Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Tudor

Thomas R. Tudor 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).

  • Publication number: 20200261928
    Abstract: A dispense valve assembly for selectively providing fluid to a nozzle from a cartridge of a dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The dispense valve assembly includes a dispense valve including a valve rod and a dispense valve actuator for actuating the valve rod, as well as a component assembly that includes a valve housing and a nozzle adapter. The valve housing defines a proximal end for releasably attaching to the dispense valve, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an angled extension defining an inlet. The dispense valve assembly also includes a nozzle adapter defining a proximal end for attaching to the distal end of the valve housing and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The dispense valve assembly also includes a nozzle releasably attached to the distal end of the nozzle adapter. The valve housing can be disposed after a single use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas R. Tudor, William C. Paetow, Jerry R. V, David W. Groat
  • Publication number: 20200197975
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having various features is described. The dispensing apparatus can receive a cartridge having a movable plunger configured to direct the fluid through a dispensing valve. The plunger can be movable under a force applied by air pressure. The cartridge can be inserted in the dispensing apparatus using a clamping and sealing mechanism and can be released using a cartridge ejector. The dispensing apparatus can include a ball valve having a ball defining an internal passageway that selectively aligns with a second internal passageway outside of the ball, a brush mounted via an elongating mechanism, and/or a gear train transmitting power from the elongating mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Jerry R. Routen, William C. Paetow, II, Jeffry J. Grana, Justin E. Hall, Thomas R. Tudor
  • Patent number: 10682666
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having various features is described. The dispensing apparatus can receive a cartridge having a movable plunger configured to direct the fluid through a dispensing valve. The plunger can be movable under a force applied by air pressure. The cartridge can be inserted in the dispensing apparatus using a clamping and sealing mechanism and can be released using a cartridge ejector. The dispensing apparatus can include a ball valve having a ball defining an internal passageway that selectively aligns with a second internal passageway outside of the ball, a brush mounted via an elongating mechanism, and/or a gear train transmitting power from the elongating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry R. Routen, William C. Paetow, II, Jeffry J. Grana, Justin E. Hall, Thomas R. Tudor
  • Patent number: 10675653
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is disclosed for dispensing fluid, such as liquid adhesive, from a fluid cartridge having a plunger movable between opposite ends within the cartridge. The dispensing apparatus is releasably coupled to a robot in order to control discharging of the fluid at a particular location. Movement of the plunger is carried out by a cartridge actuator assembly that includes a linear actuator, such as a servomotor, that moves a piston rod into engagement with the plunger such that the plunger can be movable under a force applied by the piston rod. A dispense section of the dispensing apparatus includes a valve assembly with a snuff-back mechanism that prevents excess dripping from an outlet of the dispenser. An end effector assembly may be coupled to the dispense section for dispensing the fluid to an application site in a precise and controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Tudor, Jerry R. Routen, William C. Paetow, II, Jeffry J. Grana
  • Patent number: 10543506
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having various features is described. The dispensing apparatus can receive a cartridge having a movable plunger configured to direct the fluid through a dispensing valve. The plunger can be movable under a force applied by air pressure. The cartridge can be inserted in the dispensing apparatus using a clamping and sealing mechanism and can be released using a cartridge ejector. The dispensing apparatus can include a ball valve having a ball defining an internal passageway that selectively aligns with a second internal passageway outside of the ball, a brush mounted via an elongating mechanism, and/or a gear train transmitting power from the elongating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry R. Routen, William C. Paetow, II, Jeffry J. Grana, Justin E. Hall, Thomas R. Tudor
  • Patent number: 10124303
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dispensing small beads of a viscous, mixed fluid material formed by first and second viscous fluids. The apparatus includes first and second metering rods for moving in a reciprocating manner, such that the first metering rod extends into a first fluid passageway, and the second metering rod extends into a second fluid passageway. A mixing passage communicates with the first and second fluid passageways to receive the first and second viscous fluids from the first and second fluid passageways. A dispensing passageway is in fluid communication with the mixing passage, and dispenses a small bead of viscous, mixed fluid material formed by the mixed first and second viscous fluids. A control retracts the first and second metering rods to prevent drooling of the viscous, mixed fluid material from the dispensing passageway after a dispensing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James Britcher, David W. Groat, Thomas R. Tudor, Herman E. Turner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180221909
