A fluid application device for mechanical fasteners such as rivets, screws, bolts, and similar fasteners, and a robot end effector including such a device as well as a robot being equipped therewith. The fluid application device includes a fluid application element having a curved application surface, wherein the curved application surface includes a channel configured to receive a fluid. A brush is arranged at the curved application surface such that the fluid is able to wet the brush elements. The device further includes a gripping device configured to push a mechanical fastener against the wetted brush elements.

A fluid application device for mechanical fasteners such as rivets, screws, bolts, and similar fasteners, and a robot end effector including such a device as well as a robot being equipped therewith. The fluid application device includes a fluid application element having a curved application surface, wherein the curved application surface includes a channel configured to receive a fluid. A brush is arranged at the curved application surface such that the fluid is able to wet the brush elements. The device further includes a gripping device configured to push a mechanical fastener against the wetted brush elements.

A tire bead lubricating system for applying lubricant to a tire consists of a frame supporting conveyor belts which form a conveyor opening therebetween. The conveyor belts transfer a tire from one end of the frame to another. A lubricating wick chamber is maintained within the frame and positioned underneath the conveyor opening. A lubricating wick assembly is received in the lubricating wick chamber and moves into the conveyor opening. The lubricating wick assembly has at least one engagement roller and at least one elongate brush that carries lubricant applied to the tire.

A tire bead lubricating system for applying lubricant to a tire consists of a frame supporting conveyor belts which form a conveyor opening therebetween. The conveyor belts transfer a tire from one end of the frame to another. A lubricating wick chamber is maintained within the frame and positioned underneath the conveyor opening. A lubricating wick assembly is received in the lubricating wick chamber and moves into the conveyor opening. The lubricating wick assembly has at least one engagement roller and at least one elongate brush that carries lubricant applied to the tire.

A vacuum pump comprises: a rolling bearing configured to support a rotor shaft provided at a pump rotor; a lubrication fluid storage section configured to store lubrication fluid supplied to the rolling bearing; a MEMS element including an infinitesimal flow rate pump configured to transfer the lubrication fluid of the lubrication fluid storage section to the rolling bearing; and a first flow path of a capillary structure configured to move the lubrication fluid of the lubrication fluid storage section to the infinitesimal flow rate pump by capillary force.

A vacuum pump comprises: a rolling bearing configured to support a rotor shaft provided at a pump rotor; a lubrication fluid storage section configured to store lubrication fluid supplied to the rolling bearing; a MEMS element including an infinitesimal flow rate pump configured to transfer the lubrication fluid of the lubrication fluid storage section to the rolling bearing; and a first flow path of a capillary structure configured to move the lubrication fluid of the lubrication fluid storage section to the infinitesimal flow rate pump by capillary force.

A lubricant dispensing system having particular utility for applying a tightly controlled thin line of lubricant about the perimeter of cans as they are processed. The lubricant dispensing system includes an electrostatic spray head having a nozzle body that defines a lubricant receiving chamber for electrically charging lubricant therein and a capillary tube supported by the nozzle body having an inlet end communicating with the lubricant receiving chamber and an outlet that defines a discharge orifice of the electrostatic spray head. The capillary tube has a diameter between about 0.2 and 0.3 inches for directing electrostatically charged lubricant onto an item to be lubricated in a controlled thin line having a width no greater than 0.125 inches. The electrode is adjustably positionable relative to the capillary tube for selectively controlling the rate of discharging lubricant, and the electrode is configured for enhancing electrostatic charging of lubricant through the capillary tube.

A lubricant dispensing system having particular utility for applying a tightly controlled thin line of lubricant about the perimeter of cans as they are processed. The lubricant dispensing system includes an electrostatic spray head having a nozzle body that defines a lubricant receiving chamber for electrically charging lubricant therein and a capillary tube supported by the nozzle body having an inlet end communicating with the lubricant receiving chamber and an outlet that defines a discharge orifice of the electrostatic spray head. The capillary tube has a diameter between about 0.2 and 0.3 inches for directing electrostatically charged lubricant onto an item to be lubricated in a controlled thin line having a width no greater than 0.125 inches. The electrode is adjustably positionable relative to the capillary tube for selectively controlling the rate of discharging lubricant, and the electrode is configured for enhancing electrostatic charging of lubricant through the capillary tube.

A tire bead lubricating system for applying lubricant to a tire consists of a frame supporting conveyor belts which form a conveyor opening therebetween. The conveyor belts transfer a tire from one end of the frame to another. A lubricating wick chamber is maintained within the frame and positioned underneath the conveyor opening. A lubricating wick assembly is received in the lubricating wick chamber and moves into the conveyor opening. The lubricating wick assembly has at least one engagement roller and at least one elongate brush that carries lubricant applied to the tire.