Abstract: A wheel and overlay assembly employing an overlay configured to more fully control the aesthetic appearance of the assembly. The wheel and overlay assembly employs an overlay that more completely establishes the decorative appearance of the assembly, thereby enabling the use of a standardized wheel whose design and construction considerations are based almost solely on the structural requirements of the assembly. As such, the overlay is adapted to enable the functions of structural integrity and outward appearance of the assembly to be addressed separately, resulting in a more fully integrated appearance in which the two-component construction of the assembly is fully concealed, such that a substantial reduction in manufacturing costs is achieved due to the reduced functional demands on the wheel.

Abstract: A system and method of providing fast machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD) basis weight adjustments using a simultaneous multi-point water weight sensor which provides independent MD and CD measurements is described. The water weight sensor is placed under the wire of the sheetmaking machine and provides fast wet end water weight measurements which are converted into predicted dry end basis weight information and used to control operating variables of machine elements in the sheetmaking machine to compensate for high frequency process variations. MD wet end measurements are used to control operating variables of machine elements that influence the MD dry end basis weight and CD wet end measurements are used to control operating variables of machine elements that influence CD dry end basis weight.

Abstract: System and method for producing paper that employ an apparatus for measuring electrical characteristics of a fibrous composition. The apparatus comprises a plurality of conductivity (or resistance) detectors each comprising a sensor that is sensitive to the conductivity (or resistance) and the proximity of the material (e.g., fibrous composition) to the sensor. Measurements from the apparatus relate to the zeta potential of the fibrous materials in the composition. The zeta potential profiles corresponding optimized configurations of the sheetmaking process can be employed to monitor and control the process.

Abstract: Significant improvements in papermaking control can be achieved by employing an array of sensors that are positioned underneath the wire of the machine to measure the conductivity of the aqueous wet stock. The conductivity of the wet stock is directly proportional to the total water weight within the wet stock; consequently, the sensor provides information which can be used to monitor and control the quality of the paper sheet produced. Because CD water weight profile is obtained practically instantaneously, the MD and CD variations are essentially decoupled. Quality improvements to the sheet fabricated will be achieved by providing fast control of the actuators on the machine and by tuning components on the machine to eliminate the sources of variations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining fiber weight measurements in the wet end of a sheetmaking system and for verifying fiber weight measurements taken in the wet end of a sheetmaking system which includes a water weight sensor positioned beneath the wire in the wet end of the sheetmaking system for obtaining water weight measurements and load cells residing beneath the water weight sensor for weighing the wet end sensor and the wire with wetstock (total weight) and without wetstock (tare weight). In one embodiment, the water weight measurement and the tare weight measurement are subtracted from the total weight to obtain the fiber weight in the wetstock. In another embodiment, the water weight measurement is used to obtain an predicted fiber weight measurement and the determined fiber weight is used to verify the predicted fiber weight measurement and the accuracy of the water weight measurement device.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing three properties of materials: the conductivity or resistance, the dielectric constant, and the proximity of the material to the sensor portion of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a fixed impedance element coupled in series with the sensor portion of the apparatus between an input signal and ground. The sensor portion of the apparatus is an electrode configuration which includes at least two electrodes with a portion of the material residing between and in close proximity to the electrodes. The sensor exhibits a variable impedance resulting from changes in physical characteristics of the material. The fixed impedance element and the variable impedance of the sensor portion form a voltage divider network such that changes in impedance of the sensor portion results in changes in voltage on the output of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method that combine an array of fast under wire water weigh sensors with a scanning system provides an accurate measurement of the entire sheet down to 1 in. by 1 in. resolution. Because CD profiles are obtained instantaneously, MD and CD variations are completely decoupled, even if CD profiles are taken at longer intervals apart.

Abstract: A system and method of producing a paper product from a wetstock solution using a sensor for sensing resistive impedance changes of the wetstock on the support web of the system. The resistive impedance changes are used to measure physical characteristics such as water weight of the wetstock on the support web of a sheetmaking system. The system includes a fixed impedance element coupled in series with a sensor portion between an input signal and ground. The sensor portion is an electrode configuration which includes at least two electrodes with a portion of the wetstock residing between and in close proximity to the electrodes. The sensor exhibits a variable impedance resulting from changes in the physical characteristics of the wetstock.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for determining the concentration of a first component of a mixture wherein the first component includes at least 3 materials. The process includes directing 2 beams of x-rays into the mixture and receiving portions of the beams which are transmitted through the mixture. The concentration of the first component is determined based upon the beams transmitted through the mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling to an automotive wheel an overlay composed of a solid plastic panel member that is directly attached to the surface of the wheel. In one aspect, an intermediate positive fixing element is provided for temporarily positioning and securing the overlay to the wheel during an interval in which a slow-curing, high strength adhesive that permanently adheres the overlay to the wheel is allowed to cure. An interrelated aspect involves the selective placement of adhesive between the overlay and the wheel so as to improve the overall manufacturability, performance, and consumer-perceived quality of the resulting wheel assembly.

