Distribution manifold with multiple dispensing needles

A system for applying a coating material onto a substrate, comprising:

• a contacting element;
• a web path moving the substrate past the contacting element;
• a distribution manifold having a cavity and a plurality of needle tubes in fluid communication with the cavity, the plurality of needle tubes each having a needle tip dispensing a coating material towards a point of contact between the substrate and the contacting element;
• a flow control apparatus metering a flow of the coating material from the needle tubes at a predetermined rate.

A system for applying a coating material onto a substrate, comprising:

• a back-up roll nipped with a reverse roll;
• a distribution manifold having a cavity and a plurality of needle tubes in fluid communication with the cavity, the plurality of needle tubes each having a needle tip dispensing a coating material towards the nip between the back-up roll and the reverse roll;
• an offset roll nipped with the back-up roll creating a web path moving the substrate through the nip between the back-up roll and the offset roll;
• and
• a flow control apparatus metering a flow of the coating material from the needle tubes at a predetermined rate.

A distribution manifold comprising:

• a manifold having a coating material inlet feeding an internal cavity and a plurality of fluid conduits extending from the internal cavity, each of the plurality of fluid conduits having their distal end located on a manifold mating surface;
• a removable cartridge having a body with a cartridge mating surface, a plurality of orifices located in the cartridge mating surface, and a plurality of needle tubes extending from the body in fluid communication with the plurality of orifices;
• and
• a clamping mechanism for securing the removable cartridge mating surface to the manifold mating surface such that the plurality of needle tubes are in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid conduits in the manifold.