Abstract: A method and a device to be used in the process of manufacturing plates, such as fibreboards or the like boards, where the raw material in form of bio-mass particles, such as wood fibres or the like, applied with a thermosetting binder is spread onto a forming belt to form a mat, and where said mat by means of a hot press is compressed into the desired thickness of the finished plate and the thermosetting binder is hardened. According to the inventing a system and corresponding method for manufacturing biomass-based products is provided that has enhanced efficiency due to the application of ultra sound.

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: The present invention provides a method of making a nonwoven web with desired fiber orientation, the method including the steps of providing a source of fibers, subjecting the fibers to an electrostatic charge, deflecting the fibers with a non-contacting deflecting device, collecting the fibers on a moving forming surface to form the nonwoven web. The invention also provides an apparatus for forming fibrous nonwoven webs, the apparatus comprising a source of fibers, a device for applying an electrostatic charge to the fibers, a non-contacting fiber deflecting device adapted to affect the fibers while the fibers are under the influence of the applied electrostatic charge, and a forming surface for collecting the fibers as a fibrous nonwoven web.

Abstract: A forming box for use in dry forming of a mat of fibrous material, and a forming method. The forming box comprises a housing with an open bottom providing direct access for fibers onto an underlying forming wire and a vacuum box underneath said forming wire; an inlet for supplying fiber material into the inside of the housing; and a number of fiber separating rollers in one or more rows in the housing between the fiber inlet and the housing bottom. An endless belt screen is provided inside the housing having an upper run between two rows of spike rollers and a lower run closer to the open bottom of the forming box. Fiber clumps captured on the lower run of the belt screen are conveyed above fiber separating rollers and are released from the upper run of the belt screen into contact with the fiber separating rollers.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a unit for manufacturing felts (6) which are formed from crosslinked mineral fibers, comprising at least one pair of conveyors formed by a lower conveyor (11) and an upper conveyor (12) which are placed opposite each other and intended to compress said felt (6) in at least one direction, a means (13) for heat treating the felt (6) after it has passed through the conveyors (11, 12) comprising at least one means (14) placed between the conveyors (11, 12) and the heat treatment means (13), intended to prevent decompression of the felt (6) in this region, said means comprising at least one cam (14) having a profile suitable for keeping a constant and minimum distance between the conveyors (11, 12) and the heat treatment means (13), and in that at least one of the conveyors is rigidly connected to one element of the heat treatment means (13).

Abstract: The apparatus for producing a nanofiber includes a supply unit (110) for supplying melted polymer for fiber material, a spinning unit (122) having several radiation nozzles (122) to which first voltage having a polar is applied to discharge the polymer solution supplied from the supply unit in a filament form, a collector (130) spaced apart form the spinning nozzles in order to pile the filament from the spinning unit and applied to second voltage having opposite polar to the first voltage, and a control unit (140) applied to the first voltage having the same polar as the charged filament and extended from an end of the spinning nozzle toward the collector at least at both sides of the spinning unit in order to prevent repulsion and dispersion of the filament stream radiated from each spinning nozzle.

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: A super absorbent distribution system for homogenous distribution throughout an absorbent core is disclosed. A super absorbent material is injected into a stream of absorbent fluff at an opposite direction to that of the stream of absorbent fluff. The super absorbent is blasted into the peak and outer surface of a cone shaped super absorbent barrier. The oncoming absorbent fluff also contends with a similarly shaped absorbent fluff barrier. The super absorbent material slows down as it hits the super absorbent barrier and oncoming fluff, then stops, then reverses direction and flows with the absorbent fluff as a homogenous distribution of super absorbent material and absorbent fluff. The combination of super absorbent material and absorbent fluff may encounter baffle members to further distribute the super absorbent material and absorbent fluff.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an absorbent member comprising feeding a superabsorbent polyer and pul fiber both in the form of a dispersion in an air stream, depositing the superabsorbent polymer and the pulp fiber in a recess by suction through a plurality of suction holes provided in the bottom of the recess and releasing the deposited aggregate from the recess. The bottom of the recess (50) has a first suction region having an open area ratio R1 of 40 to 80% and a second suction region having an open area ratio R2 of 2 to 20% with the ratio of R1 to R2 ranging from 70/30 to 99/1. The superabsorbent polymer and the pulp fiber are deposited on both the first and the second suction regions. The present invention also relates to an absorbent member comprising a superabsorbent polymer and pulp fiber.

