Abstract: A system for recovering hot-melt materials for reuse in a glue gun includes a flexible mold form mounted in a carrier and having an internal cavity that approximates the dimensions of the preformed hot-melt sticks. In order to change from one type hot-melt material to another, the sticks of the desired material are loaded into the gun while the heated, hot-melt material in the gun is discharged into the mold form. The hot-melt material flows into the mold form and assumes the shape of a conventional preformed stick. After cooling and solidification of the material, the mold form is removed from its carrier and the cooled, cast stick is removed from the mold form for reuse. The mold form is fabricated from a flexible, heat-resistant material, such as a silicone rubber, and includes an elongated tubular portion having a tapered exterior to facilitate removal from its carrier and an internal bore dimensioned to produce a cast stick having the dimensions of the preformed stick.

Abstract: A cordless adhesive dispensing system includes an electrically-heated dispensing gun and cooperating base that supports the gun and effects both a mechanical and electrical connection to the gun. The gun accepts solid adhesive and melts the adhesive in response to an electrical current provided to the gun through a mechanical and electrical interface. The electrical interface includes cooperating electrical contacts on both the gun and the base that effect electrical contact as the gun is mounted to the base by the operator and electrical disconnection as the gun is dismounted. A switch is in-circuit with the contacts and closes the circuit to the gun after the gun is fully mounted to the base and effects electrical interruption as the gun is dismounted. The mechanical interface maintains the mounted gun at a convenient, easy-to-grip attitude and includes pivoted interface surfaces that allow the gun to be pivoted into and out of its mechanical and electrical interfacing with the base in a reliable manner.

Abstract: An improved rotary power shear that includes an electric motor which drives, through a reduction gear assembly, a rotary shear assembly comprised of a driving shear wheel which rotates against a cooperating driven shear wheel. The design of the tool is characterized by a handle that extends above the motor housing and gear casing, and which supports the tool at one end from the gear casing and at the other end from the rear of the motor housing. In this manner the tool is balanced when held by the handle as the weight of the gear casing and cutting assembly at the forward end of the tool offsets the weight of the motor at the rearward end of the tool. In addition, the design of the tool is facilitated by the provision of a single bracket member that serves the multiple functions of supporting and biasing together the rotary shear wheels, providing a cover for the gear casing, and also providing a support for the stub shafts on which the gears are journalled.