Patent ID: 6649220
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: B05C

Abstract:
A compliance mechanism to maintain a fluid applicator in contact with the surface of an object to which a fluid is being applied comprising:an L-shaped bracket having a first leg and a second leg; a first tab positioned at a first end of said first leg and a second tab positioned at a first end of said second leg; a first dual acting fluid operated cylinder slidably positioned on said first leg of said L-shaped bracket, said first cylinder having a first piston rod that extends from said first cylinder, said fluid actuation of said cylinder causing said first piston rod to be advanced relative to said first cylinder, said end of said piston rod that extends from said first cylinder being secured to said first tab; a second dual acting fluid operated cylinder slidably positioned on said second leg of said L-shaped bracket, said second cylinder having a second piston rod that extends from said second cylinder, said fluid actuation of said cylinder causing said second piston rod to be advanced relative to said second cylinder, said end of said piston rod that extends from said second cylinder being secured to said second tab; and, a fluid applicator positioned on said first cylinder for applying a fluid to said object, said first cylinder allowing said fluid applicator to move relative to said object in a first direction and said second cylinder allowing said fluid applicator to move relative to said object in a second direction whereby said fluid applicator is maintained in contact with said object during the application of said fluid to said object and whereby said fluid applicator can be advanced or retracted in said first and second directions to accommodate any changes in shape or movement of said object during the application of said fluid to said object.