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: An apparatus and method for forming tow-based absorbent structures having a single casing sheet are disclosed. The apparatus has a tow supply mechanism for providing tow material, a particulate matter supply mechanism for providing particulate matter, and a casing sheet supply mechanism for providing casing sheet material. The apparatus also has a vacuum draw roll having a foraminous center surface that has a width defined by a first edge and a second edge and is rotatable about a first axis. The vacuum draw roll is positioned to receive the tow material, the particulate matter and the casing sheet material to form a open core composite supply. The apparatus also has one or more angled surfaces positioned to create one or more obtuse angles in the open core composite supply, and one or more folders to further fold the one or more obtuse angles in the open core composite supply to form a folded core composite supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for scarfing a fibrous web includes a rotatable scarfing roll with vacuum ports and an air moving source in fluid communication with the vacuum ports. The rotatable scarfing roll has a core member which includes a plurality of scarfing elements connected thereto and vacuum ports located therein. A method for scarfing a fibrous web includes providing a rotatable scarfing roll with vacuum ports and reducing scarfing wind by applying vacuum to the vacuum ports. A method for producing absorbent articles includes providing a fibrous web, contacting the fibrous web with a rotatable scarfing roll with vacuum ports to remove a portion of the fibrous web, applying vacuum to the vacuum ports to reduce scarfing wind, and producing an absorbent article with the fibrous web.

Abstract: Methods and systems for applying crosslinking agent to a sheet of cellulose fibers are described. The method and system apply crosslinking agent to one or both sides of the sheet and results in a sheet having a high loading of crosslinking agent that is uniformly distributed within the sheet.

Abstract: A plant which serves to produce a nonwoven web of fibers out of a fibrous material, such a cellulose pulp. The plant comprises a hammer mill for defibrating the fibrous material and a forming head for forming a web of fibers on an endless forming wire, which, during operation, runs mainly horizontally, a first transport fan for transporting defibrated fiber to the forming head via a first air duct and a second transport fan to extract nits from the forming head via a second air duct. Furthermore, the plant comprises a separator, which is connected to the second air duct and arranged for separating the nits and the well-opened fiber, a third transport fan for returning the separated, well-opened fibers to the forming head, and a nits-opener for converting the separated nits into well-opened fiber. The separated nits are transported from the nits separator to the nits-opener by means of a fourth transport fan via a fourth air duct.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for preparing an absorbent core for use in absorbent garments is disclosed. The apparatus includes a funnel having a first end and a second end, the second end being narrower in diameter than the first end, and a nozzle having a straight section, a curved section, and a tip. The straight section of the nozzle is operatively associated with the second end of the funnel. The apparatus further includes a diverter plate operatively associated with the curved section of the nozzle. The invention provides a more uniform distribution of super absorbent particles within the fluff pulp used to make the absorbent core, thus improving performance of the absorbent core. An absorbent garment made using an absorbent core made with the apparatus of the invention also is disclosed. The absorbent garment provides better leakage protection than absorbent garments incorporating conventional absorbent cores.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a consolidated cellulosic article having first and second surfaces of a desired contour, a uniform density and variable caliper and basis weight are disclosed. The method and system employ a primary press having first and second similarly contoured platens to consolidate a mat of cellulosic material and a binding agent to a softboard having first level of density with first and second opposed sides of similar contour. A removal tool is then employed to remove cellulosic material from one or both of the first and second sides in a planar fashion. The resulting mat is then compressed a second time by a secondary press having first and second platens corresponding in shape to a higher density level while maintaining a substantially uniform caliper and basis weight.

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: 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: 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: A manufacturing method of an electret processed product, comprising the steps of allowing a section nozzle (22) to come into contact with a nonconductive fiber sheet (S) so as to cross in the lateral direction of the sheet while running the sheet, allowing the surface of the sheet on the opposite side of the contact portion to come into contact with or to immerse into a water surface, sucking water from the suction nozzle (22) so that the water can be passed through the sheet in the thickness direction of the sheet to penetrate the water into the nonconductive fiber sheet (S), and drying the nonconductive fiber sheet (S), whereby a high quality and high performance electret processed product can be manufactured at a low cost.

Abstract: A flexible graphite sheet exhibiting enhanced isotropy is provided. In addition, an apparatus, system and method for continuously producing a resin-impregnated flexible graphite sheet is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a web of continuous fibers having a melt extruder, an endless belt running in one direction and a guide box located between the extruder and the belt. The guide box has front and rear walls as viewed in the running direction of the belt, a pair of side walls extending between the front and rear walls and upper and lower end openings. The fibers extruded from the extruder enter the upper end opening by suction exerted in the vicinity of the lower end opening. The guide box is formed in the front wall and/or the rear wall with intermediate opening(s) serving to introduce the outside air into the guide box.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously forming composites comprising filler materials and thermoactive materials, particularly waste cellulosic materials and waste thermoplastics, are described. One embodiment of the apparatus includes either a batchwise or continuous mixer, such as a cyclone, for forming mixtures comprising filler and thermoactive material. The mixtures are conveyed to a continuous consolidation apparatus. Alternatively, the mixtures may be densified in a densifying apparatus before entering the consolidation apparatus. The consolidation apparatus includes a hot-gas distribution system having plural paired gas cells, such as rollers or hoods, for applying hot air to the charge. A first cell of each pair applies gas to the mixture. The second cell of each pair operates at a pressure less than that of the first cell, thereby creating a pressure differential across the charge.

Abstract: A former head for dry forming fibrous tissue in which a fiber material is mixed with air introduced to at least one rotating drum in a former head by injection. The drum is provided internally with means for fluidizing the injected fibers simultaneously, enabling higher production capacity and an increased distribution quality of the fibers. This former head has high capacity and an increased width, preferably over four meters, which avoids natural oscillations in the needle rollers as they are substituted by slotted air nozzles. The nozzles extend along a whole length of the drum and have adjustable nozzle lips to regulate the amount of air and direction of the air-flow blown through the perforations of the drum. Surprisingly, the capacity of the former head is markedly higher than conventional devices and distribution quality also is markedly better than by high-speed operation of traditional machines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a nonwoven fiber composite for the manufacture of filters in the tobacco industry, wherein the method feeds separated fiber materials to a fluidized bed and the separated filter material inside the fluidized bed are transported to a rod-forming device, essentially by a transport air flow flowing in the direction of the rod-forming device and the filter material is compiled on the rod-forming device prior to forming the compacted fiber filter elements.

Abstract: A former head allows processing of long fibers while achieving a carding action and a fibre distribution fulfilling high quality standards. The former head contains at least one needle roller. A mixture of air and fibers are injected above the horizontal plane of a center axis of the needle roller and directly onto a periphery of the needle roller. There may be a number of adjustable needle rollers. With a former head, where fibers and air are injected in a controlled and new way, it is possible to process longer fibers and maintain a high distribution quality. By using a number of adjustable needle rollers, the fibre material can go through a carding process during the distribution. This carding process is optimized by the needles injecting onto the periphery of the stationary needle roller as well as the subsequent contact with the adjustable needle rollers.

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: Method for forming an air laid fibrous web, wherein an air born fiber stream is laid on a web shaped forming member, such as a wire, and the air laid fibrous web is bonded together. The air laid fibrous web is fed between two web-shaped forming members and bonding of the fibrous web takes place either when this is located between the two web-shaped forming members or immediately after one forming member has left the fibrous web.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manufacturing a flexible sheet product having liquid absorbent qualities. The apparatus generally includes first and second competing vacuum systems pulling air in substantially opposite directions into first and second oppositely rotating screens, respectively. A molten polymer-based material, which is blown into the first and second competing vacuum systems, is pulled in substantially opposite directions onto the first and second oppositely rotating screens. The liquid polymer-based material fiberizes as it is being pulled apart by the competing vacuum systems creating a web of fibrous material which cures to develop the flexible sheet product having liquid absorbent qualities.

Abstract: A melt-blowing head for making polymeric material fibrils comprises at least a polymeric material inlet channel and melt-blowing die including a plurality of holes for extending fibrils therefrom and a tree-construction channel arrangement for distributing the polymeric material from the inlet channel to each hole of the melt-blowing die.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screen pipe to be used in dry forming of web material in order to distribute fiber material blown into the screen pipe through a jacket (2) of the pipe onto a wire arranged to move under the pipe. The fiber material provided inside the screen pipe is made to move for example by means of a spiked roll placed inside the pipe, so that the movement of the fiber material has both a radial and a tangential component with respect to the jacket (2) of the screen pipe. The jacket comprises on its inner surface profiled grooves (8) in the pipe's axial direction. The edge (8a) of the profiled groove is situated downstream with respect to the tangential component of the fiber flow. The upstream edge (8b) of the groove is positioned downstream with respect to the tangential component of the fiber flow. The bottoms of the profiled grooves comprise holes or slots (9) through which the fibers are discharged from the screen pipe.

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: A support for a web forming machine which allows for vertical adjustment of a web forming belt with respect to at least one die head positioned above the web forming belt, and allows for tilting of the web forming belt. The support allows linear motion along a y-axis defined by a length of a guide shaft while preventing linear motion along a x-axis and a z-axis, e.g. the two axes perpendicular to the y-axis. Further, the support allows rotational or axial motion about the x-axis perpendicular to the y-axis but prevents rotational or axial motion about the y-axis and the z-axis.

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 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: Forming station with a metering or dosing hopper, out of which flowable materials, especially chip and/or fiber-form materials are delivered to a spreading apparatus, by which a material fleece is spreadable onto a forming belt, characterized in that a compartmentalized chute (2, 51) is provided vertically and longitudinally in the transport flow between the dosing hopper (1) and the forming belt (4, 53), wherein the compartmentalized chute consists of plural guide plates (9, 39, 40, 41, 54, 56, 57) which are arranged next to one another in the transport direction (36) and which divide the transport flow into plural partial flows (38, 55, 56) in the transport direction (36, 62, 76).

Abstract: A spreading station for spreading chip or fiber panels, includes a dosing belt scale (2) to provided between a dosing hopper (1) and a spreading head (3). The dosing belt scale (2) is connected to a regulating unit (4, 22) with which the conveying rate (kg/s) of the chip or fiber material on the dosing belt scale (2) is gravimetrically regulatable based on a prescribed fleece weight or a prescribed nominal conveying rate that is to be achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plant used to form an air-laid web of fibers and a powder on a running endless forming wire that is air-permeable and operates mainly horizontally, wherein the plant includes a suction unit positioned under the forming wire; a forming head with a perforated base positioned above the forming wire; at least one fiber feed duct using air flow from the fiber source to feed the fiber into the forming head; and at least one powder feed duct to feed powder by means of air flow from the powder source into the forming head.

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 apparatus (20) for forming a fibrous web (50) includes a movable, foraminous forming surface (22) and a substantially stationary, vacuum-commutator duct system (24) which is located substantially subjacent the forming surface (22). The vacuum-commutator duct system (24) has an entrance opening (26) that changes in configuration along a longitudinal dimension (30) of the entrance opening (26).

Abstract: A forming receptacle and method for receiving particulate material thereon, and thereby fabricating particulate congregates for use as absorbent cores in personal care absorbent articles is disclosed. The forming receptacle can comprise sheet material defining bottom and side walls of the receptacle. The bottom and side wall have first and second major surfaces and a thickness. The forming receptacle also comprises an array of apertures connecting first and second major surfaces, and further comprises a matrix of sheet material between apertures defining outer perimeters of respective apertures. Respective aperture walls taper from the first major surface toward the second major surface. Aperture walls of adjacent apertures intersect the second major surface without intersecting each other. The array of apertures can be arranged in a series of parallel rows wherein spacing between apertures is substantially constant from row to row.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for scarfing a fibrous web (22) can include a scarfing housing (24) which has been provided with a web entrance portion (26), a web exit portion (28), a discharge conduit (30), and an air flow inlet (32, 54). A rotatable scarfing roll (34) can be located in the scarfing housing (24), and in a particular feature, the discharge conduit (30) can be configured with a distinctive conduit angle (36).

Abstract: Method for the production of binder-bound mineral wool products, in which mineral fibers are deposited on a production surface (13) to form a mineral wool web (12) and are compacted, and their relative positions are reoriented by mechanical action, for which purpose the web is guided on its large faces and at the same time forces, in particular upsetting forces, are introduced into the web in parallel with the large faces, the forces being introduced in introduction regions which are located next to one another transversely to the running direction in zones and in each case at a distance from one another and one behind the other in the running direction in longitudinal zones, and the introduction regions of adjacent longitudinal zones being arranged so as to be offset relative to one another, after which the binder is cured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus of polymer web by electrospinning process and manufacturing method thereof, which can manufacture porous polymer web using an electrospinning method. The method for manufacturing porous polymer web by electrospinning process includes the steps of: forming, pressurizing and supplying at least one or more kinds of polymer materials in a liquid state; and discharging and piling the polymer materials to a collector through one or more charged nozzles, the collector being located under the nozzles and charged to have a polarity opposed to the polarity of the charged nozzles, the collector moving in a prescribed speed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manufacturing a flexible sheet product having liquid absorbent qualities. The apparatus generally includes first and second competing vacuum systems pulling air in substantially opposite directions into first and second moving screens, respectively. A molten polymer-based material, which is blown into the first and second competing vacuum systems, is pulled in substantially opposite directions onto the first and second moving screens. The liquid polymer-based material fiberizes as it is being pulled apart by the competing vacuum systems creating a web of fibrous material which cures to develop the flexible sheet product having liquid absorbent qualities.

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: In a process and apparatus for making a reinforced fibrous absorbent member, fibrous material is collected on a forming surface to at least partially form the absorbent member. Fibrous material is entangled with a reinforcing web which is overlaid on at least a portion of the partially formed absorbent member. Additional fibrous material is collected on the forming surface to further form the absorbent member whereby at least a portion of the fibrous material forming the absorbent member becomes entangled with at least one of the reinforcing web and the fibrous material entangled with the reinforcing web to secure the reinforcing web within the absorbent member.