Abstract: A pneumatic dispenser for dispensing viscous material, for example, mastic caulk, from a container is described. The dispenser comprises a fluid supply arrangement for accepting a dispensing nozzle of the container and providing a flow of pressurized fluid to the dispensing nozzle to enable the material to be dispensed as a spray. A moveable member can be used to control the flow of pressurized fluid, for example a member disposed on a cap for closing a container containing compartment of the dispenser and/or a moveable member disposed around the dispensing nozzle. The arrangement of the fluid supply arrangement allows for convenient control of the pressurized fluid flow for spraying the material. Also disclosed is a dispenser with a readily exchangeable pressure application interface for applying a dispensing pressure to the container, enabling the dispenser to be used with both cartridge and foil pack containers.

Abstract: A pneumatic dispenser is provided comprising a handle with an actuation arrangement comprising two actuation surfaces, each for actuation by an operator holding the handle to selectively apply pressure to a respective one of the front and rear chambers on either side of a piston couple to a rod for applying a dispensing force, thereby controlling advance and retreat of the rod. Further, a valve is provided comprising a body and first and second moveable members. The valve can be arranged as a space saving five port valve for use in the disclosed dispenser. Additionally, a dispenser comprising a stock portion and a cylinder secured to the stock portion is disclosed. Pressure is supplied to the rear chamber of the cylinder from the stock portion through its front chamber and the piston moveable inside the cylinder.

Abstract: A valve for a pneumatic dispenser, the dispenser comprising a handle with an actuation arrangement for selectively applying pressure to a respective one of the front and rear chambers on either side of a piston coupled to a rod for applying a dispensing force, thereby controlling movement of the rod. The valve is provided with a body and first and second moveable members moveable relative to the body. The valve can be arranged as a space saving five port valve instead of two three port valves for use in the disclosed dispenser and can be arranged to provide a fail safe mechanism if both valve members are actuated concurrently. A dispenser comprising a stock portion and a cylinder secured to the stock portion is disclosed. Pressure is supplied to the rear chamber of the cylinder from the stock portion through its front chamber and the piston moveable inside the cylinder.

Abstract: An actuator for advancing a rod which enables release of the rod from an actuating mechanism by rotating the rod to allow the rod to be retreated. The actuator may also provide a mechanism for disabling the driving mechanism as the rod is fully advanced to prevent damage by excessive forces being applied to the rod. The actuating mechanism can be fully enclosed in a stock of a dispenser gun or applicator, facilitating cleaning of the dispenser gun. The disclosed dispenser gun is particularly suitable for dentistry applications.

Abstract: A plunger for a dispenser for cartridges containing materials to be dispensed, for example viscous materials, is disclosed, the plunger having three plunger portions which define empty spaces therebetween so that cartridges, for example two-component concentric cartridges, of a plurality of dimensions and configurations can operatively mate with the plunger. A dispenser having a plunger as described can be used with a multitude of different cartridge types, including concentric two component cartridges or cylindrical single component cartridges, of varying overall dimensions and configurations. Also disclosed is a plunger for assisting the alignment of a cartridge in the dispenser. Corresponding dispensers and methods of loading cartridges are further disclosed.

Abstract: A dispensing gun for viscous material including a stock supporting a push rod which is advanceable along a keep in which a cartridge of a material can be mounted. The rod is advanced by means of a catch plate and a locking plate prevents the rod retreating with the catch plate. The locking plate is carried by the rod between a first and a second position so that it acts as a lost motion brake once force is removed from the trigger in one configuration of the dispensing gun, taking the dispensing force off the cartridge to prevent leaking when the trigger is not depressed. In an alternative configuration, the lost motion is reduced, for example to zero, to allow a continuous dispensing action by maintaining the pressure in the cartridge using a pumping action of the trigger.

Abstract: A rod actuator particularly for a mastic gun comprises wear compensation and pressure relief. The wear compensation is effected by a biased catch plate. The catch plate is released from the rod in the actuator by a sleeve transmitting a releasing force applied to a brake plate through to the catch plate. The pressure relief is provided also by the sleeve riding on the rod such that when the trigger is released the rod is able to retreat by a limited amount defined by the movement of the release plate between a released and engaged relationship with the rod.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism for a hand tool comprises a body with a converging internal wall surface which is mounted on a rod. The body houses a set of ball bearings which are biased along the converging wall into an engaged position with a rod passing through the body. An axial force applied to one end of the body causes the balls to grip the rod. Whereas a force applied to the other end of the body releases the balls from the rod.

Abstract: A dispenser for a single cartridge has a yoke pivotably mounted on a stock. The yoke has a square-section open end and a circular section closed end. One flat side on the square section end provide an abutment for defining the closed position of the yoke. The yoke has a similar flat surface engages the plate side of the yoke. The flat surface on the stock is easily formed in the manufacturing process.