Abstract: A locking structure for an article includes a bladder including a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void. A locking system includes locking elements that each attach to at least one elastic element. The locking elements each include at least one interface surface. The interior void of the bladder operable between a first pressure to move the locking system to a locked state and a second pressure to move the locking system to an unlocked state.

Abstract: A distributed power network includes a power bus infrastructure distributed over a region with node points provided to interface with controllable power nodes. Each power node can be connected to an external power device such as a DC power sources, a DC power load, or a rechargeable DC battery. The power nodes form a communication network and cooperate with each other to receive input power from DC power sources and or rechargeable DC batteries connected to the power bus infrastructure and distribute the power received therefrom to the power bus infrastructure for distribution to the DC power loads and to rechargeable DC batteries.

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 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 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 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: Systems and methods for operating a linear pump system involve operating a linear motor system; reciprocating a linear pump and a motor control module that issues commands and a control logic input to the linear motor system. The linear motor system is operated to reciprocate an output shaft between first and second reversal positions. The linear pump is reciprocated with the output shaft to produce a flow of material. A pump reversal command reverses direction of the output shaft. A torque command controls speed of the output shaft. The control logic input reciprocates the output shaft at speeds to produce a constant output condition of the flow of material. The motor control module adjusts the torque command to operate the output shaft at an increased speed above what is necessary for the constant output condition for a temporary time period beginning when the reversal command is issued.

Abstract: The outer case of the display module 10 is constructed of static dissipative polypropylene components that house a circuit board 16 and display 14. When the display module 10 utilizes the hand held pendant option a front cover 18 is used. This front cover 18 provides a viewing window 20 to the display 14 and a flat surface to attach the membrane 22. When the display module 10 is to be mounted inside of an enclosure, the front cover is replaced by a flat plate 28 that then provides the viewing window 30 and flat surface membrane 32 requirements. The rear portion 12 of the display module 10 is used with either option and contains the necessary features to allow for either the front cover 18 or the flat plate 28 to be attached.

Abstract: The outer case of the display module 10 is constructed of static dissipative polypropylene components that house a circuit board 16 and display 14. When the display module 10 utilizes the hand held pendant option a front cover 18 is used. This front cover 18 provides a viewing window 20 to the display 14 and a flat surface to attach the membrane 22. When the display module 10 is to be mounted inside of an enclosure, the front cover is replaced by a flat plate 28 that then provides the viewing window 30 and flat surface membrane 32 requirements. The rear portion 12 of the display module 10 is used with either option and contains the necessary features to allow for either the front cover 18 or the flat plate 28 to be attached.

Abstract: The hydraulic power module 10 consists of 1) a hydraulic manifold 12 to route hydraulic fluid to the correct areas, 2) a hydraulic reservoir 14 that contains hydraulic fluid 16,3) a hydraulic pump 18,4) a DC servo motor 20,5) a directional valve 22,6) a cooling system 24 7) an integrated filter housing 26 and 8) electronics—motor control 28 for controlling the DC servo motor 20.