Abstract: A drug coating apparatus (100) for coating an implant (206) with a drug is described. The drug coating apparatus (100) includes a holding unit (102) having a top collet (202-1) for holding the implant (206) from a top end of the implant (206), and a bottom collet (202-2) to hold the implant (206) from a bottom end of the implant (206). The drug coating apparatus (100) includes at least one rotary drive (115) coupled to the holding unit (102) for rotating the top collet (202-1), the bottom collet (202-2) and the implant (206), and includes a spraying unit (104) to spray-coat the drug on the implant (206).

Abstract: A plating apparatus is described. The apparatus includes: a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate in a vertical position; at least one processing bath configured to process the substrate held by the substrate holder, a transporter configured to grip and horizontally transport the substrate holder; at least one lifer configured to receive the substrate holder from the transporter, lower the substrate holder to place the substrate holder in the processing bath, elevate the substrate holder from the processing bath after processing of the substrate, and transfer the substrate holder to the transporter; and a controller configured to control operations of the transporter and the lifter.

Abstract: There is provided a plasma processing apparatus including a plasma generating unit for generating a plasma in a processing chamber in which a set processing is performed on a substrate serving as an object to be processed. The plasma processing apparatus further includes a particle moving unit for electrostatically driving particles in a region above the substrate to be removed out of the region above the substrate in the processing chamber while the processing on the substrate is performed by using the plasma. In addition, there is provided a plasma processing method of a plasma processing apparatus including the steps of generating plasma in a processing chamber in which a set processing is performed on a substrate serving as an object to be processed; and performing the processing on the substrate by the plasma.

Abstract: An apparatus and method use closed loop control processes to automatically adjust a command signal used to change an operating state of a fluid dispensing gun. Proportional, integral and/or derivative control processes are used to determine an operating parameter comprising on time compensation, off time compensation and/or a fluid pressure compensation. An adjustment is made to the operating parameter if a number of consecutive measurements of an adhesive bead characteristic are outside of a predetermined tolerance range. A sensor for producing a feedback signal is used to communicate a measurable difference between an actual and a desired bead characteristic. The feedback signal applied in real time is used when determining the operating parameter, reducing substrate waste and increasing efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus including a vacuum chamber having a substrate holding unit that holds a substrate and a plasma electrode facing the substrate, a first gas supply unit that supplies a H2 gas to the vacuum chamber at a constant flow rate, a second gas supply unit that opens or closes a valve to turn on or off the supply of a SiH4 gas, a high-frequency power source that applies a high frequency voltage to the plasma electrode, a shield box that is connected to a ground so as to surround the plasma electrode outside the vacuum chamber, and a control unit that controls the valve such that the SiH4 gas is periodically supplied to the vacuum chamber and modulates the amplitude of high frequency power in synchronization with the opening or closing of the valve, and the valve is provided in the shield box.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma treatment apparatus and a conditioning method capable of performing a conditioning for the whole vacuum chamber. A plasma treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a moving means for moving a substrate holder (2) between a reaction chamber (8) and a transfer chamber (9) lying on the under side thereof. Moreover, it has such structure that the exhaust conductance of the reaction chamber (8) becomes large when the substrate holder (2) lies in the transfer chamber. Upon the conditioning, the substrate holder (2) is moved to the transfer chamber (9) to allow diffusing species to spread widely, thereby effectively performing the conditioning for both reaction chamber (8) and transfer chamber (9) in the vacuum chamber (1).

Abstract: A disclosed substrate processing method in a single wafer substrate processing device including a first process position for introducing nitrogen atoms to a high-dielectric film and a second process position for performing heat treatment on the high-dielectric film includes: successively conveying plural substrates to be processed to the first process position and the second process position one by one; and successively performing the introduction of nitrogen atoms and the heat treatment on the high-dielectric film on the substrates to be processed, wherein the treatment on the substrate to be processed is started within 30 seconds at the second process position after the process at the first position.

