Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05C11/00—Component parts, details or accessories not specifically provided for in groups B05C1/00 - B05C9/00
  • B05C11/10—Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05C11/00—Component parts, details or accessories not specifically provided for in groups B05C1/00 - B05C9/00
  • B05C11/10—Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
  • B05C11/1042—Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material provided with means for heating or cooling the liquid or other fluent material in the supplying means upstream of the applying apparatus
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05C11/00—Component parts, details or accessories not specifically provided for in groups B05C1/00 - B05C9/00
  • B05C11/10—Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
  • B05C11/1047—Apparatus or installations for supplying liquid or other fluent material comprising a buffer container or an accumulator between the supply source and the applicator
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29B—PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BE SHAPED; MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING PLASTICS
  • B29B13/00—Conditioning or physical treatment of the material to be shaped
  • B29B13/02—Conditioning or physical treatment of the material to be shaped by heating
  • B29B13/022—Melting the material to be shaped
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
  • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
  • B66C1/00—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles
  • B66C1/10—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means
  • B66C1/101—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means for containers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05C11/00—Component parts, details or accessories not specifically provided for in groups B05C1/00 - B05C9/00
  • B05C11/11—Vats or other containers for liquids or other fluent materials
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
  • Y10T137/0318—Processes
  • Y10T137/0391—Affecting flow by the addition of material or energy
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
  • Y10T137/6416—With heating or cooling of the system

Definitions

• the melting unit is configured to receive a supply of hot melt adhesive initially in a solid form.
• the solid hot melt adhesive is typically stored in a container, such as a 55 gallon drum, that is loaded into the melting unit.
• the drum is typically positioned on a platform or other surface within a support structure of the melting unit. An upper end of the drum is open, exposing the hot melt adhesive.
• the melting unit is stopped, i.e., the piston is withdrawn from the drum, the drum is removed, and then replaced with a full hot melt adhesive drum.
• the application device may be stopped as well.
• a situation may arise where the melted adhesive may not be applied to an article while the drum of hot melt adhesive is being replaced. That is, replacing a drum of hot melt adhesive in the melting unit may disrupt the flow of melted adhesive to the application device, thereby disrupting the application of adhesive to an article. Accordingly, it may be required to shutdown or idle the system to replace the hot melt adhesive drum. As a result, manufacturing time may be increased due to non-continuous operation of the melting unit and application device.
• a hopper may define a receptacle having heated surfaces therein.
• a supply of hot melt adhesive may be added to the hopper as necessary, melted, and discharged.
• the hopper is not suited to receive a 55 gallon drum of hot melt adhesive. Rather, the hopper is sized to accept smaller amounts of hot melt adhesive, for example, as shavings or pellets.
• extra processing of the hot melt adhesive slug is required to provide a supply suitable for use with this type of device.
• the hopper may need to be frequently refilled, increasing labor costs.
• a fluid delivery device that may provide a continuous output of fluid and provide an enclosed area for transport and/or melting of the adhesive.
• a fluid delivery device where delivery of the fluid from the device may be individually, independently metered to different metering or application devices.
• FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a cross-section of the lead-in skirt guard of
• FIG. 6 positioned relative to the heating element and a container, according to an embodiment described herein;
• the container 'C may be loaded into the loading chamber 18 through the opening 22 with the door 30 in the open position (FIGS. 1 and 4).
• the container 'C may then positioned relative to the first heating element 28.
• the first heating element 28 may be one or more heating bands 28.
• the container 'C is received through an open portion of the "U" shaped first heating element 28 with the first heating element 28 in the receiving position.
• the door 30 may be moved to the closed position (FIGS. 3 and 5), to substantially enclose the loading chamber 18, with the exception of the slot 26 in the cover 24.
• the first post 34 and the second post 38 may move the heating bands 28 to a position where the heating bands 28 extend substantially or completely about a perimeter of the container 'C, i.e., the heating position.
• the heating bands 28 may then be energized or heated, and heat from the heating bands 28, in turn, may heat the container 'C and the slug of adhesive stored therein. The heat may cause an outer portion of the adhesive to melt, allowing the slug of adhesive to drop from the container 'C, through the aperture 54 and into the hopper 20.
• a solid portion of the slug of adhesive received in the hopper 20 may then be further melted by the second heating element 55 in the hopper 20 and maintained in the fluid state.
• a sensor (not shown) may be positioned in the melter 12 to determine when the slug of adhesive has dropped from the container 'C into the hopper 20.
• the pump assembly 16 may also include one or more output ports 62 for outputting or dispensing the fluid, i.e., the melted adhesive, from the pump assembly 16 to the one or more fluid application devices (not shown) and/or metering stations (not shown).
