Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure generally provide polishing pads having a composite pad body and methods for forming the polishing pads. In one embodiment, the composite pad body includes one or more first features formed from a first material or a first composition of materials, and one or more second features formed from a second material or a second composition of materials, wherein the one or more first features and the one or more second features are formed by depositing a plurality of layers comprising the first material or first composition of materials and second material or second composition of materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for taking up oil from a water surface, comprising a container for receiving the oil and an oil-transporting means, wherein a portion of the oil-transporting means can be brought into fluid communication with the water surface and another portion of the oil-transporting means is disposed within the container, wherein the oil can be transported into the container via the oil-transporting means, wherein the oil-transporting means is formed from a hydrophobic fabric, the surface of which comprises filament-shaped and/or grid-like structures which are designed in such a way that they retain a gas layer on the surface of the hydrophobic fabric under water. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for taking up oil from a water surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing non-woven elements, including a body of bonded fibers in which graphene and/or graphene oxide is incorporated.

Abstract: A mineral wool panel, intended to be used as an acoustic panel, has a surface density of greater than or equal to 3.2 kg/m2, an air flow resistivity of between 30 and 120 kPa·s/m2, and a Young's modulus of between 0.5 and 4 MPa.

Abstract: A nonwoven web, containing at least one first homogeneous layer consisting of a blend of at least one of defibrated natural plant based fibers, individualized natural plant based fibers and staple fibers is provided. The nonwoven web contains no binder, adhesive or thermal bonding fibers and a basis weight of the at least one homogeneous layer is from 20 g/m2 to 100 g/m2. When a weighted average fiber length of the blend is greater than about 4.0 mm, the nonwoven web is a non-dispersible product which does not meet the requirement for dispersibility in accordance with INDA/EDANA GD4, and when a weighted average fiber length of the blend is less than about 4.0 mm, the nonwoven web is a dispersible product as defined in accordance with INDA/EDANA GD4. Methods to prepare the nonwoven web are provided.

Abstract: A glass wool panel, intended to be used as an acoustic panel, has a density of less than or equal to 130 kg/m3, an air flow resistivity of between 30 and 120 kPa·s/m2, a Young's modulus of between 0.5 and 4 MPa.

Abstract: An aerodynamic nonwoven formation, in which the nonwoven formation occurs in the operating range of a milling roller. The nonwoven formation takes place using a fiber opening unit, a moving screening surface with suction and a milling roller. The nonwoven-forming fibers are removed from the fiber opening roller and form a nonwoven after a flight or slide route. The nonwoven formation takes place in an area that is limited by an angle a against the direction of movement of the screen and by an angle ? with the movement of the screen relative to a section from the center of the milling roller to the screening belt.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for producing a fiber composite component. The method includes preparing a long-fiber layer; applying short fibers to the long-fiber layer; and applying a further long-fiber layer to the long-fiber layer provided with the short fibers. The device is configured to carry out the method. The fiber composite component has a layer arrangement composed of at least two long-fiber layers, wherein the layer arrangement has an addition of short fibers. The short fibers are configured and dimensioned and are applied in such a way or are in such an arrangement that propagation of tears in one of the long-fiber layers into in each case the other or an adjacent one of the long-fiber layers and/or delamination between the long-fiber layers is rendered more difficult.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fiber treatment system includes a rotatable nubbed roller including an axis of rotation, a surface, and a number of spaced apart nubs projecting away from the surface, the number of spaced apart nubs imparting a number of spaced apart openings in a fiber tow. In another embodiment, the fiber treatment system further includes an optionally rotatable spreader roller for flattening the fiber tow. In yet another embodiment, the loosened, but still continuous fiber tow is chopped by a downstream chopper to form short fibers with reduced tow sizes.

