Liquid material dispensing system having a sleeve heater

A dispensing system receives liquid material and process air. The dispensing system includes a manifold body having a liquid material passage and a process air passage. The dispensing system includes a heating member received in the manifold body. The heating member has an upper portion, a lower portion, an outer surface, and a groove in the outer surface. The groove may extend between the upper portion and the lower portion and form at least a portion of the process air passage. The dispensing system may further include a nozzle configured to dispense the liquid material. The heating member may be configured to heat the process air as the process air passes through the groove and heat the liquid material through contact of the outer surface of the heating member with the manifold body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to dispensing liquid, and more particularly, to systems and methods for dispensing liquid heated with a sleeve heater.

BACKGROUND

Dispensing systems often apply thermoplastic materials (e.g., hot melt adhesives) to various substrates (e.g., diapers, sanitary napkins, surgical drapes). Many thermoplastic materials exist in a solid form at room temperature and require heat to create a flowable viscous liquid. Therefore, dispensing systems generate heat to melt the thermoplastic materials, which are distributed to one or more dispensing valves for application to the substrate. Pressurized process air is often directed toward the liquid as it is dispensed to attenuate or draw down the dispensed liquid material and to control the pattern of the liquid material as it is applied to the substrate.

The process air must be heated to ensure that the process air does not cause the thermoplastic material to cool and solidify prior to application. However, current hot melt applicators heat the process air and adhesive with separate manifolds, heaters, and controls, which results in increased applicator envelope, system complexity, manufacturing costs, and service parts. The increased physical envelope creates different heating zones within the system that are sometimes exceed the capacity of those available from the melter, thereby further increasing cost.

A need therefore exists for an improved liquid material dispensing system which addresses various drawbacks of prior dispensing systems, such as those described above.

SUMMARY

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the systems and methods described herein. One aspect is directed to a dispensing system configured to receive liquid material and process air. The dispensing system includes a manifold body having a liquid material passage and a process air passage. The dispensing system also includes a heating member received in the manifold body. The heating member has a first (e.g., upper) portion, a second (e.g., lower) portion, an outer surface, and a groove in the outer surface. The groove may extend between the upper portion and the lower portion and form at least a portion of the process air passage. The dispensing system may further include a nozzle configured to dispense the liquid material. The heating member may be configured to heat the process air as the process air passes through the groove and heat the liquid material through contact of the outer surface of the heating member with the manifold body.

Another aspect is directed to a method of dispensing a liquid material. The method may include receiving the liquid material in a liquid passage of a manifold body, and receiving process air in a process air passage of the manifold body. The method may also include heating the liquid material through contact of an outer surface of a heating member with the manifold body, and heating the process air by receiving the process air in a groove of the heating member. The groove may extend from an upper portion of the heating member to a lower portion of the heating member and form at least a portion of the process air passage. The method may further include dispensing the liquid material with a nozzle.

Yet another aspect is directed to a dispensing system configured to receive liquid material and process air. The dispensing system includes a manifold body, a filter assembly, a heating member, a temperature sensor, and a nozzle. The manifold body includes a liquid material passage and a process air passage. The filter may be disposed in the liquid material passage and configured to remove contaminants from the liquid material. The heating member is received in the manifold body and has a heating cartridge and a heating sleeve disposed around the heating cartridge. The heating member has an upper portion, a lower portion, an outer surface, and a groove in the outer surface. The groove may extend between the upper portion and the lower portion and form at least a portion of the process air passage. The groove may include a plurality of annular segments and a plurality of longitudinal segments that alternate along a longitudinal length of the heating member. The temperature sensor may be disposed in the manifold body and be configured to detect heat generated by the heating member. The nozzle may be configured to dispense the liquid material. The heating member may be configured to heat the process air as the process air passes through the groove and heat the liquid material through contact of the outer surface of the heating member with the manifold body.

The same reference numbers refer to the same parts in the drawings and the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods for dispensing a fluid material are described herein. The system may include a manifold body having internal passages the receive liquid material (e.g., a viscous thermoplastic material) and process air. The system may also include and one or more heating members having a cartridge and a heating sleeve. The heating sleeve may have an outer surface with a groove that forms at least a portion of the process air passage. The groove may extend from a first (e.g. upper) portion to a second (e.g., lower) portion of the heating sleeve. The outer surface of the heating sleeve may also contact the manifold body to enclose the process air passage and to heat the liquid material. The groove may have a depth less than about 0.10″ and provide a non-linear and/or tortuous path that increases contact between the heating sleeve and the process air. In some embodiments, the groove may provide a stepped path, having a plurality of longitudinal segments and annular segments, alternating along the longitudinal length of the heating member. In some embodiments, the groove may include a helical segment. The heater sleeve may divide the process air into separate flow paths along a least a portion of a longitudinal and/or circumferential length of the heat sleeve. For example, the heater sleeve may divide the process air with annular segments, parallel longitudinal segments, and/or parallel or intersecting helical segments of the groove, as further discussed below.

The geometry of the grooves of the heating sleeve may be configured to provide balanced thermal loading to the process air and liquid material. The surface area of the outer surface may be greater than a surface area of the groove to increase heat transfer to the manifold body to heat the liquid material. The heating member may be configured to simultaneously heat the process air and the liquid material, eliminating the need for separate heating members for each of the process air and the liquid material. In that sense, the disclosed dispensing system may reduce manufacturing costs and the need to stock multiple parts. The disclosed dispensing system may also allow for a more compact manifold body.

FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate an exemplary dispensing system100including a manifold body102. The manifold body102may have a front surface104, a rear surface106, an upper surface108, a lower surface110, and oppositely disposed longitudinal surfaces112,114.

The dispensing system100may include a dispensing valve116integrated and/or secured to the front of the manifold body102. The dispensing valve116may include an on/off type nozzle having a valve stem118mounting for reciprocating movement in a chamber120(FIG. 2) along an axis to selectively dispense the liquid material (e.g., hot melt adhesive) in a specific pattern through a nozzle122, such as in the form of one or more beads or filaments. The valve stem118may be reciprocally driven by a drive mechanism119that may apply pressurized air to an upper portion of the valve stem118. The drive mechanism119may force the valve stem118into abutment with a valve seat at the bottom of chamber120to force the liquid material out of the nozzle122and onto the substrate. As further shown inFIGS. 1-2, the nozzle122may be integrated into the manifold body102, and the drive mechanism119may be a separate component.

The dispensing system100may include a heating member124received in a heating member housing126of the manifold body102(FIG. 2), and the heating member124may be configured to transmit heat to the liquid material and the process air, simultaneously. The heating member124may have a heating cartridge134and a heating sleeve136(e.g., as depicted inFIGS. 3A-3D) and may be connected to an electrical cable140having one or more electric conduits. The electrical cable140may provide current from a power source (not shown) to the heating cartridge134, and the heating cartridge134may generate and transfer heat to the heating sleeve136. The heating sleeve136may transfer the heat to process air as the process air flows past the heating sleeve136. The heating sleeve136may also transfer heat to the liquid material through contact with the manifold body102. The heating sleeve136may transmit heat to the manifold body102through contact along the length of the heating sleeve136, for example, at a first (e.g., upper) portion and a second (e.g., lower) portion of the heating sleeve136. The manifold body102may be made of a heat-conductive material (e.g., aluminum) that transfers the heat from the heating sleeve136to the liquid material as it passes through the liquid material passages. A close fit between the heating cartridge134, the heating sleeve136, and the heating member housing126may provide an expanded footprint of the heating cartridge134and an improved uniformity and response of heating surfaces exposed to the process air and liquid material. For example, the heating cartridge134and heating sleeve136may be inserted into the manifold body102unheated and having a reduced diameter, and the close fit may be created by expanding the heating member124through heat generated by the heating cartridge134. The heating member124may also include a hexagonal head on a top surface for engaging a tool (not shown) to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the unheated heating member124into/from the manifold body102. As depicted inFIGS. 1-2, the manifold body102may house only a single heating member124(e.g., a single heating cartridge134and a single heating sleeve136) that heats the process air and the liquid material, reducing the size of the manifold body102.

The dispensing system100may also include a filter assembly142configured to filter out contaminants from the liquid material. As depicted inFIG. 2, the filter assembly142may be received in a filter assembly housing144extending through the rear surface106of the manifold body102and at an angle substantially parallel to the heating member housing126. The filter assembly142may have an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway extending therebetween. The inlet of the filter assembly may be aligned with the vertical passage138to receive liquid material introduced into the manifold body102through a liquid material fitting128. The filter assembly142may include a unitary filter body having a fine mesh screen to filter or remove particles from the dispensing liquid flowing through the passageway of the filter. The filter assembly142may also include a hexagonal head on a top surface for engaging a tool (not shown) to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the heating member124into/from the manifold body102. The filter assembly142may be spring-biased permitting ready removal, as further described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,264,717 entitled “Liquid Dispensing Apparatus and a Filter Assembly for a Liquid Dispensing Apparatus” and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The dispensing system100may further include a temperature sensor146received in a temperature sensor housing148of the manifold body102. The temperature sensor146may be configured to detect heat generated by the heating member124and/or transmitted to the process air and/or liquid material. The temperature sensor146and the temperature sensor housing148may extend through the rear surface106and between the liquid material passage and the process air passage. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor146and the temperature sensor housing148may extend at an angle relative to the lateral axis of the manifold body102and substantially parallel to the heating member124and at least a portion of the liquid material passage. The temperature sensor146may be electrically connected to the electrical cable140. The manifold body102may house one or more of the temperature sensors146. However, in some embodiments, the manifold body102may house only a single temperature sensor146positioned between the heating member124and the liquid material passage, reducing the size of the manifold body102.

The liquid material and pressurized process air may be supplied through the manifold body102to the dispensing valve116to thereby dispense beads or filaments of the liquid material onto a substrate. For example, the manifold body102may receive pressurized liquid material through the liquid material fitting128from a liquid material reservoir (not shown) via a liquid material pump (not shown). The liquid material fitting128may be recessed into the vertical passage138through the upper surface108of the manifold body102, and the liquid material fitting128may be oriented in a number of different directions. The dispensing liquid may pass through the liquid material fitting128and the vertical passage138, and into the filter assembly142. The filter assembly142and the filter assembly housing144may be disposed at an acute angle relative to a lateral axis of the manifold body102and substantially parallel to the heating member124to provide a uniform heat distribution to the liquid material in the filter assembly142. The filter assembly142may remove contaminants from the liquid material as the liquid material passes through the filter assembly housing144. The liquid material may then pass through one or more passages150,152, where the liquid material is continuously heated. For example, the passages150,152may sequentially include a vertical passage150and an angled passage152extending substantially parallel to the heating member124, which increases the uniformity of the heat distribution of the liquid material. The liquid material may then enter into the chamber120of the dispensing valve116where the liquid material is dispensed through the nozzle122.

The manifold body102may also receive pressurized pressure air through a process air fitting154recessed in a passage156on the lower surface110of the manifold body102. The process air may then enter into a non-linear and/or tortuous passage disposed around the heating member124, where the process air is heated. The process air may then pass through process air passage158. The process air passage158may include an annular passage extending around the nozzle122to distribute the process air continuously or at discrete points around the liquid material dispensed through the nozzle122. For example, the annular passage may include a plurality of air discharge orifices159around the nozzle122that provide air pressure to modify the shape and/or direction of the dispensed liquid material.

As further illustrated inFIGS. 3A-C, the heating member124may be a cartridge-style heating member having the heating sleeve136disposed around the heating cartridge134. The heating sleeve136may include a groove180on an outer surface and extending from an first (e.g., upper) portion to a second (e.g., lower) portion. The groove180may define a passage constrained by the outer surface of the heating sleeve136and an interior surface of the heating member housing126of the manifold body102. In some embodiments, the groove180may have a depth of less than about 0.10 inch to increase heat transfer. The heating sleeve136may also contact the manifold body102between the outer surface of the heating sleeve136and along the interior surface of the heating member housing126. The heating sleeve136may contact the manifold body102along its longitudinal length, for example, at the upper portion and the lower portion of the heating sleeve136. The heating sleeve136may transfer heat to the liquid material through the contact with the manifold body102as the liquid material passes through the liquid material passage. The outer surface of the heating sleeve136may have a surface area greater than the groove (e.g., a circumferential inner surface defining a lower surface of the groove180that does not contact the manifold body102). The heating member124may be disposed at an acute angle relative to a lateral direction of the manifold body102. The heating member124may also extend substantially parallel to at least a portion of the liquid material passage through the manifold body102to distribute heat uniformly. In some embodiments, the heating member124may extend substantially parallel to greater than half of the length of the liquid material passage through the manifold body102. The heating member124may be sized to freely slide into and out of the heating member housing126, but when heated, the heating member124may expand to contact the inner wall of the heating member housing126and improve the heat transfer.

The groove180may have a number of different non-linear and/or tortuous configurations to enhance heat transfer to the process air. In some embodiments, as depicted in a first exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 3A-3C, the groove180may have a stepped configuration with a plurality of annular segments182and a plurality of longitudinal segments184. For example, the plurality of annular segments182and the plurality of longitudinal segments184may alternate along the longitudinal length of the heating member124to provide the non-linear and/or tortuous process air passage. As shown in the front view ofFIG. 3Aand the rear view ofFIG. 3B, the annular segments182may extend the entire circumference of the heating sleeve136, and the longitudinal segments184may alternate circumferential sides (e.g., at 180° along the circumference) of the heating sleeve136to provide a longer flow path along the longitudinal length and to increase the contact between heating sleeve136and the process air. The annular segments182may also divide the process air into first and second flow paths around the circumference of the heating sleeve136(e.g., as depicted inFIG. 3A) increasing the efficiency of heat transfer. The annular segments182may also favorably generate turbulence in the process air by dividing the process air into first and second flow paths.

As further shown inFIG. 2, the upper most annular segment182may be aligned with the process air fitting154to receive the process air. Furthermore, the uppermost longitudinal segment184may be on the side opposite of the process air fitting154to increase the flow path. The lowermost longitudinal segment184may have an open end aligned with the process air passage156to facilitate feeding the process air into the process air passage158. However, in some embodiments, the groove180may be modified with a lower annular segment182(as generally illustrated inFIGS. 3D-O) that may be in communication with a lower gallery (e.g.,262,264) of a manifold body (e.g.,202). When the process air reaches the lower end of the heating sleeve136, the process air may be elevated to a temperature at or near the set point of the liquid material to reduce any thermal effect of the process air on the liquid material. As further depicted inFIG. 3C, the heating sleeve136may include a lumen configured to receive the heating cartridge134which emits heat. An upper surface of the heating cartridge134may be electrically connected to the electrical cable140.

In a second exemplary embodiment as shown in a front view ofFIG. 3Dand a rear view ofFIG. 3E, a heating member324may include a heating sleeve336with a groove380having one or more annular segments382that do not extend the entire circumference of the heating sleeve336. For example, the annular segments382may extend greater than 180° around the circumference of the heating sleeve336and have closed ends. The annular segments382may also be connected at the closed ends by longitudinal segments384that are circumferentially offset along the longitudinal length of the heating sleeve336. An upper annular segment382may extend the entire circumference of the heating sleeve336and may be in communication with an upper gallery (e.g.,260) of a manifold body (e.g.,202). A lower annular segment382may extend the entire circumference of the heating sleeve336and may be in communication with a lower gallery of the manifold. The annular segments382and the longitudinal segments384may create a tortuous and/or non-linear flow path to enhance heat transfer to the process air.

In a third exemplary embodiment as shown in a front view ofFIG. 3Fand a rear view ofFIG. 3G, a heating member424may include a heating sleeve436with one or more grooves480having a plurality of parallel longitudinal segments484connecting annular segments482. The parallel longitudinal segments484may divide the process air into a plurality of parallel flow paths increasing heat transfer from the heating sleeve436to the process air. The parallel longitudinal segments484may increase the surface area of the heating sleeve436contacting the process air. The parallel longitudinal segments484may also create a tortuous and/or non-linear flow path, for example, when process air passes through a first longitudinal segment484, circumferentially through an annular segment482, and into a circumferentially offset second longitudinal segment484. The annular segments482may extend the entire circumference of the heating sleeve436, and include an upper annular segment482that may be in communication with an upper gallery (e.g.,260) of a manifold body (e.g.,202) and a lower annular segment382that may be in communication with a lower gallery of the manifold.

