Patents by Inventor Thomas L. Ratledge

Thomas L. Ratledge has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10646889
    Abstract: Methods for applying fluid materials to a substrate, such as circuit board, while continuously moving the fluid dispenser are disclosed. Initially, a dispenser is continuously moved through a constant motion trajectory connecting the plurality of dispense locations on the substrate. The electrical output signals generated by one or more of encoders of the dispenser are monitored as the dispenser is continuously moved through the constant motion trajectory. The dispenser is triggered at each of the plurality of dispense locations and droplets of the fluid material are jetted while continuously moving the dispenser. The spatial coordinates of each droplet of the fluid material on the substrate are measured and compared to expected landing coordinates for each droplet of the fluid material to generate a spatial error for each droplet of the fluid material. At least one dispense location is corrected and an updated constant motion trajectory is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald N. Abernathy, Clifford A. Fowler, Phillip P. Maiorca, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge
  • Patent number: 10300505
    Abstract: A jetting device and/or fluid module include a module body defining a passageway extending through the module body and also partially defining a fluid chamber, a nozzle supported by the module body, a valve element at least partially within the fluid chamber, a biasing element contacting the valve element and also contacting the module body, and a sealing member contacting the periphery of the valve element and configured to partially define the fluid chamber. The nozzle defines a fluid outlet that is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. The valve element has an upper portion outside of the fluid chamber that is adapted for contact with the drive pin, and the biasing element is configured to apply a spring force to the valve element. The valve element is configured to cause a droplet of the fluid to be jetted from the fluid outlet when the valve element is moved in the direction toward the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley Cruz Aguilar, Mani Ahmadi, Stephen Russell des Jardins, Erik Fiske, Mark Meier, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Robert J. Wright
  • Patent number: 9847265
    Abstract: Methods and systems of accurately dispensing a viscous fluid onto a substrate. In an embodiment, a method includes using an electronic flow meter device to produce electrical flow meter output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner by adjusting at least one dispensing parameter to correct for a difference between an output data set and a reference data set. In another embodiment, a system includes a control operatively coupled to a gas flow meter device and to a weigh scale allowing for a density of an amount of viscous material to be determined. In another embodiment, a method includes using a control coupled to both a gas flow meter device and a weigh scale and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner by adjusting at least one dispensing parameter using gas flow meter output signals and weigh scale output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph E. Donner, Michael Gorman, Christopher L. Giusti, Alan R. Lewis, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Yuriy Suhinin
  • Publication number: 20170345728
    Abstract: Methods and systems of accurately dispensing a viscous fluid onto a substrate. In an embodiment, a method includes using an electronic flow meter device to produce electrical flow meter output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner by adjusting at least one dispensing parameter to correct for a difference between an output data set and a reference data set. In another embodiment, a system includes a control operatively coupled to a gas flow meter device and to a weigh scale allowing for a density of an amount of viscous material to be determined. In another embodiment, a method includes using a control coupled to both a gas flow meter device and a weigh scale and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner by adjusting at least one dispensing parameter using gas flow meter output signals and weigh scale output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph E. Donner, Michael Gorman, Christopher L. Giusti, Alan R. Lewis, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Yuriy Suhinin
  • Patent number: 9808826
    Abstract: A jetting device and/or fluid module includes a nozzle with a fluid outlet, a body including a fluid chamber and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, and a valve seat disposed in the fluid chamber, where the valve seat includes an opening in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The jetting device also includes a movable element having a top portion and a bottom portion, where the top portion is disposed external to the fluid chamber and arranged to be contacted by a reciprocating drive pin, and where the bottom portion is disposed within the fluid chamber. Finally, the jetting device also includes a sealing member contacting the movable element between the top portion and the bottom portion, where the sealing member also contacts the body, and defines a portion of a boundary of the fluid chamber to seal the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley Cruz Aguilar, Mani Ahmadi, Stephen Russell des Jardins, Erik Fiske, Mark Meier, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Robert James Wright
  • Patent number: 9808825
    Abstract: A jetting device and/or fluid module includes a nozzle with a fluid outlet, a body including a fluid chamber and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, and a valve seat disposed in the fluid chamber, where the valve seat includes an opening in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The jetting device also includes a movable element having a top portion and a bottom portion, where the top portion is disposed external to the fluid chamber and arranged to be contacted by a reciprocating drive pin, and where the bottom portion is disposed within the fluid chamber. Finally, the jetting device also includes a sealing member contacting the movable element between the top portion and the bottom portion, where the sealing member also contacts the body, and defines a portion of a boundary of the fluid chamber to seal the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley Cruz Aguilar, Mani Ahmadi, Stephen Russell des Jardins, Erik Fiske, Mark Meier, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Robert James Wright
