Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to contain and dispense a fluid, such as a thixotropic fluid. In some embodiments, a bottle having a closure cap includes a control device, a base, and a disk, where the base and disk define a mixing chamber configured to facilitate mixing of any serum or liquid separated from the fluid back therein. In some embodiments, a dispensing bottle includes a non-removable closure cap with a tamper evident feature that indicates whether the cap was previously opened. By one approach, the dispensing bottle includes discontinuous threads on a bottle neck and ratchet projections on a closure cap that engage the discontinuous thread(s) to prevent or inhibit manual removal of the cap from the bottle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a cold beverage with an apparatus (1) for mixing and storing a beverage, said apparatus comprising: —a container body (2), comprising a floor (21) and a sidewall (22) extending upwardly and longitudinally from the floor to an upper edge (221), —a removable and rotatable mixing device (23) positioned within the container body, —a motor (3) cooperating with the mixing device (23) through the floor of the container body in order to rotate the mixing device, wherein the method comprises the step of: —providing a mixing device (23), a part of said mixing device being covered with ice, —positioning said mixing device in the container body (2) in order to cooperate with the motor, —introducing at least one beverage liquid in the container body, —actuating the motor (3) to rotate the mixing device in the at least one beverage liquid.

Abstract: A refractory coating material that can be used to coat a wide variety of surfaces or substrates to provide thermal and mechanical protection. The refractory coating material can withstand exposure to use temperatures of about 1500° C. and greater, yet the fibers contained therein exhibit low biopersistence in physiological fluids such as simulated lung fluid. Also disclosed are methods for making and utilizing the refractory coating material.

Abstract: An electronic brake system is disclosed.

Abstract: A valve assembly in a product channel comprises a regulating valve, a filling valve, and an elongated actuation element that is common to both. A filling-valve element that interacts with a filling-valve seat to open and close the filling valve. The regulating valve comprises an actuation element-side regulating valve element that interacts with a regulating-valve seat to control a product quantity to be filled. Both the regulating and filling valve elements are arranged on the actuation element. A driven actuator changes a position of the actuation element relative to the regulating valve seat and the filling valve seat as part of a filling operation.

Abstract: A method for pouring a melt using a bottom-pouring-type ladle comprising a melt-pouring nozzle and a stopper rod, comprises an opening step, in which the stopper rod is separate from the nozzle; a first closing step, in which the stopper rod moves downward, such that a lower end portion of the stopper rod comes into contact with a tapered surface of the nozzle when the horizontal distance between their center axes becomes 2 mm or more; and a second closing step, in which a lower end portion of the stopper rod further moves downward along the tapered surface of the nozzle to close the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container, in particular a large-volume disposable container, for example a keg (1) for accommodating liquids, in particular for accommodating drinks, and to an associated method for filling such a container. The container is provided with a connection fitting (2) with seal (3). Upon delivery of the container, the connection fitting (2) and/or the seal (3) define/defines a passage (8) which is closed when the container is dispatched.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus useful for assisting in controlling the discharge of material onto a conveyor from a material dispenser includes a carrier, first and second side restrictors extending downwardly from the carrier and at least one wiper extending downwardly from the carrier and transverse to the side restrictors. The side restrictors are configured to assist in preventing at least some material from overflowing off the sides of the conveyor, while the wiper is configured to level the top of at least some of the material dispensed on the conveyor.

Abstract: A dispensing module and method of dispensing an adhesive includes a dispenser body assembly having a liquid supply passage, a nozzle member having a liquid passageway, a valve element, and a valve seat. The liquid passageway includes a discharge passageway defining an outlet, a first converging surface, a bore, and a shoulder positioned between the first converging surface and the bore. The valve element extends along an axis within the liquid passageway and has a bulbous end portion movable along the axis between an open position and a closed position. The bulbous end portion has a valve needle smaller than the bore to inhibit obstruction to the discharge passageway for adhesive flowing thereto. The valve seat seals against the bulbous end portion in the closed position such that a region of the valve needle projects into the discharge passageway for inhibiting clogging of the adhesive proximate to the outlet.

Abstract: A dispensing module and method of dispensing an adhesive includes a dispenser body having a valve element and a nozzle. The nozzle includes a nozzle member, a sealing zone, and a valve seat. The nozzle member includes a liquid passageway having a bore, a cylindrical surface, a second converging surface, and a shoulder. The sealing zone is defined by the cylindrical surface and extends from the bore toward the shoulder and engages the valve element to close a first volume of the liquid passageway from the inlet. The valve seat is defined by the shoulder and the second converging surface and has a circular line of contact that engages the valve element to close a second volume of the liquid passageway from the inlet. The first volume reduces to the second volume as the valve element moves distally along the sealing zone for discharging the adhesive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid through a valve. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises an elongate member, an actuation device, and a valve body. The actuation device is configured to move the elongate member, which may be associated with the actuation device, between an open position and a closed position. The valve body is configured for attachment to the actuation device such that the elongate member is positioned within the valve body. Fluid that flows into the valve body from a fluid source is allowed to flow out of the valve body when the elongate member is in the open position.

Abstract: A dispenser body having a liquid inlet, a discharge outlet, and a flow channel capable of directing a flow of the hot melt adhesive from the liquid inlet to the discharge outlet. The flow channel includes a valve seat between the liquid inlet and the discharge outlet. The dispensing module further includes a needle having a valve member mounted for movement in the dispenser body between an open position in which the valve member is disengaged with the valve seat allowing liquid flow from the discharge outlet and a closed position in which the valve member is engaged with the valve seat preventing liquid flow from the discharge outlet. A first electromagnetic coil is activated to move the needle to the open position and a second electromagnetic coil is activated to move the needle to the closed position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a collapsible hopper bin having a dispensing portion and a storage portion. The dispensing portion includes first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls. The storage portion includes first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls. The storage portion first and second side walls are hingedly attached to the dispensing portion first and second side walls. The storage portion first and second end walls are hingedly attached to the dispensing portion first and second end walls. The collapsible hopper bin has a collapsed position and a filled position. The storage portion first and second end walls and first and second side walls are substantially horizontally flat along the top of the dispensing portion in the collapsed position.

Abstract: The device for the quantitatively regulated delivery of bulk product includes a supply tank for the bulk product and a slider element, which forms the boundary of an outlet gap on one side. The slider element comprises on its front end an elastic, U-shaped loop, the upper part of which is fixed in position, whereas a rear portion of the lower part of the loop is connected to a linear drive. The linear drive can be used both to adjust the width of the outlet gap by translational movement of the lower section of the loop and to produce a small-amplitude back-and-forth movement of the lower section of the loop. In this way, it is possible to release bulk product of various shapes and sizes reliably and without damage in a quantitatively regulated manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discharge mechanism has a drive unit that moves a rod reciprocally, and a discharge unit including a liquid chamber allowing the rod to pass therein and a valve seat communicated with a nozzle, the nozzle discharging a liquid mixed with solid particles with an operation of moving the valve seat and a tip of the rod relatively away from each other. The discharge unit includes an inflow path through which the liquid mixed with the solid particles flows into the liquid chamber, and an outflow path through which the liquid mixed with the solid particles in the liquid chamber flows out. The inflow path and the outflow path are connected in a V-shape, the liquid chamber is disposed in a valley portion of the V-shape, and the valve seat is disposed at a lower end of the V-shape.

Abstract: Applicants' invention may retrofit or may be provided initially with a dispensing valve and comprises a second handle, interacting with a valve and/or a valve first handle for dispensing a beverage from the valve. Applicants' invention comprises a valve body typically having at least a pair of handles, one typically upstanding and one downwardly depending both which separately may be moved to actuate the dispensing mechanism within the valve to dispense a beverage therefrom.

Abstract: A dispensing pump, and more particularly, a valve impact type dispensing pump that may be used in a process of manufacturing an electronic product and may dispense an accurate amount of a liquid, such as a liquid synthetic resin, at high speed. The present invention provides a valve impact type dispensing pump that can descend a valve rod at high speed and thus can dispense a liquid with high viscosity at high speed. The valve impact type dispensing pump can dispense an accurate amount of a liquid at high speed. Also, the valve impact type dispensing pump can dispense a liquid having high viscosity at high speed due to a fast descending speed of a valve rod.

Abstract: A product dispensing system includes a hopper, a housing defining an outlet lumen in communication with the hopper, an exit port, a valve, and a piston. The valve is transitionable between a closed position, wherein the exit port is closed off from the outlet lumen, and an open position, establishing communication between the outlet lumen and the exit port. The piston is movable from a first use position, wherein the piston partially occupies the outlet lumen, to a storage position, wherein the piston fully occupies the outlet lumen to urge any product mixture in the outlet lumen back into the hopper. The piston may further be movable between the first use position and a second use position to draw the product mixture from the hopper into the outlet lumen and to urge the product mixture out of the exit port.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge tip, a valve stem and a movable service seat. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge tip is removably mounted to the module and in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharge tip. The movable service seat surrounds the valve stem within the fluid passage between the discharge tip and the fluid inlet. The service seat is configured to seal the fluid passage when the discharge tip is removed.

Abstract: A dispensing pump, and more particularly, a valve accelerating type dispensing pump that may be used in a process of manufacturing an electronic product and may dispense an accurate amount of a liquid, such as a liquid synthetic resin, at high speed. The present invention provides a valve accelerating type dispensing pump that can descend a valve rod at high speed and thus can dispense a liquid with high viscosity at high speed. The valve accelerating type dispensing pump can dispense an accurate amount of a liquid at high speed. Also, the valve accelerating type dispensing pump can dispense a liquid having high viscosity at high speed due to a fast descending speed of a valve rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid through a valve. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises an elongate member, an actuation device, and a valve body. The actuation device is configured to move the elongate member, which may be associated with the actuation device, between an open position and a closed position. The valve body is configured for attachment to the actuation device such that the elongate member is positioned within the valve body. Fluid that flows into the valve body from a fluid source is allowed to flow out of the valve body when the elongate member is in the open position.

Abstract: A container has a body with a product disposed therein. A pedestal with a valving structure extends from the body. A bracket has a sidewall with at least one slot extending therein. The bracket includes a second pedestal provided interiorly of the sidewall, which is shaped to fittingly receive the pedestal of the body. The second pedestal includes at least one extending flange. Each of the at least one extending flanges extends toward the sidewall.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing assembly which has one or more urns to which a manual, post-mix valve is engaged, on front walls thereof. The urn or urns do not contain fluid, rather, at least, a pair of fluid lines carrying pressurized fluid to the post-mix valve, which may be a “T” valve. The two fluid lines carry fluid from a first and a second fluid source, typically pressurized, which sources are remote from the urn or urns. If the assembly is comprised of more than one urn, it may include a base, designed to hold the urns in side-by-side alignment.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge tip, a valve stem and a movable service seat. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge tip is removably mounted to the module and in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharge tip. The movable service seat surrounds the valve stem within the fluid passage between the discharge tip and the fluid inlet. The service seat is configured to seal the fluid passage when the discharge tip is removed.

Abstract: A dispenser for applying small amounts of liquid to a substrate. The dispenser includes a dispenser body, an actuator in the dispenser body, and a dispensing element including a dispensing element body removably coupled to the dispenser body. A valve stem is mounted for reciprocating movement within the dispensing element body. Additional aspects include a deformable valve seat, a deformable and resilient valve stem tip and a method of applying liquid in discrete amounts to a substrate.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing valve includes a liquid dispensing portion with a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a liquid passage communicating between the liquid inlet and liquid outlet. A valve member is mounted for movement relative to the liquid outlet between open and closed positions. An actuation portion is coupled with the liquid dispensing portion and includes an inflatable bladder structure. The inflatable bladder structure includes an interior adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with a source of positively pressurized air. The bladder structure may be expanded by the positively pressurized air to move the valve member to at least one of the open or closed positions from the other of the open or closed positions. Methods of dispensing liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, from the valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A screw-on throat plug assembly for use in a closed loop dispensing system. The throat plug assembly also includes a mechanical venting assembly which ensures that sufficient air may enter the interior of the container as liquid is being drawn from the container. The mechanical venting assembly of this invention ensures that the vent openings associated therewith will not become plugged with debris.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a cap and valve assembly is provided including a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position; a toner path, which when open is configured to allow toner to flow from a toner container to an output aperture; and an air inlet path, which when open is configured to couple an air source to the toner container; where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path aid the air inlet path are open.

Abstract: An application head for dispensing a flowable medium includes a nozzle chamber in the application head and a nozzle needle movably mounted in the nozzle chamber. A supply channel and a supply line introduce the medium into the nozzle chamber. A drive moves the movable element. A lever arm is movably fastened to the nozzle needle and connected to the drive. The lever arm extends through a membrane of a membrane suspension connect the lever arm movably to the application head and form a seal to prevent escape of the flowable medium. Alternatively, a rocker suspension has a lever arm connectable to the movable element and the drive, a plate element has an opening through which the lever arm extends, a rocker mounting device connects the lever arm movably to the application head and a sealing device prevents any escape of adhesive from the chamber through the plate element opening.

Abstract: A faucet for controlling the dispensing of liquids includes a valve body having a valve chamber with an inlet and an outlet. A valve element is located in the valve chamber and is movable from a first position for blocking flow between the inlet and outlet to a second position for permitting flow between the inlet and the outlet. An operating stem has an inner end operatively connected to the valve element and an outer end located external to the body. A bonnet is included, and an insert member is rotatably connected to the bonnet and defines an opening through which the stem extends. The bonnet and insert member are secured to the body and enclose the valve element in the valve chamber. The insert is located such that no portion of the insert member is clamped between the bonnet and the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure for a container, in particular for a fluid product, with a first part having an outlet opening, and with a second part having a carrier section, which carries a closing surface, wherein said first part and said second part are arranged movably against each other at least between a first position and a second position, and wherein, in said first position, said outlet opening is closed by said closing surface, while, in said second position, the outlet opening is open, wherein the first part confines a first cavity, through which the product can be transferred out of the container to the outlet opening and said carrier section, in said second position, is arranged at least partially within said first cavity. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing said closure.

Abstract: The system and method discloses a cleanable connector system for a Bag-In-Box (“BIB”) type package having a valve arrangement that prevents the mixing of product within the bag and in the line. Various embodiments provide a connector system including a valve arrangement having a line-side valve and a bag-side valve, wherein the valve arrangement allows connection to a bag and to a line-side connector while preventing the product within the bag and in the line from mixing. The system improves the user experience by only requiring a relatively weak connection force between the line-side valve and the bag-side valve. The system and method improves the shelf life of products within the bag and reduces the risk of contamination of the bag, the line, and the product within the bag by minimizing the risk of introducing biological and other foreign material into the system when connecting the bag and the line.

Abstract: A discharge valve assembly is provided for discharging bulk material from a container having an opening formed in the lower portion thereof. The discharge valve assembly includes a discharge valve that is movable between opened and closed positions and typically disposed adjacent the opening in the container. An actuating assembly is operatively connected to the discharge valve for moving the discharge valve between open and close positions. The discharge valve includes a pair of generally flat surfaces that form at least a part of an upper portion of the discharge valve. The generally flat surfaces of the discharge valve taper generally inwardly and upwardly. Further, the pair of generally flat surfaces extend upwardly and inwardly and wherein there is formed about a top of the discharge valve a horizontal edge that extends horizontally across the discharge valve and above a substantial portion of the pair of generally flat surfaces.

Abstract: A dispensing tap for beverages that comprises an actuator and a valve housing. A conical spring washer is joined and/or sealed to an actuator base to form the actuator. The actuator is then inserted into the valve housing to form the dispensing tap for attachment to a container containing a liquid. In use, a force is exerted on the conical spring washer to actuate the actuator base within the valve housing and thereby create an opening and/or passageway in the dispensing tap. Once opened and as the force is maintained, the liquid in the container can flow through the opening or passageway for dispensing the liquid out the dispensing tap. Upon releasing the force, the conical spring washer returns back to its original position. This movement of the conical spring washer causes the actuator base to move in the reverse direction within the valve housing thereby closing the opening and/or eliminating the passageway in the dispensing tap.

Abstract: The present invention is for a fitment assembly for use with a flexible pouch, the fitment assembly including a fitment having a spout tube, and a cap for sealing the spout tube. The cap for the fitment includes a plug portion. The plug portion extends from the cap, and is received by the spout tube of the fitment, thereby blocking product contained within flexible pouch from entering the spout tube when the cap is attached to the fitment. The cap further has a sealed recess which is designed to hold a tablet.

Abstract: A valve having a valve trigger which operates to provide coincident fluidic coupling of a fluid delivery passage and fluid compensation passage to a fluid source.

Abstract: A multifunctional sealing device for a valve structured for opening of a discharge conduit by virtue of upstream-directed movement of a sealing body relative to the discharge direction. The distinctive characteristic of the invention is that the sealing body is of a radially flexible arrangement; wherein the discharge conduit is provided with at least one storage seal seat for sealing reception of the sealing body when the valve is in a storage mode, and also at least one utility seal seat for sealing reception of the sealing body when the valve is in a closed utility mode; wherein the at least one utility seal seat is provided upstream of the at least one storage seal seat; and wherein both the storage seal seat and the utility seal seat are structured for sealing against the sealing body during downstream-directed movement of the sealing body.

Abstract: A spout adapter system is provided for use with at least two different containers in which each container has a threaded fitment adapted to removably receive a threaded closure cap and in which the two different containers have different thread configurations around the dispensing opening. The system includes a first and second adapter each having two ends and a fluid passageway extending between their ends as well as a dispensing spout having a fluid passageway for dispensing fluid. The spout includes a threaded connector which threadably cooperates with a threaded connector at one end of either of the adapters so that the dispensing spout may be used with either adapter. The first adapter includes a threaded portion at its other end which is configured to cooperate with the threaded fitment of one of the containers while the other adapter has a threaded portion at its other end configured to cooperate with the threaded dispensing opening of the other container.

Abstract: There is proposed a powder application device P for producing blanks of thermoplastically deformable semifinished products for use as reinforcement elements, starting from a powder mixture containing a meltable plastics powder, comprising a downwardly open powder container B and a perforated stencil L, arranged beneath the latter and spaced apart therefrom, having one or more hole cutouts, said device being characterized in that the powder container B is rigidly connected to the perforated stencil L and is vertically lowerable as far as an auxiliary support or a distance of at most 5 mm therefrom, and is closable at its lower end by means of a horizontal closing plate S having a thickness slightly less than the distance between the powder container B and the perforated stencil L, wherein the closing plate S is movable in a horizontal plane such that it alternately closes and reopens the lower end of the powder container B.

Abstract: A valve for controlling a flow of granular material and fluid comprises a body having a first end, a second end, and defining an interior surface. An inlet is formed proximate the first end for receiving the granular material and fluid. An outlet is formed downstream of the inlet for selectively discharging the granular material and fluid. A first member is slideably captured within the body and a resilient member is operationally coupled to the first member. The first member is moveable between an open position at which the granular material and fluid flow through the outlet, and a closed position upstream of the outlet at which the granular material is substantially prevented from flowing through the outlet. The resilient member is moveable between a retracted position and an expanded position at which it is engaged with the interior surface to substantially prevent the fluid from flowing through the outlet.

Abstract: A resin fluid dispensing apparatus includes a container having a first volume arranged to receive a resin fluid, a first connection unit connected to the container, a pressure chamber having a second volume configured to connect to the first connection unit and to contain the resin fluid transported from the first volume through the first connection unit, a pressure unit including a pressure plate directly pressurizing the resin fluid in the second volume, a dispenser having a syringe arranged to receive the pressurized resin fluid transported from the second volume through a second connection unit connected to the pressure chamber and to dispense the received pressurized resin fluid through the syringe.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge orifice, a valve stem and a filter. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge orifice is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharger orifice. The filter is disposed within the fluid passage and surrounds the valve stem.

Abstract: A product filler assembly (i.e., fill valve) configured for use in association with any number of flowable material, however, it is particularly well suited for flowable material that is otherwise difficult to fill due to viscosity, surface tension and/or poor separation characteristics. Most preferably, the device is configured to provide a laminar flow of the product being filled, proportional to the size of the package. The product filler assembly includes a nozzle cutoff assembly which directs air or other fluids at the opening of the product filler assembly to separate the flowable material from the filler assembly and to reduce seal contamination of packages or containers.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed comprising an elongate body comprising a lumen and an output aperture near a distal portion thereof, a plunger positioned in the lumen and movable to a first position and a second position, and a toner path formed at least partially within the lumen and extending from a toner input to a toner path end located proximate the output aperture. When the plunger is in the first position, the output aperture is not fluidly coupled to the toner path. When the plunger is in the second position, the outlet aperture is fluidly coupled to the toner path such that a toner in the toner path can exit the valve assembly.

Abstract: A tap for dispensing flowable materials. The tap includes a body and a plunger positioned within a channel in the body. The plunger is movable between first, second, and third positions. The plunger and the body form a first seal when the plunger is in the first position, and a second seal when the plunger is in the second position. Flowable material may pass through the channel when the plunger is the third position. The tap also includes a connector to sealingly engage the body with a flowable material source and establish fluid communication between the flowable material source and the channel.

Abstract: A filling device for a machine for filling containers, includes a spout having an outlet orifice and a feed orifice, and a feed duct connected to the feed orifice. A first actuating system is able to move a valve, which is mounted in the spout, between a closed position for closing the outlet orifice and at least one open position. A flow-regulating rod is mounted in a sliding manner in a hole in the feed duct and is able to be moved by a second actuating system between a high flow-rate position, in which the rod is located substantially outside the internal passage in the feed duct, and a low flow-rate position, in which the rod extends into the internal passage in order to reduce the passage cross section of the feed duct.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser of an icemaker in a refrigerator for maximizing an inner space when a total size is the same, and for minimizing the total size when the inner space is the same. The dispenser of the icemaker in the refrigerator includes an ice chute being a passage through which the ice produced from the icemaker is discharged; and a container supporter provided at an outer case and disposed to be perpendicular to an outer surface of the outer case when the ice is discharged outside through the ice chute, the contain supporter allowing a container seated thereon to receive the ice discharged from the ice chute. The ice chute is closed and not exposed outside when the ice-discharging process is finished, and the container supporter is not exposed to the outer surface of the outer case.

Abstract: A dispenser for applying small amounts of liquid to a substrate. The dispenser includes a dispenser body, an actuator in the dispenser body, and a dispensing element including a dispensing element body removably coupled to the dispenser body. A valve stem is mounted for reciprocating movement within the dispensing element body. Additional aspects include a deformable valve seat, a deformable and resilient valve stem tip and a method of applying liquid in discrete amounts to a substrate.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing valve includes a liquid dispensing portion with a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a liquid passage communicating between the liquid inlet and liquid outlet. A valve member is mounted for movement relative to the liquid outlet between open and closed positions. An actuation portion is coupled with the liquid dispensing portion and includes an inflatable bladder structure. The inflatable bladder structure includes an interior adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with a source of positively pressurized air. The bladder structure may be expanded by the positively pressurized air to move the valve member to at least one of the open or closed positions from the other of the open or closed positions. Methods of dispensing liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, from the valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods relating to hoppers and the dispensing of bulk therefrom are provided. The hopper can include hopper walls that form a product storage receptacle. The hopper can also include a hopper door that includes a frame and a slide gate disposed within the frame. The slide gate is retractable between an open position and a closed position. A set of fingers projects from the slide gate to dislodge material proximate to the hopper door. Further, a port can be provided through at least one of the fingers of the set of fingers with the port configured to inject a fluid into the hopper.