Abstract: A coat weight control system for applying coating to a paper sheet in a paper machine permits even coating across the sheet with less actuator force needed. The system applies a specified force profile on a coating blade and has a plurality of actuators spaced apart, the actuators each applying a load. A flexible backing bar is positioned on the coating blade having connections there along to the actuators, the backing bar having a plurality of keyhole slots between the connections, the slots spaced apart along the bar.

Abstract: A coupling member for joining a first article to a second article comprising first and second elongate arms that are pivotally connectable to a main housing via ball and socket joints. Each arm has one end formed for connection to one of the articles and the other end adapted to be engaged in the ball and socket joint. A locking system is also provided to lock the arms in position with respect to the main housing after the arms have been connected between the first and second articles to create a rigid connection between the first and second articles. The pivotable nature of the coupling member allows for a connection to be made between the first and second articles to be joined without the articles being in perfect alignment whereupon the locking system is applied to create a rigid link.