US3557820A

US3557820A - Liquid distribution apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3557820A
Application number: US755860A
Authority: US
Inventors: Dale E Jackson; Carl C Perkins Jr
Original assignee: Butler Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Butler Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 1968-08-28
Filing date: 1968-08-28
Publication date: 1971-01-26
Anticipated expiration: 1988-01-26

Abstract

A manifold has a first inlet means for connection with a liquid to be distributed, this inlet means being in communication with a plurality of spaced outlet holes through which the liquid is dispensed. A second inlet means is adapted to be connected with a cleaning solution, and valve means is provided for selectively connecting the second outlet means with the outlet holes. A plurality of individual plungers are reciprocably mounted within the manifold, each of the plungers having a sliding fit with one of the outlet holes for closing the outlet holes and for forcing out any particles which tend to clog the outlet holes.

Description

United States Patent 1 1 3,557,820

[72] Inventors Dale E. Jackson [56] References Cit d g' 'g"1 V K n UNlTED STATES PATENTS [21 1 A I No a 2,296,079 9/1942 Anderson 239/118 7 3,059,856 10 1962 Pagendarmm. 239 117 [-2] F1led Aug. 28, 1968 3,134,692 5/1964 Arneson 222/ 1X Patented Jan. 26, 1971 3 3411221 91967 B [73] Assignee Butler Manufacturing Company, x ames 239/1 12X Kansas City, Mo., Primary Exa' inerRobert G. Nilson a corporation of Missouri Attorney-S oemaker and Mattare ABSTRACT: A manifold has a first inlet means for connection with a liquid to be distributed, this inlet means being in communication with a plurality of spaced outlet holes through [54] :5 9? APPARATUS which the liquid is dispensed. A second inlet means is adapted alms rawmg to be connected with a cleaning solution, and valve means is [52] US. Cl 137/244, provided for selectively connecting the second outlet means 137/239, 222/149, 239/1 12, 239/1 17 with the outlet holes. A plurality of individual plungers are [51] Int. Cl B05b 15/02 reciprocably mounted within the manifold, each of the plun- Field of Search 239/1 12, gers having a sliding fit with one of the outlet holes for closing the outlet holes and for forcing out any particles which tend to clog the outlet holes.

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PATENTEDJAN26|91| SHEET 1 OF 4 INVENTORS DALE E.JACKSON 8| CARL C. PERKINSQJR.

ATTORNI'IYS PATENTEU JAN 2 6 I9?! SHEET 3 0F 4 m Q O u m ms A E W L KK Mg a JP \W EC. J

l..- Lmm QM MGM m ATTORNEYS LIQUID DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS The present invention relates to liquid distribution apparatus for distributing a liquid mixture across a substrate along a line generally perpendicular to the direction of relative movement of the substrate and the apparatus. The present invention is directed to the distribution of substrates of precursors of thermosetting elastomers and plastics to form foams, reinforced articles, castings, adhesives and coatings. The substrate may be flexible such as belts, paper or foil and the like. The substrate may also be rigid such as a sheet of metal. lfthe manifold operates between two such rigid sheets, a sandwich panel may be formed. Examples of thermosetting compositions which may be distributed with the present invention are polyurethanes, unsaturated polyesters, acrylics, epoxies, phenolics, ureas and melamines. The apparatus may also be used for distributing inorganic cements whose setting action is chemical, e.g., silicates, aluminates, and magnesium ox ychlorides or oxysulfates. The present invention may also be employed for spreading molten asphalt and coal tar.

In the prior art. lateral distribution of liquids across the width of an elongated substrate has been generally accomplished by manifolds comprising pipes or tubes of constant diameter. The main passageway of such pipes or tubes usually terminates near the outermost orifice formed in the pipe or tube through which the liquid is dispensed. The liquids employed with this type of construction are generally of two types, firstly, a nonreactive material which is heated in order to reduce its viscosity for adequate flow, and secondly, a chemically reactive material which gels, hardens or expands within a preset time after it is mixed or catalyzed. When utiliz' ing such prior art constructions, a number of problems have arisen. Partially reacted resinous materials tend to collect in dead areas of the tubes or conduits and dislodge in pieces to clog the outlet holes which are usually simply holes drilled through the tube or pipe. Accordingly, it is necessary to completely remove the manifold from the machine and then disassemble the manifold for soaking or mechanical abrading to clean the manifold. If one or more of the outlet holes of such a manifold should be partially or completely blocked or plugged, the manifold must be replaced or removed and cleaned. In any event. it is impossible to carry out a continuous process with such prior art arrangements.

