WO2005095225A1

WO2005095225A1 - Dispenser for two components and method for dispensing first and second components

Info

Publication number: WO2005095225A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/001410
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary John Hermon; Andrew Charles Leech
Original assignee: 5 Mix Limited
Priority date: 2004-04-01
Filing date: 2004-04-01
Publication date: 2005-10-13

Abstract

A two component (16, 18) compound dispenser (38) for glue or sealant in a first embodiment comprises an outer cartridge (40) and an inner cartridge (42) in a co-axial arrangement feeding an improved manifold (54) where the two components (16, 18) are dispensed in an interlaced pattern (Figure 19, Figure 20) to be further mixed by a dispensing and mixing nozzle (172). Further embodiments provide a dispensing head (120) suitable for use with two cartridges (122, 124), a combination of a manifold adaptor (144) and a flow head (146) for use with standard prior art dispensers (34, 36), and a co-axial adaptor (162) for use with standard prior art co-axial dispensers (10). A common pusher (179) with inner (182) and outer (180) pushers allows dispensers (38) of all ratios, and even single component compounds, to be dispensed using the same common pusher.

Description

TWO PART DISPENSER

The present invention relates to apparatus for dispensing two-part compounds, such as sealants or adhesives. The present invention particularly relates to a method and apparatus whereby the two components of the two-part sealant or adhesive can be mixed through the act of dispensing.

Two-part adhesives and sealants are well known. They are extensively used in the construction and repair of vehicles ranging from aircraft, through large boats, small boats and cars. Two-part adhesives have been in use for many decades. Two-part cartridges are extensively used in the adhesive and sealant markets. Other uses for two-part adhesives include the anchoring of concrete and retention of windscreens. One part of a two-part cartridge normally contains the actual adhesive and the other part normally contains a catalyst or hardener. By keeping the two parts separate, the product can be stored for long periods with no chemical reaction taking place. When the two parts are dispensed and mixed, the resulting reaction cures the product and is very precisely controlled. The reaction is minimally affected by temperature or humidity, unlike single component adhesives which are sensitive to their environment. Some pairs of adhesive and hardener have a cure time as low as 30 seconds, while others can take several hours.

Two-part compounds are also extensively used, to give but two examples, in the dispensing of speciality plastics adhesive compounds and two part expanding foam and the present invention is applicable to any situation where two fluids are dispensed together.

The ratio in which the two components are dispensed is quite critical. Two-part cartridges are available in a variety of mixing ratios. The two most common are 1:1 (i.e. both parts dispensed in equal quantities) and 10:1 (where the catalyst is provided in l/10th of the quantity of the main adhesive. Other specialised applications, less common, use ratios of 2:1, 3:1 3.3:1 3.5:1, 4:1 and 5:1. The present invention is applicable to any ratio, listed or unlisted, between the two components. The industry standard is to dispense the two products from the cartridge through a mixing device screwed on an outlet port. This device is normally called a static mixer. After passing through the mixer, the resulting product is fully mixed and can be applied as required. Such static mixers have a multitude of opposing spiral elements or other elements disposed along their interiors and can be in excess of 200 mm long. The more difficult the two-part of the adhesive or sealant are to mix, the longer the static mixer must be. After dispensing the required amount of mixed adhesive, any product which remains in the static mixer will start to react and cure. If the time interval between dispensing actions is longer than the cure time, • the fitted static mixer must be removed from the outlet port and a new static mixer fitted. All product within the static mixer is wasted. Static mixers are expensive, as can be the two-part sealant or adhesive. Waste can run into many hundreds of pounds. The present invention seeks to provide a method and apparatus for dispensing two-part adhesives or sealants where loss of expensive static mixers and of wasted curing adhesive is minimised. The present invention also seeks to provide a method and apparatus for use with a shorter and less expensive static mixers than has hitherto been possible.

Current two-part cartridges, in the marketplace, fall into two main categories. A first category has the two components in cartridge tubes which are side-by-side. The cartridge tubes lie alongside one another and are connected by a manifold arrangement at the outlet port. The outlet port is essentially a hole through which mixture from each cartridge may pass, together with a separator blade through the middle to keep the product from the two cartridges apart.

Another form of two-part cartridge assembly is the coaxial assembly. In such a design, one tube is placed within the other in a coaxial manner, and the product is dispensed via a manifold at the outlet port. The outlet port generally falls into two categories. A first category is essentially the same as that used in the side-by-side assembly, there being two holes, one for each component, with a separator blade keeping the two components apart. This arrangement is best suited to one-to-one dispensing ratios. The second category of outlet port is where there are two concentric ports. While the two concentric ports admit to the dispensing of other than 1:1 component ratios, there is still a problem with the mixing process which requires the use of a static mixer.

The present invention seeks to provide a coaxial cartridge system where the lack of mixing is efficiently overcome in multiple ratios if required still keeping the components separate to avoid unwanted reaction and setting.

The present invention further seeks to provide that existing styles of dispensers can be used in the improved manner, made possible by the present invention.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a dispensing apparatus for dispensing first and second components of two part compound, said apparatus comprising: first means for guiding for the first component in a first path separately from said second component; and second guiding means for guiding said second component in a second path separately from said first component; where said first guiding means and said second guiding means are co- operative to discharge said first and second components in an interlaced pattern.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for dispensing first and second components of two part compound comprising the steps of: guiding the first component in a first path separately from said second component; guiding said second component in a second path separately from said first component; and causing said first guiding means and said second guiding means to co-operate to discharge said first and second components in an interlaced pattern.

The invention further provides that the first guiding means and the second guiding means can be co-operative to discharge the first and second components into a dispensing nozzle.

The invention further provides that the first path can comprise a plurality of first component paths, and that the second path can comprise a plurality of second component paths.

The invention further provides that the first path can be non- circular, and where the first path comprises a plurality of first component paths, that at least one of the first component paths can be non-circular.

The invention further provides that the second path can be non- circular, and where the second path comprises a plurality of second component paths, that at least one of the second component paths can be non-circular.

The invention further provides for possible attachment as part of a two cylinder dispenser , in which case the invention can further provide for receiving a first cylinder, and for receiving a second cylinder.

The invention further provides a possible chamber made by a blocking wall and a flange, the chamber comprising a portion of both said first path and said second path, and for being in the form of a rear portion and a front portion, the rear portion being affixable to the front portion.

The invention further provides for affixing to an existing dispenser, the arrangement can comprise: a manifold adaptor for attachment onto the manifold of the existing dispenser and operative to guide the first component separately from the second component; and a flow head for attachment to the manifold adaptor, operative to accept, from the manifold adaptor, the first component separately from the second component; where the flow head is operative to discharge the first and second components in an interlaced pattern.

The invention further provides that the existing dispenser can be a coaxial dispenser with the manifold in a non-central on the coaxial dispenser, or that the existing dispenser can be a two cylinder dispenser.

