Abstract: An insulating fiber mat is comprised of a plurality of fibers bound together by a binder means and distributed throughout the mat. At least some of the fibers throughout the mat are inclined. The inclined fibers on opposed sides of a central horizontal plane of the mat have opposed angles of inclination. This permits the fiber mat to be easily separated substantially along the central horizontal plane by applying a pulling force on one side of the mat in the direction of the inclined fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel absorbent structure and absorbent products containing this absorbent structure. More particularly, the absorbent structure of this invention contains a high-loft, bulky, low-density cover layer, a higher density transfer layer, a very high density, retentive reservoir layer and an impermeable barrier layer. The cover and barrier layers are sealed around their periphery and, preferably, all the layers are bonded to each other to form a unitized structure.

Abstract: A fiber mat as well as its method of fabrication and forming machine are described. The fiber mat comprises a plurality of fibers which are limitations bound together and distributed throughout the mat, and wherein some of the fibers are inclined towards a central horizontal plane of the mat. The inclined fibers on opposed sides of the mat have opposed angles of inclination whereby the mat, when used as insulation, can be easily separated substantially along the central horizontal plane by applying a pulling force on one side or opposed sides of the mat in the direction of the inclined fibers. The forming machine is characterized by having two forming surfaces, one disposed horizontally and the other vertically whereby the mat is formed with higher density towards the opposed flat horizontal surfaces of the mat and the lower density is distributed along the central horizontal plane.

Abstract: An aerodynamic forming hood is provided for supplying a substantially uniform distribution of fibers in a downward laminar airstream for the deposition of the fibers on one or more forming surfaces. The hood is formed by a rectangular housing having opposed elongated downwardly diverging side walls and short downwardly diverging end walls. The housing has a smaller rectangular open top end through which a supply of fibers is released in an airstream which enters into the housing. The forming surfaces are disposed at a larger bottom forming end of the housing. The side walls and end walls in the top part of the hood are provided with elongated horizontal apertures.

Abstract: An insulating material is described and comprised of loose fill short cellulose fibers and bonding synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers are of longer length than the short cellulosic fibers and have an outer sheath which is heat-fused with outer sheaths of other synthetic fibers at crossing contact points thereof to form a matrix having pockets for retaining the loose fill cellulosic fibers therein and throughout the matrix thereby eliminating the need of an adhesive binder to retain the cellulose fibers in the matrix. The matrix can form a body having the shape of a batt of insulation and the batt may be provided with a facing sheet of suitable vapor permeability.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel absorbent structure and absorbent products containing this absorbent structure. More particularly, the absorbent structure of this invention contains a high-loft, bulky, low-density cover layer, a higher density transfer layer, a very high density, retentive reservoir layer and an impermeable barrier layer. The cover and barrier layers are sealed around their periphery and, preferably, all the layers are bonded to each other to form a unitized structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for screening peat moss material. The method comprises the steps of forming an aqueous slurry of peat moss material and flowing the slurry on a screen to separate fines from coarser particles in the slurry. A spray of relatively large water drops is directed at the slurry to agitate the coarser particles blocked by the screen in order to dislodge fines adhering thereto, whereby the fines freed from the coarser particles are allowed to egress the slurry through the screen. The water spray also has the effect of clearing the screen of fines which clog the screen openings. The invention also comprehends a method and apparatus for screening peat moss material, comprising the steps of flowing an aqueous slurry of peat moss material on a sieve to extract from the slurry excessively large particles, and washing the rejects remaining on the sieve to dislodge therefrom smaller particles of acceptable size which are returned to the slurry.