Abstract: A system and method for transferring a nonwoven web in a wet papermaking process to a fabric is disclosed. The system includes a vacuum shoe that operates in conjunction with a transfer shoe. The vacuum shoe is contacted against a carrier fabric which is designed to receive the nonwoven web. The transfer shoe, on the other hand, is configured to contact a transfer fabric from which the web is transferred. The transfer shoe includes an air nozzle which contacts the nonwoven web with a pressurized gas as the web is drawn towards the vacuum shoe. The system of the present invention is particularly well suited to processing lower basis weight webs and can be used in rush transfer processes.

Abstract: A process for producing paper having a three-dimensional structure of alternating raised and recessed portions including passing a wet paper web through a heated press nip so the paper web is simultaneously dried by means of impulse drying and given a three dimensional structure. The heated press nip includes a heated pressure roll with a three dimensional pattern of alternating raised and recessed portions in its surface and a compressible surface. The compressible surface can be a compressible press felt which supports the wet paper web prior to and through the heated press nip. The compressible press felt may be pressed against a resilient compressible surface in the heated press nip away from the heated cylinder. The wet paper web may be a papermaking pulp containing at least 10%, and preferably at least 30% or 50% by weight of a high-yield pulp such as TMP or CTMP.

Abstract: Process and device for transferring at least one of a fibrous material web and a strip of the fibrous material web from a moist releasing belt to an accepting belt in a web producing machine that includes a transfer region and a separating region arranged in this order in a web travel direction. The process includes guiding the accepting and releasing belts together at least in the transfer region, separating the accepting belt from the releasing belt in the separating region, and suctioning a surface of the accepting belt opposite a fibrous web and strip carrying surface so that the strip and the fibrous material web are carried by the carrying surface. When the strip is being transferred, the suctioning occurs at least the transfer region, and when an entire width of the fibrous material web is being transferred, the suctioning occurs at least primarily in die separating region.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying steam from a steam source to a moving web are provided. The preferred apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a housing having a leading edge and a trailing edge positionable adjacent the moving web. A main supply header within the housing communicates with the steam source. There is at least one steam chamber formed adjacent the leading edge of the housing to receive steam from the main supply header to apply heat and moisture to the web. A steam flow valve associated with the steam chamber controls the flow of steam from the main supply header to the steam chamber. There is at least one cooling chamber adjacent the trailing edge of the housing to lower the temperature of the web to a level sufficient to perform calendering.

Abstract: The specification discloses embodiments of a process and related apparatus for conditioning a fibrous web in order to improve the efficiency of drying and calendering thereof. In the process, a moving fibrous web is conditioned after the drier unit of a papermaking machine by applying a flow of moistened gas through one or more arrays of radial jet reattachment nozzles placed in close proximity to the web surface prior to a calendering unit or prior to a steaming unit placed between the nozzles and the calender unit to cool the web and/or increase its moisture content. Webs treated according to the invention exhibit improved properties including less moisture streaking, enhanced smoothness and avoidance of optical property loss.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of SC-A paper having a high gloss and high smoothness, wherein the paper arriving from the paper machine is supplied on-line to a supercalender (multinip soft calender), and wherein the paper travels through a plurality of nips for achieving the desired gloss and smoothness properties. The paper web arriving from the paper machine and supplied on-line to a supercalender (multinip soft calender) is moistened with steam immediately prior to the first nip of the supercalender and is guided through the first nip before the increased moisture of the surface resulting from the application of steam has dropped below a predetermined value in the range of 12% to 25%.

Abstract: A sealing construction for loading a seal against a suction roll in a paper machine includes a seal having a wear surface, side surfaces and a lower surface. The seal is fitted from its holder to the structure of a suction box which is inside the suction roll. The seal essentially covers the whole operating length of the suction roll, extending from its wear surface to the inner face of the mantle of the suction roll. The seal is moveable in the direction of the radius of the suction roll in the holder by a pressure effect that is applied directly onto the lower surface of the seal. Negative pressure or vacuum can be applied during operation to draw the seal into its holder to reduce seal wear.

Abstract: A method and machine for the manufacturing a fibrous pulp web including a first draining zone and a second draining zone, where the first and second draining zones are successively arranged in the web run direction, where a first side of the web is drained in the first draining zone by pressure acting on the web which increases from an initial pressure to a final pressure, where a second side of the web is drained in the second draining zone by pressure acting on the web which increases from an initial pressure to a final pressure in the web run direction, and where the initial pressure in the second draining zone is less than the final pressure in the first draining zone.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry containing dissolved solids and a high concentration of suspended solids is positioned as a mat between a pair of porous endless belts to provide a composite structure. The composite structure is moved through a treating zone and subjected to alternate stages of compression and relaxation. In a preferred mode, the compression and relaxation are achieved by passing the composite structure over a series of spaced rolls in a manner such that a first belt of the pair is in direct contact with one of the rolls and a second belt of the pair is in contact with the next adjacent roll. A liquid stream containing a high concentration of dissolved solids is cascaded over the mat in a countercurrent fashion, with the result that dissolved solids of the liquid stream are dissolved in the aqueous phase of the mat when the mat is subject to relaxation. The mat containing the increased concentration of dissolved solids and suspended solids can then be compacted and the solid residue can be landfilled.

Abstract: A gas stream directed at a velocity against a cellulosic web in a papermaking machine can act to transfer the web from a transport web moving at a first speed to a transport web moving at a second slower speed. The transport webs apply a linear velocity to each to the cellulosic web on the transport web. The gas stream in the form of an air knife can be directed through the first fabric against the web and can transfer the web from the first fabric to the second fabric. The difference in velocity between the first transport web and the second, increases bulk, introduces a surface finish or otherwise modifies the character of the cellulosic web.

Abstract: The invention relates to of a process and related apparatus for conditioning a fibrous web in order to improve the efficiency of drying and calendering thereof. In the process, a moving fibrous web is conditioned after the drier unit of a papermaking machine by applying a flow of moistened gas through one or more arrays of radial jet reattachment nozzles placed in close proximity to the web surface prior to a calendering unit or prior to a steaming unit placed between the nozzles and the calender unit to cool the web and/or increase its moisture content. Webs treated according to the invention exhibit improved properties including less moisture streaking, enhanced smoothness and avoidance of optical property loss.

Abstract: A method for producing surface-treated paper, in particular of fine paper, and a dry end of a paper machine that makes use of the method. A paper web that has been dewatered by pressing is dried in the forward dryer section, in which drying energy is applied to the paper web over the entire length of the forward dryer section asymmetrically in the z-direction from the side of the bottom face of the web. This step is carried out by a number of successive groups with single-wire draw that are open downward. In this manner, shrinkage of the web both in the machine direction and in the cross direction is reduced or at least partially prevented, which shrinkage tends to take place when the dry solids content becomes higher. Paper broke is removed from underneath the drying groups that are open downward substantially by the force of gravity onto the broke conveyor placed underneath.

Abstract: An apparatus for moistening a material web, the material web having opposed edges and a marginal region at each edge, the apparatus including a moistening device adapted to cover the marginal regions of the material web, so that only the marginal regions are moistened. Also provided is a method for moistening a material web, the method including covering the marginal regions of the material web with a moistening apparatus, and moistening only the marginal regions of the material web covered by the moistening apparatus.

Abstract: A method for calendering the sheet material web includes carrying the sheet material web on one or more carrier fabrics through the calender nip formed by the first and second calender rolls and applying a load to the carrier fabric, and sheet material carried thereby, so as to reduce the thickness of the sheet material web.

Abstract: An uncreped tissue sheet having improved softness results from supplementally dewatering a wet web to a consistency of greater than about 30 percent using noncompressive dewatering techniques prior to a differential speed transfer and subsequent throughdrying. An air press particularly well suited for providing the supplemental noncompressive dewatering incorporates side and/or end seals to minimize escape of pressurized fluid. A creped tissue sheet can be produced with a variety of manufacturing benefits using the air press.

Abstract: Condensation device and suction element including a condensation device for machines for manufacturing and refining a fibrous material web. The condensation device includes at least one condensation element positioned in a region of at least one of steam formation and accumulation and a condensate receptacle. The suction element includes a hollow body coupled to a vacuum source. The hollow body is adapted to guide a transport belt carrying a moist and heated web. The suction element also includes at least one opening positioned to face the transport belt, at least one condensation element, and at least one condensate receptacle. The at least one condensation element and the at least one condensate receptacle are positioned within the hollow body.

