Modular system, method, and modular delivery system for delivering fluid material

Abstract

To provide a modular system, a method, and a modular delivery system for delivering a fluid material.SOLUTION: A modular system for delivering a fluid material is provided which can comprise: a supply assembly for supplying the fluid material; a flow control assembly; and a pressure control assembly. The flow control assembly can be in fluid communication with the supply assembly and is capable of varying a flow rate of a first portion of the fluid material supplied to a first applicator. The pressure control assembly can be in fluid communication with the supply assembly and is capable of varying a pressure of a second portion of the fluid material supplied to a second applicator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 591,839 (filed October 20, 2023), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] background Technical Field FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The subject matter described herein relates to a system for dispensing hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastic materials. [Background technology]

[0003] Technical Description In connection with the delivery of hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastic materials for use in carrying out various or different hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material deposition or application procedures, conventional practice has been to design, manufacture, and install a particular structured system depending on the requirements or parameters of a particular application. Different deposition or application procedures may require differently dimensioned hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material supply units or tanks. Alternatively, different deposition or application procedures, e.g., different output material volume parameters or requirements, may dictate or require the use or utilization of different hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material pump assemblies. Alternatively, different deposition or application procedures may dictate that the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material pump assemblies and their applicators be disposed or located relatively close to the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material supply units or tanks, e.g., by minimizing pressure losses or optimizing pressure values ​​occurring within the various fluid flow lines or conduits that comprise the entire hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material delivery system.

[0004] The spatial or logistical parameter characteristics of a particular plant or manufacturing facility, e.g., a particular product manufacturing or production line, may dictate that the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material pump assembly and its applicator be located or positioned remotely from the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material supply unit or tank. Thus, when various hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material delivery systems are installed in a manufacturing facility along with various production lines performing various hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material deposition or application procedures, it may be too costly to incorporate such diverse delivery systems into any one manufacturing plant or facility. Alternatively, a particular delivery system may be effectively converted from one type of delivery system to another, but again, the costs associated with such a conversion procedure may make the procedure unprofitable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Thus, there is a need for new and improved systems for the delivery of hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastic materials that are flexible and versatile, for example, by the replacement or interchangeability of various components within the system. Such systems allow a variety of different deposition or application procedures to be easily accomplished without the need to construct or install a large number of different fixed or permanent delivery systems. Additionally, there is a need for a fluid control system that can independently control separate fluids being supplied to various pumps or applicator heads so as to be characterized by different pressure parameters or values ​​as needed.

[0006] It may be desirable to have different systems and methods than those currently available.

[0007] Short Description According to one example or embodiment, a modular system for delivering a fluid material is provided that can include a supply assembly, a flow control assembly, and a pressure control assembly. The supply assembly can supply the fluid material. The flow control assembly can be in fluid communication with the supply assembly and can vary a flow rate of a first portion of the fluid material supplied to a first applicator. The pressure control assembly can be in fluid communication with the supply assembly and can vary a pressure of a second portion of the fluid material supplied to a second applicator.

[0008] According to one example or aspect, a method is provided that can include supplying a fluid material from a supply assembly. The method can include varying a flow rate of a first portion of the fluid material supplied to a first applicator and varying a pressure of a second portion of the fluid material supplied to a second applicator. The method can include dispensing the first portion of the fluid material via the first applicator and dispensing the second portion of the fluid material via the second applicator.

[0009] According to one example or embodiment, a modular delivery system is provided that can include a supply assembly, a flow control assembly, a pressure relief device, a pressure control assembly, and a metering assembly. The supply assembly can supply a material. The flow control assembly can be in fluid communication with the supply assembly and can vary a flow rate of a first portion of the material supplied to a first applicator. The pressure relief device can be positioned between the flow control assembly and the first applicator. The pressure relief device can vary a pressure of the first portion of the material. The pressure control assembly can be in fluid communication with the supply assembly and can vary a pressure of a second portion of the material supplied to a second applicator. The metering assembly can be positioned between the pressure control assembly and the second applicator. The metering assembly can vary a flow rate of the second portion of the material.

[0010] The subject matter of the present invention can be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a modular system for delivering materials according to one example.

[0012] [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is another perspective view illustrating a modular system for delivering materials according to one example.

[0013] [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is another perspective view showing a modular system for delivering materials with a manifold in a disassembled position according to one example.

[0014] [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is another perspective view showing a modular system for delivering material with the pump in a disassembled position according to one example.

[0015] [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is another perspective view illustrating a modular system for delivering materials according to one example.

[0016] [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is another perspective view showing a modular system for delivering materials with a manifold in a disassembled position according to one example.

[0017] [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is another perspective view showing the modular system for delivering materials with components in disassembled position.

[0018] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates a method of delivering materials using a modular system, according to one example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Detailed Description One or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to a method and system for delivering adhesive or other thermoplastic material to a dispensing system. The method and system may be a modular system for an adhesive melter. The adhesive melter may include one or more (one or more) modular assemblies (e.g., interchangeable) that aid in the delivery of the material. For example, the method and system may include a flow control assembly that varies the flow rate of a first portion of the material and a pressure control assembly that varies the pressure of a second portion of the material. The flow control assembly may apply a metered flow of the material to an applicator head. The pressure control assembly may apply a pressurized flow of the material to the applicator head.

[0020] It may be advantageous to be able to change the modular assemblies based on the desired application for the delivery system, with each modular assembly being able to work together to produce the desired application result.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a modular delivery system 100 for delivering a material, according to one example. The material can be a hot melt adhesive, another adhesive, a thermoplastic material, or another material. As used herein, the terms material, hot melt adhesive, adhesive material, thermoplastic material, etc. can be used interchangeably. The modular system can include a supply tank assembly 102 in which a supply of material can be stored. The material can be dispensed to one or more applicator heads 170 or nozzles via pumps 120, 122, manifolds 160, and conduits 166. In various embodiments, it can be useful to have different types of components, for example, different pumps based on the desired dispensing results. The selection and location of pumps, manifolds, and conduits can be varied in the supply tank assembly to form a modular delivery system, as described further below.

[0022] The supply tank assembly 102 can include a heating element 104 that can heat the material in the supply tank assembly. The heating element 104 is a melter, for example a tank melter, that can include a relatively large tank or hopper 106 (shown in FIG. 2) that stores molten adhesive material to be delivered as needed by the dispensing device. The heating element 104 or melter can receive the material in a solid or semi-solid form and then heat and / or melt the material so that the material can be made less viscous. Reducing the viscosity can improve the flow of the material. The hopper 106 can maintain the heated material at a predetermined desired temperature level and viscosity.

[0023] The supply tank assembly 102, and particularly the hopper 106, can provide a supply of adhesive material to be provided to the applicator head 170 or nozzle. However, gravity alone may not provide sufficient force to move the adhesive material from the supply tank assembly 102 to the applicator head 170 or nozzle. Therefore, the modular delivery system can include one or more pumps 120, 122 in fluid communication with the supply tank assembly 102 and the hopper 106. The one or more pumps can drive the material to the applicator head 170.

[0024] The pumps 120, 122 can receive material from the hopper 106 via a pump inlet 140. The material can enter the pump inlet 140 via a conduit that is fluidly connected to the supply tank assembly 102. The pumps 120, 122 can direct the material to one or more manifolds 160 via a pump outlet 150. The material can enter the manifold 160 via one or more conduits that fluidly connect the pumps 120, 122 and the manifold 160. In one example, the conduits can be internal to the supply tank assembly 102, while in another example, the conduits can be external to the supply tank assembly 102.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates the modular delivery system of FIG. 1 with the manifold 160 shown in an exploded position. The manifold 160 can receive material from the pumps 120, 122 via a manifold inlet 162. The manifold inlet 162 can be connected to the pump outlet 150 via one or more conduits. The manifold 160 can then split the material into separate streams via internal conduits and direct the streams to one or more manifold outlets 164. Each manifold outlet 164 can be associated with a different internal conduit. The manifold outlet 164 (shown in FIG. 4) can be connected to a hose 166, such as a heated hose. The hose 166 can then deliver the material to an applicator head 170 or nozzle for dispensing onto a distribution surface. Although FIG. 1 illustrates two hoses attached to a single manifold, in other examples, one hose can be attached to one manifold, or three or more hoses can be attached to one manifold. Additionally, although FIG. 1 shows hoses attached to two of the four manifolds shown, in alternative examples, hoses may be attached to all manifolds or a different number of manifolds.

