Abstract: A paint applicator apparatus for applying a paint line to a moving strand of a tire component comprising a paint neck and a paint head. The paint neck includes a receiving neck portion, a discharge neck portion, and a paint supply passage. The receiving neck portion extends along a receiving neck portion axis and the discharge neck portion neck portion extends along a discharge neck portion axis. The paint supply passage includes a paint inlet in the receiving neck portion and a paint outlet in the discharge neck portion. The receiving neck portion axis and the discharge neck portion axis define an obtuse angle. The discharge neck portion axis is oriented substantially parallel to the moving strand, and the receiving neck portion axis is oriented upwardly relative to the moving strand. The paint head is coupled to the discharge neck portion and includes a rotatable paint wheel for carrying paint from the paint outlet to the moving strand.

Abstract: An effective implementation is shown for a height adjustment system for one or more spray guns used in a line striper.

Abstract: A lane maintenance machine has a cleaning system that includes at least one liquid dispensing head that reciprocates back and forth transversely of the lane as the machine travels along the length of the lane. The dispensing head includes a dispensing tip therein that emits a pin deck treatment product and applies it to a pin deck. The system provides accurate, precise metering of the pin deck treatment liquid and affords board-by-board control of the dispensing action. A wiping assembly immediately behind the dispensing head provides a web of cloth-like material looped under a compressible backup roller to wipe or smear the applied liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing head is a double head, and it includes a second tip for dispensing a cleaning solution so that pin deck treatment can take place with the same piece of equipment, after lane cleaning has taken place, making the entire process automated.

Abstract: An apparatus for blasting a media onto a surface comprises an oscillating nozzle, a mount and a power source. The mount attaches the nozzle to tooling, enabling the nozzle to be raised and lowered about a vertical axis, and enabling the nozzle to be repositioned about a horizontal axis. The power source enables the nozzle to oscillate. The blasting media is sprayed through the nozzle onto the surface. The oscillating nozzle projects an enlarged dispersion pattern of the blasting media onto the surface being treated. The apparatus may include a basket positioned near the mount, enabling an operator to be positioned upon a truss and control the blasting of the media onto the surface, the basket being mounted via a swivel bearing, enabling the basket to self-level. Also, the media blasting apparatus may be controlled by an operator positioned in a remote control computer area.

Abstract: The system delivers media blasting material to an interior surface of a large storage tank comprises a substantially upright support structure secured to the surface to be blasted. The upright support structure is preferably vertical. A frame extends across the upright support structure. An extendable arm is affixed to the frame at a section. The section is securely and pivotably attached to the section in such a way to enable the arm to rotate freely inside the large storage tank, so that the blaster secured at the end of the extendable arm can blast the entire interior surface of the large storage tank while the upright support structure remains in place. A robot blaster is positioned at the end of the extendable arm and performs the media blasting. A work station is located nearby the site of the large storage tank and controls the position of the extendable arm relative to the interior surface being blasted via a processor and the operation of the blasting delivery system.

Abstract: A gravity feed solution distribution system for use with surface maintenance and conditioning machines includes front and rear counter-rotating brush rollers within a shroud, a manifold having delivery ports and disposed within the shroud above the counter-rotating brush rollers, an agitating blade extending from an inner surface of the shroud and underneath the manifold to contact the front counter-rotating brush roller, and a baffle extending downward from an inner surface of the shroud above the front counter-rotating brush roller to contact the front counter-rotating brush roller.

Abstract: A catheter tip coating assembly includes a housing defining a fluid reservoir and having a fluid outlet configured to dispense fluid to an end of a piece of tubing. The catheter tip coating assembly includes a valve assembly carried by the housing and at least partly disposed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The valve assembly is configured to receive the piece of tubing and configured to move between a first position to limit fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and the fluid outlet and a second position to provide fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and the fluid outlet to dispense fluid to the end of the piece of tubing. The assembly provides for careful control over the amount of liquid that is applied and the depth of the wetting.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include coating apparatuses and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus. The coating apparatus can include a motor, a rotating contact member, a fluid applicator, a fluid pump, and a base member. The fluid applicator can include an orifice. The rotating contact member can be configured to rotate around a device to be coated that does not rotate. The rotating contact member can be configured to move along the lengthwise axis of a device to be coated. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of coating a medical device.

