Abstract: A bi-component link for making a modular papermaking fabric has a link base component capable of interconnecting to at least one other link and a surface plate component attached to the link base forming a paper support surface. Each component is made through molding techniques to have predetermined characteristics such as open area, permeability, surface finish, etc. The surface plate component is attached to the link base component for combined effect on fabric characteristics. A papermaking fabric is constructed from a plurality of interconnected bi-component links and has predetermined permeability established by the combination of a pattern of open and contact areas on each component of each link.

Abstract: A link for making a modular papermaking fabric by interconnecting with other links is made through molding techniques to have predetermined characteristics such as open area, permeability, surface finish, etc. A papermaking fabric is constructed from a plurality of interconnected links and has predetermined permeability established by the combination of open and contact areas on each link.

Abstract: A bi-component link for making a modular papermaking fabric has a link base component capable of interconnecting to at least one other link and a surface plate component attached to the link base forming a paper support surface. Each component is made through molding techniques to have predetermined characteristics such as open area, permeability, surface finish, etc. The surface plate component is attached to the link base component for combined effect on fabric characteristics. A papermaking fabric is constructed from a plurality of interconnected bi-component links and has predetermined permeability established by the combination of a pattern of open and contact areas on each component of each link.

Abstract: A link for making a modular papermaking fabric by interconnecting with other links is made through molding techniques to have predetermined characteristics such as open area, permeability, surface finish, etc. A papermaking fabric is constructed from a plurality of interconnected links and has predetermined permeability established by the combination of open and contact areas on each link.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for plasma modifying a substrate are disclosed along with associated techniques for applying coatings to the substrate. Particular utility has been found using a hollow cathode to generate the plasma along with magnetic focusing means to focus the plasma at the surface of a substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for plasma modifying a substrate are disclosed along with associated techniques for applying coatings to the substrate. Particular utility has been found using a hollow cathode to generate the plasma along with magnetic focusing means to focus the plasma at the surface of a substrate.

Abstract: A seam construction for a papermakers fabric wherein mating seam components are molded onto opposite ends of the fabric. The seam is assembled by matingly engaging the seam components molded onto the respective fabric ends. Preferably, the seam components are male and female and become positively locked when the seam ends are joined together.

Abstract: A seam construction for a papermakers fabric in which mating seam components are molded onto opposite ends of the fabric. The seam is assembled by matingly engaging the seam components molded onto the respective fabric end to define a seam having a caliper substantially equal to the caliper of the fabric. Preferably, the seam components are male and female and become positively locked when the seam ends are joined together.

Abstract: An endless papermakers belt which is formed from a length of woven fabrics having its ends joined together to form the endless belt. The fabric has joining loops at each end of the fabric which are formed entirely from and are a linear continuation of the original woven fabric.

Abstract: A papermakers fabric and method of designing and manufacturing same which exhibits high tolerance to temperature and/or moisture variation and as a result, retains dimensional stability avoiding these problems. A specific fabric construction is selected having a defined machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (CMD) yarn components. A mathematical model of the selected fabric structure is then defined in terms of the dimensions of the yarn components in relationship to the machine direction length of the fabric. The percent change in fabric length is then determined as a function of both the dimensions and the expansion characteristics of the MD and CMD yarns. The fabric is then designed to have calculated expansion characteristics within selected tolerances.