Graco Minnesota Inc.

Paul R Quam

Daniel P Ross

Joseph E Tix

Matthew R Theisen

Parker J Haffley

Mark T Weinberger

Derek R Shaw

Andrew M Spiess

John S Lihwa

A retaining system for a solenoid assembly of a liquid adhesive dispensing system includes a quick-release mechanism configured to secure the solenoid assembly in place. The quick-release mechanism engages an air tube of the solenoid and thereby secures the entire solenoid assembly to a manifold. The quick-release mechanism can release the solenoid, facilitating easy removal of the entire solenoid assembly, by a simple turning, pushing, or pulling action on the quick-release mechanism. The released solenoid can then be removed and replaced, thereby minimizing downtime caused due to the replacement of a faulty solenoid.

Quick release solenoid assembly

A bellow seal of a fluid dispensing system is disclosed. The bellow seal having a generally circular cross section includes a first end having a first diameter. The bellow seal further includes a second end having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the first end. The bellow seal further includes a contoured external surface extending between the first end and the second end. The external surface includes a cylindrical portion extending from the first end, an undulating portion, (which includes a convex portion extending from the cylindrical portion and a concave portion extending from the convex portion), and a tapered portion extending from the concave portion to the second end. The bellow seal further includes a flexible region defined between a first point located on the cylindrical portion and a second point located on the concave portion.

Bellows fluid seal

An inductor pump system comprises a fluid activated ram, an inductor pump platen, a fluid activated motor and a fluid control. The inductor pump platen is driven by the fluid activated ram. The fluid activated motor is coupled to the platen. The fluid control comprises an inlet for receiving a source of pressurized fluid, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first and second circuits are configured to receive pressurized fluid from the inlet. The first circuit comprises a switching valve connected to the inlet; an actuator line connected to the ram and the switching valve; and a blow-off line connected to the inductor pump platen and the switching valve. The second circuit is connected to the inlet to receive pressurized fluid and to the motor.

Elevator control for inductor pump

A melt system capable of heating hot melt pellets into a liquid includes a melter including a body, a chamber, a collector, channels, and a heater. The thermally conductive body forms an interior with a surface area. The chamber is at an upper end of the body for receiving the pellets. The collector is within the body and located below the chamber for receiving the liquid from the melted pellets. The channels extend between the chamber and the collector to increase the surface area of the interior, and the walls of the channels form heat exchange surfaces. The heater is for transferring heat to the body.

Melter

A hot melt dispensing system including a container for storing adhesive pellets, a feed system for transporting adhesive pellets from the container, and a blower. The blower is positioned with respect to an inlet of the feed system for applying a flow of air for agitating the adhesive pellets and moving the adhesive pellets toward the inlet.

Vacuum system feed assist mechanism

A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge tip, a valve stem and a movable service seat. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge tip is removably mounted to the module and in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharge tip. The movable service seat surrounds the valve stem within the fluid passage between the discharge tip and the fluid inlet. The service seat is configured to seal the fluid passage when the discharge tip is removed.

Removable module service seat

A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge orifice, a valve stem and a filter. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge orifice is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharger orifice. The filter is disposed within the fluid passage and surrounds the valve stem.

Internal valve tip filter

A modular platen assembly comprises an annular hub, a wiper ring assembly and a coupling ring. The annular hub is for connecting to a ram of an inductor pump. The wiper ring assembly includes an annular wiper for sealing with a container. The coupling ring is independently joined to the hub and the wiper ring assembly at first and second connections, respectively.

Modular platen assembly for inductor pump

A priming piston reciprocating pumphas piston guidewhich encircles pistonand is provided a bearing memberin the inner diameter of the upper end of the guide. The bearingis formed of 25% carbon-filled PTFE and may be fitted without tools into the aforementioned ID. Such a bearingallows a negligible clearance to be utilized between the bearingand the piston

Piston seal guide bearing

An inductor pump system comprises a pump system, a ram system and a bearing assembly. The pump system includes a platen configured to engage a container. The ram system comprises a cylinder configured to support the pump system, and a piston extendable from the cylinder to vary axial positioning of the platen with respect to the container. The bearing assembly links the piston to the cylinder and is configured to prevent rotation of the pump system with respect to the ram system.

Growing community of inventors

Minneapolis, MN, United States of America

Paul R Quam