The invention further provides for attachment to an existing coaxial dispenser, where the arrangement can comprise: a coaxial adaptor for attachment to the inner coaxial outlet port of the manifold of the existing coaxial dispenser; the coaxial adaptor comprising at least one dispensing guide for providing the first path; and the coaxial adaptor comprising at least one void, communicative with the outer coaxial outlet port of the existing coaxial dispenser and cooperative with one, the other or both of a dispensing nozzle or a screw on retainer to provide the second path. The invention further provides that attachment of the co-axial adaptor can be by a sealing ring operative to provide sealed attachment into or around the inner coaxial outlet port of the manifold of the existing coaxial dispenser.

The invention can further provide an outer coaxial cartridge for the first component; an inner coaxial cartridge for the second component; a manifold for providing the two paths; an outer plunger operative to provide a sliding seal between the outer coaxial cartridge the said inner coaxial cartridge; and an inner plunger operative to provide a sliding seal for the inner coaxial cartridge.

The invention further provides that the outer plunger can comprise: an outer rim with one or more outer rim seals to provide a seal against an inner surface of the outer cartridge; and an inner rim with one or more inner rim seals to provide a seal against an outer surface of the inner cartridge.

The invention further provides that the inner plunger can comprise an inner plunger outer rim with one or more inner wiper seals to provide a seal against an inner surface of the inner cartridge.

The invention further provides that the outer plunger can comprise a web, extending beyond the outer rim to prevent damage to the one or more outer rim seals and to the one or more inner rim seals.

The invention further provides that the inner plunger can comprise a web, extending beyond the inner plunger outer rim to prevent damage to the one or more inner wiper seals, and that the inner plunger can also comprise a counter bore for accepting an undersized pusher.

The invention further provides a common pusher, operative to provide an outer pusher to press against the outer plunger, and an inner pusher to press against the inner plunger, the outer and inner pushers and the inner and outer plungers being co-operable to advance the inner and outer plungers together at the same rate.

The invention further provides that the common pusher cab also be operative to press against and advance a single plunger. The invention is provided for use where the two part compound can be a glue, a sealant, a two part plastics resin, or a two part expanding foam.

The invention further provides a retainer which can be affixed to plug the discharge of the first and second paths to provide a seal there over when they are not in use.

The invention further provides that the retainer can comprise a confor al spike for fixing within a non-circular hole to orientate the plug and/or to orientate a static mixing nozzle.

The invention is further described, by way of examples, by the following description, read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

Figures 1A and IB show, respectively, an end on and an isometric view of a first type of prior art co-axial two part compound dispenser.

Figures 2A and 2B show, respectively, an end on and an isometric view of a second type of prior art co-axial two part compound dispenser.

Figures 3A and 3B show, respectively, an end on and an isometric view of a prior art two tube, two part compound dispenser.

Figure 4 shows an isometric sectioned view of a first embodiment of the present invention, dispensing first and second components in a ratio of one to one.

Figures 5A and 5B show cross sectional views of the inner cartridge of Figure 4, Figure 5C shows an end-on view of the inner manifold otherwise shown in Figure 4, Figure 5D shows a radially abbreviated view giving more detail of Figure 5C, and Figure 5E shows an isometric view of the inner cartridge, giving further details of the inner manifold, and otherwise shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6A shows a cross sectional view, taken along the line BB-BB of Figure 6B, of the entirety of the embodiment of Figure 4, Figure 6B shows an end on view of the complete (non-cross section) Figure 6A, Figure 6C is an isometric cross sectional view giving greater detail of the manifold of Figure 6A, and Figure 6D is an isometric cross sectional view of Figure 6A.

Figure 7A is a side, non-cross-sectional view of Figure 6A without the screw-on retainer, Figure 7B is an end-on view of Figure 7A without the cartridge plug, Figure 7C is an isometric view of Figure 7A, Figure 7D is an enlarged, isometric view of the cartridge plug, and Figure 7E is an enlarged view of the circled portion of Figure 7C, showing the engagement of the cartridge plug with the manifold.

Figure 8A is an isometric view of the inner plunger shown in Figures 4 and 6, Figure 8B is an end-on view of the inner plunger, Figure 8C is a side view of the inner plunger, and Figure 8D is a cross sectional view of the inner plunger taken along the line LL-LL of Figure 8B.

Figure 9A is an isometric view of the outer plunger shown in Figures 4 and 6, Figure 9B is an end-on view of the outer plunger, Figure 9C is a side view of the inner plunger, and Figure 9D is a cross sectional view of the outer plunger taken along the line MM- M of Figure 9B.

Figure 10 shows an isometric sectioned view of a second embodiment of the present invention, dispensing first and second components in a ratio of ten to one.

Figures 11A and 11B show cross sectional views of the inner cartridge of Figure 10, Figure 11C shows an end-on view of the inner manifold otherwise shown in Figure 10, Figure 11D shows a magnified view giving more detail of Figure 11C, and Figure HE shows an isometric view of the inner cartridge, giving further details of the inner manifold, and otherwise shown in Figure 10.

Figure 12A shows a cross sectional view, taken along the line NN-NN of Figure 12B, of the entirety of the embodiment of Figure 10,

Figure 12B shows an end on view of the complete (non-cross section) Figure 12A, Figure 12C is an isometric cross sectional view giving greater detail of the manifold of Figure 12A, and Figure 12D is an isometric cross sectional view of Figure 12A.

Figure 13A is a side, non-cross-sectional view of Figure 12A without the screw-on retainer, Figure 13B is an end-on view of Figure 13A without the cartridge plug, Figure 13C is an enlarged view showing the engagement of the cartridge plug with the manifold Figure 13D is an isometric view of Figure 13A, and Figure 13E is an enlarged, isometric view of the cartridge plug.

Figure 14A is an isometric view of a third embodiment of the invention, attached as a two cylinder one-to-one ratio dispenser, and Figure 14B is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 15A is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of the invention, attached as a two cylinder ten-to-one ratio dispenser, and Figure 15B is an exploded view of the fourth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16A shows an isometric view of a fifth embodiment of the invention, attached to a two cylinder dispenser as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, but equally attachable to the co-axial dispenser shown in Figures 2A and 2B, Figure 16B shows an exploded view of Figure 16A showing a manifold adaptor and a flow head, Figure 16C shows an isometric view of the manifold adaptor, Figure 16D shows a side view of the manifold adaptor, Figure 16E shows and end-on view of the manifold adaptor, Figure 16F shows a cross sectional view of the manifold adaptor taken along the line RR-RR of Figure 16E, Figure 16G shows a side view of the flow head, Figure 16H shows an end-on view of the flow head, Figure 16J shows a cross-sectional view of the flow head taken along the line T-T of Figure 16H, and Figure 16K shows an isometric view of the flow head.

Figure 17A shows an isometric view of a sixth embodiment of the invention, applied to the co-axial dispenser show in Figures 1A and IB, with a co-axial adaptor shown in an exploded position from the manifold, Figure 17B shows a view from a first end of the co-axial adaptor, Figure 17C shows a side view of the co-axial adaptor, Figure 17D shows a view from the second end of the co-axial adaptor, and Figure 17E shows a cross sectional view of the co-axial adaptor taken along the line SS-SS of Figure 17D, Figure 17 F shows an isometric view of the co-axial adaptor, and Figure 17G shows another isometric view of the co-axial adaptor.

Figure 18A is, according to one aspect, a side view of either the two cylinder dispenser of Figure 3A and 3B, or of the co-axial dispenser of Figures 2A and 2B, with a dispensing and mixing nozzle attached, in which case Figure 18C is a side view of details of the manifold illustrating the co-operation between the walls of the nozzle, and/or the screw-on retainer, with the manifold adaptor and the flow head otherwise shown in Figures 16A to 16K.

Figure 18A is, according to another aspect, a side view of the coaxial dispenser of Figures 1A and IB, with a dispensing and mixing nozzle attached, in which case Figure 18B is a side view of details of the manifold illustrating the co-operation between the walls of the nozzle, and/or the screw-on retainer, with the co-axial adaptor otherwise shown in Figures 17A to 17E.

Figure 19 is a first, exemplary set of the many possible dispensing interlaced patterns which can be used in the present invention.

Figure 20 is a second, exemplary set of the many possible dispensing interlaced patterns which can be used in the present invention.

Figure 21B shows a view from the back of the outer plunger and the inner plunger being pushed by a common pusher, Figure 21A shows a cross sectional view, along the line W-W, of figure 21B, Figure 21C shows a side view of Figure 21B, and Figure 21D shows a view, from the front, of the outer plunger and the inner plunger, as they are arranged.

Figure 22B shows a view from the back of the 10:1 outer plunger and the 10:1 inner plunger being pushed by the common pusher, Figure 22A shows a cross sectional view, along the line W-W, of figure 22B, Figure 22C shows a side view of Figure 22B, and Figure 22D shows a view, from the front, of the 10:1 outer plunger and the 10:1 inner plunger, as they are arranged.

And

Figure 23B shows a view from the back of a single plunger being pushed by the common pusher, Figure 23A shows a cross sectional view, along the line W-W, of figure 23B, Figure 23C shows a side view of Figure 23B, and Figure 23D shows a view, from the front, of the single plunger. Attention is first drawn to Figures 1A and IB showing a first form of two-part adhesive dispenser used in the prior art. Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional "head-on" view and Figure IB shows an isometric view of the end of the two-part adhesive dispenser.

In Figure 1A a coaxial two-part adhesive dispenser 10 comprises an outer containing cylinder 12 has an inner containing cylinder 14 coaxially disposed therein. A first component 16 of the two-part adhesive is contained between the outer containing cylinder 12 and the inner containing cylinder 14. A second component 18 of the two- part adhesive is contained within the inner containing cylinder 14. A manifold 20 dispenses the first 16 and second 18 components as they are urged towards the manifold 20. The manifold 20 comprises a threaded portion 22 which is used to attach a mixing nozzle to the coaxial dispenser 10. The manifold 20 comprises a first outlet port 24 through which the first component 16 is dispensed, and a second, central outlet port 26 through which the second component 18 is dispensed. In use, the first component 16 and the second component 18 are dispensed together from the manifold 20 into the attached mixing nozzles to be mixed together and dispensed in the location where curie for bonding is required.

Figures 2A and 2B show a second coaxial two-part adhesive dispenser where like number show like items from Figure 1A. Here the manifold 20 has been moved from the central position to a position overlying both the space between the outer containing cylinder 12 and the inner containing cylinder 14 and the space contained by the inner containing cylinder 14. The nozzle is modified so that it comprises a first outlet aperture 28 providing access to the second component 18 and a second outlet aperture 30 providing access to the first component 16. The first 28 and second 30 outlet apertures are separated by a separator blade 32 stretching along the length of the manifolds 20. In all other aspects the prior art example Figures 2A and 2B resembles the prior art example of Figures 1A and IB.

Figures 3A and 3B show a further prior art example where a first cartridge tube 34 containing the first component 16 of the two-part adhesive is disposed and held parallel to a second cartridge tube 36 containing the second component 18 of the two-part adhesive. A manifold 20 is disposed between the first 34 and second 36 cartridge tube, and it every way resembles the manifold 22 of Figure 2B, the first outlet aperture 28 dispensing the first component 16 of the two-part adhesive and the second outlet aperture 30 dispensing the second component 18 of the two-part adhesive. As before, the separator blade 32 lies along the length of the manifold 20 to keep the first component 16 and the second component 18 separate from one another as they are dispensed into the mixing nozzle held on the threaded portion 22 of the manifold 20.

The present invention seeks to provide improvement over the examples shown in Figure 1A through to Figure 3b by providing superior means for mixing the first component 16 and the second component 18 of a two-part adhesive.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 4 showing a first embodiment of the present invention. An improved coaxial dispenser 38 comprises an outer cartridge 40 and an inner cartridge 42 coaxially disposed. An outer plunger 44 is disposed between the inner surface 46 of the outer cartridge 40 and the outer surface 48 of the inner cartridge 42. An inner plunger 50 lies within the inner cartridge 42 and provides a seal against the inner wall 52 of the inner cartridge 42. The example shown in Figure 4 is intended to dispense a one to one ratio between the first component 16 of the two-part adhesive and the second component 18 of the two-part adhesive.

The two plungers 44,50 are moved together by a common style of spring loaded pusher so that the outer plunger 44 and the inner plunger 50 are advanced together at the same rate. Inner and outer pushers on the dispensing applicator are linked together. Both pushers are advanced at the same rate. The cross-sectional area between the outer cartridge 40 and the inner cartridge 42 is the same as the cross-sectional area of the inner cartridge 42. If other mixture ratios are desired to be so dispensed, the cross- sectional areas must be in proportion to the dispensing ratio.

An improved manifold 54 is attached, generally as shown in Figures 1A and IB, to the dispensing end of the improved coaxial dispenser

38. As before the improved manifold comprises a threaded section 56 to which a screw-on retainer 58 is attached. In the examples shown, the screw-on retainer 58 is holding a cartridge plug 60 to maintain the contents of the improved coaxial dispenser 38 in tact. During use of the improved coaxial dispenser 38, the cartridge plug 60 is removed and a mixing nozzle attached in its place. Attention is next drawn to Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E which shows respectively, in Figures 5A and 5B, cross-sections along the embodiment of Figure 4 in the axial direction, in Figure 5C a closeup of the manifold arrangement of Figure 4, in Figure 5D an enlarged closeup of the manifold arrangement of Figure 5C, and in Figure 5E detail of the underlying structure within the manifold.