  • Publication number: 20170274408
    Abstract: A jetting device and/or fluid module include a module body defining a passageway extending through the module body and also partially defining a fluid chamber, a nozzle supported by the module body, a valve element at least partially within the fluid chamber, a biasing element contacting the valve element and also contacting the module body, and a sealing member contacting the periphery of the valve element and configured to partially define the fluid chamber. The nozzle defines a fluid outlet that is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. The valve element has an upper portion outside of the fluid chamber that is adapted for contact with the drive pin, and the biasing element is configured to apply a spring force to the valve element. The valve element is configured to cause a droplet of the fluid to be jetted from the fluid outlet when the valve element is moved in the direction toward the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Stanley Cruz Aguilar, Mani Ahmadi, Stephen Russell des Jardins, Erik Fiske, Mark Meier, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Robert J. Wright
  • Publication number: 20170246650
    Abstract: Methods for applying fluid materials to a substrate, such as circuit board, while continuously moving the fluid dispenser are disclosed. Initially, a dispenser is continuously moved through a constant motion trajectory connecting the plurality of dispense locations on the substrate. The electrical output signals generated by one or more of encoders of the dispenser are monitored as the dispenser is continuously moved through the constant motion trajectory. The dispenser is triggered at each of the plurality of dispense locations and droplets of the fluid material are jetted while continuously moving the dispenser. The spatial coordinates of each droplet of the fluid material on the substrate are measured and compared to expected landing coordinates for each droplet of the fluid material to generate a spatial error for each droplet of the fluid material. At least one dispense location is corrected and an updated constant motion trajectory is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald N. Abernathy, Clifford A. Fowler, Philip P. Maiorca, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge
  • Patent number: 9674962
    Abstract: Methods for applying fluid materials to a substrate, such as circuit board, while continuously moving the fluid dispenser. Some methods generally involve correcting the dispense location for each of the dispensed amounts of fluid material by executing a statistical comparison of either the predicted and actual landing locations on the substrate, or the predicted and actual positions of the dispenser at each of the dispense locations. Other methods generally involve initiating the dispensing of amounts of the fluid material at dispense locations corrected by a correction factor specified in terms of the servo cycle for the movement of the dispenser or by a correction factor specified in terms of partial servo cycles courtesy of a timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald N. Abernathy, Clifford A. Fowler, Philip P. Maiorca, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge
  • Publication number: 20160288156
    Abstract: A non-contact jetting dispenser, viscous fluid dispensing system and method. The system includes a viscous fluid dispenser for dispensing the viscous fluid. The system further includes a viscous fluid supply container adapted to hold the viscous fluid. A flow path is provided for the viscous fluid between the viscous fluid supply container and an outlet of the viscous fluid dispenser. An electronic flow meter device is used to produce electrical output signals proportional to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path. A control is operatively coupled to the electronic flow meter for continuously receiving and processing the electrical output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph E. Donner, Michael Gorman, Christopher L. Giusti, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Yuriy Suhinin
  • Publication number: 20160221022
    Abstract: A jetting device and/or fluid module includes a nozzle with a fluid outlet, a body including a fluid chamber and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, and a valve seat disposed in the fluid chamber, where the valve seat includes an opening in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The jetting device also includes a movable element having a top portion and a bottom portion, where the top portion is disposed external to the fluid chamber and arranged to be contacted by a reciprocating drive pin, and where the bottom portion is disposed within the fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Stanley Cruz Aguilar, Mani Ahmadi, Stephen Russell des Jardins, Erik Fiske, Mark Meier, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Robert James Wright
  • Patent number: 9393586
    Abstract: A non-contact jetting dispenser, viscous fluid dispensing system and method. The system includes a viscous fluid dispenser for dispensing the viscous fluid. The system further includes a viscous fluid supply container adapted to hold the viscous fluid. A flow path is provided for the viscous fluid between the viscous fluid supply container and an outlet of the viscous fluid dispenser. An electronic flow meter device is used to produce electrical output signals proportional to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path. A control is operatively coupled to the electronic flow meter for continuously receiving and processing the electrical output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph E. Donner, Michael Gorman, Christopher L. Giusti, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Yuriy Suhinin
  • Publication number: 20160199857
