US4060360A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for dry forming a layer of fiber
Assignee: Karl Kroyer St Annes Ltd
•
Filing: 1976-04-20
•
Granted: 1977-11-29
•
Expires: 1996-04-20
Abstract
Abstract A distributor box for dry forming a layer of fiber on a forming surface spaced below it, wherein obturators, e.g. dependent flaps, are located around an air gap between the bottom of the box and the forming surface in pre-selected position to modify the lateral air flow induced into the air gap and so assist the formation of a layer with a uniform depth.
Inventors
- 👤 Frederick Tapp
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 03:20
CPC Classifications
D; D01; D01G; D01G25/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
Apparatus for drying forming a layer of fibre and comprising a distributor box having an inlet for fibres and a fixed perforated bottom wall, a foraminous forming surface which is spaced below the bottom wall, is movable past the distributor box and is arranged to receive the fibers through the bottom wall under the influence of suction exerted by a suction system connecting with the underside of the forming surface, wherein obturating means are disposed at an air gap between the bottom wall and the forming surface, which obturating means comprise a plurality of obturators positioned along the periphery of the air gap which are adjustable to provide variation in positions wherein laterally inward air flow through the periphery of the air gap is obstructed and positions wherein air openings are provided for laterally inward air flow through the periphery of the air gap.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
Apparatus for drying forming a layer of fibre and comprising a distributor box having an inlet for fibres and a fixed perforated bottom wall, a foraminous forming surface which is spaced below the bottom wall, is movable past the distributor box and is arranged to receive the fibers through the bottom wall under the influence of suction exerted by a suction system connecting with the underside of the forming surface, wherein obturating means are disposed at an air gap between the bottom wall and the forming surface, which obturating means comprise a plurality of obturators positioned along the periphery of the air gap which are adjustable to provide variation in positions wherein laterally inward air flow through the periphery of the air gap is obstructed and positions wherein air openings are provided for laterally inward air flow through the periphery of the air gap.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the obturators are selectively disposable along the periphery of the bottom of the distributor box.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the obturators are selectively disposable along the upstream and downstream peripheral portions of the bottom of the distributor box.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the obturators are flaps.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the flaps depend from pivot supports and are free to vibrate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein series of dependant flaps are pivotally supported on common rods mounted from upstream and downstream peripheral portions of the distributor box.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the flaps are dependant from pivot supports and are individually pivotable upwardly to an inoperative position when not required.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the obturators are provided by at least one skirt of flexible material which is interrupted at selected locations.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the obturators are separate rotatable rollers mounted on horizontal shafts.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-11-28 | 1981-05-30 | 1981-11-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-11-28 | 1985-05-30 | 1985-11-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-11-28 | 1989-05-30 | 1989-11-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |