AU2020201359A1

AU2020201359A1 - A dispenser device

Info

Publication number: AU2020201359A1
Application number: AU2020201359A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Austin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-03-18
Filing date: 2020-02-25
Publication date: 2020-10-08

Abstract

A dispenser device comprising: a pump unit comprising a movable assembly located within a cylinder, the cylinder comprising a bore therethrough and an outlet at a forward end of the cylinder, an elongate pump arm to move the movable assembly at a first end thereof and connected eccentrically to a drive at another portion thereof, the elongate pump arm comprising a bore therethrough with an inlet and an outlet; a motor to rotate the drive to provide the elongate pump arm with a reciprocating pump stroke; and a first valve assembly associated with the bore of the cylinder, and a second valve assembly located at the inlet end of the elongate pump arm and associated with the bore of the elongate pump arm with a charge chamber defined between the first and second valve assemblies, such that movement of the elongate pump arm forwardly relative to the cylinder charges the charge chamber with material through the inlet of the pump unit and movement of the elongate pump arm rearwardly relative to the cylinder forces material in the charge chamber out through the outlet of the pump unit, wherein the elongate pump arm and the cylinder are located substantially coaxially with one another. 2/6 1 30 13 15 23 32 24.... 4 12 20 29 17 18 Figure 2

Description

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A DISPENSER DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to dispensing equipment and particularly to dispensing apparatus for application of noxious liquids to plants and the like

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] There are a variety of manually actuated pumps commercially available for application of noxious liquids to plants and the like, many of which operate around a pistol grip arrangement having a trigger wherein depression of the trigger forces ejection of the material contained in a reservoir and release of the trigger causes suction which draws material into the reservoir from a larger container.

[0003] However, a number of issues exist with the pistol grip hand pumps in that the number and configuration of moving parts often results in leaks, which either involve resolution by replacement or by maintenance of the seals in the hand pumps.

[0004] This leads to higher costs as a user may need to purchase a new pump and/or service a faulty pump and reduces productivity due to downtime.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a dispenser device, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention, resides broadly, in a first aspect, in a dispenser device including

a pump unit having a movable assembly located within a cylinder, an elongate pump arm to move the movable assembly at a first end thereof and connected eccentrically to a drive at another portion thereof, a motor to rotate the drive to provide the elongate pump arm with a reciprocating pump stroke, and an inlet/outlet T-connection at a forward end of the pump unit, the T connection having a non-return valve on an inlet arm and a non-return valve on an outlet arm allowing the pump stroke to draw material into the pump unit on an intake stroke of the pump stroke and to drive material out the outlet arm on an discharge stroke of the pump stroke.

[0008] The dispenser device of the present invention is preferably used to dispense hazardous substances without requiring contact by an operator whilst also providing an adjustable sized metered dose of the material.

[0009] The dispenser device will typically be associated with a dispenser handpiece. Preferably, the dispenser handpiece may be connected to the dispenser device via an outlet conduit. Preferably, the dispenser handpiece may be removably connected to the dispenser device. Any suitable type of dispenser handpiece may be used. For instance, the dispenser handpiece may comprise a nozzle, a gun, a lance, a wand, a boom, or the like. The dispenser handpiece may be provided with a dispensing portion, such as a spike, nozzle, or the like, to provide targeted delivery of the dispensed material.

[0010] The dispenser handpiece may comprise an actuator associated therewith, allowing a user to actuate the pump unit. Preferably, actuation of the actuator on the dispenser handpiece may actuate the motor of the dispensing device. Actuation of the pump unit may be automatic, manual, or a combination of the two. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pump unit may be actuated by a switch associated with the dispenser handpiece. Preferably, the pump unit may be actuated by a push button switch. It is envisaged that in use, upon actuation by the actuator associated with the dispenser handpiece, the pump unit will typically undergo one pump stroke in order to dispense a metered dose. Preferably, the motor will drive the elongate pump arm through one complete pump stroke in order to draw material to be dispensed into the dispensing device on the intake stroke of the pump stroke and to dispense the material from the dispensing device on the dispensing portion of the pump stroke.

[0011] The dispenser device may comprise a dispenser housing. The dispenser housing may contain the pump unit and the motor housed therein. The dispenser housing may be any size and may have any shape configured to provide protection to the components within the dispenser housing. The dispenser housing may comprise a mounting frame, wherein one or more bearings, configured to mount the cylinder thereon, and a mounting plate, configured to mount the motor and the pump unit relative to other another, may be fixedly mounted to the mounting frame. In use, it is envisaged that fixedly mounting the one or more bearings and the mounting plate to the mounting frame reduces vibrations and enables the motor to rotate the drive to provide the elongate pump arm with a reciprocating pump stroke. The dispenser housing may be provided with one or more apertures, wherein one or more conduits may be passed through the apertures to connect to an inlet and/or outlet of the pump unit.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the inlet/outlet T-connection may be located within the dispenser housing. Alternatively, the inlet/outlet T-connection may be located outside the dispenser housing. Typically, an inlet conduit associated with a source of material to be dispensed is provided attached to the inlet arm of the T connection and an outlet conduit is preferably provided in association with the dispenser handpiece and associated with the outlet arm of the T-connection.

[0013] The inlet conduit and outlet conduit may be of any suitable type. For instance, the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit may be of the same type or may be of different types. However, it will be understood that the type of inlet conduit and/or outlet conduit used may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the length of conduit required, the degree of flexibility required by the user operating the dispenser device, whether the material in the inlet conduit and/or outlet conduit is under pressure, and the type and volume of material to be dispensed. Preferably, the inlet conduit and/or the outlet conduit may be flexible. Preferably, the outlet conduit may be suitable for use with a pressurised fluid.

[0014] The dispenser device of the present invention includes a pump unit having a movable assembly located within a cylinder, an elongate pump arm to move the movable assembly at a first end thereof and connected to an eccentrically mounted drive at another portion thereof.

[0015] The pump unit may be a positive displacement type of pump. Typically, the pump unit will include a diaphragm or similar but according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the pump unit will include a piston located within the cylinder whereby movement of the piston will draw material to be dispensed from the source of the material via the inlet conduit and dispense the material through the outlet conduit in different portions of the pump stroke.

[0016] The pump unit will typically allow for adjustment of the length of the pump stroke in order to control the size of the dose of material which is dispensed. This may be accomplished any suitable means. Preferably, however, the attachment location of the elongate pump arm relative to the drive plate, or similar member or assembly, will change the effective stroke length of the elongate pump arm that will in turn define the size of the dose that is dispensed.