Abstract: In the case of CVD methods, comprising PECVD and PICVD methods, the aim of the invention is to improve the impurity-free and, as far as possible, temporally and quantitatively precise feeding of process gases for the targeted layer systems. To this end, the invention provides a coating system and a method for coating articles with alternating layers, in the case of which process gases are introduced in an alternating fashion into a gas mixing point and mixed with a further gas and led to the reaction chamber, in which the deposition is carried out by producing a plasma.

Abstract: A microdeposition system (20) and method deposits precise amounts of fluid material onto a substrate. A microdeposition head (50) includes a plurality of spaced nozzles. A positioning device controls a position of the microdeposition head relative to the substrate. A controller (22) includes a positioning module that communicates with the positioning device and that generates position control signals for the positioning device. A nozzle firing module communicates with the microdeposition head (50) and selectively generates nozzle firing commands to define features of at least one layer of an electrical device, such as resistors, traces and capacitors on a printed circuit board, polymer light emitting diodes, and light panels.

Abstract: A microdeposition system (20) and method deposits precise amounts of fluid material onto a substrate. A microdeposition head (50) includes a plurality of spaced nozzles that fire droplets having a deposited width when deposited on the substrate. A positioning device moves the microdeposition head (50) relative to the substrate at a head speed. A controller (22) generates over-clocking signals at a rate that is substantially greater than the head speed divided by the droplet width to improve resolution. The controller (22) includes a positioning module that generates position control signals for the positioning device. The controller (22) includes a nozzle firing module (114) that generates nozzle firing commands based on the over-clocking rate to fire the nozzles to form droplets that define features on the substrate.

Abstract: The purging of photoresist from a supply device of semiconductor coating equipment is automatically executed in a controlled manner. The equipment employs a plurality of photoresist bottles for storing the same kind of photoresist. A plurality of supply pipes are respectively connected to the photoresist bottles, respectively. A valve system selectively opens and closes the supply pipes in response to control signals generated by a main controller. A dispense pump forces the photoresist in the open supply pipe through a nozzle. A purge start button issues a purge start command signal to the controller when the button is pressed. The controller then controls the valve system and the dispense pump so as to automatically purge the photoresist according to a sequence effected using a timer.

Abstract: The present invention is a substrate treatment method in which a treatment by supplying a treatment solution from a nozzle to a substrate is successively performed for a plurality of substrates, which comprises the step of, during the performance of the successive treatments, performing between the treatments a plurality of pre-dispenses for different purposes of the treatment solution, wherein at least a recipe of the treatment solution to be pre-dispensed or a start condition of the pre-dispense is determined for each of the pre-dispenses. According to the present invention, the pre-dispense can be performed at a necessary and sufficient frequency to shorten the suspension time due to the pre-dispenses in the substrate treatment. This improves the throughput and reduces the number of pre-dispenses, resulting in reduced consumption of the treatment solution.

Abstract: A photoresist supply apparatus of semiconductor coating equipment fills a supply pipe with new photoresist when a used photoresist bottle is replaced. The photoresist supply apparatus includes first and second photoresist bottles, first and second gas supply pipes connected to the bottles, first and second solenoid valves disposed along the gas supply pipes, first and second purge start buttons, first and second photoresist supply pipes, first and second trap tanks to which the supply pipes are connected, a third photoresist supply pipe connected to the trap tanks, a nozzle connected to the third photoresist supply pipe, first and second level sensors disposed at an upper level of the trap tanks, third and fourth level sensors disposed at a lower level of the trap tank, first and second discharge pipes connected to the trap tanks, third and fourth solenoid valves disposed along the discharge pipes, first and second drain sensors associated with the discharge pipes, and a controller.

Abstract: The purging of photoresist from a supply device of semiconductor coating equipment is automatically executed in a controlled manner. The equipment employs a plurality of photoresist bottles for storing the same kind of photoresist. A plurality of supply pipes are respectively connected to the photoresist bottles, respectively. A valve system selectively opens and closes the supply pipes in response to control signals generated by a main controller. A dispense pump forces the photoresist in the open supply pipe through a nozzle. A purge start button issues a purge start command signal to the controller when the button is pressed. The controller then controls the valve system and the dispense pump so as to automatically purge the photoresist according to a sequence effected using a timer.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a fluid dispensing gun to dispense a fluid onto a substrate moving relative to the dispensing gun. The apparatus has a sensor that produces a sensor feedback signal in response to the fluid dispensing gun changing operating states. A control is connected to the sensor and provides first signals causing the fluid dispensing gun to change operating states. The control has a detector producing a compensation signal representing a difference between the occurrences of one of said first signals and the sensor feedback signal. The control then adjusts a subsequent first signal in response to the compensation signal. Thus, the control automatically compensates the operation of the fluid dispensing gun in real time for changes in the switching time of the fluid dispensing gun required to change its operating states.

Abstract: A polyimide processing tool for coating polyimide on a semiconductor wafer is provided with a pause time monitoring means for monitoring the duration of the polyimide processing tool's wafer-transfer robot's pause time. The wafer-transfer robot transfers wafers from polyimide apply tool to polyimide cure bake oven and monitoring the duration of the pause helps prevent undesirably long pauses between polyimide apply of the uncured polyimide and the curing step.

Abstract: A coated film forming method is capable of readily forming a coated film of a thermoplastic material on a coated region of an inner peripheral surface of a cylinder. A nozzle, through which a molten paste of a thermoplastic material kept molten is discharged, is disposed toward an inner peripheral surface of a cylinder. The nozzle is moved along a rotational central line of the cylinder while rotating the cylinder and discharging the molten paste from the nozzle. Centrifugal force acting on the cylinder being rotated leads to spreading of the molten paste applied to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder. Viscosity of the molten paste, a rotational speed of the cylinder and a speed of movement of the nozzle are set so as to keep the molten paste discharged from the nozzle from being scattered to a region other than the coated region.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an operation of a fluid dispensing gun dispensing a pattern of fluid onto a substrate moving with respect to the dispensing gun. The dispensing gun changes operating states in response to transition signals. A sensor is disposed adjacent the substrate and provides feedback signals in response to detecting edges of the fluid dispensed onto the substrate. A diagnostic monitor is responsive to the transition and feedback signals and automatically measures delays between occurrences of the transition signals and detecting corresponding edges of the fluid deposited onto the substrate resulting from the transition signals. The delays are measured by correlating the feedback signals to the transition signals. A method for measuring the delays is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A sensor, such as a mass spectrometer, capable of detecting the presence of materials in a sampled gas is interconnected with a processing chamber of a vacuum manufacturing tool. The sensor includes a timing circuit which is activated only if certain levels of specific materials are detected. Furthermore, the timer is set to run a predetermined time interval after activation so as to discriminate between known transient processing conditions and the presence of impurities which can greatly influence the manufacturing process. When the timer exceeds the predetermined time duration, an output signal can alert the process operator or automatically shutdown the manufacturing tool.

Abstract: In the chemical vapor deposition apparatus, a substrate stage for mounting a substrate is provided inside a reaction chamber of the apparatus. A source gas inlet for introducing a source gas and exhaust outlets and for exhausting the source gas are provided. Exhaust outlet valves provided for exhaust outlets are open and shut successively with time. The direction of the flow of source gas relative to the fixed substrate varies with time. The present chemical vapor deposition apparatus allows the improved evenness of film thickness, the composition ratio, and the like within the substrate surface as well as the reduction of particles of foreign substance generated inside the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring valve dispensing time. In the apparatus, an optical fiber sensor is located arranged in the vicinity of an outlet of a nozzle. A magnetic field is generated in coils of a first relay by an ON signal from an electromagnetic valve, such that contacts thereof are connected to each other. A magnetic field is generated in coils of a second relay by an OFF signal from the electromagnetic valve, such that contacts thereof are connected to each other. A stopwatch has a start terminal connected to the first relay and a stop terminal connected to the second relay. When the electromagnetic valve transmits a signal to the suckback valve to dispense the photoresist from the nozzle, a ON signal is transmitted to generate a magnetic field in coils of the first relay, while contacts of the first relay are connected to start the stop watch.

Abstract: A system and method for setting up an applicator to treat a target blank traveling on a conveyor includes placing a mark on an example blank, where the mark represents a desired location for treatment of the target blank. The marked example blank is passed along the conveyor, and the location of the mark is sensed on the example blank. The applicator is programmed to treat the target blank at the sensed location. Further, a method and system for regulating an applicator for treating a desired location of a target blank traveling along a conveyor include passing the target blank along the conveyor and sensing an applied location of the treatment to the target blank. The applied location is compared with the desired location and responsive to the comparing, the applicator is adjusted to apply the treatment closer to the desired location.

Abstract: A dispensing system used in a spin coater is provided to transport a solvent to a wafer. The dispensing, system includes a switch valve, a sucking-back valve, a solenoid valve, a speed control unit of the sucking-back valve, and a speed control unit of the switch valve. The switch valve controls a solvent dispensing status. The sucking-back valve receives the solvent from the switch valve and exports the solvent to a wafer. The solenoid valve controls the switch valve and the sucking-back valve. The speed control unit of the switch valve is coupled between the switch valve and the solenoid valve and is used for a control of action speed on the switch valve. The speed control unit of the sucking-back valve is coupled between the switch valve and the sucking-back valve, and is used for a control of action speed of the sucking-back valve by a sufficient delay time of action.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a material to a substrate. A material application station includes a shutter assembly having at least one horizontally extending blade which is rapidly displaceable from a closed configuration in which an outlet path of the shutter assembly is obstructed to an open configuration in which the outlet path is open. While the blade of the shutter assembly is in the closed configuration, a coating material is applied to a first predetermined area on an upper surface of the shutter assembly. A substrate is located beneath the shutter assembly in the outlet path. The blade of the shutter assembly is rapidly opened so that the coating material falls onto the substrate over a second predetermined area on an upper surface of the substrate. The second predetermined area is substantially equal to the first predetermined area. The resulting deposit is of a controlled diameter. A rapid opening of the blade allows the deposit to fall a short distance onto a substrate such as a pizza base.

Abstract: A system for improving accuracy of application of a fluid to a desired area of an object which is moving transversely to the direction in which the fluid, e.g., an adhesive, is emitted from a nozzle via an electrically actuated valve. Photoelectric or other such detecting means are positioned in known distance from the nozzle to generate a signal in response to presence of fluid at that position. The delay time between detection of the moving object at a predetermined position and generation of the signal to open the valve is varied commensurately with the time period between generation of the valve-opening and fluid-detection signals of the preceding cycle. The variable delay time thus reflects more accurately the actual electrical and mechanical response times of the valve as opposed to an estimated, fixed delay time. A second detector may be spaced a predetermined distance along the path of adhesive flow from the first detector to provide measurement of fluid velocity.

Abstract: A vacuum control and detection system for a semiconductor fabricating apparatus includes a vacuum line connected to a plate for holding a semiconductor wafer to be processed. An electromagnetic valve is connected to the vacuum line for selectively opening and closing the vacuum line. A control unit receives a wafer sensing signal from the plate, and supplies an actuating voltage to the electromagnetic valve to open the vacuum line and securely hold the wafer to the plate via a vacuum force. A time delay device also receives the actuating voltage from the control unit and outputs a wafer holding signal to the control unit after a 2-3 second time delay. After wafer processing operations are completed, the control unit deactivates the actuating voltage supplied to the electromagnetic valve and the time delay device to close the vacuum line and release the vacuum force on the wafer.

Abstract: A pan oiler for spraying oil into cavities in pans moving on a conveyor including a stationary center nozzle assembly and spaced outer nozzle assemblies. The outer nozzle assemblies are mounted on opposite ends of a drive screw having right hand threads formed on one end and left hand threads formed on the other end for moving the outside nozzle assemblies in unison relative to the stationary center nozzle assembly. A pair of electrically charged electrodes are positioned adjacent the nozzle assemblies for setting up an electric field across the spray paths of the nozzle assemblies for reducing overspray.

Abstract: An overcoat to be formed on an automotive vehicle body is formed by coating an overcoating base paint and, as needed, a solid or clear coating paint. The overcoating is continuously performed in at least three coating stages, wherein a rotary-type atomizing coater is disposed for the first coating stage and an air-nozzle type coater is disposed for each of the second and third coating stages. When a metallic paint having a pale color is coated in all three coating stages, while two coating stages are employed for coating a paint having a relative dark color.

Abstract: The sequence controller disclosed is a microprocessor based unit having a user programmable sequence of electronic pulses for the control or synchronization of valves, relays, solenoids and timers. The controller is connected to spray nozzles adapted for projecting atomized droplets of liquid between charged electrodes in a timed sequence to cause the charged droplets to be attracted to and impinge against partial areas of a grounded surface to form a continuous substantially uniform film of liquid on the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating an internally threaded fastener includes a support having a support aperture in axial alignment with an aperture in the fastener, a nozzle for applying a coating onto the internal threads located on the fastener aperture, means for reciprocally moving the nozzle through said support aperture and into said fastener aperture to align with the fastener threads, and means for maintaining the spray head in a stationary position within the fastener aperture while said reciprocally moving means continues through its reciprocal cycle.

Abstract: In the case of an apparatus for the contact-free application of a liquid strip, more particularly a strip of glue, on a moving web of material, comprising at least one application head, which is provided with at least one nozzle arranged at a distance from the web of material and a valve adapted to put the nozzle into and out of operation and adapted to be operated in accordance with the desired pattern of application, the aim of the invention is to provide such an improvement using simple and low-price means that despite the contact-free application of liquid high accuracy becomes possible. This accomplished by a modification such that the timing of the valve is modified to depart from the basic values, which are dependent on the application pattern, in accordance with a correction value which is a function of the speed of the web of material and at least the distance of the web from the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for painting an edge of a workpiece that is moving in a travel direction generally parallel to the edge past a painting station has a support movable horizontally transversely of the direction in the station and an actuator connected to the support for displacing the support transversely of the direction. A generally tubular casing mounted on the support has a rear end and a front end and a front plate engaged over the front end of the casing is formed with a narrow nose in turn formed with a notch having a shape complementary to the workpiece edge. The front plate is releasably secured over the front end of the casing. A vacuum tank adjacent the station has a large-diameter flexible vacuum hose connected to the rear end of the casing for drawing in air through the nose at the notch.

Abstract: Pressure responsive glue dispensing nozzles are mounted on a pivotable glue distributing manifold. Rocker arms are attached to the glue distributing manifold and are actuated to pivot about a fixed pivot axis by solenoids. Adjustable stop means are used to limit and adjust the pivot stroke of the manifold so that the glue dispensing nozzles can dispense glue to one edge of a document that may have a varying thickness. Return means are provided to return the rocker arm assembly to a base position when the solenoids are de-energized.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying a programmable pattern to a succession of moving objects, comprising a microprocessor for storing a user defined value representing the length of the pattern, a clock for generating a series of pulses and a photo-eye for detecting the presence of the succession of moving objects. Upon detecting the presence of a first one of the moving objects, a set-up mode gate is enabled for transmitting the clock pulses to a first divider circuit. The first divider circuit divides the number of transmitted clock pulses by the user defined value and in response generates and stores a first count value. Upon detecting the presence of subsequent moving objects, a run mode gate transmits successive predetermined numbers of clock pulses to a second divider circuit. The second divider circuit divides the successive predetermined numbers of clock pulses by a first count value and in response generates successive further count values.

