Static agitator for adjustable slot coater die in a rotary coater

Abstract

An adjustable slot coater die (500) for use in a rotary coater device is provided, comprising a die manifold (502) into which hot melt material may be introduced and having a plurality of distribution channels; and an adapter (506) reversibly attachable to the die manifold, the adapter including at least one die opening (552) through which hot melt material may exit the die. The die opening (552) is formed by a notched shim plate (552) disposed between the adapter and a mouthpiece (508) attached thereto. Selected manifold distribution channels (530) of the plurality may be sealed to prevent hot melt material from exiting the manifold through the sealed distribution channels. The manifold also includes (i) a filter for filtering the flow of hot melt material flowing therethrough, and (ii) a plurality of heater cartridges installed at locations (536) therein. A wiper assembly (510) is attached to and extends downwardly from the adapter proximate to the opening (552) to apply hot melt material to an inner surface of a screen of the rotary coater device. A similarly downwardly extending static agitator (512) is attached to the adapter proximate to the opening (552) for agitating hot melt material accumulating on the inner surface of the screen upstream of the opening. End caps (514) located on front and rear ends of the adapter and extending downwardly therefrom on either side of the wiper assembly (510) direct hot melt material away from front and rear ends of the die and toward a central portion of the die.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.