James W Post

US Patent:

47012943, Oct 20, 1987

Filed:

Jan 13, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/818568

Inventors:

Fred R. Radwanski - Norcross GA
Jark C. Lau - Roswell GA
James L. Post - Appleton WI

Assignee:

Kimberly-Clark Corporation - Neenah WI

International Classification:

B29C 4322

US Classification:

264518

Abstract:

The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for forming a fibrous web. In accordance with the invention, a distributor housing delimits a fiberizing zone, and a delivery mechanism supplies a fiberizable material into the fiberizing zone. A moveable striking mechanism located in the fiberizing zone contacts the fiberizable material to initially separate the material into individual fibers. A discharging mechanism exits the fibers from the fiberizing zone into a web forming zone and toward a foraminous web forming layer. A gas delivering mechanism forces a stream of gas into the fiberizing zone to entrain the fibers therein and to eject a moving stream of the gas and fibers through the discharging mechanism into the web forming zone. The gas-fiber stream moves at a velocity sufficient to draw an induced supplementary gas flow past the discharging mechanism and toward the foraminous forming layer. A steering mechanism located in the web forming zone selectively guides the induced supplemental gas flow to direct the fibers toward selected areas of the foraminous forming layer.