Patent ID: 7111366

Claim:
A machine for making a non-woven fibrous web, comprising: a. a succession of two or more web-forming groups; each of said groups comprising: i. a carding cylinder ( 1 A), in connection with at least two sets of workers ( 2 A) and strippers ( 3 A); ii. at least two cylinders being in conjunction with said carding cylinder, said cylinders space said groups apart, and are selected from randomizing cylinder ( 4 A 1 ), randomizing/doffer roll ( 4 A 2 ), cylinder ( 5 A), doffer rolls ( 4 A 3 ) ( 4 A 4 ); b. at least one feeding inlet unit in communication with said first web-forming group; and, c. at least one product outlet in communication with said final web-forming group where fully opened fibers are doffed and a finished web is formed; wherein a portion of said half-finished fibers and relatively minor portion of said fully opened carded fibers are doffed prior to said final web-forming group; and further wherein said half-finished fibers are collected from any of said groups prior to said final group.