Systems Patents (Class 162/364)
  • Patent number: 8778142
    Abstract: A suction roll for dewatering a fibrous web, having a rotatable and perforated suction roll jacket and a suction box in the interior of the suction roll. The suction box has a first suction channel that extends in the interior of the roll essentially along the axis of the suction roll. The suction box also has a second suction channel that extends in the interior of the roll along the inner surface of the suction roll jacket and is delimited by seals. The first suction channel is connected to the second suction channel via at least one connecting channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Andritz AG
    Inventor: Franz Petschauer
  • Patent number: 8075739
    Abstract: System for drying a tissue or hygiene web. The system includes a permeable structured fabric carrying the web over a drying apparatus. A permeable dewatering fabric contacts the web and is guided over the drying apparatus. A mechanism is used to apply pressure to the permeable structured fabric, the web, and the permeable dewatering fabric at the drying apparatus. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: VOITH PATENT GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Thoroee Scherb, Jeffrey Herman, Luiz Carlos Silva, Hubert Walkenhaus
  • Patent number: 7931781
    Abstract: A system for drying one of a tissue and a hygiene web including a drying apparatus, a permeable structured fabric, a permeable dewatering fabric and a mechanism for applying pressure. The permeable structured fabric carries the web over the drying apparatus. The permeable dewatering fabric contacts the web and is guided over the drying apparatus. The mechanism for applying pressure, applies pressure to the permeable structured fabric, the web, and the permeable dewatering fabric at the drying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Thoröe Scherb, Hubert Walkenhaus, Jeffrey Herman, Luiz Carlos Silva
  • Patent number: 7780818
    Abstract: A nonwoven fibrous mat or web forming or treating system is disclosed comprising a movable, permeable wire or belt for carrying the fibrous mat or web over at least one suction tube assembly comprising a primary suction tube having a suction slot at the top of the primary suction tube and an exit tube communicating with the primary suction tube mounted beneath the permeable belt to have the suction slot on or close to the bottom surface of the movable belt. The suction slot is at least 3.6 meters long and up to more than 5.3 meters long, and the exit tube of the suction tube assembly communicates with the primary suction tube through an opening in the primary suction tube, the opening being generally centered around a centerline of the suction slot. This primary suction tube assembly provides a more uniform suction distribution along the suction slot and reduces fouling of the suction slot compared with previous suction tube assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Yifang Cai, Mark Allan Granger
  • Patent number: 7744726
    Abstract: Dewatering system for dewatering a web. The system comprises a former, a belt press, and a structured fabric comprising a paper web facing side and being guided over a support surface and through the belt press. The structured fabric runs at a speed differential relative to a wire of the former. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas T. Scherb, Luiz Carlos Da Silva, Rogerio Berardi, Danilo Oyakawa
  • Patent number: 7641769
    Abstract: The present invention is a suction box for dehydrating the intermediate form of an inorganic building board during manufacturing or dehydrating the material slurry which is eventually molded into inorganic building boards. The suction box can change the open area ratio of dehydration space easily and can be used with pressure forming machines. The suction box has a frame member with a bottom plate, plural bridge members, plural spacer members and a pair of fixture members. The open area ratio is the space formed between each bridge member, including an interval with the bridge member and an outer frame portion in the frame member with the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Nichiha Corporation
    Inventor: Junyu Masaki
  • Patent number: 7615136
    Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of a fiber material web (12), in particular a paper or card web, having a forming zone including at least one circulating endless dewatering belt (16, 18) includes at least one pressing zone (14) combined with a suction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Luiz Silva
  • Patent number: 7550061
    Abstract: A dewatering fabric for an ATMOS system or a TAD machine that includes a caliper of between approximately 0.1 mm and approximately 15 mm, a permeability value of between approximately 1 cfm and approximately 500 cfm, an overall density of between approximately 0.2 g/cm3 and approximately 1.10 g/cm3, and a weight of between approximately 100 g/m2 and approximately 3000 g/m2. A belt press for a paper machine can utilize the dewatering fabric. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Walkenhaus, Robert L. Crook, Calvin Hayden
  • Patent number: 7524402
    Abstract: A twin fabric gap former forming section for paper making machine is described in which: the pitch of the fabric support elements d decreases progressively in the machine direction; the level of vacuum applied to the forming fabrics through the dewatering boxes increases in the machine direction; the two forming fabrics together with the stock sandwiched between them traverse at least four separate and distinct vacuum zones within the forming section as they proceed in the machine direction; the level of vacuum applied to the last of the at least four separate and distinct vacuum zones is higher than the level of vacuum applied to the first of the separate and distinct vacuum zones; the level of vacuum applied to the at least four separate and distinct vacuum zones follows a preselected profile; and the dewatering boxes carrying the fabric support elements are arranged so that the fabric support elements are located in an alternating sequence on the machine sides of both of the forming fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: AstenJohnson, Inc.
    Inventors: Vaughn Wildfong, Richard Pitt
  • Patent number: 7524401
    Abstract: A twin fabric hybrid forming section for paper making machine is described in which: the pitch of the fabric support elements decreases progressively in the machine direction; the level of vacuum applied to the forming fabrics through the dewatering boxes increases in the machine direction; the two forming fabrics together with the stock sandwiched between them traverse at least four separate and distinct vacuum zones within the forming section as they proceed in the machine direction; the level of vacuum applied to the last of the at least four separate and distinct vacuum zones is higher than the level of vacuum applied to the first of the separate and distinct vacuum zones; the level of vacuum applied to the at least four separate and distinct vacuum zones follows a preselected profile; and the dewatering boxes carrying the fabric support elements are arranged so that the fabric support elements are located in an alternating sequence on the machine sides of both of the forming fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: AstenJohnson, Inc.
    Inventors: Vaughn Wildfong, Richard Pitt, Thomas Helbig
  • Patent number: 7524403
    Abstract: A forming fabric for an ATMOS system or a TAD machine. The forming fabric includes a permeability value of between approximately 100 cfm and approximately 1200 cfm, a paper surface contact area of between approximately 0.5% and approximately 90% when not under pressure and tension, and an open area of between approximately 1.0% and approximately 90%. A belt press for a paper machine can utilize the forming fabric. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Ademar Lippi Alves Fernandes, Martin Ringer, Carl Warren
  • Patent number: 7422662
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing arrangement (7) against a moving fabric (4b) in a paper machine or the like. The sealing arrangement includes a stiff sealing element (9) placed on the fabric's (4b) side on the entire width in connection with a paper sheet (4a) supported by the fabric (4b). The sealing element has been arranged on a support so that the location of the sealing element with respect to the fabric (4b) can be adjusted nearer to or, correspondingly, further from the fabric. As a sealing element there is at least a single-chambered labyrinth sealing (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Juha Leimu, Antti Komulainen, Kari Juppi, Matti Kurki, Martti Salminen, Reijo Jokinen
  • Patent number: 7377994
    Abstract: A web is threaded in the reeling of a paper or board web, by passing a web tail strip (W) into a reeling nip between a reeling drum (10) and a reel spool (12), on which a web roll is formed. The tail strip (W) is passed into the reeling nip by a suction zone (20) which extends substantially around the entire reeling drum circumference and is (10) in an area where a full-width web runs during reeling, so that the tail strip (w) can be conducted directly along the suction zone (20). The suction zone (20) is placed in the longitudinal direction of the reeling drum (10), i.e. in the width direction of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Vesa Ahvenniemi, Kenneth Widell, Hannu Kasula, Seppo Laine, Bo Fagerström
  • Patent number: 7357847
    Abstract: A device for drying a paper web includes a structured fabric for carrying the paper web rests during the drying process. A single roll unit includes a suction roll for dewatering the paper web and a press roll for securing the paper web to the structured fabric. The paper web is dried by hot air while on a drying drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Andritz AG
    Inventor: Harald Weigant
  • Patent number: 7264693
    Abstract: An apparatus for leading a web threading tail over an empty space formed between two surfaces, between which the apparatus (10) is arranged. The apparatus (10) includes a belt loop (28) permeable by air, which is supported by turnover rolls (29, 30). Within the belt loop (28) at least one foil strip (31) is arranged for creating a vacuum effect in the part of the belt loop (28) that transports the web threading tail (16) from the surface preceding the empty space, and to lead it to the following surface, a vacuum effect is arranged in connection with the first turnover roll (29) of the turnover rolls (29, 30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Pasi Ahvenainen, Veli-Pekka Koljonen, Matti Lehtonen, Ari Mankki, Mika Ollikainen, Eija Kinnunen, legal representative, Pekka Hietanen, deceased
  • Patent number: 7063772
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating a fibrous web that includes at least one supporting surface arranged to support a surface of the fibrous web, and at least one sealing device positionable adjacent a surface of the web opposite the surface of the web supported by the at least one supporting surface. The at least one sealing device includes a positionably adjustable sealing element. A distance between the positionably adjustable sealing element and the surface of the web opposite the surface supported by the at least one supporting surface is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kahl, Uwe Joos
  • Patent number: 6740204
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating a fibrous web that includes at least one supporting surface arranged to support a surface of the fibrous web, and at least one sealing device positionable adjacent a surface of the web opposite the surface of the web supported by the at least one supporting surface. The at least one sealing device includes a sealing element and a holder structured and arranged to hold and to enable lateral sliding movement of the at least one sealing device cross-wise to a web travel direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kahl, Uwe Joos
  • Patent number: 6733634
    Abstract: An improved system, apparatus and method is disclosed for transferring a running web from a first carrier fabric to a second carrier fabric in the manufacture of webbed products, such as tissue, paper toweling, and the like. A multi-stage vacuum process applies a vacuum to the running web. One or more auxiliary units apply a vacuum to one or more edge portions of the running web. The apparatus provides for a reliable and efficient transfer of the running web among carrier fabrics, in which the carrier fabrics may include topographical features upon their surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Van Rengen, Andrew Krause, Keith D. Glass, David Wilhelm, Lennis W. Rindy, Daniel Sprangers
  • Publication number: 20030066618
    Abstract: The current invention relates to a machine for the production of a fiber web, specifically a paper or cardboard web, from at least one fiber stock suspension comprising at least one porous belt, specifically a wire belt, a felt belt, or similar belt, running continuously in the direction of web travel. Further including at least one suction box, including a closed box that can be connected to a vacuum source. On its upper surface that is in contact with the belt, a multitude of cover strips are mounted at certain distances from each other and vertical to the direction of travel L of the belt, forming suction slots. At least one suction box cover strip at which a pressure differential exists due to various prevailing ambient pressures, and has a width making contact with the wire, viewed vertically to the direction of travel of the belt, and having a value factor a* of the average width of the cover strips that are contacting the wire, whereby the value factor takes on a numerical value in the range of 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Joachim Henssler, Alfred Bubik, Karl Mueller, Mathias Schwaner
  • Publication number: 20030056926
    Abstract: An improved system, apparatus and method is disclosed for transferring a running web from a first carrier fabric to a second carrier fabric in the manufacture of webbed products, such as tissue, paper toweling, and the like. A multi-stage vacuum process applies a vacuum to the running web. One or more auxiliary units apply a vacuum to one or more edge portions of the running web. The apparatus provides for a reliable and efficient transfer of the running web among carrier fabrics, in which the carrier fabrics may include topographical features upon their surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Edward J. Van Rengen, Andrew Krause, Keith D. Glass, David Wilhelm, Lennis W. Rindy, Daniel Sprangers
  • Patent number: 6203666
    Abstract: In the present invention, in a process in which a fiber suspension supplied in a flat layer manner is subjected to natural dehydration, pressure dehydration, or suction dehydration, while circulating a cylindrical suction cylinder, and thereby, dehydration slowly proceeds and a paper web is formed, and this paper web is moved to an endless felt by means of a suction couch roll to produce paper, a tapered suction roll sleeve 6, the outer peripheral surface of which is cylindrical and the inner peripheral surface of which has an inclination identical to that of the outer circumference of the tapered suction roll cell 5 is attached and detached, and thereby, it becomes easy to conduct the attachment and detachment of various types of wires wound on tapered suction roll sleeve 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Tokushu Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Morimasa Hanaya
  • Patent number: 6056856
    Abstract: A paper-making machine includes a wet end associated with a wet fiber web, a headbox having an outlet gap, and a forming fabric positioned adjacent to the outlet gap and moving in a direction of web travel. An air/water separator is positioned in association with the forming fabric and downstream from the headbox relative to the direction of web travel. The air/water separator is configured for receiving liquid from the fiber web. A blower having a housing and an impeller is fluidly connected with the air/water separator. The impeller is rotatably carried by and within the housing and has a rotating hub with a periphery. The impeller also has a plurality of vanes attached to and extending from the hub and substantially equally spaced around the periphery. The vanes are formed of a non-metallic, composite material and have a coating of a layer of hydrophobic material substantially covering the composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Patent number: 6027613
