Abstract: An apparatus used in a system for liquefying and dispensing a hot melt adhesive from a container to a substrate using an improved platen with fins to help guide the hot melt adhesive to a pump. The fins consist of primary, secondary, tertiary, and perimeter fins. The primary fins of the platen extend from the outer periphery radially inward to the center of the platen. The secondary fins are interposed between the pairs of primary fins, and the tertiary fins are interposed between each pair of primary and secondary fins. Both the secondary and tertiary fins taper to provide for a gradual pressure drop along their radial extent to provide for a better fluid flow. The perimeter fins, which are located radially inward along the outer circumference of the platen, provide for an increased surface area at the outer edges of the platen. A pair of elastomeric seals provides a fluid tight seal between the platen and the container of hot melt material.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic materials such as thermoplastic adhesives referred to as "hot melt" adhesives. More specifically this invention relates to a one piece melter tank which is suspended from the top of a chassis which also serves as the housing for the entire assembly of the melting and dispensing apparatus.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the relative position of two or more material dispensers comprises a first module adapted to connect to a source of material, and a second module which is axially movable with respect to the first module. The first and second modules each mount at least one material dispenser such that a material pasageway formed in each module is connected to a discharge bore formed in each material dispenser. The passageways in the first and second modules, in turn, are interconnected by a pair of pivot arms arranged in a scissors-like configuration which extend between the modules, and are movable between an extended and retracted position in response to movement of the second module, so that each dispenser can be supplied with material from a single supply line.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for guiding various sizes of elongated objects such as wire, cable or rod through a predetermined path in such a manner that the longitudinal axis of said elongated object conforms to the longitudinal axis of said predetermined path, said apparatus being quickly adjustable by automatic and manual means.