Abstract: An industrial fabric of the variety used in the papermaking and similar industries has machine-direction (MD) yarns and cross-machine-direction (CD) yarns, which may be interwoven with one another to form a woven structure. The industrial fabric includes, as at least some of the MD and/or CD yarns, sheath/core yarns which have a core yarn surrounded by a sheath. The core yarn and the sheath are visually distinguishable by the naked eye from one another, such as by color, so that wear on a surface of the industrial fabric can be monitored visually during its operating life by the visual change that would become apparent when the sheath is worn away from the core yarn.

Abstract: An industrial fabric of the variety used in the papermaking and similar industries has machine-direction (MD) yarns and cross-machine-direction (CD) yarns, which may be interwoven with one another to form a woven structure. The industrial fabric includes, as at least some of the MD and/or CD yarns, sheath/core yarns which have a core yarn surrounded by a sheath. The core yarn and the sheath are visually distinguishable by the naked eye from one another, such as by color, so that wear on a surface of the industrial fabric can be monitored visually during its operating life by the visual change that would become apparent when the sheath is worn away from the core yarn.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to endless belts and fabrics for use in a process control loop which can be used in the production of the products specified in the specification. The belt is provided with means for emitting electromagnetic radiation upon excitation by an energy source. That is, the belt is provided with a sensor which emits electromagnetic radiation when excited by an energy source, such as an external one that is directed at the belt. A sensor is comprised of an electromagnetic radiation emitting compound dispersed within a matrix. The sensor may also contain a scattering material. The sensor can take the form of a filamentary material, coating or film that can then be incorporated on or in the belt. In operation, energy emitted from an energy source is directed at the belt. Upon excitation of the sensor by the energy, the sensor emits electromagnetic radiation, which is detected by a detector located nearby.

Abstract: A dryer fabric for use in a dryer section having a closed transfer in a papermaking machine. The dryer fabric has a structure of woven threads with one side, called the paper side, being adapted to support and abut against a paper web in the dryer section. At least some of the threads contacting against the paper web are hydrophilic, thereby providing for adhesion between the dryer fabric and the paper web.

Abstract: The use of a spiral seam construction to join together the ends of a flat woven papermaker's felt having flat monofilament lengthwise yarns of a synthetic, polymeric resin improves the resistance of the seam to flex fatigue.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a laminated foam-fabric endless belt is disclosed. A foam strip is joined endless and then stretched over an endless substrate fabric. A layer of batting is needled into the foam and substrate fabric to form an integral laminated belt. Several layers of batting may be applied to increase the weight of the belt to a desired level.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a composite papermakers felt made up of a textile base layer, an intermediate layer of polymeric resin foam particles and a covering layer of non-woven staple fibers. The felt is useful in the wet press section of a papermaking machine. The disclosure is also of a method of manufacturing the felt of the invention.