Plural component dispensing apparatus
AssigneeGraco Minnesota Inc.
InventorNeal A. Werner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dispensing apparatus (10) is capable of robotically dispensing plural component materials such as sealants and adhesives with the same precision as single component products and yet will maintain ratio assurance and integrity for mixing the two materials. First look at the flow rate and if the flow rate is too high, decrease is needed on one of the components. The ratio error is then looked at and the flow rate/pressure differential for the material which is there in excess is decremented. Another level of control is provided in that the ratio error is continually examined and the direction of the ratio error is used for additional control. This provides very precise control of ratio and flow and helps prevent oscillation, hunting and other undesirable characteristics in such a system.
Claims3
A method for dispensing plural component materials comprised of major and minor components at relatively elevated pressures at a predetermined flow rate, a predetermined maximum flow and at a predetermined ratio, the method comprising the steps of:
- supplying said major and minor components at relatively elevated pressures;
- measuring the amount of flow of each of said major and minor components during a relatively short period of time;
- comparing the combined flow of said major and minor components during said period of time to said predetermined flow rate and if the measured flow rate is too high, examining the measured ratio and decrementing the flow for the material which is there in excess;
- and
- if the measured flow rate is too low, examining the measured ratio and incrementing the flow for the material which is insufficient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.