Patent ID: 6193839
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: D21F

Abstract:
A method of forming a fibrous web, the method comprising steps of:(a) providing an embryonic fibrous web disposed on an imprinting member having a web contacting face and a felt contacting face opposite to the web contacting face, the web contacting face comprising a web imprinting surface and a deflection conduit portion, wherein the embryonic fibrous web is disposed on the web contacting face of the imprinting member;(b) deflecting a first portion of the embryonic web into the deflection conduit portion, thereby forming an intermediate web, wherein a second portion of the intermediate web is associated with the web imprinting surface:(c) providing a first dewatering felt layer and a second dewatering felt layer;(d) providing a compression nip comprising a pair of mutually-opposed compression surfaces structured and configured to receive therebetween the first and second dewatering felt layers and the imprinting member having the intermediate fibrous web thereon;(e) directing said imprinting member having the intermediate fibrous web thereon and the first and second felt layers through said compression nip such that the imprinting member and the web associated therewith are interposed between the first and second dewatering felt layers, wherein the first dewatering felt layer is adjacent to the web, and the deflection conduit portion of the imprinting member is in flow communication with the second dewatering felt layer; and(f) pressing the imprinting member having the intermediate fibrous web disposed therein, and the first and second dewatering felt layers in the compression nip between said mutually-opposed compression surfaces, thereby further deflecting the first portion of the intermediate web into the deflection conduit portion and densifying the second portion of the intermediate web associated with the web imprinting surface.