Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing adhesive onto a strand moving along a strand path includes an adhesive dispenser capable of receiving adhesive from an adhesive supply and having an upper end and a lower end. A nozzle is coupled to the lower end and is in fluid communication with the adhesive dispenser. The nozzle includes an adhesive discharge orifice for discharging the adhesive onto the strand moving along the strand path. A strand guide is mounted at a location proximate the lower end of the adhesive dispenser and upstream of the adhesive discharge orifice along the strand path. The strand guide is configured to receive and guide movement of the strand in spaced relation to the adhesive discharge orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a controlled pattern of liquid material, such as hot melt adhesive, includes a pump, a liquid applicator coupled to the pump, a pressure transducer located in the liquid path between the applicator and the pump and a controller coupled with the pressure transducer. The pump supplies liquid to the liquid applicator at a variable pressure. The pressure transducer detects the pressure of the liquid and produces a signal indicating a sensed pressure. The controller receives the signal and changes the pressure of the process air discharging from the applicator based on the received signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid material includes a dispensing module having a liquid supply passage communicating with a supply of liquid material and an air supply passage communicating with a source of pressurized air. A nozzle is coupled to the dispensing module and has a liquid discharge passage and an air discharge passage communicating with the liquid supply passage and the air supply passage, respectively. The liquid material is dispensed from a liquid discharge outlet of the nozzle and pressurized air is directed from an air outlet of the nozzle toward the dispensed liquid material. An air valve coupled to the nozzle is operable to vary the pressure of the air discharged from the air outlet to thereby move the liquid material in a desired pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve is operable to pulse the pressurized air.

Abstract: A method of securing an elastic strand to a sheet of material includes moving the elastic strand and the sheet in a converging manner from a position in which the elastic strand is spaced from the sheet to another position in which the elastic strand contacts one surface of the sheet. Discrete elongate segments of adhesive are intermittently applied to the strand. The elongate segments of adhesive secure the strand to the sheet. Various articles of manufacture may be formed using the method, including hygienic articles such as diapers.