If it is desired to flush out a manifold as employed in known constructions with a solvent and the like, the manifold or the substrate must be moved in order to avoid contamination of the final product.

Prior art constructions employing pipes or tubes of constant bore require outlet holes of different diameter in order to obtain controlled deposition of the liquid. Additionally, with this type of arrangement the flow rate decreases as the distance from the inlet increases thereby enhancing the possibility of partially reacted material collecting in the main passageway of the apparatus.

An additional disadvantage of known arrangements is the fact that flushing must be carried out parallel to the flow of the dispensed liquid, which of course is less efficient than reverse flushing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the present invention, a plurality of plungers are reciprocably mounted within a manifold means, each of these plungers having a sliding fit with one of the outlet holes of the manifold means. Accordingly, if one or more of the outlet holes should become partially or completely plugged or blocked, the plunger means can be slid into the holes to dislodge any undesired particles. This can be done without removing the manifold from the apparatus, and furthermore the procedure can be carried out very quickly so that substantially no interruption of a continuously operating process is necessary.

The manifold means of the present invention also includes an inlet which is adapted to be connected with a cleaning solution. Valve means is incorporated in one or more of the plungers so that the cleaning solution can be selectively admitted to the apparatus while the outlet holes are closed off. Accordingly, the manifold can be readily reverse flushed when so desired without moving the manifold or the substrate with respect to one another, and the plungers will prevent any possibility of contamination of the final product.

The inlet means of the present invention which is connected with a liquid to be distributed is in communication with an elongated passage with which the outlet holes are also in communication. This passage is of decreasing cross-sectional dimension in a direction from the inlet means toward the ends of the passage whereby a substantially uniform flow velocity of the distributed liquid is maintained throughout the length of the manifold. The end of the passage terminates at an outlet hole so as to eliminate any dead areas in the manifold within which liquid to be distributed might accumulate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a vertical section through a first form ofliquid distribution apparatus of the present invention illustrating the parts in a first operative position;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating the parts in the second operative position;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is an elevation partly broken away of a modified form of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 8-8 of FIG. 6 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 9-9 of FIG. 6 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 10 is a top view of still another form of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken substantially along line 1212 of FIG. 10 looking in the direction of the arrows and illustrating the parts in a firstposition;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 illustrating the parts in the second position;

FIG. 14 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a first operative position of the apparatus in a reverse flushing arrangement;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating the apparatus in a second operative position for reverse flushing;

FIG. 16 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the apparatus in a first operative position for parallel flushing of the apparatus; and

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 illustrating a second operative position of the apparatus in a parallel flushing arrangement.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a first form of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 inclusive.

As seen most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 2, a manifold means is indicated generally by reference numeral 20 and includes a first body member 10 and a second body member 12, body member 12 being secured to body member 10 by a pair of capscrews 14 extending through suitable holes provided in the two body members. A conduit or pipe 21 is adapted to be connected with a suitable source of a liquid to be distributed by the apparatus, conduit 21 including a tapered threaded end portion 22 which is threaded within an inlet end of an elongated passage 24 formed in body member 10.

A plurality of spaced outlet holes 26 are provided in body member and are in communication with passage 24. It will be noted that the crosssectional dimension of passage 24 diminishes from the left to'the right as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 so as to ensure substantially uniform flow velocity of the liquid within passage 24. The right-hand end of the passage 24 terminates in a right-handmost outlet opening 26.

A pipe or conduit 30 is adapted to be connected with a suitable source of a cleaning solution such as a solvent or the like, conduit 30 having a threaded end portion 32 which is threaded within an inlet end of an elongated passage 34 which is also formed in body member 10.

The right-hand end of passage 34 is enlarged in a downward direction to form the cavity 36 which in turn is in communication through a generally cylindrical passage 38 with the righthand end of the aforementioned passage 24 formed in the body member.

A plurality of holes 42 extend between

passages

24 and 34 and are aligned with each of the outlet holes 26. A plurality of holes 44 are also formed through the upper portion of body member 10 in alignment with the holes 42. A seal 46 is seated within a recess provided in the upper surface of body member 10 in surrounding relationship to each of the holes 44.

Body member 12 has a plurality of elongated holes 48 which are aligned with the aforementioned holes 44, and a plurality of individual plungers 50 are slidably positioned within said aforementioned aligned holes for reciprocation in a vertical direction as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. The upper ends of the plun gers 50 are secured to an elongated common member 54 which is connected with a pair of members 56. These members 56 may be connected with a power-operating means for suitably controlling the vertical reciprocation of the plungers as desired. While each of the plungers has been illustrated as being interconnected with a common member 54, it should be understood that the plungers 50 may also be individually operated if so desired.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the right-handmost plunger 50 in cludes an intermediate portion 60 of reduced dimension. The construction of this righthandmost plunger 50 is such that it serves as a valve means for controlling flow between the two

passages

24 and 34 as explained hereinafter.

FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus in position for operation wherein a liquid is distributed from the apparatus onto a substrate. In the position shown in FIG. 1, liquid to be distributed passes into the passage 24 through the inlet thereof and flows outwardly and downwardly through the outlet holes 26.

It should be understood that a substrate disposed beneath the distribution apparatus as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is carried in a direction extending into or out of the paper. The substrate can be carried in the desired direction by a suitable powered conveyor or the like. In some cases, the manifold may be moved while the substrate remains stationary, or both the manifold and the substrate may move. The manifold may also be reciprocated perpendicular to the motion of the substrate to achieve a better laydown pattern. Any type of conventional reciprocating device may be employed for this purpose.

If it is desired to force out any particles which may tend to clog or block the outlet holes 26, the plungers 50 may be reciprocated downwardly from the position shown in FIG. 1 to that shown in FIG. 2. If it is further desired to flush the passage 24, the plungers may remain in the position shown in FIG. 2 and the supply of liquid to be distributed may be interrupted into passage 24. A supply of solvent-can then be fed into the passage 34 through pipe 30. It will be noted that in the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the reduced portion 60 of the right-handmost plunger 50 is disposed within the passage 38 leading between the

passages

24 and 34. This reduced portion 30 is of substantially less diameter than the passage 38, and accordingly solvent can pass downwardly through this passage 38 and thence from right to left through the passage 24 to produce a reverse flush of this passage.

When it is desired to again commence distribution of a liquid through the outlet holes, the plungers can be reciprocated vertically back into the position shown in FIG. 1, whereupon the liquid can be introduced through pipe 20 into passage 24 for normal distribution onto a substrate.

It will be noted that during the flushing operation, the cleaning substance or solvent does not pass through the outlet holes, and it can be carried away to a dump reservoir. After the solvent solution has been flushed through the apparatus, air may be circulated through the apparatus to remove the excess solvent before further liquid is dispensed through the outlet holes.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 9 inclusive, a modified form of the invention is illustrated. A manifold means is indicated generally by reference numeral 70 and includes a pair of mounting

brackets

72 and 74 extending upwardly and offset therefrom. These mounting brackets support stop screws 76 and 78 respectively for a purpose hereinafter described. Screws 80 are adapted to connect the mounting brackets with a suitable support member 82.

A pipe or conduit is adapted to be connected with a liquid to be dispensed or in some cases with a solvent supply as hereinafter described. Conduit 90 includes a tapered threaded end portion 92 which is threaded within a correspondingly threaded inlet fitting 94 on the manifold.

The manifold has therewithin an elongated passage including a pair of

portions

96 and 98 as seen in FIG. 9 each of which is of decreasing cross-sectional dimension from the central portion of the manifold toward opposite ends thereof. A plurality of spaced outlet fittings 100 are threaded within suitable holes provided in the bottom of the manifold, each of these fittings having an outlet hole 102 formed therethrough as seen most clearly in FIGS. 7 and 8.

A pair of inlet fittings 104 are provided at opposite ends of the manifold as seen in FIG. 6. A pair of pipes or conduits 106, one of which is seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, are provided, each of these conduits having a tapered threaded end portion 108 threaded within the associated inlet fitting 104, these conduits being adapted to be connected with a solvent supply or in some cases the liquid to be distributed as hereinafter described.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 8, each of conduits 106 is in communication with a chamber 112 which in turn is con nected with the

passages

96 or 98 previously described through a vertically extending generally cylindrical passage 114. This passage 114 has a seal 116 disposed in surrounding relationship thereto for cooperating with a plunger hereinafter described.

A plurality of bosses 120 are formed on the upper portion of the manifold, each of these bosses having a cap 122 threaded thereon. Each boss and the associated cap have aligned holes formed therethrough for slidably receiving a plunger 126.

A plurality of such plungers are provided, each plunger having a reduced portion 128 supported at the lower end thereof, this reduced portion 128 having a sliding fit within one of the outlet holes 102 previously described.

A plurality of seals 116 are disposed within suitable recesses formed throughout the length of the manifold so that each of the cylindrical plungers 126 has sealing engagement with one of the seals 116.

Referring to FIG. 8, the endmost plungers 126 at opposite ends of the manifold are provided with recessed portions 130 whereby these endmost plungers also serve as valve means for controlling the flow of liquid between the passages 112 and the

passages

96 or 98 disposed therebeneath.

The upper ends of the plungers 126 are connected with a common elongated member by a plurality of separate setscrews 142 whereby each of the plungers is adapted to move in unison with the member 140. This member 140 is in turnv operatively connected with a power-operating means 146 by a shaft 148. Means 146 may comprise an air cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, an electric solenoid, or various types of mechanical actuators and the like.

The stop screws 78 serve to limit the upward and downward movement of the plungers by interengagement with the elongated member 140 operatively associated with each of the plungers.

As seen in FIG. 7, the plungers are in their uppermost position wherein the topmost stop screw 78 engages the upper surface of elongated member I40. In this position, the plungers are free of the outlet holes, and liquid introduced through the inlet conduit 90 passes outwardly through the outlet holes 102. At the same time, communication between the lower passages and the conduit means I06 is prevented since the endmost plungers are in their uppermost position closing off the passages I14.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the plungers have been moved into their lowennost position wherein the undersurface of member 140 engages the lower of the two stop screws 78. In this position, the recessed portion 130 of the endmost plungers causes conduits 106 to be in communication with the

underlying passages

96 and 98.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a schematic flow diagram illustrates an arrangement wherein the structure in FIGS. 6-9 is connected in a system for reverse flushing of the apparatus. The conduit means 106 are connected with a common conduit 150 which is in turn connected through a selectively operable valve 152 with a source of cleaning substance such as a solvent and the like. The conduit 90 is connected through a selectively operable valve 154 with either a conduit 156 connected with a source of liquid to be distributed, or with a conduit I58 which in turn is connected with a dump reservoir.

In the operative position shown in FIG. 14, valve 152 is closed, and valve 154 is moved to an operative position so that liquid to be distributed enters the apparatus through conduit 90 and passes outwardly through the aforementioned outlet holes.

When it is desired to reverse flush the structure, the valve 152 is moved to the open position as shown in FIG. 15, and valve I54 is moved to such a position that conduit 90 is in communication with conduit 158 which leads to a dump reservoir or the like. In this operative position, solvent enters the manifold at opposite ends thereof, and the plungers are disposed in their lowermost position so that the solvent will flow downwardly and thence outwardly through

conduits

90 and 158 to the dump reservoir.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the structure shown in FIGS. 6- 9 is illustrated as being connected in a system for providing parallel flushing of the apparatus.

The conduits 106 are connected with a common conduit 160 which in turn is operatively connected with a dump reservoir. The conduit 90 is connected through a valve 164 with either a first conduit 166 connected with a source of liquid to be distributed, or through a conduit 168 with a source of cleaning substance such as a solvent or the like.

In the operative position of the components as shown in FIG. I6, the plungers are in theiruppermost position, and liquid to be distributed passes into the apparatus and outwardly through the outlet holes thereof.

When the components are positioned in the relationship shown in FIG. 17, the plungers are in their lowermost position, and solvent enters the apparatus through the conduit 90. The solvent passes through the

passages

96 and 98 of the apparatus and thence upwardly and outwardly through the conduits 106 to the conduit 160. It is apparent that in this arrangement, the direction of motion of the flushing liquid is parallel to the direction of motion of the liquid to be distributed.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13 inclusive, a further modified form of the invention is illustrated. This form of the invention is similar to that shown in FIGS. 6--9 inclusive and includes a manifold 170. As seen in FIG. I], this manifold includes a first pair of inlet conduits I72 adapted to be connected with a suitable source of liquid to be distributed, and a second pair of inlet conduits 174 are connected with a suitable source of a cleaning solution such as a solvent or the like.

As seen most clearly in FIG. It), the conduits I74 are disposed in communication with upper passages I76 which are of decreasing cross-sectional dimension in a direction from the ends of the manifold toward the central portion thereof. Similar lower passages 178 are disposed beneath passages 176 and are in communication with the conduits 172.

A plurality of bosses I are provided on the upper part of the manifold, and caps 182 are threaded thereon. A plurality of plungers 184 similar to those previously described are disposed for vertical reciprocation within suitable aligned holes provided in the various members. The lower ends 186 of the plungers 184 are of reduced dimension, and rubber O-ring seals 188 are supported within recesses in the manifold for engaging and providing a seal with the associated plungers. A recess portion I is fonned in the central plunger as seen most clearly in FIGS. 12 and 13.

