Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus for and methods of forming airlaid fibrous webs having a multiplicity of layers and/or discrete particles of absorbent gelling material dispersed through at least a portion of the web. The apparatus is of the type which includes a laydown drum having a foraminous forming element, a primary vacuum chamber, and a dusting layer vacuum chamber; a primary hood; and a dusting layer hood. The dusting layer of fibers formed on the laydown drum acts to block the passage of particles or fibers entrained in a first fiber stream which is airlaid over the dusting layer so as to minimize equipment plugging problems and the loss of particles or fibers through the foraminous forming element. The primary vacuum chamber of the laydown drum preferably spans the primary hood and a portion of the dusting layer hood so that the dusting layer is not sheared off, damaged, or destroyed as the laydown drum rotates to the position where the first fiber stream is deposited over the dusting layer.

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First Claim