The invention is directed to method and apparatus for blending fibers. In
one aspect, the apparatus comprises blending apparatus for blending
fibers of different materials, at least one of which is absorbent, and
for conveying the blended fibers to a fiber collection station. A first
weighing apparatus weighs out a first quantity of first fibers at a first
weigh station. A second weighing apparatus weighs out a quantity of
second fibers at a second weigh station. The first and second quantities
of fibers are conveyed to a blend opener having a beater roll rotatable
in the blend opener. The beater roll opens and mixes the fibers. The
fibers are entrained in an air stream by a pneumatic conveyor system and
conveyed to a fine opener. The fine opener has a rotatable clothing roll
to further open and mix the fibers. The pneumatic conveyor system is
operable to separate fiber fines from longer fibers and to deliver the
longer fibers to said fine opener. The blended fibers can be used for
making pads, such as feminine protection pads.