Patent ID: 7757356

Claim:
A method of condensing a continuous strand of loosely assembled cotton fibers into a compressed state, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a continuous strand of loosely assembled cotton fibers having an original volume; (b) providing an airtight container adapted to collapse about the strand as a vacuum is applied thereto; (c) feeding the strand into the container; (d) compressing the strand in the container comprising the steps of: (i) moving a first portion of the container relative to a second portion of the container to compress the container and remove a first quantity of air from the container to cause the container to collapse and compress the strand therein; and (ii) subsequently removing a second quantity of air from the container by applying a vacuum to the interior of the container to further compress the container and the strand therein; and (e) sealing the container to maintain the container and the strand in the compressed state; wherein the strand is compressed by at least about 25% from its original volume.