Electric Controls Or Systems Patents (Class 162/262)
  • Publication number: 20020007927
    Abstract: A method and an equipment for regulation of the initial part of the dryer section in a paper machine. Moisture is removed from the paper web in the press section (10) and the paper web is dried in the dryer section (R). The paper web is dried against heated faces of drying cylinders (20). The surface temperatures of the first drying cylinders (20) in the dryer section (R) are measured. The dry solids content/moisture content of the paper web (W) and the temperature of the paper web (W) before said first drying cylinders (20) are measured. In view of producing the desired running situation, based on the measurement results obtained, the surface temperatures of said first drying cylinders (20) and/or the dry solids content/moisture content and/or the temperature of the paper web (W) before said first drying cylinders (20) is/are regulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Harri Vahatalo, Juha Kaihovirta, Juha Lipponen, Taisto Huhtelin
  • Patent number: 6290816
    Abstract: A paper machine for making a fiber web includes an approach flow system with a plurality of control modules. Each control module controls one of a plurality of adjustable input parameters. A wet end receives a fiber suspension from the approach flow system, and includes a headbox which discharges a fiber suspension with a known cross sectional profile onto a wire. A press section, forming section and drying section are used to press form and dry the fiber web, respectively. A plurality of sensors are respectively positioned in association with the approach flow system, wet end, press section, forming section and/or drying section. Each sensor is configured to sense a physical characteristic of the fiber suspension or fiber web and provide an output signal indicative thereof. A chemistry process controller is coupled with each sensor and each control module within the approach flow system to define a closed loop control system. The chemistry process controller controls operation of each control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Publication number: 20010020523
    Abstract: In a method for the production and converting of paper, paper-specific information determined during paper production is transmitted to and considered during the respective converting process to thereby optimize at least one converting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Ulrich Begemann, Alfred Schauz
  • Patent number: 6280573
    Abstract: Pressurized web treatment systems include a moving web that passes through a pressurized treatment chamber having a sealing assembly with a leakage control system. Leakage control is achieved by the cooperative effect of localized leak detectors and leak reduction means that applies a local sealing force on the seal assembly responsive to a signal from the leak detectors such that increased sealing occurs in the vicinity of the leak. In particular, an air press for paper web dewatering has improved efficiency by virtue of the leakage control system, which features local leak detectors and local force generation means associated with a flexible seal assembly to reduce leakage at the edges of the stationary plenum of the air press. Local leak detection can be based on sonic measurement with microphones, detection of escaping tracer gas, optical signals, and other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, Michael Alan Hermans, Frank Stephen Hada
  • Patent number: 6270628
    Abstract: A method for detecting contamination on or damage to a web-contacting face in a paper machine or a paper finishing machine, including the steps of detecting vibrations of the web-contacting face over a period of time by means of a plurality of detectors arranged in association with the machine and determining the location of the contamination on or damage to the web-contacting face based on the time the vibrations were detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Eero Suomi, Tapio Mäenp{umlaut over (aa)}, Arto Karjalainen
  • Patent number: 6264792
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing calendered paper by an on-line manufacturing system comprising at least a paper machine and a multi-nip calender. The method comprises following steps: removing water from a formed paper web by pressing, drying the pressed paper web by at least one dryer, calendering the dried web by the multi-nip calender, measuring a cross-machine moisture profile or a variable relative thereto, and altering the moisture of the web so that the moisture profile of the web in the cross-direction is even when the web enters the first nip of the calender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Harri Kuosa, Markku Kyytsönen, Juhani Partanen, Kari Sipi, Eero Suomi, Antti Heikkinen, Mikko Tani, Juha Lipponen, Mika Tammenoja, Kari Juppi
  • Patent number: 6254730
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel impact angle changing shower for spraying a fluid upon a moving belt surface while the belt travels at a selected belt velocity. The shower includes nozzles journaled to rotation about an axis in a plane normal to the belt surface and transverse to the belt direction. The nozzles are continuously supplied with pressurized fluid and direct a fluid stream at a selected nozzle velocity and nozzle angle relative to the plane. The orientation of the nozzles is selected to optimize the desired function namely, to clean the belt surface without damaging the belt fabric or felt, or to penetrate the belt to increase fluid absorption by the belt. The fluid stream nozzle velocity can be decomposed using vector mathematics into two vector components: a belt velocity vector component parallel to the belt direction; and a belt impact velocity vector oriented at an impact angle defined relative to the normal transverse plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: James Ross Limited