Abstract: In a mailing machine base including structure for feeding an envelope, having a body and a flap, in a downstream path of travel, and including structure for deflecting the flap, a process for selectively guiding an envelope into and out of engagement with the flap deflecting structure, the process comprising the steps of, providing a baffle upstream from the flap deflecting structure, providing electromechanical structure for moving the baffle, providing a microprocessor for controlling the baffle moving structure, providing a resettable timer having a predetermined time out time interval, operating the baffle moving structure to move the baffle into the path of travel for guiding an envelope fed therein out of engagement with the flap deflecting structure and operating the baffle moving structure to move the baffle out of the path of travel for the time interval for guiding an envelope fed in the path of travel during the time interval into engagement with the flap deflecting structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for painting traffic marking lines over old paint markings on road pavement is disclosed. The apparatus, normally installed on a marking vehicle having a paint gun and a paint supply, includes a detector which illuminates the pavement and utilizes a spectroscope to analyze the return inspection for the presence of one or more known preselected constituents of the old paint marking to control actuation of the valve on the paint gun and also track the old pavement marking. The apparatus also provides a paint gun delay function to account for the lead distance between detector and paint gun and enables the application of new paint markings directly over the old markings at a relatively high rate of vehicle speed.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a predetermined glue pattern to a predetermined surface of a workpiece, which workpiece is moved in a stepwise, indexed fashion, such that this predetermined surface thereof follows a given path. The predetermined pattern includes first portion which extends along a line which intersects the given path. The apparatus includes a non-contact glue valve having an outlet; a carrier for mounting the glue valve for bidirectional motion along the line intersecting the given path with the outlet thereof in alignment with the first portion of the predetermined pattern and spaced closely above the predetermined surface of the workpiece. A control is provided for turning the glue valve on and off in a predetermined fashion for depositing glue upon the predetermined surface of the workpiece in the first portion of the pattern.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of manufacturing a photographic plate of glass using a device in which an elastic flexible hanger is provided at the bottom of a liquid feeder located over the movement passage for the base of the plate, and the base is moved into contact with the hanger at the lower end thereof so that a liquid flowing out from the feeder is applied to the base. The base and the hanger are kept out of contact with each other until the leading edge of the base passes under the hanger. The base and the hanger are then put into contact with each other after the leading edge of the base has passed under the hanger so that the application is started. The base and the hanger are subsequently put out of contact with each other immediately before the liquid is applied to the base at the trailing edge thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for bringing together a mixture comprising a basic liquid product and a hardener with a view to attaining a fast-hardening product for spraying a surface characterized in that upon the interruption of the spraying, a circuit for adjusted delay is activated for a period of time between a zero value and a value at least slightly less than the hardening time of the hardener when air-sealed. At the end of the predetermined period of time delay, with the aid of this delay circuit, a signal is emitted, the signal is operatively applied to circuits to cause the feeding of the base and hardener (2) to the mixer to be interrupted while an evacuation and cleaning cycle is triggered. This cycle includes, in particular, alternating phases of washing, using at least one solvent, and rinsing. During the cleaning cycle, the hardener is returned to its reservoir by way of a recirculation circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imparting a decorative strip onto the sidewall of a cured tire. The tire is sealed between a pair of chucks and inflated. The sidewall portion of the tire to be decorated is maintained in a flat horizontal posture by the chucks and the inflation pressure. The tire is then rotated while a gun, having a nib is contact with the tire sidewall, dispenses a paint directly onto the tire. A heating element for curing or partially curing the paint is maintained in juxtaposition to the sidewall for heating the paint strip as it passes thereunder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the sequential coating of motor-vehicle bodies using a preprogrammed painter-robot is provided. As a result of wear, the signal/response delay times of valves and other control elements deviate from the information stored in the program. According to the subject invention, the actual signal/response delay time is measured and compared with the stored information stored in the program. In the event of unacceptable deviations in the actual verses stored signal/response delay times, the actuating times controlled by the program are changed in response thereto, and signals warning of excessive actual delay time are given.

Abstract: A marker is described which is utilized for marking surfaces which are fragile such as those of glass products just following molding procedures. A compact housing having a self-contained reservoir of marking fluid, a solenoid actuated nebulizing nozzle, and an air valve are employed with a self-contained circuit to nebulize a small quantity of marking fluid in a manner wherein the interval of expression of fluid from the nozzle is bracketed by a minimum interval of nebulizing air flow. As a result, only a short puff of nebulizing activity occurs which provides effective marking of the hot surface while avoiding any damage thereto.

Abstract: An automated system for reconditioning electrical terminals of an electrical work piece, such as a leadless chip carrier. The system includes a carrousel which stops upon rotating each 360/n degrees (wherein "n" is an integer greater than three), dwells, and then resumes rotation. "n" work piece holding assemblies are respectively uniformly disposed on the carrousel and include vacuum tips extending over the periphery of the carrousel for holding work pieces over work stations positioned adjacent and around the periphery of the carrousel beneath the positions occupied by the vacuum tips when the carrousel stops and dwells. A first work piece feed mechanism is located at a sequentially first work station for feeding a work piece to the vacuum tip positioned over the first work station when the carrousel is dwelling. A flux bath is located at a sequentially second work station for bathing a work piece held by the vacuum tip positioned over the second work station when the carrousel is dwelling.

