Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating backflow in a recirculation path coupling a three-way dispensing module with a liquid distribution manifold. The dispensing module and manifold are coupled together to provide a dispensing path for providing liquid from the manifold to the dispensing module for dispensing onto a substrate. A check valve positioned in the recirculation path ensures that liquid cannot flow from the recirculation path to the dispensing path as the dispensing valve of the dispensing module cycles from an open condition to a closed condition. This backflow prevention improves the accuracy of dispensed volumes of liquid.

Abstract: A vacuum overspray controller reduces or eliminates the overspray incident to the non-contact spray application of a coating material onto a moving, porous substrate. The vacuum assisted overspray controller exposes a first surface of the porous substrate to a vacuum pressure via one or more orifices in its peripheral surface. As a result, particles of coating material that would otherwise contribute to the overspray instead are preferentially received and retained by the second surface of the porous substrate.

Abstract: A system for supplying molten thermoplastic material to a dispenser has a hopper assembly which is made up of one or more hopper units each having opposite side walls being generally parallel to each other, the inlet and the outlet having generally the same cross section, so that the hopper units can be stacked on top of each other to increase the capacity of the hopper assembly. The hopper assembly might be supported on a plurality of reservoir blocks, with the hopper assembly straddling the plurality of reservoir blocks to supply melted material to all of the reservoirs. At least one isolator may be provided for thermally isolating one of the hopper units from the reservoir block and for thermally isolating the hopper units from each other, the isolator comprising a band of insulating material positioned between the flanges of the hopper unit and the reservoir block. The hopper assembly is preferably attached to the reservoir block by a plurality of clamps.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for spraying hot melt adhesive includes a gear pump for providing a metered flow of hot melt adhesive. When a valve member is in a first position, a predetermined rate of flow of hot melt adhesive is conducted from the gear pump to a nozzle. When the valve member is in the first position, the valve member blocks a flow of adhesive to a recirculation passage. When the valve member is in a second position, the valve member directs the flow of adhesive from the gear pump to the recirculation passage and blocks a flow of adhesive to the nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a disposable garment with a waste containment pocket defined by a pair of barrier cuffs located on opposed sides of the centerline of the body contacting layer of the garment inboard of its elasticized leg openings. Each barrier cuff is formed by applying a pattern of adhesive alongside of an elastic member maintained in tension on the body contacting layer or a separate strip of material, and then intermittently diverting the path of the adhesive pattern such as by a jet of air so that the adhesive contacts and bonds the elastic member to the body contacting layer or separate strip at longitudinally spaced locations therealong. When the tension on the elastic member is released, gathers or folds are formed in the barrier cuff at the locations where the elastic member was adhered thereto which help the garment conform to the shape of the wearer and prevent the passage of body exudates to the elasticized leg openings.

Abstract: A method of applying adhesive to the heat shrinkable, waist elastic member of a disposable garment, and for attaching the elastic member to the backing sheet of the gartment, comprises extruding an adhesive bead from an adhesive dispenser and impacting the bead with jets of air directed substantially tangent to the periphery thereof to form an elongated adhesive fiber and to impart a twisting motion to the adhesive fiber. The adhesive fiber is deposited in a spiral pattern onto the heat shrinkable elastic member, preferably at an application temperature which substantially reduces activation of the heat shrinkable elastic member. The elastic member is cut into individual strips which are adhered at longitudinally spaced locations to the material forming the backing sheet of the disposable garment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for encasing a sanitary napkin in a pouch which eliminates the need for release paper strips and provides for the disposal of the napkin.