Patent ID: 8371241

Claim:
Apparatus for applying a dielectric layer to an object having a curved surface, the object having an axis of rotation, the object having a diameter which varies along the axis of rotation, the apparatus comprising: a) a spray head including a reservoir for holding a dielectric material, capable of being fired at high temperatures, and having a viscosity sufficiently low to enable the dielectric material to be sprayed onto an object, b) the spray head being mounted to a support which is connected to a plurality of motors which enable the spray head to move with three degrees of freedom, c) means for rotating the object at all times while the spray head is spraying the dielectric material, and d) computer means programmed to control both movement of the spray head and rotation of the object, wherein the computer means comprises means for dynamically positioning the spray head in three dimensions, such that the spray head is held perpendicular to, and at a controlled and constant distance from, the surface of the object while the dielectric is being sprayed, wherein the computer means also includes means for varying a rotational speed of the object, while the object is being sprayed, wherein the speed of rotation is coordinated, by said computer means, with movements of the spray head, so as to deposit a uniform thickness of dielectric per unit time onto the surface of the object, and means for heating the object before the spraying step has begun, and for heating the object continuously while the object is being sprayed with the dielectric material, in an amount sufficient such that the dielectric material dries upon contact with the object.