Abstract: A nonwoven web contains an even distribution of its composite materials by the separate application of particulate material such as superabsorbent particles into a forming head outside the air stream for deposition of thermoplastic fibers in the forming head. The thermoplastic fibers are distributed by air entertainment through tubular forming screens having rotary distribution members therein. The particulate absorbents are generally placed in the forming box by distribution units which may have metering devices and outlet chutes extending into the forming head.

Abstract: An in-line formed web having major surfaces in the X-Y plane and a depth in the Z direction is suitable for use as a composite fluid distribution and fluid retention layer in a disposable absorbent article. The web contains multiple layers of composite material which may have both thermoplastic fibers and absorbent material. The multiple layers can have different compositions of thermoplastic fibers and absorbent material as applied in-line by various arrangements of thermoplastic melt dies and absorbent fiber dispensers. By arranging at least two of the multiple layers in an opposing relation overlaid in the Z-axis direction of the web, a gradient can be formed in the Z-direction of the web. By coordinating the timing and deposition of the material onto a forming wire, at least one of the multiple layers is arranged to have zones of intermittent material deposition in at least one of a machine direction or a cross direction of the web.

Abstract: A nonwoven web contains an even distribution of its composite materials by the separate application of particulate material such as superabsorbent particles into a forming head outside the air stream for deposition of thermoplastic fibers in the forming head. The thermoplastic fibers are distributed by air entertainment through tubular forming screens having rotary distribution members therein. The particulate absorbents are generally placed in the forming box by distribution units which may have metering devices and outlet chutes extending into the forming head.

Abstract: Bonded fluff structures and a method for producing such bonded fluff structures in which a pulp sheet having a material suitable for producing fluff and a heat activatable fiber material is fiberized to produce a mixture of fluff and heat activatable fibers. The mixture is contacted with a hot air stream, heating the heat activatable fibers to an activation temperature. The resulting heated mixture is then deposited onto a forming structure, forming a bonded fluff/fiber composite matrix structure.

Abstract: Bonded fluff structures and a method for producing such bonded fluff structures in which a pulp sheet having a material suitable for producing fluff and a heat activatable fiber material is fiberized to produce a mixture of fluff and heat activatable fibers. The mixture is contacted with a hot air stream, heating the heat activatable fibers to an activation temperature. The resulting heated mixture is then deposited onto a forming structure, forming a bonded fluff/fiber composite matrix structure.