Abstract: A sheet curl measurement system and method and an automatic sheet decurling system controlled thereby for the printed paper sheets output of printer. The sheet curl may be remotely sensed without contacting or interfering with the motion of the sheets in their normal sheet path, using a simple but accurate optical sheet curl sensor operating on a portion of the moving sheet at an angle thereto and perpendicularly thereto, with displacement insensitive optics, in both an angular direction substantially parallel to the sheet movement direction and an angular direction substantially transverse to the sheet movement direction, with ratioing of the two output signals.

Abstract: A process for increasing the tactile properties of a base web without adversely effecting the strength of the web is disclosed. In one embodiment, the process includes the steps of placing a base web between a first moving conveyor and a second moving conveyor. The conveyors are then wrapped around a shear-inducing roll which creates shear forces that act upon the base web. The shear forces disrupt the web, increasing the softness and decreasing the stiffness of the web. The shear-inducing roll typically has a relatively small diameter. In some applications, more than one shear-inducing roll may be incorporated into the system. Base webs made according to the present invention have been found to have improved void-volume and fuzz-on-edge properties.

Abstract: A running web is decurled by controlling web tension as well as the angle of wrap on a decurler roll and a cooperating pivot roll, all without affecting web tension in the downstream web converting process. An upstream brake roll and a downstream pull roll control web tension within the decurler apparatus and independent decurler rolls are provided for removing up-curl and down-curl.

Abstract: A process for making a necked nonwoven web having improved cross directional uniformity includes the steps of passing a nonwoven web between a first nip having a first surface velocity and a second nip having a second surface velocity, necking the nonwoven web between the first and second nips, and selectively increasing the necking of a central region of the nonwoven web relative to two edge regions or selectively decreasing the necking in the edge regions. The selective increase in necking in the central region or selective decrease in necking in the edge regions offsets the relatively higher necking in the edge regions which is inherent in conventional necking processes. A process for making a laminate having improved cross-directional uniformity is also provided.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for influencing web characteristic in a machine for producing a fibrous web. The process includes guiding the fibrous material web in a still-wet state and stretching the still-wet state fibrous material web in a crosswise direction. The apparatus includes a stretching device arranged to stretch the fibrous material web in a still-wet state in a direction crosswise to a travel direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for processing material web. Apparatus includes a rotatable cylinder, in which material web is guided over rotatable cylinder, first fixed carrier, and at least three belt guide rolls, in which one of the at least three guide belts is pivotably coupled to fixed carrier. Endless belt is mounted on and guided by at least three belt guide rolls, where endless belt is guided over rotatable cylinder in a same direction as material web, and pivotably coupled belt guide roll is pivotably positionable between a tensioning position and a retracted position relative to endless belt. Second fixed carrier is provided and tensioning roll is positioned outside of endless belt and pivotably coupled to second fixed carrier, so that tensioning roll is pivotably positionable between a retracted position and a loading position of endless belt. Tensioning roll is further positioned between pivotably coupled belt guide roll and adjacent belt guide roll.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for guiding a paper or board web in a paper manufacturing machine, a board manufacturing machine, or finishing units in connection with such machines. Web travel is guided by changing the travel position of at least one wire travelling in contact with the web such that the velocity vector of the wire at least at the point of contact of the web and the wire is directed sideways from the travel direction of the web center line when the web is brought onto the wire.

Abstract: For levelling webs of paper (3) gaps (20) are provided, each defined by a deflection roll (17) and a stationary bending face (16). For changing the wrap angle at the bending face (16) and also for non-bended passage of the web (3) through the device (1) the deflection roll (17) is transferable into varying positions powered by a positioning device (30). Thereby high speed operation with reliable function and simple construction are achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transfer paper in electrophotography that shrinks by no more than 0.45% in a direction crossing a flow in making paper process and which has a two sideness shrinkage difference in a crossing direction ranging 0.02 to −0.02%. The present invention also relates a process for producing electrophotographic transfer paper comprising the steps of feeding pulp suspension liquid onto at least one wire to form a paper layer in making paper process, in which a ratio between feeding speed of the pulp suspension liquid and moving speed of wire is controlled to cause a propagating velocity ratio of longitudinal waves of a produced transfer paper in the range from 1.1 to 1.5.

Abstract: A method and product is disclosed to obtain sheets with increased cross-machine stretch. The method involves the use of a cross-machine stretchable fabric upon which a wet web of paper is placed. The method results in a product having increased cross-machine stretch.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying and smoothing a fibre web between two tight bands that move in parallel and run around turning rolls, the first band being heated with hot steam and the second band being cooled with water, and the fibre web being conducted through the drying zone that the bands define together with at least one felt or wire such that the fibre web is in contact with the surface of the first, heated band and that the felt or wire is between the fibre web and the second, cooled band. The apparatus and method further comprise spreading the fibre web in its transverse direction before it is led into the drying apparatus.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is capable of preventing both contamination on a recording surface due to a contact of a recording medium on an ink discharging surface even when recording on the recording medium with a concave/convex portion and an ill-discharged state of an ink. The recording apparatus has a feeding unit for feeding a recording medium and a recording head as a recording unit for recording an image on the recording medium fed by the feeding unit. A first guide member (shaft) and a second guide member that serve as a correcting mechanism are provided upstream in a feeding direction from the recording head, for correcting the concave/convex portion of the recording medium.

Abstract: A process and device for producing a pulp web utilizes several independently driven aggregates (i.e., discrete groups) to attain a median web dry content of, e.g., 60%. The number of driven aggregates may depend upon an initial wet strength of the wet pulp web. The relationship is such that when the initial wet strength is relatively high, the number of drier groups is small and when the initial wet strength is relatively low, the number of drier groups is large. However, each drier group includes only a few drier cylinders. The first drier group may include either one or two cylinders, and each subsequent drier group may include at least one drier cylinder more than the adjacent upstream drier group.

Abstract: A strip of material is fed continuously to a machine, along a given path extending through a curling station for the strip, at which the path has a curved segment which forms a loop. The strip inside the curling station is subjected to flexing, by applying suction to the strip along at least part of the loop.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating cellulosic fibers using an alkali metal hydroxide. The process first prepares the cellulosic fibers as a high consistency mixture with water and then adds an alkali metal hydroxide. The high consistency process is quite efficient and has been found to produce cellulosic fibers that are essentially uniformly treated. Also disclosed is a handsheet prepared from the treated cellulosic fibers for use is disposable absorbent products.

Abstract: A transfer configuration for a paper making machine, the transfer configuration being composed of: 1) a first carrier fabric having a first surface on which a fibrous web is transported to the transfer configuration at a first velocity; 2) a second carrier fabric having a second surface on which the fibrous web is transported away from the transfer configuration at a second velocity that is less than the first velocity; 3) a lengthened transfer zone that begins at a transfer shoe and terminates at a portion of a transfer head and has a machine direction oriented length ranging from about 0.

Abstract: A drying section for a paper making machine. The drying section includes a plurality of single-tier dryer groups, optionally followed by one or more double-tier groups. To control curl in the final paper product, a moistening device extending over the width of the drying section is provided near the end of the single-tier dryer groups. The moistening device can be divided into various zones to control the profile of the paper. Alternatively, or in addition to the moistening device, a contact-less dryer such as a infrared dryer can be provided after the dryer section, upstream of a calender section of the paper making machine. The moistening device can be provided to moisten the bottom or, optionally, the top side of the paper web. Where a double-tier dryer group is provided, to control curl the upper drying cylinders and the lower cylinders can be provided with different steam pressures to control curl. Alternatively, each of the cylinders can be individually controlled.

Abstract: A pivotal, bi-directional decurler that changes sheet bending direction from an away from image to a toward image direction includes a decurler support structure that is mounted for bi-directional movement by a cam mechanism. A belt member is entrained around two support rollers that are supported by the decurler support structure with an unsupported span between the rollers. A pinch roll is adapted to form a nip with the unsupported span of the belt to provide away from image bending of copy sheets when the cam mechanism is rotated into a first position. An elastomer coated rotating shaft positioned downstream of the away from image nip cooperates with a bending baffle when the cam mechanism is rotated into a second position to provide toward image bending of copy sheets.

Abstract: A decurler for reducing cross curl in sheets includes at least one grooved elastomer transport belt and a ribbed pinch shaft. The ribs of the decurler shaft extend into the grooves in the belt to provide one-sided corrugations to a passing sheet and provide distributed localized bending of the copy sheet in the area of the belt grooves. Distributed local bending in the cross direction, as well as, in the wrap in the process direction around the ribbed decurler shaft provide cross curl reduction in the process direction.

Abstract: The soil-repellent monofilament for paper machine wire-cloths consists of at least 85% by weight of polyethylene terephthalate having a viscosity index (V.I.) of at least 96 dl/g and an added copolymer prepared from alkenes and perfluoroalkenes having a melting point from 255.degree. to 275.degree. C. To make the soil-repellent monofilament 1.5 to 5% by weight of tetrafluoroethylene is included by addition to the polymer melt of polyethylene terephthalate prior to extrusion. The soil-repellent monofilament produced by this method has a soiling index of <2 after 5 soiling and cleaning cycles.

Abstract: An apparatus for adaptive sheet decurling in an electrophotographic printing machine. A plurality of sensors are provided to determine the basis weight of the copy sheet, the density of the image being transferred to the copy sheet and fused thereon, the relative humidity of the machine environment, the process speed of the print engine, and any other relevant parameters. Signals indicative of these parameters are generated and sent to the machine controller which processes these signals and predicts the degree and direction of curl expected in a sheet. Based on the degree of and direction of curl, a bidirectional variable penetration decurler is actuated to a setting which should provide the proper amount of mechanical decurling force.

Abstract: Lower, arced decurling guide (1) is pivoted on pin (3) and biased upward by spring (7). Upper stop (11) prevents the lower guide from moving closer to upper decurling roller (15). Paper (9) is guided between these upper and lower guides and the lower guide is moved outward in proportion to the rigidity of the paper being decurled. This automatic adjustment provides good decurling for all papers within a broad range of rigidity.

Abstract: A sheet straightening unit including a device for pushing a depressing roll against an endless belt, so that a curled sheet is straightened when passing between the endless belt and the depressing roll pushed against the latter. The depressing roll is provided with an amount-of-depression adjusting mechanism which includes a cam member and a cam follower member engaged with the former, in such a manner that the cam member is turned according to the kind and image density of the curled sheet, thereby to most suitably determine the extent to which depressing roll is pushed against the endless belt.

Abstract: In the manufacture of stretchable webs such as creped tissue, nonwovens, and the like, in which the web is formed and thereafter wound onto a reel, basis weight control of the web on the reel is accomplished by measuring the speed and basis weight of the web prior to winding the web onto the reel and calculating the basis weight of the web on the reel. In response to this calculated value, either the upstream flow of material or the downstream speed of the web (reel speed) are adjusted to obtain the desired basis weight of the web at the reel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing silver halide photographic light-sensitive material with little habitual curling is disclosed. The material, after being coated with a silver halide emulsion layer and antistatic layer on the polyester support, is rolled around a core with its emulsion side facing outside, and then heated at the temperature not less than 30.degree. C. After the heat-treatment, the material is cut and re-rolled on a commercial size core with its emulsion side facing inside.

Abstract: A sheet discharging apparatus having a curl generating device wherein a curl is generated in a sheet while the sheet is passing through the curl generating device, and a first guide disposed downstream of the curl generating device and switchingly movable between a first position where the sheet is directed toward a curved sheet path and a second position where the sheet is directed toward a direction the same as a sheet feeding direction from the curl generating device. The apparatus further has a sheet discharge guide disposed between the curl generating device and the first guide and switchingly movable in synchronism with the switching movement of the first guide to change its posture, between a position where the sheet discharged from the curl generating device is curled reversely and a position where the sheet discharged from the curl generating device is not further curled.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a fixing unit for fixing an image formed on a sheet by heating the sheet, a conveying path for guiding the sheet fixed by the fixing unit while bending the sheet, and a cooling device for selectively cooling the sheet guided along the conveying path.

Abstract: A method for determining bending stiffness of a moving sheet using an on-line sheet bending stiffness sensor. The sensor continuously bends the sheet as it is being manufactured and, based upon the force required to bend the sheet, the amount of bending and the tension applied to the sheet, the sensor determines a parameter indicative of sheet bending stiffness. The resulting parameter can be correlated with conventional destructive laboratory tests of sheet bending stiffness.

Abstract: A apparatus for recurling, transporting, sorting and stacking individually fed sheets of paper received from devices such as printing or duplicating machinery. A recurler, comprising a plurality of recurleer belts, trained about a drive roller, a feed roller, and a forward roller, against which a recurler roller is urged, is provided for recurling all sheets entering the enclosure of the sorting apparatus. A conveyor belt assembly urges the sheets against the upper surfaces of a plurality of deflectors to convey the sheets through the enclosure. A lower surface of each deflector selectively deflects the sheets into designated receiving trays, or optionally allows the sheets to be expelled from the enclosure.

Abstract: A scribed paperboard sheet and a method for its manufacture is characterized by scribing a plurality of parallel guidelines in a finished paperboard web while the web is being tensioned. Adjustable scribing knife assemblies are provided for simultaneously scribing both surfaces of the web, following which the web of scribed paperboard is cut into individual sheets. The depth of penetration and the lateral spacing of the scribing knives are controlled to define a particular scribed layout of lines in the surfaces of the paperboard sheets. Alternatively, a grid of guidelines may be scribed into the web by an embossed roller arranged adjacent a tension roller to define a nip through which the paperboard web passes.

Abstract: A web decurler for selectively removing the different degrees of curl from a running web. The decurler includes first, second and third relatively large diameter, rotatable rollers and a fourth roller assembly having at least one relatively small diameter, rotatable roller. All of the rollers are disposed adjacent to the web path so that the running web may wrap about a portion of their outer peripheral surfaces. The positions of the first and second rollers remain fixed with respect to the decurler, while the third roller is spaced a fixed predetermined distance and may be moved about the central longitudinal axis of one of the first and second rollers. The fourth roller assembly is spaced from and is movable about a preselected axis that is spaced from the other rollers. A first member supports the fourth roller assembly for movement about the preselected axis.

