Method and device for delivering fluid, and a heat transfer cartridge

Abstract

A method and device for delivering a fluid, in which the fluid is fed from a fluid source of a fluid-delivery device and delivered through a discharge orifice assigned to the delivery device. Before the fluid is delivered through the discharge orifice, it is heated or cooled by flowing through a heat-transfer chamber, which contains a fluid-permeable structure having a large number of communicating cavities through which the fluid flows.

1 - 33 . Canceled.  
   
   
       34 . A method of transferring heat to or from a fluid flowing through a foraminous body positioned in a fluid chamber, comprising: 
 feeding the fluid into the fluid chamber,    heating or cooling the foraminous body positioned in the fluid chamber,    feeding the fluid through interstices of the foraminous body,    transferring heat between the fluid and the foraminous body, and    delivering the fluid from the foraminous body to a fluid-delivery device.    
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein feeding the fluid through the interstices of the foraminous body further comprises feeding the fluid through the interstices of a sintered metal, a woven material, a metal fabric, or a cellular plastic.  
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 34 , further comprising: 
 filtering the fluid as the fluid is fed through the interstices of the foraminous body.    
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the fluid is a liquid hot-melt adhesive.  
   
   
       38 . A device for delivering a fluid, comprising: 
 a dispensing body having a flow channel capable of being connected with a source of the fluid, and a discharge orifice communicating with said flow channel for delivering the fluid,    a heat-transfer chamber communicating with said flow channel,    a foraminous body positioned in said heat-transfer chamber and having interconnected interstices capable of receiving the fluid from said flow channel and delivering the fluid to said discharge orifice, and    a heat transfer device thermally coupled with said foraminous body and capable of transferring heat with respect thereto for heating or cooling the fluid flowing through the interconnected interstices.    
   
   
       39 . A device in accordance with  claim 38 , wherein said foraminous body is constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of: a sintered material, a woven material, a metal braid, and an open-pored cellular plastic.  
   
   
       40 . A device in accordance with  claim 38 , wherein said heat-transfer chamber is formed by a section of said flow channel into which said foraminous body is inserted.  
   
   
       41 . A device in accordance with  claim 38 , further comprising: 
 a housing containing said heat-transfer chamber, said housing further containing heating elements for heating the foraminous body.    
   
   
       42 . A device in accordance with  claim 38 , further comprising: 
 a cartridge carrying said foraminous body, said cartridge being insertable into and removable from said heat-transfer chamber.    
   
   
       43 . A device in accordance with  claim 42 , further comprising: 
 at least one heating element carried by said cartridge.    
   
   
       44 . A device in accordance with  claim 43 , wherein said foraminous body surrounds said heating element.  
   
   
       45 . A device in accordance with  claim 43 , wherein said heating element surrounds said foraminous body.  
   
   
       46 . A device in accordance with  claim 38 , further comprising: 
 at least one application valve module communicating with said heat-transfer chamber and having said discharge orifice for delivering the fluid.    
   
   
       47 . A cartridge for transferring heat to or from a fluid, comprising: 
 a foraminous body having interconnected interstices through which the fluid may flow, and    a heat transfer device thermally coupled with said foraminous body and capable of transferring heat with respect thereto for heating or cooling the fluid flowing through the interconnected interstices.    
   
   
       48 . A cartridge in accordance with  claim 47 , further comprising: 
 a housing having a hollow interior space, said foraminous body positioned within said hollow interior space.    
   
   
       49 . A device in accordance with  claim 47 , wherein said foraminous body is constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of: a sintered material, a woven material, a metal braid, and an open-pored cellular plastic.  
   
   
       50 . A device in accordance with  claim 47 , wherein said foraminous body surrounds said heating element.  
   
   
       51 . A device in accordance with  claim 47 , wherein said heating element surrounds said foraminous body.