Abstract: A modular lubrication unit for a rail lubrication distribution system includes a tank, a pump assembly, and a controller. The pump assembly is in fluid communication with the tank and the controller is in communication with the pump assembly for controlling the pump assembly. The controller is enclosed within a panel and the tank is self-contained and movable relative to the panel.

Abstract: A metering rod type coating applicator is provided with a metering rod having its peripheral surfaced texture to a texture in a range of Ra 0.06 to Ra 1.6 to improve the application of coating to a moving surface and permit uniform coating application using higher solids content coatings and/or lower coat weights. Preferably, the rod will be rotated at a speed significantly higher than that conventionally used and preferably with a peripheral velocity in the range of about 15 to 20 m/min.

Abstract: Lubricant is applied to the rolls of the size press to lubricate the rolls prior to moving the coating heads into their coating position by substantially simultaneously applying a lubricating film to each of the rolls of the size press in stripes symmetrically positioned relative to the center line of the web passing through the size press to in stages symmetrically relative to the axis of the web substantially equally increase the surface area of the roll to which the lubricating film is applied until the full surface corresponding to the full width of the web on each of the rolls is lubricated and then a metering rod type coating head apply coating to each of the size press rolls are simultaneously moved into coating position.

Abstract: The amount of coating applied by an applicator is locally adjusted by locally disturbing the flow to the metering outlet, for example, by locally bleeding selected amounts of coating from the metering chamber of the coater to thereby controllably profile the amount of coating applied.