Patents Examined by Karen M. Hastings
  • 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: 6022452
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a tail in a web sheet traveling through a nip between the queen roll and king roll of a calender includes a waterjet positioned adjacent the edge of the web upstream from the nip for directing a jet of water towards the web and the queen roll. The waterjet cuts a tip or leader and creates a tail that continues to travel with the remainder of the web sheet towards and through the nip. The waterjet penetrates the web and splashes against the queen roll such that the wetted portion of the queen roll compresses against the leader of the tail to carry or pull the tail around the queen roll. A doctor blade is mounted in engagement with the queen roll in line with the tail to direct the tail away from the queen roll and towards the next section of the papermaking machine. Guide trays positioned downstream of the doctor blade guide the tail to the next section of the papermaking machine. The doctor blade can be mounted stationary against the queen roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Roman C. Caspar
  • Patent number: 6022451
    Abstract: A dryer roll of a paper machine is provided with a doctor assembly, including a doctor blade. A contaminant removal assembly includes a hood mounted in a cantilevered manner to a support extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the dryer roll, and the hood extends downstream from the support and is in sealing contact with the upper surface of the doctor blade to form a channel between the doctor blade, the hood, and the surface of the dryer roll. Air amplifiers are provided at both ends of the hood for creating an airstream extending longitudinally of the hood and exhausting at one end thereof to remove fuzz picked up by the doctor blade on the surface of the dryer roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: James Ross Limited
    Inventor: Jacek Macierewicz
  • Patent number: 6004431
    Abstract: A headbox employs flow control valves which modulate the flow of stock through each tube of a tube bank, to give greater control over the cross machine direction flow of stock to the forming section of a papermaking machine. In one approach the flow through the tubes making up the tube bank is controlled by rotating cylindrical valve members which extend into portions of the tubes making up the tube bank. The valve members have channels which align with the tubes when the valve is fully opened. Rotation of the control member obstructs the tubes in the column until the desired level of flow from that column of tubes is obtained. In a second approach, pinch valves are created by constructing part of the tube from an elastic material and using air pressure, a cam or a twisting action to reduce the flow through the elastic section thus creating an adjustable valve. A third method employs guillotine valves which selectively block the flow of stock through a column of tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott B. Pantaleo
  • Patent number: 6004430
    Abstract: A method and device for enhancing the run of a web in a paper machine in which water is removed from the web by pressing the web in at least one press nip and after pressing, the web is dried in at least one dryer group applying impingement drying. The web is guided along a substantially linear path or by using a large curve radius in the dryer group applying impingement drying. In the drying stage, after the impingement drying, the web is dried in at least one dryer group having normal single-wire draw. The web is passed from the pressing stage to the drying stage as a closed draw and more particularly, from the pressing stage to the area with single-wire draw in the drying stage so that the web is constantly supported against at least one support face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: Heikki Ilvespaa, Juha Kaihovirta, Antti Kuhasalo, Jorma Laapotti
  • Patent number: 6004429
    Abstract: A machine and method for producing a fibrous material web, in particular a tissue paper or bathroom tissue web, whereby the machine includes at least one pre-press embodied as a shoe press, a main press, in the form of a press roll, and a drying cylinder, an endless top belt guided through the nips of the pre-press and the main press, and an underfelt guided via a bottom roll of the pre-press, wherein the top belt supplies the fibrous material web that has been preformed in a former first to the pre-press and then to the main press. The pre-press, which is embodied as a shoe press and has a nip that is elongated in the web travel direction, includes an upper shoe press unit and a bottom roll disposed opposite this. The upper shoe press unit is provided with a smooth, rotating flexible press belt. The bottom roll is grooved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Schiel
  • Patent number: 5997694
    Abstract: A press arrangement of a paper or cardboard machine for the treatment of a fibrous pulp sheet in a press opening that is extended in the run direction of the fibrous pulp sheet. The press opening is defined by two press surfaces, at least one of which is constructed of a flexible press sleeve that is guided over at least one press shoe. The flexible press sleeve is further able to press against the opposing press surface with the aid of the press shoe due to the creation of a fluid cushion between the press shoe and the press sleeve. The press shoe is thus able to be tensioned such that a resulting main press force is exerted in a direction that runs substantially perpendicular to the fibrous pulp sheet being guided through the press opening. A lever is designed to load the press shoe with an positive or negative force that acts on the press shoe substantially perpendicular to the resulting main press force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Schiel, Wolfgang Schuwerk, Joachim Grabscheid, Rudolf Hasenfuss
  • Patent number: 5993606
    Abstract: A headbox for passing fiber suspension from a headbox entrance to a headbox outlet. A microturbulence insert with a plurality of flow channels inside the headbox. The channels are defined by channel forming elements having upstream ends. The headbox has an antechamber upstream of the turbulence insert. Respective individually adjustable additional feeds for feeding at least one second liquid into the antechamber upstream of the upstream ends of the channel forming elements of the turbulence insert. The feeds are preferably directed counter to the direction of the main flow of suspension into the channels of the turbulence insert. Vanes direct the main flow of suspension through the antechamber to the channels creating a respective sectioned flow to each channel. The additional liquid feeds are positioned to feed their additional liquid into the respective sectional flows after the main flow of suspension has already been diverted to a sectional flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Lehleiter, Hans Loser, Wolfgang Ruf
  • Patent number: 5989393
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method in a paper machine for guiding a web and in particular in guiding a leader of the web. The device operates in a paper machine in the area between a center roll of the press section and a separate press nip in the press section. The separate press nip is formed between a smooth-faced upper roll and a hollow-faced lower roll. Around this lower roll, a lower felt of the separate press is placed and runs from a suction-transfer roll placed at the proximity of the center roll as a straight run into the separate press nip. At the initial end of the straight run of the felt of the separate press nip, in connection with the guide roll, air-transfer devices are arranged, by whose means a reduced pressure is produced at least across the width of the leader in connection with a closing inlet nip between the felt and the leader and/or in connection with an opening outlet nip defined between the guide roll and the straight run of the felt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Juha Kivimaa, Martti Hirsimaki
  • Patent number: 5985099
    Abstract: In the headbox of a papermaking machine;the backplate has a diverging passage for each tube and opens out into the corresponding channel via its largest section; andthe partitions are of length shorter than the length of the chamber between the backplate and the turbulence generator.The invention is useful for paper-making machines in which dilution is controlled upstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Allimand (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Jourdain, Gerard Pionchon, Jean-Claude Roux, Martine Rueff
  • Patent number: 5980693
    Abstract: An extended nip press apparatus is disclosed for pressing a web of paper extending therethrough. The apparatus includes a rotatable backing roll and a press shoe having a concave surface which cooperates with the backing roll. The arrangement is such that the concave surface and the backing roll define therebetween an elongated pressing section for the passage therethrough of the web. The shoe includes an upstream portion and a device for urging the upstream portion toward the backing roll. A downstream portion extends from the upstream portion, the downstream portion being resiliently disposed relative to the upstream portion. A further device selectively urges the downstream portion toward the backing roll for controlling a pressure profile applied by the shoe to the web for inhibiting delamination of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shihua Liang, David McCarville, David Lange
  • Patent number: 5972168
    Abstract: In a twin-wire former for the production of a paper web, two wire belts (11 and 12) together form a twin-wire zone which is divided into three sections (I, II and III). In the first section (I) the two wires (11, 12) travel over a curved forming shoe (16). They form there a wedge-shaped inlet slot (15) with which a headbox (10) is directly associated. In the second section (II), several resiliently supported strips (27) rest against the lower wire (11) and between each of said strips (27) a rigidly mounted strip (28) rests against the upper wire (12). In the third section (III) both wire belts (11, 12) pass over another curved forming shoe (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Egelhof, Klaus Henseler, Werner Kade, Albrecht Meinecke, Wilhelm Wanke, Hans-Jurgen Wulz, Rudolf Buck, deceased
  • Patent number: 5972170
    Abstract: A suction box for use in a press arrangement in a machine for producing a paper or cardboard web. The suction box includes at least one suction side suctioning the fibrous pulp sheet onto a transport side of at least one felt belt. The suction box further includes at least one non-suction side and at least one slit. A vacuum is created by having air blown out of at least one slit. The vacuum occurs along the felt belt in a run direction of the felt belt. The slit is positioned at an edge of at least one non-suction side of the suction box. The suction box may be disposed on an exit side of a press slit of the press arrangement. The press slit is adapted to treat the fibrous pulp sheet. At least one felt belt is guided, simultaneously with the fibrous pulp sheet, through the press slit. Upon exiting the press slit, the fibrous pulp sheet is suctioned onto at least one felt belt by the suction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Hund, Peter Kahl, Andreas Meschenmoser
  • Patent number: 5968319
    Abstract: Suction roll for a paper machine for dewatering a material web guided on transport belt in a web run direction. The suction roll includes a roll jacket over which the transport belt is guided, a first, external suction box that partially encompasses the suction roll and that is adapted to create a vacuum to suction the material web. The first suction box is adapted to suction at least one gusset formed between the roll jacket and the transport belt. The suction roll further includes a second suction box positioned to border the first suction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen
    Inventor: Joachim Grabscheid
  • Patent number: 5951821
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for transferring a paper web in high-speed paper machines having a press section arranged between a web former and a dryer section. In the press section, there is one or more press nip zones dewatering the web, at least the last one of which is preferably an extended nip through which at least two press fabrics that receive water are passed. The web is passed between the press fabrics through the last extended-nip zone so that the draining of water out of the web takes place through both faces of the web. After the last press nip zone, the web follows one of the fabrics passing through the last extended-nip zone by the effect of a difference in pressure avoiding rewetting of the web. The fabric carrying the web is passed through a gently loaded transfer nip zone in which the web is transferred onto a transfer surface more adhesive than the face of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Jorma Laapotti
  • Patent number: 5951823
    Abstract: A drainage device and method which provides for drainage from paper or pulp stock on a fabric in a sheet or mat making machine which includes a primary blade and trail blade with a gap therebetween for drainage wherein the size of the gap controls drainage and the primary blade is so configured so as to force a portion of the drained liquid through the fabric to create paper stock activity and disbursement while minimizing turbulence and maintaining laminar flow in the machine direction along with providing reinforcement of CD shear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignees: Thermo Fibertek Inc., Smurfit Carton y Papel de Mexico
    Inventors: Luis Fernando Cabrera Y Lopez Caram, Jeffrey P Bachand
  • Patent number: 5951824
    Abstract: A press of the Beloit Extended Nip.RTM. type has a nip defined between a backing roll and an elongate shoe. A paper web travels on a dryer felt through the nip and is supported over the shoe by a bearing blanket. The shoe has a rigid concave core to which is fixed a layer of compliant material which defines a concave surface. Lubricant is introduced between the compliant material and the bearing blanket to form a hydrodynamic fluid film. Preferably the rigidity of the compliant material is of the same or lesser order of magnitude than the rigidity of the fluid film at the center of the shoe in the machine direction, such that the fluid film at the nip causes a depression in the compliant material which is filled with lubricant. The thickness of the lubricant is thus greater at the center of the shoe than at regions outward from the shoe center and the escape of lubricant from the shoe is retarded. The compliant material comprises an elastomer with a low coefficient of friction and high abrasion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Rajendra D. Deshpande
  • Patent number: 5938896
    Abstract: A wet end of a paper-making machine, including a headbox with a chamber and a discharge nozzle. A turbulence generator is connected with the headbox and includes a plurality of fluid passages disposed substantially parallel to each other. Each fluid passage is in fluid communication with the headbox chamber and has an inlet. All of the inlets conjunctively define a fluid inlet area. A fiber stock delivery device includes at least one outlet, with all of the outlets conjunctively defining a fluid discharge area. Each outlet is configured to discharge the fiber stock in a direction substantially parallel to the fluid passages in the turbulence generator. The fluid discharge area of the fiber stock delivery device is smaller than the fluid inlet area of the turbulence generator. A hydraulic increaser interconnects the fluid discharge area of the fiber stock delivery device with the fluid inlet area of the turbulence generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Patent number: 5935385
    Abstract: A press device, e.g., a shoe press device, for treating a sheet of material, e.g., paper or cardboard, in an elongated press gap elongated in a travel direction of the sheet of material. The press device may include a flexible roll jacket that runs around a stationary carrier, an opposing face that forms the elongated press gap with the flexible roll jacket, and at least one of a hydrodynamically and hydrostatically lubricated support element supported on the carrier. The support element may include a compression face adapted to a shape of the opposing face and at least one cloth belt guided through the elongated press gap. The support element may further include an entry face for the flexible roll jacket and for the cloth belt and positioned before the compression face in the travel direction of the sheet of material. A lubricant aspiration device is located before the support element in the travel direction, and is spaced from the roll jacket during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Grabscheid, Christian Schiel, Andreas Schuette
  • Patent number: RE36424
    Abstract: A waste paper recycling process relates to the treatment of a mixture of waste paper containing non-cellulosic contraries and printing inks, in order to release the contraries from the fibers and further to separate them from the stock in order to produce re-usable pulp for the production of paper and board.The invention has to do with new and useful improvements in methods for first removing the non-ink contraries from the fibrous mass and second releasing and then removing the ink particles from the said fibrous mass.The invention is directed to the treatment of the fiber slurry produced during the ink separation stage, after the ink releasing stage has been applied. One aim of the process is to allow both the use of the fibers and the mineral fillers contained in that slurry, for pulp and board making, and the use the solids-free water contained in the same slurry as the washing liquid in the previous ink-separation treatment, thus closing the fibers and the water circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Clement