Abstract: A squeegee holder including a self-cleaning sliding mechanism, a squeegee blade, two end caps at each end of the squeegee blade. The end caps include a flange and a hole. Two actuating motors are attached to the flanges, the motors include drive shafts pointing downwards. A wiper blade is attached to a blade mount slidable along the squeegee blade and a drill rod is secured at each end with press fittings into the holes in the end caps.

Abstract: A squeegee apparatus for coating mixed materials on a surface is used in combination with a source of pressurized activator and resin in fluid communication with a mixing tube having an outlet. The squeegee apparatus includes a manifold in fluid communication with the outlet of the mixing tube. The squeegee is held by either the manifold or a handle. At least one distribution tube is provided to distribute the coated material, where the tube has a length with a plurality of holes to dispense the mixed materials during use. The distribution tube is fluid communication with the outlet of the mixing tube, with the distribution tube being fastened to the manifold. Moreover, an elongated squeegee is fastened to the manifold. The squeegee has an edge configured to spread the mixed materials during use. The distribution tube and the squeegee edge are aligned along substantially parallel axes and held in fixed relationship to each other by the manifold.

Abstract: Among other things, methods, systems and apparatus are described for implementing nanomotor-based micro- and nanofabrication. In one aspect, a method of fabricating nanoobjects comprises functionalizing a nanomotor with a reagent. The method also includes controlling a movement of the functionalized nanomotor in a solution containing material to react with the reagent to induce a localized deposition or precipitation of a product onto a surface of a substrate or etching of the substrate.

Abstract: In a transferring device (A) structured such that a paste (Tb) is transferred to a paper strip (P) by being slid in a predetermined transferring direction in a state in which the paper strip (P) is pinched between a transferring device main body (1) and a transferred object receiving cradle (2), the transferring device is provided with a guide surface (12a) guiding the paper strip (P) in the same direction as a transferring direction by being brought into contact with an edge portion (Pa), and a deflection upper roller (11) energizing the paper strip (P) toward the guide surface (12a) at a time of the sliding movement by being arranged so as to be deflected at a predetermined angle toward the guide surface (12a) from the transferring direction.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine has a cleaning assembly in which liquid cleaner is deposited on the lane surface at the front of the machine as the machine moves down the lane. Immediately behind the point of application of the cleaning solution, a wiping web assembly spreads the solution across the entire surface of the lane and presses the solution down into the conditioner for subsequent pickup by a suction pickup head behind the wiper web assembly. The web is looped under a backup roll having an exposed fibrous pile face that engages the inside surface of the web while the outside surface engages the lane. The fibrous pile encourages the web to remain in intimate contact with the lane surface at all times while accommodating surface irregularities such as depressions and other variations in lane contour.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conditioning of bowling lanes, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for automatically applying a predetermined pattern of dressing fluid along the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of a bowling lane.

Abstract: A cord drying apparatus dries cords for forming cord-inserted bands, such as belts and components of tires, such as carcasses. A plurality of cords C unwound from a plurality of reels 1a held in a wheeled creel 1 are passed through guide holes formed in a guide plate 21 and are extended to an insulation head 6. Vertically movable rollers 4 are moved down from their home positions above the cords C to cause the cords C to extend along curved heating surfaces of heating boards 5. The cords C are moved along the heating surfaces of the heating boards 5 to dry the cords C. The cords C can be easily extended along and pressed against the heating surfaces of the heating boards 5. Thus cords C can be changed in a short time and the efficiency of operations for drying cords C by a drying process can be improved.

Abstract: In order to provide a good transferable and extremely usable transfer tool in which consumable supplies can be easily replaced while increasing rigidity in use and case assembling procedure is also simple, the transfer tool (A) includes a case body (1) which incorporates a transfer material (T), the case body (1) having a first case (2) for holding replacement parts including at least the transfer material (T); and a second case (3) engageable with and disengageable from the first case (2), for holding unchangeable parts constituting at least a part of feeding mechanism parts which feeds out the transfer material (T) to a transferred object, wherein a holding portion (K) for holding the case body (1) to a base (4) in a state where the first case (2) and the second case (3) are engaged, and a pivoting support portion (L) for pivotably supporting the second case (3) to the base (4) between a use position (P) in which the case body (1) is held to the base (4) by the holding portion (K) and a releasing retention

Abstract: In a transferring device (A) structured such that a paste (Tb) is transferred to a paper strip (P) by being slid in a predetermined transferring direction in a state in which the paper strip (P) is pinched between a transferring device main body (1) and a transferred object receiving cradle (2), the transferring device is provided with a guide surface (12a) guiding the paper strip (P) in the same direction as a transferring direction by being brought into contact with an edge portion (Pa), and a deflection upper roller (11) energizing the paper strip (P) toward the guide surface (12a) at a time of the sliding movement by being arranged so as to be deflected at a predetermined angle toward the guide surface (12a) from the transferring direction.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conditioning of bowling lanes, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for automatically applying a predetermined pattern of dressing fluid along the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of a bowling lane.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for coating a pipe (2) or a pipe section with a layer of at least one polymer. The method comprises providing a pipe (2) or a pipe section having an outer surface defining the periphery of the pipe or pipe section; applying on the outer surface of the pipe or pipe section a layer of at least one polymer material in melt stage using a nozzle (3), which is mounted on a carriage capable of travelling along the periphery of the pipe (2) or pipe section; and moving the carriage along at least a part of the periphery during the application of the polymer material to form a layer on the surface of the pipe (2) or pipe section. The present invention is particularly useful for coating field joints in pipelines.

Abstract: A paste coater that can apply an amount of a solder paste to small-diameter bump electrodes at a narrow pitch is described. A paste coater includes: a transfer roller, supported by a sub frame; a roller drive mechanism for rotating the transfer roller; a paste storage unit for storing paste to be supplied to the surface of the transfer roller; a squeegee having a distal edge, parallel to the rotary shaft of the transfer roller, separated by a gap from the distal edge to the surface of the transfer roller; a squeegee holder for holding and including biasing means for pushing the squeegee in a first direction thereby widening the gap; and a gap adjustment mechanism with biasing means for pushing the squeegee in a second direction thereby narrowing the gap.

Abstract: A protecting layer is formed on a surface of an image carrier with a protecting agent that contains at least an organic compound having melting property of which penetration at 25° C. ranges from 3 millimeters to 30 millimeters, and organic compound particles having thermal decomposition property of which a weight average particle size ranges from 2 micrometers to 20 micrometers. A melting temperature of the organic compound is lower than a decomposition temperature of the organic compound particles, and a volume ratio of the organic compound to the organic compound particles ranges from 99/1 to 50/50.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method adapted for shielding and removing fine particles for a portable camera module generated during a portable camera module fabricating process. The portable camera module includes an image sensor and an infrared ray filter. The apparatus includes a tape attaching device for attaching a surface protective tape on a surface of the infrared ray filter so as to prevent fine particles from being attached to the surface of the infrared ray filter, and a tape detaching device movably installed above the surface protective tape in order to detach the surface protective tape having fine particles shielded from the surface of the infrared ray filter. The fine particles are attached to the surface protective tape, which remains shielding the surface of the infrared ray filter during the holder attaching, primary heat treatment, secondary heat treatment, and under filling processes are subsequently carried out.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of adhesive material, for use in the laying of flooring and roofing surfaces, comprising a frame, to which are attached a plurality of wheels, an angularly extending handle arrangement and a trowel blade whose height above a sub-floor, on which the adhesive material is to be spread, may be adjusted by some means. The apparatus is designed to be used while in a standing position and drawn across the sub-floor.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for depositing oil paints, acrylics, or other textural paints provides a means for automating the process of painting a picture. The process can be programmed into a data base which is stored and used at will, or the artist can utilize control means such as a joy stick to provide real-time input.

