Abstract: A system for supplying molten thermoplastic material to a dispenser has a hopper assembly which is made up of one or more hopper units each having opposite side walls being generally parallel to each other, the inlet and the outlet having generally the same cross section, so that the hopper units can be stacked on top of each other to increase the capacity of the hopper assembly. The hopper assembly might be supported on a plurality of reservoir blocks, with the hopper assembly straddling the plurality of reservoir blocks to supply melted material to all of the reservoirs. At least one isolator may be provided for thermally isolating one of the hopper units from the reservoir block and for thermally isolating the hopper units from each other, the isolator comprising a band of insulating material positioned between the flanges of the hopper unit and the reservoir block. The hopper assembly is preferably attached to the reservoir block by a plurality of clamps.

Abstract: The watering nipple, constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, comprises a body having a water delivering channel therein. The water delivering channel has an inlet and an outlet, and defines a path of water flow. A pin having a head and a stem is disposed within the water delivering channel, with the stem protruding beyond the outlet. The pin is capable of movement within the water delivering channel so as to open and close the outlet. An enlarged body, having an extension and a knob, is connected to the stem. The knob has a horizontal surface which confronts the valve body thereby increasing the surface area capable of retaining water. A pin and a movable element are included within the water delivering channel in some constructions. The pin is able to close the inlet under the influence of the movable element.