Abstract: A suction transfer device located over a length of a single continuous dryer fabric extending between two rolls and below which length the web to be dried extends, with the device producing preferential negative pressure in active sections at the edges of the fabric with relation to a relatively inactive central section between said active sections.

Abstract: An assembly for use at the nip between a dryer fabric and a dryer bottom roll at a location at which the fabric moves onto the roll and at which the web to be dried is outside the fabric. A shroud having first and second walls which diverge from a nose is assembled with a plenum chamber body having downwardly converging walls with an opening between the lower ends. The upper edge of one wall of the shroud is secured to one wall of the body to form a first plurality of orifices with the nose of the shroud below the opening and with the other wall of the shroud extending upwardly along and in spaced relation to the other wall of the body. One edge of a baffle extending across the body opening is secured to the one wall of the shroud with the other edge of the baffle connected to the other body wall at a location below the upper end of the other shroud wall to form a second line of orifices.

Abstract: A system for optimizing the thermal efficiency of a dryer in which infrared radiation from a source outside the moisture carrying duct is directed into the duct to subject it to the action of the moisture-laden air in the duct to produce resultant radiation which is detected. In response to the detection, the flow of exhaust and fresh air is regulated to hold the moisture content of the air in the duct to a set value considered to be the optimum for the highest thermal efficiency of the dryer loop.