With Measuring, Inspecting And/or Testing Patents (Class 162/198)
  • Patent number: 6254726
    Abstract: Apparatus and process in a machine for at least one of producing and processing the fibrous web. The apparatus includes an essentially water-free traveling surface adapted to guide the fibrous web, and a measuring device positioned and adapted to detect moisture content of the fibrous web while the fibrous web is supported by the essentially water-free traveling surface. The process includes guiding the fibrous web on the essentially water-free traveling surface, and detecting a moisture content of the fibrous web while the fibrous web is supported by the essentially water-free traveling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Steiner, Thomas Augscheller, Frank Wegehaupt
  • Publication number: 20010004928
    Abstract: The stock approach piping to a multi-layered headbox can be modified to include a dilution water header that independently supplies dilution water, such as whitewater, to multiple CD segments or zones of the tube bank which supply stock to each layer. The CD basis weight profile of the final sheet is monitored and, in response to the measured CD profile, dilution water flow is increased or decreased to those tube bank segments that need their consistency altered. By selectively controlling the basis weight of distinct segments of the CD profile for each layer, a more uniform sheet can be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Jill Anderson Georger, Robert Thomas VanDen Heuvel, Christopher John Lawler
  • Patent number: 6251225
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling a breaking length ratio L/Q of a web. The process includes providing a fluid fiber layer using a headbox havng a headbox nozzle, producing a web from the fluid fiber layer, measuring a current breaking length ratio L/QCURR of the web, comparing the current breaking length ratio L/QCURR with a preset breaking length ratio L/QSET, determining a deviation between L/QCURR and L/QSET, and adjusting a microturbulence in a vicinity of said headbox nozzle to change the deviation. The apparatus includes a machine having a headbox, the headbox has at least one headbox nozzle, at least one mechanism is used for influencing a microturbulence of a stock suspension flowing out of the headbox nozzle, at least one measuring device is used for measuring a current breaking length ratio L/QCURR of the web, and a regulating device for changing the microturbulence, wherein the microturbulence is adjusted to change the L/QCURR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Otto L. Heissenberger
  • Patent number: 6248215
    Abstract: Calender and method for treating a material web. The calender includes a plurality of rolls in which each roll has a rotational axis. The rotational axes of the plurality of rolls are arranged to be substantially located in a press plane, and a plurality of nips are formed between adjacent rolls. A control device is provided to selectively open and close the plurality of nips, and the rolls are arranged so that at least two opened nips are positioned between two closed nips. The method includes forming a closed nip with the top roll, forming a closed nip with the bottom roll, forming at least two open nips between closed nips, and guiding the material web through at least the closed nips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Finishing GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Cramer, Ulrich Wagner
  • Patent number: 6248213
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing a fabric from a paper machine or equivalent, in which a washing fluid is applied to the fabric. In the procedure, the quantity of washing fluid is removed from the fabric and measured by a measuring device, whereby the measurement of the quantity of washing fluid communicates with a control unit that regulates a washing chemical. The regulation of the dosage of washing chemical is controlled on the basis of date adjusted or programmed on the basis of the liquid washing fluid collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Ecopump Oy
    Inventor: Juha Karvinen
  • Patent number: 6238522
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring thickness of a fiber material during manufacture of the fiber material, especially paper in a paper-making machine, comprises a gamma radiation transceiver in communication with a processing/control system. The gamma radiation transceiver is placed at a points along the production path of the web of paper being produced and liberates gamma radiation towards the fiber material. Backscatter of gamma radiation is received by the gamma transceiver also which generates corresponding signals that are received by the processing/control system. The processing/control system processes the signals to determine a thickness profile along a cross-section of the web. The processing/control system may be in communication with or considered a subset of a main processing/control system for the paper-making machine. A gamma radiation shield may be used with the gamma transceiver and is mounted on the side of the paper web opposite the gamma transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Patent number: 6230550
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring the properties of a composition or a component thereof used in the processing of a paper or board web. According to the invention, a sample of the composition to be measured is taken into a measurement apparatus, the composition is measured at least for its density, viscosity, dry solids content and gas content, and is then passed out from the measurement apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet-Raisio Oy
    Inventors: John Bergman, Tapio Järvensivu, Mika Leiritie, Ilkka Roitto
  • Patent number: 6231722
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a separation process of a web in a paper machine in which the web is separated from a roll and passed into a free draw, which is preferably the first free draw of the web in the paper machine. A separation point of the web from the roll and a difference in speed of the web across the separation point, i.e., the draw difference, are measured. Cause-to-effect ratios in the separation process are established, e.g., in a data collecting system or analysis system, based on the measurements of the separation point and the speed difference. At least one additional process or running parameter of the paper machine is measured and the measurements of the separation point and the speed difference are compared with the additional process or running parameter(s) to thereby determine the manner in which the separation process of the web is affected by the additional process or running parameter(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Juhani Vestola
  • Patent number: 6228222
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of a material web and a press arrangement with a plurality of press gaps. A roll has a flexible press jacket supported from an inside, and forms a respective press gap with each of at least two further driven rolls. The drive power, or speed of one of the driven rolls, is regulated in accordance with a predetermined desired value, to ensure a common speed of the driven roll. A maximum line force and/or drive power of a front press gap, considered in a web running direction, is controlled and/or regulated, at least within a certain range, in accordance with a maximum line force, or drive power, of a rear press gap, considered in the web running direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Meschenmoser, Karl Steiner, Andreas Zierhut
  • Patent number: 6228221
    Abstract: Process for dewatering a fibrous web in a dewatering press including a counterpart face, a shoe press unit having a revolving flexible press belt and at least one press shoe such that the at least one press shoe is arranged to press the flexible press belt against the counterpart face, at least one nip formed by the flexible press belt being pressed against the counterpart face having a length extending in a web travel direction and being at least substantially similar to a length of the at least one press shoe in the web travel direction, and a device that guides the fibrous web and at least one dewatering belt being guided through the extended nip. The process may include pressing the fibrous web within the extended nip, determining a dwell time of the fibrous web within the extended nip, and maintaining the dwell time at less than approximately 12 ms. The dewatering press may include a counterpart face and a shoe press unit that includes a revolving flexible press belt and at least one press shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Loser, Joachim Henssler, Karl Steiner
  • Patent number: 6229612
    Abstract: A method whereby the average paper fiber area density (weight per unit area) can be directly calculated from the intensity of transmitted, scattered light at two different wavelengths, one being a non-absorpted wavelength. Also, the method makes it possible to derive the water percentage per fiber area density from a two-wavelength measurement. In the optical measuring technique optical transmitted intensity, for example, at 2.1 microns cellulose absorption line is measured and compared with another scattered, optical transmitted intensity reference in the nearby spectrum region, such as 1.68 microns, where there is no absorption. From the ratio of these two intensities, one can calculate the scattering absorption coefficient at 2.1 microns. This absorption coefficient at this wavelength is, then, experimentally correlated to the paper fiber area density. The water percentage per fiber area density can be derived from this two-wavelength measurement approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Jackson C. Koo
  • Patent number: 6221213
    Abstract: The invention refers to a process for measuring spacing at a paper machine headbox. It is primarily characterized by constant magnetic fields being generated at the headbox slice gap area, the intensity of these fields being measured and these measurements being used to determine the gap between the individual lips. The invention also refers to a measuring device to determine spacing in the headbox 1 area of a paper machine, where a magnetic field generator 10 for a constant magnetic field is provided in one of the two elements 11 that determine the gap and a measuring device for magnetic fields 9 is contained in the second of the two elements 7, 8 determining the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Walter Cadek
  • Patent number: 6217710
    Abstract: The invention refers to a process for regulating a screw press, particularly for dewatering a pulp suspension. It is mainly characterized by the speed being varied as a function of the torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Manfred Scherz, Walter Cadek
  • Patent number: 6211470
    Abstract: This invention relates to a height measurement apparatus for determining volume/density of wood chips on a conveyor. Such structures of this type, generally, employ the use of contacts that ride on top of the pile of wood chips in order to more accurately measure the volume and density of the wood chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lynn Beran, David D. Mulligan, Lawrence Hoy James
  • Patent number: 6210529
    Abstract: Method for regulating the surface level and the consistency in a stock chest for metering of a component stock. Stock is fed as an outward flow out of the bottom portion of a storage tower by a first pump into the stock chest. Into this outward flow, a first dilution water flow is passed in order to regulate the consistency of the stock fed into the stock chest to a—desired level. The stock is fed as a metering flow from the stock chest by a second pump into the short circulation of the paper or board machine. The surface level in the stock chest is maintained constant by an overflow passed from the stock chest (20) into a pumping tank. From the pumping tank, stock is fed as a return flow by a third pump into the bottom portion of the storage tower. A second dilution water flow is passed into this return flow to thereby regulate the consistency in the bottom portion of the storage tower to a desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Taisto Huhtelin
