Bulk dispensing device for sealing compounds

Abstract

A system for bulk dispensing of an expandable sealant for use in electrical tabs configured for use in dangerous or harsh environments. The system includes a container having a first chamber for containing a first component and a second chamber for containing a second component. And an outfit configured to receive the container. The dispenser includes a first plunger and a second plunger, where the first plunger is aligned with the first cavity and the second cavity is aligned with the second plunger when the container is positioned into the dispenser. And a nozzle configured to engage the distal end of the container. The nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the first cavity and the second cavity when it is attached to the container. The nozzle has an internal labyrinth channel configured to be in fluid communication with the first cavity and the second cavity.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present application claims the benefit and priority of Indian Patent Application No. 202311041666 filed on June 22, 2023, titled “Bulk Dispensing Device for Sealing Composites” which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the dispensing of sealing compounds. More particularly, it relates to an apparatus for dispensing sealing compounds for use in electrical connections in hazardous or harsh conditions. Background Art

[0004] The sealing compound is used to limit the propagation of steam and / or flame through the sealed joint. The edible use of the sealing compound allows the sealed joint to be used in hazardous locations where the propagation of steam and / or flame through the sealed joint is undesirable.

[0005] Some sealing compounds require the user to mix a powder with water, stir the mixture, and then pour the mixture into the sealing joint. In some cases, it is difficult to keep the sealing compound in the appropriate parts of the sealing joint as the sealing compound cures. The difficulty is increased by the long curing time of the sealing compound (e.g., powdered compounds often require 8 hours or more).

[0006] To help properly place the sealing compound into the sealing joint piece, a fiber dam may be placed in the sealing joint piece prior to inserting the sealing compound. The fiber dam helps prevent the sealing compound from flowing out of the sealing joint piece during the curing process.

[0007] The present application provides an apparatus for improving the placement and curing of sealing compounds in sealing joints. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention provides a system for bulk dispensing an expandable sealant for an electrical connector configured for use in a hazardous or harsh environment. The system includes a container having a first chamber for accommodating a first component and a second chamber for accommodating a second component. The first chamber is fluidically isolated from the second chamber. An injector configured to receive the container. The injector includes a first plunger and a second plunger, wherein when the container is positioned in the injector, the first plunger is aligned with the first chamber and the second chamber is aligned with the second plunger. A nozzle configured to engage the distal end of the container. The nozzle is positioned to be in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber when attached to the container. The nozzle has an internal labyrinth passage configured to be in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. Actuation of the injector causes the first plunger and the second plunger to force the first component and the second component to flow out of the container and into the nozzle, wherein the first component and the second component are mixed to form an expandable sealant for injection into the electrical connector.

[0009] In the foregoing system, a meter is provided for dispensing predetermined volumes of the first component and the second component.

[0010] In the aforementioned system, the injector includes a trigger for actuating the first plunger and the second plunger.

[0011] In the foregoing system, the trigger is indexed to incrementally move the first plunger and the second plunger.

[0012] In the foregoing system, further comprising a cap configured to engage the container to seal both the first cavity and the second cavity when the nozzle is decoupled from the container.

[0013] In the above system, the first valve is attached to the first chamber, and the second valve is attached to the second chamber. The first valve and the second valve are usually configured to be normally closed and open when the first chamber and the second chamber reach predetermined internal pressures, respectively.

[0014] A method for dispensing an expandable sealant from a container is also provided, the container having a first chamber for containing a first component and a second chamber for containing a second component. The first chamber is fluidly isolated from the second chamber. The method includes attaching the container to an injector, the injector including a first plunger and a second plunger, wherein when the container is positioned in the injector, the first plunger is aligned with the first chamber and the second plunger is aligned with the second chamber; attaching a nozzle to a distal end of the container, the nozzle being positioned to be in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber when it is attached to the container, the nozzle having an internal labyrinth passage configured to be in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber; and actuating the injector to cause the first plunger and the second plunger to force the first component and the second component out of the container and into the nozzle, wherein the first component and the second component are mixed to form an expandable sealant for injection into an electrical connector used in a hazardous or harsh environment.

[0015] In the foregoing method, the step of actuating the dispenser includes a gauge for dispensing predetermined volumes of the first component and the second component.

[0016] In the aforementioned method, the step of actuating the ejector includes actuating a trigger member for moving the first plunger and the second plunger.

[0017] In the foregoing method, the trigger is indexed to incrementally add predetermined volumes of the first component and the second component.

