Abstract: A pin tenter clamp for a tenter apparatus has a clamp base on which tenter pins are disposed. The clamp base is provided with a hinge about which a clamp top plate is pivotable. A resilient, elastomeric clamp pad is disposed on a side of the clamp top plate facing the clamp base and tenter pins. The clamp top plate is biased away from the clamp base to open the pin tenter clamp. Between the clamp top plate and clamp base is a stripper plate having openings through which the tenter pins may extend when the pin tenter clamp is closed. The stripper plate also has a resilient, elastomeric clamp pad having openings aligned with those in the stripper plate. When the pin tenter clamp is open, the stripper plate resides above the tenter pins. In use on a tenter apparatus, the present pin tenter clamp first holds the fabric to be stretched between the resilient, elastomeric clamp pads before the tenter pins may extend threrethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining the warp threads in a multi-beam loom at a constant tension includes tension sensors for each beam, and a microprocessor-based control circuit which provides individual speed control signals to the motors during each beam. The circuit samples the warp tension at regular intervals and recalculates the optimum speeds for each motor by taking into consideration the transverse effects on each beam caused by adjacent beams.

Abstract: A vacuum dual control system for the flat box section of a papermaking machine. The system includes a plurality of serially arranged vacuum boxes and a header interconnecting the boxes. A vacuum pump is operatively connected to the boxes in a manner so that vacuum applied to the boxes is a function of the speed of the pump. A first control operates the pump to run at an initial substantially constant high speed for providing vacuum necessary to dewater a web in its initial condition. The web is passed over the boxes so that suction applied therethrough by the pump running at its initial substantially constant high speed dewaters the web until the condition of the web changes sufficiently to cause the vacuum in the last box to increase to a predetermined maximum level. A second control is provided with set point adjustment capabilities to enable selection of a predetermined set point corresponding to the predetermined maximum vacuum level.

Abstract: A vacuum control system and method for dewatering fabrics on a papermaking machine including a suction pipe and a vacuum pump connected to the suction pipe to supply a desired vacuum level. The fabric is passed over a slot in the suction pipe so that suction applied therethrough will dewater the fabric. Controls are connected to the suction pipe and to the vacuum pump responsive to an increase in the vacuum level in the suction pipe as fabric permeability decreases to correspondingly lower the speed of the vacuum pump and retain the desired vacuum level in the suction pipe.

Abstract: A basementless separator system for removing liquid from a liquid/gaseous mixture. The system includes a separator for separating the liquid and gas therein. A first conduit communicates the separator with the source of the liquid/gaseous mixture. A secnd conduit communicates the separator with a vacuum source to draw the liquid/gaseous mixture into the separator and to remove the separated gas from the separator. A first valve is on the separator in alignment with a liquid storage tank to open and close a discharge opening for separated liquid from the separator to be collected in the storage tank. A second valve is on the storage tank to open and close a drainage opening in the tank to control drainage of liquid therefrom. A level sensor is on the tank to indicate a predetermined level of collected liquids stored in the tank. Controls are responsive to the liquid condition in the tank to open and close the valves and periodically drain from the tank the liquid collected therein.

Abstract: A deliquefying system including at least one drainage device having a wear surface and being connected to a source of suction open to the wear surface. A wet web of material to be deliquefied is passed over the wear surface so that liquid is removed from the wet web of material by the drainage device. A liquid deckle is at each exposed end of the drainage device in position to prevent air from entering the drainage device through the end zone and thereby restricting the flow of air to passage through the wet web into the drainage device.