Abstract: A bowling lane conditioning machine has dressing application mechanism that includes an elongated, non-rotating strip brush which transfers dressing from a dispensing means to another surface, such as a bristle-type, lane-engaging applicator roll, a metal transfer roll that in turn transfers the dressing to the applicator roll, or the lane surface itself. In a preferred embodiment, dressing is dispensed to an upper one of two strip brushes that extend along the length of an applicator roll and engage its bristles at circumferentially spaced locations around its periphery. Dressing dispensed to the upper strip brush migrates by gravity to the bristles of the applicator roll and becomes applied to the lane surface as the roll rotates down into engagement with the surface. No dressing is dispensed to the second strip brush, which feathers the dressing on the applicator roll and reduces splattering.

Abstract: A device for applying a painted pinstripe to a surface includes a paint applicator having an adaptor for attaching a paint striping wheel head to a low profile paint container. A traveler adjustably coupled to the applicator is moveable along a magnetized flexible guide track in order to control direction of the paint applicator as an annular paint carrying surface of the striping wheel is rolled against the surface being pinstriped. The paint applicator is adjustably positionable on a connecting arm extending from the traveler for controlling and adjusting the distance of the striping wheel relative to the guide track. The paint applicator is also pivotally adjustable relative to the connecting arm and the guide track to accommodate for variations in surface configuration and contour so that the annular surface of the striping wheel is maintained in flat contact with the work surface to produce a uniform painted pinstripe.

Abstract: A lane maintenance machine has a cleaning system that includes at least one cleaning liquid dispensing head which reciprocates back and forth transversely of the lane as the machine travels along the length of the lane. In a preferred embodiment the dispensing head emits successive squirts of liquid from a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump. The positive displacement pump provides accurate, precise metering of the cleaning liquid and affords board-by-board control of the dispensing action. A wiping assembly immediately behind the cleaning liquid dispensing head provides a web of cloth-like material looped under a compressible backup roller to wipe the applied liquid into a thin film and to pick up a measure of the liquid along with oil and dirt.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance apparatus includes a transfer roller and a dressing oil tank configured to contain dressing oil. A wick is configured to pass dressing oil from the tank to the transfer roller. A buffer brush is configured to receive dressing oil from the transfer roller and spread the dressing oil on a bowling lane. The wick may comprise a foam material having a first region having a first capillarity and a second region having a second capillarity differing from the first capillarity. The wick may also be maintained in contact with the transfer roller.

Abstract: A carpet extractor includes a solution distributor, such as a spray bar 90, which delivers cleaning solution to a floor surface. A housing 10 selectively receives a recovery tank 22 for collecting dirty cleaning solution from the floor. A first tank 14 for concentrated cleaning fluid and a second tank 15 for clean water supply cleaning fluid and water to a reciprocating pump 420 through first and second fluid lines 412, 410. The pump includes a piston 428, which reciprocates between first and second ends of a cylindrical bore 430. A fluid line 432 interconnects the first and second fluid lines. As the pump reciprocates, a portion of the water is drawn into the interconnecting line during a downward stroke, where it mixes with the entering cleaning solution. As the pump moves on its upward stroke, the mixture is drawn back into the water line and is pushed onward by the pump toward the spray bar with each successive downward stroke.

Abstract: A portable apparatus adapted for applying an adhesive and mastic roofing material is provided which allows one operator to use smaller, more maneuverable containers of roofing mastic for use in applying roofing materials and adhesives to roofing surfaces. In one embodiment a movable platform is provided wherein the internal pressure of the container is increased wherein less pump energy is required to achieve sufficient adhesive coverage.

