Kimberly-clark Corporation

Thomas W Van Eperen

Brendon Frank Ribble

David James Van Eperen

David Jerome Arteman

Lyle T Lamers

An apparatus and method for forming a discrete layer of particulate material within a composite fibrous web includes a first forming chamber and a supplying mechanism for providing a flow of a selected fibrous material into the first forming chamber. A second forming chamber is selectively located within the first forming chamber to selectively divide the flow of fibrous material. A conveying mechanism transports a particulate material into the second forming chamber. A depositing mechanism is located within the second forming chamber to selectively dispense the particulate material. A foraminous forming layer is movably disposed within the first forming chamber and receives the fibrous material and the particulate material. As the foraminous forming layer moves, a first fibrous layer is formed on the foraminous forming layer, the particulate material is selectively deposited on the first fibrous layer, and a second fibrous layer is formed on the particulate material thereby providing the discrete layer of particulate material within the composite fibrous web. The depositing mechanism can be configured to dispense the particulate material in a selected pattern. The depositing mechanism can also be configured to intermittently dispense the particulate material at spaced apart locations along a length of the composite fibrous web.

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Kaukauna, WI, United States of America

Thomas W Van Eperen