Measuring, Testing, Inspecting, Indicating Or Illuminating Patents (Class 162/263)
  • Patent number: 6334930
    Abstract: Measurement device for quantitatively detecting constituents of a pulp/fluid mixture for paper and/or cardboard production. The device includes at least one radiation source for irradiating the mixture in a number of definite, different wavelength ranges. The device also includes at least one sensor for measuring the intensity of radiation that has been influenced by the mixture, and at least one set of measurement electronics. Each sensor detects only one of the definite, different wavelength ranges of the radiation at a particular time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Griech, Rudolf Münch, Franz Winter
  • Patent number: 6328851
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment for controlling properties of paper, in which method the effect of the flow of retention agent (Fra) and the stock flow (Fts) on the basis weight of the paper (BW) is modelled. The fulfilled modelling is used to adjust the basis weight of the paper (BW) by controlling simultaneously the flow of retention agent (Fra) and the stock flow (Fts).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Metso Paper Automation OY
    Inventors: Taisto Huhtelin, Risto Kuusisto, Lin Tian, Timo Rantala, Jukka Nokelainen
  • Patent number: 6322666
    Abstract: A feedback-connected on-line regulation system for a headbox of a paper or board machine. The headbox includes a flow duct for stock suspension or separate flow ducts placed one above the other, each flow duct extending from an inlet header of the headbox into its slice channel. A stock suspension jet is discharged from the slice opening of the slice channel onto the forming wire or into the forming gap formed between forming wires. The regulation system includes a regulator unit and a set value unit. Measurement values are passed from the headbox system to the regulator unit and from the regulator unit, control values are obtained for controlling the actuators of the headbox system. The regulation system also includes an on-line If arrangement for measurement of the dried paper web or the paper web to be dried, and includes measurement of the distribution of fibers in the plane of the paper web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Matti Luontama, Harri Mustonen, Pekka Pakarinen
  • Patent number: 6319362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment for controlling properties of paper, which method comprises modelling the effect of the flow of retention agent (Fra) both on the amount of filler in the white water and on the paper ash content (ASH), and the effect of the flow of filler (Ffi) both on the paper ash content (ASH) and on the amount of filler in the white water. The fulfilled modelling is used to adjust the amount of filler in the white water and the paper ash content (ASH) by controlling simultaneously the flow of retention agent (Fra) and the flow of filler (Ffi).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Metso Paper Automation Oy
    Inventors: Taisto Huhtelin, Risto Kuusisto, Lin Tian, Timo Rantala, Jukka Nokelainen
  • Patent number: 6299730
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring web defects along a moving web of paper involves determining a dimension of a web defect as the paper web moves along an established paper path in a machine direction. A distance from a side edge of the paper web to a location of the web defect is also determined as the paper web moves along the established paper path. A value indicative of a likelihood of paper web failure at the web defect is then established based at least in part upon both the determined dimension and the determined distance. A determination of whether to stop the moving paper web for repair of the web defect can then be made based at least in part upon the determined failure likelihood indicative value. An alternative technique involves establishing a plurality of paper web width regions. A dimension of a web defect is determined as the paper web moves along an established paper path in a machine direction. The web defect is categorized as falling into one of the established paper web width regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventors: David Broek, Dirk Everett Swinehart, Kevin Paul Connolly
  • Patent number: 6290816
    Abstract: A paper machine for making a fiber web includes an approach flow system with a plurality of control modules. Each control module controls one of a plurality of adjustable input parameters. A wet end receives a fiber suspension from the approach flow system, and includes a headbox which discharges a fiber suspension with a known cross sectional profile onto a wire. A press section, forming section and drying section are used to press form and dry the fiber web, respectively. A plurality of sensors are respectively positioned in association with the approach flow system, wet end, press section, forming section and/or drying section. Each sensor is configured to sense a physical characteristic of the fiber suspension or fiber web and provide an output signal indicative thereof. A chemistry process controller is coupled with each sensor and each control module within the approach flow system to define a closed loop control system. The chemistry process controller controls operation of each control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Publication number: 20010020523
    Abstract: In a method for the production and converting of paper, paper-specific information determined during paper production is transmitted to and considered during the respective converting process to thereby optimize at least one converting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Ulrich Begemann, Alfred Schauz
  • Patent number: 6287416