Abstract: An absorbing article with a pad having a matrix construction comprises a water impermeable first main sheet, a substantially water permeable second sheet and an absorbing pad member arranged between the first and second sheets, the absorbing pad member having an absorbing layer including a flexible matrix made of cotton fibers and superabsorbing polymer fibers, the cotton fibers of the pad matrix having a random three-axis orientation and do not have a preferred X-Y orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrospinning device for fabricating a membrane, in particular, to an electrospinning device for fabricating membrane by using spinnerets aligned in machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) in a high-voltage DC electric field, and to method for using the same. In addition to producing a single-layer nanofiber membrane from a polymer composite, the electrospinning device according to the present invention can also conveniently produce a multilayer composite nanofiber membrane from more than one polymer composites. The electrospinning device comprises a control section, an electrospinning section and an ancillary section. The electrospinning section comprises a MD spinnerets set and a TD spinnerets set that are alternately arranged and moves above a membrane collecting device in a to-and-fro scanning manner so as to improve the evenness and strength of the obtained membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments for methods and apparatuses for forming a nonwoven web are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more sources configured to dispense a first fluid flow stream comprising a fiber and a second fluid flow stream also comprising a fiber. The apparatus also includes a mixing partition downstream from the one or more sources, where the mixing partition is positioned between the first and second flow streams from the one or more sources. The mixing partition defines one or more openings that permit fluid communication between the two flow streams. The apparatus also includes a receiving region situated downstream from the one or more sources and designed to receive at least a combined flow stream and form a nonwoven web by collecting fiber from the combined flow stream.

Abstract: Embodiments for methods and apparatuses for forming a nonwoven web are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more sources configured to dispense a first fluid flow stream comprising a fiber and a second fluid flow stream also comprising a fiber. The apparatus also includes a mixing partition downstream from the one or more sources, where the mixing partition is positioned between the first and second flow streams from the one or more sources. The mixing partition defines one or more openings that permit fluid communication between the two flow streams. The apparatus also includes a receiving region situated downstream from the one or more sources and designed to receive at least a combined flow stream and form a nonwoven web by collecting fiber from the combined flow stream.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of spatial objects of a fleece or felt, wherein the fibers are deposited on a mold that is preferably air-permeable. The fibers may be attracted to the mold by a vacuum applied to the underside of said mold. Preferably, the mold has several spatial structures that define the shape of the fiber web that is being formed and that correspond at least approximately to the desired final shape. By subsequent compacting of the thusly obtained fiber web, a spatially three-dimensional felt object is obtained. In this method, subsequent deforming steps are unnecessary or reduced to a minimum, so that the material to be produced does not experience any substantial distortion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a wad of particulate material which may be used in an absorbent article. The apparatus may include a laydown drum having a plurality of vacuum zones, a plurality of fence zones, and a plurality of blow-off zones. The plurality of vacuum zones may be substantially permeable to permit vacuum air to pass through and into the laydown drum. The plurality of fence zones may be substantially impermeable to inhibit air to pass through. The plurality of blow-off zones may be substantially permeable to permit blown air to pass out of and through said laydown drum. The apparatus may also include a deposition chute for depositing particulate material on a web of material in close proximity to the laydown drum. A shield may also be attached to the deposition chute.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including means for delivery of at least one high speed composite stream of polymer fibers and secondary material. The method and apparatus also includes a movable collection device which intersects in the composite stream of polymer fibers and secondary material and at least one non-contact deflector to redirect at least a portion of the composite stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making plastic molded articles generally having a double-skinned configuration with a foamed interior extending between the two skins. Such an article can be produced with a double beauty finish, and various inserts can be placed within the foamed interior between the two skins. The apparatus of the present invention includes the machinery used in order to make such a plastic article. The heated mold configurations can be made of inexpensive aluminum, compared to the traditional stainless steel production mold, and therefore will help the manufacture of large molded plastic articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a shaped fibrous nonwoven structure including a delivery system adapted to provide a high speed composite stream comprising thermoplastic polymer fibers and a secondary material. The apparatus also includes a movable collection device having a collection surface which intersects the composite stream, and at least one deflector to mechanically redirect at least a portion of the composite stream. Further the deflector moves in synchronization with the movable collection device, such that the composite stream is collected on the collection surface forming a fibrous nonwoven structure having at least one non-linear edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for scattering fibrous material, e.g., chips, said apparatus serving to spread chips using either a throw or air-jet spreading method to form a mat (3) of chips onto a moving band conveyor (4) or the like, whereby the scattering process avails a gas flow, such as air flow, for instance; the apparatus having a scattering chamber mounted above the band conveyor or the like. The invention is implemented such that, in order to prevent lateral turbulence, the volume of the scattering chamber's length wherein the major portion of the material being scattered falls onto the band conveyor or the like is at least partially divided into smaller subspaces adjacent to each other in the cross-machine direction by substantially thin plate-like elements (9) set apart from each other in cross-machine direction at a spacing substantially larger than the particle size of the material being scattered.

Abstract: A method for producing three-dimensional parts made of fiber material using a mold, comprising a bottom mold, the inner side of which determines the contour of the bottom side of the molded part and a top mold whose inner side determines the contour of the top side of the molded part. The bottom mold and/or the top mold have holes enabling the passage of air. Fibers are blown into the interior of the closed mold with the aid of an air current and are deposited in the inner sides of the bottom mold and the top mold, whereby a blank of fiber material is formed, the fibers bound together by a bonding agent, whereupon the blank is hardened into a molded part. A device for the production of three-dimensional molded parts comprises a mold having at least one inlet hole for blowing in the fiber material. The molded part has areas with different thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming air-laid absorbent cores, having a first and second mat-forming wheel, means for transferring a core element on the first mat-forming wheel onto a core element on the second mat-forming wheel while the latter core element still is maintained in its mould. The apparatus has means for applying a protective layer to the bottom of each mould of the second mat-forming wheel, means for applying a web of casing material on the peripheral surface of the first mat-forming wheel, means for guiding said web of casing material onto the periphery of the second mat-forming wheel, and means for changing the synchronization of the mat-forming wheels in order to control the time at which the leading edge of a mould on one of the mat-forming wheels passes the nip. A method of producing cores with different sizes without change of moulds.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a reinforced absorbent member includes a forming chamber adapted to contain a fluent fibrous material. A forming surface is moveable within the forming chamber along an arcuate path generally from an entrance of the forming chamber to an exit thereof. The forming surface is adapted to collect fibrous material thereon to form the absorbent member. A source of reinforcing web is disposed generally exterior of the forming chamber. The forming chamber has an opening through which the reinforcing web is received into the forming chamber for subsequent conveyance within the forming chamber toward the forming surface. The opening is disposed downstream of the forming chamber entrance generally in the direction of movement of the forming surface along the path.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming air-laid fibrous articles. The apparatus can have a core pocket. The core pocket can have a shield. The core pocket can further have a central opening defined by a void in the shield. The core pocket can further have a central forming chamber in air-flow communication with the central opening and having a central forming chamber periphery. The core pocket can further have a central foraminous forming surface in air-flow communication with the central forming chamber. The core pocket can further have a pair of edge openings extending along the shield. The core pocket can further have an edge forming chamber disposed about the central forming chamber periphery and in air-flow communication with the edge openings. The core pocket can further have an edge foraminous forming surface in air-flow communication with the edge forming chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming air-laid fibrous articles. The apparatus can have a core pocket operatively related with an air-distribution manifold that can apply different air pressures to different portions of the core pocket. The core pocket can have a shield and a central opening defined by a void in the shield. The core pocket can have a central forming chamber in air-flow communication with the central opening and have a central forming chamber periphery. The core pocket can have a central foraminous forming surface in air-flow communication with the central forming chamber. The core pocket can have a pair of edge openings extending along the shield. The core pocket can have an edge forming chamber disposed about the central forming chamber periphery and in air-flow communication with the edge openings. The core pocket can have an edge foraminous forming surface in air-flow communication with the edge forming chamber.

Abstract: Free fibers (10) are deposited on a rotary support turntable (30) by means of a hollow deposition cone (40) having an outer wall surrounding a chamber and pierced by multiple perforations. The fibers are delivered to the outer surface of the perforated wall of the cone (40) in a cone feed zone that is remote from the zone for deposition on the turntable (30), and they are then held by suction being established inside the chamber, leading to suction through the perforations in the cone, so as to be transported by rotation of the cone from the cone feed zone to the zone for deposition on the turntable, and the fibers cease to be held on the cone in the deposition zone by localized interruption of the suction through the perforations in the wall of the cone, at least in said zone, such that the transported fibers are deposited on the turntable which is rotated about its own axis simultaneously with the cone being rotated. The fibers deposited on the rotary turntable (30) may be compacted and needled.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming air-laid fibrous articles. The apparatus can have a core pocket. The core pocket can have a shield. The core pocket can further have a central opening defined by a void in the shield. The core pocket can further have a central forming chamber in air-flow communication with the central opening and having a central forming chamber periphery. The core pocket can further have a central foraminous forming surface in air-flow communication with the central forming chamber. The core pocket can further have a pair of edge openings extending along the shield. The core pocket can further have an edge forming chamber disposed about the central forming chamber periphery and in air-flow communication with the edge openings. The core pocket can further have an edge foraminous forming surface in air-flow communication with the edge forming chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming air-laid fibrous articles. The apparatus can have a core pocket operatively related with an air-distribution manifold that can apply different air pressures to different portions of the core pocket. The core pocket can have a shield and a central opening defined by a void in the shield. The core pocket can have a central forming chamber in air-flow communication with the central opening and have a central forming chamber periphery. The core pocket can have a central foraminous forming surface in air-flow communication with the central forming chamber. The core pocket can have a pair of edge openings extending along the shield. The core pocket can have an edge forming chamber disposed about the central forming chamber periphery and in air-flow communication with the edge openings. The core pocket can have an edge foraminous forming surface in air-flow communication with the edge forming chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a wire mat includes a wire guide for simultaneously guiding multiple moving wires onto a moving plastic sheet. A pressure roll arrangement downstream from the wire guide has a first pressure roller and a second pressure roller that is engageable with the first pressure roller. The pressure rollers can apply pressure along a line of contact for combining the multiple wires with the plastic sheet between the rollers. The wire guide and one of the pressure rollers are configured to allow a voltage potential to be formed between the wire guide and the pressure roller for causing current to flow and heating of a portion of the wires between the wire guide and the pressure roller. The portion of the wires that is heated is capable of heating portions of the plastic sheet to allow the wires to be embedded into the plastic sheet by the pressure rollers along the line of contact to form a wire mat.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing an absorbent core for an absorbent product containing a first material and a second material dispersed throughout at least a portion of said first material. A rotating forming wheel produces the absorbent core in a mold provided on its circumferential surface and the forming wheel has a rotating air pervious belt along at least a part of the circumferential surface for keeping fibers and particles of the formed layer or layers in place on the wheel.

Abstract: A system for pressing lignocellulosic and/or cellulosic materials to produce composite products such as medium density fiberboard subjects a mat of material to alternating or vibratory forces applied to a face surface of the mat. The frequency of the alternating forces may be between 0.2 Hz and 2 Hz. This vibratory pressing action causes heat to be transferred more quickly to the core of the mat from the surface, and reduces the pressing time required for thermosetting resins within the mat to cure. The system comprises a press for accepting the mat; a sensor for sensing a parameter indicative of heat in the core of the mat; and a control system for controlling the application of vibratory and non-vibratory forces to the mat.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for air forming an article having a plurality of superimposed reinforced fibrous layers. The layers are formed in substantially discrete forming chambers by depositing fibrous materials on a forming surface which moves along a forming path through the chambers. A first layer is air-formed on the forming surface as the surface moves through the first forming chamber and a second layer is air-formed over the first layer as the surface moves through the second forming chamber. A reinforcing web is embedded in the article during the air-forming process.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for air forming an article having a plurality of superimposed fibrous layers. The layers are formed in substantially discrete forming chambers by depositing fibrous material on a forming surface which moves along an arcuate path through the chambers. A first layer is air-formed on the forming surface as the surface moves through the first forming chamber and a second layer is air-formed over the first layer as the surface moves through the second forming chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for preparing an absorbent article is disclosed. The apparatus has at least two forming surfaces which differ in terms of air permeability to allow the selective placement of fibrous material. The forming surface comprises a perforated forming screen. The forming screen has multiple zones with different amounts of open area through which air may pass. Particles carried in the air which flows through the open area are deposited on different zones of the forming screen resulting in different basis weights corresponding to the different air permeabilities. The apparatus and method thus provide an article having optimal zoned absorbency in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: Methods for forming particle mat from lignocellulose-containing particles in the production of sheet material are disclosed including providing a flow of lignocellulose-containing particles from a supply source at an elevated height, depositing the flow of lignocellulose-containing particles from that height by means of gravity onto a forming belt at a lower height, and retarding the flow of lignocellulose-containing particles as it passes from the upper height to the lower height. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing a fibrous mat from a heated die source wherein the produced mat includes a first layered, preselected fiber portion of substantially straight fibers produced by directing such fibers directly to a collector source and a second layered preselected fiber portion of substantially curled fibers produced by diverting and exerting an external vertically creative curling force thereon before reaching the collector source.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for forming composite wood products particularly composite veneer like products which may be intermediate products and laminated to form the final composite product. Strands are fed from a source of supply at a metered rate, entrained in an air stream and carried along a confined path between an entrainment zone and the source of supply. Strands are condensed onto a surface to form a veneer lay-up of at least one layer of strands on the forming surface and this veneer lay-up is carried from the path and deposited onto a collecting surface and later consolidated into a composite product. Entraining air and strands not forming veneer are separated in the supply station, the strands fall onto the supply of strands and energy is added to the separated entraining air and it is returned to the entraining zone.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming air-laid fibrous absorbent cores comprises a first supply of air-entrained fibrous material and a first air-laying element connected with the first supply of air-entrained fibrous material and having a movable first perforated forming element for forming a first air-laid component of the absorbent core. Further, a supply of air-entrained fibrous material and discrete particles of absorbent material and a second air-laying element connected with the supply of air-entrained fibrous material and discrete particles is provided. The second air-laying element has a movable second perforated forming element for forming a second air-laid component of the absorbent core comprising a mixture of dispersed fibrous material and discrete particles and the second air-laying element is positioned with respect to the first air-laying element such as to transfer a formed second component from the second forming element onto a formed first component on the first forming element.

Abstract: A unit for making pre-shaped absorbent pads for sanitary items is equipped with a continuous conveyor belt with an operating branch which defines a line for pad forming and feed; the branch extends along a straight path, along which there are three successive stations for feeding absorbent material and a plurality of seats designed to accept and retain a given quantity of the absorbent material.

Abstract: In an apparatus for and method of producing absorbent pads from a flock-air mixture which is fed through a feed conduit to a shaping recess carrier to form the respective absorbent pad, the carrier rotates or circulates in a predetermined direction of operation. For excess air in the region of the flock-laying device is to be sucked away in a simple fashion without adversely affecting the process of shaping the absorbent pad, the feed conduit feeding the flock-air mixture to the carrier is branched into at least first and second conduits, the first conduit carrying a first partial flow of the mixture and the second conduit carrying a second partial flow thereof. The first and second conduits are directed on to the carrier in such a way that the second partial flow meets the carrier substantially downstream of the first partial flow in the direction of operation of the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for forming an absorbent web (26) includes an airlaying of a first fibrous stratum (28) which has a first quantity of absorbent fibers; an airlaying of a second fibrous stratum (34) which has a second quantity of absorbent fibers; and an airlaying of a third, intermediate fibrous stratum (40) which has a third quantity of absorbent fibers. The intermediate fibrous stratum has a location that is interposed between the first fibrous stratum and the second fibrous stratum. A liquid, wet-strength agent is distributed onto the fibers of the intermediate fibrous stratum (40) during the airlaying of the intermediate fibrous stratum to thereby render the intermediate fibrous stratum substantially non-dispersible.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for forming an absorbent web (26) includes an airlaying of a first fibrous stratum (28), and an airlaying of an intermediate fibrous stratum (40) onto the first fibrous stratum. A liquid, wet-strength agent is distributed onto fibers of the intermediate fibrous stratum, and at least a second fibrous stratum (28) is airlaid onto the intermediate fibrous stratum (40). The method is desirably configured to operatively form or join the intermediate fibrous stratum (40) with the first and second fibrous strata, and render the intermediate fibrous stratum (40) substantially non-dispersible in an aqueous liquid. In a particular aspect, the strata of the web (26) can be operatively compressed prior to curing the wet-strength agent. In another aspect, the liquid wet-strength agent can be distributed onto the fibers of the intermediate fibrous stratum (40) during an airlaying of the intermediate fibrous stratum.

Abstract: A method and a device for continuous forming of a mat of particle lignocellulosic material by means of a batching unit (12) with a distribution chamber (15) in connection with the manufacture of board. The material is deposited on a continuous forming web (16), and the width of the mat is controlled by means of laterally movable partition walls (30) in the distribution chamber (15). The main part of the material is deposited on the forming web (16) between the partition walls (30), and the partial amount of the particle material dropping outside the partition walls (30) is diverted by means (32) and discharged separately in the distribution chamber (15) and re-used in the mat forming, in that it is directly placed as a surface layer of the mat by distribution means (35).

Abstract: A process for making high aspect ratio metal flakes comprises applying a multi-layer sandwich of vapor deposited metal and release coats in alternating layers to a rotating chilled drum or suitable carrier medium contained in a vapor deposition chamber. The alternating metallized layers are applied by vapor deposition and the intervening release layers are preferably solvent-soluble materials applied by suitable coating or vapor deposition sources contained in the vapor deposition chamber. The release coat materials can be a thermoplastic solvent-soluble polymer. The multi-layer sandwich built up in the vacuum chamber is removed from the drum or carrier and treated with a suitable solvent to dissolve the release coating from the metal in a stripping process that leaves the metal flakes essentially release coat free.

