, to a substrate provides a surface variation sensitive applicator assembly which applies a constant pressure to the substrate during the liquid application process and, therefore, provides a process which achieves a more uniform application path and coating thickness. The automated system includes a robot and at least one applicator assembly. The applicator assembly includes a base and an applicator tip mounted to the base. The applicator tip is adapted to receive a supply of liquid. The robot holds the base of the applicator and positions the applicator tip on the substrate for applying a liquid onto the substrate. One of the applicator and the robot is adapted to apply a constant pressure to the substrate during the application process.

Abstract: An automated priming system and method for applying a liquid, such as a primer or treatment liquid, to a substrate provides a surface variation sensitive applicator assembly which applies a constant pressure to the substrate during the liquid application process and, therefore, provides a process which achieves a more uniform application path and coating thickness. The automated system includes a robot and at least one applicator assembly. The applicator assembly includes a base and an applicator tip mounted to the base. The applicator tip is adapted to receive a supply of liquid. The robot holds the base of the applicator and positions the applicator tip on the substrate for applying a liquid onto the substrate. One of the applicator and the robot is adapted to apply a constant pressure to the substrate during the application process.

Abstract: The oil application mechanism of a lane conditioning machine has a moving dispensing head that deposits intermittent streams of oil onto the rotating surface of a transfer roller under the control of a programmed control system as the machine moves down the lane. The transfer roller, in turn, transfers the oil to a rotating bristle-type applicator roller that engages the lane and lays down an oil film having a cross-sectional configuration that corresponds to a preselected pattern established by the control system. A smoothing assembly engages the oil immediately after it is deposited on the transfer roller and before it reaches the applicator roller so as to extend the deposit of oil completely around the circumference of the transfer roller in an even layer. The smoothing assembly includes a series of independent, spring-loaded pad units along the length of the transfer roller, each of which includes a section of fabric with a raised nab engaging the surface of the transfer roller.

Abstract: A web coating apparatus having a partially submerged drum in a tray of coating material. The drum rotates and transfers coating material from the tray to a web material passing over the drum. A control system carefully controls the level of the coating material in the tray using an ultrasonic fluid level sensor in combination with a programmable system that can add or remove coating material to or from the tray.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for applying a liquid lubricant to at least one surface of a moving metal sheet. The apparatus includes a wick and a liquid lubricant reservoir and at least one conduit in flow communication with the wick and reservoir. The liquid lubricant moves from the reservoir in controlled amounts, through the conduit or conduits to the wick by gravity flow and is moved by capillary action through the wick to the surface of the moving metal sheet without the application of an external mechanical force, such as a piston, to generate a pressure gradient through the wick to move the liquid lubricant therethrough.

Abstract: A coating apparatus is disclosed for applying a coating material on one or more zones of a substrate material. In one embodiment, the coating applicators have fluid-wicking strips that apply the coatings directly to the substrate, while in another embodiment, the fluid-wicking strips indirectly apply the coatings to the substrate via feed rolls. Metering mechanisms supply predetermined amounts of coating material to the fluid-wicking strips. Each coating applicator has a housing with a recess for receiving one the fluid-wicking strips therein. One of the fluid-wicking strips Is mounted in each housing which has a plurality of transversely spaced passageways. Each passageway of each applicator housing is fluidly coupled to its own separate air actuated metering mechanism which dispenses coating material to the portion of the fluid-wicking strip adjacent thereto. A desired quantity of coating material is simultaneously delivered via the metering mechanisms to each of the applicator housings.

Abstract: A coating station for an apparatus and method used to coat at least one side of a pontinuous strip of material includes a housing having a conduit that connects to a source of coating material, a fluid dispensing passageway and a wick that contacts the strip. The passageway has an intake port and a discharge port. A metering member is interposed in the passageway, and a drive rotates it about an axis between the intake and discharge ports. The metering member has a metering bore, and a reciprocating metering piston is disposed in the bore. The metering member may be a cylindrical shaft, and one or more metering bores extend diametrically through the shaft with each being provided with a piston to dispense predetermined amounts of coating material onto the strip.

Abstract: A moistening system suitable for mail handling systems comprises a moistening member mounted vertically on a water reservoir from which it is fed with water and on which it has a projecting part. The reservoir is mounted with the moistening member below the path, the length of the reservoir substantially corresponding to the width of the path. The reservoir is divided along its length into independent individual departments into which the moistening member dips.

Abstract: An oil coating roller comprising a porous round-rod-like molded product, a heat-resistant fiber felt layer provided on an outer circumference of the porous round-rod-like molded product, and a porous film applied onto an outer circumference of the felt layer. The porous round-rod-like molded product contains heat-resistant fibers bound to each other by a binder, and has fine communicating voids free from the binder among the fibers and evenly distributed pores having a pore size in a range of from 0.05 to 2 mm and a total void percentage in a range of from 30 to 90%. The porous round-rod-like molded product is impregnated with silicone oil. The heat-resistant fiber felt layer has a thickness in a range of from 0.5 to 5 mm. The porous film has a thickness in a range of from 15 to 130 &mgr;m, a mean pore size in a range of from 0.1 to 3.0 &mgr;m, a porosity in a range of from 60 to 90% and an air permeability in a range of from 3 to 1500 sec per 100 cc.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for applying a liquid lubricant to at least one surface of a moving metal sheet. The apparatus includes a wick and a liquid lubricant reservoir and at least one conduit in flow communication with the wick and reservoir. The liquid lubricant moves from the reservoir in controlled amounts, through the conduit or conduits to the wick by gravity flow and is moved by capillary action through the wick to the surface of the moving metal sheet without the application of an external mechanical force, such as a piston, to generate a pressure gradient through the wick to move the liquid lubricant therethrough.

