A method of delivering a glutinous substance to a workpiece from an end-effector comprises using the end-effector to position an applicator relative to the workpiece. The method also comprises urging the glutinous substance from the end-effector through a first channel of a body of the applicator from an inlet of the first channel toward an outlet of the first channel. The method additionally comprises selectively operating an actuator of the applicator to regulate a rate, at which the glutinous substance flows through the first channel of the body of the applicator, responsive to, at least in part, output received from a sensor of the applicator.

A liquid material discharge device includes a discharge member made of a rod-shaped body, a liquid chamber which is wider than the discharge member and in which a tip portion of the discharge member is disposed, a discharge port in communication with the liquid chamber, a liquid feed path establishing communication between the liquid chamber and a liquid material storage container, a drive device driving the discharge member, and a main body. The liquid material discharge device further includes an elongate insert member that is removably inserted into the liquid feed path without cutting the communication between the liquid chamber and the liquid material storage container.

Problem: To provide a liquid-material discharge device that enables easier correction of a changed discharge amount during discharge operation than conventional techniques. Solution: A liquid-material discharge device according to the present invention, which includes a discharging member having a rod-shaped body, a liquid chamber wider than the discharging member, in which a tip portion of the discharging member is disposed, a discharge port communicating with the liquid chamber, a liquid feed path that makes the liquid chamber communicate with a liquid-material reservoir, and a driving device configured to drive the discharging member, includes a discharge amount adjustment member positioned at the liquid feed path, and a member position adjustment mechanism configured to shift a position of the discharge amount adjustment member within the liquid feed path, the discharge amount adjustment member being kept from interrupting communication between the liquid chamber and the liquid-material reservoir.

A dispense valve assembly for selectively providing fluid to a nozzle from a cartridge of a dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The dispense valve assembly includes a dispense valve including a valve rod and a dispense valve actuator for actuating the valve rod, as well as a component assembly that includes a valve housing and a nozzle adapter. The valve housing defines a proximal end for releasably attaching to the dispense valve, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an angled extension defining an inlet. The dispense valve assembly also includes a nozzle adapter defining a proximal end for attaching to the distal end of the valve housing and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The dispense valve assembly also includes a nozzle releasably attached to the distal end of the nozzle adapter. The valve housing can be disposed after a single use.

A dispensing apparatus having various features is described. The dispensing apparatus can receive a cartridge having a movable plunger configured to direct the fluid through a dispensing valve. The plunger can be movable under a force applied by air pressure. The cartridge can be inserted in the dispensing apparatus using a clamping and sealing mechanism and can be released using a cartridge ejector. The dispensing apparatus can include a ball valve having a ball defining an internal passageway that selectively aligns with a second internal passageway outside of the ball, a brush mounted via an elongating mechanism, and/or a gear train transmitting power from the elongating mechanism.

A dispensing apparatus having various features is described. The dispensing apparatus can receive a cartridge having a movable plunger configured to direct the fluid through a dispensing valve. The plunger can be movable under a force applied by air pressure. The cartridge can be inserted in the dispensing apparatus using a clamping and sealing mechanism and can be released using a cartridge ejector. The dispensing apparatus can include a ball valve having a ball defining an internal passageway that selectively aligns with a second internal passageway outside of the ball, a brush mounted via an elongating mechanism, and/or a gear train transmitting power from the elongating mechanism.

A liquid material discharge device includes a discharge member made of a rod-shaped body, a liquid chamber which is wider than the discharge member and in which a tip portion of the discharge member is disposed, a discharge port in communication with the liquid chamber, a liquid feed path establishing communication between the liquid chamber and a liquid material storage container, a drive device driving the discharge member, and a main body. The liquid material discharge device further includes an elongate insert member that is removably inserted into the liquid feed path without cutting the communication between the liquid chamber and the liquid material storage container.

An applicator (102) for delivering a glutinous substance (168) to a workpiece (170) from an end-effector (101) is disclosed. The applicator (102) comprises a body (110) and a plunger (186). The plunger (186) comprises a gate (118), movable within an outlet portion (182) of a first channel (115) of the body (110) between, inclusively, an open position, allowing the glutinous substance (168) to flow from an inlet (116) of the first channel (115) to an outlet (117) of the first channel (115) and a closed position, preventing the glutinous substance (168) from flowing from the inlet (116) of the first channel (115) to the outlet (117) of the first channel (115). The applicator (102) further comprises an actuator (131), selectively operable to move the plunger (186) such that the gate (118) moves between, inclusively, the open position and the closed position.

An apparatus (102) for applying a viscous material (162) to a surface (182) of a workpiece (180) is disclosed. The apparatus (102) comprises a channel (104) comprising an inlet (106) and an outlet (108). The channel (104) has a width CW that increases from the inlet (106) to the outlet (108). The apparatus (102) also comprises dividers (110) inside the channel (104). The channel (104) further comprises subdivisions (112) formed by the dividers (110). The subdivisions (112) of the channel (104) are in communication with the inlet (106) and the outlet (108) of the channel (104). At least one of the subdivisions (112) of the channel (104) has a width SW that increases from the inlet (106) of the channel (104) to the outlet (108) of the channel (104).

An applicator (102) for delivering a glutinous substance (168) to a workpiece (170) from an end-effector (101) is disclosed. The applicator (102) comprises a body (110) and a plunger (186). The plunger (186) comprises a gate (118), movable within an outlet portion (182) of a first channel (115) of the body (110) between, inclusively, an open position, allowing the glutinous substance (168) to flow from an inlet (116) of the first channel (115) to an outlet (117) of the first channel (115) and a closed position, preventing the glutinous substance (168) from flowing from the inlet (116) of the first channel (115) to the outlet (117) of the first channel (115). The applicator (102) further comprises an actuator (131), selectively operable to move the plunger (186) such that the gate (118) moves between, inclusively, the open position and the closed position.