Abstract: Apparatus and methods for throwing or launching paper or other material. The apparatus may be configured engage with a roll of paper or other material, and/or to impart a spin on the roll of paper or other material upon release of the roll. This spin can cause the paper or other material to unroll as it is released from the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for throwing or launching paper or other material. The apparatus may be configured engage with a roll of paper or other material, and/or to impart a spin on the roll of paper or other material upon release of the roll. This spin can cause the paper or other material to unroll as it is released from the apparatus.

Abstract: A hands-free trash barrel lid opener utilizes an actuating mechanism that is secured at the lower end of the trash barrel. A mounting means affixes the actuating mechanism to the lower end of the trash barrel. Connecting cables run along the outside of the barrel to connect the actuating mechanism to a lid control mechanism that is affixed to the trash barrel lid. The lid control mechanism includes leverage arms that receive the ends of the connecting cables. A stabilizing bar that is positioned at the back of the trash barrel includes a counterbalance means, typically a spring, that urges the lid of the trash barrel back to a closed position when the actuating lever is released. The opener is constructed so that it can remain in position when the trash barrel is lifted by mechanical arms on a garbage truck.

Abstract: A scanner for moving sheet materials such as a paper making machine provides the gauging heads which measure parameters such as basis weight and moisture entirely inside an enclosed tubular beam. Each gauging head is driven in a cross direction perpendicular to the moving sheet direction and includes a seal belt for dust and dirt protection by covering a slot in the beam, except where the gauging is located.

Abstract: A scanner for moving sheet materials such as a paper making machine provides the gauging heads which measure parameters such as basis weight and moisture entirely inside an enclosed tubular beam. Each gauging head is driven in a cross direction perpendicular to the moving sheet direction and includes a seal belt for dust and dirt protection by covering a slot in the beam, except where the gauging is located.

Abstract: A cross-direction dryer for typically drying a continuous web of paper or paper to which coating has just been applied provides both for baseline drying and a linear moisture profile by the use of respectively gas and electric heating portions of the heater units. Profile control is normally provided by control of the voltage to electric heating lamps. Such heating lamps are suspended over a large area gas burner to provide a combined increased infrared heat output. Encapsulation of the heating lamps with quartz provides for reradiation of the medium wavelength radiation produced by the gas burner. Thyristor switching for the quartz halogen heat lamps may be located adjacent to each heater unit and cooled by the combustion air for the gas burners.

Abstract: An air heating and control system, which in one application controls the diameter of a calender roll in the paper making process, includes a row of heater packs proximate to the various zones of the calender roll. Each heater pack has a plurality of electrical heating coils which are at least partially connected in parallel so that failure of one coil does not interrupt power to the remaining coils. Air flowing through the heating coils is heated to a desired temperature and impinges upon the calender roll to expand it as desired. A control system senses a defective coil, which effectively reduces current in a heater pack, and increases the voltage imposed upon that heater pack to again produce the desired power level or heating effect. Thus failure of a heating coil is immediately compensated for.