US4622241A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for accurately dispensing a solution
Assignee: Essex Solutions USA LLC
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Filing: 1985-08-13
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Granted: 1986-11-11
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Expires: 2005-08-13
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and a method for dispensing a solution for use in a process including a flow meter and a precision valve are disclosed. A solenoid valve is incorporated within the dispensing apparatus and is electrically connected to the process for preventing flow during process interruption periods. Additional alarm means and safety interlocks are provided for controlling flow based upon operating conditions of the process.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven F. Keys
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 09:28
CPC Classifications
B; B05; B05C; B05C11/00; B05C11/10; B05C11/105; H; H01; H01B; H01B13/00; H01B13/06; H01B13/14; H01B13/147
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
225 words
Apparatus for regulating the flow of solution being dispensed to a tank having a wicking applicator at least partially immersed in a reservoir of solution contained in the tank for coating a moving wire with the solution, the thickness of said solution on the wire being dependent on the distance between the level of the reservoir of solution in the tank and the location where the wire contacts the applicator, which comprises: supply means for supplying solution; a flow meter for accurately indicating the rate of solution flow through the meter; a valve for adjusting the volume flow rate of solution and for discharging the solution to the reservoir; conduit means serially connecting the supply means, the flow meter and the valve in a solution circuit such that the valve regulates the flow rate of solution and may be modulated based on the flow rate indicated by the flow meter; and a solenoid valve positioned in the conduit means to prevent the flow of solution therethrough, said valve acting to allow solution to flow to the reservoir only when the moving wire is consuming solution from the reservoir through the wicking applicator such that the distance between the level of the reservoir and the location where the wire contacts the applicator is maintained whereby the solution is coated on the wire with a uniform thickness.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
225 words
Apparatus for regulating the flow of solution being dispensed to a tank having a wicking applicator at least partially immersed in a reservoir of solution contained in the tank for coating a moving wire with the solution, the thickness of said solution on the wire being dependent on the distance between the level of the reservoir of solution in the tank and the location where the wire contacts the applicator, which comprises: supply means for supplying solution; a flow meter for accurately indicating the rate of solution flow through the meter; a valve for adjusting the volume flow rate of solution and for discharging the solution to the reservoir; conduit means serially connecting the supply means, the flow meter and the valve in a solution circuit such that the valve regulates the flow rate of solution and may be modulated based on the flow rate indicated by the flow meter; and a solenoid valve positioned in the conduit means to prevent the flow of solution therethrough, said valve acting to allow solution to flow to the reservoir only when the moving wire is consuming solution from the reservoir through the wicking applicator such that the distance between the level of the reservoir and the location where the wire contacts the applicator is maintained whereby the solution is coated on the wire with a uniform thickness.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including applying the solution to coat a moving wire and wherein the valve discharges the solution to a tank defining a reservoir of solution of a desired height and further comprising: level detection means positioned to sense the level of solution in said reservoir, said level detection means being electrically connected to close the solenoid valve to prevent further solution flow to the tank upon a high level of solution being detected.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the level detection means further includes means for generating an electric signal upon a low level of solution being detected and further comprising an alarm means connected to the level detection means to be energized in response to said electric signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
88 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the supply means is a tank of solution mounted vertically above the applicator such that solution flows therebetween and further comprising: filter means and pressure regulator and indicator means serially connected by the conduit means between the supply means and the solenoid valve, said filter means acting to remove unwanted particulates from the solution and said pressure regulator and indicator means indicating by a drop from the operating pressure level either a clogged filter or insufficient solution being supplied.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of controlling the rate at which solution is supplied to a reservoir within a tank having a wicking applicator immersed in the tank, said applicator defining slits through which a wire travels and is coated with solution wicked by the applicator from the reservoir to the wire, the thickness of the solution coated on the wire being dependent on the distance between the reservoir and the location where the applicator engages the wire which comprises the steps of: supplying solution from a source of solution to said reservoir; adjusting the flow rate of solution based on the flow rate indicated by a flow rate meter to maintain the distance between the reservoir and the location where the applicator engages the wire constant; and preventing solution flow to said reservoir when the wire is not moving to maintain the distance between the reservoir and the location where the applicator engages the wire constant whereby the solution is coated on the wire with uniform thickness.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of controlling the rate at which solution is supplied to a reservoir within a tank having a wicking applicator immersed in the tank, said applicator defining slits through which a wire travels and is coated with solution wicked by the applicator from the reservoir to the wire, the thickness of the solution coated on the wire being dependent on the distance between the reservoir and the location where the applicator engages the wire which comprises the steps of: supplying solution from a source of solution to said reservoir; adjusting the flow rate of solution based on the flow rate indicated by a flow rate meter to maintain the distance between the reservoir and the location where the applicator engages the wire constant; and preventing solution flow to said reservoir when the wire is not moving to maintain the distance between the reservoir and the location where the applicator engages the wire constant whereby the solution is coated on the wire with uniform thickness.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method as set forth in claim 5 and further comprising the steps of: monitoring the level of the solution in the reservoir; and preventing solution flow to said reservoir when the level monitored exceeds a predetermined level.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as set forth in claim 6 and further comprising: energizing an alarm if the step of monitoring detects the level of the reservoir is below a preselected level.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as set forth in claim 7 and further comprising the step of: energizing an indicator to indicate the step of preventing the solution from flowing is not being utilized.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method as set forth in claim 8 and further comprising the steps of: filtering unwanted particulates from the solution; and indicating a pressure in the supply of solution to indicate either a clogged filter or insufficient supply of solution.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method as set forth in claim 5 wherein an electric motor driven capstan is used to move the wire and wherein the step of preventing solution flow further comprises: preventing solution flow to the reservoir when the electric motor driving the capstan is not energized.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-11-10 | 1990-05-12 | 1990-11-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-11-10 | 1994-05-12 | 1994-11-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-11-10 | 1998-05-12 | 1998-11-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |