WO2022164945A1

WO2022164945A1 - Container positioning apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2022164945A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/013968
Authority: WO
Inventors: David N. Padgett; Vivek MARUKURTI; Almar THEWISSEN
Original assignee: Nordson Corporation
Priority date: 2021-01-27
Filing date: 2022-01-27
Publication date: 2022-08-04

Abstract

A container positioning apparatus includes a support, a follower including a shaft and a seal that forms a seal with a container, an actuator to move at least one of the support and the follower toward the other, and a centering mechanism including a fixed body and a movable body and being coupled to one of the support and the follower to move at least one of the support and the follower relative to the other to align one of the container and the follower substantially centrally with respect to the other. A system includes a container positioning apparatus and a conduit to transfer fluid material from the container to an applicator through the follower. A method includes supporting a container, moving at least one of a support and a follower toward the other, and aligning one of the container and the follower substantially centrally with respect to the other.

Description

CONTAINER POSITIONING APPARATUS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 63/142,066, filed Jan. 27, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a container positioning apparatus, in particular, to a container positioning apparatus including a centering mechanism configured to align one of a container and a follower substantially centrally with respect to the other of the container and the follower. More specifically, the container positioning apparatus may be part of a system for transferring liquid material (e.g. thermoplastic material) from a container to an applicator.

BACKGROUND

[0003] There are a number of adhesive drum pump bulk unloaders that permit dispensing of material directly from a shipping container (e.g., drum, barrel, pail). One such common device includes an arrangement in which a plunger is lowered directly into the open end of the container. Such devices include the Rhino drum unloaders available from Nordson Corporation of Westlake, Ohio.

[0004] In operation of conventional drum unloaders, a plunger with an attached platen is inserted into the container. As the plunger is lowered into the container, the platen forms a seal with the interior walls of the container and a compressive force is applied to material within the container, thereby causing the material to be ejected through a channel in the plunger.

SUMMARY

[0005] In an example, a container positioning apparatus is provided. The container positioning apparatus comprises a support. The support is configured to support a container thereon. The container positioning apparatus further comprises a follower. The follower is spaced apart from the support. The follower is spaced apart from the support along a first direction. The follower comprises a shaft. The follower further comprises a seal. The seal is supported by the shaft. The seal is configured to be received in a cavity of the container. The seal is configured to be received in a cavity of the container when the container is supported by the support such that the seal forms a seal with an interior surface of the container. The interior surface of the container defines the cavity. The container positioning apparatus further comprises an actuator. The actuator is configured to move at least one of the support and the follower toward the other of the support and the follower so as to cause the seal to be received in the container. The container positioning apparatus further comprises a centering mechanism. The centering mechanism includes a fixed body. The centering mechanism further includes a movable body. The movable body is configured to move relative to the fixed body. The centering mechanism is coupled to one of the support and the follower so as to move at least one of the support and the follower relative to the other of the support and the follower as the seal is received in the container so as to align one of the container and the follower substantially centrally with respect to the other of the container and the follower.

[0006] Another example is a system. The system comprises a container positioning apparatus as previously described. The system further comprises a conduit. The conduit is configured to transfer fluid material from the container to an applicator through the follower.

[0007] A further example is a method. The method comprises supporting a container on a support. The support is spaced apart from a follower along a first direction. The follower comprises a shaft. The follower further comprises a seal supported by the shaft. The method further comprises moving at least one of the support and the follower toward the other of the support and the follower so as to cause the seal to be received in a cavity of the container such that the seal forms a seal with an interior surface of the container that defines the cavity. The method further comprises aligning one of the container and the follower substantially centrally with respect to the other of the container and the follower. One of the container and the follower is aligned substantially centrally with respect to the other of the container and the follower by moving a movable body of a centering mechanism relative to a fixed body of the centering mechanism. The centering mechanism is coupled to one of the support and the follower so as to move at least one of the support and the follower relative to the other of the support and the follower as the seal is received in the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following description of the illustrative examples may be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is understood that potential examples of the disclosed systems and methods are not limited to those depicted. [0009] FIG. 1A shows a side cross-sectional view of a system including a container positioning apparatus, a conduit, and an applicator according to one example in which a centering mechanism of the container positioning apparatus is in a relaxed position;

[0010] FIG. IB shows a side cross-sectional view of the centering mechanism of the container positioning apparatus of FIG. 1A;

[0011] FIG. 2A shows a side cross-sectional view of a system including a container positioning apparatus, a conduit, and an applicator according to one example in which a centering mechanism of the container positioning apparatus is in a compressed position;

[0012] FIG. 2B shows a side cross-sectional view of the centering mechanism of the container positioning apparatus of FIG. 2A;

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a centering mechanism according to one example;

[0014] FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of a lower end of a follower according to one example;

[0015] FIG. 5 A shows a perspective view of a container positioning apparatus according to one example in which a centering mechanism is supported by a support;

[0016] FIG. 5B shows a second side view of a portion of the container positioning apparatus of FIG. 5 A including a sleeve;

[0017] FIG. 5C shows a first side view of the portion of the container positioning apparatus of FIG. 5B with the sleeve removed to show a container supported on the centering mechanism;

[0018] FIG. 5D shows a magnified first side view of the portion of the container positioning apparatus of FIG. 5C with the container illustrated as partially transparent to show the container receiving a follower;

[0019] FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of a container positioning apparatus according to one example in which a centering mechanism is connected to a follower at a distal end of a shaft of the follower;

[0020] FIG. 6B shows a second side view of a portion of the container positioning apparatus of FIG. 6A including a sleeve;

[0021] FIG. 6C shows a first side view of the portion of the container positioning apparatus of FIG. 6B with the sleeve removed to show a container supported on the support; [0022] FIG. 6D shows a magnified first side view of the portion of the container positioning apparatus of FIG. 6C with the container illustrated as partially transparent to show the container receiving a follower;

[0023] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a container positioning apparatus according to one example in which a shaft of a follower extends from a centering mechanism toward a support;

[0024] FIG. 7B shows a second side view of a portion of the container positioning apparatus of FIG. 7A including a sleeve;

[0025] FIG. 7C shows a first side view of the portion of the container positioning apparatus of FIG. 7B with the sleeve removed to show a container supported on the support; and

[0026] FIG. 7D shows a magnified first side view of the portion of the container positioning apparatus of FIG. 7C with the container illustrated as partially transparent to show the container receiving a follower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative examples described in the detailed description and drawings are not meant to be limiting and are for explanatory purposes. Other examples may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, each of which are explicitly contemplated and form a part of this disclosure.

[0028] The term “substantially” is intended to mean considerable in extent or largely but not necessarily wholly that which is specified. For example, the term “substantially centrally” as used to describe the relative positioning between two elements is intended to mean that the centers of the two elements are nearly aligned with one another, such as within about 0.13 inches, and, in particular, should not be construed in the strict mathematical sense that such elements precisely share a center and/or are precisely concentrically aligned with one another. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0029] While conventional dispensers, applicators, and drum unloaders for pumping liquid material from a shipping container have been adequate for their intended purpose, such conventional drum unloaders generally do not accommodate for or aim to correct misalignment that may occur between the container and the plunger.

[0030] Therefore, there is a need for a container positioning apparatus (e.g., for use with such dispensers and applicators) that permits relative movement between a container support and a follower so as to align the container substantially centrally with respect to the follower as the container receives the follower.

[0031] The container positioning apparatuses of the present disclosure can be used in a variety of applications as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. By way of nonlimiting example, it is contemplated that the foregoing may be used in a system with a dispenser and/or applicator to align a container substantially centrally with respect to a follower as the container receives the follower for transferring fluid material (e.g., thermoplastic materials, thermal interface materials) from the container to the dispenser and/or applicator through the follower.

[0032] Referring first to FIG. 1A, an example system 10 is shown. The system 10 can be a container pump system, such as a drum or pail pump system. As depicted, the system 10 may include a container positioning apparatus 100 as will be described herein. Very generally, within the container positioning apparatus 100, a container 120 may be supported on a support 110. The support 110 may be spaced apart from a follower 130 along a first direction 2. The support 110 may be moved toward the follower 130 and/or the follower 130 may be moved toward the support 110. The follower 130 may be received in the container 120 supported by the support 110. As the container 120 receives the follower 130, a centering mechanism 150 of the container positioning apparatus 100 may permit relative movement between the support 110 (e.g., and the container 120 supported thereon) and the follower 130 so as to align the container 120 substantially centrally with respect to the follower 130.

[0033] In addition to the container positioning apparatus 100, the system 10 may further include a dispenser or applicator 170. The applicator 170 may be arranged so as to receive liquid material from the container 120. In particular, as the container 120 receives the follower 130, the follower 130 compresses the liquid material, thereby increasing a pressure of the liquid material. The increased pressure causes the liquid material to be forced out of the container 120 through a channel 132d in the follower 130 (refer to FIG. 4). The applicator 170 may be configured to receive the liquid material and dispense or apply the liquid material in a desired dispensing or application operation (e.g., to apply the liquid material to a substrate). In certain examples, the system 10 includes a conduit 160 for transferring the liquid material from the container 120 to the applicator 170. In such examples, the conduit 160 may be in fluid communication with each of the container positioning apparatus 100 and the applicator 170. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the conduit 160 may be of any suitable size, shape, and/or structure for transferring the liquid material from the container 120 to the applicator 170. By way of non-limiting example, the conduit 160 can be a hose (e.g., a flexible hose) and may be fluidly connected to the follower 130 so as to transfer the liquid material from the container 120 to the applicator 170 through the follower 130 when the container 120 receives the follower 130 therein. In examples, the conduit 160 may be configured to transfer the liquid material out of the container 120 at up to 3,000 psi.

[0034] With continued reference to FIG. 1A, in examples, the container positioning apparatus 100 may include the support 110, the follower 130, an actuator 140, and/or a centering mechanism 150. Generally, the support 110 may be configured to support the container 120 thereon. The container 120 may generally include a liquid material therein that is desired to be transferred therefrom as described herein. The container 120 may generally be of any suitable size, shape, and/or structure to suit a particular application, and the support 110 may generally be of any suitable size, shape, and/or structure for supporting the container 120. By way of nonlimiting example, the container 120 may be a drum, barrel, pail. The container 120 can have a generally cylindrical shape, a cuboidal shape, or any other shape as desired to suit a particular application.

[0035] With reference to FIGS. 5D, 6D, and 7D, in examples, the container 120 may be supported on a plate 180. In examples, the plate 180 may be supported by or may be part of the centering mechanism 150 (refer to FIG. 5D) or the plate may be supported by or part of the support 110 (refer to FIG. 6D and FIG. 7D). The plate 180 may be configured to directly support the container 120 thereon. In examples, the plate 180 may be configured to support the container 120 thereon such that the container 120 is generally prevented from moving relative to the plate 120. The plate 180 and/or the container 120 may include one or more mating features configured to assist in preventing the container 120 from moving relative to the plate 180. For example, the plate 180 may be formed with a mating feature that is shaped complementary to a mating feature of the container 120. By way of non-limiting example, the mating feature of the plate 180 may be a protrusion (e.g., a cylindrical protrusion) extending outwardly away from the plate 180 (e.g., along the first direction 2) and the mating feature of the container 120 may be a recess (e.g., a cylindrical recess) extending inwardly into the container 120 (e.g., into the bottom of the container 120, such as along the first direction 2). Generally, the mating feature (e.g., recess) of the container 120 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the mating feature (e.g., protrusion) of the plate 180 for preventing the container 120 from moving relative to the plate 180.

[0036] In examples, the support 110 can comprise a shaft 110b, such as is illustrated in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5D. In some examples, the shaft 110b can be a shaft of an actuator 140 or coupled to a shaft of the actuator 140. Additionally, or alternatively, the support 110 may include a base plate 110a configured to support the container 120 (refer to FIG. 5B and FIG. 5D). The base plate 110a may support the container 120 indirectly (as shown in FIG. 5D) or directly (as shown in FIG. 6D and FIG. 7D). In examples in which the base plate 110a supports the container 120 indirectly, the container 120 may be directly supported by the centering mechanism 150 (as shown in FIG. 5D). As illustrated in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5D, the shaft 110b can extend from the base plate 110a along a first direction 2. In examples, the shaft 110b may be driven (e.g., by an actuator 140) so as to move the support 110 toward the follower 130.

[0037] In examples, the container positioning apparatus 100 may include a frame 102, such as is illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A and further shown in FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 7A. In examples, one of the follower 130 and the support 110 may be fixed (e.g., to the frame 102) and the other of the follower 130 and the support 110 may be movable, as described herein. In other examples, the follower 130 and the support 110 may both be movable toward one another, as described herein. In particular examples, the frame 102 may extend above and about the container 120 and the support 110, and the follower 130 may extend downwardly from the frame 102 (e.g., along the first direction 2).

[0038] With continued reference to FIG. 1A, the container positioning apparatus 100 may include an actuator 140. Generally, the actuator 140 may be configured to move the support 110 toward the follower 130 and/or to move the follower 130 toward the support 110. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1A, the actuator 140 is coupled to the support 110, though other examples are not so limited. The actuator 140 may generally be of any suitable size, shape, and/or structure for moving at least one of the support 110 and the follower 130 toward the other of the support 110 and the follower 130. By way of non-limiting example, the actuator 140 may be a hydraulic ram or a linear actuator. In examples (not shown), the centering mechanism 150 may be configured to cause at least a portion of the actuator 140 to be free to “float” or move relative to the follower 130 so as to align the container 120 substantially centrally with respect to the follower 130. In such examples, the centering mechanism 150 may be coupled to the support 110 by an intervening portion of the actuator 140, such that the centering mechanism 150 enables the actuator 140 and the support 110 to move relative to the follower 130 so as to align the container 120 substantially centrally with respect to the follower 130.

[0039] Turning to FIG. IB, the centering mechanism 150 is shown according to one example. As described herein, the centering mechanism 150 may generally permit relative movement between the support 110 (e.g., and the container 120 supported thereon) and the follower 130 so as to align the container 120 substantially centrally with respect to the follower 130 as the container 120 receives the follower 130.

[0040] The centering mechanism 150 may include a fixed body 152 and a movable body 154. The movable body 154 may be configured to move relative to the fixed body 152. Movement of the movable body 154 relative to the fixed body 152 may permit movement of at least one of the support 110 and the follower 130 relative to the other of the support 110 and the follower 130 so as to align one of the container 120 and the follower 130 substantially centrally with respect to the other of the container 120 and the follower 130. Movement of the movable body 154 relative to the fixed body 152 may thereby assist in correcting misalignment (e.g., misalignment along a lateral direction 4, perpendicular to the first direction 2, and/or angular misalignment about an axis that extends perpendicularly to the first direction 2) between the container 120 and the follower 130. Generally, the movable body 154 may be coupled to the support 110 or may be coupled to the follower 130.

[0041] The movable body 154 may be configured to move up-and-down, move side-to- side, rotate, and/or tilt relative to the fixed body 152. In examples, the movable body 154 may not be connected to the fixed body 152 such that the movable body 154 is free to “float” or move relative to the fixed body 152. In examples, the movable body 154 may be configured to move relative to the fixed body 152 along a first direction 2. In other examples, the movable body 154 may be configured to move relative to the fixed body 152 along a lateral direction 4 perpendicular to the first direction 2. For example, the moveable body 154 may be configured to move relative to the fixed body 152 along all directions in a plane that is perpendicular to the first direction 2. In further examples, the movable body 154 may be configured to move relative to the fixed body 152 by rotating relative to the fixed body 152 about an axis that is angularly offset from the first direction 2 (e.g., that is perpendicular to the first direction 2).

[0042] In some examples, the movable body 154 may be configured to move relative to the fixed body 152 along each of the first direction 2 and the lateral direction 4. In specific examples, the movable body 154 may be configured to move relative to the fixed body 152 along each of the first direction 2 and the lateral direction 4 and may further by rotating relative to the fixed body 152 about the axis angularly offset from the first direction 2. In the illustrated examples, at least a portion of the movable body 154 is disposed within the fixed body 152 such that the fixed body 152 surrounds at least a portion of the movable body 154. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the relative positioning of the fixed body 152 and the movable body 154 could be reversed such that at least a portion of the fixed body 152 would to be disposed within the movable body 154 such that the movable body 154 surrounded at least a portion of the fixed body 152. In examples, at least a portion of the movable body 154 may be configured to support the container 120 thereon. For example, an upper face or upper end 154b of the movable body 154 may, in certain examples, support the container 120 thereon.

[0043] In examples, the fixed body 152 may define an opening 152c. The opening 152c may be defined through an outer surface 152a of the fixed body. In one example, the opening 152c can be circular in a plane that is perpendicular to the first direction 2. However, the opening 152c may generally be of any suitable size and/or shape to suit a particular application. The opening 152c defined in the fixed body 152 may be sized so as to permit at least a portion of the movable body 154 to extend therethrough. As described herein, in certain examples, the portion of the movable body 154 extending through the opening 152c defined in the fixed body 152 may be configured to support the container 120 thereon.

[0044] In examples, the opening 152c may generally define one or more gaps between the fixed body 152 and the movable body 154. Generally, the one or more gaps may define the extent of travel or movement of the movable body 154 relative to the fixed body 152. For example, as illustrated in FIG. IB, the opening 152c may define a gap 156 between the fixed body 152 and the movable body 154. The gap 156 may define the extent of travel or movement of the movable body 154 relative to the fixed body 152 in a plane that is perpendicular to the first direction 2. By way of non-limiting example, the gap 156 may have a dimension of about 6 mm as measured between the fixed body 152 and the movable body 154. As further illustrated in FIG. IB, another gap 158 may be defined between the movable body 154 and an adjacent surface of the container positioning apparatus along the first direction 2. In one example, the adjacent surface can be a surface of the support 110 (e.g., the base plate 110a thereol). In alternative examples (not shown), the adjacent surface could be a surface of the fixed body 152. The gap 158 may define the extent of travel or movement of the movable body 154 relative to the fixed body 152 along the first direction 2. By way of non-limiting example, the gap 158 may have a dimension of about 10mm as measured between the movable body 154 and the support 110 (e.g., the base plate 110a thereol). [0045] As illustrated in FIG. IB and FIG. 3, the fixed body 152 may optionally include one or more fixed body biasing members 153. The fixed body biasing member(s) 153 may generally extend outwardly from an outer surface 152a of the fixed body 152 along the first direction 2. When provided, the fixed body biasing member(s) 153 may generally be configured to support at least a portion of the container 120 thereon. In FIG. 3, the fixed body 152 is illustrated as including six fixed body biasing members 153, although other examples are not so limited. The fixed body 152 may generally include any number of fixed body biasing members 153 as desired to suit a particular application. For example, the fixed body 152 may include zero, one, two, three, four, five, six, or more than six fixed body biasing members 153. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the fixed body biasing member(s) 153 may be of any suitable size and/or shape to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, each fixed body biasing member 153 may be a spring, a resilient material, or other suitable biasing member. In certain examples, the fixed body biasing member(s) 153 are generally configured with sufficient strength to support the weight of the container 120. When multiple fixed body biasing members 153 are provided, the fixed body biasing members 153 may generally be spaced apart from another about the outer surface 152a of the fixed body 152. For example, the fixed body biasing members 153 may be circumferentially spaced apart from one another about the fixed body 152, which may be particularly useful for assisting in supporting a cylindrical container. In other examples, the fixed body biasing members 153 may be spaced apart from one another about the fixed body 152 according to any pattern, including a random or undefined pattern.

[0046] The movable body 154 may define a lower face or end 154a and an upper face or end 154b. In examples, the lower end 154a may be spaced apart from the upper end 154b along the first direction 2. As illustrated in FIGS. IB, 2B, and 3, the movable body 154 may include one or more movable body biasing members 155. The movable body biasing member(s) 155 may generally be configured to bias the upper end 154b of the movable body 154 beyond the fixed body 152 along the first direction. In FIG. 3, the movable body 154 is illustrated as including three movable body biasing members 155, although other examples are not so limited. The movable body 154 may generally include any number of movable body biasing members 155 as desired to suit a particular application. For example, the movable body 154 may include one, two, three, or more than three movable body biasing members 155. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the movable body biasing member(s) 155 may be of any suitable size and/or shape to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, each movable body biasing member 155 may be a spring, a resilient material, or other suitable biasing member. In certain examples, the movable body biasing member(s) 155 are generally configured with sufficient strength to support the weight of the container 120 and to also permit movement of the movable body 154 relative to the fixed body 152. When multiple movable body biasing members 155 are provided, the movable body biasing members 155 may generally be spaced apart from another about the movable body 154. For example, the movable body biasing members 155 may be circumferentially spaced apart from one another about the movable body 154, which may be particularly useful for assisting in supporting a cylindrical container. In other examples, the movable body biasing members 155 may be spaced apart from one another about the movable body 154 according to any pattern, including a random or undefined pattern. In some examples, the movable body biasing member(s) 155 may be connected to the movable body 154. In other examples, the movable body biasing member(s) 155 may be connected to the support 110 (e.g., the base plate 110a thereof) or the fixed body 152.

[0047] As described herein, the movable body 154 may generally be configured to move relative to the fixed body 152. The movable body 154 may move relative to the fixed body 152 between a relaxed state (refer to FIG. IB) and a compressed state (FIG. 2B). In the relaxed state, the movable body biasing member(s) 155 may bias the upper end 154b of the movable body 154 beyond the outer surface 152a of the fixed body 152 by a first dimension along the first direction 2. Additionally, in the relaxed state, the lower end 154a of the movable body 154 may be biased by the movable body biasing member(s) 155 toward the outer surface 152a of the fixed body 152 along the first direction 2.

[0048] In the compressed state, the movable body biasing member(s) 155 may be at least partially compressed (e.g., due to a force applied against the movable body biasing member(s) 155 along the first direction 2). The upper end 154b of the movable body 154 may be positioned relative to the outer surface 152a of the fixed body 152 by a second dimension, less than the first dimension, along the first direction 2. In some examples, the second dimension can be greater than zero such that the upper end 154b extends beyond the outer surface 152a. In other examples, the second dimension can be equal to zero such that the upper end 154b and outer surface 152a are flush with one another. Further, in the compressed state, the lower end 154a of the movable body 154 may be positioned away from the outer surface 152a of the fixed body 152 along the first direction 2. The lower end 154a of the movable body 154 may be positioned further away from the outer surface 152a of the fixed body 152 along the first direction 2 in the compressed state than in the relaxed state. In the compressed state, the lower end 154a of the movable body 154 may be positioned directly adjacent to and/or may abut the base plate 110a of the support 110. In the relaxed state, the gap 158 may be defined between the movable body 154 and the adjacent surface of the support 110 (e.g., the base plate 110a thereof) or fixed body 152. In the compressed state, the gap 158 may be reduced or no gap may be defined between the movable body 154 and the adjacent surface of the support 110 (e.g., the base plate 110a thereof) or fixed body 152. The dimensions of the gap 158 as measured between the movable body 154 and the support 110 (e.g., the base plate 110a thereof) may be greater in the relaxed position than in the compressed position, as may be seen by comparing FIG. IB and FIG. 2B.

[0049] As may be seen in FIG. IB and FIG. 2B, the movable body 154 may, in certain examples, include a flange 154c. In certain examples, the flange 154c may be an annular flange, although other examples are not so limited. The flange 154c may generally be configured to assist in retaining the movable body 154 within the fixed body 152 as the movable body biasing member(s) 155 bias the movable body 154 beyond the fixed body 152 (e.g., through the opening 152c defined therein) along the first direction 2. In examples, the flange 154c may have one or more dimensions (e.g., diameters or widths) in the lateral direction 4. The dimension of the upper end 154b of the movable body 154 may generally be less than a dimension (e.g., a diameter or width) of the opening 152c in the lateral direction. By way of non-limiting example, the upper end 154b of the movable body may have a dimension (e.g., a diameter) of about 78mm and the opening 152c defined in the fixed body 152 may have a dimension (e.g., a diameter) of about 90mm. The dimension of the flange 154c may generally be greater than a dimension (e.g., a diameter or width) of the opening 152c in the lateral direction. By way of non-limiting example, the flange 154c of the movable body may have a dimension (e.g., a diameter) of about 104mm and the opening 152c defined in the fixed body 152 may have a dimension (e.g., a diameter) of about 90mm. The flange 154c may generally be sized and shaped such that the movable body 154 is retained within the fixed body 152 as the movable body biasing member(s) 155 biases the upper end 154b of the movable body 154 beyond the fixed body 152 (e.g., through the opening 152c defined therein) along the first direction 2 and as the movable body 154 moves, rotates, and/or tilts relative to the fixed body 152.

[0050] In examples, the flange 154c may define at least a portion of the lower face or lower end 154a of the movable body 154. In the relaxed state (refer to FIG. IB), the flange 154c may be spaced apart from the adjacent surface of the support 110 (e.g., the base plate 110a thereol) or fixed body 152, and in the compressed state, the flange 154c may be positioned adjacent to and/or may abut the support 110 (e.g., the base plate 110a thereof). In such examples, the flange 154c may be positioned further away from the outer surface 152a of the fixed body 152 along the first direction 2 in the compressed state than in the relaxed state.

[0051] Turning now to FIG. 4, additional details of the follower 130 may be seen. The follower 130 may include a shaft 132. The shaft 132 may generally have a distal end 132a and a proximal end 132b (refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. 7D) that are offset from one another. In one example, the distal end 132a and the proximal end 132b can be offset from one another along an axis such that the shaft 132 is linear. In some such examples, the axis may extend along the first direction 2. However, it will be understood that the shaft 132 could be bent. The shaft 132 may be hollow so as to facilitate transfer of liquid material from the container 120 through the follower 130. In other words, the shaft 132 may define a channel 132d (refer to FIG. 4) that extends therethrough for communicating the liquid material out from the container 130. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the follower 130 can include a plunger 138. The plunger 138 can be removably coupled to the shaft 132 or can be fixedly attached to the shaft 132. For example, the shaft 132 of the follower 130 may include external threads configured to engage with the plunger 138 of the follower 130. As the container 120 receives the follower 130 therein, the liquid material within the container 120 may be forced out of the container 120 and into the channel 132d of the shaft 132 of the follower 130.

[0052] The follower 130 may further include one or more seals 134 (e.g., an O-ring or gasket). The seal(s) 134 may be disposed about the plunger 138 of the follower 130. The seal(s) 134 may be supported by the shaft 132. The seal(s) 134 may generally be configured to form a seal with the container 120 when the follower 130 is received in the container 120. As described herein, the follower 130 and the support 110 may be spaced apart from one another along the first direction 2 and at least one of the follower 130 and the support 110 may be moved (e.g., by the actuator 140) toward the other of the follower 130 and the support 110. As at least one of the follower 130 and the support 110 is moved (e.g., by the actuator 140) toward the other of the follower 130 and the support 110, the follower 130 may be received in the container 120 (refer to FIGS. 5D, 6D, and 7D). In examples, the seal(s) 134 of the follower 130 may be received in a cavity 124 of the container 120 when the container 120 is supported by the support 110. The seal(s) 134 of the follower 130 may form a seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) with an interior surface 122 of the container 120 defining the cavity 124 of the container 120. The seal formed between the seal(s) 134 of the follower 130 and the container 130 may assist in ensuring that liquid material within the container 120 is transferred therefrom through the follower 132 (e.g., through the channel 132d of the shaft 132 thereof).

[0053] In examples, the follower 130 (e.g., the plunger 138 thereof) includes a terminal end surface 136. The terminal end surface 136 of the follower 130 is generally configured to be received in the container 120 when the container 120 receives the follower 130 as described herein. In examples, the terminal end surface 136 of the follower 130 may be the first portion of the follower 130 that is received in the container 120 as at least one of the follower 130 and the support 110 is moved toward the other of the follower 130 and the support 110 as described herein. In certain examples, the terminal end surface 136 of the follower 130 has a chamfered outer edge 136a. The chamfered outer edge 136a can have a cross-sectional dimension that increases as the chamfered outer edge 136a extends towards the shaft 132. The chamfered outer edge 136a of the terminal end surface 136 of the follower 130 may assist in aligning the follower 130 and container 120 substantially centrally with respect to one another. The chamfered outer edge 136a of the terminal end surface 136 of the follower 130 may assist in maintaining the relative positioning of the container 120 with respect to the support 110 as the centering mechanism 150 aligns one of the container 120 and the follower 130 substantially centrally with respect to the other of the container 120 and the follower 130. The chamfered outer edge 136a of the terminal end surface 136 of the follower 130 may operate similarly to a countersunk screw and cause the centering mechanism 150 to align one of the follower 130 and the container 120 substantially centrally with respect to the other of the follower 130 and the container 120.

[0054] With reference back to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, the shaft 132 of the follower 130 may include a bleed port 132c. The bleed port 132c of the shaft 132 of the follower 130 may generally be configured to facilitate degassing. The bleed port 132c can be in fluid communication with the channel 132d of the shaft 132. As may further be seen, the container positioning apparatus 100 may include a receptacle 104 (e.g., a cup). The receptacle 104 may be positioned so as to catch air and/or residual material (“drool”) that exits the bleed port 132c of the shaft 132 of the follower 130.

[0055] Turning now to FIGS. 5A-D, the container positioning apparatus 100 is illustrated according to one example in which the centering mechanism 150 is supported by the support 100. The foregoing disclosure with respect to the general structure and function of the container positioning apparatus 100 may generally be equally applicable to the container positioning apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 5A-D, except as described otherwise below. [0056] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 5A-D, the centering mechanism 150 is supported by the support 110. In specific implementations, the centering mechanism 150 may be directly coupled to or formed integrally with the support 110. In this example, the support 110 and the centering mechanism 150 may be positioned along one end of the container 120, and the follower 130 may be positioned along an opposite end of the container 120. As described herein, at least one of the support 110 and the follower 130 moves (e.g., via the actuator 140) toward the other of the support 110 and the follower 130 so as to cause the seal 134 of the follower 130 to be received in the container 120 (refer to FIG. 5D).

[0057] In this example, the centering mechanism 150 may move with (e.g., in conjunction with) the support 110 so as to align the container 120 substantially centrally with respect to the follower 130 as the container 120 receives the follower 130. In this example, the container 120 may be supported on the centering mechanism 150 and as the follower 130 is moved toward the support 110 and/or as the support 110 is moved toward the follower 130, the follower 130 may be received in the container 120 (refer to FIG. 5D) and the centering mechanism 150 may move the container 120 to align the container 120 substantially centrally with respect to the follower 130. As the follower 130 is received in the container 120, the movable body 154 of the centering mechanism 150 may move by moving up-and-down, side-to- side, rotationally, and/or tilting so as to move the support 110 relative to the follower 130, thereby aligning the container 120 substantially centrally with respect to the follower 130. Advantageously, as the follower 130 is received in the container 120, the centering mechanism 150 maintains alignment of the container 120 substantially centrally with respect to the follower 130 such that the follower 130 is received in the container 120 without deformation and/or rupture of the container 120 due to the force of at least one of the support 110 and the follower 130 moving with respect to the other.

[0058] Turning now to FIGS. 6A-D, the container positioning apparatus 100 is illustrated according to one example in which the centering mechanism 150 is connected to the follower 130 at the distal end 132a of the shaft 132 of the follower 130. The foregoing disclosure with respect to the general structure and function of the container positioning apparatus 100 may generally be equally applicable to the container positioning apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 6A-D, except as described otherwise below.

[0059] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 6A-D, the centering mechanism 150 is coupled to the follower 130. The centering mechanism 150 may be connected to the follower 130 at the distal end 132a of the shaft 132 of the follower 130. In this example, the follower 130 and the centering mechanism 150 may be positioned along one end of the container 120, and the support 110 may be positioned along an opposite end of the container 120. In some such examples, the centering mechanism 150 may be positioned between the shaft 132 and the plunger 138 of the follower 130. As described herein, at least one of the support 110 and the follower 130 moves (e.g., via the actuator 140) toward the other of the support 110 and the follower 130 so as to cause the seal 134 of the follower 130 to be received in the container 120 (refer to FIG. 6D).

[0060] In this example, the centering mechanism 150 may move with (e.g., in conjunction with) the follower 130. The centering mechanism 150 may move at least a portion of the follower 130 so as to align the follower 130 substantially centrally with respect to the container 120 as the container 120 receives the follower 130. In this example, the container 120 may be supported on the support 110 and as the follower 130 is moved toward the support 110 and/or as the support 110 is moved toward the follower 130, the follower 130 may be received in the container 120 (refer to FIG. 6D) and the centering mechanism 150 may move to align the follower 130 substantially centrally with respect to the container 120. As the follower 130 is received in the container 120, the movable body 154 of the centering mechanism 150 may move by moving up-and-down, side-to-side, rotationally, and/or tilting so as to move at least a portion of the follower 130 relative to the support 110, thereby aligning the follower 130 substantially centrally with respect to the container 120. Advantageously, as the follower 130 is received in the container 120, the centering mechanism 150 maintains alignment of the follower 130 substantially centrally with respect to the container 120 such that the follower 130 is received in the container 120 without deformation and/or rupture of the container 120 due to the force of at least one of the support 110 and the follower 130 moving with respect to the other.

[0061] Turning now to FIGS. 7A-D, the container positioning apparatus 100 is illustrated according to one example in which the shaft 132 of the follower 130 extends from the centering mechanism 150 toward the support 110 along the first direction 2. The foregoing disclosure with respect to the general structure and function of the container positioning apparatus 100 may generally be equally applicable to the container positioning apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 7A-D, except as described otherwise below.

[0062] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 7A-D, the centering mechanism 150 is coupled to the follower 130. The centering mechanism 150 may be connected to the follower 130 at the proximal end 132b of the shaft 132 of the follower 130. In this example, the follower 130 and the centering mechanism 150 may be positioned along one end of the container 120, and the support 110 may be positioned along an opposite end of the container 120. In some such examples, the centering mechanism 150 may be positioned between the shaft 132 of the follower 130 and the frame 102. As described herein, at least one of the support 110 and the follower 130 moves (e.g., via the actuator 140) toward the other of the support 110 and the follower 130 so as to cause the seal 134 of the follower 130 to be received in the container 120 (refer to FIG. 7D).

[0063] In this example, the centering mechanism 150 may move at least a portion of the follower 130 so as to align the follower 130 substantially centrally with respect to the container 120 as the container 120 receives the follower 130. In this example, the container 120 may be supported on the support 110 and as the follower 130 is moved toward the support 110 and/or as the support 110 is moved toward the follower 130, the follower 130 may be received in the container 120 (refer to FIG. 7D) and the centering mechanism 150 may move to align the follower 130 substantially centrally with respect to the container 120. As the follower 130 is received in the container 120, the movable body 154 of the centering mechanism 150 may move by moving up-and-down, side-to-side, rotationally, and/or tilting so as to move at least a portion of the follower 130 relative to the support 110, thereby aligning the follower 130 substantially centrally with respect to the container 120. Advantageously, as the follower 130 is received in the container 120, the centering mechanism 150 maintains alignment of the follower 130 substantially centrally with respect to the container 120 such that the follower 130 is received in the container 120 without deformation and/or rupture of the container 120 due to the force of at least one of the support 110 and the follower 130 moving with respect to the other.

[0064] In examples, the container 120 may be supported on the centering mechanism 150 (refer to FIG. 5C) and/or may be supported on the support 110 (refer to FIG. 6C and FIG. 7C). In some examples, a retaining mechanism may be provided to provide support for the container 120 and assist in retaining the positioning of the container 120 relative to the components of the container positioning apparatus 100. In certain examples, the retaining mechanism may be in the form of a sleeve 112, such as is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-B, 6A-B, and 7A-B. The sleeve 112 may at least partially surround the container 120. In examples, the sleeve 112 may be supported on the centering mechanism 150 (refer to FIGS. 5A-B) and/or may be supported on the support 110 (refer to FIGS. 6A-B and 7A-B). In examples, the sleeve 112 may include a first sleeve portion 112a and a second sleeve portion 112b. The first and second sleeve portions 112a, 112b may be movably connected (e.g., hingedly connected) to one another. In certain examples, the sleeve 122 may be removably coupled to the support 110. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6B and FIG. 7B, a retaining element 114 (e.g., a clasp) may removably couple the sleeve 112 to the support 110.

[0065] As described herein, at least one of the follower 130 and the support 110 may be moved (e.g., by the actuator 140) relative to the other of the follower 130 and the support 110. Although the illustrated examples show the relative movement between the follower 130 and the support 110 as occurring along the first direction 2, it is to be understood that the orientation of the system 10 could be modified due to the seal formed between the follower 130 and the container 120, such that at least one of the follower 130 and the support 110 may be moved (e.g., by the actuator 140) relative to the other of the follower 130 and the support 110 along any direction as desired to suit a particular application.

[0066] It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of the examples shown in the figures are for exemplary purposes only, and should not be construed limiting the disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure contemplates various examples. Additionally, it should be understood that the concepts described above with the above-described examples may be employed alone or in combination with any of the other examples described above. It should further be appreciated that the various alternative examples described above with respect to one illustrated example can apply to all examples as described herein, unless otherwise indicated.

[0067] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” preceded the value or range. The terms “about” and “approximately” can be understood as describing a range that is within 15 percent of a specified value unless otherwise stated.

[0068] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include these features, elements and/or steps. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth.

[0069] While certain examples have been described, these examples have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and articles described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and articles described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of certain of the inventions disclosed herein.

[0070] It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods set forth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Likewise, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various examples of the present invention.

[0071] Although the elements in the following method claims are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.

[0072] It will be understood that reference herein to “a” or “one” to describe a feature such as a component or step does not foreclose additional features or multiples of the feature. For instance, reference to a device having or defining “one” of a feature does not preclude the device from having or defining more than one of the feature, as long as the device has or defines at least one of the feature. Similarly, reference herein to “one of’ a plurality of features does not foreclose the invention from including two or more, up to all, of the features. For instance, reference to a device having or defining “one of a X and Y” does not foreclose the device from having both the X and Y.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. A container positioning apparatus, comprising: a support configured to support a container thereon; a follower spaced apart from the support along a first direction, the follower comprising a shaft and a seal supported by the shaft, the seal configured to be received in a cavity of the container when the container is supported by the support such that the seal forms a seal with an interior surface of the container that defines the cavity; an actuator configured to move at least one of the support and the follower toward the other of the support and the follower so as to cause the seal to be received in the container; and a centering mechanism including a fixed body and a movable body configured to move relative to the fixed body, the centering mechanism being coupled to one of the support and the follower such that the centering mechanism enables at least one of the support and the follower to move relative to the other of the support and the follower as the seal is received in the container so as to align one of the container and the follower substantially centrally with respect to the other of the container and the follower.

