Patents by Inventor Robert J. Rudt
Robert J. Rudt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 6211905Abstract: This invention relates to a system for monitoring a process which includes a plurality of monitoring means such as video camera which collects data relative to the process. The collected data is converted into a digital format and the digitized data stored in digital data storage device such that as new data is stored earlier stored data is removed to maintain about the same volume of stored data. The system also includes a control such as a computer which communicates with the digital data storage device. In the event of a deviation from a process parameter, the control is adapted to extract and display the digitized data corresponding to the deviation.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1998Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventors: Robert J. Rudt, Leonard F. Fiore, Kenneth D. Grapes
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Patent number: 6203307Abstract: A hot soft nip calender apparatus is provided for a paper mill. The apparatus includes at least one heated calender roller and a finishing belt which is moved in proximity to the heated calender roller by a plurality of drive rollers and at least one pressure roller. Thus, a heated calender nip is defined between the heated calender roller and the finishing belt. A web of paper is passed through the nip, such that one surface of the web of paper is contacted by the heated calender roller, while the opposed surface of the web is contacted by the finishing belt. The finishing belt has an extremely smooth surface for contacting the web of paper so as to impart appropriate smoothness and gloss characteristics to that surface. The finishing belt can readily be changed when worn or damaged or to alter the characteristics being imparted to a web of paper.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Champion International CorporationInventors: Thomas M. Neider, Robert J. Rudt
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Patent number: 6007921Abstract: A hot soft nip calendar apparatus is provided for a paper mill. The apparatus includes at least one heated calendar roller and a finishing belt which is moved in proximity to the heated calendar roller by a plurality of drive rollers and at least one pressure roller. Thus, a heated calendar nip is defined between the heated calendar roller and the finishing belt. A web of paper is passed through the nip, such that one surface of the web of paper is contacted by the heated calendar roller, while the opposed surface of the web is contacted by the finishing belt. The finishing belt has an extremely smooth surface for contacting the web of paper so as to impart appropriate smoothness and gloss characteristics to that surface. The finishing belt can readily be changed when worn or damaged or to alter the characteristics being imparted to a web of paper.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Champion International CorporationInventors: Thomas M. Neider, Robert J. Rudt
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Patent number: 5821990Abstract: A system for continuously monitoring a process such as a paper making process wherein a plurality of video cameras are positioned at various positions along the process to monitor one or more pre-determined characteristics of the process. The system further includes device for converting the monitored characteristics into digital format and a digital data storage device, such as a circular memory, for storage of such data such that as new data is stored earlier stored data is removed. The system includes a control device such as a computer which is capable of communicating with the data storage device and with a detector for detecting deviations from the monitored predetermined characteristic such that on receipt of a deviation signal the control device extracts from the digital data storage device digitized data corresponding to the deviation and displays such extracted deviation digitized data as for example on a video monitor.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Champion International CorporationInventors: Robert J. Rudt, Leonard F. Fiore, Kenneth D. Grapes
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Patent number: 5717456Abstract: The invention is a system for monitoring a process in which process data relating to a predetermined characteristic of the process is collected and stored in digital format and extracted based upon a predetermined criterion for display. A plurality of monitors are strategically positioned at various locations of interest to observe the predetermined characteristic. Data obtained by the monitors are converted into digital format and stored. A central control is provided for retrieving the digital data in accordance with a predetermined criterion and transmitting the retrieved data to a display unit. The predetermined criterion for display may be specified as a deviation from the predetermined characteristic, and a plurality of deviation detectors may be coupled to the system for obtaining and relaying information relating to such deviations. Upon deviation, the central control may be adapted to retrieve digital data based on time and location of the deviation.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1995Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Champion International CorporationInventors: Robert J. Rudt, Leonard F. Fiore, Kenneth D. Grapes
