Method and apparatus for producing composite structure

A method for producing a composite structure comprising a pattern of absorbent particulate polymer material, the method comprising the steps of:

• a—providing at least one essentially endless layer as a carrier layer;
• b—providing an essentially endless support means for the carrier layer;
• c—positioning the carrier layer over the support means;
• whereby the carrier layer is in contact with a contact surface of the support means, the speed of the carrier layer, contact surface of
• the carrier support means and a clustering means being essentially the same;
• d—providing a particulate material stream from a particle material supply means;
• e—directing the particulate material through perforations of a clustering means;
• g—combining the carrier layer and an auxiliary layer with the particulate material sandwiched there between;
• characterized in that,
• h—the clustering means guide the particulate material towards the carrier layer thereby creating a printing pattern of particulate material;
• I—the printing pattern being positioned by positioning means thereby forming a pocket pattern of particulate material on the carrier material;
• j—and in that the positioning means substantially evacuate by an airflow particulate material from inter-pocket pattern zones into the pocket pattern before joining the carrier layer and auxiliary layer to form a pattern of particulate material;
• wherein the clustering means is a rotating drum, and
• wherein the positioning means is mounted on or is unitary with the support means.