    Inventor: Jacek J. Macierewicz
  • Patent number: 6248215
    Abstract: Calender and method for treating a material web. The calender includes a plurality of rolls in which each roll has a rotational axis. The rotational axes of the plurality of rolls are arranged to be substantially located in a press plane, and a plurality of nips are formed between adjacent rolls. A control device is provided to selectively open and close the plurality of nips, and the rolls are arranged so that at least two opened nips are positioned between two closed nips. The method includes forming a closed nip with the top roll, forming a closed nip with the bottom roll, forming at least two open nips between closed nips, and guiding the material web through at least the closed nips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Finishing GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Cramer, Ulrich Wagner
  • Patent number: 6238522
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring thickness of a fiber material during manufacture of the fiber material, especially paper in a paper-making machine, comprises a gamma radiation transceiver in communication with a processing/control system. The gamma radiation transceiver is placed at a points along the production path of the web of paper being produced and liberates gamma radiation towards the fiber material. Backscatter of gamma radiation is received by the gamma transceiver also which generates corresponding signals that are received by the processing/control system. The processing/control system processes the signals to determine a thickness profile along a cross-section of the web. The processing/control system may be in communication with or considered a subset of a main processing/control system for the paper-making machine. A gamma radiation shield may be used with the gamma transceiver and is mounted on the side of the paper web opposite the gamma transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Patent number: 6231722
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a separation process of a web in a paper machine in which the web is separated from a roll and passed into a free draw, which is preferably the first free draw of the web in the paper machine. A separation point of the web from the roll and a difference in speed of the web across the separation point, i.e., the draw difference, are measured. Cause-to-effect ratios in the separation process are established, e.g., in a data collecting system or analysis system, based on the measurements of the separation point and the speed difference. At least one additional process or running parameter of the paper machine is measured and the measurements of the separation point and the speed difference are compared with the additional process or running parameter(s) to thereby determine the manner in which the separation process of the web is affected by the additional process or running parameter(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Juhani Vestola
  • Patent number: 6228222
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of a material web and a press arrangement with a plurality of press gaps. A roll has a flexible press jacket supported from an inside, and forms a respective press gap with each of at least two further driven rolls. The drive power, or speed of one of the driven rolls, is regulated in accordance with a predetermined desired value, to ensure a common speed of the driven roll. A maximum line force and/or drive power of a front press gap, considered in a web running direction, is controlled and/or regulated, at least within a certain range, in accordance with a maximum line force, or drive power, of a rear press gap, considered in the web running direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Meschenmoser, Karl Steiner, Andreas Zierhut
  • Patent number: 6217710
    Abstract: The invention refers to a process for regulating a screw press, particularly for dewatering a pulp suspension. It is mainly characterized by the speed being varied as a function of the torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Manfred Scherz, Walter Cadek
  • Patent number: 6207017
    Abstract: A method for determining the effect of an adjustment of actuators used in the manufacture of web of material which are arranged spatially over the width of the web and influence the properties of the web of material, the method being characterized by the fact that, upon the adjustment of one actuator, a prediction as to the effect of the adjustment of the actuator which is derived from detection values on the behavior of the cross section of the property of the web upon the change of actuators is made; that at least one cross section of a property of the web is measured before and after the adjustment of the actuators; that the prediction as to the effect of the actuator adjustments is compared with the measured effect; and that the existing detection values are modified until better agreement is obtained between predicted effect and measured effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Münch, Wolfgang Griech, Ulrich Mailänder
  • Patent number: 6200426
    Abstract: A paper-making machine or an off-line coater includes a rotatable drive unit and a rotatable driven element in the form of a roll, cylinder, pulley and/or gear. A clutch includes a rotatable input shaft coupled with the rotatable drive unit. At least one drive rotor is connected with the input shaft, and includes a plurality of magnetic coils. Each magnetic coil includes a coil winding. At least one driven rotor is positioned axially adjacent to at least one of the drive rotors. Each drive rotor includes a plurality of angularly spaced electrical conductors which are positioned adjacent to at least one of the drive rotors. A rotatable output shaft is coupled with the driven rotor and the rotatable driven element. A source of modulated direct current power is coupled with each of the magnetic coils, whereby a magnetic flux generated by the drive rotor and a coupling force between the drive rotor and the driven rotor can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Patent number: 6187146
    Abstract: A mounting system for removably mounting a sensor array adjacent the wire of a papermaking machine. The mounting system comprises an elongate base member formed with a tongue or groove with a corresponding interlocking groove or tongue formed on the sensor array adapted to be slidably received and retained by the elongate base member. The tongue and groove are dimensioned to permit relative movement of the sensor array with respect to the base member. An inflatable bladder is housed between the elongate base member and the sensor array and the bladder is adapted to be inflated to move the tongue and groove into a locked position to fix the position of the sensor array with respect to the elongate base member. This arrangement allows for easy and efficient removal of the sensor array when the bladder is unpressurized while providing reliable clamping when the bladder is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell Measurex Devron Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Congdon, Mark A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6086716
    Abstract: System and method for producing paper are provided. The system controls formation of wet stock comprising fibers on a moving water permeable wire of a de-watering machine that has means for supplying the amount of pulp from at least one source, means for adding an amount of non-fibrous additives to the wet stock, a refiner that is subject to a variable load and a headbox having at least one slice, wherein each slice has an aperture through which wet stock is discharged onto the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: John David Watson, Claud Hagart-Alexander, John D. Goss, John G. Preston, Hung-Tzaw Hu, Laslo Dudas
  • Patent number: 6080278
    Abstract: A system and method of providing fast machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD) basis weight adjustments using a simultaneous multi-point water weight sensor which provides independent MD and CD measurements is described. The water weight sensor is placed under the wire of the sheetmaking machine and provides fast wet end water weight measurements which are converted into predicted dry end basis weight information and used to control operating variables of machine elements in the sheetmaking machine to compensate for high frequency process variations. MD wet end measurements are used to control operating variables of machine elements that influence the MD dry end basis weight and CD wet end measurements are used to control operating variables of machine elements that influence CD dry end basis weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: E. Michael Heaven, Claud Hagart-Alexander, Lee Chase, John D. Goss, David Watson
  • Patent number: 5928475
    Abstract: A system and method that combine an array of fast under wire water weigh sensors with a scanning system provides an accurate measurement of the entire sheet down to 1 in. by 1 in. resolution. Because CD profiles are obtained instantaneously, MD and CD variations are completely decoupled, even if CD profiles are taken at longer intervals apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex, Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Chase, John D. Goss, Graham V. Walford, John Preston
  • Patent number: 5891306
    Abstract: A system and method of producing a paper product from a wetstock solution using a sensor for sensing resistive impedance changes of the wetstock on the support web of the system. The resistive impedance changes are used to measure physical characteristics such as water weight of the wetstock on the support web of a sheetmaking system. The system includes a fixed impedance element coupled in series with a sensor portion between an input signal and ground. The sensor portion is an electrode configuration which includes at least two electrodes with a portion of the wetstock residing between and in close proximity to the electrodes. The sensor exhibits a variable impedance resulting from changes in the physical characteristics of the wetstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Chase, John Goss, Graham V. Walford
  • Patent number: 5879513
    Abstract: Procedure for the drainage of the wire and/or press section of a paper machine, in which procedure at least one suction pipe (1) is provided with at least one gap (2) and the suction pipe (1) is connected to a vacuum device (4) to develop a vacuum at least in this vacuum pipe, and in which procedure a felt, wire or equivalent (3) is moved over the gap of the suction pipe, water being thus drained from the felt, wire or equivalent. In the procedure, the vacuum capacity is adjusted by measuring and/or adjusting at least the amount of water drained from the suction pipe (1) and, on the basis of the measured data, adjusting the vacuum capacity by means of regulating devices (11, 12). The invention also relates to an apparatus for adjusting the vacuum capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ecopump Oy
