Patent ID: 6543106
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: D02G,D02J,D04H

Abstract:
A system for opening a multi-tow band and forming it into a predetermined shape suitable for use as an absorbent structure for personal care products, said system comprising:(a) a first arrangement for receiving a first tow from a tow bale having a predetermined denier units per filament, spreading the filaments in said first tow into a first tow band, and having an exit end for discharging said first tow band therefrom with a predetermined width; (b) a second arrangement for receiving a second tow from a tow bale having a predetermined denier units per filament which is different from the predetermined denier of said first tow, spreading the filaments in said second tow into a second tow band, and having an exit end for discharging said second tow band therefrom with a predetermined width; (c) an air jet opening apparatus that includes: (i) a housing; (ii) an inlet for simultaneously receiving said first and second tow bands as a multi-tow band with said first and second tow bands having been selectively combined and with one of said bands being disposed on top of the other band; (iii) an air jet for opening and controllably intermixing said multi-tow band; and (iv) an exit end for discharging said opened multi-tow band.