Patent ID: 7625605

Claim:
A method for coating a surface with a pattern of coating fluid, the method comprising: introducing coating fluid containing microspheres onto a surface of an applicator roll, wherein the topography of the applicator roll surface comprises at least one longitudinally extending circumferential, helical groove portion which is sized to at least partially receive the microspheres of the coating fluid therein, and at least one circumferential, longitudinally extending smooth surface portion; engaging the applicator roll surface with a doctor blade to remove coating fluid from the smooth surface portion thereof and to limit the amount of microspheres advanced past the doctor blade by the helical groove portion of the applicator roll surface, wherein a pattern of coating fluid containing microspheres remains on the applicator roll surface which is defined by the helical groove portion thereon and is formed to define at least one stripe of coating fluid containing microspheres; and transferring the pattern of coating fluid from the applicator roll surface onto a coating surface of a moving web wherein the moving web engages the applicator roll surface in a reverse kiss orientation.