Abstract: A machine for automatically applying lane dressing travels up and down the lane to apply dressing according to a certain predetermined and preselected pattern. A single dispensing head travels back and forth across the lane as the machine moves linearly along the lane so that dressing is transferred to a buffer brush that engages the lane surface and applies the dressing thereto. The oil pattern is determined by actuation and deactuation of the dispensing head as it traverses the lane, such control of the head being provided by a special pattern control device in the nature of a cylindrical pattern tube that extends alongside the path of travel of the dispensing head. A sensor on the dispensing head detects pattern structure on the control device to responsively actuate and deactuate the head. In a preferred form, such structure takes the form of a series of metallic strips extending parallel to the path of travel of the dispensing head and spaced circumferentially around the periphery of the pattern tube.

Abstract: In a device (1, 51) for applying an adhesive to the spine (2a) or to areas (2b) of the lateral faces adjacent thereto of an inner book (2) having a projecting portion and conveyed past in a transport system (3), comprising at least one rotating application roller (53a,b) or application disc (5) which picks up the adhesive from a reservoir (4, 52) and transfers same to the inner book (2) by rolling-off, the device having a doctor blade (7, 54a,b) adjustable with regard to its distance from the application roller (5, 53a,b) for regulating the application thickness of the adhesive and having an actuating device (8, 9, 57, 59) for the controlled movement of the doctor blade (7, 54a,b) between an application and a zero-application position, it is provided that the actuating device includes at least one single-acting contraction hose (24a,b, 56a,b) controllable via compressed air (P) and acting as a pull actuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for applying a plaster-like coating material to the decorative exposed surface of a preform workpiece. The apparatus comprises; means for mechanically advancing a workpiece along the apparatus along a straight horizontal axis over a non-continuous surface; means for engaging the bottom portion of a workpiece to constrain lateral and vertical movement as the workpiece passes along the apparatus; and means for applying a desired thickness of plaster-like coating material to a decorative surface of an advancing workpiece. Both the method and apparatus provide on a consistent basis, a smooth coating with a controlled thickness tightly bonded to the entire exposed decorative surface of a workpiece. The method and apparatus provide a simple, efficient, cost effective and reliable means for applying a plaster-like coating to the exposed decorative surface of a workpiece for use on a commercial scale in the construction industry.

Abstract: A lane maintenance machine having wicks that absorb dressing from a reservoir and transfer it to the applicator of the machine has a gravity-fed dressing supply system that maintains the dressing at a substantially constant level within the wick reservoir. A small pilot chamber upstream from the reservoir and in open communication therewith at the same elevation as the reservoir has its fluid level directly controlled by a float sensor to in turn indirectly control the level within the wick reservoir. The float sensor within the pilot chamber provides a signal to a controller when the level within the pilot chamber drops below a predetermined point so that a control valve between the pilot chamber and the main supply tank opens to allow a makeup volume of dressing to flow by gravity from the main tank into the pilot chamber.

Abstract: A lane maintenance machine having wicks that absorb dressing from a reservoir and transfer it to the applicator of the machine has a gravity-fed dressing supply system that maintains the dressing at a substantially constant level within the wick reservoir. A small pilot chamber upstream from the reservoir and in open communication therewith at the same elevation as the reservoir has its fluid level directly controlled by a float sensor to in turn indirectly control the level within the wick reservoir. The float sensor within the pilot chamber provides a signal to a controller when the level within the pilot chamber drops below a predetermined point so that a control valve between the pilot chamber and the main supply tank opens to allow a makeup volume of dressing to flow by gravity from the main tank into the pilot chamber.

Abstract: A portable apparatus adapted for applying an adhesive and mastic roofing material is provided which allows one operator to use smaller, more maneuverable containers of roofing mastic for use in applying roofing materials and adhesives to roofing surfaces.

