FILL SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING VISUAL INDICATOR DEVICE FOR EMPTY CONDITION
First Claim
1. A fill system configured to supply particulate adhesive to an adhesive dispensing system, comprising:
- a supply container including an interior space for receiving the particulate adhesive and defined by at least one sidewall and a bottom, the at least one sidewall including at least a portion defined by translucent or transparent material; and
an indicator device for emitting a visual indication when the supply container is approaching an empty condition, the indicator device including at least one light source communicating with the interior space such that light energy is emitted in the interior space so as to be visible through the translucent or transparent material to an operator when the supply container is approaching the empty condition.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
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.
65 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A fill system configured to supply particulate adhesive to an adhesive dispensing system, comprising:
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a supply container including an interior space for receiving the particulate adhesive and defined by at least one sidewall and a bottom, the at least one sidewall including at least a portion defined by translucent or transparent material; and an indicator device for emitting a visual indication when the supply container is approaching an empty condition, the indicator device including at least one light source communicating with the interior space such that light energy is emitted in the interior space so as to be visible through the translucent or transparent material to an operator when the supply container is approaching the empty condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 23)
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17. A method of supplying particulate adhesive to an adhesive dispensing system using a fill system including a supply container having at least one sidewall with at least a portion defined by translucent or transparent material and including an indicator device having a light source, the method comprising:
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receiving particulate adhesive within an interior space of the supply container; removing particulate adhesive from the interior space of the supply container to supply the particulate adhesive to the adhesive dispensing system; and illuminating the light source such that light energy is emitted by the light source in the interior space so as to be visible through the translucent or transparent material to an operator when the supply container is approaching the empty condition. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification