Abstract: A novel ledge forming system used to attach a polymer retention hub to a thin wall nozzle core to provide an efficient way to produce a conjunct nozzle. The inventive apparatus provides a means for assembly of components by a method involving use of a press with a heating element to elevate temperature of a thermoplastic polymer to permit formation of a ledge that overhangs the flange of a nozzle core, mechanically locking components together. Execution of the process is rapid, low cost and eliminates damage to the thin wall of the core that would occur if the polymer retention hub were molded around the nozzle core.

Abstract: A novel ledge forming system used to attach a polymer retention hub to a thin wall nozzle core to provide an efficient way to produce a conjunct nozzle. The inventive apparatus provides a means for assembly of components by a method involving use of a press with a heating element to elevate temperature of a thermoplastic polymer to permit formation of a ledge that overhangs the flange of a nozzle core, mechanically locking components together. Execution of the process is rapid, low cost and eliminates damage to the thin wall of the core that would occur if the polymer retention hub were molded around the nozzle core.

Abstract: A novel design of a polymer retention hub created having an innovative feature used to permanently attach a thin wall nozzle core without use of adhesives or ancillary parts to form a conjunct nozzle. Additional polymer in the correct amount is molded into a polymer retention hub in close proximity to a location where a mechanical lock must be formed to join the two components together. The inventive design of the polymer retention hub is configured to produce an enclosed cavity with the strength required for separation of a nozzle core from a standard taper.

Abstract: A novel design and method of attachment of a retention device to a monolithic thin walled deep drawn core provides an efficient system to produce a complete conjunct nozzle assembly. The design of the molded retention device contains the provision for joining the parts together without the use of adhesives or ancillary parts. Additional polymer in the correct amount is molded into the retention device in close proximity to the location where a mechanical lock must be formed to join the two components together. An inventive tool enables the technique for shut off of the monolithic core from the heated thermoplastic polymer allowing formation of a ledge that overhangs the flange of the core. Execution of the process is rapid, low cost and it eliminates damage to the thin wall of the core that would occur if the retention device were molded around the core.

Abstract: A pump cartridge which has a polymer shell with moveable cores inserted from each end. The polymer shell contains perpendicular passages along the top for connection of fluid supply and prime chambers. Statically mounted elastomers adjacent to perpendicular passages provide sealing around movable cores. Fluid moves by translation within the pump cartridge by filling the cavity volume between the oblate ends of the moveable cores with a liquid and matching the rotation angle and translation position of advancing left moveable core with retreating right moveable core, maintaining equivalent volume. Both moveable cores can be directed toward one another or one moveable core can remain stationary while the other advances to extrude fluid. Pump cartridge rotation changes the angle of the fluid exit passage.

Abstract: A novel method of designing a twisting translational pump cartridge by utilizing a polymer shell with moveable cores inserted from each end. The polymer shell contains two perpendicular passages along the top for connection of a prime fluid chamber, a bulk fluid supply chamber and a fluid reservoir. These perpendicular passages and corresponding connection details are arranged in a fashion that is perpendicular to the axis of the polymer shell that comprises the pump cartridge cavity. Directly below at a different relative position also perpendicular to the axis of the pump cartridge cavity is an exit perpendicular passage for extrusion of fluid. The pump cartridge contains no valves or ancillary passages to direct flow between the different machine states of prime, refill, translate and dispense. The states are activated by changing the pitch of the twist or speed to determine relative position of the moveable cores with respect to each passage.

Abstract: A novel method of designing a pump by utilizing a cylinder with pistons inserted from each end. The cylinder contains two ports along the top for connection of a prime fluid chamber, a bulk fluid supply chamber and a fluid reservoir. These ports and corresponding connection details are arranged in a fashion that is perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder that comprises the pump chamber. Directly below at a different relative position also perpendicular to the axis of the pump chamber is an exit port for extrusion of fluid. The pump contains no valves or ancillary passages to direct flow between the different machine states of prime, refill, translate and dispense. The states are activated by relative position of the pistons with respect to each port. Fluid moves by translation within the pump by filling the chamber volume between the two pistons with a liquid and synchronizing the advance of the left piston with the retreat of the right piston.

Abstract: A novel nozzle heater design, that facilitates fast thermal response on demand, to achieve rapid reduction in viscosity, allowing fluid to flow through the exit aperture of the nozzle with less pressure, reduced surface tension and elastic behavior at break off. A rapid cool down after a temperature spike alleviates problems associated with prolonged exposure of the fluid at temperature. Prolonged exposure manifests the following problems: volatiles are driven off, premature cross-linking is initiated and fluid in the heated region is subsequently ruined. The fluid path heater is designed to prevent the occurrence of these problems by virtue of the exceptionally fast thermal response rate. This heater design requires no fasteners and is simple to assemble; parts are held in place by inherent geometric relationships and connection to the nozzle hub is tool-less and self-compensating for tolerance variation in the nozzle hub to which it is connected.