Method and apparatus for making an absorbent composite
View Patent ↗A method and apparatus for making an absorbent composite from continuous tow is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes the steps of or means for spreading a crimped tow; de-registering the crimped tow; shaping the de-registered tow to a substantially rectangular cross-section; and distributing a particulate onto the shaped tow. The method and apparatus also include the step of or means for introducing a crimped tow from a bale, wherein the tow's travel through de-registering, shaping, and particulate distribution, defines a vertical plane and the bale is located off the vertical plane.
1. A method for making an absorbent composite from a continuous tow comprising the steps of:
introducing a crimped tow from a bale;
spreading the crimped tow;
de-registering the crimped tow;
shaping the de-registered tow; and
distributing a particulate onto the shaped tow,
wherein the tow's travel through de-registering, shaping, and distribution defining a vertical plane and the bale being located off the vertical plane.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein off the vertical plane being at any angle less than 90° from a line perpendicular to the vertical plane.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein off the vertical plane being at an angle of 90° from the vertical plane.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein off the vertical plane being spaced away from the vertical plane.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising shaping the de-registered tow to a substantially rectangular cross-section.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising applying a liquid to the tow.
7. An apparatus for making an absorbent composite from a continuous tow comprising:
means for introducing a crimped tow from a bale;
means for spreading the crimped tow;
means for de-registering the crimped tow;
means for shaping the de-registered tow; and
means for distributing a particulate onto the shaped tow,
wherein the tow's travel through de-registering, shaping, and distribution defining a vertical plane and the bale being located off the vertical plane.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein off the vertical plane being at any angle less than 90° from a line perpendicular to the vertical plane.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein off the vertical plane being at an angle of 90° from the vertical plane.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein off the vertical plane being spaced away from the vertical plane.
11. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising means for shaping the de-registered tow to a substantially rectangular cross-section.
12. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising means for applying a liquid to the tow.