Abstract: In a hot melt adhesive applicator of a slot die type or other type having an air supply to an adhesive service block through solenoids controlling the ON-OFF of the pneumatic adhesive applicator valves, one or more air valves are directly mounted to the service block through an intervening air supply manifold base plate positioned atop an insulation plate to significantly decrease the air path length and decrease the response time of the air valve. The insulation element may be mounted within an elongate recess formed in the top surface of the service block. The insulation element may be formed with cutouts to reduce the mass of the insulation element and to provide better air insulation exposure between the bottom surface of the valve base manifold and the bottom of the recess exposed by the cutouts.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive applicator of a slot die type or other type having an air supply to an adhesive service block through solenoids controlling the ON-OFF of the pneumatic adhesive applicator valves is disclosed. One or more air valves are directly mounted to the service block through an intervening air supply manifold base plate positioned atop an insulation plate to significantly decrease the air path length and decrease the response time of the air valve. In the preferred embodiment, the insulation element is mounted within an elongate recess formed in the top surface of the service block. The insulation element is formed with cutouts to reduce the mass of the insulation element and provide better air insulation exposure between the bottom surface of the valve base manifold and the bottom of the recess exposed by the cutouts. Other improvements are also disclosed for use with or without the direct mounting of the air valve to the service block.

Abstract: An adhesive supply unit for melting solid and quasi/solid materials, such as polyurethane (PUR) and other hot melt adhesives, is disclosed. The unit features an air control system that automatically starts, when the hopper lid is closed, to remove moisture from the moisture laden air in the hopper interior by alternately applying a vacuum to the hopper interior and then replacing the air with plant air that has passed through a series of dryers and filters. The dryers/filters, valving mechanisms and tubing are mounted directly to the machine body with a panel bolted to the machine, eliminating the need for storing the air control system on a separate cart. A sensor verifies that the hopper lid is securely closed before automatically initiating the drying/purging cycles which are repeated a number of times to assure appropriate dehumidification of air to acceptable levels.

Abstract: An adhesive supply unit used in palletizing applications having a multipositional head consisting of a module, service block, and head. Initially, the head is fastened to the service block forming a single head and service block unit. The head and service block unit may then be fastened to the adhesive supply unit in at least two ways at the lower module of the module. In one embodiment, the head and service block unit are vertically attached to the lower module so as to produce an adhesive swirl spray pattern. In another embodiment, the head and service block unit are horizontally attached to the lower module so as to produce an adhesive bead pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling and filtering the flow or viscous fluid in a material melting and dispensing device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotatable valve assembly having a filter plate and a flow stoppage plate. Rotation of the valve alternately allows or halts the flow of viscous fluid. The convenient ability to block the flow of viscous fluid such as hot melt adhesive at a point immediately downstream of a hopper or material melt space facilitates repair, maintenance, or removal of other downstream elements such as a pump without the need for draining the hopper, while avoiding excessive spillage of hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus for the melting of solid and quasi-solid materials, such as thermoplastics and hot melt adhesives, is disclosed. The grid type melter includes one or more heating fins and melt spaces. Multiple heating elements lying in separate planes are disposed in the heating fins and the base in a manner which results in a relatively even temperature distribution along heating surfaces. Degradation of melted material is avoided and material flow rate is improved due to even heat transfer to the material.

Abstract: A heat dissipating chimney in an apparatus for the melting and dispensing of solid and quasi-solid materials, such as thermoplastics and hot melt adhesives, is disclosed. Air convection paths are provided which control the flow of heated air from a plurality of heat sources, through the cabinet of the apparatus, eventually exhausting the heated air to atmosphere. Degradation of the performance of heat-sensitive components of the apparatus is avoided by the heat dissipating system provided by the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering the hopper of a material melting and dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cover lid engageable with a cover base. A hinge arrangement allows pivoting between the cover lid and cover base, and also allows for non-destructive removal of the cover lid from the cover base upon over-extension of the cover lid in the open direction.

Abstract: The rotary screen printing apparatus is designed for ease of operation including adjustments and changes. Registration of the web relative to the print cylinder may be accomplished mechanically or electronically.

Abstract: The rotary screen printing apparatus is designed for ease of operation including adjustments and changes. A pivoting mounting frame mounts the print screen roll which may be easily withdrawn from one side of the roll by use of a bayonet fitting and removable bearing race and frame.

Abstract: The rotary screen printing apparatus is designed for ease of operation including adjustments and changes. The apparatus is also designed to fit into a press between the last print station and the first die cut station without modification to the press due to use of a 5 o'clock print position.