Abstract:
An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.
Abstract:
An apparatus for applying a gel onto a sheet of material for production of disposable undergarments, the sheet moving in a predetermined direction of manufacture at a predetermined rate of travel, the apparatus comprising: a container positioned to contain a supply of the gel; a shoe comprising a body having a lower surface, a proximal end positioned to receive the sheet of material as the sheet travels in the predetermined direction of manufacture, and a distal end, an inlet conduit positioned within the body to receive the gel therein, a chamber connected to the inlet conduit and positioned within the body, a groove extending along the lower surface of the proximal end of the body and a plurality of spaced-apart outlet conduits each extending from the chamber to the groove so that the gel is delivered onto the sheet of material in a pattern of substantially parallel lines; and a gel delivery controller positioned in fluid communication with the container and with the shoe, for providing a variably controlled flow of the gel from the container to the inlet conduit of the shoe, therethrough to the chamber and to the plurality of outlet conduits, and therefrom for delivery onto the sheet of material at a rate responsive to the predetermined rate of travel of the sheet of material.
Abstract:
Apparatus is shown for mixing and dispensing an epoxy adhesive. An epoxy resin and its associated curing agent are simultaneously loaded from separate cartridges into a length of flexible PVC tubing, part of which is contained between a rotor and a stator. Bearings, mounted rotatably about the rotor, engage and travel along the tubing as the rotor is revolved, each bearing compressing the tubing at its point of engagement. The tubing, repeatedly compressed and released by each bearing in succession, kneads the epoxy resin and curing agent into a homogeneous mixture. From the tubing, the epoxy mixture is deposited on a moving carrier tape and forms a continuous bead. Downstream, a control tape is spaced apart from the carrier tape and moves in the opposite direction. As the bead encounters the control tape, the control tape removes part of the bead material from the carrier tape and plastically forms the remaining mixture into a film of a uniform thickness substantially less than the bead diameter. Further downstream, an automatic pick-up device contacts the film over a controlled area and thus picks up a controlled amount of the epoxy mixture.