In a fourth exemplary embodiment as shown in a front view ofFIG. 3H, a side view ofFIG. 3I, and a rear view ofFIG. 3J, a heating member524may include a heating sleeve536with a groove580having one or more annular segments582and one or more longitudinal segments584, alternating along a circumference of the heating sleeve536. For example, the heating sleeve536may include an upper annular segment582configured to receive process air from an upper gallery (e.g.,260) of a manifold body (e.g.,202). The process air may pass from the upper annular segment582into a first longitudinal segment584, down the heating sleeve536, and into a first closed annular segment582, as depictedFIG. 3H. The process air may then pass from the first closed annular segment582into a second longitudinal segment584, up the heating sleeve536, and into a second closed annular segment582, as illustrated inFIG. 3I. The process air may then pass from the second closed annular segment582, into a third longitudinal segment584, down the heating sleeve536, and into a lower annular segment582. The process air may then pass from the lower annular segment582, for example, into a lower gallery (e.g.,262,264) of the manifold body.

In some embodiments, as depicted in a fifth exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3K, a heating member624may include a heating sleeve636with a groove680having one or more helical segments686. The heating sleeve636may include an upper annular segment682configured to receive process air from an upper gallery (e.g.,260) of a manifold body (e.g.,202). The process air may then pass through the helical segment686, into a lower annular segment682, and then, for example, into a lower gallery (e.g.,262,264) of the manifold body.

In a sixth exemplary embodiment as shown in a front view ofFIG. 3Land a rear view ofFIG. 3M, a heating member724may include a heating sleeve736with one or more grooves780with a plurality of helical segments786,788extending in the same direction around the heating sleeve736. For example, the heating sleeve736may include an upper annular segment782configured to receive process air from an upper gallery (e.g.,260) of a manifold body (e.g.,202). The process air may then be divided into a first flow path through the first helical segment786and a second flow path through the second helical segment788. The process air from each of the first and second flow paths may pass into a lower annular segment782and, for example, in a lower gallery (e.g.,262,264) of the manifold body. Although the heating member724is illustrated with first and second helical segments786,788, it is contemplated that the heating sleeve736may include any number of helical segments786,788.

In a seventh exemplary embodiment as shown in a front view ofFIG. 3Nand a rear view ofFIG. 3O, a heating member824may include a heating sleeve836with one or more grooves880with a plurality of helical segments886,888extending in an opposite direction around the heating sleeve836. For example, the heating sleeve836may include an upper annular segment882configured to receive process air from an upper gallery (e.g.,260) of a manifold body (e.g.,202). The process air may then be divided into a first flow path through the first helical segment886and a second flow path through the second helical segment888. The first and second helical segments886,888may intersect at segments890where the process air becomes turbulent. The process air from each of the first and second flow paths may pass into a lower annular segment882and, for example, in a lower gallery (e.g.,262,264) of the manifold body. Although the heating member824is illustrated with first and second helical segments886,888, it is contemplated that the heating sleeve836may include any number of helical segments886,888.

The dispensing systems (e.g.,FIGS. 1-2 and 4-6) of this disclosure may be used with one or more of the various embodiments of the heating sleeve. In that sense, each of the embodiments of the sleeve may be modified to fit any number of flow paths and/or applications. For example, the lower annular chamber (e.g.382) may be added or omitted to the heating member depending on the presence of a lower gallery (e.g.,262,264) in the manifold body. Although the various embodiments of the groove(s) of the heater sleeves are depicted to have a width substantially larger than a depth that may generate a thin film gap between an inner surface of the manifold body. It is also contemplated that the groove(s) may have a a depth substantially larger than a width, producing a thin film gap dictated by the width rather than the depth.

