Method of making an absorbent member
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsJames Jay Tanner, Victor Michael Gentile
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for making an absorbent member is disclosed. The method includes introducing fibers into an air stream to form an air-fiber mixture. This air-fiber mixture is then directed to a porous media having a first surface. The air-fiber mixture contacts the first surface and the fibers collect on the first surface and forms a fibrous mat. The air passes through the first surface and can be recovered and recycled, if desired. The air-fiber mixture is then terminated or diverted so that the fibrous mat can be removed from the first surface. The fibrous mat is wetted by water to obtain a desired moisture content. Finally, the wetted fibrous mat is compressed to a predetermined thickness to form an absorbent member, which has unique expansion properties.
Claims20
A method for making an absorbent member comprising the steps of:
- a) introducing fibers into an air stream to form an air-fiber mixture;
- b) directing said air-fiber mixture to a porous media having a first surface;
- c) collecting said fibers on said first surface to form a fibrous mat while allowing said air to pass through said first surface;
- d) terminating said air-fiber mixture and removing said fibrous mat from said first surface;
- e) wetting said fibrous mat with water to obtain a desired moisture content;
- and
- f) stressing said wetted fibrous mat to a predetermined thickness to form said absorbent member.
A method for making an absorbent member comprising the steps of:
- a) introducing fibers into an air stream to form an air-fiber mixture;
- b) directing said air-fiber mixture to a porous media having a moving first surface;
- c) collecting said fibers on said moving first surface to form a fibrous mat while allowing said air to pass through said moving first surface;
- d) removing said fibrous mat from said moving first surface;
- e) wetting said fibrous mat with water to obtain a desired moisture content;
- and
- f) stressing said wetted fibrous mat to a predetermined thickness to form said absorbent member.
A method for making an absorbent member comprising the steps of:
- a) introducing fibers into an air stream to form an air-fiber mixture;
- b) directing said air-fiber mixture onto a moving carrier sheet;
- c) depositing said fibers on said moving carrier sheet to form a fibrous mat;
- d) removing said fibrous mat from said moving carrier sheet;
- e) wetting said fibrous mat with water to obtain a desired moisture content;
- and
- f) stressing said wetted fibrous mat to a predetermined thickness to form said absorbent member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.