Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for coating sheet metal strip substrate with lubricant type laminate includes top and bottom roller coaters for pinching the metal therebetween. Each roller coater includes an applicator roll supported between three contact points provided by two support rolls and the sheet metal surface itself. As such the applicator roll can be without and axle and freely removable. The applicator roll is driven by the movement of the metal strip. The roller coaters are movable between engaged and disengaged positions. When in the disengaged position, support brackets on the top roller coater prevent the applicator roll from dropping and replace the bottom support of the sheet metal. Pneumatic cylinders for actuating the top and bottom roller coaters are operatively connected such that the top and bottom roller coaters can 'float' or move vertically while at the same time pinching the metal strip therebetween. One of the support rolls also acts as a lubricant transfer roll to transfer lubricant from a plurality of dispensing heads to the applicator roll. The dispensing heads include a cylindrically shaped recess surface receiving the transfer roll and a longitudinal outlet slot thereon for supplying lubricant to the transfer roll. The cylindrically shaped recess surface is spring loaded against the transfer roll. A manifold connects the dispensing heads to a electrically actuated solenoid valve. An electronic controller selectively modulates the solenoid valve to set an application rate for lubricant.

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First Claim