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a sampling apparatus in a continuous industrial process for taking a sample (16) of the substance to be monitored (11). The sampling apparatus is located on the wall (11) of the pulp tank and it includes a sample chamber (14), which is equipped with a cover (13), and a filter (15). The sample chamber includes a closing device (18, 24), by means of which the connection from the pulp tank to the sample chamber can be closed, as a result of which the filter remains in the sample chamber in the space between the cover and the closing device. The filter can be pulled out of the sample chamber for cleaning after the cover of the sample chamber has been opened. Another object of the invention is a sampling method and a cleaning method for the sampling apparatus presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Industry Oy
    Inventors: Petri Pursiheimo, Claes Zetter
  • Patent number: 6284100
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the mixing proportions of feed streams being supplied to a headbox, using devices for sampling two or more of the feed streams upstream of the headbox and devices for measuring concentration of constituents in or other properties of those samples. A method of regulating one or more properties of a moving web, and especially a paper web during manufacture, employing the aforesaid method and apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: John Francis Shakespeare, Juha Antero Kniivilä, Petri Nyberg
  • Patent number: 6280573
    Abstract: Pressurized web treatment systems include a moving web that passes through a pressurized treatment chamber having a sealing assembly with a leakage control system. Leakage control is achieved by the cooperative effect of localized leak detectors and leak reduction means that applies a local sealing force on the seal assembly responsive to a signal from the leak detectors such that increased sealing occurs in the vicinity of the leak. In particular, an air press for paper web dewatering has improved efficiency by virtue of the leakage control system, which features local leak detectors and local force generation means associated with a flexible seal assembly to reduce leakage at the edges of the stationary plenum of the air press. Local leak detection can be based on sonic measurement with microphones, detection of escaping tracer gas, optical signals, and other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, Michael Alan Hermans, Frank Stephen Hada
  • Patent number: 6273994
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for measuring the bleach requirement and bleachability of pulp in a pulp mill. The invention enables pulp mill operators to better control bleach plants. In one aspect, the invention comprises a system and method for rapid bleaching of the pulp, and measuring the rapid bleached brightness and lignin content of the pulp. In another aspect, the invention comprises an optical system for use in practicing embodiments of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Iogen Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Creber, Brian Foody, Patrick J. Foody, Jeffrey S. Tolan
  • Patent number: 6273999
    Abstract: The method of optimizing the metering of charge-reversal agent into broke in the form of a suspension of fibers from paper treated in a coating machine and to be reintroduced into the production line, is distinguished by the fact that a partial stream is branched off from the main broke flow, the volume flow of the main stream and of the partial stream is measured, the turbidity of the partial stream is determined, downstream thereof the charge-reversal agent is added in a quantity that varies with time and, following that, the turbidity is again measured, in that the optimal metering rate is determined from the change in turbidity caused by the charge-reversal agent, and the said metering is carried out in the main stream in proportion to the mass or volume flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Nordland Papier AG
    Inventor: Joachim Jörn
  • Patent number: 6270628
    Abstract: A method for detecting contamination on or damage to a web-contacting face in a paper machine or a paper finishing machine, including the steps of detecting vibrations of the web-contacting face over a period of time by means of a plurality of detectors arranged in association with the machine and determining the location of the contamination on or damage to the web-contacting face based on the time the vibrations were detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Eero Suomi, Tapio Mäenp{umlaut over (aa)}, Arto Karjalainen
  • Patent number: 6264792
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing calendered paper by an on-line manufacturing system comprising at least a paper machine and a multi-nip calender. The method comprises following steps: removing water from a formed paper web by pressing, drying the pressed paper web by at least one dryer, calendering the dried web by the multi-nip calender, measuring a cross-machine moisture profile or a variable relative thereto, and altering the moisture of the web so that the moisture profile of the web in the cross-direction is even when the web enters the first nip of the calender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Harri Kuosa, Markku Kyytsönen, Juhani Partanen, Kari Sipi, Eero Suomi, Antti Heikkinen, Mikko Tani, Juha Lipponen, Mika Tammenoja, Kari Juppi
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6253604
    Abstract: A scanner for moving sheet material such as a paper-making machine provides the gauging heads which measure parameters such as basis weight and moisture entirely inside an enclosed tubular beam. Each gauging head is driven by a single belt which both drives the gauging head in a cross direction perpendicular to the moving sheet direction and provides for dust and dirt protection by covering a slot in the beam, except where the gauging head is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Impact Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Henry, Steven Nelson