Figures 5A and 5B show respective axial cross-sectional views of the inner cartridge 42 of Figure 4 from 2 mutually orthogonal angles. Improved manifold 54 comprises an inner manifold 62 protruding through the front of the inner cartridge 42 and forming an inner portion of the coaxial improved manifold 54. Figures 5C and 5D, respectively, a magnified view of the inner manifold 62 viewed along the axis AA-AA and looking in the direction down into the inner cartridge 42. Further details are also visible in Figure 5E.

The inner manifold comprises a plurality (in this example, 5) of angularly spaced first cylinder apertures 64 each of which communicates with the second component 18 in the inner cartridge 42. When the improved coaxial dispenser 38 is used, the second component 18 is dispensed through each of the first cylinder apertures 64.

The first cylinder apertures are provided at the distal end 66 of the inner manifold 62, the proximal end 68 of the inner manifold 62 abutting the dispensing end 68 of the inner cartridge 42.

A proximal end 68 of the inner manifold 62 comprises reinforced exclusion barriers 70 which protrude from the proximal end 68 of the inner cartridge 42 and provide a seal between the contents of the inner cartridge 42 and the outer cartridge 44 when the outer portion of the improved manifold (yet to be described) is inserted over the inner manifold 62. The exclusion barrier 70 define a plurality of channels 72 through which the first component 16 of the two-part adhesive, when the improved coaxial dispenser is used, is urged toward the inner manifold 62 to flow between the inner manifold 62 and an outer manifold, yet to be described.

The inner manifold 62 comprises a central non-circular hole 74 for the insertion therein of a conformal non-circular spike in a dispensing nozzle to ensure that the dispensing nozzle takes up a particular angular orientation with respect to the axis of the improved coaxial dispenser. In the example shown, the dispensing nozzle can take up any one of five angular orientations with regard to the access of the improved coaxial dispenser 38, and so the non- circular hole 74 is pentagonal in shape to match a conformal projection extending from the mixing nozzle into the non-circular hole 74.Other shapes are possible.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D showing various views of the inner cartridge 42 assembled within the outer cartridge 40 of the embodiment of Figure 4.

Figure 6A shows a cross-sectional view, cut along the axis of the improved coaxial dispenser 38, where the inner cartridge lies within the outer cartridge 40. The proximal end 68 of the inner manifold 42 is urged against the inner surface of the dispensing ends 76 of the outer cartridge 40 so that the exclusion barrier 70 provide a seal between the first 16 and second 18 components of the two-part adhesive, while the channels 72 provide passage of the first component 16 through the manifold between the inner manifold 62 and an outer manifold 78. The outer manifold 78 comprise a threaded portion 80 on the outer surface thereof whereon a retaining screw 22 can be threaded either to retain a screw-on retainer 58 as otherwise shown in Figure 4 but this time comprising a conformal spike 84 to fit within the non-circular hole 74 or, selectively, a dispensing nozzle which may be similarly orientated in the non-circular hole 74.

Figure 6B shows a view looking axially downwards into the improved coaxial dispenser 38, Figure 6C shows an isometric cross-section of the improved coaxial dispenser 38 taken along the line BB-BB. Figure 6D shows an isometric view of a cross-section of the entire improved coaxial dispenser 38 also taken along the line BB-BB.

Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and 7E show exterior views of the improved coaxial dispenser 38, Figure 7A showing a side view, Figure 7B showing a dispensing-end 76 on view, Figure 7C showing an isometric side view of the entire improved coaxial dispenser 38, Figure 7D showing details of the construction of an improved screw-on retainer 86 similar to the screw-on retainer 58 of earlier figures, and Figure 7E showing how the improved screw-on retainer 86 is inserted into the improved manifold 54. The improved screw-on retainer 86, as well as the conformal spike 84, also comprises a plurality of shaped plugs 88, there being one conformal shaped plug 88 to fit each of the outlets for the first 16 and second 18 components of the two-part adhesive.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D showing details of the inner plunger 50. Figure 8A shows an isometric view of the inner plunger 50, Figure 8B shows an end-on view of the inner plunger 50, Figure 80 shows a side view of the inner plunger 50 and Figure 8D shows a cross-sectional view of the inner plunger 50 take along the lines JJ-JJ.

The inner plunger 50 comprises an outer rim 90 at either end of which are provided inner wiper seals 92 which are of an elastic nature and extend beyond the outer rim 90. The inner plunger 50 is made from a plastic moulding, the outer rim 90 being support by webs 94. The webs 94 extend beyond the distal end 96 of the outer rim 90 so that no damage can be sustained by the inner wiper seals 92. The proximal end 98 of the inner plunger 50 is urged against the contents of the inner cartridge 42 to push them towards the improved manifold 54. The inner plunger 50 comprises a counter bore 100 to allow an undersized pusher to be used if required.

Attention if next drawn to Figures 9A to 9B showing the outer plunger 44 of the embodiment shown in Figure 4. Figure 9A shows an isometric view of the outer plunger 44. Figure 9B shows an end-on view of the outer plunger 44. Figure 90 shows a side view of the outer plunger 44. Figure 9D shows a cross-sectional view of the outer plunger 44 taken along the line MM-MM.

The outer plunger 44 comprises an outer plunger outer rim 102 and an outer plunger inner rim 104. The outer plunger outer rim 102 comprises outer plunger outer wiper seals 106 at either end to seal the outer plunger 44 against the inner surface 46 of the outer cartridge 44. The outer plunger inner rim 104 comprises outer plunger inner rim seals 108 to provide a seal against the outer surface 48 of the inner cartridge 42. The outer plunger 44 is supported by outer plunger webs 110 which also extend beyond the proximal end 112 of the outer plunger 44 to prevent damage to the rim seals 106,108. The distal end of the outer plunger 44 is urged against the contents contained between the outer cartridge and the inner cartridge 42 to force the first component 16 towards the improved manifold 5.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 10 which shows an isometric sectioned view of a further improved coaxial dispenser 116 similar in every way to the improved coaxial dispenser 38 of Figure 4, with the exception that, while the improved coaxial dispenser 38 of Figure 4 is designed to dispense the first component 16 and the second component 18 in volume ratios of one to one, the further improved coaxial dispenser 116 of Figure 10 is designed to dispense the first component 16 and the second component 18 in a volume ratio of ten to one. The dispensing ratio is thus 1:1 and to reflect this condition, the cross-sectional area of the inner cartridge 42' is equal to the cross-sectional area of the outer cartridge 40' minus the cross-sectional area of the inner cartridge 42'. Many other dispensing ratios are possible other than those shown in Figures 4 and 10. The dispensing ratio will always be the ratio between the cross-sectional area of the inside of the inner cartridge 42,42' and the cross-sectional area of the inside of the outer cartridge 40,40' less the cross-sectional area of the outside of the inner cartridge 42,42'. Ratios in excess of 10:1 or less than 1:1 can be dispensed.

Attention is further drawn to Figures HA, 11B, 110, 11D and HE.

