Abstract:
A fluid pressure operated piston engine apparatus generally includes a piston unit, a valve configured to selectively direct pressurized fluid into the piston unit, a valve shifting mechanism, and a magnetic detent device. The magnetic detent device includes a valve actuating member coupled to a valve element in the valve. The valve actuating member is movable between first and second magnetically held positions respectively holding the valve element in first and second positions. The valve shifting mechanism includes a biasing device operatively connected to a shaft associated with the piston unit. As the shaft approaches the first and second ends of its stroke, the biasing forces are used at least partially overcome magnetic attraction holding the valve actuating member. In this manner, the valve actuating member moves between first and second magnetically held positions to cause the valve element to shift and redirect pressurized fluid into the piston chamber of the piston unit to effect reversal of the direction of travel of the shaft.
Abstract:
Apparatus for dispensing a liquid includes a manifold having a high pressure passageway adapted to be coupled to a source of the liquid and to deliver the liquid at an elevated pressure to a dispenser. The manifold further includes a low pressure passageway for exhausting pressurized liquid from the high pressure passageway. A pressure relief valve is coupled between the high pressure passageway and the low pressure passageway. The pressure relief valve has a valve member mounted for movement relative to a valve seat. One side of the valve seat defines a high pressure side in communication with the high pressure passageway and another side of the valve seat defines a low pressure side in communication with the low pressure passageway. A dynamic seal engages the valve member on the low pressure side and prevents leakage of the liquid from the low pressure side.
Abstract:
An apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic materials such as thermoplastic adhesives referred to as “hot melt” adhesives. More specifically, a one-piece melter tank is suspended from the top of a chassis which also serves as the housing for the entire assembly of the melting and dispensing apparatus.
Abstract:
An apparatus used in a system for liquefying and dispensing a hot melt adhesive from a container to a substrate using an improved platen with fins to help guide the hot melt adhesive to a pump. The fins consist of primary, secondary, tertiary, and perimeter fins. The primary fins of the platen extend from the outer periphery radially inward to the center of the platen. The secondary fins are interposed between the pairs of primary fins, and the tertiary fins are interposed between each pair of primary and secondary fins. Both the secondary and tertiary fins taper to provide for a gradual pressure drop along their radial extent to provide for a better fluid flow. The perimeter fins, which are located radially inward along the outer circumference of the platen, provide for an increased surface area at the outer edges of the platen. A pair of elastomeric seals provides a fluid tight seal between the platen and the container of hot melt material. The seals are located as close to the lower portion of the platen to allow for more adhesive in the container and therefore less space at its opening.
Abstract:
A device for relieving the pressure of pressurized materials, such as sprayable hot melt adhesives includes a storage tank (40), a manifold (44), a source of pressure for pressurizing the pressurized materials, and a dump valve (10) for relieving the pressure of the pressurized materials when the device is deactivated or turned off. The dump valve (10) includes a relief port (22) and a spring and compressed air arrangement for opening and closing the relief port (22). The dump valve (10) can be combined with a pressure relief valve and can be retrofitted to existing manifolds (44). A method of depressurizing a pressurized device for spraying pressurized material is also disclosed and includes the steps of activating a pressure means for pressurizing materials within a manifold, pressurizing the materials via the pressure means, deactivating the pressure means, and relieving the pressure of the materials when the pressurizing means is deactivated.
Abstract:
An apparatus for adjusting the relative position of two or more material dispensers comprises a first module adapted to connect to a source of material, and a second module which is axially movable with respect to the first module. The first and second modules each mount at least one material dispenser such that a material pasageway formed in each module is connected to a discharge bore formed in each material dispenser. The passageways in the first and second modules, in turn, are interconnected by a pair of pivot arms arranged in a scissors-like configuration which extend between the modules, and are movable between an extended and retracted position in response to movement of the second module, so that each dispenser can be supplied with material from a single supply line.
Abstract:
A fluid pressure operated piston engine apparatus generally includes a piston unit, a valve configured to selectively direct pressurized fluid into the piston unit, a valve shifting mechanism, and a magnetic detent device. The magnetic detent device includes a valve actuating member coupled to a valve element in the valve. The valve actuating member is movable between first and second magnetically held positions respectively holding the valve element in first and second positions. The valve shifting mechanism includes a biasing device operatively connected to a shaft associated with the piston unit. As the shaft approaches the first and second ends of its stroke, the biasing forces are used at least partially overcome magnetic attraction holding the valve actuating member. In this manner, the valve actuating member moves between first and second magnetically held positions to cause the valve element to shift and redirect pressurized fluid into the piston chamber of the piston unit to effect reversal of the direction of travel of the shaft.
Abstract:
An apparatus including a tank having at least one side wall for receiving solid or semi-solid thermoplastic material and a base member supporting the side wall(s) for heating and melting the thermoplastic material. The base member has a heated upper surface sloped downwardly towards the side wall(s) for directing the flow of melted material, and is configured to provide a collection trough for receiving the melted material. A strainer is positioned above the collection trough to filter the melted material. The strainer is adapted to support the remaining solid or partially solidified thermoplastic material above a portion of the heated upper surface to provide a less restricted flow path for the melted material to the collection trough.
Abstract:
An adhesive melter includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and an interior configured to heat and hold adhesive pellets. The melter includes a lid for providing access to the interior and the outlet port communicates with the interior. An intake conduit is coupled to the inlet port and is configured to deliver forced air and adhesive pellets to the interior. An exhaust conduit is coupled to the outlet port and is configured to remove the forced air from the interior and to receive a filter for trapping particles of the adhesive pellets borne by the forced air. The outlet port and the inlet port are non-concentric but closely spaced and centrally located on the lid and the outlet port is spaced from the inlet port so as to cause the forced air to travel in a generally U-shaped path within the interior of the melter.
Abstract:
A dispensing unit for a hot melt adhesive system has a manifold centrally located within the dispensing unit to permit commonality between heated hoses of substantially the same length used to supply adhesive guns at either side of the dispensing unit. The dispensing unit also includes a manifold that is thermally isolated from the adhesive tank. The manifold has a heater that is independent of the tank heater for more precise temperature control of adhesive flowing through the manifold. A pump coupled to the manifold is located external to the tank and is heated by the manifold heater.