Abstract: An applicator machine and a process for heating and coating a section of pipeline. The applicator machine includes a frame configured to rotate about a section of pipeline to be heated and coated, rotating means operable to rotate the frame, and coating material applicators induction coils and radiant heaters mounted on the frame and rotatable therewith. The induction coil is configured to heat a section of pipeline adjacent to the induction coil to a coating material application temperature. The radiant heaters are configured to heat factory-applied coatings. Each coating material applicator sprays coating material through an aperture in a respective induction coil. The applicator includes an enclosure configured to surround a section of pipeline and provision for evacuating and collecting waste coating material. The coating material applicator may be configured to spray powder coating material, such as fusion bonded epoxy powder material and/or chemically modified polypropylene powder material.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating pipes includes a spraying device rotatable around a pipe. The coating apparatus includes a guiding ring mounted around the pipe and a carriage to be mounted on the guiding ring, the carriage being motor driven, the motor being enclosed into the carriage and the carriage including an adjustable device to be detachably mounted on the guiding ring.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for induction heating. The apparatus includes a plurality of induction heating cells attachably coupled together. Each induction heating cell of the plurality of induction heating cells is movable relative to adjacent induction heating cells of the plurality of induction heating cells to conform the plurality of induction heating cells to a non-planar surface. Each induction heating cell of the plurality of induction heating cells includes a power connector and a coupling feature to couple the respective induction heating cell with one or more other induction heating cells of the plurality of induction heating cells.

Abstract: The present invention is for coating a surface area of a gap in the coating of a pipeline, said surface area having a length along the central longitudinal axis of the pipeline and a width of at least part of the circumference of the pipeline. The device according to the invention comprises: a frame; a spray nozzle support element supporting a number of spray nozzles; a linear motion mechanism configured for translating the spray nozzle support element relative to the frame and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame; and support members configured for arranging the frame stationary relative to the pipeline with said longitudinal axis of said frame coinciding with the central longitudinal axis of the pipeline.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating a perimeter surface of a pipeline. A frame selectively mounts a sprayer on the pipeline. The sprayer can spray fluid along a flow path in a spraying mode and preparation mode. In the preparation mode, a fluid diverter moves into the flow path to divert the fluid delivered from the sprayer away from the pipeline. In the spraying mode, the fluid diverter moves out of the flow path to permit the sprayer to coat the perimeter surface of the pipeline with a curable liquid. A vacuum system can draw a vacuum through the diverter to remove the fluid the sprayer sprays in the preparation mode. The flow path can be located in a spray shroud. The diverter can fluidly couple the vacuum system to the shroud interior in the spraying mode to remove overspray.

Abstract: A method of applying protective sheeting of polymer material to a pipeline, the method including the steps of advancing a carriage along an annular path extending about the longitudinal axis of the pipeline; extruding the protective sheeting on the carriage; winding the protective sheeting, as the protective sheeting is extruded, about a cutback on the pipeline; and plastifying the polymer material on board the carriage.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating a perimeter surface of a pipeline. A frame selectively mounts a sprayer on the pipeline. The sprayer can spray fluid along a flow path in a spraying mode and preparation mode. In the preparation mode, a fluid diverter moves into the flow path to divert the fluid delivered from the sprayer away from the pipeline. In the spraying mode, the fluid diverter moves out of the flow path to permit the sprayer to coat the perimeter surface of the pipeline with a curable liquid. A vacuum system can draw a vacuum through the diverter to remove the fluid the sprayer sprays in the preparation mode. The flow path can be located in a spray shroud. The diverter can fluidly couple the vacuum system to the shroud interior in the spraying mode to remove overspray.

Abstract: A laying head for manufacturing a three-dimensional preform includes an inlet configured to feed in a plurality of dry rovings. A fiber conveying device simultaneously and mutually-independently conveys, in a fiber supplying direction, the rovings fed-in via the inlet. An outlet is arranged downstream of the fiber conveying device in the fiber supplying direction and simultaneously lays the plurality of rovings on a workpiece carrier to manufacture the three-dimensional preform. A fiber-cutting device is disposed downstream of the fiber conveying device and upstream of the outlet in the fiber supplying direction and cuts the rovings. A nozzle applies a medium onto the rovings. A slit-shaped through gap of the nozzle has a height is equal to the height of the dry rovings in the thickness direction plus a margin that is sufficiently small so as to cause the medium to be forcibly embedded into the dry rovings.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a body having a bore and an interior surface. The bore is sized to receive a cable conductor of an electrical power cable. The body includes a groove disposed along a length of the interior surface. A wire brush insert is located within the groove and includes a plurality of bristles that extend into at least a portion of the bore. Rotating the cable wire brushing connector relative to the cable conductor cleans the cable conductor prior to securing the cable conductor within the cable wire brushing connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and nozzle head for processing a surface of a substrate. The apparatus includes a substrate support mechanism for supporting the substrate on a substrate support plane in a process zone, a nozzle head for subjecting the surface of the substrate to successive surface reactions of at least a first precursor and a second precursor and a nozzle head support mechanism for supporting the nozzle head at a predetermined distance from the substrate support plane. The nozzle head support mechanism includes a nozzle head support surface and, that the nozzle head is supported to the nozzle head support surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a system for applying a fluid chemical treatment to a vertical column. In one embodiment the system includes a frame configured to generally surround the column, with a substantial gap between an inner surface of the frame and an outer surface of the column. The system may further include a centering guide on the inner surface of the frame, and an array of fluid spray nozzles connected to a pressurized fluid chemical source, and arranged to apply a uniform spray coating to the column. A mobility system vertically translates the frame along the column in a level orientation while fluid chemical is being applied.

Abstract: The spray paint can spraying accessory attaches onto an existing can of spray paint, and which is able to direct paint inwardly around a focal point in order to paint a cylindrical or circular object. The spray paint can accessory includes a nozzle housing that attaches atop of a spray paint can, and a can nozzle that attaches onto the outlet tube of the existing spray paint can. A spray gun hose connects with the can nozzle to direct paint to a spray gun having a plurality of paint nozzles positioned along an assembly, and which direct paint inwardly around a focal point. The assembly and paint nozzles include an opening to enable ingress and egress of the object to be painted. The can nozzle housing includes a threaded member that upon rotation engages the can nozzle downwardly thereby operating the outlet tube of the spray paint can.

Abstract: A wire coloring apparatus including a roller is provided to prevent drag of a colorant, which is jetted on an electric wire and not dried yet, the guide roller is arranged at a downstream side of a coloring nozzle, which jets a colorant toward a highest point of an outer surface of the electric wire moving along a lengthwise direction thereof, in a moving direction of the electric wire. The guide roller is formed with a pair of tapered surfaces catching and supporting the electric wire and approaching to each other in accordance with nearing to a rotating axis. When a radius REW of the electric wire 3 is 1.2 mm, an angle ?T formed by the pair of tapered surfaces is designed at least 60 degrees and not more than ?X degrees.

Abstract: A pipe conditioning tool comprising a drive unit to move the tool along a pipe and a work head rotatable about an axis of the pipe to condition a surface of the pipe, the drive unit includes a frame extending to opposite sides of the pipe, the frame having legs extending radially beyond the work head to provide support for the tool upon removal from said pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying lubricant to steel wire ropes, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of nozzles directed centrally towards a rope segment, the nozzles are connected to a compressor and a lubricant reservoir for enabling the dispensing of the lubricant therefrom. The apparatus is remotely controllable allowing quality, quantity and sequence of lubricant dispensed to be activated or deactivated remotely.

Abstract: A remotely operated device for inspecting and/or cleaning a subsea flexible pipe joint comprises a support assembly. In addition, the device comprises a tool positioning assembly coupled to the support assembly. The tool positioning assembly includes a rotating member disposed about a central axis. The tool positioning assembly is rotatable relative to the support assembly about the central axis. Further, the device comprises a cleaning assembly including a cleaning device adapted to clean the flexible pipe joint. The cleaning device is axially moveable relative to the rotating member. Still further, the device comprises a clamping assembly coupled to the support assembly. The clamping assembly has an open position disengaged with the section of the flexible pipe joint and a closed position engaging the section of the flexible pipe joint.

Abstract: A device for coating an exterior of an elongate object includes a housing structure with an elongate chamber having first and second opposite ends. A port communicates with the first end for receiving the elongate object and an outlet is located at the second end. An air supply passage and a coating material supply passage communicate with the elongate chamber. Pressurized air and coating material are adapted to enter the elongate chamber through the air supply passage and the coating material supply passage, respectively, to form a mist in the elongate chamber moving toward the outlet while coating the exterior of the object. A method of coating an exterior surface of the elongate object with the coating material includes holding the elongate object lengthwise in the elongate chamber, mixing the pressurized air and the coating material to form a mist, and coating the exterior surface while directing the mist around the exterior surface and toward the outlet of the elongate chamber.

Abstract: A method of applying protective sheeting of polymer material to a pipeline, the method including the steps of advancing a carriage along an annular path extending about the longitudinal axis of the pipeline; extruding the protective sheeting on the carriage; winding the protective sheeting, as the protective sheeting is extruded, about a cutback on the pipeline; and plastifying the polymer material on board the carriage.

Abstract: A method for applying a coating to a cable, the cable having a longitudinal direction, includes A) cleaning the surface of the cable, and B) applying coating to the cable by rotating a coating application means around the cable allowing the application of the coating. The steps are performed from a platform being moved along the cable in a movement direction by at least three wheels that are fastened in a force-locking manner to the cable. Step A) is performed in the movement direction before the wheels, and step B) is performed in the movement direction behind the wheels. The wheels are driven by a motor that can be controlled in such a manner that the platform can be positioned at predefined positions reproducibly.

Abstract: A tool and method for assisting in the maintenance and inspection of power lines by providing a platform that rides along the power lines.

Abstract: A bridge cable maintenance apparatus attaches to a cable and includes two drivetrains. Once attached, the apparatus is remotely directed along the longitudinal extent of the cable by the first drivetrain. The second drivetrain rotates attachments about the cables axis. The attachments include a variety of maintenance devices that are fastened to the end of the apparatus and allow the user to remotely and safely inspect, paint, clean, and repair the cable.

Abstract: An in-line vacuum coating system includes a vacuum chamber, a coating source and a substrate carrier for holding tubular substrates, the carrier being displaceable using the vacuum chamber. A sure method of simply and securely coupling a fixed rotational drive unit to a carrier that can be displaced at a constant rate of speed in an in-line vacuum coating system is accomplished by a fixed splined shaft rotatably installed and connectable to a rotational drive unit, and a gearwheel that can be engaged with the splined shaft and that is rotatably mounted on the carrier. The gearwheel is longitudinally displaceable to a predefined extent in spring-loaded fashion in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for coating a medical device. In one embodiment, the method for preparing a substantially uniform coated medical device includes (1) preparing a coating solution comprising a solvent, a therapeutic agent, and an additive; (2) loading a metering dispenser with the coating solution; (3) rotating the medical device about the longitudinal axis of the device and/or moving the medical device along the longitudinal or transverse axis of the device; (4) dispensing the coating solution from the metering dispenser onto a surface of the medical device and flowing the coating solution on the surface of the medical device while the medical device is rotating and/or linearly moving; and (5) evaporating the solvent, forming a substantially uniform coating layer on the medical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device arranged to move along a cable (1), preferably a tension cable of a suspension bridge, in order to obstruct covering of snow or ice on the cable. The device (2) comprises a compound (6) that obstructs covering of snow or ice as well as means (10) to coat the cable (1) with the compound (6). In addition, the device comprises sensors arranged to detect how large amount of the compound that is in the container. The sensors detect if the container needs to be replenished, and if so is the case, the device is arranged to automatically move to a replenishing device in order to there replenish more of the compound. The present invention also relates to a method to obstruct covering of snow or ice on a cable (1), preferably a tension cable of a suspension bridge.

Abstract: A protective member (14) and a nozzle assembly (11) incorporating the protective member (14) are provided. The protective member (14) is for use with a nozzle (12) having a strand guide passageway (18) for receiving a strand (16) of material. Protective member (14) comprises a body (60) configured to be received in the strand guide passageway (18) of the nozzle (12). The body (60) of the protective member (14) has a passageway (63) for the strand (16) and is disposed between the strand guide passageway (18) and the moving strand (16). The body (60) of the protective member (14) is composed, at least in part, of a material having a wear resistance sufficient to resist wear caused by the strand (16) being guided thereby. Alternatively, a portion of the body (60) may be coated with a material having a wear resistance sufficient to resist wear caused by the strand (16).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the corrosion resistance of chrome plated materials. After the materials to be chrome plated are mechanically abrasively polished, but before they are reverse etched, they are power washed with a high-pressure liquid. A sprayer with nozzles directed inwardly towards the materials directs water onto the material at pressures in the range of 1000 or 2500 to 3000 psi. After the materials are chrome plated, they are heated above the melting point of a buffing compound, and then the heated materials with the buffing compound applied are buffed. An induction heater is used, before or after the buffing compound is applied. Computer controls, responsive to operator input of the cross-sectional size, composition and/or speed of movement of the chrome plated materials, to in turn regulate the power to an induction coil heater.

Abstract: A painting apparatus for applying a coating material to a member surface of a member comprises a housing, at least one slide rail, a rack assembly, a cross beam and a spraying device. The slide rail may be mountable within the housing and may have a plurality of rack positions. The rack assembly is mountable within the housing at one of the rack positions. The rack assembly is configured to support the member such that the member surface is exposed. The cross beam may be coupled to the slide rail. The cross beam is movable along the slide rail and is positionable at the rack positions. The spraying device is mountable on the cross beam and is configured to move along the cross beam while spraying the coating material onto the member surface.

Abstract: A system for coating implantable medical devices, such as stents, and a method of coating stents using the system is also disclosed. The system includes a barrier or barriers for isolating an area of the stent on which a composition for coating a stent is applied. Two coating compositions can be applied simultaneously to a stent by separate nozzles on different sides of a barrier. Cross-contamination of the compositions is prevented by the barrier.

Abstract: Strand positional guide implements, for use in connection with hot melt adhesive strand coating applicator assemblies, comprise a plurality of V-shaped strand guide slots wherein the apex portions are oriented outwardly away from the hot melt adhesive material dispensing nozzles. Accordingly, an enlarged air space is effectively defined between the plurality of elongated strands and its respective hot melt adhesive material dispensing nozzle such that the plurality of elongated strands are not adversely affected by the heat or thermal radiation generated by or emanating from the hot melt adhesive material dispensing nozzles thereof.