  • Patent number: 6207018
    Abstract: Process for controlling and consistency-controlled headbox for a paper machine with a common feed line for a pulp slurry, a plurality of feed line sections into which the common feed line branches, and a system for influencing the composition of the slurry flows in each of the plurality of feed line sections. At least one pulp consistency sensor is provided for sectional pulp consistency control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Münch, Ulrich Begemann
  • Patent number: 6207017
    Abstract: A method for determining the effect of an adjustment of actuators used in the manufacture of web of material which are arranged spatially over the width of the web and influence the properties of the web of material, the method being characterized by the fact that, upon the adjustment of one actuator, a prediction as to the effect of the adjustment of the actuator which is derived from detection values on the behavior of the cross section of the property of the web upon the change of actuators is made; that at least one cross section of a property of the web is measured before and after the adjustment of the actuators; that the prediction as to the effect of the actuator adjustments is compared with the measured effect; and that the existing detection values are modified until better agreement is obtained between predicted effect and measured effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Münch, Wolfgang Griech, Ulrich Mailänder
  • Patent number: 6203665
    Abstract: Process for setting a uniform characteristic cross-direction profile for a paper web with regard to at least formation, basis weight, and fiber orientation in a paper machine. The paper machine can include a headbox with an adjustable die exit opening and within which the consistency is sectionally adjustable. The process includes measuring and setting a desired basis weight cross-direction profile by adjusting the sectional consistency in the headbox, adjusting the formation cross-direction profile by adjusting a sectional, specific pulp slurry flow rate at the die exit opening, and one of enlarging the die exit opening at positions along a width of the paper machine in which a pulp slurry flow rate is higher than in other positions along the width of the paper machine and increasing the pulp slurry flow rate for positions along the width at which the die exit opening is larger than at other positions along the width. In this manner, a desired fiber orientation cross-direction profile is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Begemann
  • Patent number: 6204672
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus for sensing three properties of materials including a fixed impedance element coupled in series with the sensor array between an input signal and a reference potential (e.g. ground). The sensor array exhibits a variable impedance resulting from changes in physical characteristics of the material. The variable impedance of the sensor array relates to changes in property of the material being sensed which can then be related to changes in other physical characteristics of the material such as weight, chemical composition, and temperature. The reduced size and increased resolution of the sensor array is particularly adaptive to a twin mesh sheetmaking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
    Inventor: Lee Chase
  • Patent number: 6200421
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for feeding papermaking stock to a papermachine. The apparatus comprises a mixing vessel (12) for receiving and mixing stock components and a pipe (40) for feeding the resulting mixed stock to said papermachine. In the feeding pipe (40) there are stock flow metering means (42) stock consistency sensing means (44) and stock flow control means (32). Said means are all connected to a control system (46) adapted for receiving said flow data (Q) and said consistency data (C). The control system (46) is adapted for continuously computing a value for the product (Q×C) of said flow and consistency and for providing adjustment of the flow control means (32) to keep said product (Q×C) at a target value. The invention provides faster response times in the control of a papermaking process. It also reduces the volume of stock mixing vessels and the amount of water in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Pom Technology Oy AB
    Inventor: Paul Olof Meinander
  • Patent number: 6200422
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling moving paper web during manufacture or subsequent processing, wherein a web elongation profile and a moisture profile are measured. The web elongation is governed by at least two CD moisture actuators, which are situated at different stages in the web manufacturing process or subsequent processing. Means for measuring the web elongation profile and the moisture profile are situated after the CD actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Neles Paper Automation Oy
    Inventors: John Shakespeare, Juha Kniivilä
  • Patent number: 6200423
    Abstract: The stock approach piping to a multi-layered headbox can be modified to include a dilution water header that independently supplies dilution water, such as whitewater, to multiple CD segments or zones of the tube bank which supply stock to each layer. The CD basis weight profile of the final sheet is monitored and, in response to the measured CD profile, dilution water flow is increased or decreased to those tube bank segments that need their consistency altered. By selectively controlling the basis weight of distinct segments of the CD profile for each layer, a more uniform sheet can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jill Anderson Georger, Robert Thomas VanDen Heuvel, Christopher John Lawler
