MXPA99004714A - Method and apparatus for accurately dispensing liquids and solids - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and volumetrically efficient non-reciprocating pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The dispensing system maintains constant pressure between the output of the pump and the dispense head. The progressive cavity pump is formed from individual, interlocking pressure sections, each of which has a double helix bore. A rotor is inserted into the double helix bore with an interference fit. The dispense head has no dynamic fluid sealing surfaces and instead uses bellows as a sealing mechanism. The dispensing system includes a simple, easy to use calibration procedure and a weight scale. The system also has numerous feedback components for accurately controlling the pressure, flow rates, fluid levels and amounts of fluids dispensed.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRECISIONLY SUPPLY LIQUIDS AND SOLIDS TECHNICAL FIELD The field of the present invention is that of devices that measure and supply or dispense liquids and solids of a single component and of multiple components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Systems for mixing and dispensing single-component and multi-component materials are well known in the art. Such systems typically include pumping mechanisms for pumping and dosing separate materials, such as a base material and an accelerator material, in a prescribed ratio, to a mixing device that blends these materials perfectly together. The mixed composition then flows out through a dispensing nozzle, directly onto the surface or point of application where the composition is desired. When a curable composition is desired, two or more suitable materials are mixed so that they interact with each other, to create a curable composition, which can flow, set or harden to a state that can not flow. The time necessary for a curable composition to harden is termed a "healing time" and often in a short period of time. Said resulting curable compositions have been used, for example, as adhesives, sealants and encapsulating materials, in a wide variety of industrial applications. Production environments may impose limitations on how a dispensing or supplying device should operate. For example, in a production environment, it is desirable that the curable composition cure as quickly as possible, so that subsequent production operations can be carried out in the production article, without having to wait a significant time for it to occur. the healing. Additionally, production requirements often include the need to dispense a precise amount of an appropriately constituted composition. A deviation from the actual ratio of the constituent materials, dispensed, may alter the physical strength, viscosity and / or other properties and other attributes of the composition. Thus, a dispensing or supplying system must dispense the desired ratio and the quantity of constituent materials as accurately or as accurately as possible. In many cases, the desired ratio is expressed as a function of the weight or mass of two constituent components. However, the two constituent components are generally supplied to the mixer by means of volumetric metering pumps that control the volumetric ratio of the two components, instead of their weight or mass. The volumetric ratio can not take into account any change in density or mass changes that can occur when the components are subjected to a change in temperature or pressure. Also production items often move along a production line at a fixed speed. Accordingly, the flow rate of the dispensed composition should be maintained or kept as constant as possible, so that the time required to dispense the appropriate amount of composition, on and in the production article, remains constant. The operation of an assembly line may additionally require that the composition be dispensed or dispensed intermittently, because the composition is applied to production articles that are spatially and temporally separated. Dispensing the compositions intermittently can cause a loss of flow control and / or ratio control. During the first few seconds in which a composition is dispensed, a temporary imbalance phenomenon can occur due to the elasticity of the materials present in the dispensing system and / or the pressures that change due to the cycle of the dispenser. When the pressure changes, the volume of material stored between the mixer and the pump changes. In other words, pressure changes can introduce an error in the weight or mass ratio of the constituent components, because a higher pressure results in the component having less volume than the component would otherwise occupy.; or in a dilation or shrinkage of the hoses, the attachments and the tubes. The loss of control can result in quantities or ratio of materials dispensed without precision. This loss of flow control may occur separately or in addition to the loss of reason control. A loss of control of reason occurs when the transient unbalance phenomenon causes the dispensing system to dispense excess of a constituent material or too little of it, which results in an improperly constituted end product.

In other words, even if control of reason is not lost during the first few seconds of the supply of a composition, flow control may be lost. Accordingly, it is convenient to control both the ratio of the constituent materials, and the speed or flow rate of the resulting composition that is dispensed. Dispensing machines can be used to create various types of compositions. A dispensing machine may be required to dispense two or more constituent materials, to form a first composition, and then change to dispense the same constituent materials to a different ratio, or other constituent materials to form a second composition. Thus, it is convenient for a dispensing machine to change the materials that are dispensed, the quantities of materials dispensed and / or the ratio of the constituent materials, while maintaining the ability to control with accuracy or precision the quantity, the reason , the flow regime and other supply criteria. Current dispensing systems can not meet those needs and require users to stop the dispensing machine and proceed to a delayed calibration cycle in order to adjust the machine to the viscosity and / or other properties of the constituent materials. Some dispensing systems include vats capable of containing large amounts of a constituent material. Motor-driven agitators are placed inside the tank to maintain the homogeneity of the material. When the amount of material contained in a tank was consumed, the agitator requires less speed or less current to mix the remaining material. However, in today's dispensing systems, as the remaining material in a tub decreases, an agitator controlled by conventional means can excessively agitate the material, resulting in foam formation or the introduction of air bubbles . This foam production of the material could adversely affect the accuracy or accuracy in the amount of material dispensed. These concerns and these problems can be further exacerbated when a dispensing system attempts to dispense a composition formed by mixing a solid powder with a liquid. Other additional concerns arise, such as the maintenance of appropriate reasons and adequate homogeneity. Ideally, a dispensing system should be able to accurately control the ratio of each constituent material dispensed, the flow rate of each constituent material dispensed, the flow rate of the resulting composition and the amount of the constituent materials and the resulting composition dispensed. , and be able to maintain said accuracy or accuracy during the time and under various operating conditions. However, current dispensing systems can not satisfy those attributes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A first separate aspect of the present invention is a device that accurately dispenses liquids and / or solids from a single l or component or from several components. A second separate aspect of the present invention is a device for dispensing liquids and / or solids, under the control of a control system based on a microprocessor. A third separate aspect of the present invention is a device for dispensing liquids and / or solids of a single component or of several components, and whose component ratios, discharge sizes, continuous flow, flow rate and / or duration of supply are accurately controlled. A fourth separate aspect of the present invention is a device for dispensing liquids and / or solids of a single component or of several components, in which the device maintains pressure between the outlet of the pump and the dispensing head.

A fifth separate aspect of the present invention is a device for dispensing liquids and / or solids of a single component or of several components, wherein the device uses the flow rate, the weight and the density of the material being dispensed, to dispense an amount exact material. A sixth separate aspect of the present invention is an improved progressive cavity pump, for a dispensing device, where the pump is assembled of discrete pressure sections, which allow a wide variety of material selections, economies of manufacture and numerous advantages. Pressure stages. A seventh separate aspect of the present invention is a dispensing head for a dispensing device, wherein the dispensing head has no dynamic fluidising surfaces and, instead, uses bellows as a sealing mechanism. An eighth separate aspect of the present invention is a device for dispensing liquids and / or solids of a single component or of several components, wherein the device has a variety of calibration schemes including manual calibration, provided by the internal computer, and autocalibration using a weighing scale that feeds the data up to 20 the internal computer, automatically. A ninth separate aspect of the present invention is a device for dispensing liquids and / or solids of a single component or of several components, where the device includes feedback components, so that the device can adjust and control with precision or accuracy the pressure , the flow rate, the quantity and the volume of the fluids dispensed. A tenth separate aspect of the present invention is a device for dispensing liquids and / or solids of a single component and of several components, wherein the device includes stirrers and feedback components that allow the device to determine the level of the material remaining in the devices. tanks and that controls the speed of agitation to prevent the formation of foam and the aeration of the material. An eleventh separate aspect of the present invention is a dispensing device for dispensing liquids and powders of various components, so that a powder is dispensed and combined with a liquid of a single component or of several components. A twelfth separate aspect of the present invention is a machine that is capable of changing the ratios of dispensed components, under the control of an application program, from one operation to another as well as during the time the material is being dispensed. A thirteenth separate aspect of the present invention is a machine that is capable of changing the composition of the material dispensed, under the control of an application program, to adjust the characteristics of pre-cure and partial cure of the material, such as viscosity , color and thixotropic factors.