Abstract: A film forming apparatus to form a coating film by applying a coating material to an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical object to be coated, includes a material applying device having a nozzle unit to apply the coating material to the outer circumferential surface of the object and a material supplying unit to supply the coating material to the nozzle unit and a moving device configured to move the nozzle unit relatively to the object such that the coating material is applied uniformly to the outer circumferential surface of the object. The moving device includes an object holding unit configured to hold the object, a nozzle moving unit configured to move relatively the nozzle unit with respect to the object holding unit along a longitudinal axis of the object holding unit, and a guide unit configured to guide the nozzle unit along the object holding unit as the nozzle unit moves along the object holding unit such that an interval between the nozzle unit and the object is maintained constant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coating abluminal surface of a stent is described. The apparatus includes a stent support, a coating device, and an imaging system. The coating device includes a solution reservoir and transducer assembly. The transducer assembly includes a plurality of transducers and a controller. Each transducer is used to generate focused acoustic waves in the coating substance in the reservoir. A controller is communicated to an image system to enable the transducers to generate droplets on demand and at the predetermined ejection points on the surface of the coating substance to coat the stent. A method for coating a stent includes stent mounting, stent movement, and droplet excitation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for coating a fiber bundle, the fiber bundle comprising at least three fibers and the method comprising guiding the fiber bundle to travel through a first and a second chamber formed by means of a first, a second and a third nozzle part of a nozzle means, whereby coating material is fed to the fiber bundle through the chambers. The fibers of the fiber bundle are kept separate from each other in the first nozzle part, so that the coating material gets to penetrate between the fibers in the first chamber; the fibers are guided into a position against each other in the second nozzle part, so that the coating material surrounds the uniform fiber bundle in the second chamber; and the fiber bundle is guided onwards through the third nozzle part to provide the final fiber bundle diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses that reduce problems encountered during coating of a device, such as a medical device having a cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus including a bi-directional rotation member. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method with a bi-directional indexing movement. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating solution supply member having a major axis oriented parallel to a gap between rollers on a coating apparatus. In an embodiment, the invention includes a device retaining member. In an embodiment, the invention includes an air nozzle or an air knife. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method including removing a static charge from a small diameter medical device.

Abstract: A nozzle for use in a coating apparatus for the application of a coating substance to a stent is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for spraying maintenance enhancing material onto the periphery of a tubular member positioned above a ground surface, that comprises means for generating spray onto the periphery of the tubular member; means for delivering maintenance enhancing material to the spray generating means; and means for positioning the spray generating means in such a way that the periphery of the tubular member is completely impinged by the spray issuing from each spray generating means and that a line corresponding to the shortest distance of a spray issuing from the spray generating means to the periphery of the tubular member is not necessarily colinear with the radius of the tubular member.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating implantable medical devices, such as stents, is disclosed. A method of coating stents using the apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a barrier or barriers for isolating an area of the stent on which a composition for coating a stent is applied.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for coating a device comprising a coating chamber and a device rotator having at least one device mount wherein the apparatus allows insertion and retraction of the device on the device mount into and out of the coating chamber. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of applying a substantially uniform coating on a device comprising the steps of providing an apparatus for coating a device, mounting the device onto the device mount, purging the coating chamber to reduce humidity in the coating chamber, maintaining a reduced humidity content in the coating chamber, inserting the device into the coating chamber, disposing a coating material on the device and rotating the device mounts about the device axis.

Abstract: A pipe joint between welded exposed metal end sections of coated pipe being formed into a pipeline is cleaned before a corrosion resistant film is applied. A cleaning head of a cleaning mechanism is placed with a mounting frame on the pipe in the area of the pipe ends to be cleaned. The cleaning head moves in a succession of longitudinal cleaning passes in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipe area being cleaned. The frame also moves the cleaning head rotatably with respect to the pipe joint to positions for the longitudinal cleaning passes. A control mechanism defines the extent of the longitudinal cleaning passes, and also controls movement of the cleaning head to successive cleaning passes until the pipe joint is cleaned. The control is programmed and automatic, and there is no need for contact with the mechanism while it is in operation. The number of cleaning heads and cleaning material supply and exhaust hoses or tubes, as well as the number of crew required, is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the corrosion resistance of chrome plated materials that provides for heating the chrome plated materials above the melting point of a buffing compound, and then buffing the heated materials with the buffing compound applied. An induction heater is used, before or after the buffing compound is applied. Computer controls, responsive to operator input of the cross-sectional size, composition and/or speed of movement of the chrome plated materials, to in turn regulate the power to an induction coil heater.

