A method is provided for decision support in regulating an adhesive coating applied to Yankee dryers. Online sensors are configured to continuously measure stock characteristics, and additional sensors provide actual stock flow rate and machine speed. A controller predicts potential natural coating application from a fibrous sheet generated from the stock to the Yankee dryer surface, substantially in real time, based on the measured characteristics and sensed actual machine values. An output signal may be provided to a display unit, wherein an optimal adhesive coating feed rate may be determined and displayed for operator decision support. The controller may in an automatic mode be configured to regulate the adhesive coating feed rate based on a comparison of one or more determined optimal values associated with respective actual values. The method may include identifying fiber source changes in real time, and predicting a natural coating potential based partly on predetermined correlations.

An embodiment coating system for a secondary battery includes a supply tank connected to a slot-die and configured to store a slurry, an in-line viscometer configured to measure viscosity and temperature of the slurry, a flow meter configured to measure a flow rate of the slurry, a flow rate adjustment valve configured to adjust the flow rate according to a feedback signal based on the measured flow rate, a coating bead sensor configured to detect in real time a slurry coating bead shape discharged from the slot-die to a base material, and a coating controller configured to detect a process condition change event by monitoring a slurry property and the slurry coating bead shape in real time and to control the flow rate of the flow rate adjustment valve based on reference data corresponding to a changed slurry property.

Apparatus, systems (400), and methods for predicting a parameter of dispenser system, dispensing a dispensable material, calibrating a dispenser system are described. Apparatus and systems can use machine learning algorithms based on environmental variables and other factors in a system where the adhesive dispenser (100) is used. Furthermore, apparatus and systems can adjust an operational parameter of the dispenser system based on at least one process parameter. Still further, apparatus and systems can provide one or more settings for one or more dispenser components based on a calibration model. Algorithms (412) can operate on remote or local software and control systems, or as part of an edge computing system or Internet of Things (IoT) system.

An adhesive dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a heater unit configured to heat an adhesive to an application temperature, a fill system configured to supply the adhesive to said heater unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to actuate the fill system to supply the adhesive to the heater unit, operate the heater unit to maintain a unit set point temperature sufficient to heat the adhesive to the application temperature, and operate the heater unit to reduce its temperature from the unit set point temperature following a first set threshold time from actuation of the fill system to supply the adhesive to the heater unit.

An applicator for dispensing multiple adhesives on a substrate is disclosed. The applicator includes a manifold that includes a first dispensing module and a second dispensing module. The first dispensing module has a first inlet and a first nozzle. The first inlet receives a first adhesive and the first nozzle applies the first adhesive to the substrate. The second dispensing module is adjacent the first dispensing module and has a second inlet and a second nozzle. The second inlet receives a second adhesive that is different from the first adhesive. The second nozzle applies the second adhesive to the substrate.

A system for applying sealant material from a cartridge includes a cartridge fixture storing a plurality of cartridges each cartridge including unique identification information and containing sealant material, a cartridge robot for removing a selected one of the cartridges from the fixture, and a dispense robot for receiving the selected cartridge from the cartridge robot and applying the sealant material contained therein to a workpiece. A controller is connected to the cartridge robot and the dispense robot for operating the robots and a plurality of sensors are connected to the controller for generating the unique identification information for the selected cartridge, sealant usage per workpiece, sealant dispense pressure, sealant dispense temperature; and sealant usage from the selected cartridge.

A dispensing unit (100) for controlling flow of a substance (101) comprises a nozzle (102) and a plug (110). The nozzle comprises an outlet (122) and a channel (104) that comprises a longitudinal symmetry axis (130), a sealing surface (106), and an alcove surface (108), contiguous with the sealing surface (106) and outwardly recessed relative to the sealing surface (106); and a plug (110). The plug (110) comprises a wall (112) that comprises an outer surface (114) and that also comprises a first aperture (116), fully penetrating the wall (112) through the outer surface (114) of the wall (112) of the plug (110). The outer surface (114) of the wall (112), comprising the first aperture (116), is complementary with the sealing surface (106) of the channel (104). The plug (110) is movable in the channel (104).

A fluid application system includes a source of a fluid and a first pump for supplying the fluid under pressure to an applicator having a nozzle for dispensing the fluid. A fluid collection system collects reclaimed fluid dispensed from the applicator and a second pump provides the reclaimed fluid under pressure to a return fluid pipe. The return fluid pipe has a valve system that selectively directs the reclaimed fluid to either a reusable fluid container or the applicator. The valve system may selectively direct the reclaimed fluid from the return fluid pipe to an in-line reservoir and a third pump may be used to provide the reclaimed fluid under pressure from the in-line reservoir to the applicator.

A dispensing unit (100) for controlling flow of a substance (101) is disclosed. The dispensing unit (100) comprises a nozzle (102) and a plug (110). The nozzle (102) comprises a channel (104) that comprises a first portion (102) and a second portion (192), communicatively coupled with the first portion (190). The first portion (102) of the channel (104) has a symmetry axis (130). The second portion (192) of the channel (104) comprises an outlet (122) that is offset relative to the symmetry axis (130) of the first portion (190) of the channel (104). The dispensing unit (100) further comprises a plug (110) that comprises a wall (112) and a first aperture (116), which penetrates the wall (112) through an outer surface (114) of the wall (112).

A smart edge sealing system includes a control, monitoring and communication module that includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) controlling system processes. A curing and quality control module (CQCM) includes an artificial intelligence camera and a machine learning algorithm that identifies defects or inconsistencies in the coating process and communicates with the control, monitoring and communication module. A plunger sliding module is controlled by the control, monitoring and communication module based on information received from the CQCM to extrude a coating material on an edge of a workpiece.