Applicator tube and method for use thereof

A coater (10) comprises a coating reservoir (18) configured to apply a coating on the outer surface (16) of an element (12). The coating tank comprises at least one void (28), first and second ends (20, 22) with first and second openings (24, 26), respectively, in communication with said void, at least one orifice (30) in communication with said vacuum, and supplying a material of the coating (40) positioned in said vacuum. The first opening (24), the second opening (26) and delivering the material of the coating (40) defining a coating path through the coating tank (18). An engaging portion (44) of material providing the coating (40) defines the narrowest portion of the coating passage and functions to support and coating the outer surface (16) of the element (12) when the element passes, or passed, through the coating pass.