[0026] FIG. 5 shows another perspective view of the modular delivery system of FIG. 1. The supply tank assembly 102 can have a first side 103 and a second side 105. The first side 103 can include a connection port 107 that can receive and connect one or more pumps 120, 122. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the modular delivery system of FIG. 1, showing the manifold in an exploded position. The second side 105 can include a connection port 109 that can receive and connect one or more manifolds 160. In the illustrated example, the first side 103 and the second side 105 can each include four connection ports. However, in other examples, the first side 103 and the second side 105 can include more or less than four connection ports. Each connection port 107 on the first side 103 can be aligned with and in fluid communication with a corresponding connection port 109 on the second side 105. The connection ports can include a material inlet, an air inlet, a material outlet, an air outlet, and a connecting means. The connection means can be a friction fit, mechanical fasteners, protrusion-detent arrangements, snap fits, etc. The connection ports can be designed to allow a variety of pumps and manifolds to be interchangeably attached to the connection ports depending on the desired adhesive material, dispensing, and use.

[0027] The connection ports can support modularity, customizability, and interchangeability of the delivery system. By supporting customization of components and accepting different types of components, such as different types of pumps, the delivery system can not only reduce costs to the user, but also reduce floor space that may need to be allocated to the delivery system. Instead of having a dedicated delivery system for each type of pump, the delivery system can have one delivery system that can receive and be used with multiple different pumps.

[0028] The arrangement of pumps 120, 122 and connection ports 107 can be selected and arranged based on desired dispensing characteristics and / or material properties. Pumps 120, 122 can include a variety of different pumps, such as flow controlled pumps, pressure controlled pumps, etc. The type of pump can be selected based on the desired dispensing characteristics. Flow controlled pumps can control or vary the flow rate of material passing through the pump. Pressure controlled pumps can control the pressure of material passing through the pump.

[0029] In one example, the flow control pump can include a positive displacement pump 120, such as a gearbox pump, a screw pump, a metering pump, a rotary piston pump, a progressive cavity pump, and the like. The positive displacement pump 120 can be connected to the supply tank assembly 102 via a connection port 107. When the pump is operated manually, a motor 121 can be operatively connected to the pump 120 to drive the pump. The positive displacement pump can receive a first portion of material from the hopper 106 via a pump inlet 140. The positive displacement pump 120 can vary the flow rate of the first portion of material before directing the material from a pump outlet 150 to a manifold 160. In this manner, the positive displacement pump 120 can be part of a flow control assembly. The flow control assembly can vary the flow rate to a predetermined flow rate value.

[0030] The positive displacement pump 120 may allow a user to control the flow rate of material delivered to the applicator head 170. For example, a user may be able to input a desired flow rate, such as grams or ounces of material to be dispensed per second. The positive displacement pump 120 may be capable of providing the desired flow rate based on the input. In one example, a control system or controller 198 (described further below) may select or input the desired flow rate. However, the positive displacement pump 120 may not be capable of varying the pressure of the material.

[0031] The manifold 160 may include a pressure reduction assembly, such as one or more pressure relief devices 180. The pressure reduction assembly may be pneumatically, mechanically, manually, electrically, etc. In one example, the pressure relief device 180 may be a check valve. The pressure relief device 180 may be fluidly connected downstream of the positive displacement pump 120 and upstream of the applicator head 170. The pressure relief device 180 may change the pressure of the first portion of the material to a predetermined pressure before the material is delivered to the first applicator of the applicator head 170. In response to the internal pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold, the pressure may be changed or reduced by selectively opening the pressure relief device 180 to release the pressure. Each pressure relief device 180 may be independently operated and adjustably controlled, so that the adhesive material passing through each manifold 160 may have a different operating pressure value when delivered to the applicator head 170. The pressure relief devices 180 can be pneumatically controlled, such that the actuation pressure value can be proportional to the air pressure applied to each of the pressure relief devices 180. In one example, the pressure relief devices can be controlled by user input or by the controller 198.

[0032] In one example, the pressure control pump can include one or more pressure pumps 122 that can pressurize the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material received from the supply tank assembly 102 or hopper 106. The pressure pumps 122 can be pneumatically operated pressure pumps. The connection port 107 can be positioned and sized to connect the pressure pumps 122 to the supply tank assembly 102. The pressure pumps 122 can pressurize the material to a certain predetermined pressure value. The air line 123 can introduce air into the pressure pump and drive a piston to build pressure in the pressure pump 122.

[0033] The manifold 160 may be fluidly connected downstream of the pressure pump 122 and upstream of the applicator head 170. The manifold 160 may receive pressurized material from the pressure pump 122 via a manifold inlet 162 and may direct the material to the applicator head 170 via one or more manifold outlets 164. Additionally, the manifold 160 may include a pressure control valve 184, shown in an exploded position in FIG. 7. The pressure control valve 184 may allow the pressure of the material in the manifold 160 to be further modified and controlled. The pressurized adhesive material may then be delivered from the manifold 160 to a second applicator of the applicator head 170 at a constant, pre-determined pressure value. The pressure pump 122 may allow a user or a control system to input a desired pressure output for the material. However, the pressure pump 122 may not allow a user or a control system to input a desired flow rate of the material.

[0034] The modular delivery system can include one or more metering assemblies 190. The metering assembly 190 can be fluidly connected to the pressure pump 122. The metering assembly 190 can be a remote metering assembly. The metering assembly 190 can be positioned downstream of the pressure pump 122, downstream of the manifold 160, and upstream of the second applicator 170. In one example, the metering assembly 190 can be adjacent to the manifold 160, but the metering assembly can be remote from the manifold and delivery system and can be connected via a conduit, such as a hose 166. In one example, the metering assembly 190 can be positioned downstream of the positive displacement pump 120.

[0035] The metering assembly 190 can include a metering device 192 and a metering gear pump 194 that can vary the flow rate of the second portion of material before being delivered to the second applicator 170. The metering assembly 190 can operate at a given speed to control the rate at which the material is dispensed through the applicator head 170. A predetermined or precisely metered amount of adhesive material can be delivered from the metering assembly 190 to the applicator head. The metering assembly 190 can allow the flow rate of material from the pressure pump 122 to be controlled or varied.

[0036] The positive displacement pump 120 and the pressure pump 122 can output the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material to the pump outlet 150. The hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material can then be passed through one or more filters 182 to remove unwanted or undesirable particles or impurities from the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material. In one example, the filter 182 can be positioned within the pumps 120, 122. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the filter 182 can be positioned within the manifold 160. After passing through the filter 182, the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material can enter the hose 166 and pass through the hose 166 to the applicator head 170. In one example, the filter 182 can be positioned downstream of the pumps 120, 122 and upstream of the applicator head 170. Filter 182 may be attached to supply tank assembly 102 and may filter the adhesive material received from pumps 120, 122 and then supply the filtered adhesive material to applicator head 170. In one example, filter 182 may be attached to or integral with manifold 160. Filter 182 may be removable for cleaning, maintenance, and / or replacement.

[0037] Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 shows alternating positive displacement pumps 120 and pressure pumps 122 connected to the supply tank assembly 102, in other embodiments the modular delivery system can be arranged differently. As described, the connection port 107 can receive and connect either the positive displacement pumps 120 or the pressure pumps 122. Thus, in one example, there can be two consecutive positive displacement pumps 120 followed by two consecutive pressure pumps 122. In another example, there can be three positive displacement pumps 120 and one pressure pump 122. Additionally, there can be additional connection ports 107 such that the modular delivery system can have more than four pumps. The selection and arrangement of the pumps 120, 122 can be customized based on the desired distribution of the material. The system can include an adapter that allows a particular pump (e.g., 120 or 122) to be selectively connected to the connection port 107. The adapter can allow for further customization and modularization. In one example, the adapter face can be designed such that a first side of the adapter face can be connectable to connection port 107 and a second side of the adapter face can be connectable to either pump 120 or pump 122. The delivery system can be fully modular and adjustable to suit the desired dispense flow rate and pressure.

[0038] In one example, the modular delivery system can include a controller 198. The controller can include a microcontroller, processor, microprocessor, or other logic device that operates based on instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a software application stored in a memory. The controller can communicate control signals to the pumps 120, 122. The control signals can control or vary the flow rate of a first portion of the material passing through the positive displacement pump 120. The control signals can control or vary the pressure of a second portion of the material passing through the pressure pump 122.

[0039] When a system, apparatus, assembly, device, etc. (e.g., a controller, control device, control unit, etc.) includes multiple processors, these processors can be located in the same housing or enclosure (e.g., in the same device) or distributed across two or more housings or enclosures (e.g., in different devices). Multiple processors in the same or different devices can each perform the same functions described herein, or multiple processors in the same or different devices can share operation of the functions described herein. For example, different processors can perform different sets or groups of functions described herein.

[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates a method of delivering material using a modular system, according to one example. The material can be a hot melt adhesive, another adhesive, a thermoplastic material, or another material. The modular system can include a supply tank assembly capable of storing a supply of material therein. The supply tank assembly can include a heating element capable of heating the material in the supply tank. The heating element can be a melter, for example, a tank melter, which can include a relatively large tank or hopper that stores molten adhesive to be delivered by the dispensing device as needed. The supply tank assembly can include one or more pumps capable of directing the material from the supply tank assembly to the applicator head and delivering the material. The pumps can include a combination of flow-controlled and pressure-controlled pumps.

[0041] In step 802, the method can include supplying a fluid material from a supply assembly. As described above, the material can be liquefied by a melter and stored in a hopper. The supply assembly can include a hopper.

[0042] In step 804, the method may include varying a flow rate of a first portion of the fluid material delivered to the first applicator. The flow rate of the first portion of the fluid material may be changed or controlled by a flow control pump, for example a positive displacement pump.

[0043] In step 806, the method may include varying a pressure of the second portion of the fluid material delivered to the second applicator. The pressure of the second portion of the fluid material may be varied or controlled by a pressure controlled pump, such as a pressure pump.

[0044] At step 808, the method can include dispensing a first portion of the fluid material through a first applicator. The first portion of the fluid material can be driven by a flow control pump to reach a predetermined flow rate at the first applicator. In one example, the method can include varying a pressure of the first portion of the fluid material through a pressure relief device. The pressure relief device can be fluidly connected downstream of the positive displacement pump and upstream of the first applicator. The pressure relief device can vary the pressure of the first portion of the fluid material to a predetermined pressure before the material is delivered to the first applicator.

[0045] At step 810, the method can include dispensing a second portion of the fluid material through a second applicator. The second portion of the fluid material can be driven by a pressure controlled pump to reach a predetermined pressure at the second applicator. In one example, the method can include a metering assembly that can be fluidly connected to the pressure controlled pump. The metering assembly can be positioned downstream of the pressure controlled pump and upstream of the second applicator. The metering assembly can include a metering device and a metering gear pump that can vary the flow rate of the second portion of the fluid material before being delivered to the second applicator.

[0046] The applicator or applicator head can deliver a fluid material (e.g., a hot melt adhesive) onto one or more surfaces of a product, such as an absorbent hygiene product. Such products can include incontinence products, diapers, etc. For example, a hot melt adhesive can be used to adhere an elastic band to a product.

[0047] In one embodiment, a modular system for delivering a fluid material is provided that can include a supply assembly, a flow control assembly, and a pressure control assembly. The supply assembly can supply the fluid material. The flow control assembly can be in fluid communication with the supply assembly and can vary a flow rate of a first portion of the fluid material supplied to a first applicator. The pressure control assembly can be in fluid communication with the supply assembly and can vary a pressure of a second portion of the fluid material supplied to a second applicator.

