Abstract: All of the essential operating parts for adding a top former assembly to a new Fourdrinier paper machine or for converting an existing Fourdrinier paper machine into a top former are carried by a supplemental frame assembly which can be mounted on the main Fourdrinier frame with minimal modification of the latter except the addition of simple parts for securing the supplemental frame assembly on top of the main frame. The primary operating parts of the top wire assembly are a hollow foraminous roll and a top wire deflector which cooperate to collect and deliver liquid expressed through the top wire into a receptacle that is carried by the supplemental frame assembly, and special provision is made for utilizing the top wire deflector to correct for irregularities in the cross machine profile of the paper sheet as it is being formed. Provision is also made for operating the resulting top former in roll former mode, blade former mode, or a combination roll and blade former modes.

Abstract: All of the essential operating parts for converting an existing Fourdrinier paper machine into a top former are carried by a supplemental frame assembly which can be mounted on the main Fourdrinier frame with no modification of the latter except the addition of a pair of pivotal mountings and a pair of adjusting jacks for the supplemental frame assembly. The primary operating parts of the top wire assembly are a hollow foraminous roll and a top deflector which cooperate to collect and deliver liquid extruded through the top wire into a receptacle which is carried by the supplemental frame assembly. Provision is also made for operating the resulting top former in roll formation mode, blade formation mode, or a combination roll and blade formation mode.