Patent ID: 7316552

Claim:
An apparatus for forming meltblown material from a molten polymer, said apparatus comprising: a die head configured with channels through which molten polymer is extruded for forming meltblown fibers, each said channel being aligned with each other said channel in only one orthogonal direction, said die head further comprising a generally V-shaped die tip defining outlets for said channels in an apex of said die tip, each said channel terminating in one said outlet at said apex of said die tip, the diameter of said apex at each said outlet being limited to the diameter of each said respective outlet; at least one pair of air plates disposed relative to said die tip to define air channels proximate to said die tip for directing attenuating air against the molten polymer fibers extruded from said outlets; at least one of said air channels further comprising a first zone of convergence at a first included angle, and a second zone of convergence adjacent said die tip apex at a second included angle that is less than said first included angle, wherein said second included angle is within a range of about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees such that said air channel defines a convergence angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said polymer channels of between about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees.