Patent Publication Number: US-9849480-B2

Title: Laminated nozzle with thick plate

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/881,369, filed Oct. 13, 2015, which claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/084,897, filed Nov. 26, 2014, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The following description relates to a laminated nozzle assembly having one or more thick plates. 
     A laminated nozzle assembly may be used to discharge a hot melt adhesive onto a substrate. The substrate may be, for example, a layer of material, such as a nonwoven fabric, or a strand of material, such as an elastic strand to be applied on an article. The article may be, for example, a disposable hygiene product. The laminated nozzle assembly may include one or more first discharge slots for discharging the hot melt adhesive and one or more second discharge slots configured to discharge air. The discharged air causes the discharged hot melt adhesive to oscillate or vacillate during application to the substrate. 
       FIG. 1  shows a partial exploded view of a conventional laminated nozzle assembly  10 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , a conventional laminated nozzle assembly  10  includes a plurality of plates having internal conduits formed therein allowing flow of the hot melt adhesive and air therethrough.  FIG. 2  is a plan view of the individual plates forming the conventional laminated nozzle assembly  10 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the conventional laminated nozzle assembly may include eleven plates  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  secured between a first end plate  34  and a second end plate  36 . A first internal conduit  38  may be formed through a plurality of the plates for delivering the hot melt adhesive to a first discharge slot  40 . The first internal conduit  38  is formed by a plurality of aligned openings in the plates. A second internal conduit  42  may also be formed through a plurality of the plates for delivering the air to a second discharge slot  44 . The second internal conduit  42  is formed by a plurality of aligned openings in the plates. 
       FIG. 9 a    is an enlarged plan view of plates  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the conventional laminated nozzle assembly  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 9   a , plate  20  includes a plurality of first apertures  46 . The first apertures  46  are disposed in the first internal conduit  38  and split the first internal conduit  38  into multiple flow paths for the first fluid. Similarly, plate  24  includes a plurality of second apertures  48 . The second apertures  48  are disposed in the second internal conduit  42  and split the second internal conduit  42  into multiple flow paths for the second fluid. The first and second apertures  46 ,  48  are circular in shape, as shown in the plan view. Each first aperture  46  has an area of approximately 0.00031 in 2 , and each second aperture  48  also has an area of approximately 0.00031 in 2 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 1, 2 and 9   a , the nozzle plate  22  of the conventional nozzle assembly  10  includes a plurality of discharge assemblies  50 . Each discharge assembly  50  includes a first discharge slot  40  and a pair of second discharge slots  44 . The first discharge slot  40  and second discharge slots  44  each include an inlet end  52 ,  54  having a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the first and second apertures  46 ,  48 . That is, the inlet end  52  of the first discharge slot  40  is circular in shape and is configured to receive the first fluid from the first aperture  46 , and the inlet ends  54  of the second discharge slots  44  are circular in shape and configured to receive the second fluid from the second apertures  48 . The inlet ends  52 ,  54  of the first and second discharge slots  40 ,  44  have a greater diameter or width than an adjacent intermediate portion  56 ,  58  of the respective first and second discharge slots  40 ,  44  to which the fluid flows. 
     The flow paths defined by the first and second internal conduits  38 ,  42  may be indirect, circuitous, or otherwise inhibit efficient flow of the fluids (i.e., the hot melt adhesive and/or the air) through the laminated nozzle assembly  10 . For example, the flow path defined by the first internal conduit includes a number of stepwise changes in direction, extends laterally to locations near outer edges of the laminated plates and extends at these locations through numerous plates. In addition, the first and second apertures  46 ,  48  of the first and second internal conduits  38 ,  42  are small and restrict flow of the first and second fluids. In addition, the narrowing of the width or diameter between the inlet ends  52 ,  54  and respective intermediate portions  56 ,  58  of the first and second discharge slots  40 ,  44  may also restrict fluid flow. 
     Restricted fluid flow in the convention nozzle assembly  10  may cause a decrease in a velocity of the fluid in the nozzle assembly  10 . In particular, the indirect, circuitous, or otherwise flow inhibiting characteristics of the flow path for the hot melt adhesive may cause a decrease in velocity and allow the hot melt adhesive to collect in various portions of the first internal conduit  38 . The reduced velocity and collection of the hot melt adhesive may lead to plugging of the first conduit  38 . 