[0018] In the foregoing method, a step of removing the nozzle and applying a cap to the container is provided, wherein the cap is configured to seal both the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0019] In the aforementioned method, the container includes a first valve attached to the first chamber and a second valve attached to the second chamber. The first valve and the second valve are generally configured to be normally closed and normally open when the first chamber and the second chamber reach predetermined internal pressures, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the sealing joint member;

[0021] Figure 2 is a side view of the dispenser with a container attached;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 an enlarged view of the container; and

[0023] Figure 4 is configured to be attached to Figure 3 Side view of the nozzle of the container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following presents a description of the present disclosure; however, these aspects can be embodied in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, the following examples can be provided alone or in combination with one or more examples discussed herein.

[0025] Figure 1 The connector 100 is shown oriented in a vertical direction, i.e., extending vertically along the main axis of the connector 100. The connector 100 includes a first open end 102 and a second open end 104. The first open end 102 includes threads for allowing a conduit (not shown) to be screwed to the first open end 102. The second open end 104 also includes threads (not shown) for allowing a conduit (not shown) to be screwed to the second open end 104.

[0026] The connector 100 is configured to connect two conduits (not shown) together so that the conduit (not shown) can extend from one conduit to another conduit. The connector 100 includes an angled opening 106 formed in the body of the connector 100 between a first open end 102 and a second open end 104. A plug 110 is configured to be screwed into the angled opening 106 to seal the angled opening 106.

[0027] Reference Figure 2-4 , wherein a dispensing assembly 200 for injecting sealant into the angled opening 106 is provided. The dispensing assembly 200 includes an injector 210, a dual barrel 230 and nozzles 240A, 240B ( Figure 4 ).

[0028] Reference Figure 2, the injector 210 includes a handle 212a and a trigger 212b. The trigger 212b is configured to move the plunger 214 of the injector 210 when actuated by a user, i.e., when the trigger 212b and the handle 212a are squeezed by the user to move the trigger 212b toward the handle 212a. It is contemplated that the trigger 212b may include a stop to allow the trigger 212b to incrementally move the plunger 214 in a stepwise manner when actuated. The housing 216 of the injector 210 is configured to receive the dual barrel 230. It is contemplated that the housing 216 may include a groove (not shown) that is sized to engage with a mating feature (discussed in detail below) on the distal end of the dual barrel 230.

[0029] Reference Figure 3 , the double barrel 230 includes two tubes or chambers, namely a first tube or chamber 232 and a second tube or chamber 234 that are fluidically isolated from each other. The first tube 232 contains a first compound, and the second tube 234 contains a second compound. The first compound and the second compound are selected so that they do not react before they are mixed together. A first valve (not shown) is arranged near the dispensing port of the first tube 232, and a second valve (not shown) is arranged near the dispensing port of the second tube 234. The first valve and the second valve are usually normally closed valves, and the size of the normally closed valve is designed to open when the pressure in the first tube or the first chamber 232 and the second tube or the second chamber 234 reaches a predetermined internal pressure respectively. Once the pressure is eliminated, the first valve and the second valve return to the normally closed position. The double barrel 230 includes an outlet port 236 that is fluidly connected to the first tube or the first chamber 232 and the second tube or the second chamber 234. The opposite end of the double barrel 230 includes a mating flange 238 extending outward from the end of the double barrel 230. The flange 238 is sized to be received into a groove (not shown) on the housing 216 of the injector 210 to secure the dual barrel 230 to the injector 210 .

[0030] Reference Figure 4, the nozzles 240A, 240B are configured to be attached to the dispensing ports of the dual barrel 230. The nozzle 240A includes an inlet port 242a leading to a labyrinth passage 246a, wherein the two fluids flowing into the inlet port 242a are mixed together when they travel from the inlet port 242a to the outlet port 248a. Similarly, the nozzle 240B includes an inlet port 242b leading to a labyrinth passage 246b, wherein the two fluids flowing into the inlet port 242b are mixed together when they travel from the inlet port 242b to the outlet port 248b. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet port 242a of the nozzle 240A includes a flange, the size of which is designed to engage the outlet port 236 of the dual barrel 230. The flange can be fixed to the outlet port 236 by twisting the flange into a mating groove (not shown) formed in the outlet port 236. The inlet port 242 b of the nozzle 240B may have threads sized to be screwed into the mating threads of the outlet port 236 of the dual barrel 230 to secure the nozzle 240B to the dual barrel 230 .

[0031] The method of operation of the present invention will now be described. Figure 2 The double barrel 230 is attached to the housing 216 of the injector 210 so that each tube 232, 234 is aligned with the respective plunger 214 of the injector 210. One of the nozzles 240A, 240B is attached to the distal end of the double barrel 230. When the nozzles 240A, 240B are fixed to the double barrel 230, a fluid connection is established between the tubes 232, 234 and the labyrinth channels 246a, 246b of the nozzles 240A, 240B.

