Dispensing assembly with an injector controlled gas environment

US8123089B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Glen N. Biggs · Wappingers Falls, US
• Russell A. Budd · North Salem, US
• Benjamin V. Fasano · New Windsor, US
• John J. Garant · Poughkeepsie, US
• G. Gerard Gormley · Worcester, US
• John P. Karidis · Ossining, US
• Christopher L. Tessler · Campbell Hall, US
• Thomas Weiss · Cherry Hill, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 2, 2008
• Grant date: Feb 28, 2012
• Expiry date: Apr 2, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B23K3/0638
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing fusible material onto a surface, wherein the fusible material is in molten form, is provided. The apparatus comprises a dispensing assembly comprising a seal structure. The seal structure controls dispensing of the fusible material. One or more gas injectors are coupled to the dispensing assembly. Each of the one or more gas injectors is adapted to inject at least one gas to the dispensing assembly for controlling a gas environment surrounding at least a portion of the seal structure. An oxidation rate of the fusible material is controlled as a function of at least one characteristic of the at least one gas.