Piezoelectric actuated valve and dispensing cartridge

Abstract

Embodiments included herein relate to devices, systems, and methods for fluid dispensing. Embodiments may include a piezo-actuated valve, a dispensing cartridge, and a closed loop system for regulating a pressure associated with the fluid dispenser. Embodiments of an apparatus may include a piezo-actuated valve and a dispensing cartridge.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 413,998, filed on October 7, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0002] In some cases, it may be necessary to dispense a small and controlled amount of fluid at a specific location. For example, it may be necessary to dispense an adhesive on an automated production line, such as a fraction of a milliliter of adhesive on a specific part of a product. Additionally, in a production environment, it may be desirable to minimize interruptions (e.g., on an automated assembly line). Interruptions can occur when a fluid dispenser needs to be refilled or replaced. In such cases, the assembly line may need to be stopped, the fluid dispenser may need to be removed, and a full - load dispenser may need to be properly placed in position. Some assembly lines may use several fluid dispensers, and each of these dispensers may need to hold fluid. This situation can lead to a need to frequently stop the production line operation to refill or replace empty fluid dispensers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] As will be discussed in more detail below, embodiments of the present application relate to devices, systems, and methods for fluid dispensing. Embodiments of the device may include a piezoelectrically actuated valve. The device may also include a dispensing cartridge.

[0004] Some or all of the following features may be included. The piezoelectric actuated valve may include a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuated valve may further include a drive link arranged to be actuated by the piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuated valve may further include a tappet arranged to have an open position and a closed position based on the piezoelectric actuator of the piezoelectric actuated valve. The dispensing cartridge may include a syringe loadable by a twist to connect loader. The top of the twist to connect loader may be arranged to be screwed into the dispensing cartridge to load the syringe. The bottom of the twist to connect loader may be arranged to be screwed into the fluid delivery attachment of the device to lock the dispensing cartridge in the device. The dispensing cartridge may further include a linear drive motor system arranged to operate the syringe. The device may further include a fluid reservoir and a fluid channel. The device may further include a pressure sensor arranged to detect the pressure in the fluid channel. The linear drive motor system may be arranged to operate the syringe based on the pressure in the fluid channel. The linear drive motor system may be arranged to operate the syringe to increase the pressure in the fluid channel based on the low pressure in the fluid channel detected by the pressure sensor. The linear drive motor system may be arranged to operate the syringe to decrease the pressure in the fluid channel based on the high pressure in the fluid channel detected by the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid channel may establish a closed-loop system arranged to regulate the pressure in the fluid channel.

[0005] An embodiment of the dispensing system may include a piezoelectric actuated valve that includes a piezoelectric actuator and a drive link arranged to be actuated by the piezoelectric actuator. The dispensing system may further include a dispensing cartridge that includes a syringe loadable by a twist to connect loader that is arranged to be screwed into the dispensing cartridge to load the syringe. The dispensing system may further include a linear drive motor system that is arranged to operate the syringe. The dispensing system may additionally include a closed-loop system that is arranged to regulate the pressure in the fluid channel of the dispensing system by operating the syringe using the linear drive motor system based on the pressure in the fluid channel detected by a pressure sensor of the dispensing system.

[0006] Some or all of the following features may be included. The linear drive motor system may be arranged to operate the syringe to increase the pressure in the fluid channel based on the low pressure in the fluid channel detected by the pressure sensor. The linear drive motor system may be arranged to operate the syringe to decrease the pressure in the fluid channel based on the high pressure in the fluid channel detected by the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid channel may establish a closed-loop system arranged to regulate the pressure in the fluid channel.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for regulating pressure in a dispensing system may include detecting pressure in a fluid passage of the dispensing system using a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure is partially generated by a dispensing cartridge having a syringe and a piezoelectrically activated valve system associated with the fluid passage. The method may further include operating the syringe using a linear drive motor system of the dispensing cartridge to increase the pressure in the fluid passage based on a determination that the pressure in the fluid passage is below a low pressure threshold.

[0008] Some or all of the following features may be included. The method may include operating the syringe using a linear drive motor system of the dispensing cartridge to decrease the pressure in the fluid passage based on a determination that the pressure in the fluid passage is above a high pressure threshold. The pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid passage may establish a closed-loop system configured to regulate the pressure in the fluid passage.

[0009] Details of one or more example embodiments will be set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other possible example features and / or possible example advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Some embodiments may not have these possible example features and / or possible example advantages, and these possible example features and / or possible example advantages are not necessarily required for some embodiments.

[0010] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts that will be further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Embodiments of the present application are described with reference to the following drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 Shows an example device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0013] Figure 2 Shows an example device according to an embodiment of the present application and the dimensional relationships of the device;

[0014] Figure 3 Shows an example piezoelectrically activated valve according to an embodiment of the present application and a cross-sectional view thereof;

[0015] Figure 4 Shows a cross-sectional view of an example piezoelectrically activated valve according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] Figure 5 Also shows a cross-sectional view of an example piezoelectrically activated valve according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] Figure 6 Shows a cross-sectional view of an example dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a dispensing cassette according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0019] Figure 8 A view of a dispensing cassette being loaded according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0020] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a dispensing cassette according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0021] Figure 10 An example operation of a method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0022] Figure 11 An example controller according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0023] Figure 12 An example device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0024] Figure 13 An example device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0025] Figure 14 An example device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; and

[0026] Figure 15 An example device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0027] Like reference numerals in the various figures may represent like elements. Detailed Description

[0028] The following discussion pertains to some embodiments. It should be understood that the following discussion is only intended to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use any subject matter defined by the "claims" of any of the patents herein, whether currently or later granted.

[0029] Specifically, the claimed combination of features is not limited to the embodiments and / or implementations and descriptions included herein, but includes modifications of these implementations, including combinations of multiple parts of the implementations and elements of different implementations, all of which modifications fall within the scope of the following claims. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, such as in the development of any engineering or design project, many decisions specific to the implementation must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as meeting system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. In addition, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but it is still routine work in the design, manufacturing, and production processes for those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from this application. Nothing in this application is to be considered critical or essential to the claimed invention unless clearly designated as "critical" or "essential".

[0030] It will also be understood that although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish between the various elements. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first object or step may be referred to as a second object or step, and similarly, a second object or step may be referred to as a first object or step. The first object or step and the second object or step are each an object or a step, but they should not be regarded as the same object or the same step.

[0031] It may be desirable to design a fluid distribution system in a manner that allows the fluid dispenser to be replaced more quickly or as quickly as possible. In addition, it may be desirable to regulate or control the pressure in the fluid channels of the fluid distribution system. Using the techniques and features described in this application, the fluid dispenser can be replaced more quickly, and the pressure in the fluid channels of the fluid distribution system can be regulated or controlled.

[0032] Embodiments of the present application relate to devices, systems, and methods for fluid distribution. The devices, systems, and methods for fluid distribution and / or the different techniques and features described in this application may be included in one or more products, such as the SmartJet™ product, which may be obtained from the assignee of this application.

[0033] See Figure 1 , which shows an example device 100 for fluid distribution according to an embodiment of the present application. The device 100 may include a piezoelectrically actuated valve, which may also be referred to as a piezoelectrically activated valve or a piezoelectric valve. The device 100 may also include a dispensing cartridge. The dispensing cartridge may include a twist to connect (TTC) dispensing gun. For example, the dispensing cartridge may include a linear drive motor system having the feature of twist or rotation disconnection. A fluid delivery attachment may also be included.

[0034] See Figure 2 , which shows an exemplary device 200 according to an embodiment of the present application and the dimensional relationships of the device. For example, Figure 1 the device 100 shown and Figure 2 the device 200 shown may respectively have a height similar to that of two standard business cards or slightly greater than the height of two standard business cards (e.g., as shown in the left part of Figure 2 ). In addition, Figure 1 the device 100 shown and Figure 2 the device 200 shown may have a depth similar to that of one standard business card or slightly greater than the thickness of one standard business card (e.g., as shown in the right part of Figure 2 ).

