Abstract:
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.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/069,088 filed Oct. 27, 2014, and entitled “QUICK REPLACE HOTMELT SOLENOID ASSEMBLY,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to systems for dispensing liquid adhesive. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the retaining system for solenoid assemblies used to actuate dispensing modules. 
         [0003]    Hot melt dispensing systems are typically used in manufacturing assembly lines to automatically disperse an adhesive used in the construction of packaging materials such as boxes, cartons and the like. Hot melt dispensing systems conventionally comprise a material tank, heating elements, a pump and a dispenser. Solid polymer pellets are melted in the tank using a heating element before being supplied to the dispenser by the pump. Because the melted pellets will re-solidify into solid form if permitted to cool, the melted pellets must be maintained at temperature from the tank to the dispenser. This typically requires placement of heating elements in the tank, the pump and the dispenser, as well as heating any tubing or hoses that connect those components. Furthermore, conventional hot melt dispensing systems typically utilize tanks having large volumes so that extended periods of dispensing can occur after the pellets contained therein are melted. However, the large volume of pellets within the tank requires a lengthy period of time to completely melt, which increases start-up times for the system. For example, a typical tank includes a plurality of heating elements lining the walls of a rectangular, gravity-fed tank such that melted pellets along the walls prevents the heating elements from efficiently melting pellets in the center of the container. The extended time required to melt the pellets in these tanks increases the likelihood of “charring” or darkening of the adhesive due to prolonged heat exposure. 
         [0004]    Hot melt dispensing systems typically utilize a solenoid valve mounted to the system to actuate the dispensers between an open position and a closed position. Solenoid failures are one of the most common failures on hot melt dispensers. However, solenoid mountings require either multiple fasteners to hold the solenoid assembly in place, or require the user to perform multiple actions, such as pulling in one place and pushing in another, to attach and detach the solenoid assembly. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    According to one embodiment, a fluid dispensing system includes a manifold, a dispensing module, a solenoid assembly, and a quick-release mechanism. The manifold includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid flow path extending through the manifold between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and a plurality of air tube openings. The dispensing module is fluidly connected to the manifold, and the dispensing module is configured to receive a liquid adhesive through the fluid outlet and to dispense the liquid adhesive. The solenoid assembly is mounted to the manifold and configured to actuate the dispensing module between an open position and a closed position. The solenoid assembly includes a solenoid valve, the solenoid valve including an air inlet and an exhaust port, and a plurality of air tubes connected to the solenoid valve. The plurality of air tubes are configured to be received within the plurality of air tube openings of the manifold. The quick-release mechanism extends into the manifold and engages at least one of the plurality of air tubes, such that the quick-release mechanism secures the solenoid assembly to the manifold. 
         [0006]    According to another embodiment, a liquid adhesive dispensing system includes a container for storing adhesive pellets, a melter capable of heating the adhesive pellets into a liquid adhesive, a feed system for transporting the adhesive pellets from the container to the melter, a supply system for transporting the liquid adhesive from the melter, and a dispensing system for receiving the liquid adhesive from the supply system and administering the liquid adhesive. The dispensing system includes a manifold, a dispensing module fluidly connected to the manifold, a solenoid assembly mounted to the manifold, and a quick release mechanism extending into the manifold. The manifold includes a fluid path and an air path. The fluid path includes a fluid inlet for receiving liquid adhesive from the supply system, a fluid outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The air path includes a plurality of air tube openings extending into the manifold, a first module actuation opening, a second module actuation opening, a first air flow path extending between and connecting a first one of the air tube openings and the first module actuation opening, and a second air flow path extending between and connecting a second one of the air tube openings and the second module actuation opening. The dispensing module is configured to receive the liquid adhesive from the fluid outlet, to receive compressed air from the first module actuation opening, and to expel compressed air through the second module actuation opening. The solenoid assembly includes a solenoid valve and a plurality of air tubes. The solenoid valve includes an air inlet and an exhaust port. The plurality of air tubes are connected to the solenoid valve and are received within the plurality of air tube openings. The solenoid assembly is configured to actuate the dispensing module between an open position and a closed position by directing compressed air through the air tubes, through the first air flow path and the second air flow path, and to the dispensing module through the first module actuation opening and the second module actuation opening. The quick-release mechanism extends through the manifold and engages at least one of the plurality of air tubes, such that the quick-release mechanism secures the solenoid assembly to the manifold. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a system for dispensing liquid adhesive. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of a dispensing system with a solenoid assembly attached. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2B  is an isometric view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 2A  with the solenoid assembly detached. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 2A  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3A  is an isometric view of a dispensing system showing the flow of liquid adhesive and compressed air through the dispensing system. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of an embodiment of a dispensing system with multiple dispensing modules. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric view of a dispensing system with multiple dispensing modules. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of the dispensing system with the dispensing module mounted on a bottom of the manifold. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of system  10  for dispensing liquid adhesive, such as hot melt adhesive for example. System  10  includes cold section  12 , hot section  14 , air source  16 , air control valve  17 , and controller  18 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , cold section  12  includes container  20  and feed assembly  22 . Feed assembly  22  includes vacuum assembly  24 , feed hose  26 , and inlet  28 . Hot section  14  includes melt system  30 , pump  32 , dispensing system  34 , and supply hose  36 . Pump  32  includes motor  38 . Dispensing system  34  includes solenoid assembly  40 , manifold  42 , and dispensing module  44 . 
         [0016]    Air source  16  is a source of compressed air supplied to components of system  10  in both cold section  12  and hot section  14 . Air control valve  17  is connected to air source  16  via air hose  46   a , and air control valve  17  selectively controls air flow from air source  16  through air hose  46   b  to vacuum assembly  24  and through air hose  46   c  to motor  38  of pump  32 . Air hose  46   d  connects air source  16  to solenoid assembly  40  of dispensing system  34 , bypassing air control valve  17 . Solenoid assembly  40  controls the flow of compressed air to dispensing module  44  to actuate dispensing module  44  between an open position, thereby dispensing liquid adhesive, and a closed position, thereby preventing liquid adhesive from being dispensed. Controller  18  is in communication with various components of system  10 , such as air control valve  17 , melt system  30 , pump  32 , and/or dispensing system  34  and various components thereof, for controlling the operation of system  10 . 
         [0017]    Components of cold section  12  can be operated at room temperature, without being heated. Container  20  can be a hopper for containing a quantity of solid adhesive pellets. Suitable adhesives can include, for example, a thermoplastic polymer glue such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or metallocene. Feed assembly  22  connects container  20  to hot section  14  for delivering the solid adhesive pellets from container  20  to hot section  14 . Feed assembly  22  includes vacuum assembly  24  and feed hose  26 . Vacuum assembly  24  is positioned in container  20 . Compressed air from air source  16  is delivered to vacuum assembly  24  to create a vacuum, inducing a flow of solid adhesive pellets into inlet  28  of vacuum assembly  24  and then through feed hose  26  to hot section  14 . Feed hose  26  is a tube or other passage sized with a diameter substantially larger than that of the solid adhesive pellets to allow the solid adhesive pellets to flow freely through feed hose  26 . Feed hose  26  connects vacuum assembly  24  to hot section  14 . 
         [0018]    Solid adhesive pellets are delivered from feed hose  26  to melt system  30 . Melt system  30  can include a tank and resistive heating elements for melting the solid adhesive pellets to form a liquid hot melt adhesive. Melt system  30  can be sized to have a relatively small adhesive volume, for example about 0.5 liters, and configured to melt solid adhesive pellets in a relatively short period of time. Pump  32  is driven by motor  38  to pump hot melt adhesive from melt system  30 , through supply hose  36 , and to dispensing system  34 . Motor  38  can be an air motor driven by pulses of compressed air from air source  16  and air control valve  17 . Pump  32  can be a linear displacement pump driven by motor  38 . 
