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).
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Patent number: 10646889Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: Ronald N. Abernathy, Clifford A. Fowler, Phillip P. Maiorca, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge
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Patent number: 10300505Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: Stanley Cruz Aguilar, Mani Ahmadi, Stephen Russell des Jardins, Erik Fiske, Mark Meier, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Robert J. Wright
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Patent number: 9847265Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: Joseph E. Donner, Michael Gorman, Christopher L. Giusti, Alan R. Lewis, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Yuriy Suhinin
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Publication number: 20170345728Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Inventors: Joseph E. Donner, Michael Gorman, Christopher L. Giusti, Alan R. Lewis, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Yuriy Suhinin
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Patent number: 9808826Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: Stanley Cruz Aguilar, Mani Ahmadi, Stephen Russell des Jardins, Erik Fiske, Mark Meier, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Robert James Wright
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Patent number: 9808825Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: Stanley Cruz Aguilar, Mani Ahmadi, Stephen Russell des Jardins, Erik Fiske, Mark Meier, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Robert James Wright
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Publication number: 20170274408Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Stanley Cruz Aguilar, Mani Ahmadi, Stephen Russell des Jardins, Erik Fiske, Mark Meier, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Robert J. Wright
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Publication number: 20170246650Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2017Publication date: August 31, 2017Inventors: Ronald N. Abernathy, Clifford A. Fowler, Philip P. Maiorca, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge
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Patent number: 9674962Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventors: Ronald N. Abernathy, Clifford A. Fowler, Philip P. Maiorca, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge
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Publication number: 20160288156Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Joseph E. Donner, Michael Gorman, Christopher L. Giusti, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Yuriy Suhinin
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Publication number: 20160221022Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2016Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Stanley Cruz Aguilar, Mani Ahmadi, Stephen Russell des Jardins, Erik Fiske, Mark Meier, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Robert James Wright
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Patent number: 9393586Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph E. Donner, Michael Gorman, Christopher L. Giusti, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Yuriy Suhinin
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Publication number: 20160199857Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2016Publication date: July 14, 2016Inventors: Stanley Cruz Aguilar, Mani Ahmadi, Stephen Russell des Jardins, Erik Fiske, Mark Meier, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Robert James Wright
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Publication number: 20160189984Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Alec J. Babiarz, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Jiangang Zhao
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Patent number: 9314882Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventors: Alec J. Babiarz, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Jiangang Zhao
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Publication number: 20160005668Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2015Publication date: January 7, 2016Inventors: Joseph E. Donner, Michael Gorman, Christopher L. Giusti, Alan R. Lewis, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Yuriy Suhinin
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Publication number: 20140248421Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventors: Ronald N. Abernathy, Clifford A. Fowler, Philip P. Maiorca, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge
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Patent number: 8796075Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: Alec Babiarz, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge
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Publication number: 20140183248Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventors: Alec J. Babiarz, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Jiangang Zhao
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Publication number: 20140138400Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph E. Donner, Michael Gorman, Christopher L. Giusti, Horatio Quinones, Thomas L. Ratledge, Yuriy Suhinin