Abstract: A method of forming an air-laid web or sheet of wood pulp fibers suitable for tissue and toweling applications comprising airlaying a web of wood pulp fibers, applying water containing a chemical softening agent to the web, pressure bonding the water-treated web to provide dry stength, preferably drying the pressure-bonded web, applying an adhesive containing solution to the dried web to provide increased wet strength, and drying the web to form the finished product. By adding a chemical softening agent to the water applied to the air-laid web ahead of the pressure bonding rolls, the strength and softness of the finished web can be controlled. Alternatively, the chemical softening agent can be added to the printing adhesive solution.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Method for improving fiber throughput in a system for forming an air-laid web of dry fibers wherein individualized fibers and soft fiber flocs are separated from aggregated fiber masses by means of mechanical action in a system employing a plurality of fiber disintegrating rotors mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane about vertical axes and disposed over a generally planar sifting screen wherein the sifting screen comprises a plurality of closely spaced, elongated, narrow slots.