Abstract: A device for indirect application of a liquid or viscous medium onto a traveling material web, specifically a paper or cardboard web, includes an applicator device for the application of a layer of liquid or viscous medium onto a surface of a transfer element. The transfer element is in contact with the moving material web and transfers the coating onto the web. A leveling unit is equipped with a leveling element positioned against the material web for smoothing of the coating layer on the material web. The leveling element is mounted rigidly in cross direction to the material web, that is, in a direction substantially orthogonal and in a local material web progression to the direction of travel of the material web.

Abstract: A method for improving the rush transfer of a web, such as a tissue web, is disclosed. The method provides for greater angles of convergence and divergence of the carrier fabric and the transfer fabric at the point of transfer by deflecting the carrier fabric toward the transfer fabric using a deflection element, such as a roll, positioned opposite the vacuum transfer head. The greater angles of convergence and divergence minimize the potential for undesirable macrofolds being formed in the web during transfer.

Abstract: A method of washing cellulosic pulp to remove dissolved solids as well as dirt, inorganic fillers and fiber debris. A mat of cellulosic pulp having a weight of 3 to 100 lbs. of dry fiber per 1000 sq.ft. is positioned between a pair of porous endless belts to provide a composite structure. The composite structure is moved in a generally vertical path of travel through a vessel containing a plurality of superimposed rolls and the composite structure is passed over the rolls in a manner in which a first of the belts is in direct contact with one roll and the second of the belts is in direct contact with the next adjacent roll. A stream of water is directed against the composite structure as it travels in the upper portion of the vessel, and the water is cascaded downwardly through the vessel and directed into contact with opposite sides of the structure to thereby remove dissolved solids, as well as inorganic fillers. The tension of the belts as they pass over the rolls creates a dewatering action.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adsorbent fibrous nonwoven structure composed of a matrix of pulp fibers having a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface; and an adsorbent material integrated into the pulp fiber matrix so that the concentration of adsorbent material adjacent the first exterior surface of the nonwoven structure is at least about 60 percent, as determined by optical image analysis, and the concentration of adsorbent material adjacent the second exterior surface is less than about 40 percent, as determined by optical image analysis. This adsorbent nonwoven structure provides useful strength and low-lint characteristics. The fibrous nonwoven structure of the present invention may be laminated together or to surfaces of other materials.

Abstract: A suspension of bacterial cellulose having a reticulated structure has been conditioned to remain in suspension when the suspension is under shear so that it may be coated on a substrate. The suspension of bacterial cellulose is homogenized and thereafter filtered to provide a bacterial cellulose component having a size no greater than 125 microns. This allows a process for applying bacterial cellulose as a coating on a substrate on a substantially continuous basis, either by roll coating or spraying. It also provides a coated product in which the bacterial cellulose is substantially uniform, taking into account the normal discontinuities of roll coating and spray coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering a wet web wherein the water is withdrawn from the web via capillary action of the pores of a thin porous membrane component of a bi-component filtration medium and transferred to a plurality of reservoirs defined in a second component of the medium from whence the water is withdrawn and directed to a collector or disposal site.

Abstract: A high pulp content nonwoven composite fabric is disclosed. The composite fabric contains more than about 70 percent, by weight, pulp fibers which are hydraulically entangled into a continuous filament substrate. This high pulp content composite nonwoven fabric may be used as a heavy duty wiper or as a fluid distribution material, cover material, and/or absorbent material in an absorbent personal care product. Also disclosed is a method of making the high pulp content nonwoven composite fabric.

Abstract: A backside textured papermaking belt is disclosed which is comprised of a framework and a reinforcing structure. The framework has a first surface which defines the paper-contacting side of the belt, a second surface opposite the first surface, and conduits which extend between first and second surfaces of the belt. The first surface of the framework has a paper side network formed therein which defines the conduits. The second surface of the framework has a backside network with passageways that provide surface texture irregularities in the backside network. The papermaking belt is made by casting a photosensitive resinous material over and through the reinforcing structure while the reinforcing structure travels over a textured surface, and then exposing the photosensitive resinous material to light of an activating wavelength through a mask which has transparent and opaque regions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an embossed or dimpled combined board is disclosed. The combined board has two outer or facing layers or webs of paperboard which sandwich an embossed or dimpled middle paperboard layer or web. The middle web is embossed by passing it over two apertured vacuum drums. Embossments extending in one direction are vacuum formed on one surface of the middle web by the first vacuum drum, while embossments extending in the opposite direction are formed on the other surface of the middle web by the second vacuum drum. The embossments, i.e., concave and convex impressions, are located in a generally chess board pattern. The vacuum openings or apertures of the second drum are larger (larger average diameter) than those of the first drum, to thereby compensate for diminishing flexibility of the middle web due to drying as it passes sequentially over the first and second vacuum drums.

