Abstract: An externally heated hot-runner nozzle for producing injection molded parts has a resistance wire which is composed of an inner electric heating conductor, a ceramic insulating intermediate layer and an outer metal sheath and comprises two end portions to which a heating voltage can be applied, as well as an intermediate section which in the form of a heating coil is assigned to the circumference of the hot-runner nozzle. The resistance wire is characterized in that the two end portions having an outer diameter of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm are dimensioned to be larger than the intermediate section having an outer diameter of 1.0 mm to 1.8 mm.

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 hot melt assembly for melting adhesives and sealants including a modular melt tank for housing the adhesive/sealants that is removably secured to a heating plate to allow removal of the melt tank for cleaning, repairing or replacing without removing additionally attached components. An elastic O-ring provides the necessary fluid seal between the heating plate and melt tank.

Abstract: A warming tray and removable heating cartridges of a glue gun system are provided. The warming tray has a base and a heating stand mounted to the base for holding the cartridges. The warming tray includes leads for connecting the cartridges to a source of electricity for heating the cartridges to operating temperatures. The glue gun system includes a gun having a barrel. A cartridge can be removably placed in the barrel. The cartridge has an open central passage to accept a glue stick and a tip to dispense the glue. Once received into the barrel the cartridge is heated, melting the glue therein. Additional cartridges can be placed in the warming tray such that they are electrically connected to a power supply and heated to a heated state. Thus, after one glue stick is used, a second can be immediately installed and used. An insulated tab allows for the easy handling of the cartridges.

Abstract: A ladle preheating system and method in which heat input rate to the ladle is calculated and monitored throughout the preheating period, calculating the moving average slope representing change over time of the rate of change of heat input, correcting the moving average slope for unavoidable variations in the measurements of the heat input rate, calculating the change of the moving average slope over time (the approximate second derivative), and signaling to an operator the readiness of the ladle based upon this second derivative's falling below a preset criteria indicating a fully preheated ladle.

Abstract: A method and crucible for annealing SiC at high temperatures. The crucible is a vessel having a peripheral wall, at least two compartments separated by an inner wall within the peripheral wall and a lid which separates the compartments from the crucible surroundings while providing a passageway between the compartments. The peripheral wall, inner wall and lid are composed of materials capable of withstanding annealing temperatures. The process disposes an SiC wafer in one of the compartments and SiC powder disposed in another of the compartments. The SiC powder is present to hinder SiC wafer decomposition during annealing of the SiC wafer. The crucible is then heated to a temperature sufficient anneal the SiC wafer, preferably after evacuating air and flowing an inert gas in and around the crucible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for melting glycerine soap base in a kettle having a top opening, upright side walls, and a funnel-shaped bottom with a drain at its center. The kettle is surrounded with a thermally insulated jacket having a floor spaced below the bottom of the kettle to define a hollow, thermally insulated, air filled heating cavity beneath the bottom of the kettle. The kettle is supported completely externally relative to the heating cavity to hold the kettle above the floor of the jacket. Preferably, the supporting structure includes a cart or carriage by means of which the apparatus may be moved. A plurality of infrared lamps, preferably operated at 110 volts and consuming no more than two hundred fifty watts of power each, are mounted atop the floor of the jacket and directed upwardly toward the bottom of the kettle.

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 unibody, monolithic, one-piece negative draft crucible for an MBE effusion source. The crucible maximizes capacity, uniformity and long term flux stability, and minimizes oval defects, depletion effects, and short term shutter-related flux transients. The invention also includes an effusion source employing such a crucible, as well as a method and mandrel apparatus for making a unibody containment structure, such as a crucible formed of PBN, having a negative draft, via chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A unibody, monolithic, one-piece negative draft crucible for a MBE effusion cell. The crucible maximizes capacity, uniformity and long term flux stability, and minimizes oval defects, depletion effects, and short term shutter-related flux transients. The invention also provides a method and mandrel apparatus for making a unibody containment structure, such as a crucible formed of PBN, having a negative draft, via chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquifying and supplying thermoplastic material including a melting hopper having a plurality of separately controlled heating zones. The hopper is formed of thin, rolled metal having a relatively low heat conductivity, such as carbon steel. Heaters are located along the length of the hopper and are separately controlled by way of thermostats or temperature sensors, such that the heat applied in a nonuniform manner to the thermoplastic material in the hopper during various stages of the melting and dispensing process.

Abstract: The glue gun system includes a gun having a barrel. A cartridge can be removably placed in the barrel. The cartridge has an open central passage to accept a glue stick and a tip to dispense the glue. Once received into the barrel the cartridge is heated, melting the glue therein. Additional cartridges can be maintained in a heated state by a heating stand. Thus, after one glue stick is used, a second can be immediately installed and used. An insulated tab allows for the easy handling of the cartridges.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting particulate polymeric material includes a melting grid and a molten polymer reservoir beneath the grid. The apparatus has a lateral cross-sectional contour defined by walls. Further included is a distribution device having upper and lower surfaces and adapted to the contour of the molten polymer reservoir, which device is disposed in the molten polymer reservoir in proximity to the grid. The device has an internal reservoir formed between the upper and lower surfaces; a perimetrical surface joining the upper and lower surfaces and providing the device with height; at least two fluid distribution pores, each having one end in communication with the internal reservoir and another end disposed in the circumferential surface; and an injection tube providing fluid flow communication between the internal reservoir and an external supply of fluid.

Abstract: A system for supplying melted thermoplastic material to a dispenser comprises a hopper for storing solid thermoplastic material. The hopper has interior side walls and an outlet. A reservoir block is located below the hopper. The reservoir block includes a reservoir into which melted material may flow from the hopper. A manifold and pump assembly is connected to the reservoir block for receiving material from the reservoir and pumping the material to a dispenser. A heating grid at the outlet of the hopper heats and melts the solid thermoplastic material in the hopper. The grid comprises a block which is spaced from the interior sidewalls of the hopper. The grid is thus thermally isolated from the exterior of the system resulting in more efficient heating of the material.

Abstract: A system for supplying molten thermoplastic material to a dispenser through a supply hose comprises a hopper for storing the thermoplastic material. A heating grid associated with the hopper heats and melts the thermoplastic material. A reservoir block receives the melted material from the grid. The reservoir block includes a reservoir into which the melted material flows from the grid. A manifold assembly is supported below the reservoir block for receiving material from the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of making an integral heated nozzle using a terminal locating and sealing key. A spiral portion of an electrical heating element is press fitted into a spiral groove in the cylindrical outer surface of an elongated inner portion. The remaining outwardly extending terminal portions of the heating element are inserted through two holes in the key and the key is pushed inwardly to a position against the inner portion. The key has a pin portion which is received in a matching hole in the inner portion to exactly determine the length of the spiral portion of the heating element and accurately locates the terminal portion of the heating element. An outer collar portion having a slot in which the key is received is then mounted in place around the rear end of the inner portion. A thermosetting ceramic sealant is applied in the space between the inner and outer collar portions then heated to integrally joint them together.

Abstract: A system for supplying melted thermoplastic material to a dispenser comprises a hopper for storing the thermoplastic material, the hopper having an outlet. A heating grid is at the outlet of the hopper for heating and melting the thermoplastic material. A reservoir is provided into which the melted material flows from the grid. A manifold assembly is connected to the reservoir. The melted material flows into the manifold assembly from the reservoir. The manifold assembly includes connections for supplying the material to a dispenser. The manifold assembly also includes a pump cavity. A pump is mounted in the pump cavity and is capable of being removed from the pump cavity. A drive assembly is connected to drive the pump. A movable carriage supports the drive assembly. The carriage is capable of movement toward and away from the manifold assembly to remove the pump from the cavity and to replace the pump into the cavity.

