Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent structure comprising an integral absorbent element with an upper surface and a lower surface defining a thickness therebetween. The thickness has an upper 35% containing a high absorbency zone and a lower 65%. The high absorbency zone has a first surface and a second surface separated by a zone thickness. The zone thickness is less than about 35% of the absorbent element thickness. The high absorbency zone comprises absorbent fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles. The superabsorbent polymer particles are present at a loading of no more than 75 grams per square meter and are separated from one another by the absorbent fibers. The lower 65% of the absorbent element thickness is substantially free of superabsorbent polymer particles.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the smooth continuous motion of a masking belt to concentrate air-entrained absorbent materials on the surface of a moving fibrous substrate. Air flowing through the open areas of the masking belt carries the entrained material into the fibrous web. The fibrous web acts as a filter to separate the entrained material from the air stream. Substantially all dispensed material is captured by the fibrous web, and expensive and complex absorbent material recycle systems can be eliminated.