Abstract: Methods and systems of forming a random fiber web using pneumatic fiber feeding system are disclosed. The method can optionally comprise: providing a plurality of moveable apparatuses including a lickerin and a feeder, the lickerin configured to remove a plurality of fibers from a fibrous mat delivered to adjacent the lickerin by the feeder; doffing the plurality of fibers from the lickerin at a doffing location within the system; communicating an air supply to entrain the plurality of fibers with the air supply after the doffing; and collecting the plurality of fibers from the air supply to form the random fiber web.

Abstract: Methods apparatuses and systems of forming a random fiber web using pneumatic fiber feeding system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method can optionally comprise: providing a plurality of moveable apparatuses including a lickerin and a feeder, the lickerin configured to remove a plurality of fibers from a fibrous mat delivered to adjacent the lickerin by the feeder; doffing the plurality of fibers from the lickerin at a doffing location within the system; communicating an air supply to entrain the plurality of fibers with the air supply after the doffing; and collecting the plurality of fibers from the air supply to form the random fiber web.

Abstract: Methods apparatuses and systems of forming a random fiber web using pneumatic fiber feeding system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method can optionally comprise: providing a plurality of moveable apparatuses including a lickerin and a feeder, the lickerin configured to remove a plurality of fibers from a fibrous mat delivered to adjacent the lickerin by the feeder; doffing the plurality of fibers from the lickerin at a doffing location within the system; communicating an air supply to entrain the plurality of fibers with the air supply after the doffing; and collecting the plurality of fibers from the air supply to form the random fiber web.

Abstract: Methods and systems of forming a random fiber web using pneumatic fiber feeding system are disclosed. The method can optionally comprise: providing a plurality of moveable apparatuses including a lickerin and a feeder, the lickerin configured to remove a plurality of fibers from a fibrous mat delivered to adjacent the lickerin by the feeder; doffing the plurality of fibers from the lickerin at a doffing location within the system; communicating an air supply to entrain the plurality of fibers with the air supply after the doffing; and collecting the plurality of fibers from the air supply to form the random fiber web.

Abstract: A method of forming a random fiber web using pneumatic fiber feeding system is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of moveable apparatuses including a lickerin and a feeder, the lickerin configured to remove a plurality of fibers from a fibrous mat delivered to adjacent the lickerin by the feeder. The method also includes doffing the plurality of fibers from the lickerin at a doffing location within the system. The method also includes communicating an air supply to entrain the plurality of fibers with the air supply after the doffing. The method also includes controlling the air supply within a flow path between the lickerin and a collector. The method also includes collecting the plurality of fibers from the air supply on a collector to form the random fiber web.

Abstract: Methods and systems of forming a random fiber web using pneumatic fiber feeding system are disclosed. The method can optionally comprise: providing a plurality of moveable apparatuses including a lickerin and a feeder, the lickerin configured to remove a plurality of fibers from a fibrous mat delivered to adjacent the lickerin by the feeder; doffing the plurality of fibers from the lickerin at a doffing location within the system; communicating an air supply to entrain the plurality of fibers with the air supply after the doffing; and collecting the plurality of fibers from the air supply to form the random fiber web.

Abstract: Methods apparatuses and systems of forming a random fiber web using pneumatic fiber feeding system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method can optionally comprise: providing a plurality of moveable apparatuses including a lickerin and a feeder, the lickerin configured to remove a plurality of fibers from a fibrous mat delivered to adjacent the lickerin by the feeder; doffing the plurality of fibers from the lickerin at a doffing location within the system; communicating an air supply to entrain the plurality of fibers with the air supply after the doffing; and collecting the plurality of fibers from the air supply to form the random fiber web.

Abstract: A method of making a fluorinated fibrous web, which method includes providing a nonwoven web 22 that contains polymeric fibers, creating a plasma that contains fluorine atoms at a first location 14, and contacting the nonwoven web with products from the plasma at a second location 26 remote from the first location 14. The method avoids exposure of the web to the plasma and hence expands the manufacturing processing window. Webs so fluorinated have a different C3F4H+ to C2F5+ ratio when compared to locally fluorinated webs having similar levels of surface fluorination. The remote fluorinated webs can be subsequently charged electrically to provide a good performing electret filter 40 suitable for use in an air purifying respirator 30. Webs fluorinated in accordance with this invention also may exhibit good performance even after being “aged” at high temperatures.

