Abstract: Systems and methods of dispensing a hot melt adhesive material that can be heated from a lower temperature flowable non-molten liquid state to a higher temperature molten liquid state, the systems and methods comprise: pumping with a pump the hot melt adhesive material in the lower temperature flowable non-molten liquid state into a supply conduit; passing the hot melt adhesive material through a heated thermal break in the supply conduit that allows free flowing movement of transitional non-molten and molten state material; heating the hot melt adhesive material in a heat exchanger connected to the heated thermal break to the higher temperature molten liquid state; and dispensing the hot melt adhesive material in the higher temperature molten liquid state from a dispenser in fluid communication with the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge orifice, a valve stem and a filter. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge orifice is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharger orifice. The filter is disposed within the fluid passage and surrounds the valve stem.

Abstract: A pumping system comprises a pump, first and second channels, a valve, and an actuator. The pump pumps fluid according to a pumping cycle. The first channel has a first fluid flow orifice with a first diameter, while the second channel has a second fluid flow orifice with a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The valve is configured to direct fluid from the pump to the first channel in a first state, and to the second channel in a second state. The actuator is configured to switch the valve into the first state during a high pressure period of the pumping cycle, and into the second state during a low pressure period of the pumping cycle.

Abstract: A hot melt dispensing system includes a melter, a feed system, a dispenser and a filter. The feed system delivers hot melt pellets to the melter. The dispenser dispenses liquefied hot melt adhesive from the melter. The filter is connected to the feed system and prevents contaminants from passing through the feed system. In one embodiment, the filter comprises a screen filter positioned near a bottom of a pellet hopper. In another embodiment, the filter comprises a series of baffles positioned along the pellet hopper. In yet another embodiment, the filter comprises an electro-static filter coupled to a feed hose.

Abstract: A melting system includes a hopper for receiving solid hot melt material, a heated conduit in communication with the hopper for melting the solid hot melt material, and a valve for allowing solid hot melt material to flow from the hopper to the heated conduit. The valve includes a disk movable between a closed position and an open position, a stem connected to the disk and an actuator for controlling the position of the disk. The disk prevents solid hot melt material from flowing from the hopper to the conduit in the closed position and allows solid hot melt material to flow from the hopper to the conduit in the open position.

Abstract: A method for preventing pack-out in a system for pumping hybrid hot-melt material comprises monitoring activity of a pump that pumps hybrid hot-melt material, shutting off a heater that melts pumped hybrid hot-melt material at an inactivity threshold level, and relieving pump pressure.

Abstract: A melter for a melt system includes a tank, a vibration generating device, and a heater. The tank has a wall for containing a hot melt adhesive, and the vibration generating device vibrates the wall. The heater transfers heat to the tank.

Abstract: A heating system includes an air motor with an exhaust; a pump for a hot melt dispensing system and driven by the air motor; and a shroud enclosing at least a portion of the air motor and the pump to direct heat from the pump to the exhaust of the air motor.

Abstract: A dispensing gun having a mix head for combining at least two fluid components, with a purge rod slidably positioned within the mix head. The purge rod has a forward position for preventing flow from the component inlets, and a rearward position allowing flow from the component inlets with an actuator for moving the purge rod. The dispensing gun further a lubrication chamber that provides lubricant to the purge rod with the lubricant originating from a lubricant cartridge.

Abstract: A dispensing gun has a mix head, a purge rod, an actuator, and a joint. The mix head has two fluid component inlets and a mixing chamber that combines the two fluid components. The purge rod is slidably positioned in the mix head and has a forward position for preventing flow of the two fluid components, and a rearward position for allowing flow of the two fluid components. The purge rod is moved by an actuator which is connected to the purge rod by a joint having a head and a cavity.