Combination gravimetric and volumetric dispenser for multiple fluids

• US 7,918,435 B2
• Filed: 12/08/2006
• Issued: 04/05/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fluid Management Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Fluid Management Incorporated
• Inventors: Page, Steven R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bastianelli; John
• Application Number:
  US11/608,516
• Publication Number:
  US 20070095421A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,579 Days
• Field of Search: 251/129.11, 251/129.12, 251/129.13, 251/77
• US Class Current: 251/77
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 2101/21 Mixing of ingredients for cosmetic or perfume compositions
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 2101/30 Mixing paints or paint ingredients, e.g. pigments, dyes, colours, lacquers or enamel
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 2101/35 Mixing inks or toners
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/84 Mixing plants with mixing receptacles receiving material dispensed from several component receptacles, e.g. paint tins
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/712 for feeding fluids
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/7176 using pumps
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/881 by weighing, e.g. with automatic discharge
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/883 using flow rate controls for feeding the substances
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 17/04 for weighing fluids, e.g. gases, pastes

Abstract

A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The base material dispensing valves include stepper motor actuators having multiple steps per revolution and are under the control of an analog signal from a controller. The base material dispensing valve is opened or closed via a rod that is slidably raised or lowered upon rotation of the drive shaft of the stepper motor actuator.

Claims

1. A valve and control mechanism for use in a fluid dispensing system, comprising:

a stepper motor capable of receiving an analog signal from a controller;

the stepper motor being coupled to a threaded shaft that is coupled to a slidable rod for raising and lowering a first end of the slidable rod, the slidable rod comprising a second end that serves as a low flow plug of a two-step valve; and

an optical sensor for communicating the position of the valve to the controller;

wherein the stepper motor comprises a drive shaft that is coupled to the threaded shaft through a flexible coupling; and

a coupling device linking the threaded shaft to a bracket which couples the threaded shaft to the slidable rod, the mechanism further comprising an anti-rotation bearing that slides between a plurality of support shafts, thereby preventing unintended rotation of the coupling device.

2. The valve and control mechanism of claim 1, wherein the stepper motor actuator has about 400 steps per revolution.

3. The valve and control mechanism of claim 1, wherein a driver unit is employed between the stepper motor actuator and the controller.

4. The stepper motor actuator in combination with the two-step valve of claim 1, wherein the threaded shaft has a pitch of ten threads per inch.

5. The valve and control mechanism of claim 1, further comprising thrust bearings for supporting the threaded shaft.

6. The valve and control mechanism of claim 1 wherein the two-step valve is for dispensing a base material for paint.