Applicator and method for applying adhesive to rod-shaped members such as cotton swabs

A method of applying adhesive to at least a first end of a rod shaped member having a longitudinal axis, comprising:

• conveying the rod shaped member in a machine direction with the longitudinal axis thereof extending transverse to the machine direction, applying adhesive to the first end from a first discharge passage located proximate a first adhesive application surface,
• rotating the rod shaped member about the longitudinal axis thereof, and
• maintaining contact between the rotating first end and the first adhesive application surface downstream of the first discharge passage to distribute the discharged adhesive around the first end,
• wherein the step of maintaining contact further comprises rotating the first end over grooves in the first adhesive application surface extending in the machine direction, and
• wherein the step of applying adhesive further comprises discharging adhesive through a plurality of passages at least generally aligned with the grooves.

A method of applying adhesive to at least a first end of a rod shaped member having a longitudinal axis, comprising:

• conveying the rod shaped member in a machine direction with the longitudinal axis thereof extending transverse to the machine direction,
• applying adhesive to the first end from a first discharge passage located proximate a first adhesive application surface,
• rotating the rod shaped member about the longitudinal axis thereof,
• maintaining contact between the rotating first end and the first adhesive application surface downstream of the first discharge passage to distribute the discharged adhesive around the first end, and
• moving the rod-shaped member transversely relative to the machine direction from a conveying position to an adhesive application position.