Abstract: A SMC lamination line is disclosed that has an upper carrier film and a lower carrier film with oriented chopped fibers being deposited between the carrier films. Resin paste or adhesive is provided to retain oriented fibers on the lower carrier film. A guide roller guides the carrier film in close proximity to an in-feed conveyor that feeds oriented chopped fiber unto the lower carrier film. The guide roller is preferably less than the diameter of the end roller of the feed conveyor. The guide roller is also preferably within the arc of movement of the ends of the oriented chopped fibers to ensure a smooth and non-disruptive transfer of the oriented chopped fibers to the lower carrier film.

Abstract: A SMC lamination line is disclosed that has an upper carrier film and a lower carrier film with oriented chopped fibers being deposited between the carrier films. Resin paste or adhesive is provided to retain oriented fibers on the lower carrier film. A guide roller guides the carrier film in close proximity to an in-feed conveyor that feeds oriented chopped fiber unto the lower carrier film. The guide roller is preferably less than the diameter of the end roller of the feed conveyor. The guide roller is also preferably within the arc of movement of the ends of the oriented chopped fibers to ensure a smooth and non-disruptive transfer of the oriented chopped fibers to the lower carrier film.

Abstract: A dispensed bead (10) of material is disposed between a sensor pair (14) for monitoring the bead. The sensor pair (14) transmits a beam of light towards the bead of material. A signal is generated which corresponded to the amount of light received. By utilizing this signal, gaps or other discontinuities can be found. This signal can also be used to determine the height of the bead and generate a profile thereof. The signal can be used in a closed loop feedback control system to control the amount of material dispensed from the dispenser.

Abstract: A method of applying a clear glass primer material and then a black glass primer material onto the marginal edge (40) of a vehicular window glass (42), such as a windshield and/or rear window of an automobile, in which a dispenser (38) is employed to discharge a clear primer material in discrete streams or drops and in which a black primer material is conformally coated onto the clear primer material by another dispenser (36). The clear and black primer materials are able to be applied to the window glass in a single pass operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conformally coating an associated generally planar substrate such as vehicle window glass with a coating material includes first (12), second (22), and third (32) coating guns. The first (12) and second (22) coating guns are aimed at opposite sides (42; 44) of the planar substrate and can simultaneously spray a coating thereon. The third coating gun (32) is aimed toward a third side (46), or edge, of the associated substrate. Therefore, the apparatus can simultaneously spray a coating material on target areas on opposite sides and an included edge of a planar substrate such as a vehicle windshield. The third coating gun has an axis which makes an angle .alpha. with a plane containing the substrate to be sprayed. The first and second guns are offset from each other a distance "X", so that overspray from one gun will not foul or coat the other gun.

Abstract: A method of applying a clear glass primer material and then a black glass primer material onto the marginal edge of a windshield and/or rear window of a vehicle, in which a dispenser is employed to discharge such primer materials in discrete streams or drops. The streams or drops impinge upon the surface of the glass such that any ricocheting or deflection of the material will remain within the area to be coated or is entrapped by a felt wick or pad without splashing or overspray onto the surrounding surfaces. An optical detector is employed to monitor the streams or drops of primer material dispensed.

Abstract: A dual-acting, reciprocating piston pump is provided which comprises a pump body formed with a passageway having an inlet and a discharge outlet which receives a piston assembly including a plunger rod carrying a valve plate or spider, a shovel rod carrying a shovel disc and a rod connector formed with a valve seat which interconnects the plunger rod and shovel rod. A tubular check valve is carried on the rod connector between the valve seat and the valve plate in sliding contact with the internal wall in the pump body formed by the passageway, which divides the passageway into an upper pumping chamber communicating with the discharge outlet and a lower pumping chamber communicating with the inlet. A second check valve is located at the inlet to the passageway in the pump body and is movable between an open and closed position relative thereto.