Adhesive dispensing system and method with melt on demand at point of dispensing

An adhesive dispensing system, comprising:

• a dispensing applicator for dispensing an adhesive, said dispensing applicator including a manifold with a manifold passage and a dispensing module coupled to said manifold passage;
• a receiving device positioned proximate to said dispensing applicator, said receiving device including a receiving chamber, which is configured to receive a small amount of solid adhesive at the location of said dispensing applicator, and an outlet that is positioned to deliver melted adhesive from said receiving device into said manifold immediately after melting;
• a first heating device positioned proximate to said manifold and said receiving device, said first heating device operable to rapidly melt the small amount of solid adhesive in said receiving device on demand;
• and
• a second heating device positioned within said manifold and configured to apply heat energy to maintain the adhesive as a liquid in said manifold passage,
• wherein said receiving device includes a nose assembly defining said outlet, and a portion of said nose assembly nests at least partially into said manifold such that said outlet of said receiving device is located within said manifold and such that both of said first and second heating devices transmit heat energy to the adhesive within said portion of said nose assembly which is nested into said manifold, and wherein said first heating device is positioned adjacent said portion of said nose assembly which is nested into said manifold such that at least a portion of said first heating device extends into said manifold.