[0048] In one example, the flow control assembly can include a gear pump. A first portion of the fluid material can enter a pressure release device capable of varying a pressure of the first portion of the fluid material before being delivered to the first applicator. A second portion of the fluid material can enter a metering device capable of varying a flow rate of the second portion of the fluid material before being delivered to the second applicator.

[0049] The modular system for delivering a fluid can include one or more filters positioned between a flow control assembly and a first applicator. The system can include one or more filters positioned between a pressure control assembly and a second applicator. The fluid material can be thermoplastic. In one example, a controller is provided that can one or more of control a flow rate of a first portion of the fluid material or control a pressure of a second portion of the fluid material.

[0050] In one embodiment, a method is provided that can include supplying a fluid material from a supply assembly. The method can include varying a flow rate of a first portion of the fluid material supplied to a first applicator and varying a pressure of a second portion of the fluid material supplied to a second applicator. The method can include dispensing the first portion of the fluid material via the first applicator and dispensing the second portion of the fluid material via the second applicator.

[0051] In one example, the method can include varying a flow rate of the first portion of the fluid material followed by varying a pressure of the first portion of the fluid material. The method can include varying a flow rate of the second portion of the fluid material followed by varying a pressure of the second portion of the fluid material.

[0052] In one example, the method can include filtering a first portion of the fluid material before the first portion of the fluid material is delivered to a first applicator. The method can include filtering a second portion of the fluid material before the second portion of the fluid material is delivered to a second applicator. The method can include providing a controller to one or more of control a flow rate of the first portion of the fluid material or control a pressure of the second portion of the fluid material.

[0053] In one embodiment, a modular delivery system is provided that can include a supply assembly, a flow control assembly, a pressure release device, a pressure control assembly, and a metering assembly. The supply assembly can supply a material. The flow control assembly can be in fluid communication with the supply assembly and can vary a flow rate of a first portion of the material supplied to a first applicator. The pressure release device can be positioned between the flow control assembly and the first applicator. The pressure release device can vary a pressure of the first portion of the material. The pressure control assembly can be in fluid communication with the supply assembly and can vary a pressure of a second portion of the material supplied to a second applicator. The metering assembly can be positioned between the pressure control assembly and the second applicator. The metering assembly can vary a flow rate of the second portion of the material.

[0054] In one example, the supply assembly can include a heating assembly that heats the material to a liquid state. The modular delivery system can include one or more filters positioned between the flow control assembly and the first applicator. The modular delivery system can include one or more filters positioned between the pressure control assembly and the second applicator.

[0055] In one example, the modular delivery system can include a controller capable of one or more of controlling a flow rate of a first portion of the material or controlling a pressure of a second portion of the material. The material can be a thermoplastic material.

[0056] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and the description may include the occurrence and non-occurrence of the event. Approximate language as used throughout this specification and claims may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that is permitted to be changed without causing a change in the basic function to which it may relate. Thus, values ​​modified by singular or plural terms such as "about," "substantially," and "approximately" may not be limited to the exact value specified. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout this specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchangeable, and such ranges include all subranges specified and contained therein, unless the context or language indicates otherwise.

[0057] Use of phrases such as "and one or more of," "or one or more of," "and at least one of," and "or at least one of" is meant to include only one of the elements used in connection with the phrase, at least one of each of the elements used in connection with the phrase, or a plurality of any or each of the elements used in connection with the phrase. For example, "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean, respectively, (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, (3) at least one C, (4) at least one A and at least one B, (5) at least one A, at least one B, and at least one C, (6) at least one B and at least one C, or (7) at least one A and at least one C.