[0017] The cylinder is typically mounted relative to at least one, and typically a pair of bearings in order to allow for any rotation which may be imparted on the cylinder by the movement of the elongate pump arm by the eccentric drive. The cylinder may be provided with a pair of pivot pins configured to be at least partially received in the pair of bearings, wherein in use, the cylinder may pivot relative to the bearings to allow for any rotation which may be imparted on the cylinder by the movement of the elongate pump arm by the eccentric drive. The pivot pins may be mounted to the cylinder in any suitable manner and this may include welding, the use of fasteners, by a threading engagement, and the like. The pivot pins may be mounted to any suitable portion of the cylinder. For instance, the pivot pins may be mounted to the cylinder, to a head component of the cylinder, or any suitable combination thereof. In this way, it is envisaged that the dispenser device may be provided with different size pump units without changing the configuration of the bearings, drive or motor.

[0018] The cylinder will typically be mounted within the dispenser housing, preferably substantially transversely to the reciprocal direction of the elongate pump arm. The cylinder will typically be mounted with the inlet/outlet located at one end of the dispenser housing, opposite to the end from which the elongate pump arm is driven.

[0019] The elongate pump arm will typically move in a reciprocating manner relative to the cylinder in order to move the movable assembly relative to the cylinder to both intake a particular charge or dose of material to be dispensed in one part of the pump stroke and to dispense that charge would dose of material in the second part of the pump stroke.

[0020] The elongate pump arm may be unitary or multipart. The elongate pump arm will normally have a first end and a second end. The first end is preferably mounted to or relative to an eccentric drive to facilitate the reciprocal movement of the elongate pump arm and the second end of the elongate pump arm will normally be attached or mounted to the movable assembly (the diaphragm or piston). Preferably the motor will have a drive that rotates and a drive plate, or similar member or assembly, is preferably mounted to the drive that converts the drive of the motor to an eccentric motion.

[0021] The drive plate will preferably allow mounting to the motor. The drive plate may have one or more attachment positions configured to attach the elongate pump arm to the drive plate. It is envisaged that in use, the attachment location of the elongate pump arm relative to the drive plate will change the effective stroke length of the arm that will in turn define the size of the dose that is dispensed. In this way, the drive plate may act as a dosage adjustment plate.

[0022] The motor will preferably rotate the drive plate and the drive plate will then generally move the elongate pump arm via its mounting portion through the reciprocal stroke.

[0023] The motor is typically mounted transversely to the direction of movement of the drive plate and the elongate pump arm. A mounting plate is preferably provided relative to which the motor, drive plate and pump unit are each mounted to fix the respective positions relative to one another. The bearings are typically mounted to or relative to the mounting plate.

[0024] The more than one attachment positions provided on or in the drive plate may be provided in any way, but typically one or more openings in the drive plate will be provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a mounting portion associated with the elongate pump arm may be removably engaged in one or more openings in the drive plate. Preferably, a mounting portion associated with the elongate pump arm may be slidably engaged in an elongate opening in the drive plate. It is envisaged that, in use, providing an elongate opening may allow infinite adjustment over the length of the opening. Alternatively, a series of spaced apart openings may be provided for a number of different dose sizes.

[0025] The mounting portion of the elongate pump arm may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration. Preferably, however, the mounting portion of the elongate pump arm may be of sufficient size, shape and configuration so as to be removably engaged with the drive plate and to enable the elongate pump arm to remain in engagement with the drive plate while the drive plate is in motion. For instance, the mounting portion may comprise an elongate portion configured to be at least partially received within the one or more openings in the drive plate, may comprise an elongate portion configured for complementary engagement with a movable member located within an elongate opening of the drive plate, may be configured to receive an elongate portion associated with the drive plate, or the like.

[0026] As previously mentioned, a dispenser handpiece may be associated with the dispensing device of the present invention via an outlet conduit which connects the dispenser handpiece with the outlet arm of the inlet/outlet T-connection.

[0027] The motor provided as a part of the dispensing device may be of any type. Typically, the motor will be electrical and will normally be powered by a power supply such as one or more batteries or the like. It is preferred that the motor and/or any battery is provided will be small and light weight as the dispensing device may be portable in some embodiments.

[0028] The motor will preferably be provided substantially parallel but spaced apart from the elongate pump arm which will preferably allow a reduction in size in the dispenser device. An adapter drive will typically be associated with the drive of the motor in order to change the direction of the drive a proximally through 90° such that the drive rotates substantially transversely to the longitudinal length of the elongate pump arm.

[0029] The dispenser device of the present invention includes an inlet/outlet T connection at a forward end of the pump unit, the T-connection having a non-return valve on an inlet arm and a non-return valve on an outlet arm allowing the pump stroke to draw material into the pump unit on an intake stroke of the pump stroke and to drive material out to a dispenser handpiece on an discharge stroke of the pump stroke.

[0030] The T-connection will typically be mounted to a forward end of the cylinder, typically on the opposite end of the cylinder from the elongate pump arm. Movement of the movable assembly (the diaphragm or piston for example) within the cylinder will typically act to draw material into either the T-connection itself and/or into a forward end of the cylinder on the intake stroke of the pump stroke.

[0031] A charge chamber may be provided either in the cylinder between the movable assembly and the T-connection and/or in the T-connection itself between the respective non-return valves. The size of the charge chamber will typically be adjustable by changing the attachment mounting point of the elongate pump arm relative to the drive plate as this will change the separation distance between the movable assembly at the rearmost limit of its stroke and the forward end of the cylinder.

[0032] As mentioned above, a non-return valve is provided on an inlet arm of the T connection and a non-return valve is provided on the outlet arm of the T-connection. Typically, the non-return valves are oriented in the same direction. Preferably, the inlet arm and the outlet arm are provided on opposite sides of the transverse connection to the cylinder.

[0033] On the intake stroke of the pump stroke, the non-return valve on the inlet arm will open and the non-return valve on the outlet arm will close in order to draw a charge of material to be dispensed into the charge chamber. As the pump stroke reverses to the discharge stroke of the pump stroke, the non-return valve on the inlet arm will close and the non-return valve on the outlet arm will open allowing the discharge stroke of the pump stroke to dispense the charge of material to the dispensing handpiece.

[0034] The working components of the device of the present invention are preferably all manufactured of stainless steel or similar to ensure low or no reactivity with the material being dispensed.

[0035] As mentioned above, the actuation of the actuation device provided on the dispensing handpiece will typically drive the motor to move the elongate pump arm through one complete pump stroke, allowing a user to dispense a charge of material and the configuration of the dispenser device of the present invention allows the user to adjust the size of the charge material as required.

[0036] In a second aspect of the invention, the invention resides broadly in a dispenser device including:

a pump unit having a movable assembly located within a cylinder, the cylinder comprising a bore therethrough and an outlet at a forward end of the cylinder, an elongate pump arm to move the movable assembly at a first end thereof and connected eccentrically to a drive at another portion thereof, the elongate pump arm comprising a bore therethrough with an inlet and an outlet,

a motor to rotate the drive to provide the elongate pump arm with a reciprocating pump stroke, and

a first valve assembly associated with the bore of the cylinder, and a second valve assembly located at the inlet end of the elongate pump arm and associated with the bore of the elongate pump arm with a charge chamber defined between the first and second valve assemblies, such that movement of the elongate pump arm forwardly relative to the cylinder charges the charge chamber with material through an inlet of the pump unit and movement of the elongate pump arm rearwardly relative to the cylinder forces material in the charge chamber out through an outlet of the pump unit,

wherein the elongate pump arm and the cylinder are located substantially coaxially with one another.

[0037] Preferably, the bearings, the motor, the mounting plate and the drive of the second aspect of the invention may be the bearings, the motor, the mounting plate, and the drive of the first aspect of the invention. Preferably, the dispenser housing of the second aspect of the invention may be the dispenser housing of the first aspect of the invention.

[0038] An inlet conduit may be connected to the inlet of the pump unit. Preferably, the inlet conduit may be connected to the inlet of the cylinder of the pump unit. In this instance, it is envisaged that the inlet conduit may be connected to the inlet of the cylinder at a first end and to a source of material at a second end. In this way, the inlet conduit may act as a conduit of material from the source of material to the pump unit during a charging phase. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inlet conduit may be removably connected to the inlet opening of the cylinder. The inlet conduit may be removably connected to the inlet opening of the cylinder by any suitable means. For instance, the inlet conduit may be retained in removable connection with the inlet opening of the cylinder by frictional engagement, by providing a connection member, or by providing complementary male-female attachment portions, screw threaded portions, or any suitable combination thereof. For instance, the inlet opening of the cylinder may be provided with an attachment portion configured to be attached to different complementary connection members as required. In this instance, it is envisaged that the attachment portion of the inlet opening may be a screw-threaded portion, however any configuration can be provided.

[0039] The inlet conduit may be connected to the source of material by any suitable means. However, it will be understood that the type of connection means may vary depending on the size, shape and configuration of the storage container housing the source of material. For instance, the inlet conduit may be retained in removable connection with the outlet of the storage container by frictional engagement, by providing a connection member, or by providing complementary male-female attachment portions, screw threaded portions, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0040] An outlet conduit may be connected to the outlet of the pump unit. Preferably, the outlet conduit may be connected to the outlet of the elongate pump arm of the pump unit. In this instance, it is envisaged that the outlet conduit may be connected to the outlet of the elongate pump arm at a first end and to a dispenser handpiece at a second end. In this way, the outlet conduit may act as a conduit of material from the pump unit to the dispenser handpiece during a discharging phase. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet conduit may be removably connected to the outlet of the elongate pump arm. The outlet conduit may be removably connected to the outlet of the elongate pump arm by any suitable means. For instance, the outlet conduit may be retained in removable connection with the outlet of the elongate pump arm by frictional engagement, by providing a connection member, or by providing complementary male-female attachment portions, screw threaded portions, or any suitable combination thereof. For instance, the outlet of the cylinder may be provided with an attachment portion configured to be attached to different complementary connection members as required. In this instance, it is envisaged that the attachment portion of the outlet may be a screw-threaded portion, however any configuration can be provided.

[0041] The outlet conduit may be connected to the dispenser handpiece by any suitable means. However, it will be understood that the type of connection means may vary depending on the size, shape and configuration of the dispenser handpiece. For instance, the outlet conduit may be retained in removable connection with the inlet of the dispenser handpiece by frictional engagement, by providing a connection member, or by providing complementary male-female attachment portions, screw threaded portions, or any suitable combination thereof. Preferably, however the outlet conduit may be connected to the dispenser handpiece such that the material to be dispensed may be discharged through the dispenser handpiece at the desired volume and rate. For instance, if the outlet conduit may be required to conduit a pressurised fluid then the outlet conduit must be connected to the dispenser handpiece in a way that the pressure of the fluid is not reduced.

[0042] The inlet conduit and the outlet conduit may be of any suitable type. For instance, the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit may be of the same type or may be of different types. However, it will be understood that the type of inlet conduit and/or outlet conduit used may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the length of conduit required, the degree of flexibility required by the user operating the dispenser device, whether the material in the inlet conduit and/or outlet conduit is under pressure, and the type and volume of material to be dispensed. Preferably, the inlet conduit and/or the outlet conduit may be flexible. Preferably, the outlet conduit may be suitable for use with a pressurised fluid.

[0043] As previously mentioned, the dispenser device may include a dispenser housing which includes the pump unit and preferably the motor.

[0044] As previously mentioned, the pump unit may allow for adjustment of the length of the pump stroke in order to control the size of the dose of material which is dispensed. Preferably, the attachment location of the elongate pump arm relative to the drive plate may change the effective stroke length of the elongate pump arm that will in turn define the size of the dose that is dispensed.

[0045] As previously mentioned, the cylinder may be mounted relative to at least one, and typically a pair of bearings in order to allow for any rotation which may be imparted on the cylinder by the movement of the elongate pump arm by the eccentric drive. The cylinder may be provided with a pair of pivot pins configured to be at least partially received in the pair of bearings, wherein in use, the cylinder may pivot relative to the bearings to allow for any rotation which may be imparted on the cylinder by the movement of the elongate pump arm by the eccentric drive.

[0046] The cylinder may be mounted within the dispenser housing, preferably substantially transversely to the reciprocal direction of the elongate pump arm. In an embodiment of the invention, the cylinder may be mounted with the inlet located at one end of the dispenser housing, opposite to the end from which the elongate pump arm is driven.

[0047] The dispenser device includes a pump unit having a movable assembly located within a cylinder, an elongate pump arm to move the movable assembly at a first end thereof and connected eccentrically to a drive at another portion thereof. Preferably, the cylinder and the elongate pump arm may be located substantially coaxially with one another. The respective bores of the cylinder and the elongate pump arm are preferably located substantially coaxially with one another.

[0048] The pump unit of the present invention includes a cylinder with a bore therethrough. The bore of the cylinder can be thought of as a main bore as it will in large part define the charge chamber, as well as allow movement of the elongate pump arm within the cylinder. The cylinder may be of any suitable cross-section. Preferably, however, the cylinder may be substantially circular in cross-section. The cylinder defines the charge chamber therein and also provides a guide for the reciprocal action of the elongate pump arm.

[0049] The cylinder may be fabricated from any suitable material. For instance, the cylinder may be fabricated from a metal or metal alloy (such as stainless steel, aluminium, brass, bronze or the like), a polymeric material (such as acetal or polyoxymethylene, nylon or aliphatic polyamides, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high density polyethylene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, phenolics or the like), or any suitable combination thereof. Preferably, the cylinder may be fabricated from stainless steel. Alternatively, the cylinder may be fabricated from acetal or polyoxymethylene.

[0050] The cylinder may be a unitary structure or may comprise two or more portions. In an embodiment of the invention, the cylinder comprises two or more portions, wherein the various components of the cylinder may be removably attached together for use but capable of disconnection for maintenance and/or servicing for example.

[0051] The cylinder may comprise any shape externally. The cylinder will normally have a first end and a second end. The first end of the cylinder may be associated with an inlet conduit and the second end of the cylinder may be associated with the elongate pump arm. Preferably, the cylinder may be of a sufficient size and configuration to receive the elongate pump arm therein, and wherein movement of the elongate pump arm within and relative to the cylinder allows the charging and discharging of the dispenser device.

[0052] The cylinder may have a bore extending at least partway through the cylinder from the first end to the second end. In some embodiment of the invention, the bore may extend all of the way through the cylinder from the first end to the second end thereof. Thus, it is envisaged that the bore may comprise a pair of open ends, or one open end and one closed end. Preferably, the bore may comprise a pair of open ends, wherein an inlet opening may be associated with the first end of the cylinder and an outlet opening may be associated with the second end of the cylinder.

[0053] The bore may be of any suitable configuration. For instance, the bore may be substantially linear, or may have a curved or tortuous path. The bore may be of any suitable length and any suitable diameter. The diameter of the bore may be substantially constant along its length or may vary along its length. For instance, the bore may taper long at least a portion of its length, may include a neck or similar narrowing portion and the like. In use, it is envisaged that one or more tapered bore portions may be provided in the bore of the cylinder in order to reduce fluid pressure losses from the bore into the charge chamber.

[0054] As previously mentioned, a charge chamber may be provided in the cylinder. The charge chamber may be provided between the movable assembly and the inlet opening of the cylinder. The size of the charge chamber will typically be adjustable by changing the position of the mounting portion of the elongate pump arm relative to the drive plate as this will change the separation distance between the movable assembly at the rearmost limit of its stroke and the forward end of the cylinder. Preferably, the inlet opening of the cylinder comprises an entry bore to the cylinder and to the charge chamber.

[0055] Located toward the inlet opening of the bore of the cylinder may be a first valve assembly. The first valve assembly typically includes a valve member which is movable relative to a valve seat between an open and a sealed condition. The valve member may be biased into the sealed condition using a biasing member, typically a spring or similar and the biasing member is braced against a locating member or part of the bore in order to limit the movement of the biasing member. Typically, the locating member or part of the bore may be provided within the bore and adjacent the valve seat. The locating member or part of the bore can be as simple as a circlip or similar which fits into a circumferential groove and against which an end of the biasing member is braced.

[0056] The valve member may be of any suitable configuration shape but preferably, is at least partially spheroidal or frustoconical in shape as the shapes provide enhanced sealing characteristics without the need for additional sealing members. The simplest valve member is a spherical ball valve member.

[0057] The valve seat is typically shaped to correspond to the shape of the valve member or vice versa. As mentioned above, the valve member may be preferably biased into the sealed condition and requires a force to displace the valve member from the valve seat to move the valve member to the open condition allowing material to flow past the valve member. This occurs typically when the elongate pump arm is released after discharge or emptying of the charging chamber upon which the main biasing means will force the elongate pump arm forwardly again which in turn creates a lower pressure volume in the charge chamber which will draw the material into the charge chamber against the valve member which displaces the valve member from the valve seat.

[0058] During retraction of the elongate pump arm, the pressure exerted on the material in the charge chamber will assist with the sealing of the first valve assembly preventing backflow and also preventing material being drawn into the charge chamber until the elongate pump arm is released.

[0059] The cylinder may comprise a head component located towards the second end of the cylinder. In an embodiment of the invention, the cylinder and the head component may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the cylinder and the head component may be removably attached to one another. In an embodiment of the invention, the head component may be mounted to an outer surface of the cylinder. In this instance, it is envisaged that the head component may be mounted to the cylinder by any suitable manner, and this may include welding, the use of fasteners, by a threading engagement, and the like. In this embodiment, the head component may comprise a collar which extends about the cylinder. The head component may not extend entirely about the cylinder. Thus, in some embodiment, the head component may comprise oppositely extending projections or lugs.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the head component may be attached to the second end of the cylinder. In this instance, it is envisaged that at least a portion of the head component may be at least partially received within the bore of the cylinder. Alternatively, at least a portion of the cylinder may be received within the bore of the head component. In this embodiment, the head component preferably comprises a first end and an opposed second end and a bore extending at least part way through the head component from the first end to the second end. In some embodiments of the invention, the bore may extend all of the way through the head component from the first end to the second end thereof. Thus, it is envisaged that the bore may comprise a pair of open ends, or one open end and one closed end. The bore may be substantially linear or may have a curved or tortuous path. The bore may be of any suitable length and any suitable diameter. Preferably, the bore of the head component is substantially coaxial with the bore of the cylinder.

[0061] The head component of the cylinder may be fabricated from any suitable material. For instance, the head component of the cylinder may be fabricated from the same type of material as the cylinder or may be fabricated from a different type of material. Where the head component of the cylinder may be fabricated from stainless steel, it is envisaged that the head component may be provided with a bushing and/or a split ring, wherein the bushing and/or the split ring may be located between one or more contacting surfaces of the head component and the elongate pump arm. In this instance, it is envisaged that the bushing may assist in reducing wear of the elongate pump arm. The bushing may be fabricated from any suitable material. Preferably, however, the bushing may be fabricated from a polymeric material such as acetal or polyoxymethylene, nylon or aliphatic polyamides, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high density polyethylene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, phenolics or the like.

[0062] The head component may be provided with a recess or depression, typically circumferentially in order to allow a protection boot to be properly seated and attached to the head component. The protection boot is normally a resilient boot provided to enclose the moving parts of the pump unit in order to prevent dust and other detritus from invading the mechanism. The protection boot may contain a lubricant. Generally, a shoulder is provided on each side of the recess in order to provide an abutment portion. Typically, a circumferential clamping device is used to clamp the protection boot in the recess or depression between the shoulders.

[0063] The pump unit includes an elongate pump arm. The elongate pump arm will typically move in a reciprocating manner relative to the cylinder in order to move the movable assembly relative to the cylinder to both intake a particular charge or dose of material to be dispensed in one part of the pump stroke and to dispense that charge would dose of material in the second part of the pump stroke.

[0064] The elongate pump arm may be fabricated from any suitable material. For instance, the elongate pump arm may be fabricated from the same type of material as the cylinder or may be fabricated from a different type of material. Where the elongate pump arm may be fabricated from stainless steel, it is envisaged that the head component of the cylinder may be provided with a bushing and/or a split ring, wherein the bushing and/or the split ring may be located between one or more contacting surfaces of the head component of the cylinder and the elongate pump arm. In this instance, it is envisaged that the bushing may assist in reducing wear of the elongate pump arm. The bushing may be fabricated from any suitable material. Preferably, however, the bushing may be fabricated from a polymeric material such as acetal or polyoxymethylene, nylon or aliphatic polyamides, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high density polyethylene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, phenolics or the like.

[0065] The elongate pump arm may be unitary or may comprise two or more portions. The elongate pump arm is generally cylindrical in cross-section. The elongate pump arm will normally have a first end and a second end. The first end is preferably mounted to or relative to an eccentric drive to facilitate the reciprocal movement of the elongate pump arm and the second end of the elongate pump arm will normally be attached or mounted to a movable assembly. The elongate pump arm is preferably sized to allow movement of the elongate pump arm and/or the movable assembly into the bore of the cylinder.

[0066] The elongate pump arm may have a bore extending at least partway through the elongate pump arm from the first end to the second end. In some embodiment of the invention, the bore may extend all of the way through the elongate pump arm from the first end to the second end thereof. Thus, it is envisaged that the bore may comprise a pair of open ends, or one open end and one closed end. Preferably, the bore may comprise a pair of open ends, wherein an inlet opening may be associated with the second end of the elongate pump arm and an outlet opening may be associated with the first end of the elongate pump arm.

[0067] The bore may be of any suitable configuration. The bore may be continuous and of constant dimensions except for the part of the valve chamber for the second valve assembly provided on or in the end of the elongate pump arm. Generally, the inlet opening to the bore in the elongate pump arm will communicate with the charge chamber of the cylinder such that material exiting the charge chamber does so via the bore in the elongate pump arm. Preferably, the inlet of the elongate pump arm bore is in fluid communication with the charge chamber of the cylinder such that material forced out through the outlet in the cylinder is passed through the bore of the elongate pump arm and out of the outlet opening in the elongate pump arm.

[0068] The bore of the elongate pump arm may be substantially linear or may have a curved or tortuous path. In an embodiment of the invention, the bore of the elongate pump arm may be substantially linear from the inlet opening associated with the second end of the elongate pump arm to the outlet opening associated with the first end of the elongate pump arm. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the bore of the elongate pump member may comprise a substantially linear portion and a curved portion. For instance, the bore of the elongate pump arm may be substantially linear from the inlet opening associated with the second end of the elongate pump arm along at least a portion of the bore before curving towards the outlet opening associated with the first end of the elongate pump arm. In this instance, it is envisaged that the outlet opening may be located in a wall of the elongate pump arm instead of in the first end of the elongate pump arm. Alternatively, the outlet opening may be an aperture located in a wall of the elongate pump arm in communication with the bore of the elongate pump arm. In this instance, it is envisaged that the first end of the elongate pump arm may be a closed end.

[0069] In an embodiment of the invention, the movable assembly may be a piston head. The elongate pump arm and piston head is preferably provided in a two-part assembly with a unitary elongate pump arm and a separate but attachable piston head. The attachment of the piston head to the elongate pump arm is typically a threaded attachment. Normally, the inlet opening to the bore through the elongate pump arm will be provided through the piston head.

[0070] The piston head may be fabricated from any suitable material. For instance, the piston head may be fabricated from a metal or metal alloy (such as stainless steel, aluminium, brass, bronze or the like), a polymeric material (such as acetal or polyoxymethylene, nylon or aliphatic polyamides, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high density polyethylene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, phenolics or the like), or any suitable combination thereof. Preferably, the piston head may be fabricated from bronze or brass.

[0071] Typically, the elongate pump arm is movable such that the piston head reciprocates within the bore in the cylinder to define a charge chamber and then, when forced, to reduce the volume of the charge chamber defined in order to expel material from the charge chamber and the pump unit. Thus, it is envisaged that the elongate pump arm of the pump unit is biased into the charged condition rather than into the discharge condition.

[0072] A bore portion is typically provided through the piston head. A narrowed, neck portion is typically provided in the piston head in order to define a part of the valve chamber for the second valve assembly with the remainder of the valve chamber for the second valve assembly provided on or in a rear end of the elongate pump arm.

[0073] The piston head may be provided with a sealing member. In this instance, it is envisaged that a sealing member (such as O-ring, a gasket, or the like) may be positioned in an annular groove of the piston head so as to reduce or eliminate the ingress of water and debris (dust, dirt, etc.) into a gap between the elongate pump arm and the bore of the cylinder. The sealing member may also be provided in order to provide a seal so that material to be dispensed is substantially precluded from leaking between the elongate pump arm and the cylinder. In this way, the pressure of the material to be dispensed with the dispensing device may be maintained. Any suitable sealing member may be provided. For instance, the sealing member may be fabricated from a polymeric material such as acetal or polyoxymethylene, nylon or aliphatic polyamides, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high density polyethylene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, phenolics, or the like.

