US4264289A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for dry fiber forming
Assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
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Filing: 1979-02-21
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Granted: 1981-04-28
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Expires: 1999-02-21
Abstract
Abstract Distributor apparatus for the deposition of a uniform layer of dry fibers on a foraminous forming surface which includes a perforated wall having zones of different aperture sizes segmenting the wall into areas of greater and lesser fiber throughput. Also, means for detecting variations in the basis weight of a forming web and the provision of means to decrease the extent of the variations.
Inventors
- 👤 Winterton U. Day
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:30
CPC Classifications
D; D04; D04H; D04H1/00; D04H1/70; D04H1/72; D04H1/736
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
In a distributor apparatus for the deposition of a uniform layer of dry fibers having uniform basis weight on a foraminous forming surface member, wherein said distributor apparatus comprises: (a) housing means having a perforated bottom wall and impeller means mounted for rotation closely above and spaced from an upper surface of said perforated wall for urging fibers downwardly therethrough, (b) inlet means in said housing means for conveying a stream of gas-suspended fibers to said housing means, (c) said foraminous forming surface member being positioned so as to be movable longitudinally beneath said perforated bottom wall to receive fibers passing through said perforated bottom wall, and (d) vacuum means positioned beneath said foraminous forming surface member for inducing a flow of suspended fibers to said foraminous forming surface member, wherein, the improvement comprises a perforated bottom wall in said housing means having zones of different aperture sizes extending longitudinally in side by side relation segmenting the bottom wall into areas of greater and lesser fiber throughput.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
In a distributor apparatus for the deposition of a uniform layer of dry fibers having uniform basis weight on a foraminous forming surface member, wherein said distributor apparatus comprises: (a) housing means having a perforated bottom wall and impeller means mounted for rotation closely above and spaced from an upper surface of said perforated wall for urging fibers downwardly therethrough, (b) inlet means in said housing means for conveying a stream of gas-suspended fibers to said housing means, (c) said foraminous forming surface member being positioned so as to be movable longitudinally beneath said perforated bottom wall to receive fibers passing through said perforated bottom wall, and (d) vacuum means positioned beneath said foraminous forming surface member for inducing a flow of suspended fibers to said foraminous forming surface member, wherein, the improvement comprises a perforated bottom wall in said housing means having zones of different aperture sizes extending longitudinally in side by side relation segmenting the bottom wall into areas of greater and lesser fiber throughput.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
Distributor apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein said perforated bottom wall is a plane-surfaced bottom wall having zones of different aperture sizes extending longitudinally in side by side relation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
Distributor apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein said perforated bottom wall comprises a plan-surfaced bottom portion and upwardly curved side and end portions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
Distributor apparatus as claimed in claim 2 and in which the zones of different aperture sizes are of different widths.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
Distributor apparatus as claimed in claim 2 and in which the zones extending longitudinally in side by side relation include one zone of greater width than others of the zones.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
Distributor apparatus as claimed in claim 5 and in which the zone of greater width is centrally disposed and eccentric to a center-line of the bottom wall passing longitudinally through the bottom wall.
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) | 1984-04-27 | 1984-10-27 | 1985-04-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-04-27 | 1988-10-27 | 1989-04-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-04-27 | 1992-10-27 | 1993-04-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |