Molten thermoplastic material supply system with distribution manifold

Abstract

A system for supplying molten thermoplastic material to a dispenser through a supply hose comprises a hopper for storing the thermoplastic material. A heating grid associated with the hopper heats and melts the thermoplastic material. A reservoir block receives the melted material from the grid. The reservoir block includes a reservoir into which the melted material flows from the grid. A manifold assembly is supported below the reservoir block for receiving material from the reservoir. The manifold assembly includes a fitting for connection to the supply hose, a pump for pumping the material through the supply hose to the dispenser, a passageway system connecting the pump to the fitting for supplying a flow of material from the pump to the fitting, a filter connected to the passageway system for filtering impurities in the material after the material has been pumped, and a valving arrangement connected to the passageway system and separate from the filter which selectively directs a flow of the material in the passageway system through the filter to backflush the filter. The filter and the valving arrangement permit the filter to be removed without dislodging the contaminants in the filter. The backflushing capability allows the filter to be cleaned periodically without removal of the filter and without changing the position of the filter. When the filter is backflushed, the material flows through a drain valve assembly which opens automatically in response to pressure of the material from the pump.