Abstract: A dip coating apparatus and method of dip coating. The apparatus includes a guide surface, a bendable tube, a carriage, and a support assembly. The bendable tube redirectionally engages the guide surface intermediate the first and second longitudinal ends of the tube. The carriage is vertically repositionable and cooperatively engages the tube proximate the first longitudinal end of the tube, whereby vertical repositioning of the carriage effects a change in the vertical distance between the first and second longitudinal ends of the tube. The support assembly releasably suspends an elongate workpiece for introduction of at least a portion of the workpiece into the tube through the first longitudinal end of the coating tube as the carriage is vertically repositioned upwards towards the support assembly.

Abstract: A dip coating apparatus and method of dip coating. The apparatus includes a guide surface, a bendable tube, a carriage, and a support assembly. The bendable tube redirectionally engages the guide surface intermediate the first and second longitudinal ends of the tube. The carriage is vertically repositionable and cooperatively engages the tube proximate the first longitudinal end of the tube, whereby vertical repositioning of the carriage effects a change in the vertical distance between the first and second longitudinal ends of the tube.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring ultraviolet radiation levels within the cure chamber of an ultraviolet curing station. An ultraviolet sensor is located within a cure chamber for sensing the strength of ultraviolet radiation reaching the sensor. The sensor is repositionable within the cure chamber for taking readings at a plurality of locations. Sensor readings at a plurality of predetermined positions within the cure chamber are communicated to a controller and stored in electronic memory, along with an identification of the sensor position when the reading was obtained. A report is generated setting forth correlated sensor readings and reading locations, and providing any appropriate warnings of existing or impending equipment failure impacting the level of ultraviolet radiation in the cure chamber (e.g., a bulb failure).

Abstract: A tool for facilitating threading of a flexible filament or sheet into a hole or opening. The tool includes (i) a filament or sheet guide having a longitudinally extending trough, and (2) an alignment system with (A) a first registration surface configured and arranged to transversely align a hole in a target-piece with the trough when the target-piece abuts the first registration surface, and (B) a second registration surface configured and arranged to laterally align a hole in a target-piece with the trough when the target-piece abuts the second registration surface. Threading of the filament or sheet into the hole or opening can then be achieved by simply causing an upward deflection of a distal portion of the flexible filament or sheet within the trough and moving the deflected distal portion of the filament or sheet along the length of the trough towards the aligned hole or opening in the target-piece until the distal end portion enters the hole or opening.