Abstract: A papermaker's fabric including at least one system of warp yarns interwoven with at least first and second systems of weft yarns, with the weft yarns of the first system of weft yarns having a vertical dimension that is greater than a vertical dimension of the weft yarns of the second system. The fabric has a papermaking surface and a machine side surface, and in the papermaking surface, the yarns of the first system of weft yarns are interwoven with the warp yarns to provide groups of four weft yarn floats which form four corners of a box shape, the yarns of the second system of weft yarns are interwoven with the warp yarns so as to pass through the bottom of the box shape, and further provide support areas in pockets located adjacent to the box shapes, and at least one yarn from the second system of weft yarns interweaves with the warp yarns to occupy space in a center plane of the fabric so as to restrict or retard drainage and thereby increase a CPR of the fabric.

Abstract: A double layer forming fabric for a papermaking machine is warp-tied, all the warp yarns comprising binder pairs which forming a single combined path in the paper side surface. The pair members exchange positions at an exchange point between successive path segments and are laterally displaced in relation to each other at and between each exchange point. For each successive pair, an order of insertion of the first and second members in relation to each other into the weave is inverted in relation to the order of insertion for members of the immediately preceding pair, such that each first member is adjacent to the first member of the adjacent pair at the closest exchange point, and each second member is adjacent to the second member of the adjacent pair at the closest exchange point. The fabric has improved drainage uniformity leading to improved paper formation and reduced sheet marking.

Abstract: A double layer papermakers' fabric that is particularly suitable for forming or through-air drying (TAD) of high bulk tissue and towel product is provided. The fabric includes a single warp yarn system interwoven with three weft yarn systems such that: a first of the weft yarn systems is located on the paper side (PS) surface of the fabric; a second of the weft yarn systems is located on the machine side (MS) surface of the fabric; and the third weft yarn system is located intermediate between the first and second weft yarn systems. The yarns of the first and second weft yarn systems are interwoven with the warp yarn system such that they are vertically stacked with respect to one another in the fabric.

Abstract: A seam area, and a method of making a seam for an industrial fabric, provide for first and second fold lines oriented in the CD of the fabric. Each fold line comprises a set of land areas configured to define a set of holes, and the land areas of each set are constructed and arranged such that when the fabric is folded along the fold lines and the fold lines are aligned with each other, each folded land area of each set is offset from the folded land areas of the other set, and aligned with and receivable by an opposing hole of the other set to form a channel to receive a fastening means. The seams provide the benefits of simple, accurate and economical construction, strength, consistency with adjacent fabric surfaces, and thus reduced marking of sheets carried by the fabrics.

Abstract: A method of making a seam for an endless woven multilayer papermakers fabric such as a press felt base fabric, comprises selecting a repeating weave pattern so as to provide during weaving a body portion woven as a double layer, and a shed change for the warp yarns adjacent to the warp yarns of the body portion to provide a first and second seaming portion. In each seaming portion the warp yarns are separated into an upper group and a lower group such that the weft yarn interweaves separately with each group to form a distinct upper and lower layer. A forming wire is provided at the vertically aligned lateral edges of the fabric, and the weft yarn in sequence interweaves with the upper group of warp yarns to provide the upper layer, forms a seaming loop about the forming wire and interweaves with the lower group of warp yarns to provide the lower layer. The method and a fabric made by the method provide improved uniformity of the seaming loops and reduced sheet marking in the seam area.

Abstract: An industrial fabric is described which comprises a woven fabric body having opposing ends. The fabric repeating weave pattern includes at least two systems of vertically stacked machine direction warp yarns interwoven with at least one system of cross machine direction weft yarns. On each end of the fabric at least some of the warp yarns form a first set of loops each of which is at a first angle to the machine direction, at least some of the warp yarns form a second set of loops each of which is at a second angle to the machine direction and each of the second set of loops is substantially concentric with the first set of angled loops to provide double end loops which can be seamed by using a coil seam or a pin seam. This fabric structure has the advantage that it is possible to use all of the fabric warp yarns in the loops, thus significantly increasing the tensile strength of the seam. It also permits the fabrication of a flatter seam.

Abstract: A multilayered papermakers' forming fabric comprises at least one set of machine direction (MD) warp yarns, at least a first set of cross-machine direction (CD) machine side layer weft yarns; and paper side layer weft yarns woven in a repeating pattern with at least some of the MD warp yarns. At least some of the paper side layer weft yarns comprise an array of bulk enhancing weft yarns each having a vertical dimension which exceeds a corresponding vertical dimension of each of the remaining paper side layer weft yarns in a ratio of at least 1.25:1. Selected weft yarns can have different float lengths in the paper side surface. The fabrics of the invention impart increased bulk for products such as towel or tissue without loss of other required characteristics.

Abstract: Dewatering blades for use in papermaking machines are assembled from two or more pre-finished sub-assemblies which are in turn mounted on a base member. Each sub-assembly comprises a holder, configured to receive a plurality of segments, constructed of a wear-resistant material such as ceramic, which will be located so as to be in sliding contact with the underside of a papermaking fabric. The holders are adapted for insertion into and retention in the base member, which is subsequently affixed to the papermaking machine by known means. The construction of the sub-assemblies allows for the manufacture of a full length blade from a plurality of sub-assemblies, which dramatically reduces manufacturing cost while providing for more rapid deliveries and simplified repair of damaged blades.

Abstract: Double layer forming fabrics, woven to an overall repeating weave pattern requiring at least 8 sheds in the loom, provide a low drainage area in a notional center plane between the paper and machine side layers, to resist and retard initial impingement drainage. Transverse binder yarn pairs follow a single combined path interweaving with paper side layer and machine side layer yarns, with long internal floats under at least four paper side layer yarns between exchange points and interlacing points in the machine side layer. The members of the pairs are laterally displaced in relation to each other along the single combined path. The fabric has a total warp fill after heatsetting of at least 100%. The drainage areas of the paper side layer and the machine side layers are between 25% and 50%, and the center plane drainage area is between 8% and 20%.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cellulosic sheet having at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic properties comprises the steps of depositing a stock of cellulosic fibres onto at least one forming fabric at an impingement zone and forming a web therefrom in a formation process; combining a water-based composition comprising an adhesion promoter, an organic nanoparticulate polymer and a fluorocarbon with the web at a preselected combination stage prior to a heating stage at which the web is subjected to a temperature exceeding 60° C.; and heat-curing the composition with the web during a drying process. A water-based composition for imparting at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic properties to a cellulosic sheet during manufacture comprises an adhesion promoter, an organic nanoparticulate polymer and a fluorocarbon. A cellulosic sheet or layer thereof has at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic properties. Improved resistance of cellulosic sheets to oil or water is obtained.

Abstract: A machine side layer weave design for use in woven composite fabrics, particularly papermakers forming fabrics having differing weave designs on each planar surface is provided. The composite fabric is comprised of two sets of weft yarns interwoven with at least one system of warp yarns. A first set of weft yarns is interwoven with the at least one system of warp yarns to form the paper side layer, while the second set of weft yarns is interwoven with the at least one system of warp yarns to form the machine side layer. In each repeat of the machine side layer weave design, at least 50% of the warp yarns pass under two adjacent weft yarns on the machine side of the fabric to form a double warp knuckle, and each double warp knuckle is bounded on either side by a single warp knuckle formed on each of the first and second weft passed under by the double warp knuckle. Further, in each repeat of the weave, each weft yarn is passed under by two adjacent warp yarns to form two adjacent single warp knuckles.

Abstract: A single layer papermakers fabric comprises machine direction (MD) warp yarns interwoven with cross-machine direction (CD) weft yarns to a repeating weave pattern requiring N sheds in the loom, N being an integer and at least 4. Each warp yarn follows a path in the paper side surface comprising four segments in each pattern repeat. In each of the first and third segments, the warp yarn interweaves with three consecutive weft yarns to form a double warp knuckle, and in the second and fourth segments, the warp yarn forms respectively a first and second MD float having unequal float lengths, at least one of the MD floats being over at least N consecutive weft yarns. The fabrics provide high air permeability, and increased surface contact area, stability and seam strength, and are particularly suitable for use as forming fabrics and through air dryer fabrics for tissue and towel products.

Abstract: Double layer forming fabrics, woven to an overall repeating weave pattern requiring at least 8 sheds in the loom, provide a low drainage area in a notional centre plane between the paper and machine side layers, to resist and retard initial impingement drainage. Transverse binder yarn pairs follow a single combined path interweaving with paper side layer and machine side layer yarns, with long internal floats under at least four paper side layer yarns between exchange points and interlacing points in the machine side layer. The members of the pairs are laterally displaced in relation to each other along the single combined path. The fabric has a total warp fill after heatsetting of at least 100%. The drainage areas of the paper side layer and the machine side layers are between 25% and 50%, and the centre plane drainage area is between 8% and 20%.

Abstract: A forming section for a gap blade former type papermaking machine having a headbox which delivers a jet of papermaking stock between a conveying forming fabric and a backing forming fabric is provided. The conveying fabric moves in sliding contact over an impingement shoe on which the jet of papermaking stock is delivered at a point of impingement. A forming shoe located immediately downstream of the impingement shoe over which the backing forming fabric slides. The impingement shoe is mounted for at least one of pivoting and transverse movement so that a position of the point of impingement of the jet of papermaking stock can be adjusted by at least one of rotating the impingement shoe about a first pivot point and transversely shifting the impingement shoe. The forming shoe can also be mounted for movement.

Abstract: A headbox including a stock dilution profiling arrangement and associated stock delivery systems are provided, which together deliver to the forming section of a papermaking machine a uniform stock flow with more consistent basis weight and fiber orientation profiles than has previously been possible. These improvements in basis weight uniformity and fiber orientation profile provide benefits in paper sheet formation and related paper properties.

Abstract: A nonwoven textile assembly, a method for its manufacture, and a spirally wound press felt made from the assembly are disclosed. The nonwoven textile assembly is manufactured by providing a uniform array of parallel yarns having constant height and spacing as a first textile component and which are oriented in a first direction. An adhesive material is applied to a first side of the first component. A second textile component, such as a second array of parallel yarns oriented at an angle of from 2° to 90° to the first, or a nonwoven mesh, or a nonwoven scrim comprising a regenerated cellulosic is then laid over the adhesive material. A lightweight batt layer optionally including a second adhesive preferably located on the side of the batt facing the second side of the second textile component, is overlaid the second textile component.

Abstract: A double layer papermakers' fabric that is particularly suitable for forming or through-air drying (TAD) of high bulk tissue and towel product is provided. The fabric includes a single warp yarn system interwoven with three weft yarn systems such that: a first of the weft yarn systems is located on the paper side (PS) surface of the fabric; a second of the weft yarn systems is located on the machine side (MS) surface of the fabric; and the third weft yarn system is located intermediate between the first and second weft yarn systems. The yarns of the first and second weft yarn systems are interwoven with the warp yarn system such that they are vertically stacked with respect to one another in the fabric.

Abstract: An industrial fabric is described which comprises a woven fabric body having opposing ends. The fabric repeating weave pattern includes at least two systems of vertically stacked machine direction warp yarns interwoven with at least one system of cross machine direction weft yarns. On each end of the fabric at least some of the warp yarns form a first set of loops each of which is at a first angle to the machine direction, at least some of the warp yarns form a second set of loops each of which is at a second angle to the machine direction and each of the second set of loops is substantially concentric with the first set of angled loops to provide double end loops which can be seamed by using a coil seam or a pin seam. This fabric structure has the advantage that it is possible to use all of the fabric warp yarns in the loops, thus significantly increasing the tensile strength of the seam. It also permits the fabrication of a flatter seam.

Abstract: A single layer papermakers fabric comprises machine direction (MD) warp yarns interwoven with cross-machine direction (CD) weft yarns to a repeating weave pattern requiring N sheds in the loom, N being an integer and at least 4. Each warp yarn follows a path in the paper side surface comprising four segments in each pattern repeat. In each of the first and third segments, the warp yarn interweaves with three consecutive weft yarns to form a double warp knuckle, and in the second and fourth segments, the warp yarn forms respectively a first and second MD float having unequal float lengths, at least one of the MD floats being over at least N consecutive weft yarns. The fabrics provide high air permeability, and increased surface contact area, stability and seam strength, and are particularly suitable for use as forming fabrics and through air dryer fabrics for tissue and towel products.

Abstract: A multilayer papermaker's press felt fabric comprising in combination a woven first fabric layer, typically a double layer fabric, has a cross machine direction pin seam. A second fabric layer is located on the paper side face of the first fabric layer, and a layer of needled batt is applied to the paper side face of the second layer binding the layers together. A flap comprising a short length of the second fabric layer with attached batt overlays the pin seam area in the first layer. The second layer comprises a plurality of relatively narrow strips, which are located with a lateral edge at a first cant angle of from more than 1° to less than 20° to the machine direction. A third layer, similar to the second layer, can be included on the machine side of the first layer; the strip widths, the cant angles, and the direction of the cant angle relative to the machine direction for each of the two strips need not be the same. The fabric is assembled using a spiral winding technique.