     In addition, reduced velocity and/or fluid collection of the hot melt adhesive in the first internal conduit  38  may lead to cooling of the hot melt adhesive. In particular, with a reduced velocity, the hot melt adhesive requires a longer length of time to flow through the nozzle assembly  10 . The hot melt adhesive is fed to the nozzle assembly at a desired temperature. However, upon flowing into the nozzle assembly  10 , the hot melt adhesive may cool with time. Cooling of the hot melt adhesive may lead to increased viscosity, which may also inhibit flow through nozzle assembly  10  by reducing velocity and/or collecting in various portions of the first internal conduit  38 . 
     Cooling of the fluids, and in particular, the hot melt adhesive, may also occur as result of prolonged exposure to a conduit wall near an edge region of the nozzle assembly  10 . That is, in the conventional nozzle assembly  10 , the first internal conduit may extend in a width direction to an area relatively close to an edge region of the plates. As such, ambient air, typically at a lower temperature than the hot melt adhesive, may cool the hot melt adhesive through the relatively thin edge region of the plates. Prolonged exposure to this lower-temperature edge region may result from a length of the flow path in this region, or a lower velocity of fluid in this region. 
     Moreover, when the chemistry and manufacturing of the discharged material (e.g., the adhesive) is not well controlled, particulate matter or contaminants, ash and/or other residue may be present in the material when introduced to the nozzle assembly  10 , and charring may occur at what are otherwise normal operating temperatures. The existence of such particulate matter, contaminants, or the like may further exaggerate plugging of the conduits, for example, at the apertures  46 ,  48 , discharge slots  40 ,  44  or other areas where flow is restricted and/or fluid velocity is reduced. 
     To this end, filter plates  16 ,  28  are included in the conventional laminated nozzle assembly  10 . The filter plates  16 ,  28  include a plurality of filter openings  60 ,  62  and are disposed in respective flow paths defined by the first internal conduit  38  and second internal conduit  42 . Accordingly, the filter plates  16 ,  28 , and in particular, the filter openings  60 ,  62  may collect any particular matter, contaminants or other residue exceeding a predetermined size that is present in the fluids. 
     However, the filter plates  16 ,  28 , disposed in respective first and second internal conduits  38 ,  42 , even when clean, restrict flow of the fluids. As a result, the fluids, and in particular, the hot melt adhesive, may collect upstream from the filter plate  16  in the first internal conduit  38  and experience a decrease in velocity. These drawbacks are magnified as the filter plates  16 ,  28  collect the particulate matter, contaminants, or the like, from the fluids, since an area of the filter plates  16 ,  28  through which the fluid may flow is reduced. 
     In addition, with the indirect flow paths in the conventional laminated nozzle assembly  10 , a dwell time, or time of the fluid to travel from an inlet of the laminated nozzle assembly  10  to discharge slots  40 ,  44  may be undesirably long. This may affect start/stop performance of the laminated nozzle assembly  10  by discharging fluid for an undesirable amount of time after shut off, or delaying discharge of fluid for an undesirable amount of time after starting the application device. In turn, an application pattern of the fluid, and in particular, start and stop locations, onto the substrate may not be precisely controlled. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a laminated nozzle assembly having an internal conduit or conduits allowing for increased passageway size, higher fluid velocity, and more direct flow paths to the discharge orifices. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect, a laminated nozzle assembly includes a first end plate having a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet, a second end plate, and a plurality of nozzle plates positioned and clamped between the first end plate and the second end plate. The laminated nozzle assembly also includes a first fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet formed in one or more of the nozzle plates, the first fluid conduit having a reservoir and one or more first openings positioned in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a second fluid conduit in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet formed in one or more of the nozzle plates, the second fluid conduit having an inlet channel, a connecting channel positioned in fluid communication with the inlet channel, and one or more second openings positioned in fluid communication with the connecting channel. The laminated nozzle assembly further includes an orifice assembly having a first orifice in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the first openings to receive the first fluid from the first opening, and a second orifice in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the second openings formed to receive the second fluid from the second opening. The first orifice and second orifice are disposed in the same plate of the plurality of nozzle plates and are coplanar. 
     In an embodiment, the first and second orifices are coplanar with one another. In an embodiment the laminated nozzle assembly includes less than eight (8) nozzle plates. In an embodiment, the laminated nozzle assembly included five (5) nozzle plates. The nozzle plates can include a plurality of first and second orifices. In an embodiment, at least some of the nozzle plates have a thickness of, for example, about 0.005 to about 1.00 mm and more specifically, may have a range of thickness between about 0.125 to 0.50 mm. 
     In an embodiment, the laminated nozzle assembly minimizes the number of nozzle plates and includes no more than eight, and preferably no more than five nozzle plates. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a partial exploded view of a conventional laminated nozzle assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the individual plates forming the conventional laminated nozzle assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial exploded view of a laminated nozzle assembly according to an embodiment described herein; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of individual plates forming the laminated nozzle assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5 a    is a bottom view of the conventional laminated nozzle assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5 b    is a bottom view of the laminated nozzle assembly of  FIG. 3 , according to an embodiment described herein; 
         FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    are perspective color illustrations of a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model of fluid flow in a conventional laminated nozzle assembly ( FIG. 6 a   ) and a laminated nozzle assembly according to an embodiment described herein ( FIG. 6 b   ); 
         FIGS. 7 a  and 7 b    are cross-sectional color illustrational views of a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model of fluid flow in a conventional laminated nozzle assembly ( FIG. 7 a   ) and a laminated nozzle assembly according to an embodiment described herein ( FIG. 7 b   ); 
         FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b    are side cross-sectional color illustrational views of a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model of fluid flow in a conventional laminated nozzle assembly ( FIG. 8 a   ) and a laminated nozzle assembly according to an embodiment described herein ( FIG. 8 b   ); and 
         FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    are front views of selected nozzle plates in the conventional laminated nozzle assembly of  FIG. 1  ( FIG. 9 a   ) and a laminated nozzle assembly of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment described herein ( FIG. 9 b   ). 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the present device is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the figures and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the device and is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated. 
       FIG. 3  is a partial exploded view of a laminated nozzle assembly  110  according to one embodiment described herein.  FIG. 4  is a plan view of individual plates forming the laminated nozzle assembly of  FIG. 3 . The laminated nozzle assembly  110  may be formed, for example, with six or fewer nozzle plates positioned between first and second end plates. Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in one embodiment, the laminated nozzle assembly  110  may include a first end plate  112 , a second end plate  114 , and five nozzle plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  positioned between the first end plate  112  and the second end plate  114 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , first and second end plates  112 ,  114  and the nozzle plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  may be secured together with the nozzle plates clamped between the end plates  112 ,  114 , by one or more fasteners  210 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a first fluid inlet  126  may be formed in the first end plate  112 . A first fluid conduit  128  may be formed in one or more of the first end plate  112  and/or one or more of the nozzle plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 . In one embodiment, the first fluid conduit  128  is formed in nozzle plates  116 ,  118 . The first fluid conduit  128  may be formed by aligned or partially aligned openings in nozzle plates  116 ,  118 , wherein the opening or openings of the first fluid conduit  128  in one plate are in fluid communication with the opening or openings of the first fluid conduit  128  in an immediately adjacent plate. The first fluid conduit  128  is in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet  126  and is configured to receive the first fluid therefrom. The first fluid may be, for example, a hot melt adhesive, a cold melt adhesive or other fluid ranging from 0 centipoise to 100,000 centipoise. It is understood that the aligned or partially aligned openings forming the first fluid conduit  128  may be of different shape or size than one another so long as the opening or openings in respective plates are in fluid communication with the opening or openings in an immediately adjacent abutting plate. 
     In one embodiment, the first fluid conduit  128  may include a reservoir  212  and one or more first openings  214  fluidically connected to the reservoir  212  and configured to receive the first fluid from the reservoir  212 . For example, referring still to  FIG. 4 , the reservoir  212  may be formed in nozzle plate  116 . Although the reservoir  212  is shown as being formed in a single plate only, it is understood that the reservoir  212 , in some embodiments, may be formed in more than one nozzle plate. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in one embodiment, the reservoir  212  has a peak  216  and a base  218 . The reservoir  212  may increase in width moving from the peak  216  to the base  218 , such that a width at the peak  216  is less than a width at the base  218 . In addition, the reservoir  212  may be formed having a substantially triangular section  220 , with the peak  216  corresponding to an apex of the triangle. The sides extending from the peak  216  may be inwardly curved, i.e., formed with a concavity. The reservoir  212  may further include a base section  222  connected to and formed continuously with the triangular section  220 . The base section  222  may generally be formed as a section of constant width and having a height. Thus, the base section  222  may be formed substantially in the shape of a square or rectangle. 
