Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing viscous liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, includes a manifold, a dispensing module, a heater thermally coupled to the manifold, and thermally insulating cover structure secured around both the module and the manifold. Air gaps are formed between the cover structure and the heated components inside to further reduce heat transfer. The cover structure may also include heat dissipating fins. A supply connector associated with the manifold includes an interior flow passage, an exterior annular recess and at least one port communicating therebetween. A valve includes a valve seat having an orifice and a sealing surface located around the orifice. The valve further includes a valve stem movable between open and closed positions and having a recess in one end and a sealing edge located around the recess. A valve module includes an integrated heating element for providing localized heat to the adhesive immediately prior to dispensing.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel culture methods and devices in which biocatalysts are substantially immobilized contained, suspended and or incubated in a chamber. At least one injection element provides a fluid flow to a perimeter of the chamber and the fluid force of the fluids flowing into the chamber works with the centripetal force created by rotation of the device to suspend the cells within the chamber, promote cell growth and/or clean the fluid as it passes thru the suspended biocatalyst.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing viscous liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, includes a manifold, a dispensing module, a heater thermally coupled to the manifold, and thermally insulating cover structure secured around both the module and the manifold. Air gaps are formed between the cover structure and the heated components inside to further reduce heat transfer. The cover structure may also include heat dissipating fins. A supply connector associated with the manifold includes an interior flow passage, an exterior annular recess and at least one port communicating therebetween. A valve includes a valve seat having an orifice and a sealing surface located around the orifice. The valve further includes a valve stem movable between open and closed positions and having a recess in one end and a sealing edge located around the recess. A valve module includes an integrated heating element for providing localized heat to the adhesive immediately prior to dispensing.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel culture methods and devices in which biocatalysts are substantially immobilized contained, suspended and or incubated in a chamber. At least one injection element provides a fluid flow to a perimeter of the chamber and the fluid force of the fluids flowing into the chamber works with the centripetal force created by rotation of the device to suspend the cells within the chamber, promote cell growth and/or clean the fluid as it passes thru the suspended biocatalyst.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing viscous liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, includes a manifold, a dispensing module, a heater thermally coupled to the manifold, and thermally insulating cover structure secured around both the module and the manifold. Air gaps are formed between the cover structure and the heated components inside to further reduce heat transfer. The cover structure may also include heat dissipating fins. A supply connector associated with the manifold includes an interior flow passage, an exterior annular recess and at least one port communicating therebetween. A valve includes a valve seat having an orifice and a sealing surface located around the orifice. The valve further includes a valve stem movable between open and closed positions and having a recess in one end and a sealing edge located around the recess. A valve module includes an integrated heating element for providing localized heat to the adhesive immediately prior to dispensing.

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: A method and adhesive dispensing apparatus for applying continuous, parallel rows of adhesive onto the center portion of the backing sheet of a disposable diaper and intermittent, parallel rows of adhesive on the outer portions of the backing sheet on either side of the center portion. The apparatus includes a slot nozzle, divided into two center sections and two end sections, which is formed with flow passageways for each section having a coat hanger profile including a plurality of spaced, discharge orifices to form the parallel adhesive rows. A valving arrangement including solenoid-operated center dispensing valves for each center section of the nozzle, and solenoid-operated dispensing and recirculation valve pairs for each end section of the nozzle, controls the flow of adhesive to the nozzle.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing apparatus for applying continuous, parallel adhesive beads onto the center portion of a substrate and intermittent, parallel adhesive beads on the outer portions of a substrate, particularly the plastic backing sheet of a disposable diaper. The apparatus includes a slot nozzle, divided into two center sections and two end sections, which is formed with flow passageways for each section having a coat hanger profile including a plurality of spaced, discharge orifices to form the parallel beads. A valving arrangement including solenoid-operated center dispensing valves for each center section of the nozzle, and solenoid-operated dispensing and recirculation valve pairs for each end section of the nozzle, controls the flow of adhesive to the nozzle.

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 melter tank comprises a novel electrical resistance heating element cast into the bottom wall of the tank. The heating element is asymetrically shaped within the bottom wall of the melter tank and is so configured that the length of the heater element within any portion of the bottom wall is proportional to the mass of material, including melter tank, manifold block, pump, and thermoplastic material to be heated by the given length of heater element within that portion. Additionally, the tank side walls are generally triangular in cross section with the thicker part of the triangular shaped side walls located adjacent the bottom of the tank.

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: An apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material comprising a hopper, a grid melter, a reservoir and a pump. Solid thermoplastic material contained within the hopper is melted by the grid melter and flowed into a reservoir from which the pump supplies the molten material to a dispenser. The inside walls of the hopper are coated with "Teflon" which has been found to expedite remelting of molten material which has backed up into the hopper and solidified there. Additionally, the "Teflon" coating has been found to solve the problem of the seals between the reservoir, grid melter and hopper springing leaks upon the remelting of solid thermoplastic material contained in the hopper.

Abstract: A right angle nozzle assembly for use with a fluid dispenser. The assembly includes a nozzle body having a nozzle tip disposed at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the body. The body defines an integral distal projection that projects past the tip so as to protect the tip. The projection includes an alignment slot receivable of a tool so that the direction of the dispensation can be visually perceived as well as selectively set.