    Inventor: Juha Karvinen
  • Patent number: 5841671
    Abstract: Apparatus for the operation of a plant for producing deinked pulp with state analysers constructed in the form of neural networks for the waste paper suspension.At least one measuring device (ME) records spectral and/or physical characteristic values (IMf, Mp) of a waste paper suspension (PS). Furthermore, there are closed-loop or open-loop control devices (RS1 . . . RS8) for operating means of a waste paper preparation (AAA) in the plant. According to the invention, there is at least one state analyser (ZA), configured in the form of a neural network (NNg) or a plurality of parallel neural networks (NN1 . . . NN4), for the waste paper suspension (PS). This analyser forms from the characteristic values (IMf, Mp) controlled variables (ST: AB, AZ, FL, AA, AS, AT) for process control of the closed-loop or open-loop control devices (RS1 . . . RS8) of operating means at least of the waste paper preparation (AAA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Herbert Furumoto
  • Patent number: 5783042
    Abstract: A method and system of measuring deflected doctor blade angle and loading force of an arrangement including a doctor apparatus operating in connection with a rotating cylinder, the apparatus having a doctor blade and a support member which pivots about at least one pivot point in response to an externally applied force for applying the doctor blade to a contact point on the cylinder. The arrangement corresponds to a kinematic model of linkages including a first link defined between the at least one pivot point and the contact point, a second link defined between the contact point and the center of the cylinder, and a third link defined between the center of the cylinder and the at least one pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Thermo Web Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Leeman, Steven J. Coleman, David J. Dziadzio, William K. Giguere, Ronald F. Goodnow
  • Patent number: 5685955
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a longitudinally traveling web of material using a sheet treating device positioned in a transverse direction relative to the web. The sheet treating device having a plurality of individually controllable zones for controlling a target parameter of the web, for example, the thickness, bulk, dampness, smoothness or sheen of the web. In conjunction with the sheetmaking device, a measuring instrument for measuring an actual value of the target parameter is placed downstream of the sheet treating device. An actual profile that is determined by the actual values is compared with a desired profile, and the zones of the sheet treating device are adjusted such that the discrepancies between the two profiles are minimized. To improve the matching of the actual profile to the desired profile even further, the web and/or the sheet treating device are shifted relative to the other in the transverse direction to minimize the discrepancies between the two profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Finishing GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Leigraf, Hans-Rolf Conrad
  • Patent number: 5679900
    Abstract: A vibration detecting and condition monitoring system for the press section, including felts, rollers and presses, employing a feature extracting circuit having a selectable plurality of Bessel type bandpass filters and an enveloping circuit to square the bandpassed signal output prior to FFT analysis of the signal. The system enables the enhancement and detection of highly impulsive signals in the frequency domain, that are indicative of defects in machinery operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: SKF Condition Monitoring
    Inventor: Adrianus Josephus Smulders
  • Patent number: 5622602
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the degree of fiber variations in paper sheet has a formation meter for receiving an image of transmitted light on one side of an area of paper from a light source located on the other side of the area of paper, an image processing computing element for introducing the image from said formation meter for image processing and a fuzzy control unit for calculating and outputting optimum J/W ratio, optimum foil angle, and optimum deflector pushing degree and angle on the basis of results of image processing from said image processing computing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Yakabe, Satoshi Suzuki, Sadao Degawa, Shigeki Murayama, Koichi Ishibashi, Ikuo Nakashima, Koji Sakai
  • Patent number: 5587051
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the de-watering performance of a forming section of a papermaking machine is disclosed which includes a laser instrument having a laser displacement meter laterally spaced and supported above an upper run of a paper forming fabric having a paper stock deposited thereon. A head box deposits paper stock consisting of a water/fiber mixture on top of the upper run. An adjustable C-shaped carrier stand has an upper leg that supports the laser instrument above the upper run of the forming fabric. The carrier stand has a lower leg to support a baseline contact device below the upper run of the forming fabric. The laser displacement meter is disposed at a laser reference position above the forming fabric so that a laser beam is reflected off of the paper stock which is deposited on top of the forming fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventors: Volker Ostermayer, Thomas B. Fleischer