[0035] See Figure 3 , which shows an exemplary piezoelectrically actuated valve 300 according to an embodiment of the present application and a cross-sectional view thereof. The piezoelectrically actuated valve 300 may be configured to be used in conjunction with solder paste, however this is for illustrative purposes only, and the piezoelectrically actuated valves described herein may be configured to be used in conjunction with a variety of fluids or fluid-like substances, including but not limited to adhesives or other industrial fluids or substances. As shown in the cross-sectional view of the piezoelectrically actuated valve 300 (e.g., the right part of Figure 3 ), the piezoelectrically actuated valve 300 may include a piezoelectric actuator, a drive link, and a tappet (e.g., a needle). The piezoelectrically actuated valve 300 may also include a removable fluid passage and / or fluid chamber.

[0036] See Figure 4 , which shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary piezoelectrically actuated valve 400 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown, the piezoelectrically actuated valve 400 may include a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectrically actuated valve may also include a drive link. The drive link may be configured to be actuated by the piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectrically actuated valve may also include a nozzle and a tappet, and as shown, the tappet may have a tappet body. Based on the piezoelectric actuator of the piezoelectrically actuated valve, the tappet may be configured to have an open position and a closed position. For example, when the piezoelectric actuator is not activated, the tappet may have a closed position, and the closed position may keep the piezoelectrically actuated valve 400 closed (e.g., as shown in the left part of Figure 4 ). Alternatively, when the piezoelectric actuator is activated, the tappet may have an open position, and the open position may keep the piezoelectrically actuated valve 400 open (e.g., as shown in the right part of Figure 4 ). The open position of the tappet may correspond to, for example, 0.040 inches.

[0037] See Figure 5, which further shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary piezoelectric activation valve 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the exemplary piezoelectric activation valve 500 can be detachably attached to a component including a tappet and / or a fluid reservoir, and four corresponding mounting positions are shown. For example, Figure 5 The upper left shows mounting position 1, where the valve and the component are separated. In addition, Figure 5 The upper right shows mounting position 2, where the valve can initially be set on the component. In addition, Figure 5 The lower left shows mounting position 3, where the valve can be further set on the component. Additionally, Figure 5 The lower right shows the Home Position, where the valve can be locked to the component using a locking pin. For example, the top of the tappet can be operably interfaced or operably coupled with a drive link, and the locking pin can be positioned in place to lock the valve to the component, where the top of the tappet is operably interfaced or operably coupled with the drive link.

[0038] See Figure 6 , which shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dispensing system 600 according to an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 6 shown on the right side, the dispensing system 600 can include a fluid reservoir and a fluid channel. The dispensing system 600 (or one or more of the above devices) can also include a pressure sensor that is arranged to detect the pressure in the fluid channel. The dispensing system 600 can also include a closed-loop system that is arranged to adjust the pressure in the fluid channel of the dispensing system by operating a syringe using a linear drive motor system based on the pressure in the fluid channel detected by the pressure sensor of the dispensing system.

[0039] For example, the fluid reservoir connected to the fluid channel can be a syringe. By installing a pressure sensor, the pressure in the fluid channel can be quantified and monitored, and if the pressure drops, the dispenser (e.g., SmartDispenser™ available from the assignee of the present application) can be notified to rotate the motor (e.g., a linear drive motor system) until the fluid pressure is within a specified value (and vice versa if the pressure rises). In other words, the linear drive motor system can be arranged to operate the syringe based on the low pressure in the fluid channel detected by the pressure sensor to increase the pressure in the fluid channel. Additionally, the linear drive motor system can be arranged to operate the syringe based on the high pressure in the fluid channel detected by the pressure sensor to decrease the pressure in the fluid channel. In this way, the pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid channel can establish a closed-loop system that is arranged to adjust the pressure in the fluid channel.

[0040] In an embodiment, the syringe may include a standard Luhr taper-slip or be connected to a standard Luhr taper-slip interface. Additionally, the plunger rod may be positioned at least in part using a seal packing nut and / or one or more O-ring seals.

[0041] See Figure 7 , which shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing cartridge 700 according to an embodiment of the present application. The dispensing cartridge 700 may include a syringe that can be loaded by a twist loader. As shown, the top of the twist loader may be configured to be screwed into the dispensing cartridge to load the syringe. This can facilitate off-line gun loading, where multiple twist dispensing guns can be reloaded. Thus, a twist-to-connect (TTC) feature or device can allow for rapid replacement of the injection reservoir when it is empty, thereby minimizing production downtime.

[0042] See Figure 8 , which shows a view of a dispensing cartridge 800 being loaded according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown, the bottom of the twist loader may be configured to be screwed into the fluid delivery attachment of the device to lock the dispensing cartridge in the device. Figure 8 A view of the left side may show the dispensing cartridge 800 ready to be loaded. Figure 8 A view in the middle may show the loaded dispensing cartridge 800. Figure 8 A view of the right side may show the locked dispensing cartridge.

[0043] See Figure 9 , which further shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing cartridge 900 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown, the dispensing cartridge 900 may include a linear drive motor system configured to operate the syringe. For example, as described above, the linear drive motor system may be configured to operate the syringe based on the pressure in the fluid channel. The linear drive motor system may be configured to operate the syringe to increase the pressure in the fluid channel based on a low pressure in the fluid channel detected by a pressure sensor. Additionally, the linear drive motor system may be configured to operate the syringe to decrease the pressure in the fluid channel based on a high pressure in the fluid channel detected by the pressure sensor. Thus, the pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid channel may establish a closed-loop system configured to regulate the pressure in the fluid channel. Figure 9 A view of the left side may show a fully loaded syringe. Figure 9 A view of the right side may show an empty syringe.

[0044] Accordingly, embodiments of the apparatus and / or dispensing system using the techniques and features described in this application may include a piezoelectrically actuated valve that includes a piezoelectric actuator and a drive link configured to be actuated by the piezoelectric actuator. The apparatus and / or dispensing system may include a dispensing cartridge that includes a syringe loadable by a twist loader that is configured to be screwed into the dispensing cartridge to load the syringe. The apparatus and / or dispensing system may further include a linear drive motor system configured to operate the syringe.

[0045] See Figure 10 , which shows an example operation of a method or process according to an embodiment of this application. In one embodiment, a process 1000 for regulating pressure in a dispensing system may include detecting pressure in a fluid passage of the dispensing system using a pressure sensor (1002) (e.g., as shown in Figure 6 ), where the pressure is partially generated by a dispensing cartridge that has a syringe and a piezoelectrically activated valve system associated with the fluid passage. The process 1000 may further include operating the syringe (1004) using a linear drive motor system of the dispensing cartridge (e.g., as shown in Figure 9 and, for example, using the linear drive motor system of the dispensing cartridge by a controller, as described below) based on a determination that the pressure in the fluid passage is below a low pressure threshold to increase the pressure in the fluid passage.

[0046] may include some or all of the following features. The method may further include operating the syringe (1006) using a linear drive motor system of the dispensing cartridge (e.g., as shown in Figure 9 ) based on a determination that the pressure in the fluid passage is above a high pressure threshold (e.g., by a controller, as described below) to decrease the pressure in the fluid passage. The pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, the fluid passage, and the controller as described below may establish a closed-loop system configured to regulate the pressure in the fluid passage.

[0047] For example, and also see Figure 11, the systems and methods described herein may include a controller that may include a processor, memory, display, and / or other hardware to control a closed-loop system. The closed-loop system and related operations may include a pressure sensor that sends one or more signals (e.g., one or more signals representing one or more pressure levels) to the controller 1100 (e.g., via a cable). The controller 1100 may then send one or more signals (e.g., one or more signals representing one or more instructions) to a motor (e.g., a linear drive motor system) to move it forward or backward. In this way, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to use a controller as described above to produce an intelligent system that includes other components described herein. For example, in one embodiment, a pressure sensor program or code module (e.g., to indicate a low-pressure threshold, a high-pressure threshold, etc.) may be set via a controller interface of a graphical user interface such as Figure 11 as shown.

