Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating an optimal dosage of bleaching agent to be used in a process for producing pulp of a required brightness value involve a set of wood chip properties characterizing the wood chips as estimated by a measurement system. Corresponding wood chip properties data are fed at the inputs of a predictive model (10) including a neural network (12), as well as an initial dosage value of the bleaching agent. The predictive model (10) generates a predicted brightness value of pulp to produce from the inspected wood chips, to estimate the optimal bleaching agent dosage for which the predicted brightness value substantially reaches the required brightness value. A method and system for controlling the bleaching of pulp are respectively based on the same estimation method and apparatus.

Abstract: A method for estimating the quality of wood chips for use in a pulp and paper production process includes estimating a plurality of wood chip quality-related properties characterizing the wood chips, and associating with these properties a plurality of corresponding wood chip property-related quality indexes. A wood chip quality model combining the wood chip property-related quality indexes is used to generate a resulting chip quality index. The properties may include wood species composition, size distribution, impurities content, moisture content and freshness characterizing the wood chips.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating the quantity of particles collected by a suction extractor includes a capturing element handling assembly including a pair of stationary plates disposed in a spaced relationship to define a gap therebetween, the stationary elements being provided with sets of main apertures disposed in alignment with each other to define a corresponding set of channels extending through the gap. A movable disk interposed within the gap is provided with a plurality of holders capable of receiving a plurality of filter-type particle capturing elements. An actuator operatively coupled to the movable disk provides controlled movement thereof relative to the stationary plates. One of the main apertures on the first stationary plate defines a first inlet in fluid communication with an output fluid carrying line, while one aligned aperture on the second stationary plate defines a first outlet for fluid communication with the output fluid carrying line.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing the quality of reclaimable waste paper matter containing contaminants such as brown cardboard or colored plastic bag fragments employ image data analysis techniques to provide quality indication data useful for establishing reclaimed pulp process parameters. Polychromatic light directed onto an inspected area the matter is sensed following reflection thereon to generate color image pixel data representing values of color components within a color space for pixels forming an image of the inspected area. The image data is processed by comparison with color classification data related to one or more contaminants, to identify the pixels likely to be associated with the presence of the contaminant in the inspected area. The classification color data is derived from statistical distribution through Bayesian estimation of a probability that each said pixel be associated with the presence of each contaminant.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating the quantity of particles collected by a suction extractor includes a capturing element handling assembly including a pair of stationary plates disposed in a spaced relationship to define a gap therebetween, the stationary elements being provided with sets of main apertures disposed in alignment with each other to define a corresponding set of channels extending through the gap. A movable disk interposed within the gap is provided with a plurality of holders capable of receiving a plurality of filter-type particle capturing elements. An actuator operatively coupled to the movable disk provides controlled movement thereof relative to the stationary plates. One of the main apertures on the first stationary plate defines a first inlet in fluid communication with an output fluid carrying line, while one aligned aperture on the second stationary plate defines a first outlet for fluid communication with the output fluid carrying line.

Abstract: An implantable device which is suited for implantation into a human or animal heart for receiving and removably holding a valve prosthesis is described. The device comprises a ring structure which is adapted to be fixed to the tissue around the orifice of a heart valve after excision of the diseased or damaged natural valve has been effected. In use, the ring structure is fixed in place and then the appropriate valve prosthesis is attached to the ring. When the valve prosthesis fails and has to be replaced with a new prosthesis, the damaged prosthesis can be detached from the ring allowing a replacement prosthesis to be fixed to the ring without affecting the connection between ring structure and tissue.