Patents by Inventor Jeffrey P. Fugere

Jeffrey P. Fugere 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: 9108215
    Abstract: A material dispensing pump includes a drip prevention system and method so as to avoid undesired dripping of the dispensed fluid. In one example, the fluid path is sealed. Positive pressure is applied to the fluid during a dispensing operation to present the fluid to the auger-style pump at a desired rate. Between dispensing operations, or when dispensing is completed, the fluid is placed in suspension, for example by applying a negative pressure, thereby preventing the fluid from being inadvertently released at the dispense tip. In addition, following a dispensing operation, the pump dispensing controller can be programmed to reverse the rotation of the feed screw, in order to draw the material in a reverse direction and to further suspend the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 8864055
    Abstract: A dispense tip constructed and arranged to communicate with a material dispensing pump comprises an elongated neck and a molded base having a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion. The neck extends from the first portion of the base. The second portion is constructed and arranged to abut an outlet surface of the pump. An outermost region of the second portion of the base includes a compressible fluid-tight surface that compliantly conforms to the outlet surface when the dispense tip is mounted to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Publication number: 20140231469
    Abstract: A fluid dispense tip includes a bevel at an opening to reduce the amount of surface tension, or “land”, at the opening. The bevel is formed by grinding in a longitudinal direction such that any tooling scars resulting from the grinding operation are likewise longitudinally oriented, further reducing the amount of surface tension in the tip, thereby leading to heightened dispensing accuracy. The tip may be machined from stock as a unitary piece, to increase its lifetime, and may be formed with a bore of a relatively large diameter that is tapered down to a smaller diameter near the tip opening, to allow for delivery of fluid through the tip body at a decreased pressure. The tip may optionally be formed with a Luer™-style fitting on the body, such that the tip is compatible with pumps that utilize such a fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 8707559
    Abstract: A material dispense tip includes an elongated hole in an elongated neck that extends from an input end of the neck to an output end of the neck. The hole at the output end of the neck has a first diameter. The output end of the neck is positioned against a die surface. A punch is inserted into the hole at the input end of the neck. An external force is applied to the neck to cause the output end of the neck to be deformed under compression by the die surface, to reduce the diameter of the hole at the output end of the neck from the first diameter to a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 8701946
    Abstract: A material dispensing pump includes a drip prevention system and method so as to avoid undesired dripping of the dispensed fluid. In one example, the fluid path is sealed. Positive pressure is applied to the fluid during a dispensing operation to present the fluid to the auger-style pump at a desired rate. Between dispensing operations, or when dispensing is completed, the fluid is placed in suspension, for example by applying a negative pressure, thereby preventing the fluid from being inadvertently released at the dispense tip. In addition, following a dispensing operation, the pump dispensing controller can be programmed to reverse the rotation of the feed screw, in order to draw the material in a reverse direction and to further suspend the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 8690084
    Abstract: A fluid dispense tip includes a bevel at an opening to reduce the amount of surface tension, or “land”, at the opening. The bevel is formed by grinding in a longitudinal direction such that any tooling scars resulting from the grinding operation are likewise longitudinally oriented, further reducing the amount of surface tension in the tip, thereby leading to heightened dispensing accuracy. The tip may be machined from stock as a unitary piece, to increase its lifetime, and may be formed with a bore of a relatively large diameter that is tapered down to a smaller diameter near the tip opening, to allow for delivery of fluid through the tip body at a decreased pressure. The tip may optionally be formed with a Luer™-style fitting on the body, such that the tip is compatible with pumps that utilize such a fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: DL Technology LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 8480015
    Abstract: A fluid dispense tip includes a bevel at an opening to reduce the amount of surface tension, or “land”, at the opening. The bevel is formed by grinding in a longitudinal direction such that any tooling scars resulting from the grinding operation are likewise longitudinally oriented, further reducing the amount of surface tension in the tip, thereby leading to heightened dispensing accuracy. The tip may be machined from stock as a unitary piece, to increase its lifetime, and may be formed with a bore of a relatively large diameter that is tapered down to a smaller diameter near the tip opening, to allow for delivery of fluid through the tip body at a decreased pressure. A cleaning tool may be provided for removing residual material from the inner surfaces of the tip. A removable liner sleeve may be provided within the bore to reduce the effective inner diameter of the dispense tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 8220669
    Abstract: A material dispensing pump includes a drip prevention system and method so as to avoid undesired dripping of the dispensed fluid. In one example, the fluid path is sealed. Positive pressure is applied to the fluid during a dispensing operation to present the fluid to the auger-style pump at a desired rate. Between dispensing operations, or when dispensing is completed, the fluid is placed in suspension, for example by applying a negative pressure, thereby preventing the fluid from being inadvertently released at the dispense tip. In addition, following a dispensing operation, the pump dispensing controller can be programmed to reverse the rotation of the feed screw, in order to draw the material in a reverse direction and to further suspend the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 8197582
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a dispensing pump for delivering the fluid material to a substrate. The fluid dispensing system further includes a vacuum unit that draws a vacuum on the feed tube for removing gas impurities from the fluid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 8056833
    Abstract: In a fluid pump and cartridge assembly, a cartridge includes a material inlet port, a material outlet port, and a feed screw. The feed screw delivers fluid to be dispensed from the fluid inlet to the outlet port. The fluid inlet is preferably elongated in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the feed screw to enhance consistency in material flow through the cartridge. The feed screw is preferably driven by a closed-loop servo motor to achieve high-performance dispensing resolution. The assembly is preferably compatible with fixed-z and floating-z cartridges. A optional vented dispense tip, in combination with the fluid pump, allows for repeatable deposit of fillet patterns while maintaining optimal consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 7905945
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a dispensing pump that receives a flow of material and a dispense tip coupled to the dispensing pump. The dispense tip delivers the material to a substrate. The fluid dispensing system further includes a vacuum unit that draws a vacuum on the material in the fluid dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Publication number: 20100276522
    Abstract: A dispense tip constructed and arranged to communicate with a material dispensing pump comprises an elongated neck and a molded base having a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion. The neck extends from the first portion of the base. The second portion is constructed and arranged to abut an outlet surface of the pump. An outermost region of the second portion of the base includes a compressible fluid-tight surface that compliantly conforms to the outlet surface when the dispense tip is mounted to the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: DL TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 7762480
    Abstract: In a fluid pump and cartridge assembly, a cartridge includes a material inlet port, a material outlet port, and a feed screw. The feed screw delivers fluid to be dispensed from the fluid inlet to the outlet port. The fluid inlet is preferably elongated in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the feed screw to enhance consistency in material flow through the cartridge. The feed screw is preferably driven by a closed-loop servo motor to achieve high-performance dispensing resolution. The assembly is preferably compatible with fixed-z and floating-z cartridges. A optional vented dispense tip, in combination with the fluid pump, allows for repeatable deposit of fillet patterns while maintaining optimal consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 7744022
    Abstract: A fluid dispense tip includes a bevel at an opening to reduce the amount of surface tension, or “land”, at the opening. The bevel is formed by grinding in a longitudinal direction such that any tooling scars resulting from the grinding operation are likewise longitudinally oriented, further reducing the amount of surface tension in the tip, thereby leading to heightened dispensing accuracy. The tip may be machined from stock as a unitary piece, to increase its lifetime, and may be formed with a bore of a relatively large diameter that is tapered down to a smaller diameter near the tip opening, to allow for delivery of fluid through the tip body at a decreased pressure. A cleaning tool may be provided for removing residual material from the inner surfaces of the tip. A removable liner sleeve may be provided within the bore to reduce the effective inner diameter of the dispense tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 7694857
    Abstract: A material dispensing pump includes a drip prevention system and method so as to avoid undesired dripping of the dispensed fluid. In one example, the fluid path is sealed. Positive pressure is applied to the fluid during a dispensing operation to present the fluid to the auger-style pump at a desired rate. Between dispensing operations, or when dispensing is completed, the fluid is placed in suspension, for example by applying a negative pressure, thereby preventing the fluid from being inadvertently released at the dispense tip. In addition, following a dispensing operation, the pump dispensing controller can be programmed to reverse the rotation of the feed screw, in order to draw the material in a reverse direction and to further suspend the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 7331482
    Abstract: A heated dispense pump overcomes the limitations of conventional systems providing for reliable and efficient heating of the dispensed material in a system that is compact, lightweight, and accurate. A pump housing and cartridge body are formed of a thermally conductive material such as copper, aluminum, or an alloy combination thereof. A heater element is applied directly to the body of the pump housing, and a thermocouple is included to provide for closed-loop controllability. The material flows though the cartridge body and is heated prior to release at the dispense tip. The heated elements, including the pump housing and cartridge body, are thermally insulated from the pump motor and pump gantry to prevent the escape of heat from the system and to protect those adjacent components from heat damage. An optional syringe heater is provided for heating the material in the syringe, and for controlling the temperature of the material, in closed-loop fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 7178745
    Abstract: In a fluid pump and cartridge assembly, a cartridge includes a material inlet port, a material outlet port, and a feed screw. The feed screw delivers fluid to be dispensed from the fluid inlet to the outlet port. The fluid inlet is preferably elongated in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the feed screw to enhance consistency in material flow through the cartridge. The feed screw is preferably driven by a closed-loop servo motor to achieve high-performance dispensing resolution. The assembly is preferably compatible with fixed-z and floating-z cartridges. A optional vented dispense tip, in combination with the fluid pump, allows for repeatable deposit of fillet patterns while maintaining optimal consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 7000853
    Abstract: In a fluid pump and cartridge assembly, a cartridge includes a material inlet port, a material outlet port, and a feed screw. The feed screw delivers fluid to be dispensed from the fluid inlet to the outlet port. The fluid inlet is preferably elongated in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the feed screw to enhance consistency in material flow through the cartridge. The feed screw is preferably driven by a closed-loop servo motor to achieve high-performance dispensing resolution. The assembly is preferably compatible with fixed-z and floating-z cartridges. A optional vented dispense tip, in combination with the fluid pump, allows for repeatable deposit of fillet patterns while maintaining optimal consistency. A dispense controller allows for reverse-compatibility such that the fluid pump of the present invention can be mounted to, and controlled by, conventional pump position controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 6983867
    Abstract: A material dispensing pump includes a drip prevention system and method so as to avoid undesired dripping of the dispensed fluid. In one example, the fluid path is sealed. Positive pressure is applied to the fluid during a dispensing operation to present the fluid to the auger-style pump at a desired rate. Between dispensing operations, or when dispensing is completed, the fluid is placed in suspension, for example by applying a negative pressure, thereby preventing the fluid from being inadvertently released at the dispense tip. In addition, following a dispensing operation, the pump dispensing controller can be programmed to reverse the rotation of the feed screw, in order to draw the material in a reverse direction and to further suspend the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: DL Technology LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: RE40539
    Abstract: In a fluid pump and cartridge assembly, a cartridge includes a material inlet port, a material outlet port, and a feed screw. The feed screw delivers fluid to be dispensed from the fluid inlet to the outlet port. The fluid inlet is preferably elongated in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the feed screw to enhance consistency in material flow through the cartridge. The feed screw is preferably driven by a closed-loop servo motor to achieve high-performance dispensing resolution. The assembly is preferably compatible with fixed-z and floating-z cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: DL Technology LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere