Abstract: Systems and methods for adaptive preventative maintenance are disclosed. In a method to determine a maintenance interval estimate for equipment, a first maintenance interval estimate associated with the equipment is provided. The first maintenance interval estimate is expressed according to a usage metric associated with the equipment. An indication that the equipment has been replaced may be received. An elapsed usage of the equipment in a time period may be determined. The time period may span from a reference time point associated with the first maintenance interval estimate to a later replacement time point associated with the replacement of the equipment. A second maintenance interval estimate may be determined based on the elapsed usage of the equipment. The second maintenance interval estimate may be expressed according to the usage metric associated with the equipment.

Abstract: A heated air manifold of reduced physical dimensions for heating process air for use in dispensing heated liquids, such as hot melt adhesives. The heated air manifold includes at least one heating element and an air plenum having an air inlet and an air outlet. The dimensions of the air plenum are optimized for providing a compact heated air manifold for use in various adhesive dispensing systems, such as systems assembled from modular adhesive manifold segments, while retaining the ability to heat the process air in the air plenum to a desired application temperature. The heated air manifold may include a thick film flat heater disposed in the air plenum. The air plenum may have multiple individual segments winding throughout the volume of the heated air manifold.

Abstract: Applicators configured to dispense a hollow or shaped filament and methods of dispensing in which the hollow or shaped filament is impinged with gas jets. The applicator includes a dispenser body configured to discharge the hollow or shaped filament and a plurality of gas outlets arranged to impinge the filament in the space between the dispenser and the substrate.

Abstract: A method uses energy reactive adhesive to temporarily unitize packages. Particular placement of the reactive adhesive allows the packages to be bonded until exposure to ultraviolet light or other radiated energy having a wavelength of less than about 700 nanometers causes a photoinitiator or other catalyst in the reactive adhesive to reduce the temporary bond. Once the bond has reduced, the packages may be easily separated for stocking with minimal adhesive residue.

Abstract: An adhesive formulation comprising at least a reinforcing phase, a liquid phase and an adsorbent phase. The adsorbent phase, in particle form, has a surface coating which renders the adsorbent phase non-interactive and non-reactive with at least the reinforcing phase and liquid phase.

Abstract: A dispenser includes an actuating section having a first moveable member and a hydraulic section coupled with the actuating section and having a second moveable member. The hydraulic section is adapted to dispense a liquid from an outlet therein and the actuating section is adapted to control dispensing of the liquid. An actuator assembly operatively couples the first moveable member with the second moveable such that the first moveable member is operative to move the second moveable member between open and closed positions for respectively starting and stopping flow of liquid from the outlet. The actuator assembly may include a pivoting lever arm having a first end operatively coupled with the first moveable member, a second end operatively coupled with the second moveable member and defining a fixed pivot point therebetween.

Abstract: An electrically-operating liquid dispenser having an U-shaped pole. Windings of an electromagnetic coil are wound about the legs of the U-shaped pole and are energized selectively for moving an armature relative to the pole to open and close the dispenser. The U-shaped configuration of the pole conserves space within the dispenser and contributes to a narrow geometrical configuration for the dispenser, which allow more compact side-by-side arrangements of multiple dispensers. In certain embodiments, the windings may be divided into sets capable of being individually energized.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid material includes a dispensing module having a liquid supply passage communicating with a supply of liquid material and an air supply passage communicating with a source of pressurized air. A nozzle is coupled to the dispensing module and has a liquid discharge passage and an air discharge passage communicating with the liquid supply passage and the air supply passage, respectively. The liquid material is dispensed from a liquid discharge outlet of the nozzle and pressurized air is directed from an air outlet of the nozzle toward the dispensed liquid material. An air valve coupled to the nozzle is operable to vary the pressure of the air discharged from the air outlet to thereby move the liquid material in a desired pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve is operable to pulse the pressurized air.