Abstract: Apparatus for use with an applicator, systems for dispensing fluids, methods of using a nozzle (52), and a nozzle (52). The nozzle (52) includes a communication device (60) having a memory (86). The memory (86) stores data relating to the operational history and configuration of the nozzle (52). In response to receiving a query signal (90) from an interrogation device (24), the communication device (60) transmits the data residing in the memory (86). The communication device (60) also receives and stores data in the query signal (90) to the memory (86) so that the operational history of the nozzle (52) is maintained in the memory (86) of the communication device (60). The transmitted data may be received by the interrogation device (24) and used to adjust a fluid dispensing operation, determine when the nozzle (52) has reached the end of its operational life, for process improvement, or for inventory tracking.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with an applicator, systems for dispensing fluids, methods of using a nozzle (52), and a nozzle (52). The nozzle (52) includes a communication device (60) having a memory (86). The memory (86) stores data relating to the operational history and configuration of the nozzle (52). In response to receiving a query signal (90) from an interrogation device (24), the communication device (60) transmits the data residing in the memory (86). The communication device (60) also receives and stores data in the query signal (90) to the memory (86) so that the operational history of the nozzle (52) is maintained in the memory (86) of the communication device (60).

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.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic jetting valve includes a housing with first and second chambers. A pneumatic piston is enclosed between the chambers. First and second solenoid valves are configured to respectively supply air pressure to the chambers and to exhaust the chambers. A controller is operable to regulate the pressurization and venting of the chambers. The controller controls the timing of control signals for the first and second solenoid valves to control the overlap time during which both the first and second chambers are pressurized. By controlling this overlap time, the controller controls the speed of the drive pin of the jetting valve and thereby the speed at which the valve closes to jet a droplet of material. This allows a valve speed to be selected that is most appropriate for the viscosity of the material being jetted. Numerous new methods for utilizing the improved jetting valve and system are disclosed.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A viscous material noncontact jetting system has a jetting dispenser mounted for relative motion with respect to a surface. A control is operable to cause the jetting dispenser to jet a viscous material droplet that is applied to the surface as a viscous material dot. A device, such as a camera or weigh scale, is connected to the control and provides a feedback signal representing a size-related physical characteristic of the dot applied to the surface. The size-related physical characteristics of subsequently applied dots are controlled by heating and cooling, or adjusting a piston stroke in the jetting dispenser, in response to the size-related physical characteristic feedback. Dispensed material volume control and velocity offset compensation are also provided.

Abstract: A viscous material noncontact jetting system has a jetting dispenser mounted for relative motion with respect to a surface. A control is operable to cause the jetting dispenser to jet a viscous material droplet that is applied to the surface as a viscous material dot. A device, such as a camera or weigh scale, is connected to the control and provides a feedback signal representing a size-related physical characteristic of the dot applied to the surface. The size-related physical characteristics of subsequently applied dots is controlled by heating and cooling, or adjusting a piston stroke in the jetting dispenser, in response to the size-related physical characteristic feedback. Dispensed material volume control and velocity offset compensation are also provided.

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.

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.

Abstract: Modular devices for jetting a fluid material and components for modular jetting devices. The devices may include a pressurized air or positive displacement pump fluid supply module to supply a fluid module inlet. A syringe may feed material through a check valve to a positive displacement pump, which feeds material through another check valve to the fluid module. Inside the fluid module is a valve element moved to contact a valve seat and jet a droplet of material by contact between an external drive pin and a movable element of the fluid module. Either a piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or another actuator may move the drive pin. A controller may coordinate the supply of fluid from the positive displacement pump with the rate at which material is jetted. The fluid module and positive displacement pump are easily removable from the jetting device.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for priming a fluid chamber of a fluid dispensing valve with fluid from a fluid material source that includes a vacuum source, a valve priming station, a vacuum switch, and a controller. The valve priming station has a boot, a vacuum chamber, and a vacuum channel in the boot. The vacuum channel connects with the vacuum source via the vacuum chamber. The boot sealingly engages a valve nozzle of the fluid dispensing valve so that the vacuum chamber connects the vacuum source with the fluid chamber. The vacuum switch couples with the vacuum channel via the vacuum chamber and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber. The controller is electrically connected with the vacuum source and vacuum switch and controls priming of the fluid dispensing valve based upon whether the vacuum switch is opened or closed.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with an applicator, systems for dispensing fluids, methods of using a nozzle (52), and a nozzle (52). The nozzle (52) includes a communication device (60) having a memory (86). The memory (86) stores data relating to the operational history and configuration of the nozzle (52). In response to receiving a query signal (90) from an interrogation device (24), the communication device (60) transmits the data residing in the memory (86). The communication device (60) also receives and stores data in the query signal (90) to the memory (86) so that the operational history of the nozzle (52) is maintained in the memory (86) of the communication device (60).

