John M. Raterman has received the 2001 Nord Innovation Award from Nordson Corp., Duluth, Ga. The award was presented to Raterman for his patents on the Nordson SaturnR nozzle. The newly established Nord Innovation Award recognizes Nordson employees who have been instrumental in making new and patented products commercially successful.
Nordson Saturn nozzles are used in conjunction with Nordson dispensing guns in the application of hot melt adhesives in packaging and product-assembly applications. Color-coded rings on each nozzle identify nozzle orifice and engagement or orifice and angle, allowing users to select the correct replacement nozzle without measurement. The rings provide visual verification of the correct nozzle and serve to differentiate Nordson nozzles from competitive products.
"The development of the Saturn nozzle was an elegantly simple innovation, which resulted in a commercially significant product for Nordson," said Edward P. Campbell, president and chief executive officer. "John had the vision to transform an otherwise commodity product into a proprietary one, while at the same time adding value for the customer. He has shown us all that simplicity is not a bar to invention but rather is the hallmark of true innovation."
Due to the positive reception Nordson Saturn nozzles have received from customers, the concept of color-coded system parts has been extended to a new line of Saturn in-line filters introduced in May 2001.
Raterman holds multiple patents for the Saturn nozzle and a total of 25 patents with Nordson Corp. His career with Nordson spans over 21 years. Currently vice president, North American division sales, he manages the company's packaging and product-assembly sales and service organizations.
