WO2015171341A1

WO2015171341A1 - System, device, and method for transferring adhesive solids from a storage container

Info

Publication number: WO2015171341A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/027719
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles P. Ganzer; Mark A. Gould; Enes Ramosevac
Original assignee: Nordson Corporation
Priority date: 2014-05-06
Filing date: 2015-04-27
Publication date: 2015-11-12
Also published as: WO2015171341A8

Abstract

A device (14) for transferring adhesive solids (13) from a storage container (11), comprising a housing structure (19) defined at least in part by a support structure and a separating element (16). The separating element (16) includes an outer surface portion (60) and is configured to rotate relative to the housing structure (19) and including at least one aperture (73). The device (14) also includes a space (18) defined at least in part by the support structure and the separating element (16), the space (18) communicating with the at least one aperture (73). The device (14) also includes an outlet passage (20) communicating with the space (18) and a plurality of projecting members (80, 82) extending from the outer surface portion (60) of the separating element (16). The projecting members (80, 82) are configured to separate adhesive solids (13) from the bulk supply such that fluidized adhesive solids (13) flow from the storage container (11) into the space (18) through the at least one aperture (73) and are drawn into the outlet passage (20).

Description

SYSTEM, DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING ADHESIVE SOLIDS FROM A STORAGE CONTAINER

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to hot melt adhesive systems, and more particularly, to fill systems for temporarily storing and transferring unmelted hot melt adhesive solids to pumps that feed melters or dispenser devices.

Background

[0002] Hot melt adhesive systems have many applications in

manufacturing and packaging. For example, thermoplastic hot melt adhesives are used for carton and case sealing, tray forming, pallet stabilization, nonwoven applications including diaper manufacturing, and many other applications. Hot melt adhesives are typically produced in the form of adhesive "solids," which include solid or semi-solid pellets and/or particulates. These hot melt adhesive solids are transferred to a melter where the hot melt adhesive solids are melted into a molten liquid form at a desired application temperature. The liquid hot melt adhesive is ultimately dispensed at the application temperature to an object such as a work piece, substrate or product by a dispensing device suitable to the manufacturing or packaging application.

[0003] In these hot melt adhesive systems, a supply of unmelted hot melt adhesive solids must be retained and transferred to the melter in order for the melter to continually produce the liquid hot melt adhesive used by the dispensing device. For example, it is known for a person to employ a bin or bucket to retrieve hot melt adhesive solids from a bulk supply, and to deliver those adhesive solids directly to the melter. This manual process may be undesirable because hot melt adhesive dust may be stirred up during handling and because transferring hot melt adhesive solids in this manner is prone to waste caused by spillage. In addition, manual filling of the melter substantially increases the amount of operator time that must be spent attending to the supply of adhesive solids to the melter.

[0004] To address these concerns with manual filling, the adhesive material may be provided on demand by automated filling, depending on the specific design of the melter. In some of these systems, the adhesive solids are designed to be transferred by pressurized air from a pneumatic pump of a fill system into the melter, whenever the melter requires additional material to heat and dispense. In this regard, the fill system ensures that the amount of adhesive material within the melter remains at sufficient levels during operation of the dispensing system. The fill system must be supplied reliably with additional adhesive solids in order to meet the demands of the melter and its associated dispensing device(s) during operation.

[0005] One particular type of known fill system is defined by a tote-based pneumatic fill system. The tote-based pneumatic fill system includes a supply container or "tote" with an interior space having a size sufficient to hold enough adhesive solids for multiple hours of operation of the melter(s) connected to the fill system. A transfer pump, such as a pneumatic pump, connects to the tote for moving the adhesive solids via a hose from a lower portion of the tote to the melter. Traditionally, the adhesive solids will gravity feed into the lower portion of the tote toward an inlet of the transfer pump, and this gravity feed leads to a submerging of the pump inlet with adhesive solids.

[0006] Pneumatic pumps generally rely on the suction of gas, such as air entrained within gaps between individual pieces of adhesive solids stored within the tote, for moving the adhesive solids at the pump inlet. When the pneumatic pump generates a vacuum at the inlet to draw some of the adhesive solids out of the tote, make-up or replacement gas must typically be drawn through the entire height of adhesive solids stacked within the tote, and this can be difficult. As a result, the transfer pump in conventional tote-based fill systems may become starved for air, which hampers the ability to produce the vacuum required in order to continue moving adhesive solids from the tote.

[0007] The adhesive solids may also have a tendency to stick together and form large clumps of adhesive in some environments, further exacerbating the problems with reliably removing the adhesive solids from the tote with the transfer pump. To this end, the clumps of adhesive can become lodged in and block the pump inlet, and the clumps of adhesive also adversely affect the drawing of make-up or replacement gas though the stacked adhesive solids to the pump inlet. This problem with clumping or sticking together is particularly problematic when the adhesive material defines softer formulations, such as rubber-based formulations that tend to be more malleable and sticky under pressure, and also when the tote is used in a relatively warm operating environment. As many of the conventional totes are configured to hold over 150 pounds of adhesive solids for enabling multiple hours of operation, the pump inlets tend to become clogged or starved for air more readily when the tote is completely filled with adhesive (as the weight of adhesive applying pressure to adhesive solids near the pump inlet is greater when the tote is completely filled). However, it is not desirable to only partially fill the tote during each refill cycle because that causes the amount of operator time needed to replenish the supply of adhesive solids in the tote to increase to an undesirable level, perhaps even comparable to operator time for manual filling processes.

[0008] Current methods for avoiding clumping or sticking together of adhesive are limited. For example, it is known to apply a mesh or grating to the top opening of the tote in tote-based pneumatic fill systems to prevent clumps of adhesive from being poured into the tote during an operator refill. But such a mesh or grating only removes clumps that occur in bulk supply before the temporary storage within the tote. The clumping or sticking together of adhesive continues over time even after the adhesive solids are placed in the tote, as described above. The mesh or grate provides no solution for this ongoing problem. Therefore, the total storage capacity of totes in these fill systems has been limited or reduced in an attempt to avoid the clumping problem. Moreover, certain types of adhesive formulations (e.g., rubber-based) and adhesive solids defining less free-flowing particulate shapes have been considered unusable with tote-based pneumatic fill systems as a result of these deficiencies. Thus, the conventional tote-based fill systems cannot be used in many applications and continue to struggle with problems caused by clumping of adhesive solids and lack of air flow to the pump inlets.

[0009] There is a need, therefore, for improvements in hot melt adhesive systems, and specifically, a need for a storage container and method for use with a transfer pump that addresses present challenges and characteristics such as those discussed above.

Summary

[0010] According to one embodiment, a device for transferring adhesive solids from a storage container is provided. The device comprises a housing structure defined at least in part by a support structure and a separating element. A space is defined at least in part by the support structure and the separating element. The separating element is configured to rotate relative to the housing structure and includes at least one aperture. The device further comprises an outlet passage communicating with the space and a plurality of projecting members extending from the separating element. The projecting members are configured to separate adhesive solids from the bulk supply such that separated adhesive solids flow from the storage container into the space through the at least one aperture and are drawn into the outlet passage.

[001 1] In another embodiment, a fill system configured to retain and transfer adhesive solids to an adhesive melter is provided. The fill system comprises a device for transferring adhesive solids from a storage container is provided. The device comprises a housing structure defined at least in part by a support structure and a separating element. A space is defined at least in part by the support structure and the separating element. The separating element is configured to rotate relative to the housing structure and includes at least one aperture. The device further comprises an outlet passage

communicating with the space and a plurality of projecting members extending from the separating element. The projecting members are configured to separate adhesive solids from the bulk supply such that separated adhesive solids flow from the storage container into the space through the at least one aperture and are drawn into the outlet passage. The fill system also comprises a vacuum device in communication with the outlet passage.