Abstract: A marking device used in conjunction with a tire inspection machine in order to allow a tire to be marked at the location of irregularities detected by the tire inspection means.

Abstract: An apparatus for tinting a soft contact lens which is received in a fixture including an inlet and an outlet for directing predetermined fluids therethrough for engagement with predetermined surfaces of the contact lens. The apparatus comprises a carrier for carrying the fixture in a predetermined orientation; a guide arrangement for defining a predetermined path of travel; a motive assembly for propelling the carrier along the predetermined path; and a plurality of fluid application stations arranged along the path, each fluid application station including a fluid release member. The guide track and the motive assembly cooperate for aligning the inlet of the fixture with each fluid release member sequentially as the carrier travels along the predetermined path, for delivering a quantity of fluid to the fixture and the contact lens therein.

Abstract: In a liquid dispensing system which applies a liquid to a product moving past a liquid dispensing applicator, the improvement comprising dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid per unit length of liquid dispensed by controlling the liquid operating pressure to coincide with a predetermined liquid pressure and by providing a flow bypass line which permits a continual flow of liquid through a liquid flow pump controlling the liquid operating pressure when the liquid dispensing applicator is not activated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus which allows the component leads of pre-taped electronic components to be solder tinned to preserve the solderability and shelf life of such component leads. Pre-taped electronic components and the like are prepackaged in a reel and positioned in the apparatus such that the reel is free to rotate. Both leads of each component are secured to corresponding adjacent component leads by tape. The electronic components are moved through a plurality of processing stages such that one lead of each component is solder tinned, one of the processing stages removing the tape from the leads to enable the soldering thereof. After soldering of the leads, tape is applied thereto. The process is then repeated for the other leads of each component.

Abstract: Spindled photographic film discs are coated with an ultraviolet light curable protective coating apparatus which receives a developer spindle carrying a plurality of film discs at a receiving station. Carry-in arms transfer the spindle into a coating station through a door and deposit the spindle at a location where the lower films on the stacked discs are partially submerged in a pool of coating liquid. A drive gear engages a spur gear on the spindle and slowly rotates the spindle for applying the coating evenly to the discs. Carry-over arms engage the spindle and carry it about the circumference of the drive gear, first lifting the spindle above the coating material and then causing the spindle to be spun at a relatively high rate for removing excess material from the discs. The carry-over arms thereafter transport the spindle through a second door and into an ultraviolet curing region while maintaining the rotation of the discs during curing.

Abstract: An adhesive compound coating apparatus for coating an adhesive compound on leading and trailing beveled end faces of a rubber strip material, comprising: a conveyor unit for conveying the strip material in its longitudinal direction; a coating roller disposed to have a center axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip material and rotatable about its center axis with respect to the conveyor unit, the coating roller being movable with respect to the conveyor unit between a first position having the center axis of the coating roller positioned below the upper surface of the conveyor unit and a second position having the peripheral surface of the coating roller positioned above the upper surface of the conveyor unit; a drive unit for driving the coating roller to rotate about its center axis; an adhesive compound supplying unit for supplying and applying the adhesive compound on the peripheral surface of the coating roller; a detecting unit operative to detect the positions of th

Abstract: A method of uniformly applying a foamed adhesive to a normally moving substrate which is subject to stops and starts at irregular intervals. A uniform spread weight of adhesive is applied during a deceleration period and startups can be accomplished without causing puddles or gaps. The method is especially useful in conjunction with an automated plywood lay-up line. Foamed adhesive is supplied under pressure to an extrusion head. When a line stoppage is sensed a first valve above the extrusion head closes. Adhesive within the head continues to expand and fall onto the substrate, but does so at a descreasing rate during the deceleration time. As the substrate comes to a complete stop a second valve prevents further adhesive from being applied. Before a startup, the adhesive in the system is reconditioned by passing it into a recycle line until foam quality andpressure drop across the extrusion head have again assumed normal operating parameters. Only then is the substrate movement started.