A fourteenth separate aspect of the present invention is a dispensing system that can dispense a quantity of material to a part that is placed on a balance; store in memory the value of the amount of material actually dispensed, and repeatedly dispense quantities of production to said parts, at a precise rate and volume. A fifteenth separate aspect of the present invention is a dispensing system that checks the pump and the pipes for leaks and trapped air, to ensure optimal operation of the dispensing system, by means of appropriate error messages to the operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood when considering the detailed description of a preferred embodiment, which follows, together with the drawings; in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a dispensing system that dispenses a fluid of a single component or of several components. Figure 2 is a sectional diagram of a dispensing head in the open position.

Figure 3 is a sectional diagram of a dispensing head in the closed position. Figure 4 is an exploded sectional view of the bellows assembly. Figure 5 is a sectional view, partially broken, of the bellows assembly. Figure 6 is a sectional view of the bellows assembly, when the valve bar and the bar end are assembled. Figure 7 is a sectional view of the bellows. Figure 8 is a sectional diagram of a preferred embodiment of the stator assembly of the pump. Figure 9 is a side view of a pressure section of the pump stator assembly of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a perspective end view of a pressure section of Figure 9. Figure 11 is an end view of a pressure section of figure 10. Figure 12 is another side view of a pressure section of figure 9. Figure 13 is a sectional view of the pump stator assembly of figure 8, and illustrates the flow pattern of the fluids that pass through the stator assembly of the pump.

Fig. 14 is a cut away view of a partial pump stator assembly, having a single propeller rotor within the double helix hole. Figure 15 is a sectional view of a partial pump stator assembly and the rotor. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the position of the single-helix rotor, when the rotor rotates within the double-helix hole of a pump stator assembly. Figure 17 is an electrical block diagram of a preferred or l mode of a motor controller. Figure 18 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a dispensing system that dispenses a powder and fluid from a single component or several components. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the manner in which Figs. 20-23 are connected to create an application program flow diagram for controlling aspects of the dispensing system. Figures 20-23 are application program flowcharts for controlling some aspects of the dispensing system. Fig. 24 is an application program flow diagram describing the RS232 application program and DIP switch for the motor controller. Figure 25 is an application program flow diagram describing the RS232 data flow in the motor controller.

Figure 26 is an application program flow diagram describing the switch application program of the time controller of the motor controller.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a dispensing system 1 dispensing a fluid of a single component or of several components. In Figure 1 the dispensing system 1 has a plurality of tanks 2, 4, each of which contains a fluid 6, 8, which is a constituent material of the desired final product. Agitators 9, 10 agitate the fluids 6, 8 in order to keep the fluids as homogeneous as possible. The dispensing system 1 has a master control unit 14 which can be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an arithmetic logic unit, ASIC, programmable composite arrangement per field, or other logic control circuits. The master control unit 14 receives data and commands through data interconnections 16, 18, from a user input device 20 and / or a programming input device 22. The user input device 20 can be a keyboard, buttons, switches, bar code reader or other input device. Depending on the input, the master control unit 14 controls various aspects of the dispensing system 1. For example, the master control unit 14 has lines 26, 28, for transmitting commands and receiving data from pump controllers 30, 32, which, a turn, direct and drive the pumps 34, 36. The control unit 14 calculates the desired parameters of the pump, such as acceleration, speed and duration, based on data entered through the aforementioned user input devices, and resident data in the application program (software ) and in peripherals (hardware) of the control unit. The primary items of information stored in the resident application program are the volume of supply for each pump rotation and the ratio between the rotation of the motor and the rotation of the pump. The application program then calculates the number of motor rotations to supply the desired amount of material, including the speed or rotation speed. If a revolution of the pump outputs a known volume of fluid, the pump constant, the control unit 14 calculates the counted hits (ticks) to control the number of revolutions and the partial revolutions that the pump must perform and, in such a way, it controls the amount of fluid that is to be dispensed. Then the desired pump parameters are downloaded to the pump controllers 30, 32, through the data lines 26, 28, and they are stored. A signal is simultaneously sent to start a cycle to each pump controller 30, 32 by the controller unit 14, and both pumps 34, 36 are activated under their respective programs. Then the motor controllers 30, 32 count the hits (ticks) received from the absolute position encoders 38, 40, over time, to handle the rotation speed or the acceleration of the pumps 34, 36. The absolute position encoders 38, 40 are mechanically coupled with the arrows of the motors 39, 41 and can operate optically, mechanically, electrically or magnetically. The encoders 38, 40 count the striking marks to detect the position of the arrows, as they rotate. The encoders 38, 40 send pulses (i.e., a number of beats in a given time), which represents the information of the position of the arrow to the motor controllers 30, 32. As described later in the figure 17, the pulses enter a control circuit 190 (inside the motor controllers) and are used by the control circuit 190 (inside the motor controllers) and are used by the control circuit 190 to control the exciters of power 200 and the motors 39, 41. Thus, pulses from the encoders are used by the motor controllers to adjust or fine-tune the operation of the motors 39, 41. The motor controllers 30, 32 can send status information. and others, including encoder information, to the master control unit 14. Thus, the motors 39, 41 and, in turn, the pumps 34, 36, are controlled by a pump control system, which includes the master control unit 14, the motor controllers 30, 32 and the encoders 38. and 40. If a revolution of the pump outputs a known volume of fluid, the pump control system either the master control unit 14 or an engine controller depends on whether the device has feedback control in a design. In particular, it can use the encoder shock measurement, corresponding to the number of revolutions and the partial revolutions made by the pump and, in this way, calculate the expected volume of the dispensed fluid. The master control unit 14 can count the strokes coming from the encoders 38, 40, in a time, and determine the speed of rotation or the acceleration of the pumps. Thus, the pump control system, which includes the encoders 38, 40, measures the displacement and speed of the pumps, to act as sensors of the movement of the pump. The action of the pumps 34, 36 draws fluids 6, 8 towards the pumps through the fluid lines 42, 44 of the tank. The fluids 6, 8 pass to the fluid lines of the pump 46, 48 and to a dispensing head 49, which has a separate chamber 51 for each line 46, 48 of the pump fluid. From the dispensing head 49, the fluids pass to a static mixing tube 50. The static mixing tube 50 has projections which mix the fluids 6, 8 together and dispense a final product 52 through the outlet nozzle 53 of the static mixing tube 50. The final product 52 can be dispensed onto a balance 54 weighing the Final product. The dispensing system 1 receives direct current power from a direct current power source 56. Thus, the dispensing system shown in Fig. 1 is a two-channel system, in which each channel handles the supply of a fluid . The first channel (channel A) includes the tub 2, the tubing fluid line 42, the pump 34, the pump controller 30, the encoder 38, the fluid line 46 of the pump and the dispensing head 49. The second channel (channel B) comprises the tub 4, the fluid line 44 of the tub, the pump 36, the pump controller 32, the encoder 40, the fluid line 48 of the pump and the dispensing head 49. The dispensing system it can also be modified to include additional channels and include additional tanks, agitators, pumps, fluid lines and other components, when desired, to dispense three or more component mixtures. The pressure transducers 58, 60 send feedback information about the pressure in the fluid lines 46, 48 of the pump to the master controller unit 14, so that the master controller unit 14 can monitor the pressure in the lines 46, 48 of pump fluid, from the outlet of the pumps 34, 36, to the dispensing head 49. The ability to maintain a constant pressure from the outlet of each pump 34, 36 to the dispensing head 49 helps to ensure that the fluid be compressed uniformly and constantly, so that an exact amount of fluid is dispensed. Additionally, if there is a blockage or breakdown, the pressure transducer will signal a preset excess pressure situation, and the system will stop. Similarly, the flow meters 66, 68 measure the flow rates within the fluid lines 46, 48 of the pump and transmit flow rate information to the master control unit 14, thereby allowing the unit 14 master control monitor the fluid flow regimes. In case the flow rates differ from the calibration data, the system may stop and an error may be reported.