[0048] Now refer to Figures 12 to 15 , additional embodiments consistent with the apparatus of the present application are provided. As Figure 12 shown, the apparatus 1200 may include a dispensing cartridge assembly 1202 having a right half housing and a left half housing. This figure shows a preloaded position. Any suitable material (e.g., plastic, etc.) may be used. The cartridge assembly 1202 may be connected to an injection cartridge 1204, which may also be made of any suitable material. The solder paste valve block 1206 may interface with a lead-free piezoelectric array (LFPA) piezoelectric mounting block 1208 and a pressure transducer 1210. The motor control interface connector 1212 is attached to the cartridge assembly 1202 as shown.

[0049] Refer again to Figure 13 , an embodiment showing an exemplary apparatus 1300 is provided. The apparatus 1300 includes an LFPA piezoelectric mounting block 1302 and an LFPA piezoelectric actuator 1304. These may be made of any suitable material including but not limited to plastic, etc. Also shown are a solder paste nozzle 1306, a solder paste plunger 1308, and an O-ring seal screw 1310. These may be made of any suitable material including but not limited to stainless steel, etc.

[0050] Refer again to Figure 14 , an embodiment showing an exemplary apparatus 1400 is provided. The apparatus 1400 includes a limit switch 1412, shown in the figure in a closed position and an open position. Also shown are a motor / drive gear assembly 1414 and a dispensing gear assembly 1416 having a thrust bearing, a lead screw and nut, a hub, and a piston.

[0051] Refer again to Figure 15, an embodiment of the exemplary apparatus 1500 is provided. The apparatus 1500 shows a channel cleaning screw 1518, a solder paste delivery channel 1520, and a mounting screw 1522.

[0052] During operation, the controller 1100 can cause the dispense cartridge motor to retract the lead screw to its upper position. The syringe cartridge can be removed by turning it clockwise. A fully loaded 10cc syringe with the piston in place can be installed in the dispense cartridge and locked in place by turning the syringe clockwise or counterclockwise. Then, the injection cartridge can be slipped over the syringe until its bottom abuts the bottom surface of the syringe ear. Then, the injection cartridge is locked in place by turning it counterclockwise. Then, the now fully loaded dispense cartridge assembly can be introduced into the solder paste valve block 1206, where its bottom abuts the mounting surface, and then locked in place by turning the entire assembly clockwise. Then, the controller 1100 activates the dispense cartridge motor, which drives the piston of the syringe downward. This operation fills the solder paste delivery channel and the solder paste nozzle 1306, where the solder paste plunger 1308 remains closed. The dispense cartridge motor continues to drive the piston of the syringe downward, which increases the pressure within the system.

[0053] In some embodiments, a pressure transducer communicates with the controller 1100, reporting the increasing system pressure. When a preset limit is reached, the piezoelectric actuator is activated and begins to rapidly lift and lower (upstroke / downstroke) the solder paste plunger 1308, thereby opening the orifice of the solder paste nozzle 1306. The solder paste then flows into the orifice and is immediately ejected by the rapid downstroke of the solder paste plunger 1308. The amount of solder paste can be programmed based on the duration of the stroke, where the maximum stroke occurs when the orifice is allowed to fully fill. Solder paste nozzles 1306 with different sized orifices and matching solder paste plungers 1308 can also be used to provide an almost infinite amount of solder paste. Some or all of the embodiments included herein can be mounted on a robot controlled by the controller 1100, which synchronously positions the robot at its specific targets and moves the robot from one target to another. The controller 1100 calculates the motor pulses and converts this value to the distance the piston travels within the syringe and thus knows when the syringe is empty and brings the lead screw and piston back to the mounting position so that the syringe can be removed and replaced with a fully loaded syringe, and the process can resume from the interrupted position.

[0054] It should be noted that while the examples herein may specifically discuss solder paste, it should be noted that this is provided by way of example only. Many other materials can be used without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0055] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" used herein are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0056] The corresponding structures, materials, operations, and devices or steps in the claims, plus equivalents of functional elements, are intended to include any structures, materials, or operations for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements, such as the specifically claimed elements. The description of the present application is presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure form of the present application. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present application and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present application in different embodiments and to make various modifications according to the specific uses contemplated.

