Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; applying a fluid pressure differential to transfer the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure and causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; applying a fluid pressure differential to transfer the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure and causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating controlled radiation for curing a photosensitive resin is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a source of radiation and an elongate reflector for directing said radiation in at least one radiating direction. The reflector has two ends spaced apart in a longitudinal direction, and a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The reflector further has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface comprises a plurality of elongate reflective facets oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction. The reflective facets are adjustable in the cross-section for directing the curing radiation substantially parallel to at least one radiating direction. Optionally, a plurality of collimating elements disposed between the ends of the reflector may be utilized for controlling an angle of the curing radiation relative to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; applying a fluid pressure differential to transfer the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure and causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating controlled radiation for curing a photosensitive resin is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a source of radiation and an elongate reflector for directing said radiation in at least one radiating direction. The reflector has two ends spaced apart in a longitudinal direction, and a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The reflector further has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface comprises a plurality of elongate reflective facets oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction. The reflective facets are adjustable in the cross-section for directing the curing radiation substantially parallel to at least one radiating direction. Optionally, a plurality of collimating elements disposed between the ends of the reflector may be utilized for controlling an angle of the curing radiation relative to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A process for making a paper sheet is disclosed. After a web is transferred from a forming wire to a papermaking belt preferably having deflection conduits, the web is overlaid with a flexible sheet of material such that the web is disposed intermediate the sheet of material and the papermaking belt. The sheet of material has an air permeability less than the papermaking belt, and is preferably air-impermeable. An application of a fluid pressure differential to the sheet of material causes deflection of at least a portion of the sheet of material towards the papermaking belt and, preferably, deflection of at least a portion of the web into the conduits of the papermaking belt and water removal from the web through the conduits of the papermaking belt.