KR101700983B1 - Pump-less toner dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for dispensing toner, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media. In one aspect, a toner dispensing system includes a toner container; A cap and valve assembly including a movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position, a toner path, and an air inlet path, the toner path and the air inlet path being closed at a first valve assembly position The toner path and the air inflow path open at the second valve assembly position; An air assembly including a first air supply coupled to the air path of the cap and valve assembly, and a second adjustable air supply coupled to the toner container; And a control assembly for controlling the second air supply.

Description

PUMP-LESS TONER DISPENSER [0002]

The present invention relates to the dispensing of toner.

The toner is a pure-colored paint containing several elements including pigment, solvent and resin. Liquid toners include paints, inks, colorants, and other fluids used to dye or color the base material. Toners are often mixed together to produce a particular result. For example, automotive paints are typically created using precision blending of toners. The blend for a particular color is defined by a recipe. The recipe specifies the amount of each toner as well as the toners. Failure to mix the correct amount of toner results in, for example, paint that does not exactly match the desired color.

Conventional paint blending is a manual process. The human user examines the recipe and manually pours each toner into the container on the scale, for example, until a specified amount of each toner is poured. However, especially when the exact amount of each toner is required to form a particular toner mixture, swelling of a person often leads to incorrect pouring.

Motor-driven toner dispensing devices typically use one or more motors to control a spout for the container of toner. However, conventional motor-driven toner dispensers are not quickly regulated and often over-swell or scarcely swell the toner. Conventional motor-driven toner dispensing devices use a type of pump that is activated, for example, by an air drive motor or an electric motor, which requires calibration from time to time due to the nature of the pump. Since the toner contains a pigment that can be abradable, the pump is prone to wear and it becomes necessary to calibrate the pump. In addition, the conventional spout is insufficiently sealed so that the contaminants are not only dropped and introduced into the toner container, but also the toner in the container is cured. Therefore, when replacing empty toner containers in particular, conventional spouts require periodic cleaning.

This specification describes a technique relating to the distribution of toner.

In general, one aspect of the subject matter described herein includes a toner container; A cap and valve assembly coupled to the toner container, the valve assembly including a movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position, a toner path, and an air inlet path, The toner path and the air inflow path at the second valve assembly position are open; An air assembly including a first air supply coupled to the air path of the cap and valve assembly, and a second adjustable air supply coupled to the toner container; And a control assembly for controlling the second air supply.

These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features. The toner dispensing system further includes a balance for measuring the toner dispensed from the cap and valve assembly, and a flow control system for adjusting the second air supply to control the flow of toner through the toner path based on the balance measurement. Control of the flow of toner further includes adjustment of a second adjustable air supply to the toner container, wherein the air pressure of the toner container determines the flow rate of the toner through the toner path.

The cap and valve assembly further includes an elongated outer tube and an elongated inner tube, wherein the elongated inner tube is movable relative to the outer tube, the elongated outer tube includes an air intake path and an opening for the toner path, An air intake path and a toner path wherein the movable valve assembly moves the inner tube relative to the outer tube such that the air inlet and toner path are aligned with respective openings of the outer tube. The cap and valve assembly further includes an anti-drip cap, the drop-proof cap being moveable relative to the outlet of the toner path such that the outlet is opened at the first position such that the toner passes through the outlet , And in the second position the outlet is closed to seal the toner path to prevent substantially all of the toner from passing through the outlet. The air inlet path allows the air to be selectively injected into the toner container. The control assembly further controls the first air supply to selectively position the movable valve assembly in the open and closed positions. The first air supply and the second air supply have a common source or a separate source.

In general, one aspect of the subject matter described herein is an operation to identify the amount of toner to dispense; Initializing the balance and measuring the amount of toner dispensed; Activating a first air supply configured to provide air to the toner container when the valve is moved to a dispense position; Moving the valve to a dispense position to activate a second air supply to cause the toner to be dispensed at a defined flow rate; Monitoring the balance to determine when a first threshold amount of toner has been dispensed; Decreasing the flow rate of the toner to a reduced flow rate when the threshold value of the toner is distributed; Monitoring the balance to determine when the second threshold value of toner has been dispensed; And deactivating the first air supply when the second threshold value of the toner is dispensed, wherein deactivation of the first air supply stops the flow of the toner. Other embodiments of the present invention include corresponding systems, devices, and computer program products.

These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features. The method further includes deactivating the second air supply when the second threshold value of toner is dispensed, and deactivating the second air supply moves the valve out of the dispense position. The method includes: receiving a user selection of a recipe that specifies a toner and a corresponding amount to be dispensed; And dispensing the first toner in the recipe and then the second toner from the recipe. The operation of reducing the flow rate includes an operation of reducing the pressure in the toner container provided by the first air supply portion. Movement of the valve to the dispense position opens the toner path and air path, the air path causes air to be injected into the toner container, and movement to the closed position seals the toner path and seals the air path.

In general, one aspect of the subject matter described herein includes a movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position; A toner path configured to allow the toner to flow from the toner container to the output opening when opened; And an air inlet configured to couple the air source to the toner container when opened, wherein the toner path and the air inlet path are closed at the first valve assembly position and the toner path and air inlet path at the second valve assembly position May be implemented in an open cap and valve assembly.

These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features. The cap and valve assembly includes a toner container coupler configured to secure the cap and valve assembly to the toner container; A coupler configured to couple the cap and valve assembly to one or more air sources; And a long body positioned between the cap and the coupler, wherein the elongate body retains the portion so that a portion of the movable valve assembly is movable within a lumen formed within the elongate body. The exit opening is located relative to the distal end of the elongated body, and the cap and valve assembly further includes a drop-proof cap coupled to the distal end of the elongate body.

The cap and valve assembly further comprises a drop-off cap, wherein the drop-off cap is movable relative to the exit opening of the toner path such that the outlet is opened at the first position to allow toner to pass through the outlet from the toner path, At the second position, the outlet is closed to seal the toner path to prevent substantially all toner from passing through the outlet. The anti-drop cap prevents air from entering the toner path through the outlet opening when the anti-drop cap is positioned in the second position. The cap and valve assembly further includes an elongated body including an elongated outer tube and an elongated inner tube, wherein the elongated inner tube is movable relative to the outer tube, and the elongated outer tube includes an opening for the air intake path and the toner path Wherein the inner tube includes an air intake path and a toner path and the movable valve assembly moves the inner tube relative to the outer tube such that the air inlet and toner path are aligned with respective openings of the outer tube. The inner tube includes a channel along a portion of the length of the inner tube and the channel provides a toner path in the long body. The cap and valve assembly further includes a toner inlet tube coupled to the toner path for directing the toner from the bottom portion of the toner container into the toner path.

Certain embodiments of the subject matter described herein may be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. The correct amount of toner can be dispensed using the toner dispensing system. The toner dispensing system provides a high dispense accuracy by utilizing flow monitoring and an adjustable dispenser combined using a closed loop signal from an electronic balance. The toner dispensing system replaces the container cap supplied from the toner manufacturer with a cap comprising a two-position valve (e.g., a shuttle valve) for reliable shut-off of toner flow and air pressure into the container. The valve cap also includes a moving wiping drop-prevention cap to prevent dropping after dispensing and to seal the end of the toner delivery device from air and contaminants to reduce cure of the toner. The toner dispenser directs the toner to be dispensed from the bottom of the toner container, which avoids dispensing from the upper surface where partial curing may occur due to air exposure.

Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the invention, the drawings, and the claims.

≪ 1 >
1 is an isometric view of an exemplary toner dispenser;
≪
Figure 2a is a longitudinal section of an exemplary cap and valve assembly in the closed position.
2b,
Figure 2B is a longitudinal section of an exemplary cap and valve assembly in an open position;
3A,
Figure 3a is an isometric view of an exemplary coupling between the housing and the cap and valve assembly.
3b,
3B is an isometric view of an exemplary coupling between the housing and the cap and valve assembly with the cap and valve assembly inserted into the housing.
3C,
3C is an isometric view of an exemplary coupling between the housing and the cap and valve assembly with the cap and valve assembly secured to the housing.
<Fig. 4>
4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for producing a toner mixture.
5,
5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for dispensing toner;
6,
6 is a top view of an exemplary toner dispenser;
7,
Figure 7 is a side view of an exemplary toner dispenser.
8,
8 is a front view of an exemplary toner dispenser;
9,
9 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system configuration;
Like reference numerals and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

1 is an isometric view of an exemplary toner dispenser 100. FIG. The toner dispenser 100 includes a first and a second toner container 102, first and second caps and valve assemblies 104, a scale 106, an optional balance control interface 108, and a housing 110 .

Each toner container 102 accommodates a predetermined volume of each toner (e.g., each paint color). The toner containers 102 may have different sizes depending on the application (e.g., 1/2 liter, 1 liter, and 2 liter container volumes). Larger sized containers can be stored remotely and through the use of adapters and tubing, the contents of the larger containers can be dispensed using the cap and valve assembly 104.

Each of the toner containers 102 is coupled to a respective cap and valve assembly 104 using a cap 114. Each cap and valve assembly 104 couples each toner container 102 to a hinged coupling device 112 to allow distribution of a particular toner. In some embodiments, each valve assembly 104 has a shaped flange on the end of the shuttle valve that engages with the coupling device 112. The coupling device 112 is also coupled to an air cylinder that drives the plunger of the valve assembly 104 to open and close air passages and ports for toner dispensing.

In particular, each of the cap and valve assemblies 104 is adapted to receive toner from the housing 110 for injecting air or other gas (e.g., an inert gas) into the corresponding toner container 102 as well as a toner path for dispensing the toner. Air path. The injection of air or other gases creates a pressure that causes the toner to migrate into the open toner path. The cap and valve assembly 104 may include an air adjustable movable valve (e.g., a shuttle valve) that can be controlled with air provided to the toner container 102 to dispense the correct amount of toner from the corresponding toner container 102 ). The configuration of the cap and valve assembly is described in more detail below with respect to FIG.

The balance 106 provides a weight measurement of the dispensed toner. In particular, the scale 106 is positioned such that the toner dispensed from the cap and valve assembly 104 is collected in a container located on the surface of the scale 106. The balance provides an accurate measurement of the amount of toner dispensed from one or more of the cap and valve assemblies 104. For example, the dispensed toner can be controlled within a single droplet or substantially within a range of 25/1000 grams. The balance 106 may be coupled to the control interface 108 to provide weight measurements to the balance control interface 108, for example, at a defined frequency (e.g., 100 times per second).

Additionally or alternatively, the balance 106 may include a separate display (e.g., an LCD display of a measured weight) that provides for reading of the measurements. The balance 106 or balance control interface 108 may also include a zero point adjustment function that, for example, sets the balance to zero, for example when empty containers are placed on the balance or for calibration at each toner dispense. The balance may also provide information to the flow controller, e.g., a balance reading. The flow controller may be part of the balance control interface 108, or may be a separate flow controller within the housing 110, for example.

The housing 110 provides an interface for controlling the toner dispensing system 100 by a host computer system, including software from a toner manufacturer, for storing one or more color recipes. Alternatively, the host computer system may be integrated within the housing 110, externally coupled, or accessed through one or more computer networks to provide a recipe.

