Abstract: A fabric support element for a papermaking machine has improved fluid drainage means, comprising openings which can include flow-through vents. The element can comprise an impingement shoe for a forming section of a papermaking machine. The openings can be defined by a plurality of laminar segments, at least some of which define a paper side surface of the element, and which segments can be spaced apart by additional laminar segments or other spacing means. Laminar segments for use in the element, a method of constructing the element, and a papermaking machine, or a forming section thereof, including the element are also provided.

Abstract: A process, and an apparatus, for improving sheet properties in a twin fabric paper making machine forming section whereby pressure pulse generation in the stock can be controlled. The pressure pulses are controlled by mounting a vacuum assisted skimmer blade (15) supported by an adjustable resilient support means (18) so that its height can be altered, and so that it can respond to transient changes in the stock layer thickness. The resilient and adjustable support means (18) itself is supported by a vacuum drainage box (10), which serves to capture at least the major proportion of the fluid skimmed of by the skimmer blade (15). This apparatus the position of the skimmer blade (15) to be altered in two ways without stopping the paper making machine. The skimmer blade (15) can be located either so that it is out of contact with the forming fabric (3), or so that it can be in contact with the forming fabric.

Abstract: An adjustable resilient blade support for use in the forming section of a papermaking machine. The blade support is adjustable, both to allow the attached blade to be moved from a position where it is out of contact to a position where it is pressed into contact with the adjacent forming fabric, and to permit adjustment of the blade orientation relative to the surface of the forming fabric. The blade support is also resilient, and thus allows the blade to respond to transient localized changes in the path of the forming fabric with which it is in contact. The adjustable resilient blade support of this invention is thus of use in an open surface forming section, and also is of use in forming sections in which two forming fabrics are used.

Abstract: A process, and an apparatus, for improving sheet properties in a twin fabric paper making machine forming section whereby pressure pulse generation in the stock can be controlled. The pressure pulses are controlled by mounting a vacuum assisted skimmer blade (15) supported by an adjustable resilient support means (18) so that its height can be altered, and so that it can respond to transient changes in the stock layer thickness. The resilient and adjustable support means (18) itself is supported by a vacuum drainage box (10), which serves to capture at least the major proportion of the fluid skimmed of by the skimmer blade (15). This apparatus the position of the skimmer blade (15) to be altered in two ways without stopping the paper making machine. The skimmer blade (15) can be located either so that it is out of contact with the forming fabric (3), or so that it can be in contact with the forming fabric.

Abstract: An adjustable resilient blade support for use in the forming section of a papermaking machine. The blade support is adjustable, both to allow the attached blade to be moved from a position where it is out of contact to a position where it is pressed into contact with the adjacent forming fabric, and to permit adjustment of the blade orientation relative to the surface of the forming fabric. The blade support is also resilient, and thus allows the blade to respond to transient localized changes in the path of the forming fabric with which it is in contact. The adjustable resilient blade support of this invention is thus of use in an open surface forming section, and also is of use in forming sections in which two forming fabrics are used.

Abstract: A fabric support element for a papermaking machine has improved fluid drainage means, comprising openings which can include flow-through vents. The element can comprise an impingement shoe for a forming section of a papermaking machine. The openings can be defined by a plurality of laminar segments, at least some of which define a paper side surface of the element, and which segments can be spaced apart by additional laminar segments or other spacing means. Laminar segments for use in the element, a method of constructing the element, and a papermaking machine, or a forming section thereof, including the element are also provided.

Abstract: A vented lead blade for use in a paper making machine located so that the stock jet impinges the forming fabric at, or near to, its trailing edge. The vented lead blade serves to bend the forming fabric before it enters the forming section, and to vent at least a substantial proportion of any air which becomes trapped in the wedge shaped space between the surface of the forming fabric and the surface of the stock jet, together with at least some of any liquid carried with the air. The vented lead blade of this invention thus enables the forming fabric to be positioned so that the angle of impingement of the stock jet onto the forming fabric can be minimized to become substantially zero. It also makes it possible to reduce the unsupported length of the stock jet. The vented lead blade of this invention can be used in both an open surface forming section with one forming fabric, or in the forming section of a two fabric paper making machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating turbulence in stock to deflocculate the stock in an open surface forming section of a paper making machine comprises a dewatering box providing vacuum assisted drainage and which has a set of dewatering elements that impart turbulence into relatively thick stock layers carried at machine operating speeds of equal up to about 400 m/min, for the production of paper products having a basis weight generally in excess of about 160 gsm. Each set of elements includes a lead-in element, at least one intermediate element, and a trailing element. The path of the forming fabric is deflected downwardly as it passes over the intermediate elements, which are inclined at an angle of from about 0.25.degree. to about 10.degree. from a plane defined by forming fabric supporting surfaces on the lead-in and riser elements. This vertical movement initiates turbulence and agitation in the stock, which acts both to deflocculate the stock and to diminish the possibility of sheet sealing.

Abstract: A paper making machine forming board is described wherein the rate of drainage of the stock through the forming fabric is curtailed and controlled by applying a low positive air pressure (above ambient atmospheric) to the machine side of the forming fabric. Additionally, a controlled level of agitation is induced in the stock on the forming board, providing better initial paper formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed whereby the rate of drainage of the stock on a Fourdrinier paper making machine can be controlled for the full length of an open surface forming section. A continuous sealed drainage box is used from adjacent the head box slice to the end of the forming section, within which the air pressure can be controlled. In the area adjacent the head box slice drainage is hindered by the use of a positive (above ambient atmospheric) pressure, while further along the forming section the pressure is decreased to a negative value (below ambient atmospheric). Improved paper formation and first pass retention are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the art of manufacturing glass fibers by the rotary process. A flow controller is located immediately downstream of the rotor means, stabilizing the fiber veil flow parameters. Mass addition to the boundary layer along the flow controller profile is employed to maintain the flow controller temperature and reduce the occurrence of fibers striking the controller.

Abstract: A fabric support element for a papermaking machine has improved fluid drainage means, comprising openings which can include flow-through vents. The element can comprise an impingement shoe for a forming section of a papermaking machine. The opening can be defined by a plurality of laminar segments, at least some of which define a paper side surface of the element, and which segments can be spaced apart by additional laminar segments or other spacing means. Laminar segments for use in the element, a method of constructing the element, and a papermaking machine, or a forming section thereof, including the element are also provided.