[0032] In order to dispense liquid from the dual barrel 230, the trigger 212b is actuated to cause the plunger 214 to move into the respective tubes 232 and 234. Specifically, the handle 212a and the trigger 212b are squeezed by the user to cause the trigger 212b to move toward the handle 212a. When the trigger 212b moves toward the handle 212a, the plunger 214 moves into the tubes 232 and 234, thereby increasing the pressure in the tubes 232 and 234. When the pressure in the tubes 232 and 234 increases, the pressure reaches a level sufficient to cause the valve in the dual barrel 230 to move from the normally closed position to the open position. Once the valve is opened, the components in the tubes 232 and 234 are forced to squeeze out of the tubes 232 and 234, pass through the valve (not shown), and enter the nozzles 240A and 240B. When the two components flow through the nozzles 240A and 240B, they are forced to mix with each other in the labyrinth passages 246a and 246b. When these components are mixed, a chemical reaction occurs to form a sealant. The sealant is then ejected from the nozzles 240a, 240b and enters the angled opening 106. Once the pipe fitting 100 is filled to the appropriate height, the plug 110 is fixed to the angled opening 106 to close it. After the desired sealant has been dispensed, the pressure on the trigger 212b is released to reduce the pressure in the tubes 232, 234 to allow the valves to return to the normally closed position. The cap (not shown) can then be attached to the outlet port 236 of the double barrel 230 to seal the tubes 232, 234 so that the double barrel 230 can be used later.

[0033] The formed sealant is designed to expand within the fitting 100 to fill the voids within the fitting 100 and separate the conduits from each other and the walls of the fitting 100. The ability of the sealant to expand in all directions reduces or eliminates the need for filter dams when the fitting 100 is oriented horizontally. In addition, the curing time of the sealant is greatly reduced compared to powdered compounds.

[0034] It is contemplated that a digital gauge (not shown) may be attached to the dispenser 210 for metering the first and second components flowing from the dual barrel 230. The digital gauge may also be calibrated to dispense the exact volume of the first and second components based on the size of the fitting 100. The calibration may help improve the reproducibility of forming a proper seal in each application.

[0035] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for bulk dispensing an expandable sealant for use in an electrical connector configured for use in a hazardous or harsh environment, the system comprising: a container having a first chamber for containing a first component and a second chamber for containing a second component, wherein the first chamber is fluidly isolated from the second chamber; an ejector configured to receive the container, the ejector comprising a first plunger and a second plunger, wherein when the container is positioned to the ejector, the first plunger is aligned with the first cavity and the second cavity is aligned with the second plunger; and a nozzle configured to engage a distal end of the container, the nozzle positioned to be in fluid communication with the first and second cavities when the nozzle is attached to the container, the nozzle having an internal labyrinth passage configured to be in fluid communication with the first and second cavities, The injector is actuated so that the first plunger and the second plunger force the first component and the second component out of the container and into the nozzle, wherein the first component and the second component mix to form an expandable sealant for injection into the electrical connector.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a meter for dispensing predetermined volumes of the first component and the second component.

3. The system of claim 1, the injector comprising a trigger for actuating the first plunger and the second plunger.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the trigger is indexed to incrementally move the first plunger and the second plunger. 5 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a cap configured to engage the container to seal both the first cavity and the second cavity when the nozzle is disengaged from the container.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first valve attached to the first chamber and a second valve attached to the second chamber, the first valve and the second valve being generally configured to be normally closed and to open when the first chamber and the second chamber, respectively, reach predetermined internal pressures.

7. A method for dispensing an expandable sealant from a container having a first chamber for containing a first component and a second chamber for containing a second component, wherein the first chamber is fluidly isolated from the second chamber, the method comprising: attaching the container to an injector, the injector comprising a first plunger and a second plunger, wherein the first plunger is aligned with the first cavity and the second plunger is aligned with the second cavity when the container is positioned to the injector; attaching a nozzle to the distal end of the container, the nozzle positioned to be in fluid communication with the first cavity and the second cavity when attached to the container, the nozzle having an internal labyrinthine passage configured to be in fluid communication with the first cavity and the second cavity; as well as The injector is actuated so that the first and second plungers force the first and second components out of the container and into the nozzle, wherein the first and second components mix to form an expandable sealant for injection into electrical connectors used in hazardous or harsh environments.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of actuating the dispenser includes a gauge for dispensing predetermined volumes of the first component and the second component.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of actuating the ejector comprises actuating a trigger for moving the first plunger and the second plunger.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the trigger is indexed to incrementally increase the predetermined volumes of the first component and the second component.

11. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of removing the nozzle and applying a cap to the container, wherein the cap is configured to seal both the first cavity and the second cavity.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the container comprises a first valve attached to the first chamber and a second valve attached to the second chamber, and the first valve and the second valve are generally configured to be normally closed and open when the first chamber and the second chamber reach predetermined internal pressures, respectively.

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