2. The container positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable body is configured to move relative to the fixed body along the first direction.

3. The container positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable body is configured to move relative to the fixed body along a lateral direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The container positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable body is configured to move relative to the fixed body by rotating relative to the fixed body about an axis that is angularly offset from the first direction.

5. The container positioning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the axis is perpendicular to the first direction.

6. The container positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable body includes at least one movable body biasing member configured to bias the movable body beyond the fixed body along the first direction.

7. The container positioning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one movable body biasing member includes a plurality of movable body biasing members spaced apart from one another about the movable body of the centering mechanism.

8. The container positioning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the movable body of the centering mechanism is configured to move relative to the fixed body of the centering mechanism between (i) a relaxed state in which a lower end of the movable body is biased by the at least one movable body biasing member toward an outer surface of the fixed body along the first direction and (ii) a compressed state in which the lower end of the movable body is positioned further from the outer surface of the fixed body along the first direction than in the relaxed state.

9. The container positioning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the fixed body defines an opening and at least a portion of the movable body is configured to extend through the opening.

10. The container positioning apparatus of claim 9, wherein the portion of the movable body that extends through the opening is configured to support the container thereon.

11. The container positioning apparatus of claim 9, wherein the movable body includes a flange having a dimension in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the dimension of the flange being greater than a dimension of the opening in the second direction.

12. The container positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein a gap is defined between the fixed and movable bodies of the centering mechanism, the gap defining the extent of movement of the movable body relative to the fixed body along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

13. The container positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein a gap is defined between the fixed and movable bodies of the centering mechanism, the gap defining the extent of movement of the movable body relative to the fixed body along the first direction.

14. The container positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the follower has a terminal end surface that is configured to be received in the container, and an outer edge of the terminal end surface is chamfered to assist in aligning the follower and container substantially centrally with respect to one another.

15. The container positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixed body of the centering mechanism includes at least one fixed body biasing member extending outwardly from an outer surface of the fixed body in the first direction.

16. The container positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the centering mechanism is supported by the support, and the centering mechanism is configured to move with the support so as to align the container substantially centrally with respect to the follower as the container receives the follower.

17. The container positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the follower is coupled to the centering mechanism and the centering mechanism is configured to move at least a portion of the follower so as to align the follower substantially centrally with respect to the container as the container receives the follower.

18. The container positioning apparatus of claim 13, wherein the centering mechanism is connected to the follower at a distal end of the shaft of the follower.

19. The container positioning apparatus of claim 13, wherein the shaft of the follower extends from the centering mechanism toward the support along the first direction.

20. The container positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the follower and the support is fixed along the first direction and the other of the follower and the support is movable along the first direction.

21. The container positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support is configured to fixedly support the container thereon.

22. The container positioning apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a sleeve configured to at least partially surround the container, the support configured to support the sleeve thereon.

23. The container positioning apparatus of claim of claim 22, wherein the sleeve includes a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion movably connected to the first sleeve portion.

24. The container positioning apparatus of claim 22, further comprising at least one retaining element removably coupling the sleeve to the support.

25. A system, comprising: the container positioning apparatus of claim 1 ; and a conduit configured to transfer fluid material from the container to an applicator through the follower.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the conduit is configured to transfer the material out of the container at up to 3,000 psi.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein the centering mechanism is supported by the support, and the centering mechanism is configured to move with the support so as to align the container substantially centrally with respect to the follower as the container receives the follower.

28. The system of claim 25, wherein the follower is coupled to the centering mechanism and the centering mechanism is configured to move at least a portion of the follower so as to align the follower substantially centrally with respect to the container as the container receives the follower.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the centering mechanism is connected to the follower at a distal end of the shaft of the follower.

30. The system of claim 28, wherein the shaft of the follower extends from the centering mechanism toward the support along the first direction.

31. A method, comprising: supporting a container on a support spaced apart from a follower along a first direction, the follower comprising a shaft and a seal supported by the shaft; moving at least one of the support and the follower toward the other of the support and the follower so as to cause the seal to be received in a cavity of the container such that the seal forms a seal with an interior surface of the container that defines the cavity; and aligning one of the container and the follower substantially centrally with respect to the other of the container and the follower by moving a movable body of a centering mechanism relative to a fixed body of the centering mechanism, the centering mechanism being coupled to one of the support and the follower so as to move at least one of the support and the follower relative to the other of the support and the follower as the seal is received in the container.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the centering mechanism is supported by the support, the method further comprising moving the centering mechanism with the support so as to align the container substantially centrally with respect to the follower as the container receives the follower.

33. The method of claim 31, further wherein the follower is coupled to the centering mechanism, the method further comprising moving at least a portion of the follower with the centering mechanism so as to align the follower substantially centrally with respect to the container as the container receives the follower.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein the centering mechanism is connected to the follower at a distal end of the shaft of the follower.

35. The method of claim 31, wherein the shaft of the follower extends from the centering mechanism toward the support along the first direction.

36. The method of claim 31, further comprising transferring fluid material from the container to an applicator through the follower.