  • Patent number: 6254730
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel impact angle changing shower for spraying a fluid upon a moving belt surface while the belt travels at a selected belt velocity. The shower includes nozzles journaled to rotation about an axis in a plane normal to the belt surface and transverse to the belt direction. The nozzles are continuously supplied with pressurized fluid and direct a fluid stream at a selected nozzle velocity and nozzle angle relative to the plane. The orientation of the nozzles is selected to optimize the desired function namely, to clean the belt surface without damaging the belt fabric or felt, or to penetrate the belt to increase fluid absorption by the belt. The fluid stream nozzle velocity can be decomposed using vector mathematics into two vector components: a belt velocity vector component parallel to the belt direction; and a belt impact velocity vector oriented at an impact angle defined relative to the normal transverse plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: James Ross Limited
    Inventor: Jacek J. Macierewicz
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 6203667
    Abstract: Method for regulating the basis weight of paper or board in a paper or board machine in which the machine stock is comprised of a number of component stocks and the basis weight of the dry paper or board is measured, preferably by on-line basis-weight measurement at the end of the machine. Based on the stock target of the machine stock formed on the basis of basis-weight regulation and the predetermined stock proportions of the component stocks, a metering target is determined for each component stock. Then, based on the consistency of a component stock measured from each feed line of a component stock and on a metering target determined for each component stock, a flow target is determined for each component stock. Finally, the flow of each component stock is regulated based on the flow target determined for each component stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Neles Paper Automation Oy
    Inventor: Taisto Huhtelin
  • 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: 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: 6187146
    Abstract: A mounting system for removably mounting a sensor array adjacent the wire of a papermaking machine. The mounting system comprises an elongate base member formed with a tongue or groove with a corresponding interlocking groove or tongue formed on the sensor array adapted to be slidably received and retained by the elongate base member. The tongue and groove are dimensioned to permit relative movement of the sensor array with respect to the base member. An inflatable bladder is housed between the elongate base member and the sensor array and the bladder is adapted to be inflated to move the tongue and groove into a locked position to fix the position of the sensor array with respect to the elongate base member. This arrangement allows for easy and efficient removal of the sensor array when the bladder is unpressurized while providing reliable clamping when the bladder is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell Measurex Devron Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Congdon, Mark A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6188077
    Abstract: A method and a measuring machine for analyzing at least one property of a paper web (7). According to the invention a jumbo roll (5) from a paper machine is placed in a measuring machine and its paper web (7) is conveyed from an unreeling section (1), through a measuring section (3) to a reeling section (2). A measuring sequence is performed which comprises stepwise feeding of the paper web and measuring the property in the measuring section, when the paper web is stationary, within a web-width measuring area which in the machine direction corresponds to said step length, by scanning traversing a measuring sensor. The values recorded are transmitted to a computer unit for processing and conversion to a visual form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Stora Kopparbegs Bergslags AB
    Inventor: Bengt Lind
  • 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: 6149770
    Abstract: A system and method of providing on-line turbulence measurements in a sheetmaking machine and using these measurements to perform on-line adjustments to turbulence-inducing and adjusting elements in the sheetmaking machine to optimize final sheet product quality. Turbulence measurements are obtained using water weight sensors in the wet-end of the sheetmaking machine and specifically under wire water weight measurements. Water weight readings are correlated to turbulence intensity levels by correlating ranges of water weights to intensity level intervals. A turbulence processing sensor sorts accumulated water weight measurement readings into intensity level intervals to obtain turbulence measurements or a turbulence profile. The turbulence measurements or profile is provided to a machine element controller which uses the measured turbulence information and target turbulence information to generate control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Tzaw Hu, Claud Hagart-Alexander, Lee Chase, John D. Goss, David Watson
  • Patent number: 6129817
    Abstract: Paper web formation analyzers can be employed both on operating paper machines at high speed and on cut samples as a desk top unit, so as to unify formation evaluation for both situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: James Arthur Rule, Jr.