Figures HA and 11B show, with similar numbers indicating similar objects to those shown in Figures 5A and 5B, two views of the inner cartridge 42' of the 10:1 dispenser of Figure 10, shown from two angles mutually 90° displaced about the axis of the inner cartridge 42'. Figure 110 shows similar items having similar numbers as are shown in Figure 50. Figure 11C shows a view looking towards the distal end 66' in the direction of the line FF-FF showing details of the inner manifold 62' and in particular the first cylindrical apertures 64' which, in this instance, are circular in cross- section. The exclusion barriers 70' are simple bars to reflect the greater area required for the flow of the first component 60 through the now wider channels 72'.

Figure 11D is an enlargement of Figure 110 and Figure HE is an isometric view of the inner cartridge 42'. Once again, the like numbers are employed to indicate similar elements whose function is the same but whose size or configuration may differ. In order to equalise the rate of flow of the second component 18 relative to the first component 16, it is also possible to modify the axial extent of the exclusion barriers 70 to provide that the channel 72 have the necessary cross-sectional area to allow for the flow of the first component 60.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 12A, 12B, 120 and 12D which show views of the 10:1 ratio further improved coaxial dispenser 116 similar to those shown in Figures 6A to 6D where similar numbers indicate objects of a similar nature and function but where the shape may differ. The same description applies. The only difference is that the cartridge plug 60 is now adapted to block the modified dispensing apparatus illustrated in Figures 11D and 120. The cross section of Figure 12A is taken along the line NN-NN of Figure 12B. Likewise the cross section of the isometric view Figure 12D is also taken along the line NN-NN of Figure 12B.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 13A, 13B, 130, 13D and 13E showing similar views to Figures 7A, 7B, 70, 7D and 7E where like numbers indicate similar objects whose function is the same but whose size and disposition may differ, but this time of the further improved cylindrical coaxial dispenser 116 instead of the improved coaxial dispenser 38.

The Figure 13A to 13E representations are of the 10:1 ratio dispenser otherwise shown in Figures 12, 11 and 10 rather than the 1:1 ratio detector shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 14A and 14B which show, respectively, an isometric view of a two cylinder dispenser 118 where a dispensing head 120 is attachable to first 122 and second 124 separate cylinders containing respectively the first component 116 and the second component 118. The articles shown in Figures 14A and 14B represent a further embodiment of the present invention.

As with Figures 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 and 13, the dispensing head 20 comprises an improved manifold 54' '. Figure 14B shows the dispensing head 20 in exploded form. A front portion 126 comprises, as with the earlier embodiments, a threaded portion 80'' on a threaded portion 78 ' ' through which an inner manifold 62 ' ' passes. The inner manifold 62 ' ' , in the example shown, corresponds with the inner manifold otherwise shown in Figures 6 and 7. Other designs, as was and will be explained, are possible.

A rear portion 128 of the dispensing head 120 comprises a first separate cylinder 122 receiver 130 to receive the first separate cylinder 122 and a second separate cylinder 124 receiver 132 to receive the second separate cylinder 124. The first separate cylinder receiver 130 comprises a first separate cylinder aperture 134 to allow ingress of the first component 60 into the rear portion 128. The second separate cylinder receiver 132 further comprises a second separate cylinder aperture 136 to allow ingress of the second component 18 into the rear portion 128. The rear portion 128 comprises a blocking wall 138 to separate the first component 16 from the second component 18. The inner manifold 62 comprises a flange 140 which co-operates with the blocking wall to maintain separation between the first component 16 and the second component 18 until the moment of egress from the end of the improved manifold 54''. The front portion 126 and the rear portion 128 clipped together and, when the first component 16 and the second component 18 are urged by plungers (not shown) similar to those shown as item 50 of Figure 4, the two components 16 and 18 are forced separately to the tip of the improved manifold 54'' to be dispensed.

The flange 140 can be glued or welded to the blocking wall 138 which can be augmented by having extended sections glued within the rear portion 128 to assist welding or gluing.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 15A and 15B showing a further embodiment of the present invention. Whereas Figures 14A and 14B show an embodiment of a two cylinder dispenser 118 for dispensing two parts adhesive component 16, 18 in substantially a 1:1 ratio, the apparatus shown in Figure 15A employs a smaller diameter first separate cylinder 142 to dispense the first component 16 in a smaller amount. The dispensing head 120' is substantially the same as shown in Figure 14, with the exception that the inner manifold 62''' is of a different design from that shown in Figure 14B. The inner manifold 62''' is illustrated in Figure 15B.

Attention is drawn to Figures 16A through to 16K which show details of a further embodiment of the present invention which provides for intimate mixing of the first component 16 and the second component 18 from a two cylinder 34, 36 dispenser such as that shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

Figures 16A and 16B show the manifold 22 mounted on to the first cartridge tube 34 and the second cartridge tube 38 as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 16A to 16K, the manifold 20 is shown mounted upon the first cartridge tube 34 and the second cartridge tube 36 as otherwise shown in Figures 3A and 3B as prior art. The manifold 20, according to the further embodiment of the present invention, is provided with a manifold adaptor 144 which sits upon the separator blade 32 and a flow head 146 which sits upon the manifold adaptor 144.

Figure 160 shows an isometric view of the manifold adaptor 144, Figure 16D shows a view from above of the manifold adaptor 144 and shows a cut-away 148 which allows the separator blade 32 to enter the manifold adaptor 144 and maintain the separation between the first component 16 and the second component 18 therein. The manifold adaptor 144 comprises in the apertures 150 which allow the first 16 and second 18 components through-passage to the flow head 146. The manifold adaptor 144 comprises a flow chamber 152.

Figures 16G, 16H, 16J and 16K show different views of the flow head 146. The flow head 146 shows an array which is similar to the inner manifold 62 otherwise shown in figures 12 and 13. The flow head 146 comprises a wall 154 which fits snugly on to the end of the manifold adaptor 144. A second component 18 inlet tube 156 protrudes from the wall 154 and mates with a second component inlet 150 otherwise shown in Figures 160 through to 16F. The second component inlet tube discharges through a second component outlet 158 which through- penetrates the wall 154.

An alternative arrangement to that shown in Figures 16A through to 16K would be for the wall 154 to conformally fit within the flow chamber 152 and for the second component inlet tube 156 to fit into the appropriate inlet aperture 150.

The wall 154 also supports first component aperture tube 160 which allow the first component 16 to pass through the flow head 146. The flow head 146 further comprises a non-circular hole 74'' also supported on a tube to accept a cartridge plug 60. Figure 16G shows a cross-sectional view of the flow head 146, Figure 16H shows an end-on view of the flow head 146, Figure 16J shows a cross-sectional view taken on the line T-T of Figure 16H of the flow head 146 and Figure 16K shows an isometric view of the flow head 146. When the dispensing nozzle is screwed on to the manifold 20, the dispensing nozzle acts as the outer manifold 78. 78' acts in Figures 60 and 120 to allow flow of the second component 18 around the first component aperture tubes to allow intimate mixing of the first 16 and the second 18 components.

