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: A method and apparatus for dispensing a polymer foam includes apparatus for forming a pressurized solution of intermixed polymeric material and gas. The polymeric material remains intermixed with the gas while the solution is maintained above a critical pressure. The pressurized solution is dispensed in wide band through an elongated slot. The dispensing apparatus includes an exit slot section in which the pressure of the solution drops below the critical pressure and the foam begins to form. The solution is maintained above the critical pressure until the solution enters the exit slot section so that premature foaming of the material is prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spraying an adhesive onto a moving surface with a plurality of gun modules which are attached to a transition plate which in turn is secured to adhesive and air service manifolds. The gun modules are secured to movable plates which can be connected to the transition plate in a manner that enables the gun modules to be individually shifted laterally with respect to the transition plate so that the location at which the adhesive is sprayed onto the moving surface is shifted.

Abstract: Apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material including a hopper for receiving solid thermoplastic material, a flow-through grid melter secured to the bottom of the hopper and a reservoir mounted beneath the grid melter. The grid melter includes multiple parallel ribs extending across the width of the bottom of the grid melter. A single sinuous electrical resistance heater is cast in situ into the ribs of the grid melter. The underside of the grid melter is provided with recesses which function as accumulators to prevent the buildup of pressure on the underside of the grid melter upon remelt of solid thermoplastic material located above the level of the top of the grid melter.

Abstract: Apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material including a hopper for receiving solid thermoplastic material, a flow-through grid melter secured to the bottom of the hopper and a reservoir mounted beneath the grid melter. A pump is mounted in the bottom of the reservoir and is connected to the reservoir outlet via a flow passage which contains a gate valve operable to enable the passage to be blocked and the pump removed for repair or replacement without the need to first drain the reservoir of molten material. The pump is driven by a motor which is mounted upon a pivotally supported plate such that the motor may be easily and quickly disconnected from the pump to further facilitate quick repair or replacement of the pump.