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for priming a fluid chamber of a fluid dispensing valve with fluid from a fluid material source that includes a vacuum source, a valve priming station, a vacuum switch, and a controller. The valve priming station has a boot, a vacuum chamber, and a vacuum channel in the boot. The vacuum channel connects with the vacuum source via the vacuum chamber. The boot sealingly engages a valve nozzle of the fluid dispensing valve so that the vacuum chamber connects the vacuum source with the fluid chamber. The vacuum switch couples with the vacuum channel via the vacuum chamber and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber. The controller is electrically connected with the vacuum source and vacuum switch and controls priming of the fluid dispensing valve based upon whether the vacuum switch is opened or closed.

Abstract: An automated system (10) and methods (11) for priming a fluid chamber (12) of a fluid dispensing valve (14) with fluid (16) from fluid material source that includes a vacuum source (46), a valve priming station (32), a vacuum switch (54), and a controller (62). The valve priming station (32) has a boot (40), a vacuum chamber (36), and a vacuum channel (42) in the boot (40). The vacuum channel (42) connects with the vacuum source (46) via the vacuum chamber (36). The boot (40) sealingly engages a valve nozzle (28) of the fluid dispensing valve (14) so that the vacuum chamber (36) connects the vacuum source (46) with the fluid chamber (12). The vacuum switch (54) couples with the vacuum channel (42) via the vacuum chamber (36) and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber (36).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dispensing small amounts of a viscous material onto a workpiece. The narrow-profile dispensing apparatus includes a fluid chamber, a nozzle, and a valve seat disk representing individual components that are removable from a main body of the dispensing apparatus for cleaning and/or replacement. The nozzle is coupled with the fluid chamber by a heat transfer body that may be cooled by, for example, a cooling fluid routed through an air pathway defined in the heat transfer body. The main body of the dispensing apparatus may be cooled by air exhausted from an air cavity of a pneumatic actuator regulating the movement of a needle to control the flow of viscous material in the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: Modular devices for jetting a fluid material and components for modular jetting devices. The devices may include a pressurized air or positive displacement pump fluid supply module to supply a fluid module inlet. A syringe may feed material through a check valve to a positive displacement pump, which feeds material through another check valve to the fluid module. Inside the fluid module is a valve element moved to contact a valve seat and jet a droplet of material by contact between an external drive pin and a movable element of the fluid module. Either a piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or another actuator may move the drive pin. A controller may coordinate the supply of fluid from the positive displacement pump with the rate at which material is jetted. The fluid module and positive displacement pump are easily removable from the jetting device.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic jetting valve includes a housing with first and second chambers. A pneumatic piston is enclosed between the chambers. First and second solenoid valves are configured to respectively supply air pressure to the chambers and to exhaust the chambers. A controller is operable to regulate the pressurization and venting of the chambers. The controller controls the timing of control signals for the first and second solenoid valves to control the overlap time during which both the first and second chambers are pressurized. By controlling this overlap time, the controller controls the speed of the drive pin of the jetting valve and thereby the speed at which the valve closes to jet a droplet of material. This allows a valve speed to be selected that is most appropriate for the viscosity of the material being jetted. Numerous new methods for utilizing the improved jetting valve and system are disclosed.

Abstract: A viscous material noncontact jetting system has a jetting dispenser mounted for relative motion with respect to a surface. A control is operable to cause the jetting dispenser to jet a viscous material droplet that is applied to the surface as a viscous material dot. A device, such as a camera or weigh scale, is connected to the control and provides a feedback signal representing a size-related physical characteristic of the dot applied to the surface. The size-related physical characteristics of subsequently applied dots is controlled by heating and cooling, or adjusting a piston stroke in the jetting dispenser, in response to the size-related physical characteristic feedback. Dispensed material volume control and velocity offset compensation are also provided.