         [0019]    Hot melt adhesive from pump  32  is received in manifold  42  and dispensed via dispensing module  44 . Dispensing system  34  can selectively discharge hot melt adhesive through dispensing module  44 , whereby the hot melt adhesive is sprayed out outlet  48  of dispensing module  44  onto an object, such as a package, a case, or another object benefiting from hot melt adhesive dispensed by system  10 . Dispensing module  44  is actuated between an open mode, whereby the hot melt adhesive is sprayed out of outlet  48 , and a closed mode, whereby the hot melt adhesive is prevented from spraying out of outlet  48 , by solenoid assembly  40 . Solenoid assembly  40  provides compressed air to dispensing module  44  to actuate dispensing module  44  between the open and the closed positions. Dispensing module  44  can be one of multiple modules that are part of dispensing system  34 . Some or all of the components in hot section  14 , including melt system  30 , pump  32 , supply hose  38 , manifold  42 , and dispensing module  44 , can be heated to keep the hot melt adhesive in a liquid state during the dispensing process. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of dispensing system  34 , including a single dispensing module  44 , with solenoid assembly  40  attached.  FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of dispensing system  34  with solenoid assembly  40  detached.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  will be discussed together. Dispensing system  34  includes solenoid assembly  40 , manifold  42 , dispensing module  44 , cordset  50 , mounting clamp  52 , quick release mechanism  54 , and fluid inlet  56 . Solenoid assembly  40  includes solenoid valve  58 , air tubes  60   a ,  60   b , air inlet  62 , exhaust ports  64   a ,  64   b , and solenoid cable  66 . Manifold  42  includes air tube openings  68   a ,  68   b  and quick release opening  70 . Dispensing module  44  includes outlet  48 , body  72 , and fasteners  74 . Mounting clamp  52  includes upper portion  76 , lower portion  78 , and fasteners  80   a  and  80   b  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0021]    Fluid inlet  56  is attached to manifold  42  and receives liquid adhesive from supply hose  36  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Dispensing module  44  is attached to manifold  42  by fasteners  74  passing through dispensing module  44  and into manifold  42 . The liquid adhesive enters manifold through fluid inlet  56  and flows through manifold  42  to dispensing module  44 , where the liquid adhesive is dispensed. Cordset  50  extends into manifold  42  and provides power to heating elements (not shown) within manifold  42 . The heating elements ensure that the liquid adhesive flowing through manifold  42  remains in a liquid state. 
         [0022]    Mounting clamp  52  is secured to a top of manifold  42 . Fastener  80   a  passes through both upper portion  76  and lower portion  78  and into manifold  42 . Fastener  80   b  passes through lower portion  78  and secures lower portion  78  to manifold  42 . In this way, lower portion  78  may remain secured to manifold  42  while upper portion  76  may be removed to allow mounting clamp  52  to be positioned around a suitable mounting device, such as a mounting bar, to allow a user to position dispensing system  34  in any desired position. Quick release mechanism  54  extends into quick release opening  70  of manifold  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, quick release opening  70  is threaded such that quick release opening  70  receives a threaded quick release mechanism  54 . It is understood, however, that quick release opening  70  and quick release mechanism  54  may be of any suitable combination to allow quick release mechanism  54  to be retained within but easily removable from quick release opening  70 . For example, quick release opening  70  may be a smooth bore, while quick release mechanism  54  may be a detented dowel configured to engage a projection either within quick release opening  70  or on one of air tubes  60   a ,  60   b.    
         [0023]    Solenoid cable  66  is connected to and provides power to solenoid valve  58 . Air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  are connected to solenoid valve  58 . Air tube  60   a  is in fluid communication with air inlet  62  and exhaust port  64   a . Similarly, air tube  60   b  is in fluid communication with air inlet  62  and exhaust port  64   b . Solenoid valve  58  may be any suitable solenoid valve for directing compressed air through air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  and to dispensing module  44 . For example, solenoid valve  58  may be a five-way exhausting solenoid valve with an internal piston that directs compressed air from air inlet  62  through one of air tubes  60   a ,  60   b , while simultaneously allowing previously utilized compressed air to exhaust through the other one of air tube  60   a ,  60   b  and to the atmosphere through either exhaust port  64   a  or exhaust port  64   b.    
         [0024]    In  FIG. 2A  solenoid assembly  40  is shown attached to manifold  42 . Air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  extend into air tube openings  68   a ,  68   b , respectively. Air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  are freely slidable within air tube openings  68   a ,  68   b  unless secured by quick release mechanism  54 . Quick release mechanism  54  extends into quick release opening  70  of manifold  42  and engages air tube  60   a . As air tubes  60   a  and  60   b  are preferably rigid and as such quick release mechanism  54  engaging air tube  60   a  secures solenoid assembly  40  to manifold  42 . While quick release mechanism  54  is described as engaging air tube  60   a , it is understood that quick release mechanism may engage air tube  60   b  or both air tubes  60   a  and  60   b.    
