Kimberly-clark Corporation

Other

Raymond Chung

Fred R Radwanski

David W Appel

James H Dinius

Apparatus and method for forming an integral laid fibrous web from multiple fiberizable components, characterized by generally discrete homogeneous compositional zones therein. The system comprises a housing having in its outer surface (i) inlet slot(s) for introduction of fiberizable materials into the housing and (ii) a discharge slot generally laterally coextensive with and translationally spaced from the inlet slot(s), for discharge of fiberized materials from the housing. A translatable body is positioned in the housing for translation therein, having a plurality of blades on its outer surface. The outer surface of the translatable body and the housing have a space therebetween wherein the blades travel during translation of the translatable body. First and second fiberizable components are fed to inlet slot(s) wherein the respective fiberizable components are at least partially laterally isolate relative to each other during the feeding. A translatable foraminous forming surface is positioned for receipt of the fiberized materials discharged from the housing through the discharge slot during translation of the forming surface, whereby the discharge fiberized components are laid on the forming surface in generally discrete homogeneous compositional zones of an integral laid fibrous web.

Apparatus and method for forming a multicomponent integral laid fibrous

The throughput of an apparatus for processing fibrous materials is increased by a fiber outlet portion consisting essentially of a plurality of dividers oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the impact elements (such as hammers and rotor blades), said dividers having a leading surface which is inwardly slanted in the direction of travel of the impact elements and dividers being separated by continuous or semi-continuous slots.

Fiber processing apparatus having slotted outlets

A method for making an air-laid batt of fibers which utilizes a plurality of scarfing rolls to remove material from the surface of the batt, wherein the batt is reformed between at least two of the scarfing rolls in order to produce a more homogeneous web.

Method for producing homogeneous batts of air-laid fibers

Methods for pre-forming and feeding a lightly compacted batt of individualized fibers having a controlled cross-directional profile directly to a rotary fiber orienting and screening mechanism across the full width thereof so as to maintain a controlled cross-directional profile in an air-laid web of dry fibers formed in a high speed dry web forming system.

Method for forming an air-laid web of dry fibers

A method therefor for forming an air-laid web of dry fibers suitable for use in a wide variety of products ranging from bath and facial tissues to towels having basis weights on the order of 13 lbs./2880 ft..sup.2 to 50 lbs./2880 ft..sup.2 on a high-speed production basis, wherein the web is characterized by random array of individualized fibers substantially undamaged by mechanical action and having a controlled cross-directional profile, and by its freedom from nits, pills, rice and the like, thereby improving both the appearance and the tensile strength of the web. The full-width feeding of dry fibers to a 2-dimensional flow control and fiber screening system is described wherein substantially no cross-flow forces are created in the system, ensuring a uniform cross-directional basis weight profile. The fibers are subjected to only minimal mechanical disintegrating action at all stages of the process subsequent to hammermilling and, thus, shortening, curling and/or rolling of the fibers to aggregated fiber masses is minimized. The aggregated fiber masses which are present in the fiber stream fed to the system are centrifugally and tangentially separated from individualized fibers and soft fiber flocs and removed from the system while maintaining relatively low fiber separation and/or recycling on the order of less than 10%.

Method of forming a web of air-laid dry fibers

Method for improving fiber throughput in a high speed production system for forming an air-laid web of dry fibers and wherein individual fibers are separated from aggregated fiber masses in an enclosed, pressurized rotor chamber comprising forming a segment of the chamber wall with a plurality of closely spaced, elongated, narrow slots oriented parallel to the axis of the rotor chamber.

Growing community of inventors

Neenah, WI, United States of America

Raymond Chung