Abstract: A melter melts particulate hot melt adhesive into a liquefied form. The melter includes a heated receiving device having an interior with an inlet that receives the particulate hot melt adhesive and an outlet. The heated receiving device melts the particulate hot melt adhesive and directs the liquified hot melt adhesive to the outlet. A prepackaged container holds a supply of the particulate hot melt adhesive and includes an outlet. A particulate hot melt adhesive feed device allows the particulate hot melt adhesive to be directed from the outlet of the prepackaged container to the inlet of the heated receiving device.

Abstract: A melter for heating and melting particulate hot melt adhesive into a liquefied form is disclosed. The melter includes a heated receiving device having an interior with an inlet configured to receive the particulate hot melt adhesive and an outlet. A flexible hopper holds a supply of the particulate hot melt adhesive and a particulate hot melt adhesive feed device allows the particulate hot melt adhesive to be directed from the flexible hopper to the inlet of the heated receiving device.

Abstract: A melter for heating and melting particulate hot melt adhesive into a liquefied form is disclosed. The melter includes a heated receiving device having an interior with an inlet configured to receive the particulate hot melt adhesive and an outlet. A flexible hopper holds a supply of the particulate hot melt adhesive and a particulate hot melt adhesive feed device allows the particulate hot melt adhesive to be directed from the flexible hopper to the inlet of the heated receiving device.

Abstract: A flexible bag system can dispense particulate hot melt adhesive. The flexible bag system includes an articulation device in contact with the flexible bag body and manipulates the flexible bag body to maintain fluidity of the particulate hot melt adhesive out of the outlet. A system for supplying particulate hot melt adhesive is also disclosed. The system includes an outer housing, a flexible inner housing disposed inside the outer housing that receives the particulate hot melt adhesive, a transfer opening disposed inside the flexible inner housing and through which the particulate hot melt adhesive is transferred, and an agitator in contact with the flexible inner housing, where the agitator applies a lateral force to a surface of the flexible inner housing.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing module includes a dispenser body assembly, a flexible seal, a needle, and an actuator. The dispenser body assembly includes a liquid inlet, a discharge outlet, and a flow channel including a valve seat between the inlet and outlet. The flexible seal engages the dispenser body assembly and includes a downstream end. The needle includes an enlarged portion engaging and retaining the downstream end of the flexible seal to place the flexible seal in lengthwise compression between the enlarged portion and the dispenser body assembly. The needle also includes a valve element that moves between open and closed positions. The flexible seal prevents liquid from leaking out of the flow channel.

Abstract: A thermally insulated applicator for applying heated thermoplastic liquid includes an applicator body including a thermoplastic liquid supply passage and a heating element for supplying heat to liquid in the supply passage. A dispensing valve module is coupled in thermal contact with the applicator body and includes an outlet in fluid communication with the liquid supply passage. A cover assembly is formed of a thermally insulating plastic and includes first, second and third sides, the first and second sides of the cover assembly respectively covering the first and second sides of the applicator body, and the third side of the cover assembly covering the third side of the dispensing valve module. The first and second sides of the cover assembly each include a plurality of point contact projecting elements respectively supporting the first and second sides of the cover assembly on the first and second sides of the applicator body.

Abstract: Dispensers with replaceable actuators and related methods. A representative dispenser includes a sealed fluid chamber with a fluid inlet and a valve seat, a valve member configured to be reciprocally moveable relative to the valve seat, and an actuator interface. The dispenser includes first and second actuators configured to be coupled with the actuator interface for reciprocally moving the valve member. The first actuator is configured to operate by a different motive force than the second actuator. The first actuator can be removed and replaced with the second actuator. The methods involve the ability to replace the first actuator with a second actuator.

Abstract: In a liquid dispensing system having a dispensing module and a gun manifold, the gun manifold includes a shelf portion that extends outwardly from its front face and the dispensing module includes a correspondingly shaped aperture configured to engage the shelf portion so that the dispensing module rests, or hangs, on the gun manifold without being held into place. From this position, the module can be easily and readily attached to the manifold. The shelf and aperture have complementary shapes and can be keyed so as to require the mating of the manifold and module in only one orientation. Additionally, an adaptor can be provided between the module and manifold so that smooth face manifolds and modules can still be coupled to corresponding manifolds and modules having shelves or apertures.

Abstract: A thermally insulated applicator for applying heated thermoplastic liquid includes an applicator body including a thermoplastic liquid supply passage and a heating element for supplying heat to liquid in the supply passage. A dispensing valve module is coupled in thermal contact with the applicator body and includes an outlet in fluid communication with the liquid supply passage. A cover assembly is formed of a thermally insulating plastic and includes first, second and third sides, the first and second sides of the cover assembly respectively covering the first and second sides of the applicator body, and the third side of the cover assembly covering the third side of the dispensing valve module. The first and second sides of the cover assembly each include a plurality of point contact projecting elements respectively supporting the first and second sides of the cover assembly on the first and second sides of the applicator body.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing module includes a dispenser body assembly, a flexible seal, a needle, and an actuator. The dispenser body assembly includes a liquid inlet, a discharge outlet, and a flow channel including a valve seat between the inlet and outlet. The flexible seal engages the dispenser body assembly and includes a downstream end. The needle includes an enlarged portion engaging and retaining the downstream end of the flexible seal to place the flexible seal in lengthwise compression between the enlarged portion and the dispenser body assembly. The needle also includes a valve element that moves between open and closed positions. The flexible seal prevents liquid from leaking out of the flow channel.

Abstract: In a liquid dispensing system having a dispensing module and a gun manifold, the gun manifold includes a shelf portion that extends outwardly from its front face and the dispensing module includes a correspondingly shaped aperture configured to engage the shelf portion so that the dispensing module rests, or hangs, on the gun manifold without being held into place. From this position, the module can be easily and readily attached to the manifold. The shelf and aperture have complementary shapes and can be keyed so as to require the mating of the manifold and module in only one orientation. Additionally, an adaptor can be provided between the module and manifold so that smooth face manifolds and modules can still be coupled to corresponding manifolds and modules having shelves or apertures.