Abstract: A forming apparatus (10) is disclosed for forming a web from stock. The apparatus (10) includes a frame (14) and a first and second plurality of guide rolls (16-26 and 30-34) rotatably connected to the frame (14). A first and second forming wire (28,36) extend respectively around the first and second plurality of guide rolls, with the first and second wires (28,36) cooperating together to define therebetween, a forming section (38) having a first and second (40,42) end. A headbox (12) is disposed adjacent to the first end (40) of the forming section (38). A suction shoe (44) is disposed adjacent to the first end (40) of the forming section for effecting an initial dewatering of the web. The suction shoe (44) has a curved surface (46) which abuts against the first wire (28) for removing a first portion of the water through the first wire (28) and a second portion of the water through the second wire ( 36).

Abstract: A guide roll apparatus is disclosed for guiding a contiguous web and web-supporting felt through a drying section of a paper machine. The apparatus includes a rotatable guide roll having an outer cylindrical surface defining a first and a second edge portion and a central portion disposed between the edge portions. The first edge portion defines a first plurality of air flow channels such that in use of the apparatus, when the web and felt are guided around the rotatable guide roll, air entrapped between the first edge portion and the felt wrapped around the first edge portion is permitted to flow through the first plurality of channels away from the felt so that fluttering of the web during guidance around the first edge portion is inhibited.