[0058] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and practicing any incorporated methods. The claims define the patentable scope of the disclosure, and will include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they have equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A modular system for delivering a fluid material, comprising: a supply assembly configured to supply a fluid material; a flow control assembly in fluid communication with the supply assembly, the flow control assembly configured to vary a first flow rate of a first portion of the fluid material supplied to a first applicator; a pressure control assembly in fluid communication with the supply assembly, the pressure control assembly configured to vary a first pressure of a second portion of the fluid material supplied to a second applicator; A modular system comprising:

2. The modular system of claim 1 , wherein the flow control assembly includes a gear pump.

3. 10. The modular system of claim 1, further comprising a pressure relief device configured to receive the first portion of the fluid material from the flow control assembly, the pressure relief device configured to reduce a second pressure in the first portion of the fluid material before the first portion of the fluid material is delivered to the first applicator.

4. 2. The modular system of claim 1, further comprising a metering device configured to receive the second portion of the fluid material from the pressure control assembly, the metering device configured to vary a second flow rate of the second portion of the fluid material before the second portion of the fluid material is delivered to the second applicator.

5. 10. The modular system of claim 1, further comprising one or more filters positioned between the flow control assembly and the first applicator such that the first portion of the fluid material passes from the flow control assembly to the first applicator.

6. 10. The modular system of claim 1, further comprising one or more filters positioned between the pressure control assembly and the second applicator such that the second portion of the fluid material passes from the pressure control assembly to the second applicator.

7. The modular system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid material is a thermoplastic adhesive.

8. 2. The modular system of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to control the first flow rate of the first portion of the fluid material using the flow control assembly and to control the first pressure of the second portion of the fluid material using the pressure control assembly.

9. 1. A method comprising: supplying a fluid material from a supply assembly; Varying a first flow rate of a first portion of the fluid material delivered to a first applicator; Varying a first pressure of a second portion of the fluid material delivered to a second applicator; dispensing the first portion of the fluid material via the first applicator; dispensing the second portion of the fluid material via the second applicator; and A method comprising:

10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising varying a second pressure of the first portion of the fluid material after varying the first flow rate of the first portion of the fluid material.

11. The method of claim 9 , further comprising: varying a second flow rate of the second portion of the fluid material after varying the first pressure of the second portion of the fluid material.

12. The method of claim 9 , further comprising filtering the first portion of the fluid material before the first portion of the fluid material is delivered to the first applicator.

13. The method of claim 9 , further comprising filtering the second portion of the fluid material before the second portion of the fluid material is delivered to the second applicator.

14. 1. A modular delivery system comprising: a supply assembly configured to supply a fluid adhesive; a flow control assembly in fluid communication with the supply assembly, the flow control assembly configured to receive a first portion of the fluid adhesive and to vary a first flow rate of the first portion of the fluid adhesive; a pressure relief device positioned to receive the first portion of the fluid adhesive from the flow control assembly, the pressure relief device configured to vary a first pressure of the first portion of the fluid adhesive; a pressure control assembly in fluid communication with the supply assembly, the pressure control assembly configured to receive a second portion of the fluid adhesive from the supply assembly and to vary a second pressure of the second portion of the fluid adhesive; a metering assembly positioned to receive the second portion of the fluid adhesive and to vary a second flow rate of the second portion of the fluid adhesive; A modular delivery system comprising:

15. 15. The modular delivery system of claim 14, wherein the pressure control assembly is configured to be removed and replaced with the metering assembly, and the metering assembly is configured to be removed and replaced with the pressure control assembly.

16. The modular delivery system of claim 14 , wherein the supply assembly includes a heating assembly configured to heat pellets of adhesive to the fluid adhesive.

17. 15. The modular delivery system of claim 14, further comprising one or more filters positioned between the flow control assembly and a first applicator that applies the fluid adhesive to a product surface.

18. 15. The modular delivery system of claim 14, further comprising one or more filters positioned between the pressure control assembly and a second applicator that applies the fluid adhesive to a product surface.

19. 15. The modular delivery system of claim 14, further comprising a controller configured to one or more of: control the first flow rate of the first portion of the fluid adhesive; or control the first pressure of the second portion of the fluid adhesive.

20. The modular delivery system of claim 14 , wherein the fluid adhesive is thermoplastic.

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