Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for reducing stringing of adhesive from a nozzle (20) of a dispensing apparatus (12) includes a pneumatically driven cylinder (50) which translates the source of adhesive co-linear with the translating substrate (100). The gun (14) is alternately translated at speeds equal to or greater than the substrate (100), with the object of causing the string (102) of adhesive to fall back onto the substrate (100) in a desired location rather than become airborne and fly away to undesirable locations.

Abstract: A device for relieving the pressure of pressurized materials, such as sprayable hot melt adhesives includes a storage tank (40), a manifold (44), a source of pressure for pressurizing the pressurized materials, and a dump valve (10) for relieving the pressure of the pressurized materials when the device is deactivated or turned off. The dump valve (10) includes a relief port (22) and a spring and compressed air arrangement for opening and closing the relief port (22). The dump valve (10) can be combined with a pressure relief valve and can be retrofitted to existing manifolds (44). A method of depressurizing a pressurized device for spraying pressurized material is also disclosed and includes the steps of activating a pressure means for pressurizing materials within a manifold, pressurizing the materials via the pressure means, deactivating the pressure means, and relieving the pressure of the materials when the pressurizing means is deactivated.