Fill system and method including visual indicator device for empty condition

Abstract

A fill system is configured to supply particulate adhesive such as pellets to an adhesive dispensing system and is configured to provide a visual indication when a supply container approaches an empty condition. The fill system includes the supply container, which has an interior space for holding pellets, and an indicator device that emits a visual indication by actuating a light source communicating with the interior space. As a result, when the level of pellets within the interior space drops to a threshold approaching the empty condition, the light energy emitted by the indicator device is visible outside the supply container. The fill system may then be refilled before the completely empty condition is reached.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to particulate material filling systems and more particularly, to an adhesive pellet filling system and method used with adhesive dispensing systems.BACKGROUND[0002]A conventional dispensing system for supplying heated adhesive (i.e., a hot-melt adhesive dispensing system) generally includes a melter having an inlet for receiving adhesive materials in solid or liquid form, a heater grid or cartridge for heating the adhesive materials, an outlet for receiving the heated adhesive, and a pump in communication with the outlet for driving and controlling the dispensation of the heated adhesive through the outlet. One or more hoses may also be connected to the outlet to direct the dispensation of heated adhesive to adhesive dispensing guns or modules located downstream from the melter. Furthermore, conventional dispensing systems generally include a controller (e.g., a processor and a memory) and input controls electrical...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In one aspect, the supply container also includes a window defined by the translucent or transparent material at the sidewall. As a result, the light energy emitted by the indicator device is visible through the window at the exterior of the supply container when the supply container is approaching the empty condition. This visual indication is therefore provided without requiring an operator to open the lid of the supply container. The light source may emit light energy throughout the interior space such that a majority of the supply container lights up with internal illumination when the supply container approaches the empty condition.

[0008]In another aspect, the light source is mounted at least partially in additional structures

Problems solved by technology

Some melters are designed in such a manner that hand filling is not possible.

In addition, the level of pellets within the supply container drops at a slow pace during normal operation, so it can be difficult to gauge how much material is left in the supply container, and when the supply container will need to be refilled.

These problems of detecting the level of pellets within the supply container are particularly

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