Abstract: An ID chuck is defined by a rotating tube pushed or pulled by a left hand cylinder and piston. The tube moves an extender cooperating with a plug surrounded by a set of collet fingers. The fingers move radially to lock a workpiece against a registration surface, and move inwardly to release the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for determining the concentration of a first component of a mixture wherein the first component includes at least 3 materials. The process includes directing 2 beams of x-rays into the mixture and receiving portions of the beams which are transmitted through the mixture. The concentration of the first component is determined based upon the beams transmitted through the mixture.

Abstract: A two-dimensional position detector, in combination with dynamic z and/or flutter sensors, provides dynamic misalignment detection and correction of a measuring head, thereby allowing accurate determinations to be made of properties of a sheet material, such as basis weight.

Abstract: A composite vehicle wheel having a disk, a rim circumscribing the disk, and an ornamental metal-plated plastic overlay attached to the outboard surface of the disk. The overlay has a pair of oppositely disposed surfaces which form interior and exterior surfaces of the overlay. The interior surface mates with at least a portion of the outboard surface of the wheel while the exterior surface has a metal layer plated thereon. The overlay is formed from a relatively thin plastic panel such that the exterior surface uniformly and closely conforms to the outboard surface of the wheel and the metal layer is substantially flush with the adjacent portions of the outboard surface to provide a pleasing aesthetic effect to the wheel. The integrity of the metal layer is such that the overlay successfully meets corrosion resistance requirements for automobile manufacturers' original equipment.

Abstract: A method for providing a decorative surface on a standard steel wheel, without requiring the use of the wheel in the production of the decorative surface. The decorative surface of this invention is provided by an overlay composed of a panel which is assembled to the surface of the wheel and which closely conforms to certain portions of the wheel, while being spaced apart from other portions of the wheel in order to form exterior surface contours which contribute an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the wheel. The overlay further includes a spacing feature disposed on the inboard surface of the overlay. The spacing feature is configured to mate with portions of the axial surface of the wheel so as to fill voids between the inboard surface of the panel and the axial surface of the wheel. In doing so, the spacing feature prevents moisture and dirt from becoming trapped within the void between the overlay and the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling to an automotive wheel an overlay composed of a solid plastic panel member that is directly attached to the surface of the wheel. In one aspect, an intermediate positive fixing element is provided for temporarily positioning and securing the overlay to the wheel during an interval in which a slow-curing, high strength adhesive that permanently adheres the overlay to the wheel is allowed to cure. An interrelated aspect involves the selective placement of adhesive between the overlay and the wheel so as to improve the overall manufacturability, performance, and consumer-perceived quality of the resulting wheel assembly.

Abstract: A composite vehicle wheel having a disk, a rim circumscribing the disk, and an ornamental metal-plated plastic overlay attached to the outboard surface of the disk. The overlay has a pair of oppositely disposed surfaces which form interior and exterior surfaces of the overlay. The interior surface mates with at least a portion of the outboard surface of the wheel while the exterior surface has a metal layer plated thereon. The overlay is formed from a relatively thin plastic panel such that the exterior surface uniformly and closely conforms to the outboard surface of the wheel and the metal layer is substantially flush with the adjacent portions of the outboard surface to provide a pleasing aesthetic effect to the wheel. The integrity of the metal layer is such that the overlay successfully meets corrosion resistance requirements for automobile manufacturers' original equipment.

Abstract: A wheel and overlay assembly having an overlay that extends to the perimeter of the wheel in order to maximize the aesthetic effect of the overlay, while also accommodating balance weights at the perimeter in order to permit proper balancing of the assembly. The result is a wheel and overlay assembly having a fully integrated appearance in which the two-piece construction of the assembly is more fully concealed. The wheel and overlay assembly is an improvement over prior art assemblies which use an overlay of the type formed separately from the wheel, and particularly overlays formed as a solid plastic panel member that is directly attached to the outboard surface of a wheel. Furthermore, the invention is applicable to both aluminum and steel wheels of the type currently existing in the industry, as well as standardized balance weights utilized in the industry.

Abstract: An independent jaw insert locks in a fixed location. Using a post, the post has a flat extending to a transverse groove. An inserted rod locks the post. In addition, a set screw having a point lands in a dimple on the post; two such set screws apply a pinching action for post clamping and registration.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a chuck system for a machine tool such as a lathe. It incorporates an elongate cylindrical body which terminates in a set of collet fingers having enlargements at the detail end whereby the enlargements define a circular body. The circular body is divided by slots to form collet fingers with enlargements at the ends of the collet fingers. A circumferential groove is formed having a registration shoulder for all of the lock jaw segments. Each lock jaw segment has a protruding tab. The tab is locked by positioning against the face of the groove and is registered against movement by jamming against a transverse post in the groove which shoulders against a conforming notch on the locking tab. A set screw holds the components in fixed location, and release is accomplished by unthreading the set screw.