Abstract: A vehicle tire dressing apparatus according to the present invention comprises left and right dressing applicators situated alongside a vehicle conveying track, the dressing applicators being moveable individually into contacting engagement with tires on left and right sides of a vehicle in the track. Each applicator has an applicator pad mounted to a mount bar and the mount bar is hinged to a frame which allows articulation of the applicator pad into and out of contact with the tires. The applicator pad is configured with a plurality of orifices, each of which orifices receives fluid sprayed from a complimentary spray nozzle. Each orifice has an elongated capillary which assists dispersing fluid into the pad. The spray nozzles emit fluid into the pads for a predetermined amount of time, the spraying being initiated by movement of the vehicle into proximity with the tire dressing assembly.

Abstract: A process for producing a self-inking stamp capable of stamping repeatedly by filling ink in a stamp material having a continuous porous structure, wherein the stamp material having a continuous porous structure is provided with an occlusion body having a continuous porous structure and being impregnated with two or more kinds of ink having different functions so as to infiltrate two or more kinds of ink into the stamp material. In the process, there is used an occlusion body having a physical barrier and/or an isolation part which suppresses or inhibits mingling of two or more kinds of ink having different functions, and a self-inking stamp produced by the process.

Abstract: A tire coating machine for applying a coating to a vehicle tire. The machine includes a brush and a positioner for supporting the brush and moving the brush into contact with the tire. A first fluid path is connected to a source of a first fluid and directs the first fluid to the brush, and a second fluid path is connected to a source of a second fluid and directs the second fluid to the brush. The brush transfers at least the second fluid to the tire. The first and second fluids are water and a coating solution, respectively.

Abstract: A device and method for applying a liquid to at least one advancing yarn which is guided over a surface of a driven godet in contact therewith. A liquid is supplied through a plurality of capillaries to the surface. To this end, the pore-sized openings of the capillaries are evenly distributed on the godet surface being wetted.

Abstract: The device for coating an element with a swab impregnated with a coating composition includes a mobile carriage bearing the swab wherein the carriage is movable along a guiding path, a member for pushing the swab towards the element to be coated so that a quality of the composition released from the swab coats the element, and a member for varying the release of the composition so that the coating is substantially uniform.

Abstract: A decorative painting kit including multiple-color paint applicators and a method of decoratively painting a surface though in situ surface blending of two or more paints of different colors by using a multiple-color paint applicator which is stroked over the same surface a sufficient number of time to at least partially blend the different paint colors. The partial in situ surface blending of two or more paints produces a decorative pattern on the painted surface that is color characterized by having areas with some of the original paint colors and other areas with various blends of the original paint colors thereon to produce a decoratively painted surface.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a fluid to a surface includes an applicator tip element (5) connected to the end of a substantially rigid stem (1) by a part (3) capable of flexing resiliently as the applicator tip element is stroked across a surface. The application element is conveniently formed as a pad or a molded member of porous material e.g. foam, which can be attached in various ways, e.g. by of adhesive, heat welding or mechanical fixing, to the resiliently flexible connection part.

Abstract: An automated priming system and method for applying a liquid, such as a primer or treatment liquid, to a substrate provides a surface variation sensitive applicator assembly which applies a constant pressure to the substrate during the liquid application process and, therefore, provides a process which achieves a more uniform application path and coating thickness. The automated system includes a robot and at least one applicator assembly. The applicator assembly includes a base and an applicator tip mounted to the base. The applicator tip is adapted to receive a supply of liquid. The robot holds the base of the applicator and positions the applicator tip on the substrate for applying a liquid onto the substrate. One of the applicator and the robot is adapted to apply a constant pressure to the substrate during the application process.

Abstract: A moistening system suitable for mail handling systems comprises a moistening member mounted vertically on a water reservoir from which it is fed with water and on which it has a projecting part. The reservoir is mounted with the moistening member below the path, the length of the reservoir substantially corresponding to the width of the path. The reservoir is divided along its length into independent individual departments into which the moistening member dips.

Abstract: A stamp pad having a hinge plate between a body and a lid of the stamp pad. The hinge plate allows the lid to be rotated underneath the body of the stamp pad when the lid is in an open position. The hinge plate can be made of a flexible material to make installation of the lid easier and to reduce the likelihood of damaging the lid or the body after the hinge plate is installed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing dual-zone lubricated magnetic disks. An absorbent medium is held against a selected portion of the surface of a lubricated disk. The disk is rotated in relation to the absorbent medium, and the absorbent medium removes mobile lubricant from the selected portion of the disk, leaving bonded lubricant in addition to a selected amount of mobile lubricant. In an specific embodiment, an absorbent tape is supplied to a roller that holds the tape against a surface of the disk, and solvent is applied to the tape and/or disk to facilitate the removal of mobile lubricant. Differential lubricant thicknesses are thus obtained.