[0012] A method of transferring adhesive solids from a storage container using a device is provided. The device includes a housing structure defined at least in part by a support structure and a separating element, a space defined at least in part by the support structure and the separating element, and at least one aperture in the separating element. The device also includes a plurality of projecting members extending from the separating element. The method comprises engaging the projecting members of the separating element with at least one surface of a bulk supply of adhesive solids in the container. The method further comprises rotating at least one of the separating element or the at least one surface of the bulk supply of adhesive solids relative to the other to separate adhesive solids from the bulk supply. The method further comprises generating a flow of separated adhesive solids from the storage container through the at least one aperture and into the space. The method further comprises drawing the separated adhesive solids from the space into an outlet passage.

[0013] In another embodiment, a method of transferring adhesive solids from a storage container using a device is provided. The device includes a housing structure defined at least in part by a support structure and a separating element, a space defined at least in part by a support structure and the separating element, and at least one aperture in the separating element. The device also includes a plurality of projecting members extending from the separating element. The method comprises at least partly using the weight of the device to engage the projecting members of the separating element with at least one surface of a bulk supply of adhesive solids in the container. The method further comprises rotating at least one of the separating element or the at least one surface of the bulk supply of adhesive solids relative to the other to separate adhesive solids from the bulk supply. The method further comprises generating a flow of separated adhesive solids from the storage container through the at least one aperture and into the space. The method further comprises drawing the separated adhesive solids from the space into an outlet passage.

[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent during the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fill system for retaining and transferring adhesive solids to an adhesive melter, including a storage container having a bulk supply of adhesive solids and a device for transferring adhesive solids from the storage container.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1

[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing components of the device shown in FIG 1 . [0019] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1 .

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1 .

[0021] FIG. 6A is a side plan view of the system of FIG. 1 , showing the device adjacent the bulk supply of adhesive solids.

[0022] FIG. 6B is a view similar to FIG. 6A, showing adhesive solids being separated from the bulk supply of adhesive solids.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a device for transferring adhesive solids from a storage container.

Detailed Description

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 -4, an embodiment of a fill system 10 is shown for retaining and transferring adhesive solids from a container 1 1 to an adhesive melter 12. Generally, the system 10 includes the container 1 1 , which contains a bulk supply of adhesive solids 13, and a device 14 for transferring adhesive solids 13 from the storage container 1 1 . The device 14 includes a separating element, which in the embodiment shown is a cleave plate 16.

However, in other embodiments, the separating element may be structures other than cleave plate 16. The cleave plate 16 is configured to rotate relative to a surface S (FIG. 6A) of the bulk supply of adhesive solids 13. Due to certain features of the device 14 which will be described below with respect to FIGS. 1 through 6B, the rotation of the cleave plate 16 relative to the container 1 1 separates adhesive solids 13 from the bulk supply and produces a flow of separated adhesive solids 13 from the container 1 1 . Once adhesive solids begin to flow, and as the cleave plate 16 rotates, the adhesive solids 13 flow into a space 18 within a housing structure 19 defined by a set of support structures, described below, as well as the cleave plate 16. Once in the space 18, the adhesive solids 13 may be drawn into outlet passage 20, which may lead to an adhesive melter or another tote or container, for example.

[0025] The housing structure 19 is generally defined by cleave plate 16 and a set of support structures. More particularly, housing structure 19 includes a generally annular first support structure 22 having a plurality of counter bores 24, a shaft aperture 26 (FIG. 5), and a central passage 28. Each of the counter bores 24 receives a fastener 30. Each of the fasteners 30 is also received in a corresponding threaded or tapped bore 31 in a second support structure 32 to thereby fixedly attach the first support structure 22 and second support structure 32 to one another. Second support structure 32 may also be referred to herein as a floater plate 32. In one embodiment, floater plate 32 also defines a part of housing structure 19.

[0026] The system 10 also includes a drive or relative rotation assembly 34 including a drive train assembly 36, motor 38, and drive shaft 40 (FIG. 5). Notably, while the relative rotation assembly 34 is described herein as a separate component of one embodiment of the system 10, the relative rotation assembly 34 or any component thereof, in other embodiments, may be considered part of the device 14, rather than a separate component of the system 10. Preferably, when the relative rotation assembly 34 is placed adjacent to or atop first support structure 22, drive shaft 40 of motor 38 is received through shaft aperture 26. The relative rotation assembly 34 may also include an input gear 42, two idler gears 44, and a mid-ring 46. Input gear 42 is meshed with mid-ring 46, and mid-ring 46 is meshed with each of the idler gears 44. The input gear 42 receives drive shaft 40 such that rotation of drive shaft 40 due to operation of motor 38 rotates the input gear 42, which thereby causes the rotation of mid-ring 46. Mid-ring 46 includes a plurality of legs 48 extending therefrom, which are coupled to the cleave plate 16. Specifically, mid-ring 46 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced legs 48 extending in a first direction from the mid-ring 46 that are fixedly coupled to the cleave plate 16. In that regard, each of the legs 48 includes a threaded or tapped bore (not shown) for receiving fasteners 49. Cleave plate 16 includes correspondingly positioned bores or apertures 50, each of which is also for receiving one of the fasteners 49. Therefore, operation of the relative rotation assembly 34 rotates the mid-ring 46 and thus the cleave plate 16 about a first axis 52. As shown, the device 14 in one embodiment is generally circular in at least one cross- sectional dimension. However, in other embodiments, the shape and size may be different. It is anticipated that the device 14 as disclosed herein may be adapted to be used in any size or shape of storage container.

[0027] Cleave plate 16 includes a tapered portion 54 that tapers or angles towards an apex 56. As shown, the apex 56 is rounded but could alternatively be more sharply pointed. The cleave plate 16 also includes a circumferential or annular flange 58 that extends axially and radially outward from the tapered portion 54. As shown, the tapered portion 54 is substantially V-shaped in cross-section such that a portion of the cleave plate 16 is substantially conically or frustoconically shaped. In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 7, rather than being generally V-shaped as most clearly shown in FIG. 5, the cleave plate 16' may include a portion with a generally W-shaped cross section such that it has a first section 54' that angles or tapers in the first direction towards a first apex 56', and a second section 54" that angles or tapers in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) towards a second apex 56". The first and second sections are transverse to one another. As shown, the first apex 56' circumscribes an entire circumference, while the second apex 56" is simply defined as a point, which may or may not be rounded. As shown, the outlet passage 20' is generally aligned with apex 56' rather than apex 56". The cleave plate 16 or 16', in other embodiments may include similar but slightly different configurations. For example, rather than being generally round, the cleave plate 16 or 16' may include a portion that is defined at least in part by a polygonal pyramid (i.e., with edges instead of essentially round as shown in each embodiment).

[0028] Referring to FIG. 5, cleave plate 16 includes an outer surface portion 60 generally facing a first direction and an inner surface portion 62 generally facing a second, generally opposite direction. As shown, the inner surface portion 62 of the cleave plate 16 is spaced from the floater plate 32 and the other structures of the support structure. In other embodiments, the various elements of the housing and/or support structure and the cleave plate 16 may be designed or positioned such that only part of the inner surface portion 62 is spaced from the support structure. Regardless, in the embodiment shown, the inner surface portion 62 at least partially defines a first boundary for the space 18 into which adhesive solids 13 may be drawn. As shown, a second boundary of the space 18 is defined in part by first support structure 22 (more specifically, part of the flange 66 defining the central passage 28 of the first support structure 22), floater plate 32, and one end 68 of the tubing 70 defining at least part of the outlet passage 20.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 6A, the device 14 may be placed adjacent to a bulk supply of adhesive solids 13, which may include a surface S. While surface S is shown as generally flat, persons skilled in the art will understand that the configuration of the surface S (i.e., the angle of repose) depends on the characteristics of the adhesive solids 13, such as density, surface area, shapes, and coefficient of friction. Thus, depending on the material characteristics of the adhesive solids 13, the surface S may be flat as shown, convex such that it has an apex pointing in the second direction, or concave such that it has an apex pointing in the first direction. Of course, other factors may contribute to the configuration of the surface S of adhesive solids 13, such as storage conditions. In order to separate adhesive solids 13 from the bulk supply, the cleave plate 16 is first engaged with at least part of the surface S. The device 14 is then moved downwards such that the cleave plate 16 engages with the surface S, and the cleave plate 16 begins to rotate.

[0030] In that regard, in one embodiment, a force supplying element 72 may be coupled to a portion of the device 14. The force supplying element 72 may be configured to move the device 14 in the first and second directions relative to the surface S of the bulk supply of adhesive solids 13 in order to engage (or disengage) the cleave plate 16 with the surface S of the bulk supply of adhesive solids 13. The force supplying element 72 may also be configured to prevent the undesired rotation of the support structure 22. For example, the force supplying element 72 may be coupled to the support structure 22, as well as the container 1 1 , in order to prevent the rotation of the support structure 22 as the cleave plate 16 rotates. . In one embodiment, the force supplying element 72 may provide a downward force that increases the force and the pressure from the cleave plate 16 onto the adhesive solids 13. However, it would be undesirable to provide a downward force large enough that would prevent or hamper the rotation of cleave plate 16 as the cleave plate 16 is engaged with the bulk supply of adhesive solids 13. Just before engaging the surface S, or after engaging the surface S, the cleave plate 16 is rotated in order to cause the separation of adhesive solids 13 from the surface S, as described in more detail below.

[0031] In one embodiment, the force F may be supplied by the weight of the device 14 itself. For example, the weight of the device 14 may be sufficient to allow downward movement of the device 14 relative to the bulk supply of adhesive solids 13 as the separated adhesive solids 13 flow into the space 18.

[0032] The cleave plate 16 includes features which further contribute to the separation of the adhesive solids 13 from the bulk supply, as well as to the drawing of the fluidized adhesive solids 13 into space 18, whereby the fluidized adhesive solids 13 may be taken up by, or drawn into, the outlet passage 20.

[0033] The cleave plate 16 includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, apertures 73 extending through the cleave plate 16 that are provided to allow separated or fluidized adhesive solids 13 to flow into the space 18. The apertures 73 communicate from the outer surface portion 60 to the inner surface portion 62 such that the flowing fluidized adhesive solids 13 flow into through the apertures 73. As shown, each of the apertures 73 is generally elongate with two opposing curvilinear edges 74 with a straight, leading edge 76 and a straight trailing edge 78.

[0034] The cleave plate 16 also includes projecting members which contribute to separating the adhesive solids 13 from the bulk supply and drawing the fluidized adhesive solids 13 through and into the apertures 73 and into the space 18. As shown, some of the projecting members take the form of one or more fins 80, extending generally from the cleave plate 16. More specifically, each of the fins 80 extends from the outer surface portion 60, in the first direction. Each fin 80 circumscribes approximately half of the perimeter of the aperture 73. The fin 80 essentially extends from a halfway point of one curvilinear edge 74, along the trailing edge 78 of the aperture 73, and to a halfway point of the other curvilinear edge 74. As shown, each fin 80 is curved such that at least a portion thereof may be defined by a radius. Of course, fins 80 may also contribute in part to fluidizing the adhesive solids 13 as well as drawing the fluidized adhesive solids 13 into the apertures 73, and may include additional features in that regard.