A plurality of outlet fittings 194 are secured along the length of the bottom wall of the manifold and have outlet holes 196 formed therethrough for distributing liquid therefrom.

The mode of operation of this form of the invention is similar to that previously described, it being understood that when the plungers are in their uppermost position as shown in FIG. I2, liquid is distributed through the outlet holes 196, and on the other hand, when the plungers are in their lowermost position as shown in FIG. 13, communication is provided between the upper passages 176 and the lower passages I78 whereby a cleaning solution such as a solvent may be circulated through the manifold for flushing out the structure. It is, of course, apparent that the lower ends of the plungers are adapted to push out any particles which tend to clog or obstruct the outlet holes.

While the diminishing cross section of passage 24 will generally insure substantially uniform flow of liquid within the passage, in certain instances the size of the outlet holes 26 and plungers 50 may also be varied in order to obtain uniform flow.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

We claim:

1. Liquid distribution apparatus comprising manifold means, said manifold means having first inlet means for connection with a liquid to be distributed, said manifold means having a plurality of spaced outlet holes formed therein and in communication with said first inlet means for distributing liquid, said manifold means having second inlet means for connection to a cleaning solution, and plunger means movably mounted with respect to said manifold means for movement into and out of said outlet holes for closing the holes and forcing out any particles tending to clog the holes, and means for automatically connecting said second inlet means with said outlet holes when said plunger means moves into said outlet holes and closes said outlet holes.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said plunger means comprises a plurality of separate plungers each of which has a sliding fit with one of said outlet holes.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for automatically connecting said second inlet means with outlet holes comprises valve means.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said manifold means has an elongated passage formed therein in communication with said first inlet means, said outlet hoies opening into said passage said passage being of decreasing cross-sectional dimension from said first inlet means toward the opposite end of said passage.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said first inlet means is disposed adjacent the midportion of said manifold means and said elongated passage is of decreasing cross-sectional dimension in opposite directions from the center of said manifold means.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said first inlet means is disposed adjacent one end of said manifold means, said elongated passage decreasing in cross-sectional dimension toward the central portion of said manifold means.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said plunger 'means comprises a plurality of separate plungers each of which has a sliding fit with one of said outlet holes, and seal means disposed in surrounding relationship to each of said plungers to provide a liquid-tight seal therewith.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 including means for selectively reciprocating said plungers.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said plunger means comprises a plurality of separate plungers each of which has a sliding fit with one of said outlet holes, the end portion of each of said plungers which is adapted to slide within one of said outlet holes being of reduced dimension as compared to the remainder ofthc associated plunger.

10. Liquid distribution apparatus comprising manifold means, said manifold means having first-inlet means for connection with a liquid to be distributed, said manifold means having a plurality of spaced outlet holes formed therein and in communication with said first inlet means for distributing liquid, said manifold means having second inlet means for connection to a cleaning solution, plunger means movably mounted with respect to said manifold means for movement into and out of said outlet holes for closing the holes and forcing out any particles tending to clog the holes, and valve means for selectively connecting said second inlet means with said outlet holes, said plunger means comprising a plurality of separate plungers each of which has a sliding fit with one of said outlet holes, said valve means being incorporated in at least one of said plungers.

Claims

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said manifold means has an elongated passage formed therein in communication with said first inlet means, said outlet holes opening into said passage said passage being of decreasing cross-sectional dimension from said first inlet means toward the opposite end of said passage.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said plunger means comprises a plurality of separate plungers each of which has a sliding fit with one of said outlet holes, and seal means disposed in surrounding relationship to each of said plungers to provide a liquid-tight seal therewith.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said plunger means comprises a plurality of separate plungers each of which has a sliding fit with one of said outlet holes, the end portion of each of said plungers which is adapted to slide within one of said outlet holes being of reduced dimension as compared to the remainder of the associated plunger.

10. Liquid distribution apparatus comprising manifold means, said manifold means having first inlet means for connection with a liquid to be distributed, said manifold means having a plurality of spaced outlet holes formed therein and in communication with said first inlet means for distributing liquid, said manifold means having second inlet means for connection to a cleaning solution, plunger means movably mounted with respect to said manifold means for movement into and out of said outlet holes for closing the holes and forcing out any particles tending to clog the holes, and valve means for selectively connecting said second inlet means with said outlet holes, said plunger means comprising a plurality of separate plungers each of which has a sliding fit with one of said outlet holes, said valve means being incorporated in at least one of said plungers.