[0057] Although some example embodiments have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications can be made to the example embodiments without materially departing from the scope of the present application as described herein. Accordingly, these modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application as defined by the claims. The "means-plus-function" clauses in the claims are intended to cover the structures described herein that perform the recited function, and cover not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents because a nail uses a cylindrical surface to fasten wooden parts together while a screw uses a helical surface, in the context of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. The applicant expressly disclaims any limitation of any claim in this application to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph (f), unless the claim expressly uses the words "means for" or "step for" and the associated function.

[0058] As described above, the content of the present application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the content defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dispensing device, comprising: A piezoelectrically actuated valve; And A dispensing cartridge.

2. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectrically actuated valve comprises: A piezoelectric actuator; And A drive link arranged to be actuated by the piezoelectric actuator.

3. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectrically actuated valve comprises: A tappet having an open position and a closed position based on the piezoelectric actuator of the piezoelectrically actuated valve.

4. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing cartridge comprises a syringe loadable by a screw-on loader.

5. The dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the top of the screw-on loader is arranged to be screwed into the dispensing cartridge to load the syringe.

6. The dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the bottom of the screw-on loader is arranged to be screwed into a fluid delivery attachment of the device to lock the dispensing cartridge in the device.

7. The dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the dispensing cartridge comprises a linear drive motor system arranged to operate the syringe.

8. The dispensing device according to claim 7, further comprising a fluid reservoir and a fluid channel.

9. The dispensing device according to claim 8, further comprising a pressure sensor arranged to detect the pressure in the fluid channel.

10. The dispensing device according to claim 9, wherein the linear drive motor system is arranged to operate the syringe based on the pressure in the fluid channel.

11. The dispensing device according to claim 9, wherein the linear drive motor system is arranged to operate the syringe based on a low pressure in the fluid channel detected by the pressure sensor to increase the pressure in the fluid channel.

12. The dispensing device according to claim 9, wherein the linear drive motor system is arranged to operate the syringe based on a high pressure in the fluid channel detected by the pressure sensor to reduce the pressure in the fluid channel.

13. The dispensing device according to claim 9, wherein the pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe and the fluid channel establish a closed-loop system arranged to regulate the pressure in the fluid channel.

14. A dispensing system, comprising: A piezoelectrically actuated valve comprising a piezoelectric actuator and a drive link arranged to be actuated by the piezoelectric actuator; A dispensing cartridge comprising a syringe loadable by a screw-on loader, the screw-on loader being arranged to be screwed into the dispensing cartridge to load the syringe; A linear drive motor system arranged to operate the syringe; And A closed-loop system arranged to regulate the pressure in the fluid channel of the dispensing system by operating the syringe using the linear drive motor system based on the pressure in the fluid channel detected by a pressure sensor of the dispensing system.

15. The dispensing system according to claim 14, wherein the linear drive motor system is arranged to operate the syringe based on a low pressure in the fluid channel detected by the pressure sensor to increase the pressure in the fluid channel.

16. The dispensing system according to claim 14, wherein the linear drive motor system is configured to operate the syringe based on the high pressure in the fluid passage detected by the pressure sensor to reduce the pressure in the fluid passage.

17. The dispensing system according to claim 14, wherein the pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe and the fluid passage establish a closed-loop system, and the closed-loop system is configured to regulate the pressure in the fluid passage.

18. A method for regulating the pressure in a dispensing system, the method comprising: detecting the pressure in the fluid passage of the dispensing system using a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure is partially generated by a dispensing cartridge having a syringe and a piezoelectrically actuated valve system associated with the fluid passage; and operating the syringe using the linear drive motor system of the dispensing cartridge to increase the pressure in the fluid passage based on a determination that the pressure in the fluid passage is below a low pressure threshold.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: operating the syringe using the linear drive motor system of the dispensing cartridge to reduce the pressure in the fluid passage based on a determination that the pressure in the fluid passage is above a high pressure threshold.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe and the fluid passage establish a closed-loop system, and the closed-loop system is configured to regulate the pressure in the fluid passage.

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