[0035] Cleave plate 16 includes additional projecting members in the form of one or more agitating pins 82 extending from the outer surface portion 60 in the first direction. As shown, each of the pins 82 extends transversely from the outer surface portion 60 and, more particularly, perpendicularly from the outer surface portion 60. Each of the pins 82 is substantially rounded at its tip. Furthermore, as shown, each of the pins 82 is substantially bell shaped. The pins 82 provide a point load at the point of contact between each pin 82 and the supply of adhesive solids 13 to thereby separate the adhesive solids 13 from the bulk supply. Also, advantageously, as the pins 82 separate the adhesive solids 13, pins 82 create a groove for fluidized adhesive solids 13 to flow. Fluidized adhesive solids 13 flowing into the grooves therefore contribute to the further separation and flow of the fluidized adhesive solids 13. Where point loading onto the surface S from pins 82 also contributes to the separation of adhesive solids 13, in addition to the force supplied by the force supplying element 72, the force from the force supplying element 72 (i.e., the weight of the device 14) may need to be altered depending on the number of agitating pins 82 present. For example, decreasing the number of pins 82 may increase the localized point load or pressure on the surface S from each of the pins 82. Similarly, increasing the number of pins 82 may decrease the localized point load or pressure on the surface S from each of the pins 82.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the pins 82 are positioned relative to the fins 80 and apertures 73 such that a leading one or a particular set of pins 82 will have separated at least a layer (i.e., layer 71 (FIG. 6B)) of the adhesive solids 13 by the time a particular fin 80 and corresponding aperture 73 rotate to a certain point. More particularly, the path of rotation of each aperture 73 includes therein at least one, and preferably more than one, path of rotation of an agitating pin 82. In other words, the apertures 73 and pins 82 are positioned such that some of their paths overlap. Thus, upon rotation of the cleave plate 16, the pins 82 separate the adhesive solids 13 in such a manner that at least a layer of adhesive solids 13 is separated from the bulk supply, and the fluidized adhesive solids 13 may be drawn through and into the aperture 73 and into the space 18 with assistance from the fin 80. Once the cleave plate 16 stops rotating relative to the bulk supply of adhesive solids 13, the flow of fluidized adhesive solids 13 essentially stops, such that fluidized adhesive solids 13 stop exiting the storage container 1 1 . This is because the separation of adhesive solids 13 from the bulk supply due to rotation of the cleave plate 16 essentially ceases. Furthermore, the flow of fluidized adhesive solids 13 through apertures 73 (with or without assistance from fins 80) also stops once the rotation of the cleave plate 16 ceases. Of course, there may be a certain residual amount of fluidized adhesive solids 13 that continue to flow after the cleave plate 16 has stopped rotating. For example, an amount of fluidized adhesive solids may continue to flow along the inner surface portion 62 and/or within the space 18 even though the cleave plate 16 has stopped rotating.

[0037] The apertures 73 are situated relative to one another such that there are essentially three sets of apertures 73. More specifically, there is a radially inner set, a radially outer set, and an intermediate set radially between the inner and outer set. As shown there are three apertures 73 in each set. The apertures 73 of each set are spaced approximately 120 degrees from one another. As shown, starting at the apex 56, each set of apertures 73 is offset from an adjacent set in a radial direction away from the apex 56. As the cleave plate 16 rotates, each set of apertures 73 traverses a path that forms an annular or ring shape. Each set is situated relative to the adjacent set such that the rotational paths of one set will intersect or be a part of the rotational path of another set. In other words, each set will traverse a ring-shaped path, part of which will intersect with the ring-shaped path of the adjacent set of apertures 73. Such a configuration is advantageous in that the apertures 73 traverse a generally circular path so that a large surface area of the bulk supply of adhesive solids 13 is completely covered, thereby allowing the cleave plate 16 to draw a larger amount of fluidized adhesive solids 13 into the space 18.