The dispensing system can also use the information from the pump controllers 30, 32, and the flow meters 66, 68 and other feedback sensors to check the pump and the pipe for leaks and trapped air. You can issue appropriate error messages to the user to ensure optimal operation. The dispensing system can change the composition of the delivered material, from one operation to another or during the time the material is being dispensed, so that, for example, the pre-cure and post-curing characteristics of the material are adjusted, such as the viscosity, color and thixotropic factors of the material. The dispensing head 49 has positive closing valves 70, which are shown symbolically in Figure 1. The positive closing valves 70 are controlled by the master control unit 14 and serve to close the flow of fluids in the dispensing head 49 whenever appropriate (i.e. when the dispensing cycle is completed). The control lines between the master control unit 14 and the positive closing valves 70 are shown in figure 1. The agitators 9, 10 in the tanks 2, 4 are driven by agitator motors 11, 12. The agitators 9, 10 they are illustrated as agitator blades, but can be any type of agitator well known in the art. The agitators 9, 10 operate at a constant desired speed. However, when the fluid level in a tub 2, 4 drops, less current is required to drive the agitator at the same speed. The master control unit 14 can detect the reduced flow of current and determine the amount of fluid remaining in the tub. Alternatively, the system can be made to maintain a constant current instead of a constant motor speed. An additional encoder and motor controller similar to those previously described are coupled to each agitator motor, so that the motor controller (and the master control unit 14) can receive information of the rotation position from the motor of the motor. agitator. Consequently, the master control unit 14 can determine the rotation speed of each agitator to determine the level of fluid remaining in the tub. When the fluid level in the tank falls and when the current flow to the agitator motor is kept constant, the rotational speed of the agitator motor increases. The master control unit 14 can measure the rotation speed of the agitator motor to determine the level of fluid remaining in the vessel. The master control unit 14 can also decrease the current to the agitator motor when the master control unit 14 detects that the motor speed has increased. Each tank 2, 4 has a float connected to a normally closed switch. When the fluid level falls below a certain level, the float goes down and triggers the switch to open it. The dispensing system of Figure 1 operates as follows: 1. The user calibrates the dispensing system (as described below) and the dispensing system calculates how much the pump motors must rotate in order to dispense a unit weight of a fluid or a mixture. 2.- The user enters the program mode to set the operating parameters. 3. In response, the master control unit 14 requests from the user various parameters of the dispensing cycle. 4.- The user enters the desired ratio of component fluids, the size of the operation or discharge of the final product, and the flow rate or the time duration of the dispensing cycle. 5. The master control unit 14 determines the appropriate pump parameters, in order to feed the constituent materials to the desired regime and the discharge instructions for the pump controllers 30, 32. 6.- The user starts the dispensing cycle by pressing a pedal, a button or a switch. The system can also be initiated by a signal from a pressure transducer to dispense more fluid. 7 '.- The master control unit 14 initiates the dispensing cycle by opening the positive cutting valves 70 in the dispensing head 49 and starting the pumps 34, 36. 8.- The pump controllers 30, 32, the flow meters 66, 68 and the pressure transducers 58, 60, feed back information about the speed of rotation of the pumps, of the fluid pressures and regimes, to the master control unit 14. The pump controllers 30, 32 self-monitor in terms of accuracy and power errors, by sending them to the master control unit 14. The master control unit 14 uses this information to monitor the rotation speed, the flow rates and the correct pressures in the pump. 9. The pressure transducers 58, 60 check the blockages in the lines 46, 48 of pump fluid and cut the dispensing system to prevent damage to the system if the detected pressure exceeds a fixed pressure limit point (ie a condition of excess pressure). 10. The pumps 34 and 36 and the positive closing valves 70 maintain the appropriate pressure in the fluid lines 46, 48 of the pump, functioning as positive closures between the operation cycles. When the dispensing cycle ends, the master control unit 14 closes the positive closing valves 70 and stops the pumps 34, 36. 11. The master control unit 14 analyzes the received information and determines whether a dispensing cycle was successfully completed. 12. If there is a need to modify the function of the pump to ensure the correct supply characteristics, the master control unit 14 sends new orders to the pump controllers 30, 32. 13.- Repeat steps 6-12, as needed, for different amounts, reasons and durations.