Abstract: A surface treating apparatus having: a frame supported on wheels; fluid treatment applicator pivotally mounted to the frame; fluid treatment supply; a pump actuatable for moving the fluid supply to the surface; trigger mechanism responsive to rotation of a support wheel to actuate the pump; and a timer to limit the term of the pump actuation.

Abstract: The invention provides a mobile coating and curing apparatus for applying and curing an ultraviolet or an electron beam curable material. The apparatus includes a housing containing a first compartment containing a coater, a second compartment containing an ultraviolet or electron beam curing energy source, a partition wall between the first and second compartments and a device for moving the housing across a surface to be coated. The apparatus provides for coating surfaces which are generally too large to be coated by stationary coating and curing devices.

Abstract: An application device for applying at least a solder resist onto both surfaces of a printed circuit board that are in particular provided with structurized printed conductors comprises at least two application bodies that can be assigned to the corresponding surface of the board and are rotatably supported. To simplify the structure of the application device while allowing a more rapid and well-reproducible application at both sides of a printed circuit board at the same time, the application bodies are two screen printing drums arranged at both sides of an essentially horizontal transport path of the printed circuit board, wherein a transport means comprises conveyor belts along the transport path for transporting the printed circuit board, and the transport means further comprises pressing means that can be pressed onto a surface of the board for holding the board on the conveyor belts.

Abstract: The oil application mechanism of a lane conditioning machine has a moving dispensing head that deposits intermittent streams of oil onto the rotating surface of a transfer roller under the control of a programmed control system as the machine moves down the lane. The transfer roller, in turn, transfers the oil to a rotating bristle-type applicator roller that engages the lane and lays down an oil film having a cross-sectional configuration that corresponds to a preselected pattern established by the control system. A smoothing assembly engages the oil immediately after it is deposited on the transfer roller and before it reaches the applicator roller so as to extend the deposit of oil completely around the circumference of the transfer roller in an even layer. The smoothing assembly includes a series of independent, spring-loaded pad units along the length of the transfer roller, each of which includes a section of fabric with a raised nab engaging the surface of the transfer roller.

Abstract: The optical fiber coating device includes a die-support into which is integrated in one piece a grid, the die-support accommodating an entry die and an exit die with the entry die on one side of the grid and the exit die on the other side of the grid. The outside diameter of the die-support on each side of the grid is greater than the outside diameter of the grid, so as to define a chamber which has a large volume when the coating device is placed in its support.

Abstract: A drywall taping and texture system for pumping drywall mastic material from a container filled with the drywall mastic material to a work surface includes a pump housing, an air compressor, a tool for applying the drywall mastic material to the work surface, material and control lines, an inflatable bladder, an air release mechanism, and an airway. The pump housing is immersed in the container filled with the drywall mastic material, and the air compressor is connected to the pump housing. The material and control lines are connected between the pump housing and the tool such that there is material and air flow communication, respectively, therebetween. The bladder is mounted within the pump housing between upper and lower valves for controlling the flow of the drywall mastic material. The airway connects the air compressor, the control line, the bladder, and the air release mechanism, such that there is air flow communication therebetween.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine is operable at different speeds for applying selected lane dressing profiles to the lane and for reducing the time required for performing lane maintenance, including cleaning. In the preferred machine, absorbent wicks are used to transfer lane dressing from a reservoir to an applicator assembly. Lane dressing is recycled through an overflow in the reservoir to maintain a constant level and thereby maintaining a constant transfer rate through the wicks. The preferred machine also includes a cleaning assembly for applying a cleaning liquid to the lane and removing the liquid into a spent liquid storage tank. A vacuum pump induces air flow through the cleaning assembly for removing spent cleaning liquid which subjects the liquid in the tank to foaming. A controller stops the vacuum pump for a selected time in order to allow the foam to settle and then restarts the pump.