         [0025]    In  FIG. 2B  solenoid assembly  40  is shown as detached from manifold  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, quick release mechanism  54  is shown as a single set screw; it is understood however, that quick release mechanism  54  may take any suitable shape for securing solenoid assembly  40  to manifold  42  while still allowing a user to quickly and efficiently release and remove solenoid assembly  40 . For example, quick release mechanism  54  may be a push piston, a detented dowel, a sheet metal cover, a hinged bracket, or any other suitable mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, rotating quick release mechanism  54  within quick release opening  70  causes quick release mechanism  54  to disengage from air tube  58 a, thereby freeing solenoid assembly  40 . The user may then easily remove solenoid assembly  40  by simply pulling solenoid assembly  40  free from manifold  42 . As shown, quick release mechanism  54  may remain partially within quick release opening  70 , yet solenoid assembly may still be removed from manifold  42 . 
         [0026]    Quick release mechanism  54  allows a user to quickly remove and replace solenoid assembly  40 , which minimizes any down time caused on an assembly line due to solenoid failures. Quick release mechanism  54  may be activated by a simple movement such as a turn, though it is understood that other embodiments of quick release mechanism may be activated through other simple movements, such as a push or pull. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of dispensing system  34  taken along line A-A in  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of dispensing system  34  showing flow lines of liquid adhesive and compressed air through dispensing system  34 .  FIGS. 3 and 3A  will be discussed together. Dispensing system  34  includes solenoid assembly  40 , manifold  42 , dispensing module  44 , cordset  50 , mounting clamp  52 , quick release mechanism  54 , and fluid inlet  56 . Solenoid assembly  40  includes solenoid valve  58  (the internal components of which are not shown), air tubes  60   a ,  60   b , air inlet  62 , exhaust ports  64   a ,  64   b , and solenoid cable  66  (shown in  FIG. 3A ). Manifold  42  includes air tube openings  68   a ,  68   b , quick release opening  70 , first module actuation opening  82 , second module actuation opening  84 , adhesive inlet  86 , adhesive outlet  88 , adhesive flow path  90 , air flow paths  92   a ,  92   b , and filter  94 . Dispensing module  44  includes outlet  48 , body  72 , fasteners  74 , piston  96 , spring  98 , ball  100 , seat  102 , open inlet  104 , close inlet  106 , and adhesive inlet  108 . Mounting clamp  52  includes upper portion  76 , lower portion  78 , and fasteners  80   a ,  80   b.    
         [0028]    Fluid inlet  56  is connected to manifold  42  and secured within adhesive inlet  86 . Adhesive flow path  90  extends between adhesive inlet  86  and adhesive outlet  88 , and filter  74  is disposed within adhesive flow path  90 . Fasteners  74  extend through dispensing module  44  and attach dispensing module  44  to manifold  42 . When dispensing module  44  is attached to manifold  42 , adhesive inlet  108  is aligned with adhesive outlet  88  to allow dispensing module  44  to receive liquid adhesive from manifold  42 . Similarly, open inlet  104  is aligned with first module actuation opening  82  and close inlet  106  is aligned with second module actuation opening  84  such that dispensing module  44  may receive compressed air through manifold  42  to allow dispensing module  44  to be actuated between an open position and a closed position. 
         [0029]    Piston  96  is disposed within body  72  of dispensing module and piston is arranged between open inlet  104  and close inlet  106 . Spring  98  is disposed within body  72  on top of piston  96 , and spring  98  biases piston  96  downward such that dispensing module  44  is in a normally-closed position when no compressed air is provided to dispensing module  44 . Ball  100  is attached to an end of piston  96 , and ball  100  rests in seat  106  to prevent liquid adhesive from exiting dispensing module  44 . 
         [0030]    Cordset  50  extends into manifold  42  and provides power to heating elements (not shown) within manifold  42 . The heating elements ensure that the liquid adhesive flowing through manifold  42  remains in a liquid state. Mounting clamp  52  is secured to a top of manifold  42 . Fastener  80   a  passes through both upper portion  76  and lower portion  78  and into manifold  42 . Fastener  80   b  passes through lower portion  78  and secures lower portion  78  to manifold  42 . In this way, lower portion  78  may remain secured to manifold  42  while upper portion  76  may be removed to allow mounting clamp  52  to be positioned around a suitable mounting device, such as a mounting bar, to allow a user to position dispensing system  34 . 
         [0031]    Quick release mechanism  54  extends into quick release opening  70  of manifold  52 . Quick release mechanism  54  is configured to engage at least one of air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  thereby securing solenoid assembly  40  to manifold  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, quick release mechanism  54  is a set screw configured to engage air tube  60   a . Engaging air tube  60   a  secures solenoid assembly  40  to manifold  42  as air tube  60   a  is preferably constructed of a rigid material, such as aluminum, and air tube  60   a  is connected to solenoid valve  56 . It is understood that quick release mechanism  54  may take any suitable form for engaging at least one of air tubes  60   a ,  60   b . For example, air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  may include an exterior threading and quick release mechanism  54  may be configured with compatible threading such that quick release mechanism  54  passes by and engages the external threading of both air tube  60   a  and air tube  60   b . Quick release mechanism  54  allows a user to quickly detach, with a simple twist, push, or pull, solenoid assembly  40  from manifold  42  and replace solenoid assembly  40  in case of a failure of solenoid assembly  40 . 
         [0032]    Air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  are connected to solenoid valve  58  and extend into air tube openings  68   a ,  68   b  of manifold  42 , respectively. Air flow path  92   a  extends through manifold  42  between air tube  60   a  and second module actuation opening  84 . In this way, compressed air may be provided to dispensing module  44  through air inlet  62 , solenoid valve  58 , air tube  60   a , air flow path  92   a , second module actuation opening  84 , and close inlet  106 . Compressed air may also be exhausted from dispensing module  44  through close inlet  106 , second module actuation opening  84 , air flow path  92   a , air tube  60   a , solenoid valve  58 , and exhaust port  64   a . Similarly, air flow path  92   b  extends through manifold  42  between air tube  60   b  and first module actuation opening  82 . In this way, compressed air may be provided to dispensing module  44  through air inlet  62 , solenoid valve  58 , air tube  60   b , air flow path  92   b , first module actuation opening  82 , and open inlet  104 . Compressed air may also be exhausted from dispensing module  44  through open inlet  104 , first module actuation opening  82 , air flow path  92   b , air tube  60   b , solenoid valve  58 , and exhaust port  64   b.    
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 3A , dispensing module  44  is typically in a closed position, as previously discussed. To actuate dispensing module  44  from a closed position to an open position, a first portion of compressed air is provided through air hose  46   d  and enters solenoid valve  58  through air inlet  62 . Solenoid valve  58  directs the first portion of compressed air through air tube  60   b  and the first portion of compressed air enters manifold  42 . The first portion of compressed air flows through air flow path  92   b  and exits manifold  42  through first module actuation opening  82 . The first portion of compressed air then enters dispensing module  44  through open inlet  104  (best seen in  FIG. 3 ), and the first portion of compressed air forces piston  96  up, overcoming the force of spring  98 . With piston  96  forced up, ball  100  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) disengages from seat  102  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), thereby allowing liquid adhesive to exit dispensing module  44  through outlet  48 . 
         [0034]    The liquid adhesive is provided to dispensing system  34  through supply hose  36  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The liquid adhesive enters fluid inlet  56  from supply hose  36  and enters manifold  42  through adhesive inlet  86 . The liquid adhesive flows along adhesive flow path  90  and exits manifold  42  through adhesive outlet  88 . While the liquid adhesive is flowing through manifold  42 , cordset  50  provides power to heating elements (not shown) located within manifold  42 , and the heating elements provide sufficient heat to the liquid adhesive to prevent the liquid adhesive from solidifying within manifold  42 . After the liquid adhesive exits adhesive outlet  88 , the liquid adhesive enters dispensing module  44  through adhesive inlet  108 . The liquid adhesive is then dispensed onto a desired surface through outlet  48 . 
         [0035]    After the liquid adhesive is applied to the desired surface, the flow of liquid adhesive through dispensing module  44  may be shut off. Solenoid valve  56  is actuated such that a second portion of compressed air is directed to air tube  60   a  instead of air tube  60   b . Shifting solenoid valve  56  also opens a flow path through solenoid valve  56  between air tube  60   b  and exhaust port  64   b . The second portion of compressed air exits solenoid valve  56  through air tube  60   a  and flows through air flow path  92   a  to dispensing module  44 . The second portion of compressed air enters dispensing module  44  through close inlet  106  (best seen in  FIG. 3 ), and the second portion of compressed air, aided by spring  98 , forces piston  96  down. As piston  96  is forced down, ball  100  reengages seat  102 , thereby shutting off the flow of liquid adhesive through outlet  48 . 
         [0036]    While piston  96  is shifting from the up position to the down position, the first portion of compressed air is forced out of dispensing module  44 . The first portion of compressed air exits dispensing module  44  through open inlet  104  (best seen in  FIG. 3 ) and enters air flow path  92   b . The first portion of compressed air flows back through air flow path  92   b  and through air tube  60   b . The first portion of compressed air is then exhausted to the atmosphere through exhaust port  64   b . It is understood that the second portion of compressed air is similarly exhausted through exhaust port  64   a  when piston  96  is actuated from the closed to the open position. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of dispensing system  34 ′ with multiple dispensing modules  44 . Dispensing system  34 ′ is similar to dispersing system  34 , and similar reference numbers are used to identify similar components. Dispensing system  34 ′ includes solenoid assembly  40 , manifold  42 ′, dispensing modules  44 , cordset  50 , mounting clamp  52 , quick release mechanism  54 , and fluid inlet  56 . Solenoid assembly  40  includes solenoid valve  56 , air tubes  60   a ,  60   b , air inlet  62 , exhaust ports  64   a ,  64   b , and solenoid cable  66  (best seen in  FIG. 2A ). In the present embodiment, air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  are rigid tubes connected to solenoid valve  56  and received by manifold  42 ′. Manifold  42 ′ includes air tube openings  68   a ,  68   b  and quick release opening  70 . Dispensing modules  44  each include outlet  48 , body  72 , and fasteners  74 . 
         [0038]    Fluid inlet  56  is mounted to manifold  42 ′, and fluid inlet  56  connects to supply hose  36  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to allow liquid adhesive to enter manifold  42 ′. Cordset  50  is attached to manifold  42 ′ and provides power to heating elements (not shown) contained within manifold  42 ′. Mounting clamp  52  includes upper portion  76 , lower portion  78 , and fasteners  80 . Upper portion  76  and lower portion  78  are secured together by fasteners  80 , and fasteners  80  also secure mounting clamp  52  to manifold  42 ′. Quick release mechanism  54  extends into manifold  42 ′ and is configured to engage at least one of air tubes  60   a ,  60   b.    
         [0039]    Mounting clamp  52  is configured to secure dispensing system  34 ′ at a desired position for dispensing liquid adhesive. Upper portion  76  and lower portion  78  are fitted around a suitable positioning mechanism, such as a mounting bar, and upper portion  76  and lower portion  78  are secured together by fasteners  80  to lock dispensing system  34 ′ in a desired position. Air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  provide a flow path for compressed air to flow from solenoid valve  56  to dispensing modules  44  to actuate dispensing modules  44  between an open position and a closed position. 
         [0040]    Quick release mechanism  54  extends into manifold  42 ′ through quick release opening  70 , and quick release mechanism  54  engages at least one of air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  and thereby secures solenoid assembly  40  to manifold  42 ′. Quick release mechanism  54  engages an end of air tubes  60   a  and/or  60   b  extending into manifold  42 ′. Quick release mechanism  54  is configured to engage or disengage the air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  with a simple movement, such as a twist, push, or pull. In this way, quick release mechanism  54  allows a user to quickly detach and replace solenoid assembly  40  in case of a failure of solenoid assembly  40 . Quickly detaching and replacing solenoid assembly  40  minimizes any downtime experienced on the assembly line due to solenoid failure. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  is an exploded, perspective view of dispensing system  34 ′. Dispensing system  34 ′ includes solenoid assembly  40 , manifold  42 ′, dispensing modules  44 , cordset  50  (shown in  FIG. 4 ), mounting clamp  52 ′, quick release mechanism  54 , and fluid inlet  56 . Solenoid assembly  40  includes solenoid valve  58 , air tubes  60   a ,  60   b , air inlet  62 , exhaust ports  64   a ,  64   b , and solenoid cable  66 . Solenoid assembly  40  further includes o-rings  110  disposed between air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  and solenoid valve  58 , and o-rings  112  disposed between air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  and manifold  42 ′. Manifold  42 ′ is similar to manifold  42  (shown in  FIG. 2A ) with manifold  42 ′ configured to provide compressed air and liquid adhesive to multiple dispensing modules  44 . Manifold  42 ′ includes filter  94 , air tube openings  68   a ,  68   b , first module actuation opening  82 , second module actuation opening  84 , quick release opening  70 , and adhesive outlets  88 . Dispensing modules  44  each include outlet  48 , body  72 , fasteners  74 , and o-rings  114 . Mounting clamp  52  includes upper portion  76 , lower portion  78 , and fasteners  80 . 
         [0042]    Solenoid cable  66  is connected to solenoid valve  58  and provides power to solenoid valve  58 . O-rings  110  are disposed between air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  and solenoid valve  58  to ensure an air-tight connection of air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  to solenoid valve  58 . O-rings  112  are disposed around air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  and positioned within air tube openings  68   a ,  68   b  of manifold  42 ′ when solenoid assembly  40  is installed. O-rings  112  ensure an airtight connection of air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  to manifold  42 ′. Air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  are connected to both solenoid valve  58  and manifold  42 ′ and provide flow paths for compressed air to enter and exit manifold  42 ′. Compressed air is provided through solenoid valve  58  from air source  16  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and to dispensing modules  44  to actuate dispensing modules  44  between open and closed positions. 
         [0043]    Dispensing modules  44  are secured to manifold  42 ′ by fasteners  74  extending through dispensing modules  44  and into manifold  42 ′. O-rings  114  are disposed between dispensing modules  44  and manifold  42 ′. More specifically, o-rings  114  are disposed about first module actuation openings  82 , second module actuation openings  84 , and adhesive outlets  88  to provide a sealed connection at the interface of dispensing modules  44  and manifold  42 ′. While dispensing system  34 ′ is illustrated as including two dispensing modules  44 , it is understood that dispensing system  34 ′ may include as many or as few dispensing modules  44  as desired. It is also understood that manifold  42 ′ may be configured to accept as many or as few dispensing modules  44  as desired. For example, where four dispensing modules  44  were desired, manifold would include four first module actuation openings  82 , four second module actuation openings  84 , and four adhesive outlets  88 . 
         [0044]    Mounting clamp  52 ′ is secured to manifold  42 ′. Fasteners  80  extend through upper portion  76  and lower portion  78  and into manifold  42 ′ to secure upper portion  76  and lower portion  78  together. Upper portion  76  and lower portion  78  may be arranged about any suitable positioning device, such as a mounting bar, to secure dispensing system  34 ′ in a desired position. 
         [0045]    Fluid inlet  56  is attached to manifold  42 ′ and provides a fluid path for liquid adhesive to enter manifold  42 ′ from supply hose  38  (best seen in  FIG. 1 ). Liquid adhesive flows through supply hose  38  and to fluid inlet  56  and the liquid adhesive enters manifold  42 ′ through fluid inlet  56 . After entering manifold  42 ′, the liquid adhesive is filtered by filter  74  and flows to dispensing modules  44  along adhesive flow path  90  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The liquid adhesive exits manifold  42 ′ through adhesive outlets  88 . 
         [0046]    Quick release mechanism  54  extends through quick release opening  70  and is configured to engage at least one of air tubes  60   a ,  60   b . Quick release mechanism  54  secures solenoid assembly  40  to manifold  42 ′. To disconnect solenoid assembly  40 , quick release mechanism  54  may be loosened to allow air tubes  60   a ,  60   b to be pulled out of air tube openings  68   a ,  68   b . In this way, quick release mechanism  54  allows a user to quickly and efficiently remove solenoid assembly  40 , which minimizes the downtime of system  10  due to any fault in solenoid assembly  40 . 
         [0047]    Quick release mechanism  54  secures solenoid assembly  40  to manifold  42 ′. Solenoid assembly  42 ′ controls a flow of compressed air to dispensing modules  44  to actuate dispensing modules  44  between an open position, whereby liquid adhesive is dispensed through dispensing modules  44 , and a closed position, whereby liquid adhesive is prevented from flowing through dispensing modules  44 . To actuate dispensing module  44 , compressed air is provided to solenoid valve  58  through air inlet  62 . In one embodiment, solenoid valve  58  directs the compressed air through air tube  60   b  to actuate dispensing modules  44  from a closed position to an open position. 
         [0048]    The compressed air is directed through air tube  60   b  and enters manifold  42 ′ through air tube opening  68   b . The compressed air then flows along air flow path  92   b  (shown in  FIG. 3A ) and exits manifold  42 ′ through first module actuation opening  82 . The compressed air enters dispensing modules  44  and actuates an internal piston  96  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) thereby allowing liquid adhesive to exit dispensing modules  44  through outlets  48 . The liquid adhesive enters manifold  42 ′ through fluid inlet  56 , flows along an internal adhesive flow path  90  and exits manifold  42 ′ through adhesive outlet  88 . After exiting adhesive outlet  88 , the liquid adhesive flows through dispensing modules  44  and is dispensed through outlet  48 . 
