Patent ID: 7963246

Claim:
An apparatus for controlled application of adhesive to a manually moveable workpiece, said apparatus comprising: (a) a worktable for receiving the workpiece, said worktable having a motion detection device mounted on its surface for detecting movement of the workpiece; (b) an adhesive dispensing mechanism for dispensing adhesive onto the workpiece in response to signals generated by the motion detection device, said adhesive dispensing mechanism mounted on the worktable and having a valve body with an inlet port for receiving adhesive, a retractable valve needle extending through the valve body, a nozzle with an outlet port, a flow adaptor positioned within the nozzle whereby the valve needle extends into the flow adaptor and controls adhesive flowing through the outlet port, a part guide encompassing the nozzle for guiding the nozzle along the workpiece, and a linear motor operatively connected to the valve needle for extending or retracting the valve needle in response to a signal; (c) an electronic control system for receiving signals from the motion detection device and for sending signals to the adhesive dispensing mechanism for supplying a controlled amount of adhesive to the workpiece as it is manually moved about the worktable; and (d) an adhesive source operatively connected to the adhesive dispensing mechanism for supplying pressurized adhesive thereto.