    Abstract: A jetting device and/or fluid module includes a nozzle with a fluid outlet, a body including a fluid chamber and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, and a valve seat disposed in the fluid chamber, where the valve seat includes an opening in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The jetting device also includes a movable element having a top portion and a bottom portion, where the top portion is disposed external to the fluid chamber and arranged to be contacted by a reciprocating drive pin, and where the bottom portion is disposed within the fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Stanley Cruz Aguilar, Mani Ahmadi, Stephen Russell des Jardins, Erik Fiske, Mark Meier, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Robert James Wright
  • Publication number: 20160189984
    Abstract: Methods for applying an underfill with vacuum assistance. The method includes receiving a substrate with the surface at least partially covered by a glass-like film that has a top surface of reduced roughness relative to the surface of the substrate, providing the underfill on the top surface of the glass-like film along an exterior edge of the electronic device, evacuating the space to provide a vacuum condition in the open portion of the space, and heating the underfill to cause flow of the underfill toward the exterior edge and into the open portion of the space, wherein the glass-like film reduces trapping of gas under the underfill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Alec J. Babiarz, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Jiangang Zhao
  • Patent number: 9314882
    Abstract: Methods for applying an underfill with vacuum assistance. The method may include dispensing the underfill onto a substrate proximate to at least one exterior edge of an electronic device attached to the substrate. A space between the electronic device and the substrate is evacuated through at least one gap in the underfill. The method further includes heating the underfill to cause the underfill to flow into the space. Because a vacuum condition is supplied in the open portion of the space before flow is initiated, the incidence of underfill voiding is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alec J. Babiarz, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Jiangang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20160005668
    Abstract: Methods and systems of accurately dispensing a viscous fluid onto a substrate. In an embodiment, a method includes using an electronic flow meter device to produce electrical flow meter output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner by adjusting at least one dispensing parameter to correct for a difference between an output data set and a reference data set. In another embodiment, a system includes a control operatively coupled to a gas flow meter device and to a weigh scale allowing for a density of an amount of viscous material to be determined. In another embodiment, a method includes using a control coupled to both a gas flow meter device and a weigh scale and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner by adjusting at least one dispensing parameter using gas flow meter output signals and weigh scale output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph E. Donner, Michael Gorman, Christopher L. Giusti, Alan R. Lewis, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Yuriy Suhinin
  • Publication number: 20140248421
    Abstract: Methods for applying fluid materials to a substrate, such as circuit board, while continuously moving the fluid dispenser. Some methods generally involve correcting the dispense location for each of the dispensed amounts of fluid material by executing a statistical comparison of either the predicted and actual landing locations on the substrate, or the predicted and actual positions of the dispenser at each of the dispense locations. Other methods generally involve initiating the dispensing of amounts of the fluid material at dispense locations corrected by a correction factor specified in terms of the servo cycle for the movement of the dispenser or by a correction factor specified in terms of partial servo cycles courtesy of a timer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald N. Abernathy, Clifford A. Fowler, Philip P. Maiorca, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge
  • Patent number: 8796075
    Abstract: Methods for applying an underfill with vacuum assistance. The method may include dispensing the underfill onto a substrate proximate to at least one exterior edge of an electronic device attached to the substrate. A space between the electronic device and the substrate is evacuated through at least one gap in the underfill. The method further includes heating the underfill to cause the underfill to flow into the space. Because a vacuum condition is supplied in the open portion of the space before flow is initiated, the incidence of underfill voiding is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Alec Babiarz, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge
  • Publication number: 20140183248
    Abstract: Methods for applying an underfill with vacuum assistance. The method may include dispensing the underfill onto a substrate proximate to at least one exterior edge of an electronic device attached to the substrate. A space between the electronic device and the substrate is evacuated through at least one gap in the underfill. The method further includes heating the underfill to cause the underfill to flow into the space. Because a vacuum condition is supplied in the open portion of the space before flow is initiated, the incidence of underfill voiding is lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alec J. Babiarz, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Jiangang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20140138400
    Abstract: A non-contact jetting dispenser, viscous fluid dispensing system and method. The system includes a viscous fluid dispenser for dispensing the viscous fluid. The system further includes a viscous fluid supply container adapted to hold the viscous fluid. A flow path is provided for the viscous fluid between the viscous fluid supply container and an outlet of the viscous fluid dispenser. An electronic flow meter device is used to produce electrical output signals proportional to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path. A control is operatively coupled to the electronic flow meter for continuously receiving and processing the electrical output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph E. Donner, Michael Gorman, Christopher L. Giusti, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Yuriy Suhinin