         [0049]    Once a desired amount of liquid adhesive is applied, solenoid valve  58  shifts and compressed air is directed to dispensing manifolds  44  to actuate internal piston  96  back to the closed position. The compressed air entering solenoid valve  56  through air inlet  62  is directed through air tube  60   a . At the same time, air tube  60   b  is now fluidly connected to exhaust port  64   b  allowing used compressed air to be exhausted from dispensing modules  44  through manifold  42 ′, air tube  60   b , and exhaust port  64   b . The compressed air directed to air tube  60   a  enters manifold  42 ′ through air tube opening  68   a . The compressed air flows through manifold  42 ′ along air flow path  92   a  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) and exits manifold  42 ′ through second module actuation opening  84 . The compressed air enters dispensing modules  44  and actuates internal piston  96  to a closed position, thereby ceasing the flow of liquid adhesive through outlet  48 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of dispensing system  34 ″. Dispensing system  34 ″ is similar to dispensing system  34  and to dispensing system  34 ′, and similar reference numbers are used to identify similar components. Dispensing system  34 ″ includes solenoid assembly  40 , manifold  42 ″, dispensing modules  44 , cordset  50 , quick release mechanism  54 , fluid inlet  56 ″, and mount  116 . Solenoid assembly  40  includes solenoid valve  58 , air tubes  60   a ,  60   b , air inlet  62 , exhaust ports  64   a ,  64   b , and solenoid cable  66 . Manifold  42 ″ includes quick release opening  70 . Dispensing module  44  includes outlet  48  and fasteners  74 . Mount  116  includes mounting block  118  and mounting rod  120 . 
         [0051]    Fluid inlet  56 ″ is attached to a top portion of manifold  42 ″ and is configured to receive liquid adhesive from supply hose  36  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Dispensing modules  44  are attached to a bottom of manifold  42 ″. Liquid adhesive enters fluid inlet  56 ″ and passes through an adhesive flow path disposed within manifold  42 ″ and to dispensing modules  44 . Cordset  50  extends into manifold  42 ″ and cordset  50  provides power to heating elements (not shown) disposed within manifold  42 ″. The heating elements ensure that the liquid adhesive remains in a liquid state as the liquid adhesive passes through manifold  42 ″. 
         [0052]    Mount  116  is secured to an end of manifold  42 ″. Mounting block  118  is fastened to manifold  42 ″ and may include a threaded opening (not shown). Mounting rod  120  may include a threaded end configured to engage the threaded opening of mounting block  118 . It is understood that mounting block  118  may include a smooth opening with mounting rod  120  inserted into the opening, and mounting rod  120  may be configured to receive a fastener extending through mounting block  118  to secure mounting rod  120  relative to mounting block  118 . 
         [0053]    Solenoid cable  66  is connected to and provides power to solenoid valve  58 . Air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  are connected to solenoid valve  58  and extend into manifold  42 ″. Compressed air enters solenoid valve  58  and passes through either air tube  60   a  or air tube  60   b  to actuate dispensing modules  44 . Used compressed air passes from dispensing modules  44  back through one of air tube  60   a  or air tube  60   b  and is exhausted to the atmosphere through exhaust port  64   a  or exhaust port  64   b , respectively. 
         [0054]    Quick release mechanism  54  extends into quick release opening  70  of manifold  42 ″ and quick release mechanism  54  secures solenoid assembly  40  to manifold  42 ″. Quick release mechanism  54  is configured to engage at least one of air tubes  60   a ,  60   b . Alternatively, quick release mechanism  54  may extend between both air tube  60   a  and air tube  60   b  and thereby engage both air tubes  60   a ,  60   b . By engaging at least one of air tubes  60   a ,  60   b  quick release mechanism  54  secures solenoid assembly  40  to manifold  42 ″. In the illustrated embodiment, quick release mechanism  54  is a set screw configured to engage air tube  60   b . To release solenoid assembly  40 , quick release mechanism  54  may be activated by a simple turn such that quick release mechanism  54  no longer engages air tube  60   b . In this way, solenoid assembly  40  may be easily and efficiently removed by simply turning quick release mechanism  54 , which minimizes any downtime of system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) due to a faulty and/or failed solenoid. 
         [0055]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.