Patent ID: 6688580
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: B05C

Abstract:
A method of changing a size of a die cavity of a die on a fluid dispensing apparatus having a dispensing valve, the die cavity having an upstream end in fluid communication with the dispensing valve and a downstream end with an opening for dispensing fluid onto a substrate, the the dispensing valve being operable to initiate and terminate a flow of fluid through the die cavity and onto a substrate, the method comprising:providing a first die lip positioned adjacent a second die lip, the first die lip and the second die lip being separate from, and located downstream of, the dispensing valve and the first die tip and the second die lip defining the die cavity therebetween; and automatically moving the first die lip away from the second die lip with an actuator to increase the size of the opening and the die cavity and contain any fluid dispensed by the valve while terminating a flow of fluid through the die cavity.