[0074] Typically, the piston head may be externally shaped to allow the attachment or securing of the piston head to the elongate pump arm using a tool, typically a spanner or similar.

[0075] Preferably, the inlet end of the elongate pump arm is provided with a valve seat in order to seat a valve member of the second valve assembly. The second valve assembly typically includes a valve member which is movable relative to a valve seat between an open and a sealed condition. Typically, the valve member is biased into the sealed condition using a biasing member, typically a spring or similar and the biasing member is braced against the periphery of the valve chamber provided in the piston head in order to limit the movement of the biasing member.

[0076] The valve member may be of any suitable configuration. Preferably, the valve member may be at least partially spheroidal or frustoconical in shape as these shapes provide enhanced sealing characteristics without or at least minimising the need for additional sealing members. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve member may be a spherical ball valve member.

[0077] The valve seat may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the valve member or vice versa. As mentioned above, the valve member is preferably biased into the sealed condition and requires a force to displace the valve member from the seat to move the valve member to the open condition allowing material to flow past the valve member. This occurs typically when the elongate pump arm is moved rearwardly under manual force against the biasing force of the elongate pump arm biasing member. This action forces the material in the charging chamber against the valve member which displaces the valve member from the seat.

[0078] In use, the pump unit may be assembled and connected to a inlet or supply conduit, which is in turn connected to a source of material. The elongate pump arm is then forced rearwardly relative to the cylinder and then released to vent any air in the charge chamber and upon release, will act to open the first valve assembly and draw material into the charge chamber through the inlet in the cylinder. The material cannot flow forwardly from the charge chamber because of the second valve assembly which is biased into the closed condition. Once the charge chamber is charged with material, depression of the elongate pump arm rearwardly will force the material in the charge chamber out through the outlet in the cylinder, through the bore of the elongate pump arm and out of the outlet to the bore of the elongate pump arm so that it may be dispensed through a dispenser handpiece when provided. Releasing the manual discharge force will restart the charging cycle. In this manner, a measured charge of material is dispensed as required with recharging taking place after each discharge.

[0079] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0080] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0081] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0082] Figure 1 is a plan view of a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 2 is a photograph of a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] Figure 3 is a plan view of a dispensing apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] Figure 4 is a photograph of a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0086] Figure 5 is a photograph of a drive plate illustrated in Figures 1 to 4; and

[0087] Figure 6 is a plan view of a dispensing handpiece used with a dispensing apparatus of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0088] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a dispenser device 10 is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0089] The dispenser device 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 includes a positive displacement pump unit 11 having a movable piston (not shown) located within a cylinder 12, and an elongate pump arm 13 to move the piston at a first end thereof and connected eccentrically to a drive plate 14 at another portion thereof. A motor 15 is provided to rotate the drive to provide the elongate pump arm 13 with a reciprocating pump stroke. An inlet/outlet T-connection 16 is located at a forward end of the pump unit 11, the T-connection 16 having a non-return valve on an inlet arm 17 and a non return valve on an outlet arm 18 allowing the pump stroke to draw material into the pump unit 11 on an intake stroke of the pump stroke and to drive material out to a dispenser handpiece (not shown) on an discharge stroke of the pump stroke.

[0090] The device of the present invention is preferably used to dispense hazardous substances without requiring contact by an operator whilst also providing an adjustable sized metered dose of the material.

[0091] Dispensing device 10 is associated with a dispenser handpiece (such as that illustrated in Figure 6) which is connected to the device 10 via an outlet conduit 20 attached to the outlet arm 18 of pump unit 11.

[0092] The dispenser device 10 is provided at least partially within a dispenser housing 22 which contains the positive displacement pump unit 11, the motor 15 and the T-connection 16. The dispenser housing 22 may be any size and may have any shape configured to provide protection to the components within the dispenser housing 22. Mounting frame 32 may be located within dispenser housing 22. One or more bearings 24 and mounting plate 30 may be fixedly mounted to mounting frame 32. Typically, an inlet conduit 23 associated with a source of material to be dispensed is provided attached to the inlet arm 17 of the T-connection 16 and the outlet conduit 20 is provided in association with a dispenser handpiece (not shown) and associated with the outlet arm 18 of the T-connection 16.

[0093] The pump unit 11 of the illustrated embodiment is a positive displacement type pump including a piston located within the cylinder 12 whereby movement of the piston will draw material to be dispensed from the source of the material via the inlet conduit 23 and dispense the material through the outlet conduit 20 in different portions of the pump stroke.

[0094] The pump unit 11 allows for adjustment of the length of the pump stroke in order to control the size of the dose of material which is dispensed.

[0095] The cylinder 12 is pivotally mounted relative to a pair of bearings 24 by pivot pins 31 in order to allow for any rotation which may be imparted on the cylinder 12 by the movement of the elongate pump arm 13 by the eccentric drive mechanism. Pivot pins 31 are mounted to the main part of cylinder 12. As illustrated, the cylinder 12 is mounted within the dispenser housing 22 about an axis that is substantially transverse to the reciprocal direction of the elongate pump arm 13. The cylinder 12 is mounted with the inlet/outlet located at one end of the dispenser housing 22, opposite to the end from which the elongate pump arm 13 is driven.

[0096] The elongate pump arm 13 will typically move in a reciprocating manner relative to the cylinder 12 in order to move the piston within the cylinder 12 to both intake a particular charge or dose of material to be dispensed in one part of the pump stroke, and to dispense that charge or dose of material in the second part of the pump stroke.

[0097] The elongate pump arm 13 may be unitary or multipart having a first end and a second end. The first end is preferably mounted eccentrically to or relative to the drive of the motor 15 to facilitate the reciprocal movement of the elongate pump arm 13 and the second end of the arm 12 is attached or mounted to the piston within the cylinder 12. Preferably the motor 15 has a drive that rotates and a drive plate 14 is mounted to the drive to convert the drive of the motor 15 to an eccentric motion to move the elongate pump arm 13.

[0098] The T-connection 16 is mounted to a forward end of the cylinder 12, typically on the opposite end of the cylinder 12 from the elongate pump arm 13. Movement of the piston within the cylinder 12 acts to draw material into either the T-connection 16 itself and/or into a forward end of the cylinder 12 on the intake stroke of the pump stroke.

