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 shielding the tow, while de-registering, from contaminants.
1. A method for making an absorbent composite from a continuous tow comprising the steps of:
spreading a crimped tow;
de-registering the crimped tow;
shielding said tow, while de-registering, from contaminants;
shaping the de-registered tow; and
distributing a particulate onto the shaped tow.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein shielding said tow further comprises encasing the tow during de-registering.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein encasing the tow during de-registering comprises applying a positive pressure around the tow during de-registering.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the positive pressure being in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 psig.
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 spreading a crimped tow;
means for de-registering the crimped tow;
means for shielding said tow, while de-registering, from contaminants;
means for shaping the de-registered tow; and
means for distributing a particulate onto the shaped tow.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the means for shielding said tow further comprises means for encasing the tow during de-registering.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the means for encasing comprising devices selected from the group consisting of cabinets, curtains, air curtains, and wire cages.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the means for encasing comprising a cabinet.
11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the means for encasing the tow during de-registering comprises means for applying a positive pressure around the tow during de-registering.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the positive pressure being in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 psig.
13. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising means for shaping the de-registered tow to a substantially rectangular cross-section.
14. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising means for applying a liquid to the tow.