     The one or more first openings  214  may be formed in a plate or plates adjacent to the plate or plates in which the reservoir  212  is formed. For example, in one embodiment, the one or more first openings  214  may be formed in a single plate  118 . The plurality of first openings  214  splits the first fluid conduit  128  into a plurality of spaced apart flow paths, each opening  214  corresponding to a flow path. In one embodiment, the one or more first openings  214  are formed having the same, or substantially the same size and shape, and lie on a common center line. 
     The first end plate  112  may further include a second fluid inlet  130 . The second fluid inlet  130  is in fluid communication with a second fluid conduit  132  formed in one or more nozzle plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 . Alternatively, at least a portion of the second fluid conduit  132  may be formed in at least one of the first end plate  112  and/or second end plate  114 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the second fluid conduit  132  is formed by openings in each of the plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 . The second fluid conduit  132  is in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet  130  and is configured to receive the second fluid therefrom. In addition, the openings forming the second fluid conduit are aligned or partially aligned with one another and in fluid communication with one another. It is understood that the size and position of the openings forming the second fluid conduit may vary so long as the opening or openings formed in one plate remain in fluid communication with the opening or openings formed in an immediately adjacent abutting plate. The second fluid may be, for example, air. 
     In one embodiment, the second conduit  132  may include an inlet channel  224 , a connecting channel  226  and a one or more second openings  228 . The inlet channel  224 , connecting channel  226  and one or more second openings  228  are fluidically connected to one another and arranged in series with one another such that the second fluid flows from the inlet channel  224 , to the connecting channel  226 , and then to the one or more second openings  228 . 
     In one embodiment, the inlet channel  224  is formed in one or more of the nozzle plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  and is configured to receive the second fluid from the second inlet  130 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , for example, the inlet channel  224  is formed in four plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122  by a series of aligned openings having the same, or substantially the same, size and shape. In one embodiment, each of the aligned openings forming the inlet channel  224  may be an inverted substantially triangular shape, with round corners. Other suitable shapes are envisioned as well, including, for example, circular, oval or a polygonal shape with or without rounded corners. With further reference to  FIG. 4 , the inlet channel  224  may be formed in a generally upper portion of the nozzle plates. Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the inlet channel  224  extends generally in a first direction D 1  away from the first end plate  112  to allow the second fluid to flow in the first direction away from the second inlet  130 . 
     The connecting channel  226  may be formed in one or more of the nozzle plates. For example, with reference to  FIG. 4 , the connecting channel  226  may be formed in one nozzle plate  124 . The connecting channel  226  is configured to receive the second fluid from the inlet channel  224  and allow the second fluid to flow generally in a second direction D 2 , substantially perpendicular to the first direction D 1 . In one embodiment, the first direction D 1  may extend substantially in a horizontal or length direction, and the second direction D 2  may extend substantially in a vertical or height direction. 
     A width W of the connecting channel  226  may vary along a height H of the connecting channel  226 . For example, in one embodiment, the connecting channel  226  may have first width at an inlet section  230  where the second fluid is received from the inlet channel  224 , and a second width at an intermediate section  232 , the second width being less than the first width. A base section  234  of the connecting channel  226  may have a third width greater than both the first width and the second width. In one embodiment, the base section  234  of the connecting channel  226  may be substantially square or rectangular in shape. The inlet section  230  and intermediate section  232  may have curved sidewalls to provide a smooth, or continuous (i.e., non-stepwise) transition between different widths. 
     The one or more second openings  228  may be formed in one or more of the nozzle plates. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the one or more second openings  228  are formed in a single nozzle plate  122 . In one embodiment, the openings of the one or more second openings  228  may be formed as a plurality of opening pairs  236 . The one or more second openings  228  are configured to receive the second fluid from the connecting channel  226 , and split the second fluid conduit  132  into a plurality of flow paths. The one or more second openings  228  are configured to allow the second fluid to flow substantially in a third direction D 3 . In one embodiment, the third direction D 3  may extend in a substantially horizontal or length direction, and extend substantially perpendicular to the second direction D 2  and opposite to the first direction D 1 . The one or more second openings  228  may be formed in a generally lower portion of one or more nozzle plates. 
     One plate of the laminated nozzle assembly  110  includes one or more orifice assemblies  238  for discharging the first and second fluids. In one embodiment, the one or more orifice assemblies  238  may be formed in a centrally positioned plate  120 , also referred to herein as an orifice plate. Each orifice assembly  238  may include one or more first orifices  134  and one or more second orifices  136 . It is understood, however, that the first and second orifices  134 ,  136  may be positioned on another, non-centrally positioned plate of the nozzle assemble  110 . The first orifice  134  is in fluid communication with, and is configured to receive the first fluid from the first fluid conduit  128 . The second orifice  136  is in fluid communication with, and is configured to receive the second fluid from the second fluid conduit  132 . In one embodiment, the first and second orifices  134 ,  136  lie in a plane that is parallel to the abutting surfaces of the plates of the nozzle assembly  110 ; that is, as best seen in  FIGS. 3, 4 and 5   b , the first and second orifices  134 ,  136  are coplanar. In one embodiment, the first and second orifices  134 ,  136  may lie along a common center line, and may also be formed entirely or partially in a single plate, such as the orifice plate  120 . 
     In one embodiment, each orifice assembly  238  may include two second orifices  136  associated with a single first orifice  134 . For example, the first orifice  134  may be positioned between a pair of second orifices  136 . Accordingly, two second orifices (one second orifice  136  from adjacent pairs of second orifices  136 ) may be positioned between adjacent first orifices  134  formed in the same plate  120 , in a configuration where more than one orifice assemblies  238  are provided. In such an embodiment the three orifices (two second orifices  136  and one first orifice  134 ) are coplanar. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a second orifice  136  corresponding to each first orifice  134  may be provided, such that first and second orifices  134 ,  136  are alternately positioned along the nozzle assembly  110  when more than one orifice assembly  238  is provided. 
     Each first orifice  134  is configured to receive the first fluid from a corresponding first opening  214  of the one or more first openings  214 . Similarly, each second orifice  136  is configured to receive the second fluid from a corresponding second opening  228  of the one or more second openings  228 . In one embodiment, each second opening pair  236  may be positioned to deliver the second fluid to a corresponding pair of second orifices  136 , where the pair of second orifices  136  is associated with a single first orifice  134 . 
     Accordingly, in the embodiments described herein, the reservoir  212  and one or more first openings  214  of the first fluid conduit  128  are formed in nozzle plates disposed at a first side of the orifice plate  120 . A portion of the inlet channel  224 , the connecting channel  226  and the one or more second openings  228  are formed in nozzle plates disposed at a second side of the orifice plate  120 , opposite to the first side. Thus, the orifice plate  120  may receive the first fluid from one side, i.e., the first side, and the second fluid from another side, i.e., the second side. For example, the one or more first orifices  134  may receive the first fluid, flowing in the first direction D 1  from the first side, while the one or more second orifices  136  may receive the second fluid, flowing in the third direction D 3 , from the second side. 
     In use, according to one embodiment, the first fluid, for example a hot melt adhesive, is received in the first fluid inlet  126 . The first fluid may then be received in the first fluid conduit  128 . The first fluid flows from the first fluid conduit  128  to the one or more first orifices  134  and is then discharged from the nozzle assembly  110 . The second fluid, for example air, may be received in the second fluid inlet  130  and flow to the second fluid conduit  132 . In one embodiment, a flow path in the second conduit  132  may extend in the first direction D 1  through the plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 , in a second direction D 2  substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and in the third direction D 3  generally opposite to the first direction (that is, flowing back toward plate  120 ). The one or more second orifices  136  may receive the second fluid from the second fluid conduit  132  to discharge the second fluid from the nozzle assembly  110 . 
     More specifically, in one embodiment, the first fluid may flow in the first direction D 1  in the first fluid inlet  126  to the reservoir  212 . In the reservoir  212 , the first fluid may flow in the second direction D 2 , for example, in a height direction H, and also in a width W direction. The first fluid then continues to flow in the first direction D 1  to the one or more first openings  214 . In one embodiment, the one or more first openings  214  include a plurality of first openings  214 . The first openings  214  may define multiple, substantially parallel flow paths for the first fluid, and direct the fluid to corresponding first orifices  134 . Thus, in one embodiment, the number of first openings  214  corresponds to the number first orifices  134 , and each first opening  214  is in fluid communication with a respective first orifice  134 . 
     Further, in one embodiment, the second fluid may flow in the first direction D 1  in the second fluid inlet  130  to the inlet channel  224 . The second fluid may continue to flow in the first direction D 1  through the inlet channel  224  to the connecting channel  226 . In the connecting channel  226 , the second fluid may flow generally in the second direction D 2 , for example, the height direction H, and also in the width direction W. The second fluid may then continue to flow in the third direction D 3  to the one or more second openings  228 . In one embodiment the one or more second openings  228  includes a plurality of second openings  228 . The plurality of second openings  228  may define multiple, substantially parallel flow paths for the second fluid and direct the second fluid to corresponding second orifices  136 . Thus, in one embodiment, the number of second openings  228  corresponds to the number of second orifices  136 , and each second opening  228  is in fluid communication with a respective second orifice  136 . 
     The first fluid may flow generally in the second direction D 2  in the first orifice  134  to be discharged from the first orifice  134 . Similarly, the second fluid may flow generally in the second direction D 2  in the second orifice  136  to be discharged from the second orifice  136 . 
     In the embodiments above, the number of plates may vary. It is understood that the number of plates in the nozzle assembly  110  may be reduced by including first and/or second fluid plenums in either of the end plates  112 ,  114 . In one example, the number of plates between end plates  112 ,  114  may be reduced to three or four. 
       FIG. 5 a    is a bottom view of the conventional laminated nozzle assembly  10  and  FIG. 5 b    is a bottom view of the laminated nozzle assembly  110  according to the embodiments described herein. Referring to  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b   , it may be seen that although a thickness of the individual nozzle plates may be increased in the laminated nozzle assembly  110 , an overall thickness ‘t 1 ’ of the nozzle assembly  110  may be reduced compared to the thickness ‘t 2 ’ of the conventional nozzle assembly  10  ( FIG. 5 a   ) by reducing the number of plates. For example, the conventional nozzle assembly  10  may have a thickness ‘t 2 ’ of about 11.1 mm, while the nozzle assembly  110  described herein may have a thickness of, for example, 9.5 mm. 
     In one embodiment, the laminated nozzle assembly  110  described herein may operate at temperatures up to about 218 C, and at an air pressure of about 0.3 to 2.1 bar. It is understood, however, that the present description is not limited to these ranges, and that the laminated nozzle assembly  110  described herein may be designed and manufactured to accommodate varying operating temperatures and air pressures. In one embodiment, the individual laminated nozzle plates may have a thickness ranging from 0.005 mm to 1.00 mm, for example, and more specifically, may have a range of thickness between about 0.125 to 0.50 mm. It is understood that the thickness of the nozzle plates may vary, and in other embodiments, may be less than 0.005 mm or greater than 1.00 mm. 
     In one embodiment, the orifice plate  120  may have a thickness greater than the thicknesses of the other respective nozzle plates. Forming the orifice plate  120  with an increased thickness relative to the other nozzle plates increases the strength of the orifice plate  120 . Thus, deflection or deformation of the orifice plate  120  as a result of forces form the first and second fluids applied thereon may be reduced, minimized or substantially eliminated in comparison to the conventional nozzle assembly  10 . 
       FIG. 9 b    is a plan view showing nozzle plates according to the embodiments described herein. In particular,  FIG. 9 b    shows plates  118 ,  120  and  122  of the laminated nozzle assembly  110  described herein. Referring to  FIG. 9 b   , in one embodiment, plate  118  includes the first openings  214  and a portion of the inlet channel  224  of the second fluid conduit  132 . The orifice plate  120  includes a portion of the inlet channel  224  of the second fluid conduit  132  and orifice assemblies  238  having the first and second orifices  134 ,  136 . Plate  122  includes a portion of the inlet channel  224  of the second fluid conduit  132  and the second openings  228 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 9 b   , according to an embodiment described herein, the first openings  214  may be formed as slots, or other similar oblong or elongated, non-circular shapes. Accordingly, an area of each first opening  214  may be increased compared to the first apertures  46  of the conventional assembly  10  shown in  FIG. 9 a   . For example, in one embodiment, each first opening  214  may have an area of approximately 0.00123 in 2 . Thus, an area in which the first fluid may flow to the first orifice  134  in the first opening  214  may be approximately four times greater than a corresponding area of the first apertures  46  in the known assembly. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these dimensions, and improved flow characteristics through the first openings  214  may be realized by an increase in size of, for example, 50% when compared to the first apertures  46  of the conventional nozzle assembly  10 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 9 b   , the second openings  228  may also be formed as slots, or other similar oblong or elongated, non-circular shapes. Accordingly, an area of each second opening  228  may be increased compared to the second apertures  48  of the conventional assembly  10  of  FIG. 9 a   . For example, in one embodiment, each second opening  228  may have an area of approximately 0.00151 in 2 . Thus, in an embodiment where the second openings  228  are formed as opening pairs  236 , each pair may have a combined area of approximately 0.00302 in 2 . Thus, an area in which the second fluid may flow to the second orifice  136  in the second opening  228  may be approximately five times greater than a corresponding area of the second apertures  48  in the known assembly. The second openings  228  may also be tilted or offset at an angle relative to a vertical axis of the nozzle plates and/or the first orifice  134 . However, the present disclosure is not limited to these dimensions, and improved flow characteristics through the second openings  228  may be realized by an increase in size of, for example, 50% when compared to the second apertures  48  of the conventional nozzle assembly  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 9B , the nozzle assembly  110 , according to one embodiment described herein, may include five orifice assemblies  238 . However, it is understood that the number of orifice assemblies  238  may vary, and the present disclosure is not limited to the examples shown in the figures. Accordingly, each orifice assembly  238  may discharge the first fluid, such as a hot melt adhesive, from the first orifice  134 , and discharge the second fluid, such as air, from the second orifice(s)  136  to act on the first fluid, causing the first fluid to oscillate or vacillate. Thus, each orifice assembly  238  may discharge a strand of the first fluid for application onto an underlying substrate in a non-linear pattern. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9 b   , in one embodiment, as discussed above, each orifice assembly  238  may include a single first orifice  134  and a pair of second orifices  136 . The first orifice  134  may extend between the second orifices of the pair of the second orifices  136 , such that the second orifices are disposed in mirrored relationship on opposite sides of, or about, the first orifice  134 . 
     In one embodiment, the first orifice  134  extends substantially in the height direction H along an axis, for example, a vertical axis A. The first orifice  134  includes an inlet section  242 , an intermediate section  244  and an outlet opening  246 . The intermediate section  244  extends between the inlet section  242  and the outlet opening  246 . The inlet section  242  may be formed to substantially correspond in size and shape to the first opening  214 . Thus, the inlet section  242  may be substantially oblong, elongated, and/or non-circular to correspond to the slot-like shape of the first opening  214 . As such, a transition between the inlet section  242  and the intermediate section  244  may be substantially smooth, or less angular, than in a corresponding transition in a known assembly. Accordingly, the flow of the first fluid from the inlet section  242  to the intermediate section  244  may be less restricted, and collection of the first fluid and/or drops in velocity may be reduced. 
     Additionally, in one embodiment, each second orifice  136  may include an inlet section  248 , and intermediate section  250  and an outlet opening  252 . The intermediate section  250  extends between the inlet section  248  and the outlet opening  252 . In one embodiment, moving in a direction from the inlet section  248  to the outlet opening  252 , each second orifice  136  may include a diverging section  254  which diverges away from the axis A of the first orifice  134 , and a converging section  256  which converges toward the axis A of the first orifice  134 . The inlet section  248  may be formed in at least a portion of the diverging section  254 . In one embodiment, the second openings  228  are angled, or tilted, to substantially corresponding to an angle at which the diverging sections  254  are disposed relative to the axis A. With this configuration, a transition area from an inlet section  248  to an intermediate section  250  where a width of the second orifice  136  narrows may be completely or substantially eliminated, and fluid collection or reduction in velocity may be substantially avoided. 
