Abstract: An improved method for imprinting a paper web during a wet pressing event is disclosed which results in asymmetrical protrusions corresponding to the deflection conduits of a deflection member. In one embodiment, differential velocity transfer during a pressing event serves to improve the molding and imprinting of a web with a deflection member. Improved deflection members are also disclosed. Improved tissue webs produced are also disclosed having useful sets of physical and geometrical properties, such as a pattern densified network and a repeating pattern of protrusions having asymmetrical structures.

Abstract: A process for determining the tension in a moving web is provided. The process includes the step of providing a web that is moving at a determined speed. The speed has a determined basis weight. A wave is created in the moving web. The speed of the propagation of the wave is determined. Also, the tension on the moving web is determined through a mathematical relationship between the wave speed, the basis weight of the web, and the speed of the web. The instability index of the web is greater than or equal to 0.5.

Abstract: An improved method for imprinting a paper web during a wet pressing event is disclosed which results in asymmetrical protrusions corresponding to the deflection conduits of a deflection member. In one embodiment, differential velocity transfer during a pressing event serves to improve the molding and imprinting of a web with a deflection member. Improved deflection members are also disclosed. Improved tissue webs produced are also disclosed having useful sets of physical and geometrical properties, such as a pattern densified network and a repeating pattern of protrusions having asymmetrical structures.

Abstract: Improved deflection members are disclosed for imparting texture to a web through the use of pressing, imprinting, or related technologies, In one embodiment, such deflection members include fabrics having raised elements that contact the web and deflection conduits, wherein the deflection member comprises geometries and/or materials capable of creating asymmetrical domes, either through contact in a compression nip or by imprinting the web onto the Yankee dryer. Deflection members of the present invention can include those with elastomeric components in the raised elements, those comprising asymmetrical geometries in the raised elements, those comprising two or more subsets of raised elements having different material properties or geometries, and other fabrics with novel construction and materials.

Abstract: An improved method for imprinting a paper web during a wet pressing event is disclosed which results in asymmetrical protrusions corresponding to the deflection conduits of a deflection member. In one embodiment, differential velocity transfer during a pressing event serves to improve the molding and imprinting of a web with a deflection member. Improved deflection members are also disclosed. Improved tissue webs produced are also disclosed having useful sets of physical and geometrical properties, such as a pattern densified network- and a repeating pattern of protrusions having asymmetrical structures.

Abstract: A process for determining the tension in a moving web is provided. The process includes the step of providing a web that is moving at a determined speed. The speed has a determined basis weight. A wave is created in the moving web. The speed of the propagation of the wave is determined. Also, the tension on the moving web is determined through a mathematical relationship between the wave speed, the basis weight of the web, and the speed of the web. The instability index of the web is greater than or equal to 0.5.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a low-strength sheet having a width and a top surface and moving in a first direction at a rate sufficient to entrain air. The apparatus includes an airfoil adapted to extend along the top surface of the sheet. The airfoil, in turn, includes:a bottom surface adapted to extend along a portion of the top surface of the sheet;a first surface extending a first distance from the bottom surface at a first juncture;a second surface extending a second distance from the bottom surface at a second juncture; anda top surface extending from the first surface at a third juncture to the second surface at a fourth juncture. The first distance in general is less than the second distance.

Abstract: A uniformly wound parent roll of soft, high bulk tissue has greater uniformity in sheet basis weight, machine direction stretch and bulk when compared to parent rolls wound by conventional winding methods. The method involves carrying the tissue sheet on a relatively air impermeable transfer belt which traverses an unsupported span between two winding drums. The sheet is transferred from the transfer belt to the parent roll as the parent roll is urged against the sheet/transfer belt at a point within the unsupported span. The resulting deflection of the transfer belt is detected and, in response, the reel spool position is controllably changed to maintain the deflection within predetermined limits. The tension of the sheet is controlled by the predetermined differential speed between the outer most surface of the parent roll and the transfer belt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for winding tissue webs into a parent roll is disclosed which results in greater uniformity in sheet basis weight, machine direction stretch and bulk when comparing the corresponding sheet properties taken from representative locations throughout the roll. The apparatus and method includes engaging the tissue web against a reel spool with a flexible member such as a transfer belt which traverses an unsupported span between two support rolls. The web is transferred from the transfer belt to the parent roll as the parent roll is urged against the sheet/transfer belt at a point within the unsupported span. The resulting deflection of the transfer belt is detected and, in response, the reel spool position is changed to control the deflection at a desired level. Accordingly, a predetermined light nip pressure can be applied to the roll as the tissue web is wound thereon and large parent rolls of high bulk tissue can be manufactured with desired properties when unwound.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a low strength sheet which involves passing the sheet under an apparatus having a width and a top surface and moving in a first direction at a rate sufficient to entrain air. The apparatus includes an airfoil adapted to extend along the top surface of the sheet. The airfoil, in turn, includes:a bottom surface adapted to extend along a portion of the top surface of the sheet;a first surface extending a first distance from the bottom surface at a first juncture;a second surface extending a second distance from the bottom surface at a second juncture; anda top surface extending from the first surface at a third juncture to the second surface at a fourth juncture. The first distance in general is less than the second distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a low-strength sheet having a width and a top surface and moving in a first direction at a rate sufficient to entrain air. The apparatus includes an airfoil adapted to extend along the top surface of the sheet. The airfoil, in turn, includes:a bottom surface adapted to extend along a portion of the top surface of the sheet;a first surface extending a first distance from the bottom surface at a first juncture;a second surface extending a second distance from the bottom surface at a second juncture; anda top surface extending from the first surface at a third juncture to the second surface at a fourth juncture. The first distance in general is less than the second distance.