Abstract: A method of bonding first and second strands onto a substrate traveling along a machine direction in a plane of travel. The method includes moving the first and second strands in the machine direction relative to a nozzle having a nozzle body with first and second liquid discharge passages, and first and second side-by-side notches. The first and second strands are guided for movement by engaging closed ends of the respective first and second notches. Open ends of the first and second notches are oriented or directed non-perpendicular to the plane of travel of the substrate. Liquid adhesive is dispensed onto the first and second strands from the liquid discharge passages and the first and second strands are bonded to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disposable absorbent personal hygiene product, including a stretched elastic strand and a flat substrate portion, includes mixing a pressurized gas and hot melt adhesive to form a foamed adhesive and contact dispensing the foamed adhesive onto the stretched elastic strand by contacting the stretched elastic strand with the foamed adhesive. The foamed adhesive expands in volume on the stretched elastic strand and this expansion provides improved bond characteristics and/or reduced add on weight when the stretched elastic strand is secured to the flat substrate portion, thereby improving the personal hygiene product. The foamed adhesive may also be spread around on a periphery of the stretched elastic strand by wiping the foamed adhesive with a notch in a contact nozzle or by discharging air at the foamed adhesive in contact with the stretched elastic strand.

Abstract: A method of bonding first and second strands onto a substrate traveling along a machine direction in a plane of travel. The method includes moving the first and second strands in the machine direction relative to a nozzle having a nozzle body with first and second liquid discharge passages, and first and second side-by-side notches. The first and second strands are guided for movement by engaging closed ends of the respective first and second notches. Open ends of the first and second notches are oriented or directed non-perpendicular to the plane of travel of the substrate. Liquid adhesive is dispensed onto the first and second strands from the liquid discharge passages and the first and second strands are bonded to the substrate.

Abstract: A computerized design system for configuring an adhesive dispensing configuration. The system enables a user to graphically or otherwise manipulate markers representative of dispensing components. Programmatic rules associated with the markers guide the design process by ensuring and/or prompting compatible and otherwise appropriate marker selections for inclusion in the design.

Abstract: A computerized design system for configuring an adhesive dispensing configuration. The system enables a user to graphically or otherwise manipulate markers representative of dispensing components. Programmatic rules associated with the markers guide the design process by ensuring and/or prompting compatible and otherwise appropriate marker selections for inclusion in the design.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing viscous liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, includes a manifold, a dispensing module, a heater thermally coupled to the manifold, and thermally insulating cover structure secured around both the module and the manifold. Air gaps are formed between the cover structure and the heated components inside to further reduce heat transfer. The cover structure may also include heat dissipating fins. A supply connector associated with the manifold includes an interior flow passage, an exterior annular recess and at least one port communicating therebetween. A valve includes a valve seat having an orifice and a sealing surface located around the orifice. The valve further includes a valve stem movable between open and closed positions and having a recess in one end and a sealing edge located around the recess. A valve module includes an integrated heating element for providing localized heat to the adhesive immediately prior to dispensing.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing viscous liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, includes a manifold, a dispensing module, a heater thermally coupled to the manifold, and thermally insulating cover structure secured around both the module and the manifold. Air gaps are formed between the cover structure and the heated components inside to further reduce heat transfer. The cover structure may also include heat dissipating fins. A supply connector associated with the manifold includes an interior flow passage, an exterior annular recess and at least one port communicating therebetween. A valve includes a valve seat having an orifice and a sealing surface located around the orifice. The valve further includes a valve stem movable between open and closed positions and having a recess in one end and a sealing edge located around the recess. A valve module includes an integrated heating element for providing localized heat to the adhesive immediately prior to dispensing.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing viscous liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, includes a manifold, a dispensing module, a heater thermally coupled to the manifold, and thermally insulating cover structure secured around both the module and the manifold. Air gaps are formed between the cover structure and the heated components inside to further reduce heat transfer. The cover structure may also include heat dissipating fins. A supply connector associated with the manifold includes an interior flow passage, an exterior annular recess and at least one port communicating therebetween. A valve includes a valve seat having an orifice and a sealing surface located around the orifice. The valve further includes a valve stem movable between open and closed positions and having a recess in one end and a sealing edge located around the recess. A valve module includes an integrated heating element for providing localized heat to the adhesive immediately prior to dispensing.