Abstract: A system for supplying molten thermoplastic material to a dispenser has a hopper assembly which is made up of one or more hopper units each having opposite side walls being generally parallel to each other, the inlet and the outlet having generally the same cross section, so that the hopper units can be stacked on top of each other to increase the capacity of the hopper assembly. The hopper assembly might be supported on a plurality of reservoir blocks, with the hopper assembly straddling the plurality of reservoir blocks to supply melted material to all of the reservoirs. At least one isolator may be provided for thermally isolating one of the hopper units from the reservoir block and for thermally isolating the hopper units from each other, the isolator comprising a band of insulating material positioned between the flanges of the hopper unit and the reservoir block. The hopper assembly is preferably attached to the reservoir block by a plurality of clamps.

Abstract: The glue gun system includes a gun having a barrel. A cartridge can be removably placed in the barrel. The cartridge has an open central passage to accept a glue slick and a tip to dispense the glue. Once received into the barrel the cartridge is heated, melting the glue therein. Additional cartridges can be maintained in a heated state by a heating stand. Thus, after one glue stick is used, a second can be immediately installed and used. An insulated tab allows for the easy handling of the cartridges.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in supplying thermoplastic material such as hot melt adhesive from containers includes an apparatus for detecting and indicating when thermoplastic material or adhesive has moved out the container such that the container may be removed from the apparatus. Both force responsive and temperature responsive indicators are disclosed, along with various signalling devices, to inform an operator when the container may be removed leaving the material within the apparatus.

Abstract: A melting grid, and melter unit provided with such a melting grid which achieves high melting rates and flow rates. The melting grid is generally formed with two intersecting sets of grid members with each set being formed from a plurality of grid members. The first set of grid members includes tapered, converging side surfaces extending up to a leading edge disposed at a height above the leading edges of the second set of grid members. The grid members of the second, lower set also have tapered or converging side surfaces extending toward a leading edge, however, these surfaces converge toward one another at a greater angle than the side surfaces of the higher set such that the higher level grid members of the first set have more gradual tapers than the lower level grid members of the second set.

Abstract: A hopper-type dispensing unit for receiving and melting a slug of thermoplastic material, such as hot melt adhesive. In a first embodiment a plurality of container supports formed of a material, such as steel, having a low heat conductivity extend inwardly from inner walls of the unit and radially inward of the opening in the inverted container to obstruct the path of the adhesive slug and cause a smooth, controlled descent. The steel supports are vertical members which extend upwardly from a melting grid of the unit to a point which allows a significant portion of the adhesive slug to remain in the apparatus when the container is empty. A plurality of heating fins are also provided about the inner periphery of the hopper and are generally disposed between the steel supports in the first embodiment. In a second embodiment the container supports are eliminated and the container is supported in another manner, leaving the fins as both slug descent control elements and supplemental heating elements.

Abstract: A screw-type extrusion machine has a housing with at least one housing bore, in which a screw shaft is arranged. The housing has outer surfaces, which have a non-constant distance to the wall of the at least one bore. The outer surfaces are provided with heating elements. In order to attain an approximately constant temperature along the circumference of the wall of the at least one bore, heating elements of a different specific heating capacity are arranged sectionally on the outer surfaces of the housing, the heating elements being such formed that the heating temperature at the wall of the at least one bore is approximately constant.

Abstract: A liquefying apparatus for melting solid materials has a hopper with a coiled heating element disposed therein which supports and melts the solid materials into a liquid form. The liquid is stored below the heating element in a bottom section of the hopper, and is continually adjusted to a predetermined level, in order to insure that 1) the liquid in the lower section has a substantially constant temperature distribution and 2) a skin or film is not formed on the heating element which would reduce the liquefying rate.

Abstract: A disposable thermoplastic hypodermic syringe having a hollow metallic needle and thermoplastic body portions at least part of which are formed of temperature calibrated thermoplastic having a full flow liquefaction temperature corresponding to point on the time-death curve for microbial life at which the most resistant spore forms are killed within the time the thermoplastic can be liquefied and resolidified. Heat resistant indicia can be applied to the syringe in a manner to reappear on the solidified thermoplastic mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hot runner probe having a shell-shaped probe body having a molten resin flowing surface which is combined to form a single unit with a ceramic heater wherein the ceramic heater is covered by the heater pattern that consists of high electric-resistance metal and has made the temperature gradient at the tip part higher than that at the center part, and then is insulation-baked. The present invention also relates to high-accuracy injection molding using the hot runner probe under the proper and ideal temperature distribution, by applying the ceramic heater, which is provided with temperature gradients, to the increase and decrease of resistance values due to temperature changes by the one circuit control means.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously mixing and heating flowable materials comprises an inclined housing, at least two rotatable screws within the housing with each screw having a rotatably mounted shaft and a screw flight. The screws are arranged in parallel juxtaposition with their respective flights of opposite hand intermeshing. The shafts are driven in opposite rotation to each other and each shaft is hollow and is provided with electric heaters within the shaft for heating the flowable material.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for dispensing hot melt adhesives includes an air gap (100) in the adhesive manifold (16) of the dispenser (10). The apparatus (10) includes a heater (80), a temperature sensing device (RTD) (82) and adhesive passageway (84) located within the adhesive manifold (16) of the dispenser (10). The dispenser (10) delivers heated adhesive to a gun body (12) where it is applied to a substrate. The air gap (100) is interposed between the heater (80) and the adhesive passageway (84) and directs a majority of the heat generated by the heater (80) toward the gun body (12) and toward regions of the apparatus (10) needing additional heating. The air gap (100) enables a desired temperature gradient within the dispenser (100) to be maintained and prevents localized heating or cooling, thus decreasing the possibility that the adhesive will coagulate and plug the dispenser (10).

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive dispensing apparatus comprises a housing including a supply chamber for receiving and holding a solid adhesive, an electrically powered heater, and a spray nozzle assembly. A pneumatically actuated plunger pushes solid adhesive towards the melt chamber wherein the solid adhesive is progressively melted for passage into the spray nozzle assembly which includes a plurality of air jets which impinge upon the stream of melted adhesive exiting a nozzle to create an adhesive spray.

Abstract: A liquefying apparatus for melting and blending solid materials includes a hopper with a coiled heating element disposed therein which supports and melts the solid materials into liquid form. The hopper is segmented into a plurality of compartments and as the solid material melts the liquid is collected in the lower portion of the hopper. The collected liquid is continuously agitated to ensure that there are no concentration pockets. The lower section is also provided with a deaeration device to prevent entrained air from entering the liquid.

Abstract: An injection molding nozzle with an electrical heating element having a terminal for connecting external leads with an insulative connector formed of ceramic material. The insulative connector has a pair of spaced parallel longitudinal bores in which the outer end portions of the heating element conductive wires and the bared inner end portions of the external leads overlap and are secured together by set screws. A steel cap fits over the ceramic connector to protect it and provide the combination with sufficient structural strength to prevent damage during use. A resilient seal mounted between the ceramic connector and the cap also prevents damage to the connector and prevents moisture entering into the connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to melt and withdraw petroleum residue from a storage site at a convenient location while causing the residue from more distant locations to melt and flow in a stream, to the removal location. A heated wand is utilized to heat the petroleum residue. The wand has one pivotally supported end and is moved in an arc about the pivotally supported end across the storage site with removal of heated petroleum residue occurring at substantially the center of the arc.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating contaminated plastics waste, comprising densifying contaminated plastics waste by causing the waste to pass through a heating zone to produce molten contaminated plastics, and causing the molten contaminated plastics to flow continuously out of the heating zone under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: The heat of a heater sheath wire is both the heat that is directly transmitted to a heated nozzle main body, and the heat that is indirectly transmitted to the heated nozzle main body via a metal strip and both provide the effect of efficiently heating the heated nozzle main body and producing a significant increase in the performance. The heated nozzle for plastic injection molding according to the present invention is configured so as to have a spiral-shaped groove on its outer periphery, the heater sheath wire that is pressed into the spiral-shaped groove and the metal strip that is wound around the surface of the outer periphery of the heated nozzle main body and is welded to the heated nozzle main body.

Abstract: A flexible vertebra-like heating element useful in a hot runner housing of an injection molding machine including method of manufacture and method of installation.

Abstract: In a hot runner system for injection molding, a runner block (10) has a bore (14) in a casing (12) for facewise insertion of a heatable cartridge (16) comprising a core member (30) with an inside runner (34). A flow tube (32) having flow passages (35, 36) at its face ends and/or at its periphery carries an electrically insulated (39) heating coil (38) overcast with a thermoconductive mass (V) containing aluminium. Abutting members (18) seal the runner block (10) axially. Spaced radial supports (40, 49, 69) project over the outer diameter (D) of the core member (30), hollows or recesses (41, 44) serving for minimum heat transfer at the bearing area. An outer sleeve body (20) of the flow tube (32) may have sections (21 to 24) with a recessed central portion (46) sealingly engaging a collar-type support (40). Narrow peripheral ribs (42, 50) axially separate ring pockets (41) and outer compartments or spaces (52).

Abstract: Hot runner nozzle assembly including a mold assembly with a mold cavity therein, an inlet port in the mold assembly communicating with the mold cavity, an injection nozzle for delivering molten resin to the inlet port and an insulating sleeve positioned around the nozzle between the mold assembly and nozzle insulating the nozzle from the mold assembly.

Abstract: A system for safely disposing of pathogenic waste materials. The waste material is disposed in a chamber and heated by forced hot air to temperatures above approximately 450.degree. F. to destroy harmful bacteria within several minutes. The high temperatures melt plastic waste materials. The harmless waste is cooled providing a solid block in which syringes and other sharp items are generally encased. The temperature within the chamber is continuously sensed and the operation of the apparatus is microprocessor controlled to adjust the process time in accordance with the load size. The microprocessor further stores the sensed temperature to provide verification that the waste has been exposed to sufficient temperatures and for a sufficient time to render such waste harmless.

Abstract: A color crayon pointer for reforming the point on used color crayons includes an elongated horizontally disposed housing (21) extending from a rear end (24) to a front end (22) along a pointing axis, with the front end having an opening aligned with the pointing axis through which the crayon end to be pointed is inserted. A metallic anvil (40) heated by an electric heater (44) is mounted in the housing and has a conical recess (42) concentric with the pointing axis for shaping the end of the crayon inserted through housing opening. A crayon guide (36) having a guide collar (37) spaced forward of the housing opening and the anvil (40) prevents inadvertent user contact with the anvil (40) while also insuring proper alignment of the crayon with the anvil recess (42) as it is inserted into the housing.

Abstract: A compact injection molding melt distribution manifold. The manifold has integral or monolithic inlet and main portions and both portions have a common electrical heating element. A melt passage extends through the manifold from a common inlet in the inlet portion and branches in the main portion to a number of spaced outlets leading to different gates.

Abstract: A furnace system particularly adapted for use with a continuous upcaster. Instead of employing discrete furnaces, tundishes, ladles and the like, the instant unitary system employs a furnace, a feeding mechanism for directly introducing material into the furnace and a plasma torch to melt the material. The rate of material entering the furnace is balanced by the quantity of product emerging from the upcaster.

Abstract: A heated rotor is provided to heat and circulate a substance comprising a shaft and at least one electrically heated rotor member supported on the shaft. The rotor member comprises an outer electrically conductive casing and at least one inner electrical conductor, electrically insulated from the casing. The or each inner conductor is electrically connected to the outer electrically conductive casing at an unsupported extremity of the rotor member. The shaft provides separate electrical connections to the or each inner conductor and the casing to enable an electric heating current to flow in the inner conductor between the or each unsupported blade extremity and the shaft.

Abstract: A sprue bushing with an integral casing construction which as improved heat transfer characteristics and a method of making the same are described. A cylindrical bushing body having a first, preselected uniform diameter has a cavity formed therein which axially extends within the bushing body for a predetermined length. A bushing inner core which is integral with the bushing casing is formed in the cavity and extends between the two ends of the bushing body. One or more heating elements in the form of coil heaters may be inserted into the bushing body cavity and a thermally conductive material is deposited into the cavity to fill the remainder of the cavity. When filled, the bushing body is heated to melt the thermally conductive material around the heating element(s) to form a unified heater assembly in the annular cavity. A melt runner passage is then drilled through the inner core.

Abstract: In the operation of a hot metallizing furnace for lengths of metal, in particular metal strip, in which the length of metal to be coated is passed from above through the upper zone of a smelt of a coating material located in a smelt container, the smelt container can be heated by means of an induction coil made up of partial coils arranged axially on top of one another. During hot metallizing the upper partial coil(s) is/are connected to a medium frequency source of electricity in a single-phase manner. For the removal of the deposits which accumulate in the lower area of the smelt vessel, the lower partial coil(s) is/are connected to a three-phase current mains frequency source of electricity. The agitated deposits are then removed from the smelt using a collecting vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for melting and injecting wax for the manufacture of wax parts in broken-mould casting. The device (1) comprises a wax boiler (2) having a wax-injection nozzle. The boiler being provided with a heating device (3) for melting the wax and keeping it molten. The wax boiler (2) is pressure-sealed with a removable lid (5) and has a pressure inlet connected to a pressure source (33). Furthermore, a deaeration valve (13) is provided on the lid. The wax boiler (2) is connected via a wax-replenishing channel (15) to a wax-premelting container and wax reservoir (14) containing a heating device (16). A shut-off valve (17) is provided in the wax-replenishing channel (15).

Abstract: An elongated probe which extends into the melt passage in an injection molding system. The probe has an integral electrical heating element which extends longitudinally from a terminal near the rear end. The probe also has a longitudinal bore which extends beside the heating element to receive a thermocouple wire to monitor the temperature near the forward end of the probe. The heating element extends off center in the body of the probe which provides the body of the probe with the combination of a minimum outer diameter and sufficient thickness between and around the heating element and the thermocouple bore. A forward portion of the probe has a number of outwardly projecting locating fins. The thermocouple wire bends to extend radially outwardly through a groove at the rear end and is retained in place by a retaining screw received in a threaded bore. A ground wire extends in through a hole in a rim portion around the threaded bore and is also clamped in position by the retaining screw.

Abstract: A pre-wired injection molding assembly to be supplied to the customer for installation in a mold. The assembly includes a number of sub-manifolds connected to a main manifold, a wiring frame having a number of elongated fingers connected to the sub-manifolds, and a number of heated nozzles connected to the sub-manifolds. The fingers of the wiring frame extend from a hollow channel member which leads to a connector box. The assembly is pre-wired by the supplier by running the wires from the nozzles along the fingers and through the channel member to the connector box. The pre-wired assembly is mounted from the rear in a matching mold manifold plate which greatly facilitates installation and disassembly for the customer.

Abstract: Apparatus for melting and heating shortening includes a housing having a top, a bottom and sidewalls; a heating grid mounted in the housing and spaced above the bottom thereof for melting shortening and allowing melted shortening to pass therethrough toward the bottom of the housing. A door is mounted to the housing for introducing a block of shortening onto the heating grid. A bottom heater is mounted adjacent the housing bottom for maintaining the melted shortening at a desired temperature. A control circuit maintains control of the operation of both the heating grid and the bottom heater in a predetermined fashion for initially melting a block of shortening introduced onto the heating grid while substantially preventing smoking of the same, and for maintaining melted shortening at the desired temperature.

Abstract: A confectionery apparatus that employs the fusion of foodstuffs brought about by direct contact between ingredients and electrical heating rods, in a unique melter that employs a monolayer of electrical heating that are uniformly separated from each other to form a porous layer in which the molten product can quickly pass thru and out of the heating zone so as to avoid the deleterious effects of excessive heating time.

Abstract: An adhesive supply unit is provided with a tank having fins which maximize the heat exchange area of the tank for melting hot melt adhesive. Each fin features a cut out which is of such a size and shape as to allow the placement of a block of unmelted adhesive in the tank while at the same time maximizing the surface area of the fins to improve heat transfer. An electronics control unit is located adjacent one end of the tank and has a fan located in the top of the cabinet over the control unit which fan blows in ambient air from the outside downwardly over the electronic controls contributing to an efficient cooling of the electronics. A coupler is used to align the pump and air motor located on the bottom of the device consists of a sleeve which supports the shaft and an outer bore which fits into corresponding bores in both the air motor and pump thereby aligning all three items and providing a sealing function as well.