Abstract: A drawing unit including two or more slits extending in a widthwise direction of a collecting conveyor, each slit including an inlet for sucking groups of filaments pushed out from a spinneret, a path in which air currents flowing in a suction direction is formed for drawing the groups of filaments, and an outlet for blowing out the groups of filaments towards the collecting conveyor after the drawing. The drawing unit and a drawing method are capable of producing a non-woven fabric web with uniform thickness and with only a small number of density spots as a result of reduced entanglement of the filaments in the paths of the drawing unit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a structural part by a multi-layer deposition technique, in particular a part in the form of a casting mold or a casting core, a porous first layer of bulk particulate material consisting of particles of a predetermined particle size being deposited to form a layer of a predetermined layer thickness, a predetermined dose of liquid binder material being applied onto the layer, so that the liquid binder material penetrates the layer and becomes distributed within the layer and wets the particles of the layer and a predetermined residual porosity of the layer remains after distribution, a predetermined dose of liquid curing agent being selectively applied to a predetermined sub-area of the layer containing the binder material, a second layer being deposited on the first layer containing the binder material and the curing agent and being treated with a binder material and selectively with a liquid curing agent, the curing agent being applied to the second layer before the binder materia

Abstract: An apparatus is described for smoothing out the surface weight distribution of one or multilayer mats containing lignocellulose and/or cellulose with a binding agent dispersed therein for manufacturing of shaped articles, in particular in the form of wood chipboard, wood fiberboard or the like, wherein at least one vertically adjustable reverse brushing unit which extends over the width of the web is associated with a mat carrier which is fed via at least one scattering head. This apparatus is characterized, above all, by the reverse brushing unit comprising at least one vertically adjustable brushing roller having flexible bristles of a plastic material such as polypropylene, Teflon or the like which cooperates with a cleaning brush or a cleaning strip.

Abstract: Procedure for the fabrication of a blank for a structural product, such as a blank for a structural board, from material (1) comprising longer (L) and shorter (S) particles and possibly also particles (F) smaller than these. The particles are mixed with a binding agent and possible additives and then passed into at least one blank former, from where the particles are brought onto a base (10). Longer particles (L) are brought onto the base (10) to form a first surface layer, onto which is brought at least one layer of smaller particles (F, S), and onto this layer is again brought a layer of longer particles (L) to form a second surface layer, the smallest particles (F) being so brought onto the base that they mainly end up in at least one middle layer in the cross-section of the blank while the amount of the smallest particles (F) diminishes towards the surface layers as seen in the cross-section of the blank.

Abstract: In an apparatus for and method of producing absorbent pads from a flock-air mixture which is fed through a feed conduit to a shaping recess carrier to form the respective absorbent pad, the carrier rotates or circulates in a predetermined direction of operation. For excess air in the region of the flock-laying device is to be sucked away in a simple fashion without adversely affecting the process of shaping the absorbent pad, the feed conduit feeding the flock-air mixture to the carrier is branched into at least first and second conduits, the first conduit carrying a first partial flow of the mixture and the second conduit carrying a second partial flow thereof. The first and second conduits are directed on to the carrier in such a way that the second partial flow meets the carrier substantially downstream of the first partial flow in the direction of operation of the carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for perforating a web of material intended to form an outer casing sheet of absorbent articles. As the web is advanced, the web is first provided with a large number of mutually separated cuts in the nip defined between raised plateaus on a matrix cylinder and circumferentially extending knife-edges of a cutting cylinder. The web is then deformed transversely to its plane at parts which border on each cut. The invention also relates to a perforated outer casing sheet which includes recesses in the form of mutually adjacent elongated channel-like grooves.

Abstract: A method for forming a substantially uniform distribution of particulate material within a fibrous web includes a conveying step for providing a gas entrained supply of the particulate material. A transferring step directs the particulate material into a delivery gas stream through a delivery conduit and delivery nozzle into a web forming chamber. A fiberizing step provides a flow of a selected fibrous material into the web forming chamber. A foraminous forming layer is disposed within the forming chamber for receiving the fibrous material and the particulate material to produce a fibrous web.