Piezoelectrically operated valve and dispenser cassette

Abstract

Embodiments included herein are directed to devices, systems, and methods for dispensing fluids. Embodiments may include a piezoelectrically actuated valve, a dispense cassette, and a closed-loop system for regulating pressure associated with a fluid dispenser. An apparatus embodiment may include a piezoelectrically actuated valve and a dispense cassette.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 413998, filed October 7, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to piezoelectrically actuated valves and dispensing cassettes. [Background technology]

[0003] In some situations, it may be desirable to dispense small, controlled amounts of fluid at specific locations. For example, it may be desirable to dispense adhesive in an automated production line (e.g., dispensing tenths of a milliliter of adhesive onto a specific portion of a product). Additionally, in a production environment, it may be desirable to have as few interruptions as possible (e.g., on an automated assembly line). Interruptions may occur when a fluid dispenser needs to be refilled or replaced. In these situations, the assembly line may need to be stopped, the fluid dispenser may need to be removed, and the entire dispenser may need to be properly installed in place. Some assembly lines may use multiple fluid dispensers, each of which may need to hold fluid. This situation may lead to frequent production stops to refill or replace empty fluid dispensers. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] As described in more detail below, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices, systems, and methods for dispensing fluids. Embodiments of the device may include a piezoelectrically actuated valve. The device may further include a dispense cassette.

[0005] 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 linkage configured to be actuated by the piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuated valve may also include a tappet configured to be in an open or closed position based on the piezoelectric actuator of the piezoelectric actuated valve. The dispense cassette may include a syringe loadable by a twist-connect loader. An upper portion of the twist-connect loader may be configured to be twisted into the dispense cassette to load the syringe. A lower portion of the twist-connect loader may be configured to be twisted into a fluid delivery attachment of the device to lock the dispense cassette within the device. The dispense cassette may further include a linear drive motor system configured to operate the syringe. The device may further include a fluid reservoir and a fluid channel. The device may also include a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure in the fluid channel. The linear drive motor system may be configured to operate the syringe based on pressure in the fluid channel. The linear drive motor system may be configured to operate the syringe to increase pressure in the fluid channel when a pressure decrease in the fluid channel is detected by the pressure sensor. The linear drive motor system may be configured to operate the syringe to decrease pressure in the fluid channel when a pressure increase in the fluid channel is detected by the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid channel may form a closed-loop system configured to regulate pressure in the fluid channel.

[0006] An embodiment of the dispensing system may include a piezoelectrically actuated valve, the piezoelectrically actuated valve including a piezoelectric actuator and a drive linkage configured to be actuated by the piezoelectric actuator. The dispensing system may further include a dispense cassette including a syringe, the syringe being loadable by a twist-connect loader configured to be twisted into the dispense cassette to load the syringe. The dispensing system may also include a linear drive motor system configured to operate the syringe. The dispensing system may further include a closed-loop system configured to adjust pressure in a fluid channel of the dispensing system, the adjustment being made by operating the syringe with the linear drive motor system based on pressure detected in the fluid channel by a pressure sensor of the dispensing system.

[0007] Some or all of the following features may be included: The linear drive motor system may be configured to operate the syringe to increase the pressure in the fluid channel when a decrease in pressure in the fluid channel is detected by the pressure sensor. The linear drive motor system may be configured to operate the syringe to decrease the pressure in the fluid channel when an increase in pressure in the fluid channel is detected by the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid channel may form a closed-loop system configured to regulate the pressure in the fluid channel.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method for regulating pressure in a dispensing system may include detecting pressure in a fluid channel of the dispensing system with a pressure sensor, where the pressure is created in part by a dispense cassette having a syringe and a piezoelectric activated valve system associated with the fluid channel, and may further include operating the syringe with a linear drive motor system of the dispense cassette to increase the pressure in the fluid channel when the pressure in the fluid channel is determined to be below a low threshold pressure.

[0009] Some or all of the following features may be included: The method may include operating the syringe with a linear drive motor system of the dispense cassette to reduce pressure in the fluid channel when the pressure in the fluid channel is determined to be greater than a high threshold pressure. The pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid channel may form a closed loop system configured to regulate pressure in the fluid channel.

[0010] The details of one or more example implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other possible example features and / or possible example advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Some implementations may be free of such possible example features and / or possible example advantages, and such possible example features and / or possible example advantages may not be necessary for some implementations.

[0011] This Summary is provided to introduce some concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary does not identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the following drawings.

[0013] Like reference numbers between the drawings may be considered to indicate like elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary device and size aspects of the device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an exemplary piezoelectrically activated valve and its cross-sectional view, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary piezoelectric activated valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B further illustrate cross-sectional views of exemplary piezoelectric activated valves according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a dispensing cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a dispense cassette being loaded according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a dispensing cassette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an exemplary operation of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates an exemplary controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The following description is directed to particular implementations. It should be understood that the following description is intended only to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use any subject matter defined herein or hereafter by any patent "claim" in any issued patent.

[0016] In particular, claimed combinations of features are not limited to the embodiments and / or implementations and examples contained herein, but are intended to encompass portions of those implementations and modifications of those implementations, including combinations of elements of various implementations that fall within the scope of the claims that follow. Of course, in developing any such actual implementation, as with any engineering or design project, various implementation-specific decisions (e.g., compliance with system-related and business-related constraints) must be made to achieve the developers' respective goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be routine for one of ordinary skill in the art to design, assemble, and manufacture to have the benefit of this disclosure. Nothing in this application is considered critical or essential to the claimed invention unless expressly designated as "critical" or "essential."

[0017] Furthermore, although terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, it should be understood that these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, 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, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although a first object or step and a second object or step are each an object or step, they are not considered to be the same object or step.

[0018] It would be desirable to design a fluid dispensing system so that fluid dispensers can be replaced more quickly or as quickly as possible. Additionally, it would be desirable to regulate or control the pressure within the fluid channels of the fluid dispensing system. Using the techniques and features described in this disclosure, fluid dispensers can be replaced more quickly and the pressure within the fluid channels of the fluid dispensing system can be regulated or controlled.

[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices, systems, and methods for dispensing fluids. The devices, systems, and methods for dispensing fluids, and / or various techniques and features described in this disclosure, may be included in one or more products (e.g., SmartJet™ products) available from the assignee of the present disclosure.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1 , an exemplary apparatus 100 for dispensing a fluid is shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 100 may include a piezoelectrically actuated valve, which may also be referred to as a piezoelectrically activated valve or a piezoelectric valve. The apparatus 100 may further include a dispense cassette. The dispense cassette may include a twist-to-connect (TTC) dispense gun. For example, the dispense cassette may include a linear drive motor system with twist-to-connect or twist-to-disconnect capabilities. A fluid delivery attachment may also be included.

[0021] Referring to Figure 2, an exemplary device 200 and its size aspects are shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the heights of the devices 100 and 200 shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively (e.g., as shown on the left side of Figure 2) may be equal to or slightly larger than two standard business cards. Furthermore, the depths of the devices 100 and 200 shown in Figures 1 and 2 (e.g., as shown on the right side of Figure 2) may be equal to or slightly larger than one standard business card.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 3 , an exemplary piezoelectric-activated valve 300 and its cross-sectional view are shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. While the piezoelectric-activated valve 300 may be configured for use with solder paste, this is for illustrative purposes only; the piezoelectric-activated valves described herein may be configured for use 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 piezoelectric-activated valve 300 (e.g., on the right side in FIG. 3 ), the piezoelectric-activated valve 300 may include a piezoelectric actuator, a drive linkage, and a tappet (e.g., a needle). The piezoelectric-activated valve 300 may also include a removable fluid channel and / or fluid chamber.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 4 , a cross-sectional view of an exemplary piezoelectrically activated valve 400 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the piezoelectrically activated valve 400 may include a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectrically activated valve may further include a drive linkage. The drive linkage may be configured to be actuated by the piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectrically activated valve may also include a nozzle and a tappet, which may have a tappet stem, as shown. The tappet may be configured to be in an open or closed position based on the piezoelectric actuator of the piezoelectrically activated valve. For example, when the piezoelectric actuator is not activated, the tappet may be in a closed position, thereby keeping the piezoelectrically activated valve 400 closed (e.g., as shown on the left side of FIG. 4 ). On the other hand, when the piezoelectric actuator is activated, the tappet may be in an open position, thereby keeping the piezoelectrically activated valve 400 open (e.g., as shown on the right side of FIG. 4 ). The open position of the tappet may correspond to, for example, 0.040″.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 5 , a further cross-sectional view of an exemplary piezoelectric activated valve 500 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the exemplary piezoelectric activated valve 500 may be removably attached to a component, including a tappet and / or a fluid reservoir, and four corresponding installation positions are shown. For example, installation position 1 is shown in the upper left of FIG. 5 , where the valve and the component are separated. Installation position 2 is also shown in the upper right of FIG. 5 , where the valve may be initially placed on the component. Installation position 3 is also shown in the lower left of FIG. 5 , where the valve may be further placed on the component. A home position is also shown in the lower right of FIG. 5 , where the valve may be locked to the component with a locking pin. For example, the top of the tappet may operatively interface or couple with a drive linkage, and a locking pin may be placed in a home position that locks the valve to the component, with the top of the tappet operatively interfaced or coupled with the drive linkage.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 6 , a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dispensing system 600 is shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown on the right side of FIG. 6 , the dispensing system 600 may include a fluid reservoir and a fluid channel. The dispensing system 600 (or one or more of the devices described above) may further include a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure in the fluid channel. The dispensing system 600 may also include a closed-loop system configured to adjust the pressure in the fluid channel of the dispensing system by operating a syringe with a linear drive motor system based on the pressure detected in the fluid channel by the pressure sensor of the dispensing system.