Abstract: A sealant applicator 1 is provided for applying a waterproofing treatment to a wire assembly, a plurality of wires are aligned in a line according to their diameters in a holder 4 provided on a wire laying board 3. Positioning members 21 of a main unit 2 are fitted to the holder 4. A pair of nozzles 22 are opposed to each other at the opposite sides of the aligned wires, and is caused to discharge a specified amount of the sealant by a feeding mechanism 26 while being moved in a wire alignment direction by a moving mechanism 27 and being brought closer to the wires by a relatively moving mechanism 25. This enables a variation of clearances between the wires and the nozzles to be reduced and the sealant to be uniformly applied.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring the application of a viscous material onto at least one moving strand or other narrow substrates. A detection unit, such as a machine vision system, an infrared sensor, an ultraviolet detector, or a light curtain with multiple detectors, senses radiation originating from the viscous material after it is applied to the strand or strands and, typically, before each strand is contacted with a substrate. The detection unit determines a detected value representative of a characteristic of the pattern from the sensed radiation, compares the detected value with a reference value representative of a desired standard for the characteristic, and outputs a signal in accordance with the result of the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for applying adhesive to an outer circumference of a section of tubing. The apparatus includes opposed grippers with concave adhesive transfer areas that can be moved into surrounding relationship with the tubing. Adhesive dispensing passages communicate with the adhesive transfer areas for delivering adhesive to the tubing. Counterbores are at opposed ends of the adhesive transfer areas and communicate with a vacuum source for removing excess adhesive.

Abstract: Strand coating methods and systems having an applicator head pivotally mounted adjacent a substrate, a coating material dispenser mounted on the applicator head, a strand guide mounted on the applicator head, wherein the strand guide and the coating material dispenser are adjustably positionable in unison relative to the substrate by pivoting the applicator head to vary the spacing of the strands relative to the substrate.

Abstract: Extruded material for forming blind slats has at least one textured surface with raised areas and adjacent lower areas. After extrusion and texturing processes, the slat material is passed through a spray painting process applying a substantially thicker coating of paint to the raised areas than to the adjacent lower areas.

Abstract: A printing medium in cylindrical form consists of a dimensionally stable solid, partly hollow or hollow cylinder and a photopolymerizable crosslinkable cylinder layer which is applied in particular in part-layers by means of a coaxial coating apparatus and on which an IR radiation-sensitive layer is applied, preferably as a single layer, by means of a coaxial coating apparatus.

Abstract: A pump for coating molten metal onto a substrate includes a base with an impeller chamber, at least one molten metal inlet opening to the base, at least one molten metal outlet opening from the base, and an impeller connected to one end of a motor driven shaft and rotatable in the impeller chamber, the base, shaft and impeller being made of refractory material. A conduit is in communication with the molten metal discharged from the molten metal outlet opening. The conduit is formed of refractory material and comprises an arcuate shaped portion in which molten metal outlet openings are disposed. An insulating region is located between the conduit and a motor support. The conduit has a shape and the conduit outlet openings are configured and arranged to discharge molten metal toward an interior of the conduit in upward and downward directions such that exterior surfaces of a workpiece passed therein are coated with molten metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing nonmanual tasks on and adjacent vertical or nearly vertical surfaces. The apparatus is designed so that a portion of the apparatus can traverse the vertical or nearly vertical surfaces of structures which may include obstacles such as window frames or gaps created by window seams, without coming into physical contact with those surfaces. The apparatus includes a top control unit, a vehicle for traversing the vertical or near vertical surfaces, and a bottom control unit. The vehicle is maintained in a near constant spaced relationship to vertical or nearly vertical surfaces by elongated flexible members that connect the vehicle to the top control unit and bottom control unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous galvanizing of a linear element wherein controlled flow of molten zinc onto the linear element is effected through one or more nozzles, whereby galvanizing may be accomplished without immersion of the linear element in molten zinc. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the invention comprises an annular nozzle having a central opening through which the linear element is axially advanced. The nozzle is configured to provide a converging, generally frustoconical curtain of molten zinc flowing continuously onto the exterior surface of the linear element.