US5765722A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser
Assignee: Fishman Corp
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Filing: 1996-06-26
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Granted: 1998-06-16
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Expires: 2016-06-26
Abstract
Abstract A fluid dispenser system, and method of use thereof primarily in industrial applications requiring the dispensing of fluids with varying viscosities, such as water, epoxies, silicones, adhesives, single component, two component, filled, premixed, frozen, etc., allowing for very precise control of the volume of fluid extruded. The system comprises an ergonomic, handheld applicator accommodating a conventional medical syringe, wherein the ergonomic, handheld applicator is attached by a power cord to an electronic control unit. The applicator is provided with a linear actuator that drives a piston or screw a specific distance in response to an electronic signal generated by the control unit. Displacement of the piston or screw creates a positive pressure on a fluid contained in the syringe, thereby causing fluid extrusion from the syringe.
Inventors
- 👤 W. Scott Beebe
- 👤 Michael J. Leuschner
- 👤 Joseph S. Barresi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 21:11
CPC Classifications
B; B67; B67B; B67B7/00; B65; B65D; B65D49/00; B65D49/02; B65D49/04; B65D49/06; B05; B05C; B05C17/00; B05C17/002; B05C17/005; B05C17/01; B05C17/0103; A; A61; A61C; A61C5/00; A61C5/60; A61C5/62
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
An electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system comprising an electronic control unit capable of allowing the use of either preprogrammed settings or variable settings, a control tether, and an ergonomic, handheld applicator, wherein a) the control unit has connected thereto an actuator signal generator, b) the ergonomic, handheld applicator is in physical and electronic communication with the electronic control unit by the control tether, c) the ergonomic, handheld applicator is capable of securly accommodating a conventional syringe and piston assembly, and d) the ergonomic, handheld applicator is provided with a linear actuator that displaces a drive rod, to be disposed within said conventional syringe and piston assembly, a specific distance in response to an electronic drive signal generated by the control unit after the control unit receives an actuator signal generated by the actuator signal generator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
An electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system comprising an electronic control unit capable of allowing the use of either preprogrammed settings or variable settings, a control tether, and an ergonomic, handheld applicator, wherein a) the control unit has connected thereto an actuator signal generator, b) the ergonomic, handheld applicator is in physical and electronic communication with the electronic control unit by the control tether, c) the ergonomic, handheld applicator is capable of securly accommodating a conventional syringe and piston assembly, and d) the ergonomic, handheld applicator is provided with a linear actuator that displaces a drive rod, to be disposed within said conventional syringe and piston assembly, a specific distance in response to an electronic drive signal generated by the control unit after the control unit receives an actuator signal generated by the actuator signal generator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic control unit has a power source selected from the group consisting of self-contained power sources, power cords that draw power from a storage device, and power cords that draw power from an AC-to-DC converter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
186 words
The electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the syringe is securly accommodated by the handheld applicator by means of an adapter unit comprising a retaining ring and an adapter plate, wherein a) the retaining ring has a body and a plurality of locking tabs disposed about the periphery thereof such that the locking tabs are disposed at a relatively normal angle from the retaining ring body, b) the retaining ring body defines an axial void capable of accommodating a conventional medical syringe barrel c) the adapter plate is a planar member that defines a corresponding plurality of peripheral voids capable of accommodating the plurality of retaining ring locking tabs such that rotation of the retaining ring relative to the adapter plate results in the locking tabs being locked into the peripheral voids, and d) the adapter plate defines an axial void suitable for accommodating the drive rod. It is intended that adapter unit 12 be disposed within ergonomically designed cowling 18, although other constructions are possible, such as forming one face of retaining ring 14 into an ergonomically suitable shape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive rod is provided therewith an engagable terminus, which matingly engages the piston.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
The electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator signal generator is a finger switch connected to the handheld applicator and the electronic drive signal is generated by the control unit after the control unit receives an actuator signal generated when the finger switch is depressed by the operator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
61 words
The electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is mounted to a stand and the actuator signal generator is a footpedal connected to the control unit and the electronic drive signal is generated by the control unit after the control unit receives an actuator signal generated when the footpedal is depressed by the operator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator signal generator is a microprocessor and the electronic drive signal is generated by the control unit after the control unit receives an actuator signal from the microprocessor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
77 words
The electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is attached to two applicators, each having a linear actuator, and wherein the control unit is capable of dual input of two separate actuator signals from two separate actuator signal generators, dual signal processing in accordance with two separate pre-selected fluid volumes and two separate pre-selected flowrates, and generation of two separate electronic drive signals to the two separate linear actuators.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
