Abstract: A device for retarding drool from a multi nozzle manifold having a plurality of outlet passageways in fluid communication with a single feed passageway. A drool-retarding member selectively segregates the outlet passageways with respect to fluid communication among the outlet passageways, preventing flow from one outlet passageway into a lower outlet passageway during adhesive cutoff periods. The drool-retarding member is a reciprocating member having an inoperative position in which a plurality of inlet ports to the outlet passageways are sealed, and having a fluid-apply position in which the inlet ports are free to allow fluid communication among the outlet passageways and the feed passageway. In a passive embodiment, the drool-retarding member is a valve that is spring biased to cover the inlet ports. Pressurized adhesive overcomes the bias of the spring when an upstream flow-regulating mechanism is controlled to discontinue adhesive flow.

Abstract: A system for use on an automated assembly line having an adhesive applicator disposed to deposit adhesive on cartons progressing along the assembly line. A flap closing device which is utilized only during scheduled or unscheduled cycle stops of the assembly line is operatively associated with a pair of applicator heads. During normal, continuous operation of the assembly line, the flaps of a carton are sealed downstream of the application of adhesive. Effective sealing of all cartons upon a cycle stop is provided by including the second flap closing device at the applicator heads. The applicator heads are within the arc of movement of a carton flap closed by the second flap closing device, but operatively associating the applicator heads with the flap closing device displaces the heads from the path of the flap. Movement of the heads can be a rotational or linear motion.

Abstract: A method of forming a sift-proof seal for closure of a box having a plurality of folded flaps, the seal being formed by an adhesive strip pattern. The flaps are moved linearly toward a plurality of nozzles which extrude adhesive in a pattern of closely spaced adhesive strips. A flap having such an adhesive pattern is brought into contact with a second flap to compress the pattern of adhesive therebetween. The spacing between adjacent strips of adhesive is such that the folding of the flap causes merging of the adhesive to form a continuous strip of adhesive, thereby forming a box closure. The adhesive pattern is limited to a first outside edge of the first flap, with each remaining outside edges receiving a sift-proof continuous line of adhesive.

Abstract: A method of joining surfaces involving dispensing of hot-melt adhesive onto one of the surfaces in a pattern of quasi-random dots splattered onto the surface. The dots are made by breaking a fluid stream of hot-melt adhesive into irregular globules near the tip of a nozzle. The globules are sufficiently massive to remain molten yet will travel in a directed trajectory. Coverage in a stripe pattern has a quasi-random coverage feature where there is a more than likely probability of encountering a dot along any line parallel to the stripe direction within a distance less than the width of the stripe.

Abstract: A method of adhesively joining a woven material to a nonwoven, heat liquefacient material in a pattern of quasi-random irregular webs splattered onto one material. The webs range from droplets to an interlinking filaments and surface coverage is in a stripe pattern having a quasi-random coverage feature wherein there is a more than likely probability of encountering a droplet or filament along any line parallel to the stripe direction within a distance less than the width of the stripe.

Abstract: A hot-melt adhesive dispenser having spray nozzles connected to a nozzle manifold receiving hot-melt adhesive material from a heated dispenser head. The spray nozzles have a pair of flow paths, one within the other, terminating near the nozzle outlet. A stream of low pressure air flows from a valve, through a plurality of tubes to at least one hollow gas injection conduit in the nozzle forming an inner flow path. Hot-melt material flows through a dispensing bar to a nozzle body cavity and opening defining the outer flow path. Hot-melt material is projected from the nozzle, broken up into droplets by the expanding gas, producing a spray within about three inches of the nozzle outlet. A pair of spaced apart dispensers with spray nozzles are used to spray seal the upper and lower flaps of cartons.