Machine systems and methods for making random fiber webs

A method of forming a random fiber web using a pneumatic fiber feeding system, the method comprising:

• 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 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;
• controlling the air supply within a flow path between the lickerin and a collector, wherein the controlling comprises providing a rotatable doffing bar, the rotatable doffing bar extending, from a pivot point adjacent the lickerin, for a portion of a distance between the lickerin and the collector, wherein controlling comprises allowing an ambient air from outside the pneumatic fiber feeding system to pass into the flow path;
• and
• collecting the plurality of fibers from the air supply on the collector to form the random fiber web.