  • 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: 6109285
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for automatic monitoring and correction of the regulation pressure of regulation valves in a regulation valve block in a variable-crown roll in a paper machine. The regulation pressure of the regulation valve in each regulation zone in the regulation valve block can be connected alternatingly to a reference pressure detector whose measurement signal is compared with the measurement signal of the actual value of the regulation pressure in the regulation zone concerned. The result of the comparison is stored on the page of monitoring of pressure detectors contained in the central computer system, on which page, in addition to this difference, set values and actual values of the regulation zone pressures as well as the value of the reference measurement are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Pekka Kivioja, Juha Lahtinen
  • 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: 6074531
    Abstract: A device in a measuring station in a paper or cardboard machine for manufacturing a paper or cardboard web, said measuring station being situated between two work stations and comprising a scanner with two measuring heads travelling to and fro across the web and between them defining a space through which the web passes, driven by drive members. According to the invention the device comprises a continuous, flexible support strip extending through said space between the measuring heads, transverse and parallel to the web from one edge to the other, and drive members for winding and unwinding the support strip onto or off rolls arranged at points outside each edge of the web, for displacement of the support strip transversely to the web in the same direction and at the same speed as the measuring heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Valmet-Karlstad AB
    Inventors: Lars-Magnus Hultcrantz, Tord Olof Svanqvist, Bo Lennart Ortemo
  • Patent number: 6074522
    Abstract: A method for washing pulp in a multistage pulp washing operation involves controlling operating conditions so as to maximize the efficiency of the operation particularly in response to determination of the percent consistency off the discharge side of each drum washer. The major variables that are useful to control are vat dilution flow, drum speed, vat level set point, drainage aids or defoamers, press roll pressures, vacuum break position, and temperature of the last stage showers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: George W. Seymour
  • 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: 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: 6017420
    Abstract: An automated tracer system and method for measuring the residence time of wood pulp as it moves through various stages of processing in a pulp mill. A tracer compound comprising a neutral salt of a halogen is introduced into a first location in the path of the pulp slurry; at a second location an automated detector detects the concentration of tracer compound over a time period; a controller relays a voltage signal from the detector to a processor which uses a calibration curve to integrate tracer concentration over time and thereby derive pulp residence, between the first and second locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Iogen Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Foody, Brian W. Creber
  • Patent number: 6010593
    Abstract: A process and device for continuously measuring the quantity of particles spended in a liquid, which exist in at least two different physical states, such as detached or attached within the paper pulp. A separation assembly separates the particles into divisions depending on their size, and the separation assembly is continuously fed with liquid via an input pipe. A measuring and processing assembly has two channels or ducts coming from the separation assembly and are provided with translucent windows. A measurement and capture unit illuminates the windows, and at least two cameras located opposite each of the respective windows are synchronized with the illumination unit to capture, at regular intervals, an image of the windows. A system for digitizing the captured images and processing them to determine the quantity of particles for each physical states is forwarded to an output unit in a digital or analog form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Centre Technique de L'Industrie des Papiers, Cartons et Celluloses
    Inventors: Guy Eymin Petot Tourtollet, Fran.cedilla.ois Julien Saint Amand, Bernard Perrin, Jacques Sabater
  • 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: 5954923
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing three properties of materials: the conductivity or resistance, the dielectric constant, and the proximity of the material to the sensor portion of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a fixed impedance element coupled in series with the sensor portion of the apparatus between an input signal and ground. The sensor portion of the apparatus is an electrode configuration which includes at least two electrodes with a portion of the material residing between and in close proximity to the electrodes. The sensor exhibits a variable impedance resulting from changes in physical characteristics of the material. The fixed impedance element and the variable impedance of the sensor portion form a voltage divider network such that changes in impedance of the sensor portion results in changes in voltage on the output of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Chase, John Goss, Graham V. Walford
  • Patent number: 5944958
    Abstract: To carefully control the creping conditions when creping off a paper web (1) by means of a doctor blade (5) from the cylinder surface (2) of a Yankee dryer (3), a first sensor (82;85) is provided for measuring on-machine a value of the caliper, the crepe macrostructure, or some other property of the just creped off paper web (1), the measured value is monitored continually, and, on detecting an undesirable change in the value caused by blade wear, the doctor blade (5) is pivoted substantially around its working edge (6) to increase an impact angle (A), formed at the working edge and affecting the monitored web property, to such an extent as to minimize or at least counteract the undesirable change. Preferably, the sensor (82;85) is connected to a programmable processor (90) for automatically controlling the pivoting of the doctor blade (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Valmet-Karlstad AB
    Inventor: Tord O. S. Svanqvist
  • Patent number: 5928475
    Abstract: A system and method that combine an array of fast under wire water weigh sensors with a scanning system provides an accurate measurement of the entire sheet down to 1 in. by 1 in. resolution. Because CD profiles are obtained instantaneously, MD and CD variations are completely decoupled, even if CD profiles are taken at longer intervals apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex, Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Chase, John D. Goss, Graham V. Walford, John Preston
  • Patent number: 5897744
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of manufacturing a paper product containing anionic laminating, coating or sizing agents, said paper product being free from carry-over speck defects in recycle use. The method is characterized in that a cationic compound is added to the paper web after the formation of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Raisio Chemicals Oy
    Inventors: Antti Hamunen, Kari Nurmi, Jens- Mikael Gottberg