Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method and apparatus (10) for lining the interior surface (45) of a vessel (18) with a continuous ribbon (44) of lining material. The apparatus (10) has a cantilevered boom (21) with a guide assembly (25) secured to the unsupported end portion (24) of the boom (21). Mechanism (34-38) drives the conveyor belt (33)--from a location that is normally exterior to the vessel (18)--along the boom (21) and about a path defined by the guide assembly (25). The guide assembly (25) both turns and twists the conveyor belt (33). Turning the belt (33) causes it to encircle the boom (21), thereby extending the belt (33) radially to engage the interior surface (45) of the vessel (18). In addition, the guide assembly (25) twists the belt (33) so that the normally inner, supporting surface (46) thereon temporarily reverses positions with the normally outer, sliding surface (49). Hence, a ribbon (44) of lining material deposited on the supporting surface (46) will be brought into contact with the interior surface (45) of the vessel (18). The belt (33) thus delivers the ribbon (44) and applies it to the interior surface (45). Moreover, the engagement of the belt (33) with the interior surface (45) also rotates the vessel (18), and, if desired, may be employed to effect longitudinal translation of the vessel (18). Longitudinal translation of the vessel (18) may, however, be achieved by independent mechanism.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim