Abstract: The inventive deckle piston compression and adjustment mechanism is used in changing the coating width of a die manifold. The deckle consists of elongate positioning shaft for positioning the deckle in the die manifold. A deformable sealing piston formed of Rulon LR is carried by the shaft and is constructed and arranged to substantially fill the die manifold. An expansion mechanism is used to expand the Rulon seal, thereby causing the deformable seal to expand to form a seal in the die manifold.

Abstract: A hopper-type hot melt dispenser for use in liquifying and dispensing drum or pail quantities of slug form hot melt includes a hopper size to receive a drum or pail of slug form hot melt. Band heaters around the circumference of the hopper heat the walls of the container suspended in the hopper causing slug form hot melt contained therein to be released as a slug into the hopper. The method of use of the apparatus provides for supporting a container of slug form hot melt in the hopper and heating the container with the band heaters until the slug is released, whereupon the container is removed from the hopper leaving the slug deposited therein.