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.