A toner mix recipe is a set of instructions for producing a particular toner mixture. The recipe includes not only the specific toner but also the amount of the weight or part basis of a predetermined ratio of each toner. In some implementations, the recipe specifies the toners that are the components in a particular blending order. In some embodiments, the recipe includes other instructions for producing the toner mixture. For example, the recipe for the 1989 Ford Performance White includes:

1 [Toner 1, Bright White], [138.00 grams of Toner 1]

2 [Toner 2, Dark Black], [0.6 grams of Toner 2]

3 [Toner 3 Chrome Yellow], [2.5 grams of Toner 3].

In some implementations, the recipe is encoded in, for example, an XML format that can be read (e.g., by a flow controller) by the dispensing system 100 to dispense a specified amount of each toner. An exemplary XML recipe for creating a "Dark Highland Green" color is reproduced below:

  <? xml version = "1.0" encoding = "utf-8"?>

- <Tints>

- <BatchInfo>

  <NexaRef> LFG2B </ NexaRef>

  <Color> Dark Highland Green </ Color>

  <Manufacturer> Ford </ Manufacturer>

  <Code> PX </ Code>

  <Volume> 0.18 L (6.0 oz) </ Volume>

  <NumTints> 9 </ NumTints>

  </ BatchInfo>

- <Tint>

  <TintName> p425-954 </ TintName>

  <NonCumulative> 27.6 </ NonCumulative>

  <Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>

  <Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>

  </ Tint>

- <Tint>

  <TintName> p420-982 </ TintName>

  <NonCumulative> 23.3 </ NonCumulative>

  <Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>

  <Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>

  </ Tint>

- <Tint>

  <TintName> p425-984 </ TintName>

  <NonCumulative> 4.6 </ NonCumulative>

  <Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>

  <Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>

  </ Tint>

- <Tint>

  <TintName> p420-942 </ TintName>

  <NonCumulative> 2.0 </ NonCumulative>

  <Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>

  <Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>

  </ Tint>

- <Tint>

  <TintName> p425-900 </ TintName>

  <NonCumulative> 0.9 </ NonCumulative>

  <Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>

  <Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>

  </ Tint>

- <Tint>

  <TintName> p425-957 </ TintName>

  <NonCumulative> 4.4 </ NonCumulative>

  <Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>

  <Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>

  </ Tint>

- <Tint>

  <TintName> p420-938 </ TintName>

  <NonCumulative> 10.6 </ NonCumulative>

  <Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>

  <Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>

  </ Tint>

- <Tint>

  <TintName> p425-950 </ TintName>

  <NonCumulative> 24.6 </ NonCumulative>

  <Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>

  <Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>

  </ Tint>

- <Tint>

  <TintName> p192-5600 </ TintName>

  <NonCumulative> 78.9 </ NonCumulative>

  <Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>

  <Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>

  </ Tint>

  </ Tints>

In the above XML recipe, there are nine different toners used to produce the final product of a "dark highland green" of 0.18 L (6 ounces). Each toner has a prescribed identifier and the amount of toner (e.g., in grams). Thus, a dispensing system is used to dispense each exact amount of toner to produce a final color.

In some embodiments, the housing 110 includes a flow control interface for controlling the toner according to the selected recipe. The flow control interface may delay the dispensing of a particular toner until it receives a user input indicating that further dispensing may occur. For example, the user can confirm that the particular toner to be dispensed is in place and secured within a particular dispensing station of the toner dispensing system 100.

If more toner is in the recipe than the distribution system 100 has (e.g., more than two dispense stations for the dispensing system 100), the balance or flow control interface may be used after exchanging the toners Can be used to restart distribution. In particular, a predetermined pair of cap and valve assemblies and toner containers can be exchanged as one unit.

The balance control interface 108 may be coupled to the flow controller to dispense the correct amount of toner at the time of initiation by the user. The flow controller is coupled to one or more air supplies used to control toner dispensing from a particular toner container according to recipe information and balance data.

The housing 110 provides support for the toner dispenser 100. The housing 110 receives a control line including electrical circuitry that provides information to and provides information to various components of the distribution system. For example, communication lines between the balance 106 and the balance control interface 108 and communication from the balance 106 or the balance control interface 108 to the flow control. Additionally, the housing 110 may include one or more air lines that provide air to the respective cap and valve assembly 104 from an air supply (e.g., a compressed air reservoir, an air compressor, or an external air supply connection) . In some embodiments, a single air source (air supply) is used to provide air to the system. This feed can be divided into one or more adjustable paths for controlling the various components (e.g., each movable valve and input air flow for the toner containers).

The housing 110 also receives a support structure for the dispensing system 100. For example, the housing 110 includes legs that form a stable base for the dispensing system 100. Other support structures may provide a support for holding the components of the dispensing system 100 in place, including the toner reservoir, the balance control interface 108 and the flow controller. Additionally, the housing 110 may comprise various computer circuits, for example as part of a flow controller. For example, the housing may include one or more processors and a computer-readable storage device, where one or more computer-readable storage devices may be used to store a recipe for a toner mixture, And performing the tasks including the management of the balance control interface 108. [

The housing 110 may also provide an external access connection for coupling the dispensing system 100 to one or more electrical sources, an air source, and a computer or networking source. For example, the balance control interface 108 may retrieve a toner mix recipe from an external computer via a network interface.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of an exemplary cap and valve assembly 200 in a closed position and a cap and valve assembly 201 in an open position. The cap and valve assembly 200 includes a toner container coupler 202, a housing coupler 204, an air inflow path 206, a toner path 208, a movable valve 210, . The cap and valve assembly 200 is coupled between the housing of the dispensing system (e.g., the housing 110 of the dispensing system 100 of Figure 1) and the toner container 214 (partially shown). The cap and valve assembly 200 provides an elongated portion 224 that is capable of delivering an accurate amount of toner from the distal end of the elongate portion 224 to the container 224 that is measured to mix some of the toner together, .