However, the spacing of the apertures 73 is also advantageous in that it provides a large intake surface area, but provides apertures 73 small enough to inhibit adhesive solids 13 from falling back out of the space 18 through the apertures 73. Moreover, adhesive solids 13 are prevented from exiting apertures 73 after entering space 18 due to the presence of layer 71 of fluidized adhesive solids 13 just outside of apertures 73. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the apertures 73 is not limited to the description above and that alternative configurations are possible. For example, the paths of each set of apertures 73 may not necessarily intersect as shown in the current

embodiment. Moreover, each set may include more or less apertures 73 than shown and they may be configured as desired.

[0038] Once the fluidized adhesive solids 13 flow into the space 18, the angled or tapered nature of the inner surface portion 62 causes the fluidized adhesive solids 13 to flow towards the inner apex 84 of the inner surface portion 62. Because the tubing 70 is situated concentrically relative to the cleave plate 16 in at least one embodiment, the tubing 70 is also concentrically aligned with the apices 56, 84 and thus is advantageously placed where fluidized adhesive solids 13 are most likely to collect. As best seen in FIG. 5, an angle between the first axis 52 and the inner surface portion 62 is approximately 80 degrees, such that the angle of the taper of inner surface portion 62 relative to a second axis 83 that is perpendicular to the first axis 52 is approximately 10 degrees. As shown, outlet passage 20, and the tubing 70 that defines part of outlet passage 20, are situated concentrically relative to the cleave plate 16. However, in other embodiments, the outlet passage 20 or 20' may be situated non-concentrically relative to the cleave plate 16 or 16' (FIG. 7).

[0039] As the space 18 becomes full of adhesive solids 13, the amount of separated adhesive solids 13 in the space 18 may become so great that additional adhesive solids 13 cannot enter the space 18 through apertures 73. This will prevent the device 14 from burrowing through the adhesive solids 13 to the bottom of the container 1 1 . In order to alter the time it takes for the space 18 to become essentially filled with adhesive solids 13, the thickness of the floater plate 32 and/or of the cleave plate 16 may be changed. For example, that the floater plate 32 and/or the cleave plate 16 may be altered (i.e., made thicker) such that the space 18 is smaller and may become filled with adhesive solids 13 more quickly. Thus, a thicker floater plate 32 and/or cleave plate 16 may act as a throttle to slow down the uptake of fluidized adhesive solids 13 and prevent the device 14 from burrowing towards the bottom of the container 1 1. Alternatively, the thickness of floater plate 32 and/or cleave plate 16 may be decreased in order to have an essentially opposite effect, such that the rate of uptake is increased. In one embodiment, the weight of the device 14 is sufficient to allow downward movement of the device 14 relative to the bulk supply of adhesive solids 13 as the separated adhesive solids 13 flow into the space 18.

[0040] As shown, the outlet passage 20 includes a length of tubing 70 that may be connected to downstream tubing 87 leading to another container or a melter 12, for example. Tubing 70 extends through central passage 28 of first support structure 22 into space 18 and includes a pair of o-rings 86 between the tubing 70 and the central passage 28. Tubing 70 also communicates with a transfer device for transferring the adhesive solids 13 from the space 18 to a downstream area. As shown, the transfer device is defined in part by a transfer device 88 that may be connected to a source 90 of positively pressured air so that the adhesive solids 13 may be drawn through the tubing 70 downstream via vacuum. The transfer device 88 includes a housing 92 that provides a seal, due in part to a plurality of o-rings 93, around a certain length of tubing 70. When the source 90 is powered on, positively pressurized air (as represented by arrows 95) is directed into space 91 between housing 92 and tubing 72. The positively pressurized air flow travels through apertures 94 on tubing 70. Thus, a vacuum is created below apertures 94 within tubing 70 and space 18, which tends to draw the fluidized adhesive solids 13 into the outlet passage 20 and further downstream within tubing 70. Alternatively, the outlet passage 20 and/or tubing 70 may include another type of transfer device, such as an auger or other device (not shown), in order to transfer the fluidized adhesive solids 13 from the space 18 to an area downstream from the space 18.

