Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for filtering a liquid plastic, with a housing (4) with an inlet (6) for introducing the plastic and an outlet (8) for discharging the plastic, a screen carrier (12) accommodated in the housing (4) and having a screen chamber (10) for accommodating a filter element (14), a filter element (14) arranged in the screen chamber (10) of the screen carrier (12) and having a filter side (16) and a clean side (18), the filter element (14) being connectable to the inlet (6) and the outlet (8) in such a way that the plastic passes through and is filtered by the filter element (14) in a filtering flow direction (56) from the filter side (16) to the clean side (18) and wherein the filter element (14) can be cleaned by backwashing by plastic flowing counter to the filtering flow direction (56), a backwashing feed channel (20) fluidly connected to the clean side (18) of the filter element (14), which feed channel (20) is set up for this purpose, the filter element (14) against the direc

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved fluid dispensing process control using a machine learning tool are disclosed. In an example method, successive portions of viscous fluid are dispensed by a dispensing device according to operating parameters to train a machine learning tool to associate defect classifications with images of dispensed portions and/or operating parameters associated with dispensing the dispensed portions. The trained machine learning tool is then used in a closed loop fashion in production to detect and correct for defects associated with the dispensed portions to improve quality and production efficiency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying molten solder are disclosed. A system for applying solder to a workpiece includes a conveyor for moving a first workpiece along a machine direction, and a first selective soldering nozzle to apply solder to the first workpiece while the first workpiece is moving along the machine direction. The system can also include a flux application area to apply flux to bottoms of workpieces, a heating area to heat the bottoms of the workpieces, and a conveyor to convey the workpieces. The workpiece can constantly move through multiple areas, such as a flux application area, a heating area, and a selective soldering area. As such, two or more areas can operate on the workpiece simultaneously and while the workpiece is moving. The method includes applying solder from the first selective soldering nozzle to the first workpiece while the first workpiece is moving along the machine direction.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a piston configured to be used with a dispensing syringe and a dispensing syringe having the piston. The piston has a body configured to be slidably positioned within an interior reservoir of the dispensing syringe. The body defining a wall that circumferentially surrounds the piston. The piston also has a wiper seal that extends outwardly and circumferentially from the wall. The wiper seal define a lip, a first portion, a second portion, and a junction that connects the first portion and the second portion. The second portion extends outwardly from the junction and away from the body to the lip.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a piezoelectric stack having a distal end and being configured to expand upon application of a voltage such that the distal end is moved by a first length. The system further includes an amplifier with a primary surface to contact the distal end of the stack and a secondary surface, a base configured to contact the secondary surface, and a valve assembly with an outlet orifice and valve element. The valve element is configured to move in first and second directions and is coupled with the amplifier. When the distal end is moved by a first length, a portion of the amplifier is moved by a second length that is greater than the first length, and the valve element is moved in a first direction by the second length.

Abstract: A flexible map with application data identifiers for PLC communications is described. An example method comprises receiving a first user input indicative of a selection of a parameter from a plurality of parameters associated with an adhesive dispensing system (614). The parameter is subject to data exchange between a controller (616) of the adhesive dispensing system (614) and an associated programmable logic controller (610). A second user input is received that is indicative of a memory space location in a memory space of the controller (616). A custom data map is generated that is indicative of an association between the selected parameter and the memory space location.

Abstract: In one example, a filtering device has a housing that defines an inlet opening, first and second bores with first and second pistons therein, respectively, first and second inlet channels that extend from the inlet opening to the first and second bores, respectively first and second outlet channels in communication with the first and second bores, respectively, and a first backflush channel. The first piston defines a filter cavity in fluid communication with the first inlet and outlet channels when the first piston is in a production mode. The second piston defines a filter cavity in fluid communication with the second inlet and outlet channels when the second piston is in the production mode. The device has a backflush valve that compresses fluid into the filter cavity of the first piston via the first backflush channel to increase pressure in the cavity during a backflushing operation.

Abstract: A slip luer assembly includes a hub member and a latch member coupled to the hub member. The hub member includes an outer hub surface, an inner hub surface and a window surface. The window surface defines a window extending from the outer hub surface to the inner hub surface. The latch member includes at least one blade. The latch member is configured to be actuated between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the at least one blade is not positioned within the window of the hub member. In the second position, the at least one blade is positioned at least partially within the window of the hub member.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling movement of a moving part of an applicator for jetting material from the applicator are disclosed. The method includes actuating a piezoelectric device operatively connected to a needle by providing a voltage waveform to the piezoelectric device, such that the needle translates along a positional path in a first dispensing operation. The method also includes sensing positions of the moving part over a period of time, where the positions define a time-dependent positional profile of the moving part, and receiving parameters for a second dispensing operation. The method also includes determining a required voltage waveform to be applied to the piezoelectric device to perform the second dispensing operation, and adjusting the voltage waveform provided to the piezoelectric device to match the required positional profile.

Abstract: A valve having a valve housing and a shut-off element, the valve housing having a cavity for receiving the shut-off element, at least one inlet opening for a fluid to flow into the cavity and at least three outlet openings for the fluid to flow out of the cavity, the shut-off element having a guide body and being arranged in a movable manner at least partially in the cavity of the valve housing, the shut-off element having at least one shut-off projection for shutting off at least one of the outlet openings.

Abstract: An air manifold for a material dispensing applicator is described. The air manifold has an inlet to receive pressurized air from a pressurized air source, a channel extending therethrough from the inlet, and a plurality of passages in fluid communication with the channel. The air manifold also includes a plurality of pneumatic bolts, where each of the plurality of pneumatic bolts is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of passages and attached to a respective one of the plurality of dispensing modules of the applicator. Each of the plurality of pneumatic bolts directs the pressurized air from the channel of the air manifold to the respective one of the plurality of dispensing modules.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electrostatic dispensing fluid onto food products are disclosed. An electrostatic dispense system includes a material supply, a voltage block, and a power supply to electrostatically charge a coating material. The electrostatic dispense system further includes a dispense assembly, a conveyor through or by which a food product is configured to be conveyed, and a support that supports at least one liquid outlet of the dispense assembly. The dispense assembly dispenses the electrostatically charged coating material from the at least one liquid outlet onto the food product. The voltage block provides electrical isolation, and includes a pump that pumps the electrostatically charged coating material to the dispense assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling adhesive application are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a controller and one or more sensors configured to measure an amount of adhesive applied to a plurality of substrates by a pump, detect a number of the substrates, determine an amount of adhesive applied per substrate, compare the adhesive applied per substrate to a target value, and adjust a pressure of the pump based on the comparison. The sensor(s) may include one or more of a valve sensor coupled to an adhesive supply, a flow rate sensor coupled to a manifold, a flow rate sensor coupled to one or more hoses, and a flow rate sensors coupled to a gun.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive system includes an adhesive supply for receiving solid or semi-solid hot melt adhesive, and a heater associated with the adhesive supply for melting the solid or semi-solid hot melt adhesive into liquid hot melt adhesive. An adhesive tracking system monitors an output of the liquid hot melt adhesive, and includes a flow meter having a flow inlet and a flow outlet. The flow meter measures an amount of the adhesive flowing out of the flow outlet. A product detector may be used to sense a presence of a product to which the adhesive is applied. A controller then determines the total amount of the liquid adhesive dispensed and the average amount of liquid adhesive dispensed per product.