  • Patent number: 6193845
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a paper-making machine utilizing rotating cylinders, especially dryer cylinders, with a drying felt intertwined about the dryer cylinders to compress the wet paper against the dryer cylinders as the wet paper travels therealong. A threading doctor assembly with a blowpipe air nozzle blowing system is associated with each dryer cylinder. When air is flowing into the blowpipe blowing system, the leading tail of the wet paper is directed from the preceding dryer cylinder to the next. A proximity sensor associated with each threading doctor assembly is in communication with a controller and is positioned to determine if the wet paper is within a detection area. Air valves or solenoids coupled between an air supply system and the blowpipes are also coupled to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin X. Graf, William B. Ricker
  • Patent number: 6187144
    Abstract: A method for internal sizing of paper using cationic starch is provided. The starch used is cationized with a mixture of epichlorhydrin, trimethylamine, and mono-or dimethylamine or N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine. Cationizing results in a higher molecular size of the starch, which has e.g. a beneficial effect on dewatering on the paper machine forming wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Raisio Chemicals Oy
    Inventors: Hannu Ketola, Tuija Andersson, Asko Karppi, Sauli Laakso, Antti Likitalo
  • Patent number: 6187145
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a neural network to control a paper or paper board production machine. By using spectrum measuring devices, the characteristics of the starting materials for the paper and board production and/or their intermediate or final products are registered and the values fed to a neural network. The network provides statements concerning the paper and board quality, from which signals for the feedback and/or feedforward control of the production process may be derived.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Furumoto, Ulrich Gerdemann, Gerhard Zeiner
  • Patent number: 6179964
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closed-loop control device and a method for the control of the cross-machine and/or machine direction profile of at least one quality feature in the paper manufacturing process with the aid of two sensors. The first sensor picks up a first measured signal of the cross-machine and/or machine direction profile of a first quality feature of the paper web produced. A second sensor picks up a further measured signal. The further sensor is suitable for picking up a quality feature that differs from that picked up by the first sensor, or measures the first quality feature. One or both sensors traverse the web separately. The sensors act through a controller on actuators leading to the feed line or lines for the suspension leading to the flowbox of the machine for controlling thereby the first quality feature of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Begemann, Rudolf M{umlaut over (u)}nch
  • Patent number: 6176974
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining electrokinetic properties of a papermaking furnish includes mixing a sample of furnish in a container with a known amount of a charged additive and then measuring the streaming potential of the resultant ionically modified furnish sample. The amount of charged additive added to the container is increased or decreased as repeated streaming potential measurements are made until a desired streaming potential of the modified furnish sample is obtained. The results, which are expressed as the amount of titrant required to achieve the desired streaming potential in a given volume of furnish, may be used by papermakers to adjust process variables and achieve optimum, stable paper quality and machine runnability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Martin Allen Hubbe
  • Patent number: 6174413
    Abstract: Process and a device for detecting a change in the fiber orientation cross-direction profile of a paper or cardboard web in the manufacturing process on a paper or cardboard machine. It is recognized that a change in the fiber orientation cross-direction profile in the web is inferred or determined by way of a characteristic change in the basis weight cross-direction profile or at least one measurement quantity that correlates to it, and/or by way of a characteristic change in the basis weight in the travel direction of the web or at least one measurement quantity that correlates to it. The device includes an arrangement for detecting a change in the basis weight cross-direction profile and/or a characteristic chronological course of the change in the basis weight, which is characteristic for a change in the fiber orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Hans Loser, Ulrich Begemann, Klaus Lehleiter
  • Patent number: 6168687
    Abstract: Significant improvements in papermaking control can be achieved by employing an array of sensors that are positioned underneath the wire of the machine to measure the conductivity of the aqueous wet stock. The conductivity of the wet stock is directly proportional to the total water weight within the wet stock; consequently, the sensor provides information which can be used to monitor and control the quality of the paper sheet produced. Because CD water weight profile is obtained practically instantaneously, the MD and CD variations are essentially decoupled. Quality improvements to the sheet fabricated will be achieved by providing fast control of the actuators on the machine and by tuning components on the machine to eliminate the sources of variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Tzaw Hu, Lee Chase, John Goss, John Preston
  • Patent number: 6162331
    Abstract: An apparatus and a process for controlling or regulating a web property profile of a paper or cardboard web produced in the manufacturing process of a paper or cardboard machine is disclosed. The apparatus incorporates information regarding the position of one or more devices of a plurality of adjustable devices for sectionally manipulating at least one web property for regulating or controlling the devices to manipulate at least one web property across the width of the machine. The process includes combing the regulating process or a regulator device for adjusting individual actuators that only act on a certain section of conventional systems with the adjustment of an actuator acting across the entire web width for achieving a certain web property, so that the sectionally-operating actuators are not located in an end-position, so that these sectional actuators continue to be able to adjust the web property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Hans Loser, Klaus Lehleiter
  • Patent number: 6156158
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for damping contact oscillations of rotating rolls in a paper machine, but notably in a coater, the rolls being held endways in bearings and at least two rolls forming with each other a nip, the damping is carried out actively, the active stimulation (phase-shifted counteroscillation) acting from outside directly and/or indirectly on at least one bearing point of one of the rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Kustermann
  • Patent number: 6126785
    Abstract: Significant improvements in papermaking control can be achieved by employing an array of sensors that are positioned underneath the wire of the machine to measure the conductivity of the aqueous wet stock. The conductivity of the wet stock is directly proportional to the total water weight within the wet stock; consequently, the sensor provides information which can be used to monitor and control the quality of the paper sheet produced. Because CD water weight profile is obtained practically instantaneously, the MD and CD variations are essentially decoupled. Quality improvements to the sheet fabricated will be achieved by providing fast control of the actuators on the machine and by tuning components on the machine to eliminate the sources of variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Tzaw Hu, Lee Chase, John Goss, John Preston
  • Patent number: 6120645
    Abstract: A process for operating a press section for producing a fibrous material web, with a nip that is elongated in the direction of web travel that includes an inlet zone, a main pressing zone, and an outlet zone, and where a pressure gradient of pressure p exerted in the main pressing zone of the nip is selected as a function of whether the fibrous material web entering in the nip has an average or high dry matter content, on the one hand, or a low dry matter content, on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Loser, Joachim Henssler, Karl Steiner
  • Patent number: 6117272
    Abstract: A headbox for a paper machine which mixes suspension and additives to achieve a selected basis weight cross direction profile and fiber orientation cross direction profile in paper produced from the machine. The headbox has sections across its width. Each section is supplied with a first stream Q.sub.H of one suspension component, a second stream Q.sub.L of a second suspension component. A valve regulates the total suspension flow Q.sub.M as well as the ratio between the first and second streams. An additive stream Q.sub.ad for each section communicates into the combined suspension flow. A valve regulates the additive stream for achieving the selected profiles. Various places along the suspension flow path are indicated as inlets for the additive stream. The headbox has a microturbulence generator for generating turbulence in the suspension passing through it. There may be lamellae within the headbox which somewhat separate the entry flow into the headbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen
    Inventor: Helmut Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 6114171
    Abstract: This invention relates to chemical additive management systems. Such structures of this type, generally, allow a manufacturer to determine if a chemical additive to be used will contain a chemical component or reaction product that is of toxicological concern to the end-user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: James Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 6106671
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the size of a gap through which material is metered. The gap is defined by a rigid surface and a flexible surface connected to at least one actuator for deforming the flexible surface. A plurality of sensors are positioned along the rigid or flexible surfaces to detect the other of the surfaces and generate signals indicating its position. A computing unit in communication with the plurality of sensors processes the signals to generate a continuous gap measurement profile. The computing system also stores a pre-determined desired gap measurement profile. A control system in communication with the computing unit actuates the actuators to deform the flexible surface to adjust the gap measurement profile to correct any deviation from the desired gap measurement profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Measurex Devron Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Michael Gyde Heaven, Robert Bucher, Ron I. Powell
  • Patent number: 6099690
    Abstract: Significant improvements in papermaking control can be achieved by employing an array of sensors that are positioned underneath the wire of the machine to measure the conductivity of the aqueous wet stock. The conductivity of the wet stock is directly proportional to the total water weight within the wet stock; consequently, the sensor provides information which can be used to monitor and control the quality of the paper sheet produced. Because CD water weight profile is obtained practically instantaneously, the MD and CD variations are essentially decoupled. Quality improvements to the sheet fabricated will be achieved by providing fast control of the actuators on the machine and by tuning components on the machine to eliminate the sources of variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Tzaw Hu, Lee Chase, John Goss, John Preston
  • Patent number: 6086716
    Abstract: System and method for producing paper are provided. The system controls formation of wet stock comprising fibers on a moving water permeable wire of a de-watering machine that has means for supplying the amount of pulp from at least one source, means for adding an amount of non-fibrous additives to the wet stock, a refiner that is subject to a variable load and a headbox having at least one slice, wherein each slice has an aperture through which wet stock is discharged onto the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: John David Watson, Claud Hagart-Alexander, John D. Goss, John G. Preston, Hung-Tzaw Hu, Laslo Dudas
  • Patent number: 6080278
    Abstract: A system and method of providing fast machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD) basis weight adjustments using a simultaneous multi-point water weight sensor which provides independent MD and CD measurements is described. The water weight sensor is placed under the wire of the sheetmaking machine and provides fast wet end water weight measurements which are converted into predicted dry end basis weight information and used to control operating variables of machine elements in the sheetmaking machine to compensate for high frequency process variations. MD wet end measurements are used to control operating variables of machine elements that influence the MD dry end basis weight and CD wet end measurements are used to control operating variables of machine elements that influence CD dry end basis weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: E. Michael Heaven, Claud Hagart-Alexander, Lee Chase, John D. Goss, David Watson
  • Patent number: 6071382
    Abstract: A sheet measurement and control system that enables easy installation and/or change of types of sensors to be disposed in or about a sensor head that reciprocally scans a sheet along a cross direction transverse to the sheet flow; wherein a plurality of sensors are disposed in or about the sensor head to measure characteristics of the sheet; a plurality of computation devices corresponding to the plurality of sensors are disposed in or about the sensor head to implement computation of the measuring signals from the sensors; a plurality of communication control devices corresponding to the plurality of computation devices are disposed in or about the sensor head for transmitting the processed measuring signals through a general network communication link attached thereto; and man-machine interface connected to the general network communication link monitors data from said communication control devices related to the measured signal and issues instructions to control the sheet manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Tsuchiya, Tomohiro Mineo, Takao Maruyamam, Atsushi Kodama, Yukihiro Seki, Takahashi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6063241
    Abstract: Consistency-controlled headbox for a paper machine with a common feed line for a pulp slurry, a plurality of feed line sections into which the common feed line branches, and a system for influencing the composition of the slurry flows in each of the plurality of feed line sections. At least one pulp consistency sensor is provided for sectional pulp consistency control, which may be located in a return portion of the pulp distributing line. A weight basis cross-sectional adjustment sensor and controller may also be used; with the pulp consistency controller arranged to operate with a significantly higher sensing rate than the weight basis cross-sectional adjustment controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Munch, Ulrich Begemann
  • Patent number: 6059931
    Abstract: Significant improvements in papermaking control can be achieved by employing an array of sensors that are positioned underneath the wire of the machine to measure the conductivity of the aqueous wet stock. The conductivity of the wet stock is directly proportional to the total water weight within the wet stock; consequently, the sensor provides information which can be used to monitor and control the quality of the paper sheet produced. Because CD water weight profile is obtained practically instantaneously, the MD and CD variations are essentially decoupled. Quality improvements to the sheet fabricated will be achieved by providing fast control of the actuators on the machine and by tuning components on the machine to eliminate the sources of variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Tzaw Hu, Lee Chase, John Goss, John Preston
  • Patent number: 6054021
    Abstract: An authenticatable paper product is prepared by adding to a papermaking furnish fibers treated with from about 50-200 lb/ton of a fluorescent whitening agent (FWA). The paper made from the papermaking furnish will include fluorescent cellulosic fibers in an amount ranging from between 0.1-4.0 lb/ton to achieve FWA concentrations within the range of 1-20 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick L. Kurrle, Christopher J. Parks
  • Patent number: 6024835
