Apparatus and method for applying a fluid to a component

Abstract

Apparatus for applying a fluid to a target area of a component is provided, the apparatus comprising a fluid applicator 10 and means 12, 300, 400 for guiding the fluid applicator 10 along a predetermined path with respect to the component 26 ; the fluid applicator 10 comprising a body 14 and an application head 50, 100, 200 mounted on the body 14 and operable in use to be brought into physical contact with the component 26.

1 . Apparatus for applying a fluid to a target area of a component, comprising
 a fluid applicator; and means for guiding the fluid applicator along a predetermined path with respect to the component; the fluid applicator comprising:   a body;   an application head mounted on the body and operable in use to be brought into physical contact with the component; and   means for controlling the temperature of the fluid to be applied to the component.   
     
     
         2 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the application head comprises a brush having a brush head and a plurality of agitators. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the brush is mounted for rotation about an axis that is substantially parallel to a surface of the body on which it is mounted, a surface of the brush head from which the agitators project being substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of agitators projects from the surface of the brush head in a helical pattern that winds about the brush head. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of agitators projects from the surface of the brush head in at least one chevron pattern. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the brush is mounted for rotation about an axis that is substantially normal to a surface of the body on which it is mounted, a surface of the brush head from which the agitators project being substantially planar and the plurality of agitators projects from the surface of the brush head in a spiral configuration. 
     
     
         7 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the agitators comprise fins. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the application head comprises an opening and the apparatus further comprises means to apply positive and/or negative pressure at the opening. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the application head comprises at least two such openings and the apparatus further comprises means to apply positive pressure at one opening and negative pressure at another opening. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , comprising a plurality of brushes mounted for rotation on the body of the fluid applicator about parallel axes. 
     
     
         11 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein at least two of the plurality of brushes comprise different agitator configurations. 
     
     
         12 . A method of applying a fluid to a target region of a component using an apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising:
 connecting a fluid supply to the fluid applicator;   mounting the fluid applicator on the means for guiding the applicator along a predetermined path;   bringing the applicator head into physical contact with the target region of the component,   causing the applicator to be guided along the predetermined path while depositing fluid through the applicator from the fluid supply, and   controlling the temperature of the fluid to be applied to the component.   
     
     
         13 . A method as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein depositing fluid through the applicator comprises applying pressure to the fluid at a fluid opening in the application head. 
     
     
         14 . A method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein depositing fluid through the applicator further comprises causing the application head of the applicator to rotate. 
     
     
         15 . A method as claimed in  claim 13 , the method further comprising collecting fluid under a negative pressure applied at the opening in the application head.