[0026] For example, the fluid reservoir for the fluid channel may be a syringe. By providing a pressure sensor, the pressure in the fluid channel may be quantified and monitored, and if the pressure drops, a dispenser (e.g., a SmartDispenser™, available from the assignee of the present disclosure) may be instructed to rotate a motor (e.g., a linear drive motor system) until the fluid pressure is within specifications (and conversely, if the pressure increases). In other words, the linear drive motor system may be configured to operate the syringe to increase the pressure in the fluid channel when the pressure sensor detects a drop in pressure in the fluid channel. Furthermore, the linear drive motor system may be configured to operate the syringe to decrease the pressure in the fluid channel when the pressure sensor detects an increase in pressure in the fluid channel. In this manner, the pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid channel may form a closed-loop system configured to regulate the pressure in the fluid channel.

[0027] In embodiments, the syringe may include or interface with a standard Luhr taper slip, and the tappet may be positioned, at least in part, by a sealing clamping nut and / or one or more O-ring seals.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 7 , a cross-sectional view of a dispense cassette 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Dispense cassette 700 may include a syringe loadable by a twist-connect loader. As shown, the top of the twist-connect loader may be configured to twist onto the dispense cassette to load the syringe. This may facilitate offline gun loading, allowing for the reloading of multiple TTC dispense guns. Thus, the twist-connect (TTC) feature or device may enable quick replacement of syringe reservoirs when they are empty, minimizing production downtime.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 8 , a dispense cassette 800 is shown being loaded in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a lower portion of a twist-connect loader may be configured to twist into a fluid delivery attachment of the apparatus to lock the dispense cassette within the apparatus. The view on the left in FIG. 8 may be considered to show dispense cassette 800 ready to be loaded. The view in the center in FIG. 8 may be considered to show dispense cassette 800 loaded. The view on the right in FIG. 8 may be considered to show dispense cassette 800 locked.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 9 , a further cross-sectional view of a dispense cassette 900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the dispense cassette 900 may include a linear drive motor system configured to operate a 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 when a pressure drop in the fluid channel is detected by the pressure sensor. Furthermore, the linear drive motor system may be configured to operate the syringe to decrease the pressure in the fluid channel when a pressure increase in the fluid channel is detected by the pressure sensor. In this manner, the pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid channel may form a closed-loop system configured to regulate the pressure in the fluid channel. The diagram on the left side of FIG. 9 may be considered to depict a full syringe. The diagram on the right side of FIG. 9 may be considered to depict an empty syringe.

[0031] Thus, using the techniques and features described herein, embodiments of an apparatus and / or dispensing system may include a piezoelectrically actuated valve, the piezoelectrically actuated valve including a piezoelectric actuator and a drive linkage configured to be actuated by the piezoelectric actuator. The apparatus and / or dispensing system may include a dispense cassette including a syringe, the syringe being loadable by a twist-connect loader configured to twist into the dispense cassette to load the syringe. The apparatus and / or dispensing system may also include a linear drive motor system configured to operate the syringe.

[0032] 10 , an exemplary operation of a method or process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In one embodiment, a process 1000 for regulating pressure in a dispensing system may include detecting (1002) a pressure in a fluid channel of the dispensing system with a pressure sensor (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6 ), where the pressure is created in part by a dispense cassette having a syringe and a piezoelectrically activated valve system associated with the fluid channel. Process 1000 may further include operating (1004) a syringe with a linear drive motor system (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9 ) of the dispense cassette (e.g., by a controller, as described below) to increase the pressure in the fluid channel if the pressure in the fluid channel is determined (e.g., by a controller, as described below) to be below a low threshold pressure.

[0033] Some or all of the following features may be included: The method may also include operating (1006) a syringe (e.g., by a controller, as described below) with a linear drive motor system (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9 ) of the dispense cassette to reduce the pressure in the fluid channel if the pressure in the fluid channel is determined (e.g., by a controller, as described below) to be greater than a high threshold pressure. The pressure sensor, linear drive motor system, syringe, fluid channel, and controller, as described below, may form a closed-loop system configured to regulate the pressure in the fluid channel.

[0034] For example, with reference also to FIG. 11 , the systems and methods described herein may include a controller, which may include a processor, memory, a display, and / or other hardware for controlling a closed-loop system. The closed-loop system and associated operations may include a pressure sensor sending one or more signals (e.g., over a cable) to a controller 1100 (e.g., representing one or more pressure levels). The controller 1100 may then send one or more signals (e.g., representing one or more commands) to a motor (e.g., a linear drive motor system) to move forward or backward. In this manner, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to use the controller described above to result in a smart system including the other components described herein. In one embodiment, configuring a program or code module for the pressure sensor (e.g., to display a low pressure threshold, a high pressure threshold, etc.) may be performed from a controller interface, such as the graphical user interface shown in FIG. 11 .

[0035] 12-15, further embodiments are shown in which the apparatus of the present disclosure is compatible. As shown in FIG. 12, apparatus 1200 may include a dispensing cassette assembly 1202 having right and left housing halves, shown in a preloaded position. Any suitable material (e.g., plastic, etc.) may be used. Cassette assembly 1202 may be connected to a syringe cassette 1204, which may also be made of any suitable material. A solder paste valve block 1206 may interface with an LFPA piezoelectric mount block 1208 and a pressure transducer 1210. A motor control interface connector 1212 is shown attached to cassette assembly 1202.

[0036] Referring again to FIG. 13 , one embodiment is shown illustrating an exemplary apparatus 1300. Apparatus 1300 includes an LFPA piezoelectric mounting block 1302 and an LFPA piezoelectric actuator 1304, which may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, plastic. Also shown are a solder paste jet nozzle 1306 and a solder paste plunger 1308, as well as an O-ring clamping screw 1310, which may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, stainless steel.

[0037] 14, one embodiment is shown illustrating an exemplary device 1400. Device 1400 includes a limit switch 1412, which is shown in a closed position and an open position. A motor / drive gear assembly 1414 and a dispense gear assembly 1416 are also shown, along with a thrust bearing, a lead screw and nut, a hub, and a piston.

[0038] 15, one embodiment is shown illustrating an exemplary apparatus 1500. Apparatus 1500 shows a channel clean-out screw 1518, a solder paste delivery channel 1520, and a mounting screw 1522.

[0039] In operation, the controller 1100 may cause the dispense cassette motor to retract the lead screw to its upper position. The syringe cassette can be removed by rotating it clockwise. A filled 10 cc syringe can be installed into the dispense cassette and locked in place by rotating the syringe clockwise or counterclockwise with the piston in place. The syringe cassette can then be slid upward over the syringe until the bottom touches the back of the syringe lug. The syringe cassette can then be locked in place by rotating it counterclockwise. The now-full dispense cassette assembly can then be introduced into the solder paste valve block 1206, and once the bottom touches the mounting surface, the entire assembly can be locked in place by rotating it clockwise. The controller 1100 then starts the dispense cassette motor to drive the syringe piston downward. This action fills the solder paste delivery channel and solder paste jet nozzle 1306 with solder paste while the solder paste plunger 1308 remains closed. The dispense cassette motor continues to drive the syringe piston downward, increasing the pressure in the system.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pressure transducer communicates with the controller 1100 to report a steady increase in system pressure. Once a preset limit is reached, the piezoelectric actuator is activated, rapidly raising and lowering the solder paste plunger 1308 (upstroke / downstroke), opening the orifice of the solder paste jet nozzle 1306. Solder paste then flows into the orifice and is immediately jetted out by a rapid downstroke of the solder paste plunger 1308. The volume of solder paste is programmable based on the duration of the stroke, with the maximum stroke occurring when the orifice is allowed to fill completely. Solder paste nozzles 1306 with various sized orifices and matching solder paste plungers 1308 may also be used to achieve nearly unlimited dispensing volume. Some or all of the embodiments included herein may be mounted on a robot controlled by the controller 1100, which synchronously positions the embodiment over its specific target and moves the embodiment from target to target. The controller 1100 counts the motor pulses and converts that value into the distance the piston has traveled within the syringe, thereby knowing when the syringe is empty and returning the lead screw and piston to their installed position, allowing the syringe to be removed and replaced with a full syringe and the process to resume where it left off.