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Patent number: 5694837Abstract: A hot soft nip calender apparatus is provided for a paper mill. The apparatus includes at least one heated calender roller and a finishing belt which is moved in proximity to the heated calender roller by a plurality of drive rollers and at least one pressure roller. Thus, a heated calender nip is defined between the heated calender roller and the finishing belt. A web of paper is passed through the nip, such that one surface of the web of paper is contacted by the heated calender roller, while the opposed surface of the web is contacted by the finishing belt. The finishing belt has an extremely smooth surface for contacting the web of paper so as to impart appropriate smoothness and gloss characteristics to that surface. The finishing belt can readily be changed when worn or damaged or to alter the characteristics being imparted to a web of paper.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Champion International CorporationInventors: Thomas M. Neider, Robert J. Rudt
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Patent number: 5547509Abstract: A coating installation is provided for a paper mill to apply a coating to at least one surface of a continuous web of paper. To reduce catastrophic damage to the web of paper passing through the coating installation, a continuous support belt is provided for supporting the web entirely through and beyond the location at which the coating is applied to the web. The continuous support belt is formed from a smooth dimensionally stable material exhibiting appropriate stiffness and compressibility for a particular coating application.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1995Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Assignee: Champion International CorporationInventors: Thomas M. Neider, Robert J. Rudt
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Patent number: 5546856Abstract: A hot soft nip calender apparatus is provided for a paper mill. The apparatus includes at least one heated calender roller and a finishing belt which is moved in proximity to the heated calender roller by a plurality of drive rollers and at least one pressure roller. Thus, a heated calender nip is defined between the heated calender roller and the finishing belt. A web of paper is passed through the nip, such that one surface of the web of paper is contacted by the heated calender roller, while the opposed surface of the web is contacted by the finishing belt. The finishing belt has an extremely smooth surface for contacting the web of paper so as to impart appropriate smoothness and gloss characteristics to that surface. The finishing belt can readily be changed when worn or damaged or to alter the characteristics being imparted to a web of paper.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1994Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Inventors: Thomas M. Neider, Robert J. Rudt
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Patent number: 5400707Abstract: A hot soft nip calender apparatus is provided for a paper mill. The apparatus includes at least one heated calender roller and a finishing belt which is moved in proximity to the heated calender roller by a plurality of drive rollers and at least one pressure roller. Thus, a heated calender nip is defined between the heated calender roller and the finishing belt. A web of paper is passed through the nip, such that one surface of the web of paper is contacted by the heated calender roller, while the opposed surface of the web is contacted by the finishing belt. The finishing belt has an extremely smooth surface for contacting the web of paper so as to impart appropriate smoothness and gloss characteristics to that surface. The finishing belt can readily be changed when worn or damaged or to alter the characteristics being imparted to a web of paper.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1994Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Champion International CorporationInventors: Thomas M. Neider, Robert J. Rudt
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Patent number: 4766649Abstract: A method and an apparatus for avoiding periodic non-uniformities in papermaking felts by varying the width of the web going into a cross lapper.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1987Date of Patent: August 30, 1988Assignee: Albany International Corp.Inventors: Robert J. Rudt, W. Daniel Aldrich
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Patent number: 4494319Abstract: The disclosure is of a dryer felt and dryer felt fabric for use in a paper making machine. The fabric is characterized in part by an increased paper contacting surface in the center of the belt. The fabric has an enhanced operating life as a dryer felt since the machine direction yarns are protected at the edges from direct contact with the hot dryer cans on the sheet side and in its entirety from typically abrasive carrying rolls on the back side. The improved drying efficiency in the center of the belt compensates for the prior art decreased drying efficiency at the center of the paper web being dried. This gives a uniform moisture content across the width of the drying paper web.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1983Date of Patent: January 22, 1985Assignee: Albany International Corp.Inventor: Robert J. Rudt
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Patent number: 4426795Abstract: The disclosure is of a dryer felt and dryer felt fabric for use in a paper making machine. The fabric is characterized in part by an increased paper contacting surface in the center of the belt. The fabric has an enhanced operating life as a dryer felt since the machine direction yarns are protected at the edges from direct contact with the hot dryer cans on the sheet side and in its entirety from typically abrasive carrying rolls on the back side. The improved drying efficiency in the center of the belt compensates for the prior art decreased drying efficiency at the center of the paper web being dried. This gives a uniform moisture content across the width of the drying paper web.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1981Date of Patent: January 24, 1984Assignee: Albany International Corp.Inventor: Robert J. Rudt