Figure 2 is a sectional diagram of a dispensing head 49. The dispensing head 49 is a multiple / open-close valve combination, which controls the flow of fluids. The dispensing head 49 includes a bellows assembly 80. Figure 4 illustrates an exploded section view of the bellows assembly 80, and Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of an assembly. 80 bellows, partially built. The bellows assembly 80 includes a bellows 82. The bellows 82 is a compressible corrugated metal alloy sleeve, which is shown in greater detail in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the bellows 82 has two ends 84, 86. Returning to Figures 4 and 5, a valve rod 88 is inserted into a central hole of the bellows 82. The bellows 82 slides freely along the entire length of the valve rod 88. The valve rod 88 is also inserted into an opening of a rod seal ring 90. The rod seal ring 90 is not fixed to the valve rod 88, and is also free to slide back and forth along the entire length of the valve rod 88. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the bellows assembly 80. and shows the manner in which the bellows assembly 80 is fixed to the valve rod 88 and the rod seal ring 90. An end 84 of the bellows 82 is hermetically sealed to the raised lip 92 of the valve rod 88, by welding of various types, or by other means. The other end 86 of the bellows 82 is similarly hermetically sealed by various types of welding or other means to the rod seal ring 90. Thus, when the valve rod 88 extends and retracts relative to the rod seal ring 90, the valve rod 88 alternately compresses and expands the bellows 82. A seat / stem seal 94 slides over and around a end of the valve stem 88, and abuts the raised lip 92 of the valve rod 88. A retaining screw 96 enters the opening of the seat / rod seal 94 and is screwed into cooperating threads 98 of the valve rod 88. The retaining screw 96 holds the seat / rod seal 94 in place. Turning now to Figure 2, each bellows assembly 80 is shown mounted in a separate chamber 51, inside the dispensing head 49. The dispensing head 49 has two inlets 100. The inlets 100 receive fluids 6, 8 from the lines 46, 48 of the pump fluid, and they run perpendicularly to the illustration of Figure 2. A pneumatic valve actuator includes a pneumatic cylinder 101 having a piston 102 that freely moves within the pneumatic cylinder 101. The screws 103 pass through the passages in the free piston 102 and engage the cooperating thyme threads 99 of the valve rods 88, to secure the valve rods 88 to the pneumatic cylinder 101. Each chamber 104 of the pneumatic cylinder 101 has at least one air port (not shown) that allows air to be pumped in or out of the chamber. As shown in Figure 2, the piston 102 is in its most clockwise position (ie, in the position farthest from the valve boss 106). The piston 102 has a groove 108 for a toroidal ring, for holding a dynamic toroidal ring that acts as a pneumatic seal between the chambers of the pneumatic cylinder 101.

When air is selectively pumped into the chambers 104, so that the pneumatic pressure in the chamber on the right far exceeds the air pressure in the chamber on the left, the piston 102 moves to the left toward the protrusion 106. valve. This movement to the left of the piston 102 pushes the valve rod 88 to the left and expands the bellows 82. When the piston 102 extends the valve rod 88 to the left, the seat / stem seal 94 is compressed towards the piston rod. taper hole of valve seat 110, thereby closing the flow of fluids in the dispensing head 49. The rod seal ring 90 is held in place within a cavity of the dispensing head 49 and has a notch 112 for a toroidal ring, to contain a static toroidal ring. . The static toroidal ring acts as a fluid seal to prevent fluid from leaking from the dispensing head 49 around the seal ring 90 of the rod. In Figure 3 the configuration of the resulting closed position is shown. Instead of a pneumatic actuator, such as the pneumatic cylinder, the system can use an electronic actuator, such as a solenoid, to move the valve rods 88. The system can also use any other actuator well known in the art. The bellows assembly 80 of Figure 3 is in the closed position because there is no space between the seat / stem seal 94 and the valve seat 110, thereby preventing fluid from flowing to the exit passages 114 and toward the tube 50 of the static mixer. An embossed surface 116 on the piston 102 prevents the piston surface from fully engaging the inner surface of the pneumatic cylinder 101, when the piston 102 is in its leftmost position. The enhanced surface 116 maintains at least some minimum air space between part of the piston surface and the surface of the pneumatic cylinder, so that the piston surface does not "get stuck" on the surface of the pneumatic cylinder. To open the bellows assembly 80, the piston 102 moves away from the valve boss 106, so that the valve rod 88 moves relative to the seal ring 90. This relative movement of the valve stem 88 to the rod seal ring 90, compresses the bellows 82. The resulting configuration of the bellows assembly 80 is the open position shown in Figure 2, where the space between the seat / stem seal 94 and the valve seat 110, allows fluid to pass to the outlet passages 114. Accordingly, the fluid it has from the inlets 100 can enter the dispensing head 49 and flows outwardly through the outlet passages 114 of the dispensing head 49. The opening and closing of the bellows assembly 80 acts as a positive shut-off valve. 70. The valve seat 110 may be made of stainless steel or other suitable material. The seat / rod seal 94 may be formed of Teflon or other suitable material that is deformable but highly impermeable to chemicals. Valve body 118, valve protrusion 106, piston 102 and air cylinder 101 are made of aluminum or other suitable material.

The dispensing head 49 does not have dynamic sealing surfaces. The primary sealing mechanism is the bellows assembly 80. An important advantage of said dispensing head is that none of the components that come in contact with the fluids being dispensed remains in contact with any moving or dynamic seal surface. Potential contamination can come from air humidity, which can cause the fluids to crystallize, or from contamination in the fluids themselves. Therefore, the dispensing head of Figure 2 advantageously eliminates the movement between any mechanical components of the dispensing head 49 in the valve chamber, and any fluid seal, thereby eliminating the possibility of the seal being destroyed by the fluids or abrasive contamination of fluids. Figure 8 is a diagram of the pump stator assembly 130 of the progressive cavity pumps 34, 36. The pump stator assembly 130 is essentially comprised of multiple pressure sections 140, which are interlocked, which have been inserted in a tubular, hollow, metallic housing 132, with a locking end cap at both ends. A threaded front end cap 142 receives the last pressure section 140 at the front end of the stator assembly 130. A retainer 144 affixes to the tubular housing 132 and the last pressure section 140 at the rear end of the stator assembly 130. A threaded rear end cap 146 is then fixed to the tubular housing 132.

Figures 9-12 illustrate different views of a pressure section 140 of pump stator assembly 130. Figure 9 is a side view of the pressure section 140; Figure 10 is an end perspective view of the pressure section 140; Figure 11 is an end view of the pressure section 140 of Figure 10; Figure 12 is another view of the pressure section 140; Figure 13 is a sectional view of the pump stator assembly of Figure 8, and illustrates the double helix flow pattern of the fluids passing through the pump stator assembly. Each pressure section 140 is made of Teflon or other suitable deformable material, durable, but highly resistant to chemicals and resistant to abrasion. Each pressure section 140 has a concentric, double-helix, 360-degree hole 141 that runs through its center. A first propeller thread 138 and a second propeller thread 139 of the hole are shown in Figure 13. The propeller threads develop along the hole 141.; they are opposite each other at 180 degrees, and cross each other every 180 degrees. Essentially, each pressure section 140 has a crossing of the double helix threads. To fabricate the double helix hole, a solid Teflon rod is provided, a circular hole is drilled through the bar, and the two helical threads are cut into the hole in the bar. Each pressure section 140 has pins 148 which cooperate with the holes 150 of an adjacent pressure section 140 to lock the pressure sections together and to maintain radial alignment between the pressure sections. The pressure section 140 has a groove 152 for a toroidal ring. A toroidal ring (not shown) made of Teflon or other suitably deformable, but durable, material fits within the notch 142 for a toroidal ring, between the adjacent pressure sections, to seal each pressure section. When the end caps 142, 146 are compressed to compress the pressure sections 140 together, the toroidal rings expand outward against the walls of the metal tubular housing 132. A rotor or screw 134 having a single helix thread, it is inserted through the double-helix hole 141, of the pressure sections 140, locked together. The interaction of the rotor 134 of a single helix and the hole 141 of double helix, creates the pumping action. Figures 14-16 illustrate the manner in which the single-helix rotor operates within the double-helix hole of a pump stator assembly. Fig. 14 is a cut-away view of a partial pump stator assembly, having a single-helix rotor within the double-helix hole. Referring now to Figure 14, the single helix thread of the rotor 134 engages portions of the double helix threads 138, 139 to create sealing lines 136. The fluid can be transported between a pair of sealing lines 136. When the rotor 134 rotates within the double helix hole 141, the sealing lines 136 move along the hole, thereby transporting the fluid and creating a progressive cavity pump. The desired total number of turns in the double helix threads of the hole, by the stator pump assembly 130, depends on the desired characteristics of the pump.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view of a rotor in a partial pump stator assembly (in which the lines through the pump stator assembly do not represent the pressure sections, but are used to correlate Figs. 15 and 16). Figure 15 illustrates the seal lines 136 formed by the contacts between the rotor 134 and the double helix threads of the hole 141, as well as the cavity 137 formed between adjacent seal lines. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the position of the single-helix rotor, when the rotor rotates within the double-helix hole of a pump stator assembly. The hole 141 of the pressure sections 140 has an interference fit with the rotor 134. That is, although the maximum outer dimension of the rotor 134 exceeds the minimum inside dimension of the hole 141 of the pressure sections 140, the flexibility of the sections pressure 140 allows the rotor to fit inside the hole 141. The interference fit creates a seal between the rotor 134 and the hole 141, eliminating the gap between the rotor and the hole. The lack of separation means that it is preferred that the fluids leak back through the hole 141 of the pump. When the fluid leaks back through the hole 141, the pump operates inefficiently and imprecisely. The interference fit also results in minimizing the slippage of the rotor 134 with respect to the hole 141. Thus, the interference fit results in a positive displacement pump in which each rotation of the pump outputs the an exact and known volume of fluid. Because the pump is a constant displacement pump, the system pressure rises or falls to a sustained state, depending on the viscosity and flow rate of the material being pumped, and the dynamic back pressure of the system through the pump. which is dispensing the fluid. When that pressure is different for each exit requirement, it is imperative that the pressure be maintained between the cycles, to ensure the exact reproducibility of the supply, from one discharge to another. In contrast, as the pressures unexpectedly change in the prior art devices, the fluid is compressed differently, resulting in a non-constant amount of fluid being dispensed. This problem with non-constant pressures is prevalent in the systems of the prior art, because as the supply regime changes, the pressure changes. For example, a rotor that moves inside a smooth hole may suffer from leaks and pressure changes. In this pump fluid is poured into the hole that has the rotor, the fluid will flow along the thread of the rotor, inside the hole and outside the pump. The sealing lines of the double-helix pump help prevent the fluid from "pouring" through the pump. Notably, each pressure section 140 can maintain a constant pressure, even when the rotor 134 is static. When the rotor 134 rotates, the fluid that is being supplied is transported through the pump stator assembly 130, from one pressure section to the next. The resulting progressive cavity pump is capable of maintaining a high pressure, is volumetrically accurate and has an output flow without pulses. The pump is able to maintain a constant volume of the fluids that are being dispensed, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of the supply characteristics. The flexible nature of the interlocked pressure sections and the tubular, hollow, metallic housing 132 of the pump also helps to limit the tendency of the rotor 134 to become numb or twisted during rotation of the rotor. 134. Figure 17 is an electrical block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the motor controller 180 of the present invention. The motor controller 180 can be used to drive any motor described herein. The 183 motor is a brushless or brushless motor, direct current, permanent magnet and, in particular, a 48 volt, 0.5 HP motor. The motor 182 is mechanically connected to an encoder 186. The encoder detects the absolute position of the motor arrow and sends its position information 188 to the control circuit 190. The control circuit 190 can use the position information to determine the speed of rotation or acceleration of the engine. The control circuit 190 sends various control signals 192 and "ready" control signals 194 to a multiplexer 196. The ready signals 194 allow the control circuit 190 to turn off any specific power driver 200, if the power driver. suffers a non-catastrophic failure. The signals from the multiplexer 196 pass to various power actuators 200. A direct current to direct current converter 212 converts a 48 volt to 5 volt supply, which operates various electronic elements in the system, and also sends 48 volts to the actuators of 200 power.

The power actuators 200 are semiconductor devices that use low level inputs (i.e., signals from the multiplexer 196) to control relatively high current level outputs (i.e., the lines 220, 222) to control the motor 182. Three of the input signals are the brake control signal 202, the direction control signal 204 and the pulse amplitude modulation control signal 206 (PWM, acronym for its designation in English: Pulse Width Modulation). The brake control signal 202 causes power actuators 200 to cut lines 220-222, which go to motor 182, which uses electromotive force (f.e.m.) to dynamically brake or stop motor 182, as quickly as possible. The direction control signal 204 tells the power actuators 200 if they invert the direction of the motor 182. The pulse control modulation signal 206 carries a pulse train and the power actuators 200 count the number of pulses For time. When the number of pulses per unit of time increases, the power actuators 200 output larger and larger voltages up to a maximum of 48 volts, to accelerate the motor accordingly. As the number of pulses per unit of time falls, the power actuators 200 reduce the output voltage to brake the motor 182. The power actuators 200 have current feedback lines 224, which return the flow information to the control circuit 190. The control circuit 190 uses the current flow information to see how hard the motor 182 should work to maintain a given speed. This information can be used to derive the torque. The control circuit 190 may receive information, analog or digital, from devices connected to the monitor port 228. For example, a temperature sensor may be connected to the monitor wicket 228 to provide temperature data to the control circuit 190. An RS232 control port 230 facilitates communication between the control circuit 190 and the master control unit 14, for engine information and order the engine. The RS232 control port 230 allows the system to monitor the motor controller 180 for information such as the desired engine speed, the actual engine speed, the desired number of total engine revolutions, the actual number of total engine revolutions and the engine speed. flow of current to each of the power actuators 200. A DIP switch can optionally be used to manually set the speed of the agitators that would otherwise be adjustable by the control circuit 190. The switch settings DIPs are sent by lines 234 to control circuit 190. Thus, the dispensing system has various communication capabilities. The dispensing system can be attached to an outside telephone line, allowing the service personnel, at a remote location, to monitor the operation of the system and diagnose any breakdown. A barcode reader can be attached to the dispensing system, in which the system uses the barcode reader to identify a part, automatically configured to dispense according to a known program and display an image of the part, so that the user can verify that the program is the correct program for the part displayed. The system can also monitor the use of material, store the total material used in memory and communicate with a network of manufacturers to provide information on the use of material to an external computer system. Figure 18 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a dispensing system of the present invention, which doses, mixes and dispenses powders and fluids of a single component or of several components. The dispensing system is capable of dispensing a powder and combining it with a liquid of a single component or of several components, such as epoxy, silicone, urethanes or adhesives. In Figure 18 the dispensing system 275 has many of the same, or similar, components as the dispensing system of Figure 1. The components that remain the same are identified by the same reference numerals. The dispensing system 275 has a hopper 278 for dust containing the powder. The dust hopper 278 has powder stirring rods 280, fixed to a motor driven auger 281. Since certain powders may not flow on themselves easily, resulting in air pockets, the stirring rods 280 mix the powder to remove the air pockets. The worm motor 284 drives the worm or screw 281 and is controlled by a motor controller 286. The master control unit 14 sends control signals 287 to the motor controller 286. The worm motor 284 has an encoder 288 for feeding the motor information back to the motor controller 286. The master control unit 14 can use the information to more accurately control the worm motor 284. For example, the motor 284 of Worm runs at a desired constant speed. However, when the dust level in the dust hopper 278 falls, the current flow necessary to drive the worm motor 282, at constant speed, decreases. The master control unit 14 can measure the current flow to the worm motor 284, to determine the level of powder remaining in the dust hopper 278. Alternatively, the system can be made to maintain a constant current instead of constant revolutions per second. In this alternate design, when the dust level drops and as the flow of current to the worm motor is kept constant, the rotation speed of the worm motor increases. The master control unit 14 can decrease the current to the worm motor when the master control unit 14 feels that the worm or worm speed has increased. The master control unit 14 can also measure the rotational speed of the worm motor 284, to determine the power level remaining in the powder hopper 278. The powder from the powder hopper 278 is dispensed to a centrifugal mixer 282. The single-component or multi-component liquid is also dispensed to the centrifugal mixer 282. The exit of the powder hopper 278 injects the powder into the medium of the liquid. Centrifugal mixer 282 has an agitator 283 that agitates the powder within the mixture and prevents lumps from forming. The agitator 283 rotates the mixture out, where it can be dispensed by the dispenser outlet 298. The centrifugal mixer 282 mixes the powder and liquid together to a homogeneous material which can then be dispensed in various discharge sizes or at continuous flow rates. Thixotropic additives can be used to prevent sedimentation of solids and to help keep solids suspended in the liquid. Other additives may be included to accelerate the healing time so that less sedimentation of the solids occurs. The centrifugal mixer 282 is driven by a mixer motor 292, coupled to a gearbox 290. The gearbox 290 allows the motor 292 to operate at the optimum speed of the motor, while also allowing the centrifugal mixer 282 Operate at the optimum speed of the mixer, which may be different from the optimum speed of the motor. Each of the motors in the dispensing systems of FIG. 1 and FIG. 18 has a gearbox which, for purposes of simplicity, has only been shown for the motor 292 of the centrifugal mixer. The mixer motor 292 is controlled by a motor controller 294. The master control unit 14 sends signals 295 to control the motor controller 294. An encoder 296 provides feedback information about the mixer motor 292, to the motor controller 294. The motor controller 294 can use the motor information to more precisely control the mixer motor 292.