[0041] It should be noted that while the examples contained herein may specifically refer to solder paste, this is by way of example only, and various other materials may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to encompass the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should further be understood that the words "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0043] Corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of means-or-step-plus-function elements in the following claims are intended to encompass all such structures, materials, or acts that, in combination with other claimed elements, perform the function as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the form disclosed. Various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The present embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical applications of the present disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the present disclosure in terms of various embodiments with various modifications suited to the particular uses envisioned.

[0044] While several exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications can be made to these exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth herein. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses encompass structures described herein as performing the recited function and encompass equivalent structures, as well as structural equivalents. Thus, while nails and screws are not structurally equivalent in that nails employ cylindrical surfaces for fastening wooden parts together and screws employ helical surfaces, they are equivalent structures in the context of fastening wooden parts. It is Applicant's express intent that 35 U.S.C. 112(f) shall not apply to any limitations on any of the claims herein, unless the claim expressly uses the phrase "means for" or "step for" with the associated function.

[0045] Although the disclosure of the present application has been described in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. a piezoelectrically actuated valve; a dispense cassette; 1. A dispensing device comprising:

2. The piezoelectric actuated valve is a piezoelectric actuator; a drive linkage configured to be actuated by the piezoelectric actuator; The dispensing device of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The piezoelectric actuated valve is A tappet in an open or closed position based on the piezoelectric actuator of the piezoelectric valve The dispensing device of claim 1 , comprising:

4. The dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the dispensing cassette includes a syringe loadable by a twist-connect loader.

5. The dispensing device of claim 4 , wherein an upper portion of the twist connect loader is configured to be twisted onto the dispense cassette to load the syringe.

6. The dispensing device of claim 4 , wherein a lower portion of the twist connect loader is configured to be twisted onto a fluid delivery attachment of the device to lock the dispensing cassette within the device.

7. The dispensing device of claim 4 , wherein the dispensing cassette includes a linear drive motor system configured to manipulate the syringe.

8. The dispensing device of claim 7 further comprising a fluid reservoir and a fluid channel.

9. The dispensing device of claim 8 , further comprising a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure within the fluid channel.

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

11. 10. The dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the linear drive motor system is configured to operate the syringe to increase pressure in the fluid channel when a pressure drop in the fluid channel is detected by the pressure sensor.

12. 10. The dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the linear drive motor system is configured to operate the syringe to reduce pressure in the fluid channel when an increase in pressure in the fluid channel is detected by the pressure sensor.

13. 10. The dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid channel form a closed loop system configured to regulate pressure within the fluid channel.

14. a piezoelectrically actuated valve including a piezoelectric actuator and a drive linkage configured to be actuated by the piezoelectric actuator; a dispensing cassette including a syringe, the syringe being loadable by a twist-connect loader configured to be twisted into the dispensing cassette to load the syringe; a linear drive motor system configured to manipulate the syringe; a closed-loop system configured to adjust pressure in a fluid channel of the dispensing system by manipulating the syringe with the linear drive motor system based on pressure detected in the fluid channel by a pressure sensor of the dispensing system; and A dispensing system including:

15. 15. The dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the linear drive motor system is configured to operate the syringe to increase pressure in the fluid channel when a pressure drop in the fluid channel is detected by the pressure sensor.

16. 15. The dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the linear drive motor system is configured to operate the syringe to reduce pressure in the fluid channel when an increase in pressure in the fluid channel is detected by the pressure sensor.

17. 15. The dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid channel form the closed loop system configured to regulate pressure in the fluid channel.

18. 1. A method for regulating pressure in a dispensing system, comprising: sensing a pressure in a fluid channel of the dispensing system with a pressure sensor, wherein a portion of the pressure is created by a dispensing cassette having a syringe and a piezoelectric activated valve system associated with the fluid channel; if the pressure in the fluid channel is determined to be less than a low threshold pressure, operating the syringe with a linear drive motor system of the dispense cassette so as to increase the pressure in the fluid channel; A method comprising:

19. if the pressure in the fluid channel is determined to be greater than a high threshold pressure, manipulating the syringe with the linear drive motor system of the dispense cassette to reduce the pressure in the fluid channel.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the pressure sensor, the linear drive motor system, the syringe, and the fluid channel form a closed loop system configured to regulate the pressure in the fluid channel.

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