Patent ID: 9415415
Filing Date: 2016-08-16
CPC Classification: B05B,B05C

Claim Text:
1. A liquid dividing module configured to supply adhesive from a manifold to a dispensing module in a variable output dispensing applicator, the liquid dividing module comprising: a module body including a proximal wall configured to abut the manifold and a distal wall configured to abut the dispensing module; a liquid inlet located in said proximal wall and configured to receive a full volume flow of adhesive from the manifold; a liquid outlet located in said distal wall and configured to deliver the full volume flow or a reduced volume flow of adhesive to the dispensing module; a valve chamber positioned within said module body and housing a valve member therein; a first internal passage extending from said liquid inlet to said liquid outlet; a second internal passage extending from said liquid inlet to said valve chamber, and from said valve chamber to said liquid outlet, such that the liquid dividing module divides the full volume flow of adhesive at said liquid inlet into a first partial flow of adhesive, which continuously moves to said liquid outlet via said first internal passage, and a second partial flow of adhesive, which moves into said valve chamber via said second internal passage; a recirculation outlet located in said proximal wall and configured to communicate with the manifold; and a recirculation passage communicating with said valve chamber and said recirculation outlet, said valve member moveable from an open position enabling the second partial flow of adhesive to continue moving through said second internal passage so as to be rejoined with the first partial flow of adhesive to provide the full volume flow at said liquid outlet, to a closed position blocking flow through said second internal passage and thereby providing only the reduced volume flow at said liquid outlet, the second partial flow of adhesive being directed to flow into said recirculation passage towards said recirculation outlet when said valve member is moved to the closed position.