Modular solenoid-operated dispenser

Claim 1

Apparatus for dispensing a liquid from a pressurized source comprising a service module having essentially only static parts, said service module including a mounting block having a gun module contacting surface of substantial area, said mounting block being adapted to be secured to a support, a readily removable gun module attachable to and mountable upon said service module mounting block, said gun module including essentially all of the movable parts of said dispensing apparatus, said gun module including a discharge nozzle and a valve for controlling flow of viscous liquid from said nozzle, said gun module further including a cylinder and a movable plunger mounted within said cylinder, said plunger being operatively connected to said valve so as to effect opening and closing of said valve upon actuation of said plunger, said gun module having a service module mounting block contacting surface of substantial area, heater means contained within said service module for heating said service module mounting block, said service module mounting block being operable to transmit heat through said contacting surface into said gun module so as to heat liquid contained within said gun module, and a solenoid coil module mounted over said cylinder of said gun module, said solenoid coil module including an electrical solenoid coil for controlling movement of said plunger within said cylinder, said solenoid coil module being removable and replaceable on said dispensing apparatus without disassembly of said gun module and said gun module being removable and replaceable on said service module without disassembly of said gun module, said solenoid coil module and said gun module being jointly secured to said service module mounting block by a single fastening element.