Adhesive bonding apparatus and method using non-compressible beads

A metering device for dispensing first and second adhesive fluids, at least one of the adhesive fluids having a plurality of non-compressible beads mixed therein, said metering device comprising:

• a first mechanism for dispensing the first fluid, said first mechanism including:
• a) a first housing defining a first metering chamber with a first outlet therefrom, said first chamber receiving said first fluid therein;
• b) a first displacement member slidably mounted in the first chamber to displace the first fluid therefrom and out of said first outlet;
• c) first heat transfer means for cooling the first displacement member to prevent said first fluid from prematurely hardening;
• and
• a second mechanism for dispensing the second fluid, said second mechanism including:
• d) a second housing defining a second metering chamber with a second outlet therefrom, said second chamber receiving said second fluid therein;
• e) a second displacement member slidably mounted in the second chamber to displace the second fluid therefrom and out of said second outlet;
• f) second heat transfer means for cooling the second displacement member to prevent said second fluid from prematurely hardening;
• and
• said second outlet for dispensing said second fluid being located substantially adjacent to said first outlet for dispensing said first fluid.

A method of dispensing a fluid adhesive containing a plurality of non-compressible beads, comprising the steps of:

• a) filling a first chamber with said fluid;
• b) forcing a first displacement rod having a constant cross-section into said chamber at an insertion rate, whereby said fluid is forced out of said chamber at a rate in proportion to the cross-sectional area of said displacement rod;
• and
• c) cooling said first displacement rod, whereby said fluid adhesive is substantially prevented from hardening and said insertion of said displacement rod is facilitated.