Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an adhesive generally comprises a dispensing module, a liquid supply component, and an actuating assembly. The actuating assembly includes a housing proximate the dispensing module and a three-way solenoid valve operatively coupled to the housing. A piston positioned within a piston chamber of the housing is configured to reciprocate along a piston axis when operated by pressurized air controlled by the solenoid valve. The piston is operatively coupled to a valve element within the dispensing module by a pivot arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an adhesive generally comprises a dispensing module, a liquid supply component configured to supply the adhesive to the dispensing module, and an attachment system. The attachment system includes a stationary component and an attachment member pivotally coupled to the stationary component. The attachment member is configured to apply a clamping force to the dispensing module to couple the dispensing module to the liquid supply component.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an adhesive generally comprises a dispensing module, a liquid supply component configured to supply the adhesive to the dispensing module, and an attachment system. The attachment system includes a stationary component and an attachment member pivotally coupled to the stationary component. The attachment member is configured to apply a clamping force to the dispensing module to couple the dispensing module to the liquid supply component.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an adhesive generally comprises a dispensing module, a liquid supply component, and an actuating assembly. The actuating assembly includes a housing proximate the dispensing module and a three-way solenoid valve operatively coupled to the housing. A piston positioned within a piston chamber of the housing is configured to reciprocate along a piston axis when operated by pressurized air controlled by the solenoid valve. The piston is operatively coupled to a valve element within the dispensing module by a pivot arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for liquifying material in the form of an unloading device includes a platen which may have a one-piece or two-piece structure. The platen preferably includes a plurality of fins with the openings between the fins communicating with a plurality of flow passages in the platen and a plurality of channels also communicating with the flow passages and located interiorly in the platen behind the fins. The various flow passages and channels lead to a discharge flow passage. The discharge flow passage may be directly connected to a pump or one or more discharge flow passages may lead to a chamber of the platen which further heats the liquified material before it is pumped from the platen.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquifying and supplying thermoplastic material including a melting hopper having a plurality of separately controlled heating zones. The hopper is formed of thin, rolled metal having a relatively low heat conductivity, such as carbon steel. Heaters are located along the length of the hopper and are separately controlled by way of thermostats or temperature sensors, such that the heat applied in a nonuniform manner to the thermoplastic material in the hopper during various stages of the melting and dispensing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in supplying thermoplastic material such as hot melt adhesive from containers includes an apparatus for detecting and indicating when thermoplastic material or adhesive has moved out the container such that the container may be removed from the apparatus. Both force responsive and temperature responsive indicators are disclosed, along with various signalling devices, to inform an operator when the container may be removed leaving the material within the apparatus.

Abstract: A melting grid, and melter unit provided with such a melting grid which achieves high melting rates and flow rates. The melting grid is generally formed with two intersecting sets of grid members with each set being formed from a plurality of grid members. The first set of grid members includes tapered, converging side surfaces extending up to a leading edge disposed at a height above the leading edges of the second set of grid members. The grid members of the second, lower set also have tapered or converging side surfaces extending toward a leading edge, however, these surfaces converge toward one another at a greater angle than the side surfaces of the higher set such that the higher level grid members of the first set have more gradual tapers than the lower level grid members of the second set.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in converting solid thermoplastic material to molten thermoplastic material includes a tank which receives the solid thermoplastic material and holds a body of molten thermoplastic material. A housing encloses the tank. The tank and housing have openings through which solid thermoplastic material enters the tank. A rim extends along the periphery of an upper wall of the housing. The rim has an upper edge portion which is disposed above the upper wall of the housing to enable the rim to block wash water and/or other liquids from flowing along the upper wall of the housing into the tank. A cover assembly is connected with the housing and is movable between an open condition and a closed condition blocking the open upper end portion of the tank. The cover assembly includes an inner cover which sealingly engages the upper edge portion of the rim and an outer cover which cooperates with the housing to enclose the inner cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting and dispensing rapidly degradable reactive adhesive such as moisture curable hot melt adhesive from a thermally conductive, sealed container includes a housing within which the container is supported in a position to engage a heated surface of a platen. The platen is mounted within the housing in fluid communication with a heated manifold carrying a gear pump. The platen melts the adhesive within the container and provides for the transfer of heat uniformly throughout the stream of melted adhesive discharged through the outlet of the container. The melted adhesive is transmitted from the platen into the gear pump in the manifold which is thermally isolated from the platen to maintain the adhesive therein at a substantially constant temperature.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes an insert having a plurality of longitudinal flutes disposed about its periphery defining flow passages of enhanced surface area. The insert includes at least one slot and expansion means so that the insert can be inserted into a duct without press fitting and subsequently expanded to urge the flutes into intimate thermal contact with the wall of the duct. Removal of the expanding force permits the insert to be removed from the duct for maintenance.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device is disclosed in which there is a movable needle operable to open and close a valve seat located within a nozzle of the dispensing device. The needle valve is guided by longitudinal bushing surfaces contained within the nozzle bore. The nozzle has very nearly zero volumetric capacity internally of the nozzle within which liquid may collect between the closed valve seat and the outlet orifice of the nozzle. This "zero capacity" nozzle contains two needle valve engageable seating surfaces, the first of which is operable to close off flow through the nozzle from the dispensing device, and the second of which subsequently closes the nozzle orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material comprising a melter tank, a pump contained within the melter tank, a dispenser, and a manifold block mounted on the bottom of the melter tank. Thermoplastic material melted in the tank flows from the melter tank, through the pump, through the manifold block, to the dispenser. The pump is mounted in the tank and is either a reciprocating piston type or a rotary gear type pump, the two being interchangeable upon the tank. If a gear type pump is used, it is provided with a built-in pressure control valve operable to circulate the pump flow back to the tank when the dispenser flow is terminated or when there is greater pump flow than is required at the dispenser. Contained interiorly of the manifold block in the flow path between the pump and the dispenser there is a replaceable filter.

Abstract: Control apparatus for purging the pressure in conduits or hoses of pressurized gas/liquid systems such as hot melt foam generating equipment. The control includes a selectively actuable "purge valve" which upon actuation applies an output pressure to reverse the direction of rotation of the motor driving the gas/liquid mixing pump, or alternatively to operate a diverter valve that connects the pump outlet side back to the liquid supply line. Simultaneously, the purge valve cuts off the supply of gas to the mixing pump. The control desirably also includes a selectively actuable "start-up valve" for supplying gas to the gas/liquid mixing pump at higher than normal operating pressure, in order to overcome any internal blockage and prime the pump for starting operation.