Abstract: The bulk of creped tissue products, such as facial and bath tissue, can be increased by steaming the tissue while stressed in the machine direction of the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for straightening sheet curls in which a wrap angle .theta. is provided for a sheet wound off from a winding roll by applying a decurler bar to the sheet between two backup rolls, the apparatus comprising a wrap angle adjusting device for adjusting the wrap angle of the sheet by relatively displacing the backup rolls and the decurler bar, and a controller which serves to calculate an optimum wrap angle in accordance with changes in the diameter of the winding roll using the logical equation: .theta.=A/D.sup.q +B (wherein A, B, q are constants which are previously determined) from which the optimum wrap angle .theta. can be calculated for the diameter D of the winding roll, and to control the wrap angle adjusting device on the basis of the results of this calculation. In consequence, the present invention is able to realize automatization of straightening of curls with a simple configuration and in a rapid and highly precise manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting curl of a belt-like magnetic recording medium made of a ferromagnetic thin film formed on a flexible substrate, in which the magnetic recording medium fed from a master roll thereof contacts a heating roller so that curl of the magnetic recording medium is corrected. The surface of the heating roller is covered with a material having thermal conductivity lower than that of a material forming the body of the heating roller.

Abstract: A decorrugating sheet transport system includes a drive shaft with three drive rollers mounted for rotation in relation to three idler rollers. The three drive rollers have relieved areas on portions of their circumferences and are positioned on the drive shaft so that upon receiving the lead edge of a corrugated sheet only the two outer rollers drive the sheet initially. This allows the corrugations in the sheet to expand toward the outer rollers. Next, all three rollers drive the sheet for about a 30.degree. arc and then the sheet is driven only by the center roller with the outer two rollers separated to allow the corrugations to dissipate to the edges of the sheet through a small gap between the outer rollers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flattening curled ones of a plurality of moving paper sheets subsequent to the printing and at least partial drying thereof is disclosed. The sheets are transported sequentially along a transport path, and the selected sheets are heated to a plasticizing temperature. The selected sheets are then stretched in both a longitudinal and a lateral direction with respect to the transport direction of the sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are disclosed for an efficient decurling system wherein a web material is introduced into a steam environment such that the distance between the web and the steam source is maintained substantially constant.

Abstract: An automatic decurling apparatus is provided for webs of paper material in which two small diameter decurling bars are adjusted into both sides of the web run between two closely spaced rollers around which the web passes in an S-wrap. The decurling bars can be independently adjusted into the web in varying degrees to compensate for predominant curl in one direction of the web. Additional decurling can be obtained by chilling the rollers, incorporating high-intensity dryers in the web path or by moisturizing one or both sides of the web prior to its passing the decurling bars.

Abstract: A peat moss containing board is manufactured by first conditioning the board to a specific water content and then densifying the board by calendering between rollers. A board of enhanced absorbency results.

Abstract: Softness and bulk are imparted to untextured dry sanitary tissue sheet web by advancing it under ordinary support point tension through the nip of spaced grooved rotary texturing rolls having complementary partially interdigitated texturing ribs acting on both sides of the web with progressive wave-stretch texturing deformation of the web to release the hydrogen bonds between some of the fibers in the network of fibers in the web without breaking the fibers, and while maintaining the elasticity of the web.

Abstract: Web decurling apparatus wherein a paper web is urged against a deformable roller by a decurling rod which extends parallel to the roller is provided with a series of improved bearing assemblies carried in spaced relation by a back-up beam which overlies the decurling rod to limit deflection thereof as decurling pressure is applied. Each bearing assembly is adjustable relative to the decurling rod and includes a mounting block fastened to the back-up beam, a pair of spindles each having an eccentric on one end journalled in the mounting block, and a roller bearing mounted on the eccentric end of each spindle. The other end of the spindle protrudes from the bearing block and is engageable by a tool to enable a technician to rotate the spindle about its axis and hence to rotate the bearing into proper engagement with the decurling rod. A set screw carried by the bearing block releasably engages the spindle for locking the bearing in a selected adjusted position.

Abstract: This invention comprehends a machine for producing a composite laminate structure wherein one layer is a base material, such as a non-woven fabric, a second layer, interspersed with the first layer, is substantially a two dimensionally randomly oriented fiber layer. The fibers are bonded to the first layer by resin which is applied from underneath the first layer so as not to disturb the orientation of the fibers. Also comprehended is a method of making such a composite laminate structure.