• each output port 62 may discharge the fluid to a different metering station or fluid application device. That is, each output port 62 may be associated with a different metering station or fluid application device.
• the pump assembly 16 may include four output ports 62.
• the pump assembly 16 may be fluidically connected with four different metering stations or fluid application devices, and each output port 62 may discharge the fluid to a respective metering station or fluid application device to which each port is fluidically connected.
• the pump assembly may further include one or more pressure regulator valves (PRV) 64 to regulate or control the flow, and in particular the pressure, of the fluid, i.e., the melted adhesive, output from the pump assembly 16 to the at least one fluid application device or metering station.
• PRV pressure regulator valves
• the each of the one or more PRVs 64 is disposed upstream from a respective output port 62.
• the PRVs 64 may be positioned downstream from respective output ports 62.
• the first PRV 64a may control the flow, e.g., pressure, of the fluid to be output through the first output port 62a and to a first metering station and/or fluid application device
• the second PRV 64b may control the flow of the fluid to be output through the second output port 62b and to a second metering station and/or fluid application device
• the third PRV 64c may control the flow of the fluid to be output through the third output port 62c and to a third metering station and/or fluid application device
• the fourth PRV 64d may control the flow of the fluid to be output through the fourth output port 62d and to a fourth metering station and/or fluid application device.
• the PRVs 64a-d may increase or decrease the pressure, or stop the flow of the fluid discharged through respective output ports 62a-d.
• the fluid may be delivered to one or more metering stations, metering applicators or fluid application devices simultaneously at independently and individually controlled pressures based on independent and individual operation of a respective pump 58 that is in fluid communication with the metering station, metering applicator or fluid application device.
• a PRV 64 or a pump 58 may be operated to stop flow of the fluid to a metering station, metering applicator or fluid application device.
• the pump assembly 16 may feed fluid to, for example, one to twenty metering stations, metering applicators or fluid application devices, or more, as necessary.
• Each metering station, metering applicator or fluid application device may be positioned remotely from the fluid delivery device 10.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fluid delivery device 10 and the container handling system 14, according to one embodiment.
• the container handling system 14 may optionally include a loading platform 70 positioned remotely from the melter 12 for initial positioning of the container 'C.
• the loading platform 70 may be formed with, for example, slots, grooves and/or baffles to decrease a surface area in contact with the container 'C.
• the loading platform 70 may also be made from a low friction or non-stick material, such as polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) or other similar material.
• the loading platform 70 may include positioning features for positioning of the container 'C thereon.
• the loading platform 70 may include a substantially cylindrical recess corresponding to a diameter of the container 'C configured to receive the container 'C therein.
• the loading platform 70 may include one or more upstanding positive stops. The upstanding stops may be arranged substantially in a 'V" shape to guide the container 'C' to a proper position on the loading platform 70.
• the container handling system 14 may also include a support structure 78.
• the container 'C may be unloaded from the melter 12 by driving the trolley 72 in an opposite direction, i.e., toward the first position, so as to move the container 'C outwardly through the opening 22 and returning the container 'C to the loading platform 70.
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the container handling system 114 according to another embodiment described herein.
• the container handling system 114 is configured to releasably engage the container 'C, lift the container 'C in a first direction 'Dl ' to a predetermined height suitable for loading into the loading chamber 18 of the melter 12, and move the container 'C in a second direction 'D2' from a position remote from the melter 12 to a position within the loading chamber 18 of the melter 12.
• the 114 includes a rail 116 extending from a first position remote from the melter 12 to a second position above the melter 12.
• the rail 116 may extend in a substantially level, horizontal direction.
• the rail 116 may be supported by a support structure 118.
• the support structure is mounted on the melter 12.
• the support structure 118 may be self-supported and separate from the melter 12. That is, the support structure 118, in some embodiments, may be independent from the melter 12.
• a trolley 120 is coupled to the rail 116 and configured for sliding or rolling movement along the rail 116 to move the container 'C from a position remote from the melter 12 to a position within the loading chamber 18.
• the trolley 120 may be motor driven and/or manually driven along the rail 116.
• the motor may be positioned at the trolley 120 and may be movable with the trolley. Alternatively, the motor may be positioned remote from the trolley 120 and be configured to drive the trolley 120 along the rail 1 16 using known
• a bellows may be positioned along the rail 116 to house various components.
• the stabilizing linkage 126 may be connected to the trolley 120 via a first coupling piece 130.
• the first coupling piece 130 may be formed as a connector block having one end secured to the scissor-type linkage 128 and another end secured to the trolley 120 using, for example, bolts or similar known fastening devices.
• the connector block 130 may be made from an elastomeric or similar resilient material, including rubber, having shock absorbing properties to absorb for example, torsional and axial forces to resist twisting and reduce axial forces transmitted along the stabilizing linkage 126.
• the stabilizing linkage 126 at another end, opposite to the first coupling piece 130, may include a second coupling piece 132 for coupling the stabilizing linkage to a chuck 134.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a portion of the stabilizing linkage 126 connected to the chuck 134 via the second coupling piece 132.
• the second coupling piece 132 is configured to allow for freedom of rotational movement about two axes through predetermined ranges.
• the second coupling piece 132 includes an L-shaped bracket 136 and an L-shaped plate 138.
• the L-shaped bracket 136 is secured to the scissor-type linkage 128 and may be rotatable relative to the scissor-type linkage 136 on a first axis ⁇ .
• the first axis ⁇ 1 ' extends through a fastener securing the L- shaped bracket 136 to the scissor-type linkage 128.
• the L-shaped plate 138 is secured to the L- shaped bracket 136 and may be rotatable relative to the L-shaped bracket 136 on a second axis ' ⁇ 2'.
• the second axis ' ⁇ 2' extends through a fastener securing the L-shaped plate 138 to the L-shaped bracket 136.
• the L-shaped plate 138 may be secured to the chuck 134.
• the L-shaped plate 138 includes a fastening hole 140 configured to receive a first fastener (not shown) for coupling to the chuck 134.
• the L-shaped plate 138 may further include an arcuate slot 142 configured to receive a second fastener (not shown) also coupled to the chuck 134.
• the arcuate slot 142 allows for rotation of the chuck 134 about a third axis 'A3' extending through the fastening hole 140 relative to the L-shaped plate 138, or vice versa, for adjustment and positioning of chuck 134 relative to the container 'C
• the rotation about the third axis 'A3' is limited to an acceptable predetermined degree corresponding to a length of the arcuate slot 142.
• FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the chuck 134 having the container
• FIGS. 15-17 are perspective views of the chuck 134 secured to the stabilizing linkage 126 and lifting mechanism 122 in different configurations.
• the chuck 134 includes a clamping band 144 configured to be secured around and apply a clamping force to the container 'C.
• the clamping band 144 includes a guide band 146, a first arm 148 and a second arm 150.
• the chuck 134 further includes a support bracket 152, the support bracket having a pair of braces 154 connected to the clamping band 144 and a crossbar 156 extending between the braces 154.
• the first arm 148 and the second arm 150 are rotatably secured to respective braces 154 or the guide band 146.
• the first arm 148 and second arm 150 may be held in an open position with respective magnetic latches (now shown).
• a lug 157 is formed on the crossbar 156 for coupling with the lifting mechanism 122.
• the flexible member 124 may include a hook or latch on a distal end thereof that couples with the lug 157.
• the flexible member 124 may be secured to the crossbar 156 with a bolt. Other known coupling mechanisms may be used as well.
• a linkage bracket 158 and a linkage counterweight 160 are positioned on and secured to the crossbar 156.
• the linkage bracket 276 is configured to be secured to the L- shaped plate 138 of the second coupling piece 132, to thereby secure the stabilizing linkage 126 to the chuck 134.
• the linkage bracket 158 and linkage counterweight 160 are rotatably secured to the crossbar 156 and maintain a fixed position relative to the melter 12 when the chuck 134 is rotated between a first configuration, second configuration and third
• the counterweight 160 may be positioned at a different location along the length of the crossbar 156, i.e., different from the position shown in FIG. 16, such that the counterweight 160 is offset from the linkage bracket 158.
• the counterweight 160 may be secured to the crossbar 156 using suitable fasteners, such as a bolts or screws, extending through corresponding fastening holes formed in the counterweight 160 and crossbar 156.
• the chuck 134 is configured to selectively apply a clamping force on the container 'C to secure the container 'C therein.
• the chuck 134 may further include a clamping mechanism 162.
• the clamping mechanism 162 is configured to apply or release a force to the first arm 148 and second arm 150 such that the first arm 148 and second arm 150 may apply or release a clamping force to the container 'C.
• the clamping mechanism 162 includes a handle 164 pivotably mounted to one of the first arm 148 and the second arm 150, a latch 166 eccentrically and pivotably mounted to the handle 164 and a catch 168 mounted on the other of the first arm 148 and second arm 150. In use, the latch 166 may be pivoted to engage the catch 168.
• the handle 164 may be rotated so that the latch 166 applies a force on the catch 168 which draws the first arm 148 and second arm 158 toward one another, thereby applying the clamping force to the container 'C.