Abstract: In a paper making machine, a strip of paper is caused to pass around part of the periphery of a rotary device comprising a plurality of cylindrical bodies arranged side-by-side across the width of the strip and each body has means for producing a signal representing the tension in the portion of the strip which controls the body, the thickness of the portions is also measured. From this data, control signals are produced representing the stress per unit of cross-sectional area of the portions of the strip and the paper making machine is controlled to keep the control signals constant across the width of the strip.

Abstract: The bulk and absorbency of multi-ply tissue products can be improved by brushing at least one surface of at least one ply of the tissue and plying the tissue product together such that at least one brushed surface is facing inwardly, i.e. is in the middle and not on the outside of the multi-ply product.

Abstract: Novel pulp, paper and paperboard manufacturing methods utilizing water-insoluble organic hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons can be introduced into the pressing operation of the pulp, paper, or paperboard making machine or can be substituted for water at any point prior to the end of the press section. The result is a significant saving in dryer energy which can be translated to greater productivity in dryer-limited processes. The result is a significant saving in dryer energy which can be translated to greater productivity in dryer limited systems. Functional chemical additives may be dissolved, dispersed or emulsified in the hydrocarbon and thereby introduced into the web. Much less functional chemical additive is required than with wet end addition.

Abstract: A method for cutting fibrous materials using ultrasonic energy involves chemically modifying a fibrous material prior to the application of ultrasonic energy. Preferred fibrous materials include cellulose materials and its derivatives, such as, paper. Chemical modification includes oxidation or hydrolysis. Also disclosed is a test device made according to the method. The invention allows for the fusing of plastic and the simultaneous cutting of a chemically modified fibrous material along the line of fusion.

Abstract: A rigid, self-supporting, acoustical mineral fiberboard comprising a mixture of about 50 to 70 weight percent of mineral fibers, 15 to 35 weight percent of perlite, 1 to 10 weight percent of cellulosic fibers, and 4 to 15 weight percent of a binder with the proviso that the board forming solids do not include any clay filler. A pattern is formed on the fiberboard after the fiberboard has been dried.

Abstract: Hand or wiper towels are made according to a process which includes the steps of: forming a furnish of cellulosic fibers; depositing the furnish on a traveling foraminous belt, thereby forming a fibrous web on top of the traveling foraminous belt; subjecting the fibrous web to non-compressive drying to remove the water from the fibrous web; and removing the dried fibrous web from the traveling foraminous belt. The dried fibrous web is not creped. These hand towels possess superior levels of absorbent capacity, absorbent rate, softness, and strength to other prior art hand or wiper towels with the same or about the same basis weight. Embossing of the hand or wiper towels enhances the superior qualities of the towels. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transfer of the fibrous web from a foraminous belt of a higher speed to a foraminous belt of a lower speed produces a towel with enhanced strength and softness.

Abstract: A method of producing an acoustical mineral fiberboard comprising(a) forming an aqueous slurry of mineral fiber-containing solids suitable for forming an acoustical board, the solids content of the slurry being sufficiently high to bring about predominant formation of nodules of mineral fiber throughout the slurry upon mixing of the slurry;(b) mixing the slurry to form the nodules of mineral fibers;(c) dewatering the slurry to form a wet felt;(d) drying the wet felt; and(e) texturing one surface of the dried felt without mechanically punching holes in the surface.

Abstract: A bulky, embossed, fibrous web material having a basis weight in the range of 5 to 50 lbs./ream and geometric means tensile strength (TS) (kg/3" width), apparent bulk (AB) (cal. pts./lb. ream), and oil holding capacity (OH) (ml/gm fiber) substantially satisfying, in absolute values, the relationships (0.27 BW-1) TS>(0.17 BW-1), AB>[0.7-(TS.div.20)], and OH 0.063TS.sup.2 -1.13TS+8.6. The invention includes an apparatus and a method of manufacturing the product comprising wet pressing a fibrous web to about 30% to 50% solids, conveying the web to a transfer position proximate the three-dimensional surface of an embossing fabric moving at a speed less than that of the web at the transfer position, and applying a vacuum to the web through the embossing fabric to transfer and conform the web to the three-dimensional surface of the fabric, the vacuum magnitude being in the range of 1 to 20 inches Hg.

Abstract: A sheet of fibrous web material having opposite smooth surfaces, an apparent bulk in the range of about 0.10 to about 0.20 caliper pts/lb ream and a machine direction stretch of at least 8%, wherein surface undulations on the opposite smooth surfaces of the sheet have an amplitude variance of less than 0.0002 inch. The invention includes an apparatus and a method of manufacturing the product comprising partially dewatering a wet fibrous web to about 30% to 50% solids, conveying the web to a compression nip defined by a smooth-surfaced roll and a smooth-surfaced fabric material, moving the fabric material at a speed of about 10% to 20% less than the surface speed of the smooth-surfaced roll, compressing the web in the nip with a compression force of less than 15 lbs/linear inch, with an average pressure of less than about 50 psi in the compression nip, and drying the web. The dried web has an apparent bulk less than 0.20 caliper pts/lb ream.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing of kraft paper, especially kraft sack paper, on a multi-wire machine in which the web is dried by a combined cylinder drying and free drying and is optionally creped or micro-creped and optionally also glazed. By forming the web into two or more layers which are couched together in the wire part of the machine and subsequent shrinkage in order to obtain a stretch at break of at least 2.5% in the machine direction and of at least 5% in the tranverse direction, improved strength properties are provided.

Abstract: A material (1) in the form of sheets or a web is provided with a watermarklike pattern (12) in the form of a text, figure or similar identification mark visible or displayable in transmitted light by means of relieflike mechanical working off of material, for example grinding, milling etc., corresponding to the desired pattern (12).

Abstract: Novel pulp, paper and paperboard manufacturing methods utilizng non polar organic solvents. These solvents can be introduced into the pressing operation of the pulp, paper, or paperboard making machine or can be substituted for water at any point after the formation stage. The result is a significant saving in dryer energy which can be translated to greater productivity in dryer-limited processes, accompanied by an improvement in tensile strength and other physical properties.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and band for forming and/or dewatering a fibrous web, in which the web or a pulp suspension layer forming the same is conveyed and supported through a significant portion of its run in a paper machine by a specific processing band, while liquid such as water is simultaneously removed therefrom by hydraulically contacting the same with liquid present under vacuum or underpressure within the processing band, through a finely porous, liquid-suction surface on the band that is saturated with liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing water or other liquids from webs of such porous materials as fibrous paper webs coursing through a papermaking machine without substantially compacting the webs. The web which may be coherent or perforate passes over a sector of a cylinder having preferential-capillary-size pores through its cylindrical-shape porous cover. Preferably, the porous cover comprises hydrophilic material which is substantially non-resilient and which renders the surfaces of the porous cover wettable by the liquid of interest. A portion of the interior of the cylinder may be subjected to a controlled level of vacuum to effect pneumatically augmented capillary flow of liquid from the web; and another portion of the cylinder may be subjected to pneumatic pressure for expelling the transferred liquid outwardly through a portion of the porous cover which is not in contact with the web.

Abstract: In a paper making machine, a method and apparatus for separating the web from the former wire and transferring the same to a transfer felt which preferably comprises a press felt wherein the web is carried by the former wire over a sector of a reverser roll so that it is subjected to a centrifugal force which tends to separate the web from the former wire and wherein the transfer felt is guided so that it engages the web over at least a portion of the sector of the reverser roll lapped by the web carrying former wire. An external suction is applied to the web through the transfer felt in the region of the sector of the reverser roll lapped by the web carrying former wire and engaged transfer felt which subjects the web to a suction force which acts in substantially the same direction as the centrifugal force.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method of making bulky non-woven fibrous material including cellulosic fibres and potentially crimped synthetic fibres, the improvement consisting of draining a layer of a foamed aqueous suspension of the fibres, drying the drained layer, and releasing the potential crimp in the synthetic fibres while supporting the layer substantially free from restraint against shrinkage.