Patent ID: 6103062
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: D21F

Abstract:
A method of forming a paper web comprising the steps of:providing an aqueous dispersion of papermaking fibers; providing a foraminous forming member;providing a first dewatering felt layer capable of receiving and containing water pressed from a web;providing a second dewatering felt layer capable of receiving and containing water pressed from a web;providing a web imprinting member;providing a foraminous backing member;providing a compression nip between first and second opposed compression surfaces;forming an embryonic web of the papermaking fibers on the foraminous forming member, the embryonic web having a first face and a second face;transferring the embryonic web from the foraminous forming member to the web imprinting member;deflecting a portion of the papermaking fibers in the embryonic web to form a non-monoplanar intermediate web of the papermaking fibers supported on the web imprinting member;positioning the first dewatering felt layer, the web, and the web imprinting member intermediate the second dewatering felt layer and the foraminous backing member in the compression nip, wherein the first dewatering felt layer is positioned adjacent the first face of the intermediate web, wherein the web imprinting member is positioned adjacent the second face of the intermediate web, and wherein the first dewatering felt layer is positioned intermediate the web and the foraminous backing member; andpressing the intermediate web in the compression nip to further deflect the papermaking fibers into the deflection conduit portion of the web imprinting member to form a molded web.