Abstract: The present invention relates to self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions and methods of making and using the same. Self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions are formed by admixing a dispersion concentrate including a chemical blowing agent and a compatible carrier (liquid or molten) with a molten base hot melt adhesive composition at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent. The resolidified material is processed through a device that heats the material above the decomposition temperature of the chemical agent and cools it below such temperature before being dispensed. The device preferably includes sensors and a controller configured to prevent the material from accumulating an adverse thermal history during processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions and methods of making and using the same. Self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions are formed by admixing a dispersion concentrate including a chemical blowing agent and a compatible carrier (liquid or molten) with a molten base hot melt adhesive composition at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent. The resolidified material is processed through a device that heats the material above the decomposition temperature of the chemical agent and cools it below such temperature before being dispensed. The device preferably includes sensors and a controller configured to prevent the material from accumulating an adverse thermal history during processing.

Abstract: A multi-function heat exchanger for use with a dispensing gun for dispensing hybrid plastisol hot melt material, the heat exchanger having an elongated tubular high temperature heater assembly having a front end hydraulically connected to an inlet port of a dispensing gun and a rear end connected to a heat dissipating assembly which in turn is connected to the outlet end of a supply hose for providing hybrid plastisol material which is liquid at room temperature and under sufficient hydraulic pressure to move the plastisol material through the heat dissipating assembly and the high temperature heater assembly into the dispensing gun when the gun is operated. The heater assembly has a heat source providing sufficient heat to turn the plastisol into a molten liquid as it passes into the dispensing gun. The heat dissipating assembly prevents heat from the high temperature heater assembly from migrating back into the plastisol supply hose.

Abstract: A method of applying an adhesive to a substrate is comprised of supplying a liquid adhesive composition, exposing the liquid adhesive composition to an increased temperature sufficient to form a molten adhesive composition, and dispensing the molten adhesive composition onto a substrate. The liquid adhesive composition may be comprised of a polymeric reinforcing phase component and an adsorbent phase component, both as heterogeneously dispersed particulates in an adsorbed liquid component. The reinforcing phase component is substantially incompatible with the liquid component, the adsorbent phase component is compatible or substantially more compatible with the liquid component than is the reinforcing phase component, and the reinforcing phase and adsorbent phase components are partially compatible with one another. Hot-melt or other liquid compositions may also include nanoparticles at least partially exfoliated as a result of shear mixing.

Abstract: A modified gliding ring toy comprised of lightweight connecting spokes, a low friction center hub, rotating center pin, and a tether attached to a tailpiece and/or promotional banner in order to provide both an apparent visual cue to the gliding ring's approach and an alternative means of catching it over a wide range of velocities in gliding flight. The user can utilize the AeroStreamer design modifications to retrieve a gliding ring in flight. While in flight, the gliding ring enhanced by the AeroStreamer modifications is easy to locate and presents the user with greater catching opportunities as the tether and tailpiece trail behind the gliding ring.

Abstract: A two channel electronic temperature controller for a gun for dispensing a hybrid plastisol hot melt adhesive that is flowable a room temperature. As the hot melt material is pumped under pressure from a supply source through a pre-heater and then through a gun having a gun heater, a first channel transmits signals from the electronic temperature controller which control the temperature of a pre-heater and a second channel from the electronic temperature controller transmits signals from the electronic temperature control which control the temperature of the gun heater and the pumping pressure. A sensor in the temperature controller detects when the pre-heater and gun heater are at a dispensing temperature or at a lower inactive temperature. When the gun is inactive for a predetermined time, a senses the inactivity and directs a control to reduce the temperature and shut off the pump.

Abstract: A multi-function heat exchanger for use with a dispensing gun for dispensing hybrid plastisol hot melt material, the heat exchanger having an elongated tubular high temperature heater assembly having a front end hydraulically connected to an inlet port of a dispensing gun and a rear end connected to a heat dissipating assembly which in turn is connected to the outlet end of a supply hose for providing hybrid plastisol material which is liquid at room temperature and under sufficient hydraulic pressure to move the plastisol material through the heat dissipating assembly and the high temperature heater assembly into the dispensing gun when the gun is operated. The heater assembly has a heat source providing sufficient heat to turn the plastisol into a molten liquid as it passes into the dispensing gun. The heat dissipating assembly prevents heat from the high temperature heater assembly from migrating back into the plastisol supply hose.