[0041] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of one or more embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, they are not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method and illustrative examples shown and described.

Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the general inventive concept.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A device for transferring adhesive solids from a storage container, comprising:

a housing structure defined at least in part by a support structure and a separating element, the separating element having an outer surface portion and configured to rotate relative to the housing structure and including at least one aperture;

a space defined at least in part by the support structure and the separating element, the space communicating with the at least one aperture;

an outlet passage communicating with the space; and a plurality of projecting members extending from the outer surface portion of the separating element, the projecting members configured to separate adhesive solids from the bulk supply such that fluidized adhesive solids flow from the storage container into the space through the at least one aperture and are drawn into the outlet passage.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the plurality of projecting members is defined by at least one fin, the at least one fin being configured to draw the fluidized adhesive solids towards the at least one aperture and into the space as the separating element rotates.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the at least one fin is transverse to the separating element.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the projecting members is defined by a plurality of agitating pins.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the at least one aperture rotates in a first path and the plurality of projecting members rotates along a plurality of other paths, wherein at least one of the other paths intersects or is coincident with the first path.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the at least one fin is curved.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface portion includes sections that angle towards at least one apex.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the outlet passage is positioned concentrically relative to the separating element.

9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the outlet passage is positioned non-concentrically relative to the separating element.

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the separating element rotates about an axis, the inner surface portion being positioned at an acute angle to the axis.

1 1. The device of claim 10, wherein the acute angle is about 80 degrees.

12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one aperture rotates in a first path, wherein at least an additional aperture rotates in a second path, at least a portion of the first path overlapping the second path.

13. A fill system configured to retain and transfer adhesive solids to an adhesive melter, the fill system comprising:

the device of claim 1 ; and

a vacuum device in communication with the outlet passage.

14. A method of transferring adhesive solids from a storage container using a device including a housing structure defined at least in part by a support structure and a separating element, a space defined at least in part by the support structure and the separating element, and at least one aperture in the separating element communicating with the space, and a plurality of projecting members extending from the separating element, the method comprising:

engaging the projecting members of the separating element with at least one surface of a bulk supply of adhesive solids in the storage container;

rotating at least one of the separating element or the at least one surface of the bulk supply of adhesive solids relative to the other to separate adhesive solids from the bulk supply;

directing a flow of separated adhesive solids from the storage container through the at least one aperture and into the space; and

drawing the separated adhesive solids from the space into an outlet passage.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein engaging the outer surface portion with the at least one surface further comprises:

providing at least one point load on the at least one surface with at least some of the projecting members.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

using at least one fin extending from the separating element to draw the fluidized adhesive solids towards the at least one aperture.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

communicating the outlet passage with a vacuum device.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

drawing the fluidized adhesive solids from the outlet passage to an adhesive melter.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein drawing the fluidized adhesive solids from the space into an outlet passage further comprises:

fluidly communicating the outlet passage with a vacuum device; and

operating the vacuum device.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

stopping the rotation of the separating element or the at least one surface relative to the other to stop the flow of fluidized adhesive solids out of the storage container.

21. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

moving the device away from the bulk supply of adhesive solids to disengage the separating element from the at least one surface.

22. A method of transferring adhesive solids from a storage container using a device including a housing structure defined at least in part by a support structure and a separating element, a space defined at least in part by the support structure and the separating element, and at least one aperture in the separating element communicating with the space, and a plurality of projecting members extending from the separating element, the method comprising:

at least partly using the weight of the device to engage the projecting members of the separating element with at least one surface of a bulk supply of adhesive solids in the storage container;;

rotating at least one of the separating element and the at least one surface of the bulk supply of adhesive solids relative to the other to separate adhesive solids from the bulk supply and generate a flow of separated adhesive solids from the storage container through the at least one aperture and into the space; and

drawing the separated adhesive solids from the space into an outlet passage.