  • Patent number: 5560808
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a roll shake connected to a roll in a paper-making machine, wherein the roll is movable in a direction generally parallel to an axis of the roll. A first hydraulic ram assembly, including a first cylinder and a first ram reciprocally disposed in the first cylinder, is attached to the roll. A second hydraulic ram assembly, including a second cylinder and a second ram reciprocally disposed in the second cylinder, is rigidly connected to the first cylinder. A counter mass is connected to the second ram, and is movable in a direction generally parallel to the roll axis. A controller is connected to the first hydraulic ram assembly and the second hydraulic ram assembly. The controller independently controls reciprocating movements of the first ram and the second ram within the first cylinder and the second cylinder, respectively, whereby a resultant momentum of the roll and the counter mass is approximately equal to zero at any point in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Patent number: 5539634
    Abstract: In a continuous sheetmaking process, a synthetic measurement is constructed having a higher signal-to-noise ratio than that of each original measurement in situations where more than one (redundant) measurements are available. The input-output dynamic characteristics of each measurement are assumed to be identical except for a gain factor. Using the synthetic measurement, system parameters can be identified in less time with fewer input disturbances. The invention is especially advantageous for application to processes that are expensive to disturb and in which the noise amplitude is high compared to the permissible amplitude of the put disturbance. The signal-to-noise enhanced time-series response measurement may be produced by selecting a time series response measurement that exhibits a greatest magnitude. Alternatively, it may be produced by averaging in the cross-direction a plurality of time series response measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventor: George X. He
  • Patent number: 5512137
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting impurities in raw pulp slurry at high precision using samples on-line. The pulp slurry is passed through a flat mesh wire to accumulate pulp fiber on the wire surface and prepare a wet mat, after which the surface of the wet mat is detected by a CCD camera in a catoptric system while pressed against a flat transparent plate, and the image is processed to measure the area of impurities per unit area of the wet mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasubumi Shimizu, Shozo Morinaga
  • Patent number: 5512139
    Abstract: A doctor cooperates with the peripheral surface of a Yankee dryer for peeling the tissue away from the peripheral surface such that when the tissue is peeled from the surface, a series of microfolds are generated in the resultant tissue. An adjusting mechanism is connected to the doctor for adjusting an angle defined between the doctor and the peripheral surface. The arrangement is such that when the angle is adjusted, the physical dimensions of the microfolds change. A sensor is disposed downstream relative to the doctor for sensing the physical dimensions of the microfolds. A control circuit is electrically connected to the sensor and responsive to the sensor. The control circuit is electrically connected to the adjusting mechanism for varying the angle of the doctor so that the physical dimensions of the microfolds are optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Worcester
  • Patent number: 5472571
    Abstract: The system effects an automatic observation of the dry line on wire of the Fourdrinier paper machine and the control actions based on it. In order to produce an image of the dry line range on wire this is illuminated by means of a large, diffusely illuminating surface (20) of even luminosity. The material on moving wire (10) is imaged by an optoelectric camera (40) on a detector whereby the pulp surface preceding the dry line and being specularly reflecting is found homogeneous and bright while the web surface following it and being diffusely reflecting is found homogeneous but matter and darker. The electric image signal delivered by the detector is conducted to a computer (50) in which the dry line is identified as the borderline of said surfaces of different brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignees: Antti Johannes Niemi, Ulla Ritta Anneli Niemi
    Inventor: Antti J. Niemi
  • Patent number: 5403447
    Abstract: System in a press section of a paper machine for monitoring and control of the running of the press felts (10,20,30). The press felts (10,20,30) are guided by means of rolls (13,14,15; 23,24,25; 33,34, 35), whose axial directions are altered by means of an actuator (18a, 18b) so as to control the running of the press felts (10,20,30). The system includes detector devices (16,26,36), by whose means the alignment stripe (K) on the felt or felts (10,20,30) is detected, as well as oscillation detectors (17,27,37), by whose means oscillations of the press rolls (10, 20,30) are detected. Into the computer part (50) included in the system, the monitoring signals (a,b) are fed from said detectors (16,26,36, 17,27,37). The computer (50) analyzes the detector data in order to detect any felt-induced oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery Inc.
    Inventors: Jarmo Jarvinen, Kyosti Kuukkanen, Pekka Liukkonen, Jari Tiainen
  • Patent number: 5400247
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) system, such as a sheetmaking system, including identifying a decoupling gain matrix by comparing an actuator control vector against a measured output vector and processing an error vector to update the decoupling gain matrix. The dynamic components of one dynamic mode in the system are separated from that of other dynamic modes such that the input-output characteristic of the process may be treated as independent channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: George X. He
  • Patent number: 5381341
    Abstract: A control system regulating the transverse profile of properties of a web in a paper or board machine is disclosed. The control system comprises a plurality of actuators and a corresponding plurality of actuator controllers. The actuators are arranged to be effective across the width of the web whose profile is to be regulated. Further included is a process controller and a feedback network connected to the process controller and provided with an arrangement for measuring the web profile to be regulated. The actuators are provided with intelligent actuator controllers. A data bus common to the actuator controllers is provided, along which occur data communications in a control hierarchy between a higher control device and said actuator controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery Incorporated
    Inventors: Juha Herrala, Jouko Hytonen, Jarmo Jarvinen, Markku Salmela, Harri Vahatalo
  • Patent number: 5298123
    Abstract: A measuring and indicating apparatus for the position of a headbox profile bar relative to a measuring reference as an electrical signal emitter and an indicating device. Disposed in a measuring housing are the stationary part, e.g., a measuring coil, of the electrical signal emitter and a measuring element which is movable along a longitudinal axis. The indicating device comprises an indicator housing and a probe element which is movable along a longitudinal axis. The measuring housing of the electrical signal emitter has in the area of its longitudinal axis two connecting fixtures for a rigid, but adjustable connection each, for one to the indicator housing, and for another, to the measuring reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: J.M. Voith GmbH
    Inventor: Richard van den Woldenberg
  • Patent number: 5289766
    Abstract: Apparatus for cooling the end portions of a calender roll which has an elastic layer adjacent its peripheral surface and wherein the central portion of the peripheral surface is overlapped by a running web of paper or other material when the calender is in use. The width of the non-overlapped portions of the peripheral surface of the roll varies when a web having a first width is followed by a web having a different second width. This could lead to damage to the roll at the non-overlapped portions of the peripheral surface as a result of overheating by an adjacent rotary component of the calender. The end portions of the roll are cooled by discrete adjustable cooling devices which are movable along the respective non-overlapped portions of the peripheral surface in parallelism with the axis of the roll and each of which shares movements with a monitoring device which is to be maintained in a selected position relative to the adjacent marginal portion of a running web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Kleinewefers GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Rolf Conrad, Jurgen Baumeister
  • Patent number: 5286348
    Abstract: A web rewet moisture actuator in which a plurality of air atomizing nozzles at spaced locations along a boom extending across the web are supplied with air under pressure by an air manifold on the boom and are supplied with water from a water manifold on the boom through respective proportional valve assemblies which permit flows therethrough in proportion to the magnitudes of control signals applied to the assemblies. A unit located downstream of the boom obtains a moisture profile across the web from which location and control signals are derived and fed to the valve assemblies to control the liquid flow through the valve assemblies in proportion to the magnitudes of the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Valmet Automation (Canada) Ltd.
    Inventor: Didier J. Perin
  • Patent number: 5271807
    Abstract: A headbox includes a nozzle type stock channel with an outlet gap. The nozzle type stock channel is defined by two flow guide walls. Arranged on the discharge end of the upper flow guide wall is a movable aperture to which attach numerous adjustment spindles which are arranged distributed across the machine width. Each adjustment spindle has on its end away from the aperture a spindle drive. Provided on the upper end of each spindle is a measuring device serving the determination of the local position of the aperture. The measuring device has a measuring housing and a measuring element movable in it. The measuring element is connected positively with the aperture, independently of the spindle, by way of a measuring rod. The measuring housing is positively connected with the area of the flow guide wall on the near side of the aperture, by way of an oblong tubular measuring reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbH
    Inventor: Gernot Kinzler
  • Patent number: 5266159
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling the feed of comminuted cellulosic fibrous material (e.g. wood chips) to a continuous digester utilizing a chips meter of variable speed. A quality of the chips related to mass flow--preferably density--is continuously determined, preferably while the material is in free fall, not immersed in liquid. The speed of the material meter is controlled in response to the quality determined to provide a target mass flow of material from the meter to the digester. A nuclear type density gauge may be utilized having a source and a detector mounted on opposite sides of a chip chute, and above the level of liquid in a chip chute so that density is determined during free fall of the chips, not immersed in liquid. A level sensor may also be associated with the chip chute with a shield between the nuclear source and the level sensor. The chip meter speed is controlled in the range of about 0-16 rpm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Greenwood, Andries Daamen, Gene Graham
  • Patent number: 5262955
    Abstract: A sheet manufacturing system having a steam profiling bar, a moisture profiling bar, a moisture sensor and a computer is disclosed. The computer is programmed to cause the correct amount of steam or water to be applied on a slice-by-slice basis based upon the moisture content profile data generated by the moisture sensor as compared against a preprogrammed, desired moisture content profile. The computer is programmed in such a way as to cause either steam or water, but not both, to be applied as needed to any given portion of each individual slice to achieve the desired moisture content profile. Thus, the combined application of both steam and water to the same portion of the sheet, and the nullifying effects thereof, are avoided, resulting in the use of less steam and less water while still providing full control over the moisture content profile with only one moisture sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5203966
    Abstract: The invention provides an improvement in the quality and quantity of cellulosic fibers recovered in recycling wastepaper contained in waste material packaged in compressed bale form by sufficiently wetting the baled waste material with a liquid that wastepaper cellulosic fibers will soften and swell prior to the waste material being subjected to the recycling pulping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Recycle Processes Inc.
    Inventors: Willard E. Carlson, Ivar H. Steckel
  • Patent number: 5171403
    Abstract: A method for determining bending stiffness of a moving sheet using an on-line sheet bending stiffness sensor. The sensor continuously bends the sheet as it is being manufactured and, based upon the force required to bend the sheet, the amount of bending and the tension applied to the sheet, the sensor determines a parameter indicative of sheet bending stiffness. The resulting parameter can be correlated with conventional destructive laboratory tests of sheet bending stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Lee M. Chase, John D. Goss
  • Patent number: 5159893
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for regulation of the moisture profile of a paper or board web in a size press in which the paper or board web (W) is made to run through a nip (N) formed by the rolls (1,2) in the size press. Films (F.sub.1, F.sub.2) of size are applied to the faces (3,4) of the rolls in the size press by means of coating devices (10,20) so that these films (F.sub.1 F.sub.2) of size are transferred onto the paper or board web (W) in the roll nip (N). A size (F.sub.1) of substantially invariable profile is spread onto the face (3) of the first roll in the size press (5), and the profile of the size film (F.sub.2) to be spread onto the face (4) of the second roll is regulated so that the moisture profile of the web (W) at the reel-up can be made substantially invariable. The invention also concerns a film size press for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery Inc.
    Inventor: Rauno Rantanen
  • Patent number: 5145560
    Abstract: The jet velocity along a slice opening of a papermaking machine is monitored at plural locations to provide a jet velocity profile. This jet velocity profile may be adjusted to more closely match a reference velocity profile for the jet. Preferably, microwave doppler-effect velocity sensors are utilized for sensing a jet velocity. In one specific embodiment of the invention, preamplifier and automatic gain control circuitry is used to minimize variations in the sensed signal due to changing conditions of the jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Wesley E. Grenlulnd
  • Patent number: 5094718
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for suppressing flutter of a moving web manufacturing operation to include a sensor for sensing the pressure of air in a region proximate the web, which sensor generates a pressure signal representative of the air pressure, a signal processor, connected to receive the pressure signal and to derive therefrom a negative feedback suppression signal phase-shifted to attenuate the air pressure, and an air modulator, positioned to modulate the air in the region proximate the web, which modulator receives the suppression signal and modulates air in response thereto so that flutter is attenuated. The modulator can be a speaker placed in an air supply duct, and in another embodiment it is placed directly in a web pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Union Camp Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Friend
  • Patent number: 5093795
    Abstract: A sheet manufacturing system having a steam profiling bar, a moisture profiling bar, a moisture sensor and a computer is disclosed. The computer is programmed to cause the correct amount of steam or water to be applied on a slice-by-slice basis based upon the mositure content profile data generated by the moisture sensor as compared against a preprogrammed, desired moisture content profile. The computer is programmed in such a way as to cause either steam or water, but not both, to be applied as needed to any given portion of each individual slice to achieve the desired moisture content profile. Thus, the combined application of both steam and water to the same portion of the sheet, and the nullifying effects thereof, are avoided, resulting in the use of less steam and less water while still providing full control over the moisture content profile with only one moisture sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5022965
    Abstract: Method and device in a head box of a paper machine for controlling distribution of fiber orientation in a paper web in a transverse direction of the machine. In the method, the transverse speed component of a discharge jet is controlled by regulating alignment of turbulence pipes in a pipe battery of a turbulence generator in the head box. In the device of the invention, a perforated plate in the turbulence generator is provided with a heating arrangement, by which the temperature level of the perforated plate and thereby the length thereof and angle of alignment of the turbulence pipes attached to the perforated plate, in relation to the machine direction, can be controlled. The perforated plate is supported, at both opposite ends thereof, on vertical side walls of the head box, by fittings which permit thermal expansion and contraction of the perforated plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery Inc.
    Inventor: Pitkajarvi
  • Patent number: 5009748
    Abstract: A system and process for controlling the displacement of a thickness regulating member which regulates the basis weight of a sheet being formed from fluid material. The displacement of the thickness regulating member is determined by measuring the forces which slice rods exert on the thickness regulating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Ramesh Balakrishnan, Mathew G. Boissevain
  • Patent number: 4968386
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the frequency and amplitude of flutter of a moving web in a web manufacturing operation, is shown to include a sensor for sensing the pressure of air in a region proximate the web and for generating a pressure signal reflective of the air pressure and a signal processor, connected to receive the pressure signal, for determining the amplitudes and frequencies of the flutter from the pressure signal and for generating an indication signal representative of the flutter amplitude and frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Union Camp Corporation
    Inventor: Dong D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 4919756
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for adjusting the impact angle of a doctor blade are provided to at least partially offset negative effects of doctor blade wear. For example and not by way of limitation, in papermaking machines for making creped tissue paper, a negative effect of progressive doctor blade wear is progressive diminution of machine-direction tensile strength of the paper, all other operating factors being constant. That is, machine-direction tensile strength of the paper is inversely related to doctor blade wear which wear is, generally speaking, directly related to operating time. This progressive lessening of the paper's machine-direction tensile strength can be at least partially offset or compensated for by adjusting the impact angle of the doctor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Albert H. Sawdai