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is disclosed for dispensing fluid, such as liquid adhesive, from a fluid cartridge having a plunger movable between opposite ends within the cartridge. The dispensing apparatus is releasably coupled to a robot in order to control discharging of the fluid at a particular location. Movement of the plunger is carried out by a cartridge actuator assembly that includes a linear actuator, such as a servomotor, that moves a piston rod into engagement with the plunger such that the plunger can be movable under a force applied by the piston rod. A dispense section of the dispensing apparatus includes a valve assembly with a snuff-back mechanism that prevents excess dripping from an outlet of the dispenser. An end effector assembly may be coupled to the dispense section for dispensing the fluid to an application site in a precise and controlled manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas R. TUDOR, Jerry R. ROUTEN, William C. PAETOW, II, Jeffry J. GRANA
  • Publication number: 20160361734
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having various features is described. The dispensing apparatus can receive a cartridge having a movable plunger configured to direct the fluid through a dispensing valve. The plunger can be movable under a force applied by air pressure. The cartridge can be inserted in the dispensing apparatus using a clamping and sealing mechanism and can be released using a cartridge ejector. The dispensing apparatus can include a ball valve having a ball defining an internal passageway that selectively aligns with a second internal passageway outside of the ball, a brush mounted via an elongating mechanism, and/or a gear train transmitting power from the elongating mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Jerry R. ROUTEN, William C. PAETOW, II, Jeffry J. GRANA, Justin E. HALL, Thomas R. TUDOR
  • Patent number: 9387504
    Abstract: A cartridge dispenser generally includes an actuator, cartridge carrier, a removable cartridge, a dispenser head, and a cartridge piston. A sensor is configured to sense data and provide feedback data for controlling the actuator. The dispenser head is a multi-piece assembly allowing removal of an outlet flow tube for maintenance purposes. The tube may be a resilient tube and pinch valves are provided for fluid flow control from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: William C. Paetow, II, Thomas R. Tudor, Raymond C. Phillips, Jeffry J. Grana, Herman E. Turner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160067656
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dispensing small beads of a viscous, mixed fluid material formed by first and second viscous fluids. The apparatus includes first and second metering rods for moving in a reciprocating manner, such that the first metering rod extends into a first fluid passageway, and the second metering rod extends into a second fluid passageway. A mixing passage communicates with the first and second fluid passageways to receive the first and second viscous fluids from the first and second fluid passageways. A dispensing passageway is in fluid communication with the mixing passage, and dispenses a small bead of viscous, mixed fluid material formed by the mixed first and second viscous fluids. A control retracts the first and second metering rods to prevent drooling of the viscous, mixed fluid material from the dispensing passageway after a dispensing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: James Britcher, David W. Groat, Thomas R. Tudor, Herman E. Turner, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140197198
    Abstract: A cartridge dispenser generally includes an actuator, cartridge carrier, a removable cartridge, a dispenser head, and a cartridge piston. A sensor is configured to sense data and provide feedback data for controlling the actuator. The dispenser head is a multi-piece assembly allowing removal of an outlet flow tube for maintenance purposes. The tube may be a resilient tube and pinch valves are provided for fluid flow control from the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: William C. Paetow, Thomas R. Tudor, Raymond C. Phillips, Jeffry J. Grana, Herman E. Turner
  • Patent number: 8746514
    Abstract: A dispensing device includes a housing having a material chamber in fluid communication with a material inlet port and a nozzle. The dispensing device also includes a valve in fluid communication with the material chamber and the nozzle. The valve includes a tip, a stem, and a seat. The stem is configured to move relative to the seat to control the flow of material exiting the housing through the nozzle. The tip is fixedly attached to the stem at a second distal. The tip includes a rounded head and a neck, the tip being fixedly attached to the stem by inserting the neck into a bore disposed within the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Tudor, Mark J. Portelli
  • Publication number: 20100206917
    Abstract: A dispensing device includes a housing having a material chamber in fluid communication with a material inlet port and a nozzle. The dispensing device also includes a valve in fluid communication with the material chamber and the nozzle. The valve includes a tip, a stem, and a seat. The stem is configured to move relative to the seat to control the flow of material exiting the housing through the nozzle. The tip is fixedly attached to the stem at a second distal. The tip includes a rounded head and a neck, the tip being fixedly attached to the stem by inserting the neck into a bore disposed within the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas R. Tudor, Mark J. Portelli
  • Patent number: 7690539
    Abstract: A viscous material dispense system including a dispense valve having an outlet, a mix tube secured at an upper end thereof to the outlet of the dispense valve, a mixer shroud positioned telescopically over the mix tube and including a conical lower end, and an air shroud fitted telescopically over the lower end of the mixer shroud and defining a conical surface positioned in confronting relation to the conical tip portion of the mixer shroud. The air shroud and the lower end of the mixer shroud coact to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending flutes extending downwardly between the outer surface of the mixer shroud and the inner surface of the air shroud and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending flutes defined between the conical tip portion of the mixer shroud and the conical surface of the air shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas R. Tudor, William C. Paetow, II
  • Patent number: 6695923
    Abstract: A multiple orifice applicator system for dispensing a plurality of rows of fluid material onto a work piece is disclosed. A source of fluid material is in fluid communication with the multiple orifice applicator. The multiple orifice applicator is mounted to a robotic arm, which positions the multiple orifice applicator relative to the work piece to enable the multiple orifice applicator to dispense fluid material onto the work piece. Fluid material is caused to flow from the source of fluid material into the multiple orifice applicator. The fluid material enters the multiple orifice applicator through an inlet port and is dispersed and spread out in a dispersing chamber. The fluid material is dispensed onto the work piece through a plurality of outlet orifices in the multiple orifice applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl L. Schultz, Denise Dudra, Thomas R. Tudor
  • Publication number: 20030131791
    Abstract: A multiple orifice applicator system for dispensing a plurality of rows of fluid material onto a work piece is disclosed. A source of fluid material is in fluid communication with the multiple orifice applicator. The multiple orifice applicator is mounted to a robotic arm, which positions the multiple orifice applicator relative to the work piece to enable the multiple orifice applicator to dispense fluid material onto the work piece. Fluid material is caused to flow from the source of fluid material into the multiple orifice applicator. The fluid material enters the multiple orifice applicator through an inlet duct and is dispersed and spread out into at least one dispersing chamber. The fluid material is dispensed onto the work piece through a plurality of outlet orifices in the multiple orifice applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Carl L. Schultz, Denise Dudra, Thomas R. Tudor
  • Patent number: 6364218
    Abstract: A viscous material dispense system including a dispense valve having an outlet, a mix tube secured at an upper end thereof to the outlet of the dispense valve, a mixer shroud positioned telescopically over the mix tube and including a conical lower end, and an air shroud fitted telescopically over the lower end of the mixer shroud and defining a conical surface positioned in confronting relation to the conical tip portion of the mixer shroud. The air shroud and the lower end of the mixer shroud coact to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending flutes extending downwardly between the outer surface of the mixer shroud and the inner surface of the air shroud and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending flutes defined between the conical tip portion of the mixer shroud and the conical surface of the air shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Tudor, William C. Paetow, II
  • Patent number: 6062492
    Abstract: A viscous material dispense system including a dispense valve having an outlet, a mix tube secured at an upper end thereof to the outlet of the dispense valve, a mixer shroud positioned telescopically over the mix tube and including a conical lower end, and an air shroud fitted telescopically over the lower end of the mixer shroud and defining a conical surface positioned in confronting relation to the conical tip portion of the mixer shroud. The air shroud and the lower end of the mixer shroud coact to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending flutes extending downwardly between the outer surface of the mixer shroud and the inner surface of the air shroud and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending flutes defined between the conical tip portion of the mixer shroud and the conical surface of the air shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Tudor, William C. Paetow, II
  • Patent number: D864264
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Tudor, William C. Paetow, II, Jerry R. Routen