The toner container coupler 202 couples the cap and valve assembly 200 to the toner container 214. In one embodiment, the toner container combiner 202 includes a threaded combiner, which is configured to allow the threaded toner container bottle to be screwed into the threaded combiner. For example, a water based toner may be stored in a toner container made of plastic and having a threaded top. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the toner container coupler 202 includes a clamping coupler for tightly sealing the toner container to the cap and valve assembly 200 (e. G., Solvent based toner and other Toner).

The housing coupler 204 couples the cap and valve assembly 200 to the housing of the dispensing system. In some embodiments, the housing coupler 204 is configured to slide into the housing of the housing. The receiving portion of the housing includes a valve coupler for coupling the housing to the movable valve 210 and an input air coupler for coupling the air inlet 206 to the housing. In some embodiments, the input air coupler is a poppet that provides an airtight seal between the housing and the air inlet 206 and provides air to the air inlet only when the cap and valve assembly 200 are secured to the housing. ) Valve. The housing coupler 204 is described in more detail below with respect to the housing side of the coupler of Fig.

The air inlet path 206 provides a path from the housing to the toner container 214 when the movable valve 210 is in the open position. In particular, the housing coupler 204 aligns the air line in the housing with the opening of the air inlet 206. When the movable valve 210 is in the open position (FIG. 2B), air passes from the air line in the housing through the first opening into the air inlet 206 and leaves the second opening into the toner container 214 . Increased air pressure in the toner container 214 causes the toner to migrate into the toner path 208 at a specific flow rate. When the movable valve 210 is in the closed position (FIG. 2A), the air inflow path 206 is shut off to prevent air from flowing into the toner container 214. The air pressure applied through the air intake path 206 can be adjusted to control the flow rate of the toner through the toner path 208. [ Therefore, the larger the air pressure applied to the toner container 214, the larger the flow rate through the toner path 208 is. Thus, the adjustable air supply allows control of the flow rate.

The toner path 208 is configured to extend from the toner container 214 to the channel along the movable valve 210 in the long portion 224 of the cap and valve assembly 200 when the movable valve 210 is in the open position. (E.g., openings in the long portions 224) of the cap and valve assembly 200, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the toner path 208 is formed from a channel formed between the outer portion of the elongated body and the movable valve 210. The valve body seal 228 may optionally form the end of the toner path 208.

In particular, the toner input tube 218 is coupled to the toner channel 220, which extends along the interior portion of the cap 228 and the long portion 224 of the valve assembly 200. In some embodiments, the toner input tube 218 is part of the cap and valve assembly 200. In another embodiment, the toner input tube 218 is a separate component that is part of the toner container or is coupled to the cap and valve assembly 200. In some embodiments, the toner input tube 218 extends substantially to the bottom of the toner container 214. Positioning the toner input tube 218 toward the bottom of the toner container is advantageous because the toner is formed by the curing of the toner (e.g., due to evaporation in aqueous toner or due to exposure to air in the container) Allowing it to be directed from the bottom rather than the top of the toner container which may have a surface skin.

In some implementations, a filter is positioned on the toner path 208 to prevent impurities from passing through the toner path. For example, the filter may be coupled to the toner input tube 218. The filter may be attached to the bottom of the toner input tube 218 as the toner from the toner container enters the toner path 208. Alternatively, the filter may be coupled between the toner input tube 218 and the toner channel 220.

When the cap and valve assembly 200 are coupled to the toner container, the toner may enter the toner path 208. However, when the movable valve 210 is in the closed position (Fig. 2A), the output opening 216 is blocked to prevent the toner from passing through the output opening 216. [ When the movable valve 210 is in the open position (FIG. 2B), the toner can flow along the toner path 208 and is distributed through the output opening 216. In particular, the toner passes through the toner input tube 218 and leaves the output opening 216 along the toner channel 220.

The movable valve 210 moves between the open position and the closed position. The open position causes the toner to flow through the toner path 208 and leave the output opening 216. In particular, the open position causes air to pressurize the toner container, causing the toner to flow above the toner input tube 218 and along the toner path 208. The closed position of the movable valve 210 prevents air from entering the toner container and prevents toner from passing through the toner path 208. [ The position of the movable valve 210 is controlled by application of air pressure.

The movable valve 210 is coupled to a movable plunger 226 in the lumen formed within the cap and valve assembly 200. In particular, the movable valve 210 slides along a long portion of the cap and valve assembly 200 in response to the air pressure applied to the movable valve 210. The amount of toner discharged through the output opening 216 is adjusted by the amount of air pressure in the toner container. When the balance (e. G., The scale 106 of Fig. 1) measures a dispensed amount proximate to the recipe amount of toner in the collection container, the programmable pressure regulator lowers the air pressure to reduce the amount of toner that is discharged to the stream from a stream to a series of toner droplets. When a specific amount of toner is weighed by the balance, the programmable pressure regulator is vented to atmosphere to reduce the pressure in the toner container to zero, and the solenoid valve in the housing moves the moving plunger to the closed position, And the toner path are both closed. In some embodiments, the maximum displacement of the movable valve 210 is substantially 10 millimeters.

The flow rate of the various toners depends on the air pressure in the toner container and the viscosity of the toner. Therefore, by controlling the air pressure to the toner container, the flow rate of the toner can be controlled for the toner having a known viscosity. When air is not applied or is applied below the threshold pressure, the flow rate of the toner is zero.

Movement of the movable valve 210 to the open position aligns the paths within the movable valve 210 with the air flow path 206 and the toner path 208 by a specified amount. In particular, the toner channel 220 of the toner path 208 moves with the movable valve 210 (e.g., the toner channel 220 formed in the plunger of the movable valve). In the open position, the toner channel 220 is moved as part of the movable valve 210 and aligned with the output opening 216 formed in the long body 224 of the cap and valve assembly 200. When the movable valve 210 is in the closed position, the toner channel 220 is not aligned with the output opening 216, so that the toner does not pass from the toner channel 220 to the output opening 216.

Similarly, when the movable valve 210 is in the open position, the portion of the movable valve 210 that forms the air inlet path 206 is in contact with the portion formed in the long portion 224 of the cap and valve assembly 200 To allow air to pass through the cap and valve assembly and into the toner container. When the movable valve 210 is in the closed position, the portion of the movable valve 210 that forms the air input path is not aligned with the portion formed in the long portion 224 of the cap and valve assembly 200, To pass through the cap and valve assembly 200 and into the toner container.

The anti-drop cap 212 is located at the distal end of the movable valve 210 and moves in conjunction with the movable valve 210. The anti-drop cap 212 is coupled to the movable valve 210 and includes a seal surrounding the outer perimeter of the elongate portion 224. The anti-drop cap 212 is a moving wiping cap that prevents dropping after dispensing and seals the end of the cap and valve assembly from air and contaminants. The drop-proof cap 212 extends beyond the output opening 216 of the toner path along the outside of the elongate portion 224 when the movable valve 210 is in the closed position. Thus, the output opening 216 is blocked from both sides by the combination of the un-aligned and drop-off cap 212 of the movable valve 210. The blocking of the outside of the output opening 216 prevents excess toner from dripping from the output opening 216 when the movable valve 210 is in the closed position. Additionally, the drop-off cap 212 may include one or more seals 230, such as o-rings or other sealing structures.

When the movable valve 210 is in one of the open positions, the drop-off cap 212 is positioned along the elongate portion 224 to cause the output opening 216 to remain open. The drop-off cap 212 also seals the output opening 216 to prevent drying or curing of the toner in the toner path 208. In particular, the sealed output opening 216 can prevent evaporation of a particular toner (e.g., water-based toner). In some embodiments, an air cylinder is incorporated into the cap for use in controlling movement of the movable valve 210 and corresponding drop-on cap 212. [

FIG. 3A is an isometric view 300 of an exemplary coupling between the housing 302 and the cap and valve assembly 304. In particular, the housing coupler 306 of the cap and valve assembly 304 is shown as being intended to be inserted into the receiving portion 308 of the housing 302, as indicated by the arrows. The receptacle 308 includes a valve coupler 310 that couples the housing 302 to a cap and a movable valve of the valve assembly 304 (e.g., the movable valve 210 of Figures 2a and 2b) do. The valve combiner 310 forms a seal between the movable valve and the valve combiner 310. In particular, the movable valve is moved into communication with the valve coupler 310 having a horseshoe-shaped recess to engage the flange on the end of the movable valve 210. The valve coupler may include a T-slot coupled to the air cylinder. In addition, the valve coupler 310 is movable in response to the applied air pressure, allowing the valve coupler 310 and the movable valve 210 to move together with each other.

The receptacle 308 also includes a clamp 312 controlled by a lever 316. The lever 316 is activated to clamp the housing 302 to the cap and valve assembly 304. Lever 316 also activates an air valve (e.g., a poppet valve). Alternatively, one or more additional valves may be used to control the air flow to the toner container instead of the poppet valve. However, the use of a poppet valve reduces the cost of the assembly by eliminating the cost of circuitry for activating electro-pneumatic valves and valves. The activation of the lever 316 is described in more detail below with respect to Figures 3b and 3c. The air valve allows air to flow into the cap and valve assembly 304, particularly into the air inlet. In some embodiments, the air pressure is regulated by sending an analog electrical signal to the variable pressure regulator. The signal is generated using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and low-pass filtering in the flow controller. The signal is frequently adjusted during distribution.

Figure 3B is an isometric view 301 of an exemplary coupling between the housing 302 and the cap and valve assembly 304 with the cap and valve assembly 304 inserted into the housing 302. [ However, the lever 316 is not activated, so that the housing 302 and the cap and valve assembly 304 are not clamped together. Thus, while the cap and valve assembly 304 are positioned within the receiving portion 308, the cap and valve assembly are not secured to the housing 302. [

3C is an isometric view 303 of an exemplary coupling between the housing 302 and the cap and valve assembly 304 with the cap and valve assembly 304 secured to the housing 302. In particular, the lever 316 has articulated the cap and valve assembly 304 into the closed position to secure the assembly to the housing 302. In particular, activation of the lever 316 activates the clamp 312 to clamp the housing 302 to the cap and valve assembly 304 by a downward clamping movement.

In addition, activation of the lever 316 activates the air path in the housing 302 to the air inlet of the cap and valve assembly 304. For example, the housing may include a poppet valve that is open when the lever 316 performs a joint motion to activate the lever 316. When the poppet valve is open, air is allowed to pass along the path from the input air line to the air inlet path of the cap and valve assembly 304. However, air does not flow into the air inlet of the cap and valve assembly 304 unless the movable valve is in the open position.

4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 400 for generating a color mixture. For convenience, the method 400 will be described with respect to a system (e.g., the toner dispensing system 100 of FIG. 1) that performs the method 400.

The system receives a selection of a color mixing recipe (402). Receipt of the selection may include receiving user input through retrieval of a collection of color mixing recipes. The recipe specifies a number of toners and amounts for producing a particular mixture of colors. In some implementations, the recipe is identified by a specific code for the resulting color mixture. The code can be verified through a user interface to the system, or alternatively using a book or other code record. Thus, the user can select a recipe by entering the code into the system.

The system retrieves the selected recipe (404). Multiple recipes can be stored in the recipe collection. Recipe collections can be stored on the system in close proximity or can be located remotely. Thus, retrieving a selected recipe may involve communicating with a remote server or other computing device to request a recipe and receive a recipe to be delivered. In some embodiments, the received recipe is simply a group of recipe lines numbered, where each line specifies the toner for the mixture and the weight of the toner to be dispensed.

The system receives an input to initiate toner dispensing (406). For example, the user may then provide input to the control interface on the distribution system. The input may comprise selecting a "start" button on the control interface.

The system identifies the current line of the recipe (408). The current line specifies the specific toner and toner amount (e.g., the weight of the toner to be dispensed). Generally, the first line identified is the line 1 of the recipe.

The system determines 410 whether the current line number is an odd number or an even number. If the current line number is odd, the system notifies the user (412) to prepare the identified toner for the first dispensing station. The system may inform the user, for example, using a screen display within a control interface that specifies a dispensing station for the toner and toner. Colors can be identified by name, code, or some other identifier. In some alternative implementations, the system speaks in addition to or in addition to displaying a teller.

The system can identify each toner when dispensing, but recipe information can be provided to the user in advance, for example, as a list of toners needed for a particular toner mixture. As a result, the user can obtain the necessary toners and be ready to install them into the appropriate dispensing station as required.

If the current line is an odd number, the method 400 continues (416) by receiving confirmation that the toner is ready for the first dispensing station. For example, the user may provide an input to the control interface indicating that the toner is ready to dispense. For example, a button may be provided in the control interface indicating that distribution of the first station should be started when selected. If confirmation is received, the system dispenses toner at the first dispensing station (418).

5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 500 for dispensing toner. For convenience, the method 500 will be described with respect to a system (e.g., the toner dispensing system 100 of FIG. 1) that performs the method 500.

The system activates the balance to determine the amount of toner dispensed into the container (502). Activation of the balance may include, for example, zeroing the balance before dispensing the first toner. In some embodiments, the balance is zeroed before each toner in the recipe is dispensed. Alternatively, the balance maintains a sum over the last weight of the previous toner dispensed.

The system activates (504) at least one air flow to the first dispensing station. For example, the air and air inlet for controlling the movable valve are separate air flows with separate air sources. Alternatively, a single air flow separating the air inlet and the movable valve is used. In some embodiments, air flow to the air inlet path is always active. However, air is prevented from entering the toner container, because the air inlet path in the cap and valve assembly is closed and the valve in the housing is also closed (e. G., The poppet &lt; valve).

The air flow to the movable valve is adjusted so that a controllable amount of air is used to drive the movable valve. In particular, the flow controller controls the air path so that the movable valve can be controllably moved between the open position and the closed position.

The air flow may simply be normal air (e.g., "shop air"), which is compressed outside air. However, in other embodiments, the gas used for one or more air flows is different from the outside air. For example, less reactive gases (e.g., nitrogen, argon) may be used for air flow input into the toner container to reduce adverse effects due to interactions between the gas and the toner.

The system activates the movable valve to the dispense position and opens the air input path to pressurize the toner container (506). In addition, in order to pressurize the toner container so that the toner can flow from the toner container onto the input tube and along the toner path to the output opening, the flow controller applies a regulated amount of the regulated air flow to the toner container.

The system monitors the weight of the balance when the toner is dispensed (508). The monitoring of the balance weight provides frequent updates on the amount of toner dispensed. In some embodiments, the system identifies the scale weight 100 times per second.

The system determines if the first threshold amount of toner has been dispensed (510). In some embodiments, the first threshold is a specified weight threshold for the weight of toner specified in the recipe. For example, a threshold can be identified when 0.5 grams of toner remains to be dispensed. In some alternative embodiments, the dispensing system gradually reduces the flow rate over a predetermined range of weight data to a first threshold value (e.g., starting at 1.0 gram to be dispensed and finishing at a first threshold of 0.5 gram).

When the threshold value is reached, the flow controller reduces the flow rate of the toner to be dispensed. In particular, the air conditioner reduces the air pressure in the toner container. Air is reduced to provide a certain flow rate (e.g., two droplets per second) based on the air required to flow the toner due to the known properties of the toner being dispensed (e.g., the viscosity of the toner). In particular, it is searched for each toner to which fluid characterization data specifying the flow rate for a particular output opening is dispensed. The characterization information may be stored closely within the distribution system or retrieved from a remote location as needed.

The system determines if a second threshold value of toner has been dispensed (512). When the second threshold value of the toner has been dispensed, the system stops one or more air flows to complete the toner dispensing. In particular, the closing of the movable valve engages the drop-off cap to prevent further dispensing. In some embodiments, the air in the toner container is vented through the air inlet before closing the movable valve. In some embodiments, the second threshold is a specified weight threshold for the weight of toner specified in the recipe. For example, a second threshold can be identified when 0.05 grams of toner remains to be dispensed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the system determines 420 whether the dispensed toner was on the last line of the recipe. If the system determines that the toner from the last line has been dispensed, the system indicates that the dispensing is complete (422).

If the system determines that the last line has not been dispensed, the system increments the recipe line (424) and returns to decision 410 (410) whether the recipe line number is odd or even.

If the system determines that the recipe line number is even, the system tells the user to prepare the identified toner for the second dispensing station (426). For example, the user may attach the identified toner to the second dispensing station using the corresponding cap and valve assembly.

The system receives feedback that the toner is ready for the first dispensing station (428). For example, the user may provide an input to the control interface indicating that the toner is ready to dispense. For example, a button may be provided indicating that the distribution of the first station should be started.