[0099] A charge chamber 28 may be provided in the cylinder 12 between the movable piston and the T-connection 16 and/or partially in the T-connection 16 itself between the respective non-return valves (the non-return valves are not illustrated for clarity reasons). The size of the charge chamber 28 is adjustable by changing the attachment mounting point 25 of the elongate pump arm 13 relative to the drive plate 14 as this will change the separation distance between the piston at the rearmost limit of its stroke and the forward end of the cylinder 12.

[0100] As mentioned above, a non-return valve is provided on an inlet arm 17 of the T-connection 16 and a non-return valve is provided on the outlet arm 18 of the T connection 16. Typically, the non-return valves are oriented in the same direction. Preferably, the inlet arm 17 and the outlet arm 18 are provided on opposite sides of the transverse connection 29 to the cylinder 12.

[0101] On the intake stroke of the pump stroke, the non-return valve on the inlet arm 17 will open and the non-return valve on the outlet arm 18 will remain closed (due to fluid pressure in the T-connection 16) in order to draw a charge of material to be dispensed into the charge chamber 28. As the pump stroke reverses to the discharge stroke of the pump stroke, the non-return valve on the inlet arm 17 will close (due to fluid pressure in the T-connection) and the non-return valve on the outlet arm 18 will open allowing the discharge stroke of the pump stroke to dispense the charge of material to the dispensing handpiece 19.

[0102] As mentioned above, the actuation of the actuator 21 provided on the dispensing handpiece 19 drives the motor 15 to move the elongate pump arm 13 through one complete pump stroke, allowing a user to dispense a charge of material and the configuration of the dispenser device 10 of the present invention allows the user to adjust the size of the charge material as required.

[0103] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 3 and 4. The embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 3 and 4 are substantially the same as the embodiment shown in Figure 1, however, includes the pump described in Australian Patent Application No. 2014268204, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0104] The pump unit 100 of this preferred embodiment includes a cylinder 56 with a bore therethrough, an outlet 66 at a forward end of the cylinder 56, a elongate pump arm 58 associated with a piston head 46 adapted for reciprocal movement relative to the cylinder 56, the elongate pump arm 46 having a bore 44 therethrough with an inlet 68 and an outlet 40, a first valve assembly 48 associated with the bore of the cylinder 56, a second valve assembly 50 located at the inlet end 68 of the elongate pump arm 58 and associated with the bore 44 of the elongate pump arm 58 with a charging chamber 64 defined between the first and second valve assemblies 48,50, such that movement of the elongate pump arm 58 rearwardly relative to the cylinder 56 forces material in the charging chamber 64 out through the housing outlet 40 during a discharging phase and movement of the elongate pump arm 58 forwardly relative to the cylinder 56 charges the charging chamber 64 with material through the inlet 42 of cylinder 56 during a charging phase, wherein the elongate pump arm 58 and the cylinder 56 are located substantially coaxially with one another and the pump unit discharges material during the discharge phase only. In the discharging phase, it is envisaged that material forced out of the housing outlet 40 is passed through bore 44 of elongate pump arm 58 and out of outlet 40 to bore 44 to a dispensing handpiece (not shown).

[0105] Dispensing device 100 is associated with a dispenser handpiece (such as that illustrated in Figure 6) which is connected to the device 100 via an outlet conduit 62 attached to outlet opening 40 to elongate pump arm 58 of pump unit 54.

[0106] The dispenser device 100 is provided at least partially within a dispenser housing 22 which contains pump unit 54 and motor 15. Dispenser housing 22 may be of any size and may have any shape configured to provide protection to the components within dispenser housing 22. A mounting frame 32 may be located in dispenser housing 22, wherein one or more bearings 24 and a mounting plate 30 are fixedly mounted to the mounting frame 32. Typically, an inlet conduit 60 associated with a source of material to be dispensed is provided to inlet 42 via inlet connection member 52 and an outlet conduit 62 is provided in association with a dispenser handpiece (not shown) and associated with outlet opening 40 via an outlet connection member 53. As previously mentioned, during a charging phase, elongate pump arm 54 is moved forwardly relative to cylinder 56 such that the vacuum formed in charge chamber 64 draws material through inlet 42 and into charge chamber 64. Release of elongate pump arm 58 acts to discharge the material in charge chamber 64.

[0107] Pump unit 54 includes a piston located within cylinder 56 whereby, movement of the piston will draw material to be dispense from the source of material via inlet conduit 60 and dispense the material through outlet conduit 62 in different portions of the pump stroke. Pump unit 54 allows for adjustment of the length of the pump stroke in order to control the size of the dose of the material which is dispensed. First valve assembly 48 associated with the bore of cylinder 56 and second valve assembly associated with bore 44 in elongate pump arm 16 may be non-return check valves, such as a spherical ball valve.

[0108] Cylinder 56 is mounted relative to a pair of bearings 24 by pivot pins 31 in order to allow for any rotation which may be imparted on cylinder 56 by the movement of the elongate pump arm 58 by the eccentric drive mechanism. Pivot pins 31 are mounted to the head component 57 of cylinder 56 in Figure 4 and to the main part of cylinder 56 in Figure 3. In this way, it is envisaged that the dispenser device may be provided with different size pump units without changing the configuration of the bearings, drive or motor. As illustrated, cylinder 56 is mounted within dispenser housing 22 about an axis that is substantially transverse to the reciprocal direction of the elongate pump arm 58. Pump unit 54 is mounted with inlet opening 42 located at one end of the dispenser housing 22, opposite to the end from which the elongate pump arm 58 is driven.

[0109] The elongate pump arm 58 will typically move in a reciprocating manner relative to cylinder 56 in order to move piston head 46 within cylinder 56 to both intake a particular charge or dose of material to be dispensed in one part of the pump stroke, and to dispense that charge or dose of material in the second part of the pump stroke.

[0110] Pump unit 100 is connected eccentrically to drive plate 14 at a first end of elongate pump arm 58. Motor 15 rotates drive plate 14 to provide elongate pump arm 58 with a reciprocating pump stroke.

[0111] A charge chamber 64 may be provided in the cylinder 56 between the movable piston head 46 and inlet opening 42 in cylinder 56. The size of the charge chamber 64 is adjustable by changing the attachment mounting point 25 of the elongate pump arm 58 relative to the drive plate 14 as this will change the separation distance between the piston at the rearmost limit of its stroke and the forward end of the cylinder 56.

[0112] In Figure 5, a dosage adjustment assembly for a dispenser device 10 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 and dispenser device 100 as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 is shown. Reference numbers in brackets refer to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

[0113] The drive plate 14 is mounted to the drive of the motor 15 and has more than one attachment position to attach the elongate pump arm 13 (58). The attachment location of the elongate pump arm 13 (58) relative to the drive plate 14 changes the effective stroke length of the elongate pump arm 13 (58) that will in turn define the size of the dose that is dispensed.

[0114] The motor 15 rotates the drive plate 14 and the drive plate 14 will generally move the elongate pump arm 13 (58), via mounting portion 25, through the reciprocal stroke. A mounting plate 30 is provided relative to which the motor 15, drive plate 14 and pump unit 11 (54) are each mounted to fix the respective positions relative to one another. The bearings 24 are mounted to or relative to the plate 30.

[0115] The motor 15 is provided substantially parallel but spaced apart from the elongate pump arm 13 (58) which will preferably allow a reduction in size in the dispenser device 10 (100). An adapter drive 26 is associated with the drive of the motor in order to change the direction of the drive approximately through 90° such that the drive rotates substantially transversely to the length of the elongate pump arm 13 (58).

[0116] An attachment position 27, in the form of an elongate opening, is provided on or in the drive plate 14. As illustrated in Figure 5, an elongate opening 27 is provided along which a mounting portion 25 associated with elongate pump arm 13 (58) may be slidably engaged. In use, it is envisaged that this may allow infinite adjustment over the length of the elongate opening 27.

[0117] The motor 15 provided as a part of the illustrated dispensing device 10 (100) is electrical and is powered by a power supply such as one or more batteries or the like. It is preferred that the motor and/or any battery is provided will be small and light weight as the dispensing device may be portable in some embodiments.

[0118] A dispenser handpiece according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 6. Dispenser handpiece 19 comprises an outer body portion 70 comprising an inlet opening 71 associated with a first end of the outer body portion and an outlet opening 72 associated with an opposed second end of the outer body portion, and a bore 73 extending between the first end and the second end of the outer body portion 70. An inner body portion 76, in the form of a stainless steel tube, is located within the bore 73 of the outer body portion 70. A first end of inner body portion 76 is associated with the inlet opening 71 of the outer body portion 70, such that material to be dispensed is drawn through the inner body portion 76. The inner body portion 76 is associated with a valve portion 78, in the form of a non-return one-way check valve, at an opposed second end of the inner body portion 76. A dispensing portion 80, in the form of a spike, is associated with valve portion 78. Dispensing portion 80 may comprise one or more apertures 82 configured to dispense the material. Dispenser handpiece 19 comprises a grip portion 74 in the form of a pistol style hand grip.

[0119] Dispenser handpiece 19 is associated with the dispensing device 10 (100) via an elongate, typically flexible conduit which connects the inlet opening 71 of dispenser handpiece 19 with the outlet of the pump unit 11 (54). An actuator 21, in the form of a 12V on/off push button switch, is provided on the dispenser handpiece 19 will, upon actuation, actuate the motor 15 to drive the elongate pump arm through one complete pump stroke in order to draw material to be dispensed into the dispensing device on the intake stroke of the pump stroke (charging phase) and to dispense the material from the dispensing device on the dispensing portion of the pump stroke (discharging phase).

[0120] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0121] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0122] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A dispenser device comprising

a pump unit comprising a movable assembly located within a cylinder, the cylinder comprising a bore therethrough and an outlet at a forward end of the cylinder, an elongate pump arm to move the movable assembly at a first end thereof and connected eccentrically to a drive at another portion thereof, the elongate pump arm comprising a bore therethrough with an inlet and an outlet;

a motor to rotate the drive to provide the elongate pump arm with a reciprocating pump stroke; and

a first valve assembly associated with the bore of the cylinder, and a second valve assembly located at the inlet end of the elongate pump arm and associated with the bore of the elongate pump arm with a charge chamber defined between the first and second valve assemblies, such that movement of the elongate pump arm forwardly relative to the cylinder charges the charge chamber with material through the inlet of the pump unit and movement of the elongate pump arm rearwardly relative to the cylinder forces material in the charge chamber out through the outlet of the pump unit,

2. A dispenser device comprising

a pump unit having a movable assembly located within a cylinder, an elongate pump arm to move the movable assembly at a first end thereof and connected eccentrically to a drive at another portion thereof;

an inlet/outlet T-connection at a forward end of the pump unit, the T-connection having a non-return valve on an inlet arm and a non-return valve on an outlet arm allowing the pump stroke to draw material into the pump unit on an intake stroke of the pump stroke and to drive material out through the pump unit on a discharge stroke of the pump stroke.

3. A dispenser device according to claim 1, wherein the inlet to the bore of the elongate pump arm is in fluid communication with the charge chamber of the cylinder such that material forced out through the outlet in the cylinder is passed through the bore of the elongate pump arm and out of the outlet to the bore of the elongate pump arm.

4. A dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a dispenser housing.

5. A dispenser device according to claim 4, wherein the pump unit and the motor are located within the dispenser housing.

6. A dispenser device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the dispenser housing comprises a mounting frame and wherein one or more bearings, configured to mount the cylinder thereon, and a mounting plate, configured to mount the motor and the pump unit relative to other another, are fixedly mounted to the mounting frame.

7. A dispenser device according to claim 6, wherein the cylinder is pivotally mounted to the one or more bearings.

8. A dispenser device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a dispenser handpiece, wherein the dispenser handpiece is connected to an outlet in the pump unit.

9. A dispenser device according to claim 8, wherein the dispenser handpiece is connected to the outlet to the bore of the elongate pump arm.

10. A dispenser device according to claim 8, wherein the dispenser handpiece is connected to the outlet arm of the inlet/outlet T-connection.

11. A dispenser device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the dispenser handpiece comprises an actuator, wherein actuation of the actuator actuates the motor to rotate the drive to provide the elongate pump arm with a reciprocating pump stroke.

12. A dispenser device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate pump arm is adjustably engaged with the drive of the motor.

13. A dispenser device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment location of the elongate pump arm relative to the drive changes the effective stroke length of the elongate pump arm and in turn defines the size of the dose to be dispensed.

14. A dispenser device according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the elongate pump arm is provided with a mounting portion adjustably engaged with a drive plate mounted to the drive of the motor.

15. A dispenser device according to claim 14, wherein the mounting portion of the elongate pump arm is adjustably engaged in one or more openings located in a drive plate mounted to the drive.