    Abstract: Suction device for use in a machine for producing a sheet and a method to vacuum a web section of a paper machine. The suction device includes a contact surface to place on the web section and a suction box. The suction box is designed to have a vacuum pressure applied to drain the web section. The suction device further includes a control device and a release mechanism or an adjustment mechanism for releasing the suction box from the web section while the vacuum pressure is applied or thereafter so that the web section is guided along the contact surface with less friction and without the web section detaching from the contact device. A method to suction a web section in a paper machine including arranging a contact surface a suction device on the web section and applying a vacuum pressure to the suction device to vacuum the web section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Steiner, Hans Prinzing
  • Patent number: 6027612
    Abstract: The invention concerns the wire section of a papermaking machine and a method of removing water from a fiber web in that section. A fiber suspension is discharged from a headbox on at least one and usually between two wires in the forming section. The fiber suspension is dewatered until it eventually reaches the point of immobility at which the fiber orientation is fixed. The rate of removal of water transverse to the direction of travel of the web is controlled at regions across the web. In particular, the rate of water removal is decreased at the edge regions of the wire and the web, as compared with the center region, to improve the transverse formation profile of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulze Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Begemann, Gerhard Kotitschke, Hans Dahl, Volker Schmidt-Rohr, Karl Josef Bock
  • 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: 5851358
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a paper making machine having a wet end associated with a wet fiber web. A forming fabric has a plurality of voids therein and carries liquid from the fiber web. A roll disposed at the wet end of the paper making machine carries the forming fabric. The roll and the forming fabric define a diverging area therebetween which causes liquid in the forming fabric to exit the voids. A doctor back includes a doctor element associated with the roll. A shower provides a liquid output which is directed relative to and lubricates the doctor element. A suction chamber has an at least partially open top and an outlet. The open top is positioned relative to each of the doctor blade and the diverging area to collect liquid from the shower and liquid exiting the voids in the forming fabric in the diverging area. A cyclone separator connected to the suction chamber receives liquid from the suction chamber outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Werner Kade
  • Patent number: 5776311
    Abstract: A papermaking vacuum apparatus having a web-facing surface adapted to support a papermaking belt and comprising a head, a body and at least one vacuum slot disposed in the head and defining an aperture on the web-facing surface. The vacuum slot is in fluid communication with the web-facing surface and extends from the web-facing surface to the body which is in further fluid communication with a vacuum source. The web-facing surface comprises a leading surface and a trailing surface. The leading surface has a transitional area juxtaposed with the aperture created by the vacuum slot. This transitional area has a predetermined Z-directional spacing from the papermaking belt, which Z-spacing continuously and gradually increases in the machine direction whereby the amount of vacuum pressure applied through the vacuum slot to the paper web gradually increases as the paper web travels in the machine direction over the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Dennis Trokhan, Donald Eugene Ensign
  • Patent number: 5741402
    Abstract: A papermaking vacuum apparatus having a web-facing surface adapted to support a papermaking belt and comprising a head, a body and at least one vacuum slot disposed in the head and defining an aperture on the web-facing surface. The vacuum slot is in fluid communication with the web-facing surface and extends from the web-facing surface to the body which is in further fluid communication with a vacuum source. The vacuum apparatus comprises a plurality of sequenced vacuum sections successively spaced in the machine direction from a first vacuum section to a last vacuum section. Each vacuum section comprises at least one vacuum slot in fluid communication with the web-facing surface and defining an aperture thereon. Each vacuum section has a vacuum applied therethrough, this vacuum increasing in the machine direction between successive vacuum sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Dennis Trokhan, Donald Eugene Ensign
  • Patent number: 5718806
    Abstract: A papermaking vacuum apparatus having a web-facing surface adapted to support a papermaking belt and comprising a head, a body and at least one vacuum slot disposed in the head and defining an aperture on the web-facing surface. The vacuum slot is in fluid communication with the web-facing surface and extends from the web-facing surface to the body which is in further fluid communication with a vacuum source. The vacuum apparatus has a flow management device facing said web-contacting surface of the papermaking belt and disposed such that the papermaking belt having the paper web thereupon travels between the flow management device and the web-facing surface of the head. The flow management device has an air flow resistance and controls the distribution of the air flow through the aperture on the web-facing surface such as to effectively increase in the machine direction the amount of vacuum pressure applied through the vacuum slot to the papermaking belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Dennis Trokhan, Donald Eugene Ensign, Peter Graves Ayers
  • Patent number: 5647959
    Abstract: Improved system for controlling the forming and dewatering of a web of paper by submerged drainage in which air does not penetrate the fiber/aqueous dispersion and the formed web. The dewatering is via altering the natural tension of the meniscus of the water to induce enhanced drainage of water from the aqueous dispersion of paper making fibers in the wetter end of the system and from the drier end of the fabric. Also, the improved horizontal system provides substantially equivalent side surfaces to the paper formed in such system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventors: Glauco Corbellini, Peter A. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5614064
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pressing arrangement for a moving web. The arrangement comprises a cylindrical roll forming a press zone with a glide-belt which is at least partially and slidingly supported by a shoe having a contour of alterable convexity along the press zone surface so as to alter the length of the press zone. Supply mechanisms are provided to supply lubricant for a lubricating film between the glide belt and the shoe. The shoe can be supported by a counter roll situated on the opposite side of the shoe relative the press roll and have a concave surface mating the counter roll thus enabling adjustment of the shoe around the centerline of the counter roll. In an alternative arrangement a desired press zone length could be obtained by installing a removable insert having a proper contour in the press zone area of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Erik Nykopp
  • Patent number: 5522969
    Abstract: Improved system for controlling the forming and dewatering of a web of paper by submerged drainage in which air does not penetrate the fiber/aqueous dispersion and the formed web. The dewatering is via altering the natural tension of the meniscus of the water to induce enhanced drainage of water from the aqueous dispersion of paper making fibers in the wetter end of the system and from the drier end of the fabric. Also, the improved horizontal system provides substantially equivalent side surfaces to the paper formed in such system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventors: Glauco Corbellini, Peter A. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5389207
    Abstract: Improved apparatus for controlling the dewatering of a web (44, 44') in a Fourdrinier fabric (20, 21) by submerged drainage apparatus in which air does not penetrate through the fiber/aqueous dispersion nor the formed web (44, 44'). The dewatering is accomplished by altering the natural tension of the meniscus of the water to induce enhanced drainage of water from the aqueous dispersion of paper making fibers in the fabric (20, 21) and replacement air for the water draining from the formed web (44, 44') is provided from beneath the lower fabric (20) and, if an upper fabric (21) is employed, from above the upper fabric (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventors: Peter A. Rodriguez, Glauco Corbellini
  • Patent number: 5242547
    Abstract: Improved system for controlling the forming and dewatering of a web of paper by submerged drainage in which air does not penetrate the fiber/aqueous dispersion and the formed web. The dewatering is via altering the natural tension of the meniscus of the water to induce enhanced drainage of water from the aqueous dispersion of paper making fibers in the wetter end of the system and from the drier end of the fabric. Also, the improved horizontal system provides substantially equivalent side surfaces to the paper formed in such system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventors: Glauco Corbellini, Peter A. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5185064
    Abstract: A means for controlling wires in a twin-wire section in a paper or cardboard machine where the wires run over the other for dewatering stock that is present between the wires, where a dewatering box is provided on one side of the wires and where a number of strips disposed side by side are provided on the other side of the wires, said strips running across the transport direction of the wires and over the total width of the wires, and where the strips have been arranged to be pressed against the wire lying closest to the strips, with the aid of pressure elements, where said pressure elements are disposed to act between the strips and a supporting table or equivalent, said supporting table being fixedly mounting relative to said dewatering box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Valmet-Ahlstrom Inc.
    Inventor: Tapani Nyman
  • Patent number: 5089090
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for improving stock formation on an open surface paper making machine is described. By the use of both a path for the forming fabric which introduces a controlled level of agitation into the stock, and a low level of vacuum in a suction box extending continuously for at least the major proportion of the forming section, improvements both in paper quality, such as improved wire mark, and in machine operation, such as an improved first pass retention, are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: JWI Ltd.
    Inventor: Victor E. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5074966
    Abstract: A gap former in a paper machine, comprising a lower wire loop (10) and an upper wire loop (20), which together define a substantially horizontal twin wire forming zone, which comprises the following web forming zones (a), (b) and (c): (a) In the area of the forming gap (G), a first suction zone (11a) placed inside the first forming roll (11), and immediately thereafter a second suction zone (11b) is placed in forming roll (11). The suction zones (11a, 11b) are placed in the first upper quarter of the first forming roll (11) at the side of the forming gap (G). The levels of negative pressure (P.sub.1, P.sub.2) in the suction zones are adjustable. (b) A forming shoe (12), which is provided with an open guide deck (26), the interior space in the shoe being divided into at least two subsequent suction chambers (12a, 12b, 12c), the levels of negative pressure (P.sub.a, P.sub.b, P.sub.c) effective in said suction chambers being arranged to be adjustable, preferably separately adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery Inc.
    Inventor: Mauri Koivuranta
  • Patent number: 5019214
    Abstract: A twin-wire former for the production of a web of paper from a fiber suspension. An upper endless loop of wire belt having a lower horizontal run and a lower endless loop wire belt having an upper horizontal run. Guide rolls support the wire belts to define a twin-wire zone. The upstream inlet wedge of the twin-wire zone is disposed at the outlet from a head box. The initial part of the path of the twin-wire zone has a gradual curvature convexly with respect to the lower wire belt, and in that initial portion are positioned guide tables, suction boxes and dewatering elements. This curved initial part is followed by a forming roll within the loop of the upper wire belt. The twin-wires wrap an arcuate sector of the lower region of the forming roll. A support roll follows the forming roll. The support roll is upraised sufficiently to wrap the twin-wires around the bottom of the forming roll and over an arcuate sector at the top of the support roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: J.M. Voith GmbH
    Inventors: Albrecht Meinecke, Dieter Egelhof, Wilfried Weiss
  • Patent number: 5011577
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: JWI Ltd.
    Inventors: Victor E. Hansen, David T. Smith, Douglas R. McPherson, Richard E. Pitt
  • Patent number: 4944843
    Abstract: A layer of particulate material is formed by forming a foamed dispersion of a particulate material, supplying the foamed dispersion to a predetermined zone of a plane through which a foraminous element is moving, applying a vacuum to said plane across the zone on the other side of the foraminous element, so as to drain foam and form a particulate layer thereon, removing any free air from the drained foam, and continuously recycling the resulting foam for re-use in forming the foamed particulate dispersion. An apparatus is provided for carrying out the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: The Wiggins Teape Group Limited
    Inventors: Peter L. Wallace, Anthony J. Willis
  • Patent number: 4923568
    Abstract: A joint dewatering zone of wires for dewatering a web to be formed in a two-wire papermachine having a first wire loop and a second wire loop, includes a first forming roll which is situated inside the second wire loop and other dewatering means which are situated after the first forming roll inside the first wire loop. The other dewatering means comprises as a combination a first suction box, a second suction box with a curved guiding surface, and a roll interposed between the suction boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Oy Tampella Ab
    Inventors: Erkki Hietikko, Ilpo Kylmakorpi
  • Patent number: 4895623
    Abstract: A method to simultaneously de-water and form a sheet of pulp is disclosed. The method employs a pair of wire meshes, the meshes being adapted to move continuously under tension and to receive pulp continuously from a stock inflow tank. A layer of pulp is subjected simultaneously to progressive mechanical compression and to aspiration of the water at a constant value owing to a siphon effect. Also disclosed is an apparatus to carry out this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: A.W.E. Anti Wear Engineering Srl
    Inventor: Glauco Corbellini
  • Patent number: 4861432
    Abstract: A dual compartment vacufoil unit for making linerboard grade or other multi-layer paper comprising a dual compartment vacufoil and a forming blade and a method of using same. The dual compartment vacufoil unit is positioned beneath the forming blade, with an upstream compartment located on the upstream portion of the forming blade evacuating air through a primary paper sheet prior to application of the secondary discharge, and a downstream compartment located on the downstream portion of the forming blade. The forming blade is positioned directly beneath the secondary pulp discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Huyck Corporation
    Inventor: Roy Jones
  • Patent number: 4830709
    Abstract: A multi-ply paper web forming apparatus utilizes first and second forming wires which travel in a co-running path for a portion of their length and which form a throat into which an aqueous slurry of paper pulp fibers is introduced. The slurry is dewatered between the co-running first and second forming wires upwardly and downwardly to quickly produce a substantially formed, but still moist, top ply web which is carried on the second forming wire onto a base ply web which has previously been formed on the wire of a single wire former. The first surface of the top ply web is brought into ply bonding engagement with the surface of the base ply web to produce a composite multi-ply web which has superior overall ply bond, retention and dryness before leaving the web forming section of a papermaking machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Beloit Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Turner, Paul T. Gray
  • Patent number: 4811659
    Abstract: A roller press comprised of two opposed porous tubular sleeves which are forced together to form a nip by inner driven rollers. Liquid from a mixture fed through the nip is forced into the porous rollers and is transported by them to another circumferential location where the liquid is forced out by a compressed air stream. Filtration belts cover portions of the porous rollers in the areas of the nip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: Roger A. Powell
  • Patent number: 4780183
    Abstract: A dual compartment vacufoil unit for making linerboard grade or other multi-layer paper comprising a dual compartment vacufoil and a forming blade and a method of using same. The dual compartment vacufoil unit is positioned beneath the forming blade, with an upstream compartment located on the upstream portion of the forming blade evacuating air through primary paper sheet prior to application of the secondary discharge, and a downstream compartment located on the downsteam portion of the forming blade. The forming blade is positioned directly beneath the secondary pulp discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Huyck Corporation
    Inventor: Roy Jones
  • Patent number: 4671876
    Abstract: A belt filter device mounted on a frame carrying an endless conveyor belt has a casing arranged below an upper run of the belt, and application of subatmospheric pressure to interior regions of the casing causes liquid to be withdrawn from material lying on the conveyor belt through drainage holes provided in the belt. The casing is pivotal with respect to the frame between a first, operational position and a second, cleaning position, and a separating means shifts the casing away from a cover or support means simultaneously with movement of the casing from its operational position toward its position for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: B.V. Machinefabriek v/h Pannevis & Zn.
    Inventor: Hendricus H. Schipper
  • Patent number: 4561938
    Abstract: A forming roll positioned in the forming section of a Fourdrinier papermaking machine and supported above the forming medium in contact with one surface of a constituent material to sandwich the material between a substantial arc segment of the forming roll surface and the forming medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: M/K Plank Corporation
    Inventor: Otto J. Kallmes
  • Patent number: 4544449
    Abstract: Apparatus for de-watering fibrous suspensions, which apparatus comprises a suction housing and a cover. The cover comprises two or more plank members releasably secured to the suction housing and each having secured thereto a number of foil strips. Each foil strip is secured to the plank member by way of a plurality of spaced apart pins which are carried by and project from the plank member. A channel is defined between the foil strips and the plank member which serves for the removal of water extracted from the suspension. A weir may be disposed in this channel to control the flow of water over the foils and air may be introduced into the channel by way of drillings to assist in control of the water and prevent plugging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Beloit Walmsley Limited
    Inventor: Ronnie A. Arav
  • Patent number: 4459175
    Abstract: A longitudinal wire papermaking machine is disclosed wherein the longitudinal wire is guided in a dewatering region, following a pre-dewatering path, out of a wire plane downwardly over a deflection element and then upwardly over a downwardly domed or arched dewatering element towards the wire plane. The deflection element is arranged at a spacing K=approximately 15 to 80 mm from the dewatering element. The longitudinal wire is guided at the inlet section of the dewatering region, located between its outbound or run-off location at the deflection element and its lowest deflection location, over a negative pressure zone, for instance constituted by a suction chamber, which is effective at its underside. Hence, at the inlet section there is obtained a reduction in the suspension pressure and the fiber stock suspension is guided with an approximately constant total thickness lower into the dewatering region, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Escher Wyss GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Bubik, Hans Dahl, Herbert Holik, Rudiger Kurtz, Werner Seider