The system dispenses toner at the second dispensing station (430). The toner may be dispensed in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 5 above.

The system again determines if the dispensed toner was on the last line of the recipe (420). If the system determines that the toner from the last line has been dispensed, the system indicates that the dispensing is complete (422).

If the system determines that the last line has not been dispensed, the system increments the recipe line again (424) and returns to decision 410 if the recipe line number is odd or even. The method is then repeated as described above until the last line of the recipe is dispensed.

6 is a front view 600 of an exemplary toner dispenser 100. FIG. The front view 600 shows the toner container 102, the cap and valve assembly 104, the balance control interface 108, and the balance 106. Front view 600 also illustrates a respective lever (e.g., lever 312 in FIG. 3) for securing cap and valve assembly 104 to housing 110.

As shown in the front view, the balance 106 is positioned between dispensing stations, allowing each cap and valve assembly 104 to dispense toner to the same container located on the scale 106. [ Additionally, the front view 600 shows that the toner container 102 is suspended by the cap and valve assembly 104. This allows the balance 106 to be positioned below the toner container 102 so that the toner containers can be located closer together to reduce the size of the toner dispenser 100. [

7 is a top view 700 of an exemplary toner dispenser 100. FIG. The plan view 700 shows the scale 106, the housing 110, and the balance control interface 108. Additionally, the long portions of the cap and valve assembly 104, including the toner container 102, are shown extending toward each other and at a predetermined angle toward the center of the scale 106. Thus, a single container disposed in the center of the scale 106 can be used to collect the toner dispensed from each cap and valve assembly 104. [

The plan view 700 also illustrates the operation of each lever engaged with each cap and valve assembly 104. In particular, the lever 702 is shown in the first position and the lever 704 is shown in the second position. The first position may be used to insert and remove the cap and valve assembly 104. The articulation of the lever to the second position shown with respect to the lever 704 can be used to secure the cap and valve assembly to the housing as described above.

8 is a side view 800 of an exemplary toner dispenser 100. FIG. The side view 800 shows the toner container 102, the cap and valve assembly 104, the scale 106, the balance control interface 108, and the housing 110. [ Additionally, levers 702 and 704 for each toner station are shown. The side view 800 also shows that each toner container 102 can be suspended above the scale 106 to allow the balance to be positioned below the toner container 102 and the cap and valve assembly 104. [ do.

In some implementations, the dispensing system may have a different number of dispensing stations. For example, the dispensing system may have a single dispensing station associated with a single cap and valve assembly. Additionally, the single housing may comprise a plurality of dispensing stations, in addition to the two, which may be used to provide additional toner to produce the mixture without switching the toners. Also, in some implementations, multiple station distribution systems may be used in combination with additional scales to produce more than one mixture at a time.

In some embodiments, the dispensing system may be configured to dispense toner using different orientations of the toner container. For example, the toner container may be inverted and the housing may be changed so that the cap and valve assembly are inserted into the housing receiving portion with the toner container turned upside down.

The dispensing system can be applied to dispense a variety of toners including different types of paints, including aqueous and solvent based paints. Additionally, ink, dye, and other fluids can similarly be dispensed. In particular, for each type of toner, certain properties (e.g., viscosity) may be calculated to determine flow control requirements during dispensing.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system configuration 900. FIG. For example, the system configuration 900 can be used to identify recipes for a toner mixture, monitor balance measurements, and provide flow control for the cap and valve assembly.

The system configuration 900 can perform operations for dispensing toner. The system configuration 900 includes one or more processors 902 (e.g., IBM PowerPC, Intel Pentium 4, etc.), one or more display devices 904 (e.g., CRT, LCD ), A graphics processing unit 906 (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce), a network interface 908 (e.g., Ethernet, FireWire, USB, etc.) An input device 910 (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a control interface, etc.), and one or more computer readable media 912. These components communicate and exchange data using one or more buses 914 (e.g., EISA, PCI, PCI Express, etc.).

The term "computer readable medium" refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor 902 for execution. The computer readable medium 912 may include an operating system 916 (e.g., Mac OS (registered trademark), Windows (registered trademark), Linux, etc.), a network communication module 918 ), A distribution module 922, and other applications 924. [ The operating system 916 may be multi-user, multiprocessing, multitasking, multithreading, real-time, and the like. The operating system 916 may be configured to recognize input from an input device 910, transfer output to a display device 904, record files and directories on a computer readable medium 912 (e.g., memory or storage device) , Peripheral devices (e. G., Disk drives, printers, etc.), and traffic management on one or more buses 914. &lt; / RTI &gt; The network communication module 918 may comprise various components for forming and maintaining network connections (e.g., software for implementing communication protocols such as TCP / IP, HTTP, Ethernet, etc.) .

The distribution module 920 performs various functions to identify recipes for mixing toners and dispense recipes-specific toners, including providing flow monitoring and control, as described with respect to Figures 1-8. Various software components are provided. The recipe may thus be stored on the computer readable medium 912 for future use (e.g., to perform additional dispensing operations). The flow monitoring may include receiving an input from the balance indicating a measurement of the dispensed toner. The flow control includes controlling the air pressure in the toner container to provide a prescribed flow rate and controlling movement of the movable valve.

The dispensing operation can be electronically controlled. Embodiments of the subject matter and operations described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry including the configurations disclosed herein and structural equivalents thereof, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, or in combinations of one or more of the foregoing . Embodiments of the subject matter described herein may be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e. as one or more modules of computer program instructions that are encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by, or control of, a data processing apparatus . Alternatively or additionally, the program instructions may be generated by an artificially generated propagation signal generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiver device for execution by a data processing apparatus, for example, a machine- Or may be encoded on an electromagnetic signal. The computer storage media may be or comprise a computer readable storage medium, a computer readable storage medium, a random or sequential access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing. Further, the computer storage media is not a propagation signal, but the computer storage medium may be a source or destination of a computer program instruction encoded with an artificially generated propagation signal. The computer storage media may also be or be comprised of one or more distinct physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

The tasks described herein may be implemented as a task performed by a data processing apparatus based on data that is recorded on or retrieved from one or more computer readable storage devices.

