Abstract: A forming fabric for a papermaking machine woven according to a repeating pattern. The fabric includes a PS layer having a PS surface, with the PS layer including PS warps and first PS wefts, second PS wefts, and binder PS weft pairs interwoven in a first repeating pattern, and a MS layer having a MS surface, with the MS layer including interwoven MS warps and MS wefts. The binder PS weft pairs are interwoven with the PS warps and the MS warps to bind the PS and MS layers together. The first PS wefts have a larger diameter than the second PS wefts, the second PS wefts have a larger diameter than the binder PS weft pair, and in each repeat, the first PS wefts, the second PS wefts, and the binder PS wefts are inserted sequentially, preferably from large to small, forming a stair step topography.

Abstract: A papermaking machine having at least one of a dryer section or a press section configured to receive a web of material, at least one inductive energy generator, and first and second fabrics, which can be dryer or press fabrics, including induction heat susceptors. The first and second fabrics are supported for movement through the at least one of the dryer section or the press section and adapted to contact the web of material. The inductive energy generator is used to generate heat in the induction heat susceptors in order to heat a paper web being carried by the fabrics in order to remove moisture.

Abstract: A seamed press felt formed from a base fabric having a CD and an MD with opposing MD ends that are joined to form a continuous belt. MD oriented yarns form uniform loops at the opposing MD ends that are interdigitated to define a pintle channel extending across the CD width. CD oriented yarns are connected to the MD oriented yarns, in a woven or non-woven construction. Loop open spaces are located within the loops at the MD ends in a seam region, with the loop open spaces being between the last CD yarn at each MD end and the pintle channel. At least one CD monofilament support yarn is located in the loop open spaces at the MD ends. The at least one CD monofilament support yarn has a diameter that is at least 1.6 times a diameter of the CD oriented yarns.

Abstract: A woven fabric seam area is provided including a top surface and a bottom surface, with the woven fabric being formed of warp yarns interwoven with weft yarns in a repeating pattern, and either the warp yarns or the weft yarns are formed at least in part of a laser energy absorbent material. Within the fabric seam area yarns formed of laser energy transparent material can be bonded to yarns being formed at least in part of a laser energy absorbent material by laser welds in order to maintain or achieve a desired flexibility and/or shear resistance of the fabric. A method of forming such a fabric seam area is also provided.

Abstract: A seamed press felt formed from a base fabric having a CD width and an MD length with two opposing MD ends that are joined to form a continuous belt. MD oriented yarns form uniform loops at the two opposing MD ends that are interdigitated to define a pintle channel extending across the CD width. CD oriented yarns are connected to the MD oriented yarns, in a woven or non-woven construction. Loop open spaces are located within the loops on each of the two opposing MD ends in a seam region, with the loop open spaces being defined between a last one of the CD yarns at each of the two opposing MD ends and the pintle channel. At least one CD monofilament support yarn is located in the loop open spaces on each of the two opposing MD ends. The at least one CD monofilament support yarn has a diameter that is at least 1.6 times a diameter of the CD oriented yarns. A pintle extends through the pintle channel to form a seam.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pintle insertion tool is disclosed. The pintle insertion tool includes a housing, and a drive assembly supported by the housing. The drive assembly includes a controller connected to a power supply and configured to drive at least one motor. The drive assembly includes a first roller and a second roller defining at least a portion of a channel therebetween. The at least one motor is configured to rotate the first roller and the second roller in both a forward direction and a reverse direction. The channel is adapted to receive a pintle lead wire such that the pintle lead wire is driven by the first roller and the second roller through interdigitated seam loops on opposing ends of a textile sheet so that a pintle can be pushed into position to complete a seam.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pintle insertion tool is disclosed. The pintle insertion tool includes a housing, and a drive assembly supported by the housing. The drive assembly includes a controller connected to a power supply and configured to drive at least one motor. The drive assembly includes a first roller and a second roller defining at least a portion of a channel therebetween. The at least one motor is configured to rotate the first roller and the second roller in both a forward direction and a reverse direction. The channel is adapted to receive a pintle lead wire such that the pintle lead wire is driven by the first roller and the second roller through interdigitated seam loops on opposing ends of a textile sheet so that a pintle can be pushed into position to complete a seam.