In such a manner, the dispensing systems described herein have various types of feedback components. For example, the feedback components may include motor controllers, pressure transducers, flow meters, current detectors, and any other components that obtain information about a device (such as a pump, motor, stirrer, line, etc.). fluid) and use (or let a control device use) the information to control the device. The feedback components allow the dispensing system to dispense, measure and mix more accurately. Although the pumps 34, 36 output the same volume of fluid per pump revolution, regardless of the density of the fluid, the dispensing system may require calibration before production takes place. The prior art dispensing systems require the user to experience altering the speed or duration in time of the pump. The dispensing system of the present invention employs a calibration process that separately calibrates each channel (channel A, channel B, channel C, etc.) of the system. Prior to performing the calibration, the user replaces the static mixer tube 50 with a calibration nozzle (not shown). The calibration nozzle does not mix the fluids of the two channels to an outlet nozzle, but rather, has multiple outlet nozzles, one for each channel. The user then weighs a first container on balance 54 and zeroes the balance. The first container is placed under one of the outlet nozzles. The user presses a pedal to start the dispensing cycle. The master control unit 14 instructs the pump 34, 36 of each channel that outputs a certain volume of fluid. In reality, the pumps dispense at a rate equal to 35% of the rated maximum speed of the motor, so that "weigh" better the accuracy of small sizes of discharge. The fluid from channel A is dispensed to the first container. The user weighs the first container on balance 55 and enters the weight in grams on the keyboard. Based on the number of revolutions made by the pump, and the weight of dispensing fluid, the master control unit 14 can compare the expected weight of the dispensed fluid with the actual weight dispensed. The master control unit 14 computes a number representing the number of encoder strokes per gram for channel A. This calibration procedure is independent of the type of pump, the gear ratio, the encoder resolution, the power of the engine and the like. All these variables are taken into account in the only computed number. The procedure is repeated with a second container for channel B. Advantageously, the effects of temperature, variable pressure, transient unbalance phenomena and other variables are eliminated on the actual volume of fluid dispensed. Said system also allows the user to dispense accurately by weight or by volume. Additionally, systems can be calibrated for different fluids, different quantities dispensed, different flow rates, different reasons and the like. This calibration system is quick and easy to execute.

