Methods and assemblies for applying flowable substances to substrates

An applicator assembly configured to apply a flowable substance to a strip of tow fibers, the applicator assembly comprising:

• a housing defining a reservoir therein, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive the flowable substance;
• an applicator roll engaged with or positioned proximate to the housing, wherein the applicator roll is configured to rotate relative to the housing, and wherein a radial outer surface of the applicator roll is configured to contact the flowable substance within the reservoir;
• a metering roll, wherein a surface of the metering roll is biased toward a portion of the radial outer surface of the applicator roll, wherein the surface of the metering device has a plurality of circumferential grooves defined therein, and wherein each groove is spaced about 2 mm to about 8 mm from each other groove;
• a float at least partially situated within the reservoir, wherein a portion of the float is configured to contact the flowable substance;
• and
• a flowable substance inlet valve in communication with the float.