A controller (not shown) may be configured to regulate the heat provided by the various embodiments of the heating member to the process air and/or liquid material dispensed from the dispensing valve116. For example, the controller may receive signals from the temperature sensor146and regulate the current provided to the heating cartridge by the electrical cable140in a closed loop system. The controller may also regulate the heating member124based on other dispensing variables, such as the dispenser design, operating modes, environmental conditions, the flow rate of the liquid material and/or thermal properties of the liquid material. The controller may be embodied by one or more software modules integrated into a computer system or non-transitory computer-readable media. The controller may also communicate with components (e.g., the heating member124, the temperature sensor146, and/or the electrical cable140) through any number of wired or wireless connections.

FIGS. 4-6illustrates an exemplary dispensing system200including a manifold body202having a plurality of dispensing valves216and/or a plurality of heating members224. The manifold body202may have a front surface204, a rear surface206, an upper surface208, a lower surface210, and oppositely disposed longitudinal surfaces212,214.

The dispensing valves216may be integrated and/or secured to the front of the manifold body202. The dispensing valves216may include an on/off type nozzle having a valve stem (not shown) mounting for reciprocating movement in a chamber220along an axis to selectively dispense the liquid material (e.g., hot melt adhesive) in a specific pattern through a nozzle222, such as in the form of one or more beads or filaments. The valve stem may be reciprocally driven by a drive mechanism219that may apply pressurized air to an upper portion of the valve stem. The drive mechanism219may force the valve stem into abutment with a valve seat at the bottom of chamber220to force the liquid material out of the nozzle222and onto a substrate. As further shown inFIGS. 4-6, the nozzle222may be integrated into the manifold body202, and the drive mechanism219may be a separable component.

As further shown inFIGS. 5-6, the dispensing system200may include one or more heating members224received in one or more heating member housings226(FIG. 2) of the manifold body202, and the heating members224may be configured to transmit heat to the liquid material and the process air, simultaneously. The heating members224may have a heating cartridge134and a heating sleeve136(e.g., as depictedFIGS. 3A-3D), and may be connected to one or more electrical cables240having one or more electric conduits. The electrical cables240may provide current from a power source (not shown) to the heating cartridge134, and the heating cartridge may generate and transfer heat to the heating sleeve136. The heating sleeve may transfer the heat to process air as the process air flows past the heating sleeve136. The heating sleeve136may also transfer heat to the liquid material through contact with the manifold body202. The heating sleeve may transmit heat to the manifold body202through contact along the length of the heating sleeve, for example, at an upper portion and a second (e.g., lower) portion. The manifold body202may be made of a heat-conductive material (e.g., aluminum) that transfers heat from the heating sleeve136to the liquid material as it passes through the liquid material passages. A close fit between the heating cartridge134, the heating sleeve136, and the heating member housing226may provide an expanded footprint of the heating cartridge and an improved uniformity and response of heating surfaces exposed to the process air and liquid material. The heating members224may also include a hexagonal head on a top surface for engaging a tool (not shown) to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the heating members224into/from the manifold body202. As depicted inFIG. 5, the manifold body202may house a plurality of the heating members224to heat a plurality of parallel flows of liquid material and/or process air to be dispensed through one or more dispensing valves216.

The dispensing system200may also include one or more filter assemblies242configured to filter out contaminants from the liquid material. As depicted inFIG. 6, the filter assemblies242may be received in a filter assembly housing244extending through the rear surface206of the manifold body202and at an angle substantially parallel to the heating member housing226. The filter assemblies242may have an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway extending therebetween. The inlet of the filter assembly may be aligned with the vertical passage238to receive liquid material introduced into the manifold body202through one or more liquid material fittings228. The filter assemblies242may include a unitary filter body having a fine mesh screen to filter or remove particles from the dispensing liquid flowing through the passageway of the filter. The filter assemblies242may also include a hexagonal head on a top surface for engaging a tool (not shown) to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the heating member224into/from the manifold body202. The filter assemblies242may be spring-biased permitting ready removal, as further described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,264,717 entitled “Liquid Dispensing Apparatus and a Filter Assembly for a Liquid Dispensing Apparatus” and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The dispensing system200may further include one or more temperature sensors (not shown) received in one or more temperature sensor housings (not shown) of the manifold body202. The temperature sensors may be configured to detect heat generated by the heating member224and/or transmitted to the process air and/or liquid material. The temperature sensors and the temperature sensor housings may extend through the rear surface206and between the liquid material passage and the process air passage. In some embodiments, the temperature sensors and the temperature sensor housings may extend at an angle relative to the lateral axis of the manifold body202and substantially parallel to the heating member224and at least a portion of the liquid material passage. The temperature sensors may be electrically connected to the electrical cable240.

The liquid material and pressurized process air may be supplied through the manifold body202to the dispensing valves216to thereby dispense beads or filaments of the liquid material onto a substrate. For example, the manifold body202may receive pressurized liquid material through the liquid material fitting228from a liquid material reservoir (not shown) via a liquid material pump (not shown). The liquid material fitting228may be recessed into a vertical passage238through the upper surface208of the manifold body202, and the liquid material fitting228may be oriented in a number of different directions. The dispensing liquid may pass through the liquid material fitting228and the vertical passage238, and into the filter assembly242. The filter assembly242and the filter assembly housing244may be disposed at an acute angle relative to a lateral axis of the manifold body202and substantially parallel to the heating member224to provide a uniform heat distribution to the liquid material in the filter assembly242. The filter assembly242may remove contaminants from the liquid material as the liquid material passes through the filter assembly housing244. The liquid material may then pass through one or more passages250,252, where the liquid material is continuously heated. For example, the passages250,252may include a vertical passage250and an angled passage252extending substantially parallel to the heating member224, which increases the uniformity of the heat distribution of the liquid material. The liquid material may then enter into the chamber220of the dispensing valves216where the liquid material is dispensed through the nozzle222.

As depictedFIGS. 4-6, the heating members224may provide process air passages280extending from one or more upper galleries260to one or more lower galleries262,264. For example, the manifold body202may receive pressurized air through one or more process air fittings254recessed in a passage256on one or more of the surfaces210,212,214of the manifold body202. The upper galleries260may be in communication with a non-linear and/or tortuous passage disposed around the heating members224, where the process air is heated. The process air may then pass through one or more lower galleries262,264, and through one or more process air passages258. The process air passages258may include an annular passage extending around the nozzle222to distribute the process air continuously or at discrete points around the nozzle222. For example, the annular passage may include a plurality of air discharge orifices259(FIG. 6) around the nozzle222that provide air pressure to modify the shape and/or direction of the dispensed liquid material.

As depicted inFIGS. 4-6, the manifold body202may include four heating members224and five dispensing valves216. However, the manifold body202may include any number of heating members224and dispensing valves216. The heating members224may collectively transmit heat to the manifold body202to heat the liquid material. The lower galleries262,264may also be configured to collect the heated process air and provide even distribution of heated process air to each of the dispensing valves216. As depicted inFIG. 5, one or more of the lower galleries262may be peripheral and not extend the width of the manifold body202. This configuration may ensure that an even distribution of heated process air is provided to the dispensing valves216positioned on the periphery of the manifold body202. However, in some embodiments, the lower galleries262,264may be omitted, such that each dispensing valve216may receive process air from a single heating member224to provide independent control of the dispensing valves216and to ensure consistency and predictable temperature control.

A controller (not shown) may be configured to regulate the heat provided by the heating members224to the process air and/or liquid material dispensed from the dispensing valves216. For example, the controller may receive signals from the temperature sensor and regulate the current provided to the heating cartridge224by the electrical cable240in a closed loop process. The controller may independently control each of the heating members224to ensure uniform heat distribution to the liquid material and/or the process air in the manifold body202. The controller may also regulate the heating member224based on other dispensing variables, such as the dispenser design, operating modes, environmental conditions, the flow rate of the liquid material, and/or thermal properties of the liquid material. The controller may be embodied by one or more software modules integrated into a computer system or non-transitory computer-readable media. The controller may also communicate with components (e.g., the heating member224, the temperature sensor, and/or the electrical cable240) through any number of wired or wireless connections.

While illustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations or alterations based on the present disclosure. Further, the steps of the disclosed methods can be modified in any manner, including by reordering steps or inserting or deleting steps.