The dispensing system is easily programmable by a user to control or change the flow rate, the reason, the quantity and / or other supply criteria, in any way. Figure 19 illustrates how the application program flow diagrams shown in Figures 20-23 fit together. The application program flow diagram of Figures 20-23 controls the general aspects of the dispensing system. First, in block 300, the system initializes various components of peripherals, such as communication ports, serial ports and other circuits. In the block 302, the system loads a machine data file that contains information specific to the system, such as the pump types and the ratios of the gearboxes. In block 304 the system checks that the user has enabled the pressure relief switch (ie, an emergency stop switch). If enabled, the system will shut down the system, interrupt any dispensing cycle, stop the pump motors 34, 36 and open the dispensing head 49 (step 306) to relieve the overpressure condition. Otherwise, the system checks the fluid levels in the tanks 2, 4 (step 308). If they are empty or low, a vacuum flag is set (step 310). If they are not empty, the system reads the pressure in the fluid lines 46, 48 of the pump, as provided by the pressure transducers 58, 60 (step 312). If the detected pressure exceeds a preset pressure limit, the system encounters excess pressure (step 314), stops the pump motors and turns on the LEDs to alert the user (step 316). When the pressure is within normal operating conditions, the user can dispense in a dispensing mode controlled in time, or in a continuous operation mode. The system checks if the user entered a time duration for the dispensing cycle (dispensing mode in controlled time) in step 318. If yes, the system waits for the user to press the pedal (step 320) and, in response, the system starts the dispensing cycle and the system recovers the desired time, calculates the stop time, opens the dispensing head and starts the motors of the pump (step 322). If the system was in time controlled operation mode and time has elapsed (step 324), the system will stop the pump motors and close the dispensing head (step 326). If the user selected the continuous operation mode, instead of the time controlled operation, the system waits for the user to press the pedal (steps 328, 332), which causes the system to open the dispensing head and start the motors of the pump (steps 330, 334). In step 336 the system checks any input that the user would have made on the LCD display panel. At any time different from a dispensing cycle, the user can enter the established parameter routine, by means of the keypad 20 or 22 for entering data. By pressing the user the "Ratio" key (step 338) allows the user to enter the desired ratios for each constituent fluid (step 340). If the desired reasons do not total 100 percent, the system will require the user to reenter the desired reasons (step 342). When the correct ratios are entered, the system computes the new quantities of fluids desired and re-calculates the correct pump speeds for use (step 344). If the user presses the "time" key (step 346), the user can enter the desired operation time (step 348). The system then computes the correct pump speeds for this desired operating time (step 350). If the user presses the "quantity" key (step 352) the user can enter the total desired amount of the final product in grams (step 354). Based on the desired weight of the final product, the system calculates new pump quantities and speeds (step 356). If the user presses the "calibrate" key (step 358), the user can start the calibration process. In the calibration process the user places a container under the exit nozzle of channel A (step 360). The user initiates the dispensing cycle by depressing the pedal (step 362) which causes the dispensing head to open and the pump motors to be started (step 364). In step 366 the system checks whether the dispensing cycle is complete. If affirmative, the pump motors are stopped and the dispensing head is closed. The user takes the container with the dispensed fluid from channel A, weights it on balance 54 and enters the weight in grams on the keyboard (step 370). The system takes the weight information and computes the number of encoder "ticks" per gram (step 372). Alternatively, the system could calculate the fluid density as grams / cc. The calibrated number of hits per gram for channel A is saved in the machine data file (Step 374). This calibration procedure is repeated for each fluid (step 376). If the user presses the "program" key (step 378) the user can select a program (step 380) previously stored in the machine data file. This selected program, which may contain the most commonly used user reasons or the most commonly used quantities, is loaded into the system (step 382). If the user wants to save a program in the data file of the machine, the user presses the "store" key (step 384) and saves the program under an identifier program number (step 386). This new program is saved by the system in the machine data file (step 388). Returning to Fig. 24, the application program flow diagram for controlling the motor controller 180 on port 230 RS232 and DIP switch 232 is shown. As previously indicated, the motor controller can control the speed, the direction and the on / off of the motor. Starting at step 400, the system checks whether information was received through the RS232 port or the DIP switch. If the information came from the DIP switch, the DIP switch settings are read (step 402). If information was received through the RS232 port, the system recovers the latest values in buffer, in terms of speed, address and desired number of encoder hits for the motor controller. In step 406 the system compares the new values with the old values. If the new values are different, the new values are saved and used by the power actuators 200 to control the motor (step 408). The application program flow diagram of FIG. 25 illustrates how it controls the master control unit 14 of the system, and how it interrogates the motor controller 180. The master control unit 14 uses the RS232 230 port either to set new values in the motor controller or to interrogate the motor controller about those values. If the master control unit 14 wishes to establish new values in the motor controller, the master control unit sends an order to the motor controller which is not previously arranged in phase, by means of the character "?" (step 420). The master control unit 14 can set the desired motor speed (step 422) with a "V" command (step 424), the encoder hits (step 426) with an "E" command (step 428) or the address of the motor (step 430) with a "D" command (step 432). The master control unit 14 can instruct the motor controller to start the motor (step 434) with a "GO" command (step 436) or stop the motor (step 438) with a "STOP" command (step 440). If the master control unit 14 wants to interrogate the motor controller with regard to the motor speed (step 444), the master control unit 14 sends a "V" command pre-phased by a "?" (step 446), which causes the output motor driver to speed information on the RS232 line (step 448). Similarly, the master control unit 14 can obtain the encoder knock reading (step 450) with an "E" command (step 452), the motor address (step 454) with a "D" command (step 456). ) or current flow to the motor (step 458) with an "C" command (step 460). The erroneous commands are indicated by steps 442 and 446. The motor controller 180 uses a time controller switch scheme to ensure that the motor is accurately controlled. Figure 26 shows the application program flow diagram for this time controller switch. A time controller is set to the countdown period (step 480) which may be approximately six milliseconds. When that time control (step 482) ends, the motor controller reads the number of encoder hits read during the six millisecond period (step 484) and updates the total number of hits read until then, with that number (step 486). ). The motor controller then compares the total number of hits read against the desired number of hits to be read (step 488). If the numbers match, the motor controller instructs that the motor must be braked and stopped (step 490) if the numbers still do not match, the motor controller compares the number of hits read during the six milliseconds, with the desired number of hits which will be read during the six milliseconds, and determines whether the actual speed of the motor is too slow or too fast (step 492). If the actual speed is too slow or too fast, the motor controller adjusts the speed (step 494). Although the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, its specific examples have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described here in detail. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms described, but, on the contrary, the invention must cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that remain within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims (47)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A dispensing system, characterized in that it comprises: a progressive cavity pump, which includes a rotor formed as a helix and a stator with a hole therethrough; the rotor extending through the stator hole with a progressive cavity between the rotor and the stator, with the rotation of the rotor; a pump control system including a first feedback component, coupled with the pump; the first feedback component being a pump movement sensor; an outlet nozzle in fluid communication with the pump.

2. The dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the pump control system controls the duration of operation and the speed of the pump.

3. The dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the movement sensor of the pump includes an encoder located to measure the movement of the pump, and that is in signal communication with the pump control system .

4. The dispensing system according to claim 3, further characterized in that the pump control system further includes a master control unit that calculates the speed of the pump based on the encoder input.

5. - The dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the pump control system includes a motor controller that calculates the speed of the pump based on the input from the pump motion sensor.

6. The dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the pump control system additionally includes a master control unit that calculates the speed of the pump, based on the input from the pump motion sensor .

7. The dispensing system according to claim 6, further characterized in that the pump control system includes a motor controller, the motion sensor of the pump being in signal communication with the motor controller.

8. The dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises: a dispensing head, a fluid line between the pump and the dispensing head; the outlet nozzle being coupled to the dispensing head to dispense fluid.

9. The dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises: a tank, an agitator in the tank; an engine coupled to the agitator; activating the motor to the agitator; and a third feedback component coupled to the engine; the third feedback component including a control circuit, the control circuit receiving the information about the motor and using the information to determine the amount of fluid remaining in the tub.

10. The dispensing system in accordance with the claim I, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a dust hopper having an outlet for dust; a mixer coupled to the powder outlet; a fluid line between the pump and the mixer, the outlet nozzle being coupled to the mixer and capable of dispensing a mixture of powder and fluid.

11. The dispensing system according to claim 10, further characterized in that the mixer is a centrifugal mixer.

12. The dispensing system in accordance with the claim II, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: a hopper agitator inside the powder hopper; a hopper motor, coupled to the hopper agitator; a third component of feedback, coupled to the motor of the hopper; obtaining the third feedback component information about the hopper motor.

13. The dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: a second feedback component in fluid communication between the pump and the outlet nozzle, and in continuous fluid communication with the pump; the second feedback component being a pressure sensor.

14. The dispensing system according to claim 13, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a third feedback component, in fluid communication between the pump and the outlet nozzle; the third feedback component being a flow meter.

15. The dispensing system according to claim 13, further characterized in that the pump control system is configured to stop the pump when the pressure sensor senses a predetermined pressure.

16. The dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a second feedback component, in fluid communication between the pump and the outlet nozzle; the second feedback component being a flow meter.

17.- The dispensing system in accordance with the claim 16, further characterized in that the control system is configured to compare the output of the first feedback component with the output of the second feedback element, and generate a signal when the outputs do not match.

18. The dispensing system according to claim 8, further characterized in that it further comprises a valve in the dispensing head, which controls the fluid communication between the pump and the outlet nozzle.

