Patent ID: 7211147
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: B05B,B05C,F16B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for the application of a fluoropolymer coating to the threads of an internally threaded fastener, said fastener having a body and a threaded bore extending through the body to opposing ends of the body to thereby define first and second opposing openings in the fastener, said apparatus comprising: a conveyor to move the fastener along a path of travel with the fastener's threaded bore in a predetermined orientation; an obstruction member positioned adjacent the fastener path of travel and having a surface which engages an end of the fastener body and closes the first opening of the fastener; a stationary nozzle positioned adjacent the fastener path of travel and axially displaced from the second opening of the fastener, said nozzle having a pressurized air input, a fluoropolymer powder input and a outlet port to thereby direct an air stream carrying entrained fluoropolymer powder through the second opening and into the bore of the fastener while the first opening is closed by the obstruction member, thereby forming a fluoropolymer powder coating on the threads of the fastener; a heating element positioned along the fastener path of travel to heat the fluoropolymer powder to its melting point to form a fluoropolymer film on the threads of the fastener.