Liquid dispensing system with multiple cartridges
US6017392A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB05C11/1034
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A liquid dispensing system has a number of cartridges, preferably two or four, selectively coupled to a single motor with a respective clutch for dispensing dots of liquid at high speed. The motor drives a spur gear that meshes with individual spur gears associated with each of the clutches. Multiple cartridges are thus activated with a single motor and are housed together in one housing. Each cartridge is movable relative to the housing and is biased downward to a dispensing position with a spring. Air is selectively provided between the dispensers and the housing to drive the cartridges upward to a non-dispensing position. When the air is not provided, the spring returns the cartridge to its downward position. By moving the cartridge relative to the housing, the assembly can dispense at different locations without it being necessary to move the entire pump assembly every time a dot is dispensed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.