Non-contact fluid applicator apparatus and method

An apparatus for applying fluid onto components, said apparatus comprising:

• a thin film forming member;
• a reservoir accommodating said forming member, said reservoir having a through-hole and a curb disposed around said through-hole to contain a fluid to be applied inside said reservoir;
• said thin film forming member having a first position in said reservoir and a second position which is elevated from said first position;
• a rotation means for rotating said forming member from its first position, wherein said forming member is submersed into said fluid contained in said reservoir to its second position wherein a fluid film is formed between said forming member and said fluid over said curb;
• a movement means for moving a component into contact with said fluid film formed by said thin film forming member resulting in the transfer of at least a portion of said thin film onto at least a portion of said component.

A method of applying a coating of a fluid onto components, said method comprising:

• a) dipping a fluid membrane forming member in a reservoir having a through-hole and a curb disposed around said through-hole to contain a fluid to be applied inside said reservoir;
• b) said fluid membrane forming member having a first position in said reservoir and a second position which is elevated from said first position;
• c) rotating said fluid membrane forming member from its first position, wherein said forming member is submersed into said fluid contained in said reservoir to its second position wherein a fluid membrane is formed between said fluid membrane forming member and said fluid over said curb;
• d) moving a component into contact with said fluid membrane formed by said fluid membrane forming member resulting in the transfer of a portion of said fluid membrane onto a portion of said component.