Method and apparatus for accurately dispensing a solution
AssigneeEssex Group, Inc.
InventorSteven F. Keys
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus and a method for dispensing a solution for use in a process including a flow meter and a precision valve are disclosed. A solenoid valve is incorporated within the dispensing apparatus and is electrically connected to the process for preventing flow during process interruption periods. Additional alarm means and safety interlocks are provided for controlling flow based upon operating conditions of the process.
Claims10
Apparatus for regulating the flow of solution being dispensed to a tank having a wicking applicator at least partially immersed in a reservoir of solution contained in the tank for coating a moving wire with the solution, the thickness of said solution on the wire being dependent on the distance between the level of the reservoir of solution in the tank and the location where the wire contacts the applicator, which comprises:
- supply means for supplying solution;
- a flow meter for accurately indicating the rate of solution flow through the meter;
- a valve for adjusting the volume flow rate of solution and for discharging the solution to the reservoir;
- conduit means serially connecting the supply means, the flow meter and the valve in a solution circuit such that the valve regulates the flow rate of solution and may be modulated based on the flow rate indicated by the flow meter;
- and
- a solenoid valve positioned in the conduit means to prevent the flow of solution therethrough, said valve acting to allow solution to flow to the reservoir only when the moving wire is consuming solution from the reservoir through the wicking applicator such that the distance between the level of the reservoir and the location where the wire contacts the applicator is maintained whereby the solution is coated on the wire with a uniform thickness.
A method of controlling the rate at which solution is supplied to a reservoir within a tank having a wicking applicator immersed in the tank, said applicator defining slits through which a wire travels and is coated with solution wicked by the applicator from the reservoir to the wire, the thickness of the solution coated on the wire being dependent on the distance between the reservoir and the location where the applicator engages the wire which comprises the steps of:
- supplying solution from a source of solution to said reservoir;
- adjusting the flow rate of solution based on the flow rate indicated by a flow rate meter to maintain the distance between the reservoir and the location where the applicator engages the wire constant;
- and
- preventing solution flow to said reservoir when the wire is not moving to maintain the distance between the reservoir and the location where the applicator engages the wire constant whereby the solution is coated on the wire with uniform thickness.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.