Molten thermoplastic material supply system with support harness for distribution manifold

摘要

A system for supplying melted thermoplastic material to a dispenser a hopper, a heating grid, and a reservoir block providing a reservoir. A support harness is attached to the bottom of the reservoir block. A manifold assembly is supported in the harness below the reservoir block for receiving material from the reservoir. The manifold assembly includes a pump for pumping the material to the dispenser. The manifold assembly is capable of moving vertically within the harness between an upper position in engagement with the reservoir block and a lower position, and the manifold assembly is capable of horizontal movement with respect to the support harness when it is in the lower position, so that the manifold assembly slides horizontally in and out of the support harness. A lifting mechanism connected to the support harness moves the manifold assembly vertically within the harness. The manifold assembly comprises a manifold block and a heater plate which has cast-in heater elements and which is removably attached to the manifold block.