Nordson Corporation

Mark Harrison Farley

Laurence B Saidman

David R Jeter

Gregory J Gabryszewski

James W Keough

A platen for use with the heating and melting of thermoplastic material from bulk containers is disclosed. The platen includes channels having a channel depth that varies and increases to a maximum depth near the center of the platen.

Heated platen for liquefying thermoplastic materials

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.

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Simi Valley, CA, United States of America

Mark Harrison Farley