The term "data processing apparatus" includes all kinds of apparatuses, devices, and machines for processing data, including, for example, a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or a combination or combination of the foregoing. The device may comprise special purpose logic circuitry, for example an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The apparatus may also include, in addition to the hardware, code for creating an execution environment for the computer program, such as processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtime environment environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of these. Devices and execution environments can realize different computing model infrastructures such as Web services, distributed computing, and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, may be deployed in any form, including as a form, as a program, or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can, but need not, correspond to a file in the file system. The program may be stored in a single file dedicated to the program, or in a plurality of coordinated files (e. G., One or more files stored in a markup language document) One or more modules, sub-programs, or files that store portions of code). The computer programs may be arranged to run on a single computer or on multiple computers interconnected by a communication network located in one location or distributed across multiple locations.

The processes and logic flows described herein may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform operations based on input data and generating outputs. The process and logic flow may also be performed by special purpose logic circuits, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the device may also be implemented as such.

A processor suitable for the execution of a computer program includes, by way of example, both a general purpose microprocessor and a special purpose microprocessor, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive commands and data from ROM or RAM, or both. An essential element of a computer is a processor for performing operations according to instructions, and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. In general, a computer also includes, or is operably coupled to, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, , Or both. However, the computer need not have such a device. In addition, the computer may also include other devices, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable audio or video player, a game console, a Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver, or a portable storage device (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive). Apparatuses suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; Magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; Magneto-optical disks; And all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented or included by special purpose logic circuits.

To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the subject matter described herein may be applied to a display device for displaying information to a user, for example a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) Display) monitor, and a keyboard and pointing device, e.g., a mouse or trackball, that allows the user to provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may likewise be used to provide interaction with the user, for example the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback , The input from the user may be received in any form including acoustic, voice, or tactile input. The computer can also send a web page to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from, for example, a web browser, by sending a document to the device used by the user and receiving a document from the device, Lt; / RTI &gt;

An embodiment of the subject matter described herein may be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or a computing system that includes a middleware component, for example an application server, Or a computing system that includes a front-end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or web browser that enables a user to interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein, Back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include, but are not limited to, a local area network ("LAN") and a wide area network ("WAN"), an inter- peer networks (e. g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system may include a client and a server. Clients and servers are typically far from one another and typically interact through a communications network. The client-server relationship is generated by a computer program running on each computer and having a client-server relationship to each other. In some embodiments, the server sends data (e.g., an HTML page) to the client device (e.g., for the purpose of displaying data to a user interacting with the client device and receiving user input from the user) . Data generated at the client device (e.g., the result of user interaction) may be received from the client device at the server.

While the specification contains details of many specific embodiments, it should be understood that they are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as a description of specific features of certain embodiments of the invention do. Certain features described herein in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately or in any suitable subcombination in many embodiments. In addition, one or more features from the claimed combination may in some cases be deleted from the combination, while the features may be described above as acting in any combination, and even so initially claimed, Or sub-combinations thereof.

Similarly, although the tasks are shown in the drawings in a particular order, it is understood that such tasks must be performed in the specific order shown or in sequential order, or that all tasks depicted must be performed to achieve the desired result It should not be. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Also, the separation of the various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and the described program components and systems may generally be integrated together into a single software product, It can be packaged.

As such, certain embodiments of the present invention have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the operations described in the claims may be performed in a different order and nevertheless achieve the desired results. Moreover, the processes shown in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require the specific order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Claims (22)

As a valve,
A movable valve assembly comprising a long body including an output opening near the distal end, the toner being discharged from the valve through an output opening, the movable valve assembly having a first position in which the movable valve assembly is in the closed position, The assembly having a second position in an open position;
A toner path formed in the elongate body and extending inwardly from the toner input along the toner channel;
The air inlet path is closed and the output opening is closed when the air inlet path-movable valve assembly is configured to couple the air source to the toner container when it is open, and the movable valve assembly is in the second position The air inlet is open and the output opening is in fluid communication with the toner path, the air inlet path couples the air from the air source to the toner container, and the toner path couples the toner from the toner container to the output opening; And
So that the output opening is opened in the second position to allow the toner to pass through the output opening from the toner path and the output opening to be closed in the first position to seal the toner path, An anti-drip cap which prevents it from passing through
/ RTI &gt; A toner dispensing system,
A toner container;
A valve of claim 1 coupled to the toner container;
An air assembly including a first air supply coupled to the toner container, and a second air supply coupled to the movable valve assembly; And
A control assembly for controlling a second air supply
/ RTI &gt; Confirming the amount of toner to be dispensed;
Initializing the balance and measuring the amount of toner dispensed;
Activating a first air supply configured to provide air to the toner container when the valve is moved to a dispense position;
Moving the valve to a dispensing position to activate a second air supply that allows the toner to be dispensed at a flow rate defined by the first air supply;
Controlling the first air supply unit to dispense the toner;
Monitoring the balance to determine when a first threshold amount of toner has been dispensed;
Decreasing the flow rate of the toner to a reduced flow rate when the threshold value of the toner is distributed;
Monitoring the balance to determine when the second threshold value of toner has been dispensed; And
Deactivating the first air supply when the second threshold value of the toner is dispensed, wherein deactivation of the first air supply stops the flow of the toner. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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