Abstract: A multi-layer press felt for use in a papermaking machine which is formed by way of a pintle seam in at least the innermost layer. The felt includes a needled fibrous layer on at least its outer surface. Each fabric layer comprises MD monofilament yarns interlaced with CMD yarns forming the plurality of fabric layers each having loops at its opposed MD ends. The loops of the first of the fabric layers are intermeshed to receive the pintle forming the seam which forms the felt endless. Each of the loop portions of the at lease second of the fabric layers have a multi-filament stuffer yarn positioned therein.

Abstract: A wet-laid paper having an outer surface configured to be pleasing to the eye and further having improved bulk, softness, and width wise stretch ratio without loss of tensile strength. The paper is characterized spaced diagonally arranged continuous zones or rows of compressed fibers extending across the width of the paper. These compressed zones or rows are separated with diagonally arranged arrays of uncompressed pillow like zones of uncompressed fibers which are at least partially encircled with picket like lineaments of compressed fibers. The invention includes the process of making the paper.

Abstract: A method of controlling a web of paper forming slurry stationary on a dryer fabric during drying in the drying section of a papermaking machine comprising:forming the dryer fabric of synthetic yarns to be continuous;positioning the dryer fabric about drying drums of the paper drying machine;providing the dryer fabric with an adhesive or tacky support surface and delivering the web onto the adhesive support surface for passage through the dryer section;gripping or securing the web with the adhesive support surface into a relatively fixed and stationary position on the dryer fabric as it is passed about the drums and through the drying section of the paper making machine; andremoving the web from the dryer section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the de-watering performance of a forming section of a papermaking machine is disclosed which includes a laser instrument having a laser displacement meter laterally spaced and supported above an upper run of a paper forming fabric having a paper stock deposited thereon. A head box deposits paper stock consisting of a water/fiber mixture on top of the upper run. An adjustable C-shaped carrier stand has an upper leg that supports the laser instrument above the upper run of the forming fabric. The carrier stand has a lower leg to support a baseline contact device below the upper run of the forming fabric. The laser displacement meter is disposed at a laser reference position above the forming fabric so that a laser beam is reflected off of the paper stock which is deposited on top of the forming fabric.

Abstract: A woven fabric for use in papermaking machines and particularly with through air drying machines. The fabric comprises a paper support surface having spaced diagonal rows pockets which are effective to create diagonal rows of uncompressed paper forming fibers over the surface of paper formed on the papermaking machine. The rows of pockets are separated by diagonal strips of support surface arranged along substantially a single plane. The diagonal strips provide support areas over the width of the paper forming fibers which firmly secure the fiber sheet with the papermaking fabric during paper forming. The strips also produce diagonal rows of compressed paper forming fibers which provide for a more stable paper product.

Abstract: A woven fabric for use on papermaking machines having first and second sets of filaments interwoven with each other to provide a first grouping of coplanar top surface crossovers and a second grouping of recessed sub top surface crossovers. The first grouping of top surface crossovers are in spaced relation to define a plurality of at least first and second cavities. The first ones of the cavities are arranged along substantially parallel lines in the cross machine direction and the machine direction. The second ones of the cavities are spaced from the first ones of the cavities and are arranged along substantially parallel lines which extend in both the cross machine direction and the machine direction. Individual ones of the first cavities are arranged adjacent of and are interconnected with individual ones of the second cavities. The interconnected first and second cavities form cavity pairs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the de-watering performance of a forming section of a papermaking machine is disclosed which includes a laser instrument assembly having first and second laser displacement meters laterally spaced and supported above an upper run of a paper forming fabric. A head box deposits paper stock consisting of a water/fiber mixture on top of the upper run. An adjustable carrier stand supports the laser instrument assembly above the upper run of the forming fabric. The first laser displacement meter is disposed in a first position above the forming fabric so that a laser beam of the first laser meter is reflected off of the paper stock which is deposited on top of the forming fabric. The second laser displacement meter is disposed in a second position above said forming fabric so that a laser beam of the second laser displacement meter is reflected off of a bare edge of the forming fabric.

Abstract: A papermaking fabric woven to have a support surface which is defined by co-planar support surface crossovers of filaments in both the machine direction and cross machine direction and also to have sub-top surface crossovers of filaments which are distributed in a predetermined pattern throughout the support surface of the fabric. The specific weave pattern along with the use of different sized and specifically arranged yarns create staggered arrays of continuous trough like cavities and arrays of sequentially arranged individual cavities or pockets. The arrays of troughs and pockets extend diagonally of the fabric in alternating fashion across its width. The fabric is particularly useful for producing soft absorbent paper having low density, good strength, and reduced rigidity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-layer papermaking fabric, preferably a forming fabric having superior stability characteristics along with uniform drainage characteristics. The fabric is formed with a single system of warp yarns evenly distributed over its width and interwoven with weft yarns arranged in a multi-layer stacked pattern. The weft yarns are arranged to consist of support surface layer weft yarns, running layer weft yarns and intermediate layer weft yarns.

Abstract: A multi-layered paper machine fabric having a preselected permeability value, comprising a single system of warp yarns and a multiple layers of weft yarns. The weft yarns include support surface weft yarns intermediate layer weft yarns and lower surface weft yarns all interwoven with the single system of warp yarns. The surface layer weft yarns are of a first thickness, the lower layer weft yarns are of a second thickness, and the intermediate layer of weft yarns are of a third thickness which differs from the first and second thicknesses. Certain ones of the support surface weft yarns are interwoven with the warp yarns to be vertically aligned with the lower surface weft yarns to form drainage channels therebetween. Certain of the intermediate weft yarns are interwoven with the warp yarns to be located intermediate of the surface weft yarns and the lower weft yarns and centrally of the drainage channels.