• the handle 164 may be secured in place, in a clamped position, with a pin 170 extending through a bracket 172.
• the fluid delivery device 10 may also include a cradle 176 configured to guide and hold the chuck 134 in a position where the container 'C may be secured therein.
• the cradle 176 includes a base 178 and a guiding section 180 extending from the base 178.
• the guiding section 180 is formed as a generally U-shaped section configured to receive the container 'C.
• the guiding section 180 may include a plurality of angled tabs 182 extending therefrom. The plurality of angled tabs 182 are configured to receive chuck 134 and guide the chuck 134 to a position where it may be secured to the container 'C.
• the fluid delivery device 10 may further include an access area 184.
• the access area 184 defines a perimeter substantially surrounding an area adjacent to a side of the melter 12 that the opening 22 is formed in.
• the access area 184 may substantially surround, together with the melter 12, a loading area where the container 'C is secured in the chuck 134 and is transported into the loading chamber 18. That is, in one embodiment, the access area 184, together with at least one side of the melter 12, define an area within which the container 'C may be secured by the chuck 134 and moved into the loading chamber 18.
• the loading platform 70 may be enclosed within the access area 184.
• the access area 184 is formed having three sides, such that when positioned against a side of the melter 12, the access area 184 and melter 12 define a substantially square or rectangular area.
• the access area 184 may be formed to define an area having another polygonal shape, or alternatively, a circular or elliptical shape.
• the access area 184 may be formed with four sides, where one side includes an opening corresponding to the opening 22 in the melter 12, to allow the container 'C to move into and out of the loading chamber 18.
• the access area 184 is formed having an open side, and the melter 12 may be positioned at the open side with the opening 22 of the melter 12 facing the area defined by the access area 184.
• the access area 184 may further include a cage frame 192 to which the one or more panels 186 and door 188 may be secured.
• the cage frame 192 may be secured to the melt 12.
• the cage frame 192 may be self-supported. It is understood, however, that the cage frame 192 is not required, and the one or more panels 186 and door 188 may be secured to one another and be self-supported.
• each panel 186 and the door 188 may be releasably secured to the cage frame 192, an adjacent panel 186, or the melter 12.
• the 10 to measure, for example, a position of the container 'C, a level of adhesive in the hopper 20, whether a slug of adhesive has dropped from the container 'C into the hopper 20, a clamping force applied to the container 'C from the chuck 134, and whether the handle 164 is locked secured in the clamping position.
• Sensors may measure, detect or record various other conditions as well.
• the sensors may be communicably connected with the controller 68, which is, in turn communicably and operatively connected with various features of the fluid delivery device 10, including, for example, the lifting mechanism 122, the container handling system 14, 114, the door 30, the heating element 28 and/or the pump system 16, and individual components thereof.
• a full container 'C may be received within the access area 184 through the access section 190 and/or door 188.
• An operator may secure the container 'C in the chuck 134 by operating the clamping mechanism 162.
• the lifting mechanism 122 for example, a hoist, may be secured to the chuck 134 by coupling a distal end of the flexible member 124 to the lug 157.
• the second coupling piece 132 of the stabilizing linkage 126 is coupled to the chuck 134 as well.
• the door 188 of the access area 184 may be closed and the lifting mechanism 122 may be operated to lift the container 'C' to a predetermined height sufficient for loading into the loading chamber 18 of the melter 12.
• the stabilizing linkage 126 namely the scissor-type linkage 128 may move from an extended condition to a retracted condition as the container 'C is lifted.
• the stabilizing linkage 126 is configured to stabilize the container 'C as it is lifted, by preventing or limiting twisting, swinging or rotation of the container 'C.
• the trolley 120 may be driven, for example, by the motor, to move along the rail 116 to transport the container 'C toward the melter 12 and into the loading chamber 18 through the opening 22.
• the door 30 may be moved to the closed position across the opening 22.
• the container 'C is held vertically by the chuck 134 and the lifting system 122 extending through the slot 26 in the cover 24.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• Coating Apparatus (AREA)
• Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)

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• 2014
  • 2014-10-03 JP JP2016519981A patent/JP6571641B2/ja active Active
  • 2014-10-03 WO PCT/US2014/059121 patent/WO2015051290A2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2014-10-03 EP EP14790892.5A patent/EP3052248B1/en active Active
  • 2014-10-03 EP EP22176437.6A patent/EP4088827A3/en active Pending
  • 2014-10-03 CN CN201480054651.7A patent/CN105592938B/zh active Active
  • 2014-10-03 US US14/506,241 patent/US9757761B2/en active Active

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