Abstract: A method of making a fluorinated fibrous web, which method includes providing a nonwoven web 22 that contains polymeric fibers, creating a plasma that contains fluorine atoms at a first location 14, and contacting the nonwoven web with products from the plasma at a second location 26 remote from the first location 14. The method avoids exposure of the web to the plasma and hence expands the manufacturing processing window. Webs so fluorinated have a different C3F4H+ to C2F5+ ratio when compared to locally fluorinated webs having similar levels of surface fluorination. The remote fluorinated webs can be subsequently charged electrically to provide a good performing electret filter 40 suitable for use in an air purifying respirator 30. Webs fluorinated in accordance with this invention also may exhibit good performance even after being “aged” at high temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering a heated fluid. The apparatus includes at least a preheat zone, an expansion zone, and an expanded zone comprising a plurality of trim heaters, at least one fluid flow-distribution sheet, and an outlet. The apparatus may be used for delivering the heated fluid onto a moving fluid-permeable substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering a heated fluid. The apparatus includes at least a preheat zone, an expansion zone, and an expanded zone comprising a plurality of trim heaters, at least one fluid flow-distribution sheet, and an outlet. The apparatus may be used for delivering the heated fluid onto a moving fluid-permeable substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering a heated fluid. The apparatus includes at least a preheat zone, an expansion zone, and an expanded zone comprising a plurality of trim heaters, at least one fluid flow-distribution sheet, and an outlet. The apparatus may be used for delivering the heated fluid onto a moving fluid-permeable substrate.

Abstract: A method of making a fluorinated fibrous web, which method includes providing a nonwoven web 22 that contains polymeric fibers, creating a plasma that contains fluorine atoms at a first location 14, and contacting the nonwoven web with products from the plasma at a second location 26 remote from the first location 14. The method avoids exposure of the web to the plasma and hence expands the manufacturing processing window. Webs so fluorinated have a different C3F4H+ to C2F5+ ratio when compared to locally fluorinated webs having similar levels of surface fluorination. The remote fluorinated webs can be subsequently charged electrically to provide a good performing electret filter 40 suitable for use in an air purifying respirator 30. Webs fluorinated in accordance with this invention also may exhibit good performance even after being “aged” at high temperatures.

Abstract: A nozzle, die, apparatus, system and method for forming a fiber population having a median diameter less than one micrometer, and nonwoven fibrous webs including a population of such sub-micrometer fibers. The nozzle includes a first conduit having a first terminal end, a second conduit positioned coaxially around the first conduit and having a second terminal end proximate the first terminal end, wherein the first and second conduit form an annular channel between the first and second conduit, and additionally wherein the first terminal end extends axially outwardly beyond the second terminal end. The die includes at least one such nozzle, and the apparatus and system include at least one such die. Methods of making nonwoven fibrous webs including a population of sub-micrometer fibers, and articles including such nonwoven fibrous webs, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a fluorinated fibrous web, which method includes providing a nonwoven web 22 that contains polymeric fibers, creating a plasma that contains fluorine atoms at a first location 14, and contacting the nonwoven web with products from the plasma at a second location 26 remote from the first location 14. The method avoids exposure of the web to the plasma and hence expands the manufacturing processing window. Webs so fluorinated have a different C3F4H+ to C2F5+ ratio when compared to locally fluorinated webs having similar levels of surface fluorination. The remote fluorinated webs can be subsequently charged electrically to provide a good performing electret filter 40 suitable for use in an air purifying respirator 30. Webs fluorinated in accordance with this invention also may exhibit good performance even after being “aged” at high temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering a heated fluid. The apparatus includes at least a preheat zone, an expansion zone, and an expanded zone comprising a plurality of trim heaters, at least one fluid flow-distribution sheet, and an outlet. The apparatus may be used for delivering the heated fluid onto a moving fluid-permeable substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering a heated fluid. The apparatus includes at least a preheat zone, an expansion zone, and an expanded zone comprising a plurality of trim heaters, at least one fluid flow-distribution sheet, and an outlet. The apparatus may be used for delivering the heated fluid onto a moving fluid-permeable substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing meltblown webs includes a meltblowing die having a plurality of filament outlets, a collector for receiving filaments of polymeric material expelled from the filament outlets, and a first Coanda effect device positioned adjacent to the path of the filaments adjacent to the last filament outlet at an end of the meltblowing die. Methods of forming meltblown webs using such an apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nozzle, die, apparatus, system and method for forming a fiber population having a median diameter less than one micrometer, and nonwoven fibrous webs including a population of such sub-micrometer fibers. The nozzle includes a first conduit having a first terminal end, a second conduit positioned coaxially around the first conduit and having a second terminal end proximate the first terminal end, wherein the first and second conduit form an annular channel between the first and second conduit, and additionally wherein the first terminal end extends axially outwardly beyond the second terminal end. The die includes at least one such nozzle, and the apparatus and system include at least one such die. Methods of making nonwoven fibrous webs including a population of sub-micrometer fibers, and articles including such nonwoven fibrous webs, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed apparatus and methods for delivering a heated fluid. The apparatus comprises at least a preheat zone, an expansion zone, and an expanded zone comprising a plurality of trim heaters, at least one fluid flow-distribution sheet, and an outlet.