Mixing valve assembly having an atomizing spray tip

Abstract

A valve including a feed mechanism, a mixing element operably connected to the feed mechanism, wherein the feed mechanism delivers at least two fluids to the mixing element, the at least two fluids being mixed in the mixing element, and an air cap disposed proximate an outlet of the mixing element to atomize the mixed fluids exiting the outlet of the mixing element, is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A valve comprising:
 a feed mechanism;   a mixing element operably connected to the feed mechanism, wherein the feed mechanism delivers at least two fluids to the mixing element, the at least two fluids being mixed in the mixing element; and   an air cap disposed proximate an outlet of the mixing element to atomize the mixed fluids exiting the outlet of the mixing element.   
     
     
         2 . The valve of  claim 1 , wherein the air cap is threadably attached. 
     
     
         3 . The valve of  claim 1 , further comprising a fluid body fastened to the feeding mechanism, the fluid body configured to receive an end of the mixing element, and having a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. 
     
     
         4 . The valve of  claim 3 , further comprising a spray body, the spray body being fastened to the fluid body, wherein the spray body surrounds the mixing element. 
     
     
         5 . The valve of  claim 4 , further comprising a collar, the collar securing engagement between the air cap and the spray body. 
     
     
         6 . The valve of  claim 1 , wherein compressed air is introduced to the air cap to atomize the mixed fluids. 
     
     
         7 . The valve of  claim 1 , wherein the valve is attached to an end effector located within a gantry robot machine for conformally coating a substrate. 
     
     
         8 . A valve comprising:
 a feed mechanism, the feed mechanism having a first pump and a second pump, the first pump configured to advance a first adhesive and the second pump configured to advance a second adhesive;   a fluid body affixed to the feed mechanism, the fluid body receiving a portion of the first pump and a portion of the second pump, in a first end, wherein a first fluid pathway associated with the first pump and a second fluid pathway associated with the second pump;   an attachment component, the attachment component affixed to a bottom surface of the fluid body, the attachment component cooperating with an end of a mixing element to removably attach the mixing element to the fluid body, wherein the mixing element mix the first adhesive and the second adhesive to form a mixed adhesive;   a spray body, the spray body surrounding the mixing element, wherein the spray body includes a recessed surface having external threads; and   a spray tip, the spray tip removably attached to the spray body.   
     
     
         9 . The valve of  claim 8 , further comprising a collar, the collar retaining the spray tip to the spray body. 
     
     
         10 . The valve of  claim 8 , wherein the attachment component includes an irregular shaped opening that mating corresponds to structure defining the end of the mixing element. 
     
     
         11 . The valve of  claim 8 , wherein the mixed adhesive leaves the spray tip in an atomized state and is directed toward a substrate surface. 
     
     
         12 . The valve of  claim 8 , wherein compressed air is introduced into the valve via one or more air inlet ports on the spray tip. 
     
     
         13 . The valve of  claim 8 , wherein the spray tip is disposable, 
     
     
         14 . The valve of  claim 8 , wherein the spray tip is comprised of a plastic material. 
     
     
         15 . The valve of  claim 8 , further comprising a spacer to stabilize the mixing element. 
     
     
         16 . The valve of  claim 1 , wherein the valve is attached to an end effector located within a gantry robot machine for conformally coating a substrate. 
     
     
         17 . A method comprising:
 providing a valve comprising a feed mechanism having at least two pumps, a mixing element operably connected to the feed mechanism, wherein the feed mechanism delivers at least two fluids to the mixing element, the at least two fluids being mixed in the mixing element, and an air cap disposed proximate an outlet of the mixing element; and   atomizing the mixed fluids exiting the outlet of the mixing element, such that a defined spray pattern is maintained as the mixed fluids are delivered to a substrate.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the air cap is threadably attached to the valve. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the valve is attached to an end effector located within a gantry robot machine for conformally coating a substrate. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein compressed air is introduced to the air cap to atomize the mixed fluids.