Method and apparatus for applying flowable materials
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying melt flowable materials to components of articles of manufacture. The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein are concerned with formation of appropriate flowable materials, control over the manner in which the flowable materials are applied, treatment of the components prior to application of the flowable materials and the like. Moreover, the apparatuses and methods may be particularly suited for applying flowable materials to surfaces and components found in automotive, aerospace, and marine vehicles.
-
Citations
43 Claims
-
1-23. -23. (canceled)
-
24. A method for applying a flowable material to a component of an article of manufacture, the method comprising:
-
providing a first surface of the component; and
extruding the flowable material upon the first surface in a slightly flowable state such that the flowable material wets and adheres to the first surface wherein a controller employs closed loop control to control output of flowable material based upon a metering system that relates screw rotational speed to the output. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
-
-
38. A method for applying a flowable material to a component of an article of manufacture, the method comprising:
-
providing a first surface of the component; and
extruding the flowable material upon the first surface in a slightly flowable state such that the flowable material wets and adheres to the first surface wherein;
i. a controller employs closed loop control to control output of flowable material based upon a metering system that relates screw rotational speed to the output; and
ii. the controller is programmed to reverse a direction of rotation of the extruder screw for retracting the flowable material a short distance after an application of the flowable material to the component.
-
-
39. A method for applying a flowable material to a component of an article of manufacture, the method comprising:
-
providing a first surface of the component; and
extruding the flowable material upon the first surface in a slightly flowable state such that the flowable material wets and adheres to the first surface wherein;
i. a controller employs closed loop control to control output of flowable material based upon a metering system that relates screw rotational speed to the output; and
ii. the controller is programmed to reverse a direction of rotation of the extruder screw for retracting the flowable material a short distance after an application of the flowable material to the component; and
iii. a screw bearing assembly is associated with the extruder, the assembly having a first thrust bearing and a second thrust bearing, the first and second thrust bearings configured to act in opposite directions. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41, 42, 43)
-
Specification