Abstract: A process for coating a web of material includes the steps of displacing the web along a path in a travel direction, applying a coating material at an application located along the path to forming a curved segment of the web, and wiping off the excess of the coating material.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine is operable at different speeds for applying selected lane dressing profiles to the lane and for reducing the time required for performing lane maintenance, including cleaning. In the preferred machine, absorbent wicks are used to transfer lane dressing from a reservoir to an applicator assembly. Lane dressing is recycled through an overflow in the reservoir to maintain a constant level and thereby maintaining a constant transfer rate through the wicks. The preferred machine also includes a cleaning assembly for applying a cleaning liquid to the lane and removing the liquid into a spent liquid storage tank. A vacuum pump induces air flow through the cleaning assembly for removing spent cleaning liquid which subjects the liquid in the tank to foaming. A controller stops the vacuum pump for a selected time in order to allow the foam to settle and then restarts the pump.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine includes a shiftable head operable for discharging successive streams of lane dressing during successive passes along the length of an applicator assembly in order to apply lane dressing to a bowling lane according to a predetermined pattern. The preferred embodiment includes a positive displacement pump that delivers successive equal volumes of lane dressing so that the resulting streams are precisely controlled despite variations in the viscosity of the lane dressing.

Abstract: An apparatus applies dressing fluid to a bowling lane surface in a discrete pattern laterally across a plurality of zones on the bowling lane. A carriage, for movement along a bowling lane, has an applicator mounted thereon for applying the dressing fluid to the bowling lane surface. Dressing fluid is supplied from a reservoir by a plurality of pulse valves which supply the dressing fluid to a plurality of fluid dispersion chambers, each having an inlet connected to one of the pulse valves and having an outlet positioned to apply dressing fluid to the applicator. The outlet has a width equal to the width of one of the zones. A controller is provided for selectively activating each of the pulse valves to discharge a discrete amount of fluid dressing into each dispersion chamber. Each zone may be the width of one board across the bowling alley so that different discrete amounts of oil can be applied to each board.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine is operable at different speeds for applying selected lane dressing profiles to the lane and for reducing the time required for performing lane maintenance, including cleaning. In the preferred machine, absorbent wicks are used to transfer lane dressing from a reservoir to an applicator assembly. Lane dressing is recycled through an overflow in the reservoir to maintain a constant level and thereby maintaining a constant transfer rate through the wicks. The preferred machine also includes a cleaning assembly for applying a cleaning liquid to the lane and removing the liquid into a spent liquid storage tank. A vacuum pump induces air flow through the cleaning assembly for removing spent cleaning liquid which subjects the liquid in the tank to foaming. A controller stops the vacuum pump for a selected time in order to allow the foam to settle and then restarts the pump.

Abstract: A closed cylindrical housing defining a transport chamber has a top plate with a first opening communicating with an entry and exit chamber, and a second opening communicating with a coating chamber. A turntable rotatable about an axis in the transport chamber carries a holder to a first position below the first opening as it carries a like holder to a second position below the second opening. Each holder has thereon a container with a diameter smaller than the first opening but larger than the second opening. A first lifter raises a holder sealingly against the top plate around the first opening, the container thereon passing through the first opening to load or unload substrates. A second lifter raises the other holder so that the container thereon abuts a mask defining the second opening in order to coat a substrate in the container.

Abstract: An apparatus applies dressing fluid to a bowling lane surface in a discreet pattern laterally across a plurality of zones on the bowling lane. A carriage, for movement along a bowling lane, has an applicator mounted thereon for applying the dressing fluid to the bowling lane surface. Dressing fluid is supplied from a reservoir by a plurality of pulse valves which supply the dressing fluid to a plurality of fluid dispersion chambers, each having an inlet connected to one of the pulse valves and having an outlet positioned to apply dressing fluid to the applicator. The outlet has a width equal to the width of one of the zones. A controller is provided for selectively activating each of the pulse valves to discharge a discrete amount of fluid dressing into each dispersion chamber. Each zone may be the width of one board across the bowling alley so that different discrete amounts of oil can be applied to each board.