     In the embodiments above, fluid velocity through the nozzle assembly may be increased compared to the known nozzle assembly  10 , due at least in part to fewer restrictions in the fluid conduits, larger passages in the conduits, a more direct flow path between the respective inlets and orifices, and a shorter travel distance for the fluid in the laminated nozzle assembly  10 . The fluid conduits, including various openings and transitions in the flow paths, are sufficiently large so as to allow particulate matter or contaminants, including char products, of a size those having skill in the art would understand may typically be found in hot melt applications systems, to pass through substantially without plugging of the conduits. Thus, a filter plate or filter mechanism may be omitted from the laminated nozzle assembly  110  of the present embodiments. Omission of a filter plate or filter mechanism further improves flow characteristics (e.g., velocity) of fluid through the nozzle assembly  110  when compared to the known nozzle assembly  10 . Further, due at least in part to the increased fluid velocity in the first and second fluid conduits  128 ,  132 , start/stop performance of the nozzle assembly  110  may be improved, and more precise application patterns may be realized. 
       FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    are perspective views of a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model of fluid flow in a conventional laminated nozzle  10  assembly ( FIG. 6 a   ) and a laminated nozzle assembly  110  according to an embodiment described herein ( FIG. 6 b   ). As can be seen in a comparison of  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b   , the first fluid may move at a higher velocity within the laminated nozzle assembly  110 , and be discharged from the laminated nozzle assembly  110  at a higher velocity when compared to the conventional laminated nozzle shown in  FIG. 6   a.    
       FIGS. 7 a  and 7 b    are cross-sectional views of a CFD model of fluid flow in a conventional laminated nozzle assembly  10  ( FIG. 7 a   ) and a laminated nozzle assembly  110  according to an embodiment described herein ( FIG. 7 b   ). As can be seen in a comparison of  FIGS. 7 a  and 7 b   , the first fluid may move at a higher velocity within the first orifice  134  of the laminated nozzle assembly  110 , when compared to the conventional laminated nozzle  10  shown in  FIG. 7 a   . Further, in the laminated nozzle assembly  110  of the present embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 b   , the first fluid flows in the first orifice  134  at a more uniform velocity, compared to the fluid in the discharge slot  40  of the conventional nozzle assembly  10 . This results in a more consistent and predictable volume flow rate of the first fluid discharged from the first orifice  134 , and improves deposition characteristics of the first fluid onto the substrate. 
       FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b    are side cross-sectional views of a CFD model of fluid flow in a conventional laminated nozzle assembly  10  ( FIG. 8 a   ) and a laminated nozzle assembly  10  according to an embodiment described herein ( FIG. 8 b   ). As can be seen in a comparison of  FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b   , the first fluid may move at a higher velocity within the laminated nozzle assembly  110  and within the first orifice  134 , when compared to the conventional laminated nozzle  10  shown in  FIG. 8 a   . In addition, as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 7 b   , the first fluid may flow in the first orifice  134  at a more uniform velocity compared to the fluid in the first discharge slot  40  of the conventional nozzle assembly  10 . 
     In the embodiments above, an improved flow path may be provided. For example, when compared to the conventional laminated nozzle assembly  10 , higher fluid velocity through nozzle  110  may be realized, especially in a fluid plenum plate (for example, the central plate  120 ). Orifice entry passages may also be increased in size up to, for example, 50% or more, thereby improving flow of the first and second fluid through the nozzle assembly  110 . Accordingly, nozzle plugging may be reduced, thereby reducing down time of the device. The nozzle assembly  110  described herein may also be easier to clean and maintain, thereby reducing labor requirements. In addition, nozzle lifetime may be increased and a potential to improve processing of polyolefin adhesive chemistries may be realized. Further still, a more direct flow path and more even distribution may be realized. The benefits above may be realized as result of the more direct flow paths in the nozzle assembly  110  described here, resulting in fewer restrictions and/or change of directions in the respective flow paths for the first and second fluids. The laminated nozzle assembly  110  described herein may be implemented in a fluid application device for applying fluid, for example, a hot melt adhesive, on a substrate, including but not limited to a layer of material or a strand of material. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that because of the improved flow path (compared to the conventional laminated nozzle assemblies), the present nozzle assembly may be more forgiving when the chemistry and manufacturing of the adhesive is as well controlled, in that contaminants that may be present in the material and charring that may occur at what are otherwise normal operating temperatures will be less prone to plug flow paths in the conduits. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the relative directional terms such as upper, lower, rearward, forward and the like are for explanatory purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure. 
     In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular. For example, one or more fasteners  16  may be used in the embodiments above. Similarly, the die extruder may include one more fastening bores and one or more insertion bores. 
     From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.