    Abstract: A quality control apparatus and method are provided for a paper mill. The apparatus includes at least one lab entry station which communicates directly with each laboratory in a paper mill. Information from each laboratory is validated by the lab entry station. The apparatus also includes a gateway entry station which receives information from on-line systems in the paper mill and reformats the received information into a single useable format. A global data base manager communicates with the lab entry station and the gateway entry station identifies each bit of information received and assigns addresses for the identified information. A communication manager is provided to transmit the received information from the global data base manager to operator stations. Operator stations provide user interfaces throughout the paper mill at which data can be displayed and analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventors: Leonard F. Fiore, Gregory P. Brandl, Allen R. Voit, Michael J. Krouze
  • Patent number: 6019872
    Abstract: An authenticable paper product is prepared from a bleached chemical papermaking furnish containing a minor but detectable amount of lignin containing fibers selected from the group consisting of mechanical, thermomechanical, chemi-thermomechanical and bleached-chemi-thermomechanical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick L. Kurrle
  • Patent number: 6017419
    Abstract: A metering size press rod assembly specifically for use in a paper-making machine is stored and transported in a container and use in the paper-making machine. A plurality of metering size press rod assemblies are assembled. A storage sand transport container is provided at shipping location. The container includes a plurality of elongate openings therein. Each metering size press rod assembly is loaded into a corresponding one of the elongate openings in the container. The container is then transported to a user location, the metering size press assemblies are then sequentially and individually removed from the container, used in the papermaking machine and reloaded into the elongate openings in the container. The container with the used metering size press rod assemblies is the transported back to the shipping location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin X. Graf, James A. Eng
  • Patent number: 6006602
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining fiber weight measurements in the wet end of a sheetmaking system and for verifying fiber weight measurements taken in the wet end of a sheetmaking system which includes a water weight sensor positioned beneath the wire in the wet end of the sheetmaking system for obtaining water weight measurements and load cells residing beneath the water weight sensor for weighing the wet end sensor and the wire with wetstock (total weight) and without wetstock (tare weight). In one embodiment, the water weight measurement and the tare weight measurement are subtracted from the total weight to obtain the fiber weight in the wetstock. In another embodiment, the water weight measurement is used to obtain an predicted fiber weight measurement and the determined fiber weight is used to verify the predicted fiber weight measurement and the accuracy of the water weight measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: John Preston, Lee Chase, Hung-Tzaw Hu, John D. Goss
  • Patent number: 5985098
    Abstract: Apparatus for influencing a cross-sectional profile of a headbox having an inner chamber and process for determining a width and position for the sections of the headbox. The apparatus includes a device for distributing fluid that extends across a machine width, at least one connection opening extending across the machine width between the fluid distribution device and the inner chamber of the headbox, and a plurality of elements being one of continuously and discretely adjustably positionable within the fluid distributing device to section the fluid distributing device across the machine width. The process includes measuring a profile of a selected characteristic of the pulp suspension in the headbox that is dependent on its position; forming intersecting points of the profile of the characteristic with a uniform sectioning of the size of the characteristic under consideration; and determining the position and width of the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Lehleiter, Hans Loser, Wolfgang Ruf
  • Patent number: 5964984
    Abstract: A method and apparatus act on a sample liquid of a pulp and paper industry process water, such as a pulp slurry or white water. The sample is acted upon in an apparatus including sample flow chamber, a filtrate flow chamber, and a filter connecting the sample flow chamber with the filtrate flow chamber. A flow sample liquid, including solid substances such as fibers and filler materials (as well as dissolved and colloidal substances) is introduced through an inlet into the sample flow chamber. A main flow of the sample liquid is discharged through an outlet. A flow of filtrate is passed through a filter from the sample flow chamber into the filter flow chamber, thereby separating a predetermined fraction of solid substance from a minor portion of the introduced flow of sample liquid, in the filter. The minor portion of sample liquid corresponds to less than 1%, typically less than 0.1%, of the total introduced flow of sample liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventors: Bjarne Holmbom, Johan Roeraade, Matthew Rice
  • Patent number: 5960374
    Abstract: A system for monitoring of a product quality variable of a moving web produced by associated equipment defines cross-direction (CD) data increments across a width of the web and machine direction (MD) data increments over a running length of the web, and takes CD/MD measurements of the selected variable in order to fill the corresponding CD/MD measurement data boxes and generate a time-dependent two-dimensional array mapping representing the moving web. In the preferred system, the CD data increments are divided across the width of the web, and the MD data increments are time-divided intervals of the time period of an element of the production equipment, so as to produce a time-synchronous array mapping which shows the impact of the periodicity of the machine element on the product quality variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Pierre P. Lausier