Abstract: Articles such as printed wiring board substrates (10) often having hundreds of tiny through-bores are coated with particles (76) in fluidization apparatus (55). Such apparatus (55) includes a base (56) having a frame (61) to receive reciprocation forces applied to an arm (65) and to transmit the same to a fluid bed assembly (68). Assembly (68) includes a plenum (71) for distributing gas, a holder (75) for a bed of particles made fluid-like by gas diffusing therethrough and columns (69) for supporting a work chamber (85). Connected to the bed assembly (68) is the chamber (85) having sidewalls (86-89) formed sufficiently strong to uniformly distribute horizontal vibratory forces thereover. Vibrators (91 and 92) are mounted to opposing sidewalls (88 and 89), respectively, to apply horizontal forces against such sidewalls and gases therebetween.

Abstract: A surface of a substrate 11 (FIG. 2) is uniformly coated with a liquid L by wetting the surface with the liquid and compressibly contacting the wetted surface with an applicator member 10 having an outer layer 14 of a compressible liquid absorbing material with inverse sponge characteristics and an inner layer 13 of compliant material. Preferably the member is a roller 10 having a silicone rubber or polyurethane inner layer and a chamois outer layer. A plurality of the rollers 10 are arranged to be in compressive contact with the surfaces of a plurality of substrates 11 as the substrates are being removed from the liquid L (arrow A), the movement of the substrates 11 causing rotation (arrow F) of the rollers to apply a uniform coating of the liquid on the contacted surfaces.

Abstract: A surface of a substrate 11 (FIG. 2) is uniformly coated with a liquid L by wetting the surface with the liquid and compressibly contacting the wetted surface with an applicator member 10 having an outer layer 14 of a compressible liquid absorbing material with inverse sponge characteristics and an inner layer 13 of compliant material. Preferably the member is a roller 10 having a silicone rubber or polyurethane inner layer and a chamois outer layer. A plurality of the rollers 10 are arranged to be in compressive contact with the surfaces of a plurality of substrates 11 as the substrates are being removed from the liquid L (arrow A), the movement of the substrates 11 causing rotation (arrow F) of the rollers to apply a uniform coating of the liquid on the contacted surfaces.