19. The dispensing system according to claim 18, further characterized in that the pump controller system is configured to close the valve when the pump is stopped.

20. - The dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a second feedback component that includes a balance located below the exit nozzle, and in signal communication with the pump control unit; the pump control unit being configured to selectively compare the output of the first and second retransfer components for calibration.

21. The dispensing system according to claim 8, further characterized in that the progressive cavity pump includes a motor; the pump control system including a master control unit and a motor controller, in signal communication with the master control unit and the motor; the pump movement sensor being an encoder coupled with the motor to sense the movement of the motor, and in signal communication with the pump control system; calculating the master control unit the speed, based on the input of movement from the encoder; the dispensing head including a valve in the dispensing head that controls fluid communication between the pump and the outlet nozzle, and a valve controller coupled to the valve; the valve controller being in signal communication with the master control unit, and being controlled by it.

22. The dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: a plurality of the progressive cavity pumps; the pump control system including a plurality of the first feedback components, coupled with the pumps, respectively; the first feedback components being sensors of the pump movement; the outlet nozzle being in fluid communication with the pumps.

23.- The dispensing system in accordance with the claim 22, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of second feedback components, in fluid communication between the pumps, respectively, and the outlet nozzle; the second feedback components being in continuous fluid communication with the pumps, respectively; the second feedback components being pressure sensors.

24.- The dispensing system in accordance with the claim 23, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a plurality of third feedback components in fluid communication between the pumps, respectively, and the outlet nozzles; being the third components of feedback, flow meters.

25.- The dispensing system in accordance with the claim 22, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a plurality of second feedback components in fluid communication between the pumps, respectively, and the outlet nozzle; the second feedback components being flow meters.

26, - The dispensing system according to claim 25, further characterized in that the control system is configured to compare the output of the first feedback components with the output of the second feedback components, respectively, and generate a signal when the respective outputs do not match.

27. The dispensing system according to claim 5 22, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: a dispensing head in fluid communication between the pumps and the outlet nozzle; including the dispensing head chambers in fluid communication with the pumps, respectively; a plurality of valves; the valves being in the chambers, respectively, which control the fluid communication between the pumps or the outlet nozzle.

28. The dispensing system according to claim 27, further characterized in that the pumps are operated at constant proportional speeds, by means of the pump control system.

29. The dispensing system according to claim 15, further characterized in that the pumps are simultaneously started and stopped by the pump control system.

30. The dispensing system according to claim 27, further characterized in that each of the progressive cavity pumps includes a motor; the pump control system includes a master control unit 20; motor controllers in signal communication with the master control unit and with the motors, respectively; encoders coupled with the motors, respectively, to sense the movement of the motor, and in signal communication with the pump control system; calculating the master control unit the speed based on the movement input from the encoders.

31. The dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the constant cavity pump has a pump constant, flow per displacement unit of the pump, and includes a rotor formed as a helix and a stator with a hole through it; the rotor extending through the stator hole, with a progressive cavity between the rotor and the stator, with the rotation of the rotor; and the pump control system includes a master control unit having the pump constant, which receives an input value of the output speed of the pump, and an input value of the total output, and which generates an output of pump speed and time-controlled on-off signals, and a pump control unit that receives pump speed output and time-controlled on-off signals, and provides power to the pump to produce the speed of the pump between the on and off signals.

32.- A calibration procedure for a dispensing system having a pump, a master control unit and a pump control unit that controls the speed of the pump, characterized in that it comprises: introducing to the master control unit a rate of flow and the total amount that will be dispensed from the system; calculate an operating time and a speed for the pump, by the master control unit, that correspond to the flow rate input and the total quantity dispensed; provide an ignition signal from the master control unit to the pump control unit; provide a speed signal from the master control unit to the pump control unit; control the pump so that it operates at the speed of the speed signal; provide a disconnect signal from the master control unit to the pump control unit; stop the pump; measure the quantity dispensed; enter the quantity dispensed in the master control unit; adjust the calculation of the operation time and the operating speed in the master control unit.

33.- The calibration procedure according to claim 32, further characterized by the steps of calculating, providing a connection signal, providing a speed signal, controlling the pump, providing a disconnection signal, stopping the pump, measure, enter the amount and adjust the calculation.

34.- The calibration procedure according to claim 32, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: entering a different flow rate in the master control unit; Repeat the procedure to develop an adjustment to the calculation of time and speed of operation, based on the flow regime.

35.- A pump, characterized in that it comprises: a first pressure section having a first hole; a second pressure section having a second hole; the second pressure section being interlocked with the first pressure section; and each of the first hole and the second hole has a double helix thread; and a rotor in the first and second holes.

36.- The pump according to claim 35, further characterized in that the rotor has a thread of a single helix.

37. The pump according to claim 35, further characterized in that the first pressure section and the second pressure section are made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

38.- The pump according to claim 35, further characterized in that it further comprises: a member formed integrally and extending from the first pressure section; a hole formed in the second pressure section, and adapted to receive the member; whereby the member engages the hole to mutually secure the first pressure section with the second pressure section.

39.- A dispensing head for a dispensing system, characterized said dispensing head because it comprises: a body that has an exit passage and a camera; an inlet extending from the outer surface of the dispensing head and through the body, to the chamber; a bellows having a first end and a second end; the first end being sealed to the body; a rod that has a sealing end; the rod extending slidably inside the chamber and through the bellows; the rod being sealed to the second end of the bellows; an actuator coupled to the rod, to move the rod, whereby the sealing end of the rod selectively extends to the body in the exit passage, to close the chamber.

40.- The dispensing head in accordance with the claim 39, further characterized in that the actuator includes; a pneumatic cylinder with a pneumatic chamber; a wicket that extends towards the pneumatic chamber, and capable of carrying air to enter and remove it from the pneumatic chamber; a piston inside the pneumatic chamber and coupled to the rod; moving the piston inside the pneumatic chamber when air is introduced into the pneumatic chamber.

41.- A method for configuring a machine for operation on various previously specified parts, characterized in that it comprises: exploring an identifier in a part; enter the image of the scanned identifier in the machine; automatically configure the machine to operate on the part, based on the identifier scanned and entered into the machine; verify the configuration of the machine, visually comparing the image displayed and the part that has the identifier scanned.

42. The method according to claim 41, further characterized in that the automatic configuration of the machine includes setting the ratios of materials that are to be dispensed, to the part that has the identifier scanned.

43.- The method according to claim 42, further characterized in that automatically configuring the machine further includes setting the time to dispense, to dispense the materials to the part having the identifier scanned.

44. The method according to claim 43, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: automatically displaying the reasons for dispensing and the time of dispensing, set by the automatic configuration of the machine.

45. The method according to claim 41, further characterized in that automatically configuring the machine includes setting the regimes to be dispensed for the materials that are to be directed to the part that has the identifier scanned.

46. The method according to claim 45, further characterized in that automatically configuring the machine further includes setting the dispensing time to dispense the materials to the part having the scanned identifier.

47. The method according to claim 46, further characterized by additionally comprising: automatically displaying the dispensing regimes and the dispensing time, set when the machine is automatically configured.