Dispensing – With discharge assistant – Plural
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-19
2001-05-22
Derakshan, Philippe (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
With discharge assistant
Plural
C222S252000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234359
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
This invention generally relates to dispensing tools and, more particularly, a system for automatically reloading a dispensing tool. Specifically, the present invention relates to a system for reloading a two-component dispensing tool automatically when the tool is either idle or placed in a reloading holster.
2. Background Information
Dispensing tools are used in a variety of applications to dispense materials such as adhesives, caulks, sealants, and other like materials. These dispensing tools may be used as hand held tools or, in other applications, may be part of an automated line where the material being dispensed is automatically dispensed onto the target by an automatic controller.
A common material that is dispensed with such dispensing tools is a two-component adhesive. A two-component adhesive typically includes a resin and a curative that must be stored separately until mixed to form the adhesive. The resin and curative are typically sold in disposable cartridges ranging in size from 50 ml to 80 ml. When the cartridges are empty, they are either disposed of or sent to a third party who refills the cartridges. Both of these options are relatively expensive because the cartridge must be repeatedly purchased when the cartridges are disposed of and postage must be paid when the cartridges are mailed back and forth to be refilled. The cost of resin is in the approximate range of 0.06 to 0.11 cents per milliliter when the resin is purchased in disposable cartridges. The same resin purchased in bulk costs only between the approximate range of 0.008 and 0.014 cents per milliliter. The significant difference in cost is attributed mostly to the packaging. It is thus desired in the art to provide a dispensing gun that cooperates with a system that allows the dispensing gun to be reloaded with resin and curative from bulk storage containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is thus an objective of the present invention to provide a system for reloading dispensing tools that stores the material to be reloaded in bulk containers.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system for reloading dispensing tools that automatically reloads the dispensing tool when the tool is at rest or placed in a reloading holster.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a system for reloading dispensing tools that utilizes the selective delivery of pressurized air to dispense the material and to allow reloading to occur.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a system for reloading dispensing tools that provides a signal to the operator when the tool is fully reloaded.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a system for reloading dispensing tools that allows all of the material storage tubes in a multi-component dispensing tool to be reloaded simultaneously.
Still a further objective of the present invention is to provide a system for reloading dispensing tools that may be used with different bulk material storage containers.
Yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide a system for reloading dispensing tools that reloads the dispensing tool automatically without requiring the user to perform any steps to activate the reloading process.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system for reloading dispensing tools that may be used with a wide variety of existing dispensing tools.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a docking station or holster for a dispensing tool that includes a clamping mechanism that creates a position engagement between the dispensing tool and the docking station while the dispensing tool is being refilled.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system for reloading dispensing tools having a docking station or holster that includes a switch that controls the actuation of the pumps such that the pumps are only actuated when the dispensing tool is configured to receive material.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system for reloading dispensing tools that is of simple construction, which achieves the stated objectives in a simple, effective, and inexpensive manner, in which solves the problems and which satisfies the needs existing in the art.
These and other objectives and advantages of the present invention are achieved by a dispensing tool including a dispensing outlet; at least a first material storage tube having a material storage chamber and an outlet; a drive assembly at least partially disposed within the first material storage tube; and a valve assembly selectively moveable between open and closed positions; the open position providing fluid communication between the outlet of the first material storage tube and the dispensing outlet of the tool.
Other objectives and advantages of the invention are achieved by a method for dispensing material from and reloading material into a dispensing tool having at least a first material storage tube having a first material storage chamber with an inlet and an outlet; the method including the steps of sealing the inlet to the material storage chamber; providing a valve at the outlet to the material storage chamber; opening the valve; and dispensing material from the material storage chamber with a drive assembly.
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Brown Jeffery E.
Marshall Aaron D.
Schiltz William C.
Bui Thach H
Derakshan Philippe
Liquid Control Corporation
Sand & Sebolt
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