Adhesive dispensing device having optimized reservoir and capacitive level sensor
US10099243B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 10, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/044
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An adhesive dispensing device includes a heater unit for melting adhesive, a fill system communicating with a receiving space for feeding the heater unit, and a reservoir for receiving melted adhesive from the heater unit. The dispensing device also includes a capacitive level sensor located along a sidewall of the receiving space such that the level of adhesive in the receiving space can be detected by sensing the difference in dielectric capacitance where the adhesive is located compared to where air acts as the dielectric. The size of the driven electrode produces a broader sensing window capable of generating multiple control signals corresponding to different fill levels of adhesive. The receiving space and reservoir are minimized in size so that adhesive is not held at elevated temperatures long enough to char or degrade.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.