270 words
A method of extruding a precise volume of fluid from an electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system comprising an electronic control unit capable of allowing the use of either preprogrammed settings or variable settings, a control tether, and an ergonomic, handheld applicator, wherein a) the control unit has connected thereto an actuator signal generator, b) the ergonomic, handheld applicator is in physical and electronic communication with the electronic control unit by the control tether, c) the ergonomic, handheld applicator is capable of securly accommodating a conventional syringe and piston assembly, and d) the ergonomic, handheld applicator is provided with a linear actuator that displaces a drive rod, to be disposed within said conventional syringe and piston assembly, a specific distance in response to an electronic drive signal generated by the control unit after the control unit receives an actuator signal generated by the actuator signal generator, which method comprises the steps of: i) selecting on the control unit the desired volume of fluid to be extruded; ii) positioning the ergonomic, handheld applicator so as to apply advantageously the fluid extruded; iii) generating an actuator signal to the control unit via the actuator signal generator, which generates in response an electronic drive signal from the control unit to the linear actuator that will drive the piston a specified distance in order to extrude the precise volume of fluid desired; wherein displacement of the drive rod engaged with the piston in the conventional syringe and piston assembly creates a positive pressure on the fluid contained in the syringe, thereby causing the extrusion of a precise volume of the fluid from the syringe.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
270 words
A method of extruding a precise volume of fluid from an electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system comprising an electronic control unit capable of allowing the use of either preprogrammed settings or variable settings, a control tether, and an ergonomic, handheld applicator, wherein a) the control unit has connected thereto an actuator signal generator, b) the ergonomic, handheld applicator is in physical and electronic communication with the electronic control unit by the control tether, c) the ergonomic, handheld applicator is capable of securly accommodating a conventional syringe and piston assembly, and d) the ergonomic, handheld applicator is provided with a linear actuator that displaces a drive rod, to be disposed within said conventional syringe and piston assembly, a specific distance in response to an electronic drive signal generated by the control unit after the control unit receives an actuator signal generated by the actuator signal generator, which method comprises the steps of: i) selecting on the control unit the desired volume of fluid to be extruded; ii) positioning the ergonomic, handheld applicator so as to apply advantageously the fluid extruded; iii) generating an actuator signal to the control unit via the actuator signal generator, which generates in response an electronic drive signal from the control unit to the linear actuator that will drive the piston a specified distance in order to extrude the precise volume of fluid desired; wherein displacement of the drive rod engaged with the piston in the conventional syringe and piston assembly creates a positive pressure on the fluid contained in the syringe, thereby causing the extrusion of a precise volume of the fluid from the syringe.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of extruding a precise volume of fluid from an electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system, as claimed in claim 9, wherein wherein the electronic control unit has a power source selected from the group consisting of self-contained power sources, power cords that draw power from a storage device, and power cords that draw power from an AC-to-DC converter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
186 words
The electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the syringe is securly accommodated by the handheld applicator by means of an adapter unit comprising a retaining ring and an adapter plate, wherein a) the retaining ring has a body and a plurality of locking tabs disposed about the periphery thereof such that the locking tabs are disposed at a relatively normal angle from the retaining ring body, b) the retaining ring body defines an axial void capable of accommodating a conventional medical syringe barrel c) the adapter plate is a planar member that defines a corresponding plurality of peripheral voids capable of accommodating the plurality of retaining ring locking tabs such that rotation of the retaining ring relative to the adapter plate results in the locking tabs being locked into the peripheral voids, and d) the adapter plate defines an axial void suitable for accommodating the drive rod. It is intended that adapter unit 12 be disposed within ergonomically designed cowling 18, although other constructions are possible, such as forming one face of retaining ring 14 into an ergonomically suitable shape.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of extruding a precise volume of fluid from an electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the drive rod is provided therewith an engagable terminus, which matingly engages the piston in the conventional syringe and piston assembly.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of extruding a precise volume of fluid from an electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the actuator signal generator is a finger switch connected to the handheld applicator and the electronic drive signal is generated by the control unit after the control unit receives an actuator signal generated when the finger switch is depressed by the operator.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method of extruding a precise volume of fluid from an electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the system is mounted to a stand and the actuator signal generator is a footpedal connected to the control unit and the electronic drive signal is generated by the control unit after the control unit receives an actuator signal generated when the footpedal is depressed by the operator.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of extruding a precise volume of fluid from an electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the actuator signal generator is a microprocessor and the electronic drive signal is generated by the control unit after the control unit receives an actuator signal from the microprocessor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
87 words
The method of extruding a precise volume of fluid from an electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control unit is attached to two applicators each having a linear actuator and wherein the control unit is capable of dual input of two separate actuator signals from two separate actuator signal generators, dual signal processing in accordance with two separate pre-selected fluid volumes and two separate pre-selected flowrates, and generation of two separate electronic drive signals to the two separate linear actuators.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
64 words
An electronically controllable, positive-displacement fluid dispenser comprising an applicator unit having a housing capable of accommodating a conventional syringe and piston assembly and provided with a linear actuator that displaces a drive rod, axially disposed therethrough and further having a terminal portion disposed within said conventional syringe and piston assembly, a specific distance in response to an electronic drive signal generated by an actuator.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
64 words
An electronically controllable, positive-displacement fluid dispenser comprising an applicator unit having a housing capable of accommodating a conventional syringe and piston assembly and provided with a linear actuator that displaces a drive rod, axially disposed therethrough and further having a terminal portion disposed within said conventional syringe and piston assembly, a specific distance in response to an electronic drive signal generated by an actuator.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electronically controllable, positive-displacement fluid dispenser, as claimed in claim 17, wherein the actuator signal generator is an electric eye.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electronically controllable, positive-displacement fluid dispenser, as claimed in claim 17, wherein the actuator signal generator is a footpedal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electronically controllable, positive-displacement fluid dispenser, as claimed in claim 17, wherein the actuator signal generator is a microprocessor.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
153 words
The electronically controlled, positive-displacement fluid dispenser system, as claimed in claim 17, wherein the syringe is securly accommodated by the applicator unit by means of an adapter unit comprising a retaining ring and an adapter plate, wherein a) the retaining ring has a body and a plurality of locking tabs disposed about the periphery thereof such that the locking tabs are disposed at a relatively normal angle from the retaining ring body, b) the retaining ring body defines an axial void capable of accommodating a conventional medical syringe barrel c) the adapter plate is a planar member that defines a corresponding plurality of peripheral voids capable of accommodating the plurality of retaining ring locking tabs such that rotation of the retaining ring relative to the adapter plate results in the locking tabs being locked into the peripheral voids, and d) the adapter plate defines an axial void suitable for accommodating the drive rod.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
89 words
An electronically controllable, positive-displacement fluid dispenser wherein the dispenser is mounted to a robotic assembly device having a microprocessor such that the dispenser is in signal communication therewith, and further wherein the dispenser comprises an applicator unit capable of securely accommodating a conventional syringe and piston assembly, and provided with a linear actuator that displaces a drive rod, axially disposed therethrough and further having a terminal portion disposed within said conventional syringe and piston assembly, a specific distance in response to an electronic drive signal generated by the microprocessor.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
89 words
An electronically controllable, positive-displacement fluid dispenser wherein the dispenser is mounted to a robotic assembly device having a microprocessor such that the dispenser is in signal communication therewith, and further wherein the dispenser comprises an applicator unit capable of securely accommodating a conventional syringe and piston assembly, and provided with a linear actuator that displaces a drive rod, axially disposed therethrough and further having a terminal portion disposed within said conventional syringe and piston assembly, a specific distance in response to an electronic drive signal generated by the microprocessor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
88 words
An electronically controllable, positive-displacement fluid dispenser wherein the dispenser is mounted to an XYZ table having a microprocessor such that the dispenser is in signal communication therewith, and further wherein the dispenser comprises an applicator unit capable of securely accommodating a conventional syringe and piston assembly, and provided with a linear actuator that displaces a drive rod, axially disposed therethrough and further having a terminal portion disposed within said conventional syringe and piston assembly, a specific distance in response to an electronic drive signal generated by the microprocessor.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
88 words
An electronically controllable, positive-displacement fluid dispenser wherein the dispenser is mounted to an XYZ table having a microprocessor such that the dispenser is in signal communication therewith, and further wherein the dispenser comprises an applicator unit capable of securely accommodating a conventional syringe and piston assembly, and provided with a linear actuator that displaces a drive rod, axially disposed therethrough and further having a terminal portion disposed within said conventional syringe and piston assembly, a specific distance in response to an electronic drive signal generated by the microprocessor.
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) | 2001-06-15 | 2001-12-15 | 2002-06-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-06-15 | 2005-12-15 | 2006-06-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-06-15 | 2009-12-15 | 2010-06-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |