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 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: 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: 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 jet dispenser includes a fluid chamber body that includes a fluid chamber. A nozzle assembly is removably coupled to the fluid chamber body. The nozzle assembly includes a hub and an insert. The hub cooperates with the fluid chamber body to form a portion of the fluid chamber. A valve member is movably disposed within the fluid chamber. The insert is positioned at least partially within the hub. The insert includes a valve seat, a discharge passage, and an exit orifice at a distal end of the discharge passage. The valve seat is harder than the hub. The valve member selectively contacts the valve seat to dispense droplets of viscous material from the exit orifice.

Abstract: A jetting dispenser has a dispenser body with a fluid channel and a fluid channel outlet within the fluid channel. A valve member is movable within the fluid channel for selective contact with a valve seat near the fluid channel outlet. A jetting nozzle is adapted to be coupled to the dispenser body, adjacent the channel outlet, and has a nozzle body with a plurality of nozzle outlets in fluid communication with the channel outlet via a plurality of fluid passages through the nozzle body. The valve member is moved by a valve driver to contact the valve seat and impart momentum to liquid material supplied to the dispenser such that a plurality of droplets of liquid material are simultaneously jetted from the plurality of nozzle outlets.

Abstract: Described is a fibrous thermal interface. The interface comprises flocked thermally conductive fibers embedded in an adhesive in substantially vertical orientation with portions of the fibers extending out of the adhesive. An encapsulant fills spaces between the portions of the fibers that extend out of the adhesive and beneath the free tips of the fibers.