The apparatus shown in Figures 16A to 16F can equally be used to provide even mixing of the first 16 and second 18 components in the prior art otherwise shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 17A to 17G which show different views of a third embodiment of the present invention, suitable for use on the coaxial dispenser 10 otherwise shown in Figures 1A and IB.

A coaxial adaptor 162 is attachable into or over the second outlet port 26 otherwise shown in Figure 1A and Figure IB. Figure 17A shows the coaxial adaptor 162 removed from the manifold 20.

The coaxial adaptor 162 shown in the example in Figures 17A to 17G is of a similar configuration to the inner manifold 62 otherwise shown in Figures 5A to 5E, 6A to 6D and 7A to 7E. It is to be appreciated that this is only one example of the form that the coaxial adaptor 162 can take and that many other forms, as will become clear from later description, are possible.

Figure 17B shows a front view of the coaxial adaptor 162 looking towards the coaxial dispenser 10 of Figure 17A. The shape and configuration of the coaxial adaptor 162 given in Figures 17A to 17G is just one example of untold numbers of shapes and configurations which the coaxial adaptor 162 can take to achieve the mixing of the first component 16 and the second component 18 of the two part adhesive, sealant or other two part compound.

The coaxial adaptor 162 comprises dispensing guides 164 which duct the second component 18, ejected through the second outlet port 26 towards the mixing and dispensing nozzle which is screwed onto the manifold 20 when the coaxial dispenser 10 is in use. The dispensing guides 164 have an open end as shown in Figure 17B but, beyond the diameter of a sealing ring 166, the dispensing guides 164 have a closed rear surface 168 which ensures separation between the first component 16 and the second component 18. This is best illustrated in Figure 17D which shows a view of the coaxial adaptor from the direction of the coaxial dispenser 10.

Figure 170 shows a side view of the coaxial adaptor 162 and particularly illustrates the sealing ring 166 which, as earlier stated, is of a diameter either to fit within the second outlet port 26 or to fit over the second outlet port 26 to provide a seal of the second component 18 from premature mixing with the first component 16.

The coaxial adaptor 162 also comprises voids 170 which, when the coaxial adaptor 162 is screwed within the mixing and dispensing nozzle which is attachable to the manifold 20, act as separate passages for the progress towards the dispensing and mixing nozzle of the first component 16 issuing from the first outlet port 24. This may be better shown by Figure 17E which is a cross-sectional view of Figure 17D.

Figures 17F and 17G show different isometric views of the coaxial adaptor 162.

Thus, when the coaxial adaptor 162 is inserted into or over the second outlet port 26 and a dispensing nozzle screwed, as known in the prior art, on to the manifold 20, the voids 170 provide a stream of the first component 16 and the dispensing guides 164 provide a plurality of streams of the second component 18, the streams of the second component 18 lying between the streams of the first component 16, to be dispensed already in the state of uniform semi-mixture into the mixing and dispensing nozzle.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 18A, 18B, and 18C.

In one consideration, Figure 18A can be taken as a side view of the arrangement shown in Figures 3A and 3B, or a side view of the arrangement shown in Figures 2A and 2B, with a dispensing and mixing nozzle 172 held on to the manifold 20 by a screw on retainer 58 as otherwise shown in Figure 4. The dispensing and mixing nozzle 172 comprises mixing structures 174 which assist in the further mixing of the first 16 and second 18 components as they progress along the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172 towards a discharge end 176. The mixing structures can comprise spirals, helices and counter helices, and any other means known in the art. The exact structure of the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172 is not part of the present invention. Suffice to say that the present invention enables the mixing structures 174 to be simplified and the length of the dispensing and mixing nozzle 174 to be less than it would otherwise require to be. If it is retained at the same length, the quality of mixture between the first 16 and second 18 components is greatly enhanced by the present invention. The dispensing and mixing nozzle 172 is provided in each of the embodiments of the present invention.

When Figure 18A represents the structures shown in Figures 3A and 3B or in Figures 2A and 2B, Figure 18B shows a magnification of the manifold 20 with its screw on retainer 58 in place, and with the coaxial adaptor 161 as otherwise shown in Figure 17A through to 17E, in place held on by the screw on retainer 58 and co-operating with the walls 178 of the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172 to ensure that the first 16 and second 18 component remains separate until the point where they are discharged into the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172.

Another interpretation of Figure 18A is to state that it is a side view of the coaxial dispenser 10 of Figures 1A and IB. In this instance Figure 18C shows a magnified view of the manifold 20 with the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172 held thereon by the screw on retainer 58 and the combination of the manifold adaptor 144 topped by the flow head 146 also co-operating with the walls 178 of the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172 to ensure that the first 16 and second 18 components remain separated until the moment they are injected into the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172, and thereafter the streams of first 16 and second 18 components initially mingling together as defined by the patent of their injection into the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172 and then being physically further mixed by the mixing structures 174 within the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172.

Attention is drawn to Figures 19 and 20■ which show different arrangements of the arrangement of discharge parts for dispensing the first 16 and second 18 components into the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172. The views shown in Figures 19 and 20 are equivalent to the views shown in Figures 50 and 5D, HG and 11D, 16H and 17B when 17B is considered surrounded by the inner wall of the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172. The view of Figure 16H must also be considered surrounded by the inner wall 178 of the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172. Equally, the views of Figures 19 and 20 can be taken to be the pattern observed looking down the improved manifold 54'' as shown in Figure 14A and in Figure 15A.

In Figures 19 and 20 the particular patterns are referenced by row, letter and column number. As can be seen, many different arrangements are possible for discharging the first component 16 and the second component 18. Figures 19 and 20 show just a few of the many tens of thousands of different arrangements which could be adopted. Each arrangement is usable as an embodiment of the present invention. There are arrangements such as Figure 19, row D where one stream of the first component 16 is provided with one stream of the second component 18. Equally, one stream of one component 16, 18 can be provided with two streams of the other component 18, 16. There can be any number of a plurality of separate streams of each component 16, 18. The shape of each component can be modified to be not a circular stream but any shape as shown in Figure 19, Al or Figure 20, Al . Pseudo-random or random shapes can be adopted as in Figure 20, B4, B5, D5 and D6. The first component 16 can be dispensed anywhere in relation to the second component 18 simply by different arrangements of the discharge patterns. All that is required in the present invention is that the two components 16, 18 are discharged into the dispensing and mixing nozzle 172 in an already interlaced fashion where substantial mixing has, effectively, already taken place.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 21A to 21C, showing various views of the Outer plunger 44 and the inner plunger 50, otherwise shown in Figures 4, 6, 8 and 9, being pushed by a common pusher 179.

Figure 21B shows a view from the back of the outer plunger 44 and the inner plunger 50 being pushed by the common pusher 179, Figure 21A shows a cross sectional view, along the line W-W, of figure 21B, Figure 210 shows a side view of Figure 21B, and Figure 21D shows a view, from the front, of the outer plunger 44 and the inner plunger 50, as they are arranged. In figures 21A, 21B, 21C and 21D the common pusher 179 comprises an outer pusher 180, shaped and dimensioned to push upon the outer plunger 44, and an inner pusher 182, shaped and dimensioned to engage the counter bore 100 on the rear face of the inner plunger 50. It is to be noted that the inner rear surface of the counter bore 100, which is the surface against which the inner pusher 182 presses, is at the same level as the engagement of the outer pusher 180 with the outer plunger 44. The two pushers 180 182 thus advance together to push the outer plunger 44 and the inner plunger 50 along equal distances.

The rear surface of the outer plunger 44 and the rear surface of the inner plunger 55 are staggered so that equality of progress is achieved.

The pushers 180 182 are mounted on a common manually compressed or spring loaded assembly, whose general shape and configuration will be well known in the art of two part or one part compound dispensing. For example, almost everyone will be familiar with one part sealant dispensing guns which are spring loaded and take a cartridge of sealant to dispense. The present invention differs from the prior art in the disposition and function of its pushers 180 182.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 22A to 22D, showing various views of how the 10:1 inner plunger 44' and the 10:1 outer plunger 50', otherwise shown in Figures 10 and 12, are pushed by the common pusher 179.

Figure 22B shows a view from the back of the 10:1 outer plunger 44' and the 10:1 inner plunger 50 being pushed by the common pusher 179, Figure 22A shows a cross sectional view, along the line W-W, of figure 22B, Figure 220 shows a side view of Figure 22B, and Figure 22D shows a view, from the front, of the 10:1 outer plunger 44' and the 10:1 inner plunger 50', as they are arranged.

In figures 22A, 22B, 220 and 22D the same common pusher 179 is used, comprising an outer pusher 180, shaped and dimensioned to push upon the outer plunger 44, and an inner pusher 182. This time, instead of engaging the counter bore 100 on the rear face of the 10:1 inner plunger 50', it merely pushes against the back of the 10:1 inner plunger 50', which does not posses a counter bore 100. It is to be noted that the rear surface of the 10:1 inner plunger, against which the inner pusher 182 pushes, is at the same level as the engagement of the outer pusher 180 with the outer 10:1 plunger 44. The two pushers 180 182 thus advance together to push the outer 10:1 plunger 44' and the inner 10:1 plunger 50' along equal distances.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 23A to 23D, showing various views of how a single plunger 184 can be pushed by the common pusher 179.

Figure 23B shows a view from the back of the single plunger 184 being pushed by the common pusher 179, Figure 23A shows a cross sectional view, along the line W-W, of figure 23B, Figure 23C shows a side view of Figure 23B, and Figure 23D shows a view, from the front, of the single plunger 184.

In figures 22A, 22B, 220 and 22D the same common pusher 179 is used, comprising an outer pusher 180, shaped and dimensioned to push upon the outer plunger 44, and an inner pusher 182. This time the common pusher 179 180 182 simply pushes against the rear face of a single plunger 184, which does not possess a counter bore 100. It is to be noted that the rear surface of single plunger 184, against which the inner pushers 182 and outer pushers 180 push, keeps the two pushers 180 182 at the same level, so the two pushers 180 182 push and advance together.

The combination of a two pusher 180 182 common pusher 179 together with the rear surface geometry of the plungers 44 44' 50 50' permits a common pusher assembly 179 to be used with any dispensing ratios and even for one part dispensing. The common pusher 179, in combination with the counter bore 100, even allows the common pusher 179 to be used on dispensers of other types from those described with reference to the present invention.

Claims

1 Dispensing apparatus for dispensing first and second components of two part compound, said apparatus comprising: first means for guiding for the first component in a first path separately from said second component; and second guiding means for guiding said second component in a second path separately from said first component; where said first guiding means and said second guiding means are co-operative to discharge said first and second components in an interlaced pattern.

2 Apparatus, according to claim 1, where said first guiding means and said second guiding means are co-operative to discharge said first and second components into a dispensing nozzle.

3 Apparatus, according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first path comprises a plurality of first component paths.

4 Apparatus, according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said second path comprises a plurality of second component paths.

5 Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first path is non-circular.

6 Apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein at least one of said plurality of first component paths is non-circular.

7 Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said second path is non-circular.

8 Apparatus, according to claim 4, wherein at least one of said plurality of second component paths is non-circular.

9 Apparatus, according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for attachment as part of a two cylinder dispenser.

10 Apparatus, according to claim 9, comprising first cylinder receiving means for receiving a first cylinder, and second cylinder receiving means for receiving a second cylinder. 11 Apparatus, according to claim 9 or claim 10, comprising a chamber made by a blocking wall and a flange, said chamber comprising a portion of both said first path and said second path.

12 Apparatus, according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising a rear portion and a front portion, said rear portion being affixable to said front portion.

13 Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising means for affixing to an existing dispenser comprising: a manifold adaptor for attachment onto the manifold of the existing dispenser and operative to guide the first component separately from said second component; and a flow head for attachment to said manifold adaptor, operative to accept, from said manifold adaptor, said first component separately from said second component; where said flow head is operative to discharge said first and second components in said interlaced pattern.

14 Apparatus, according to claim 13, for use where the existing dispenser is a coaxial dispenser and said manifold is non-central on the coaxial dispenser.

15 Apparatus, according to claim 13, for use where the existing dispenser is a two cylinder dispenser.

16 Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, for use with an existing coaxial dispenser, said apparatus comprising: a coaxial adaptor for attachment to the inner coaxial outlet port of the manifold of the existing coaxial dispenser; said coaxial adaptor comprising at least one dispensing guide for providing said first path; and said coaxial adaptor comprising at least one void, communicative with the outer coaxial outlet port of the existing coaxial dispenser and co-operative with a dispensing nozzle to provide said second path.

17 Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, for use with an existing coaxial dispenser, said apparatus comprising: a coaxial adaptor for attachment to the inner coaxial outlet port of the manifold of the existing coaxial dispenser; said coaxial adaptor comprising at least one dispensing guide for providing said first path; and said coaxial adaptor comprising at least one void, communicative with the outer coaxial outlet port of the existing coaxial dispenser and co-operative with a screw on retainer to provide said second path.

18 Apparatus, according to claim 16 or 17, comprising a sealing ring operative to provide sealed attachment into or around the inner coaxial outlet port of the manifold of the existing coaxial dispenser.

19 Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: an outer coaxial cartridge for the first component; an inner coaxial cartridge for the second component; a manifold for providing said two paths; an outer plunger operative to provide a sliding seal between said outer coaxial cartridge and said inner coaxial cartridge; and an inner plunger operative to provide a sliding seal for said inner coaxial cartridge.

20 Apparatus, according to claim 19, wherein said outer plunger comprises: an outer rim with one or more outer rim seals to provide a seal against an inner surface of said outer cartridge; and an inner rim with one or more inner rim seals to provide a seal against an outer surface of said inner cartridge.

21 Apparatus, according to claim 19 or 20, wherein said inner plunger comprises an inner plunger outer rim with one or more inner wiper seals to provide a seal against an inner surface of said inner cartridge .

22 Apparatus, according to any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein said outer plunger comprises a web, extending beyond said outer rim to prevent damage to said one or more outer rim seals and said inner rim seals.

23 Apparatus, according to any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein said inner plunger comprises a web, extending beyond said inner plunger outer rim to prevent damage to said one or more inner wiper seals.

24 Apparatus, according to any one of claims 19 to 23, comprising a common pusher, operative to provide an outer pusher to press against said outer plunger, and an inner pusher to press against said inner plunger, said outer and inner pushers and said inner and outer plungers being co-operable to advance said inner and outer plungers together at the same rate.

25 An apparatus, according to claim 24, wherein said common pusher is also operative to press against and advance a single plunger.

26 Apparatus, according to any one of the preceding claims, for use where the two part compound is a glue.

27 Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 24, for use where the two part compound is a sealant.

28 An apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 24, for use where said two part compound is a two part plastics resin.

29 Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 24, for use where said two part compound is an expanding plastics foam.

30 Apparatus, according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a retainer for affixing to the discharge of the first and second paths to provide a seal there over when said apparatus is not in use.

31 Apparatus, according to claim 28, wherein said retainer comprises a conformal spike for fixing within a non-circular hole to orientate said plug.

32 Apparatus, according to claim 23, wherein said web on said inner plunger comprises a counter bore for accepting an undersized pusher.

33 A method for dispensing first and second components of two part compound comprising the steps of: guiding the first component in a first path separately from said second component; guiding said second component in a second path separately from said first component; and causing said first guiding means and said second guiding means to co-operate to discharge said first and second components in an interlaced pattern.

34 A method, according to claim 33, including the step of causing said first guiding means and said second guiding means to co-operate to discharge said first and second components into a dispensing nozzle.

35 A method, according to claim 33 or 34, including the step of providing, as said first path, a plurality of first component paths.

36 A method, according to claim 33, 34 or 35, including the step of providing, as said second path, a plurality of second component paths.

37 A method, according to claim 33, including the step of providing said first path in non-circular form.

38 A method, according to claim 35, wherein at least one of said plurality of first component paths is non-circular.

39 A method, according to claim 33, including the step of providing said second path in non-circular form.

40 A method, according to claim 39, wherein at least one of said plurality of second component paths is non-circular.

41 A method, according to any one of claims 33 to 40, including the step of attachment as part of a two cylinder dispenser.

42 A method, according to claim 41, including the step of receiving a first and receiving a second cylinder.

43 A method, according to claim 41 or claim 42, including the step of providing a chamber made by a blocking wall and a flange, said chamber comprising a portion of both said first path and said second path.

44 A method, according to any one of claims 41 to 43, including the step of providing a rear portion and a front portion, said rear portion being affixable to said front portion.

45 A method, according to any one of claims 33 to 44, including dispensing from an existing dispenser, said method comprising the steps of: attachment onto the manifold of the existing dispenser and guiding the first component separately from the second component; providing a manifold adaptor; attaching a flow head to said manifold adaptor; said flow head accepting, from said manifold adaptor, said first component separately from said second component; and said flow head discharging said first and second components in said interlaced pattern.

46 A method, according to claim 45, for use where the existing dispenser is a coaxial dispenser and said manifold is non-central on the coaxial dispenser.

47 A method, according to claim 45, for use where the existing dispenser is a two cylinder dispenser.

48 A method, according to any one of claims 33 to 40, for use with an existing coaxial dispenser, said method comprising the steps of: employing a coaxial adaptor for attachment to the inner coaxial outlet port of the manifold of the existing coaxial dispenser; providing at least one dispensing guide in said coaxial adaptor for providing said first path; and providing at least one void in said coaxial adaptor communicative with the outer coaxial outlet port of the existing coaxial dispenser and co-operative with a dispensing nozzle to provide said second path.

49 A method, according to any one of claims 33 to 40, for use with an existing coaxial dispenser, said method comprising the steps of: employing a coaxial adaptor for attachment to the inner coaxial outlet port of the manifold of the existing coaxial dispenser; providing at least one dispensing guide in said coaxial adaptor for providing said first path; and providing at least one void in said coaxial adaptor communicative with the outer coaxial outlet port of the existing coaxial dispenser and co-operative with a screw on retainer to provide said second path.

50 A method, according to claim 48 or 49, including the step of employing a sealing ring to provide sealed attachment into or around the inner coaxial outlet port of the manifold of the existing coaxial dispenser.

51 A method, according to any one of claims 33 to 40, comprising the further steps of: providing an outer coaxial cartridge for the first component; providing an inner coaxial cartridge for the second component; providing a manifold for providing said two paths; providing an outer plunger operative to provide a sliding seal between said outer coaxial cartridge and said inner coaxial cartridge; and providing an inner plunger operative to provide a sliding seal for said inner coaxial cartridge.

52 A method, according to claim 51, including the step of providing, on said outer plunger, an outer rim with one or more outer rim seals to provide a seal against an inner surface of said outer cartridge and an inner rim with one or more inner rim seals to provide a seal against an outer surface of said inner cartridge.

53 A method, according to claim 51 or 52, including the step of providing, on said inner plunger, an inner plunger outer rim with one or more inner wiper seals to provide a seal against an inner surface of said inner cartridge.

54 A method, according to any one of claims 51 to 53, including the step of providing a web on said outer plunger, said web axially extending beyond said outer rim to prevent damage to said one or more outer rim seals and said inner rim seals.

55 A method, according to any one of claims 51 to 54 including the step of providing a web on said inner plunger, said web axially extending beyond said inner plunger outer rim to prevent damage to said one or more inner wiper seals.

56 A method, according to any one of claims 51 to 55, including the steps of: providing a common pusher in the form of an outer pusher to press against said outer plunger and an inner pusher to press against said inner plunger; and operating said outer and inner pushers and configuring said inner and outer plungers to advance said inner and outer plungers together at the same rate.

57 A method, according to claim 56, including the step of configuring said common pusher to be operative to press against and advance a single plunger.

58 A method, according to any one of claims 33 to 57, for use where the two part compound is a glue.

59 A method, according to any one of claims 33 to 57, for use where the two part compound is a sealant. 60 A method, according to any one of claims 33 to 57, for use where said two part compound is a two part plastics resin.

61 A method, according to any one of claims 33 to 57, for use where said two part compound is an expanding foam.

62 A method, according to claim 55, including the step of providing, on said inner plunger, a counter bore for accepting an undersized pusher.

63 Apparatus, substantially as described and claimed with reference to the appended drawings.

64 A method, substantially as described and claimed with reference to the appended drawings.