Computrol, Inc.

Preferred Machining Corporation

Ian J Buckley

William W Weil

Scott J Woolley

James N McBride

Bert E Johansson

Clinton W Rutledge

Harley S Crabtree

Michael Godfrey

A rotary machine may have multiple stations that have a linear motion operated by a cam and a rotational motion operated by individual motors mounted on each station. Each station may perform a motion profile that is proportional to the machine's central axis rotation or, in some cases, independent of the central axis rotation. In some embodiments, each station may rotate to orient a part prior to processing. In one embodiment, the cam driven linear motion may enable a station to lower for loading and unloading, then raise for processing. The rotary machine may have various mechanisms at each station for processing a part. One such embodiment is a rotary machine that may be outfitted with compound dispensing mechanisms at each station.

Rotary machine with separately controllable stations

A dispenser that dispenses fluid is controlled using a feedback control system. The control system uses a positional encoder to determine the precise position of a valve contained in an actuator in order to control the dispensing of the fluid. Various motion profiles may be used to control the position of the valve. The motion profiles of the valve enable controlled variation of the amount of fluid dispensed over time and enable several specific improvements to the dispensing of sealant in the manufacture of metal and composite cans.

Variable fluid dispenser

A machine for applying sealant material to non-circular closures using a rotating chuck connected to a rotational motor and a fixedly mounted dispensing apparatus. The chuck is also moved in at least one linear direction in a plane normal to the rotational axis of the chuck. The rotational motor may be connected to the chuck using various mechanisms while minimizing the moving mass of the machine. Sealant applicators are also disclosed that are mounted on a turret and use independently controlled motors, or fully integrated servomotors to rotate the chuck.

Closure sealant dispenser

An apparatus and method for controlling the opening of a solenoid actuated valve in a sealant dispensing gun are disclosed. A proximity sensor is provided adjacent a portion of the needle valve stem in order to sense when the needle valve has reached its open position. A dispense timer is initiated when the proximity sensor indicates that the needle valve has reached its open position. In this manner, the needle valve may be maintained in its open position for the desired dispense time only without regard to the response time of the solenoid device. Also disclosed is an apparatus and method for adjusting the valve open limit of a sealant dispensing device which incorporates a solenoid or motor actuated valve open limit device. A flow sensor is located in-line with the sealant supply path of a dispensing gun in order to monitor the dispense weight during each valve open cycle. A moving average of the dispense rates may then be calculated and compared to predetermined limits. If the limits are exceeded, the processor the processor automatically adjusts the solenoid or motor actuated valve open limit device in the proper direction in order to bring the dispense rate back into the proper dispense rate range.

Growing community of inventors

Littleton, CO, United States of America

Ian J Buckley