Running Or Indefinite Length Product Forming And/or Treating Means Patents (Class 162/289)
  • Patent number: 6267845
    Abstract: A process arrangement for the short circulation in a paper or board machine including stock chests for component stocks, metering pumps for component stocks, cleaning devices, pumps, a headbox and a wire section as well as a system of pipes connecting these elements, together with regulation devices. After the metering pumps, the component stock flows are passed into a closed mixing volume in which the component stocks are mixed and diluted with a first dilution water flow. From this closed mixing volume, the stock is passed in a closed space by a first feed pump of the main line of the process through a screen and a centrifugal cleaner to the suction side of a second feed pump of the main line, where a second dilution water flow is passed to the stock. The second feed pump feeds the stock through a machine screen to the inlet header in the headbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jouko Hautala, Timo Pekkarinen, Antti Suonperä, Juha Kinnunen, Mari Silanterä, Lauri Verkasalo
  • Patent number: 6261415
    Abstract: A paper machine and web control system for the same to be activated on web rupture, which paper machine has a double-felted press nip and a treatment unit for increasing the dry solids content of the web downstream of the press nip, the web being transferred from the press nip to the treatment unit in an open draw. The web control system has a water-application device arranged at the open draw to discharge jets of water against the upper press felt on rupture of the web so as to prevent an upstream end of the web continuing with the upper press felt, a felt-deflection device situated downstream of the press nip to bring the press felts into contact with each other downstream of the press nip on rupture of the web so as to sandwich the web between the felts, and a suction device in the loop of the lower press felt at a position between the press nip and the felt-deflection device to temporarily attach the web to the lower press felt by suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Karlstad AB
    Inventors: Per Anders Johansson, Mikael Nyman
  • Patent number: 6200425
    Abstract: In a tissue machine, a roll is arranged to press a paper web against a Yankee cylinder. A steam box is arranged in connection with the roll. A steaming area of the steam box is arranged against the paper web substantially above the horizontal center line of the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Neles Paper Automation Oy
    Inventor: Kari Pellinen
  • Patent number: 6190505
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patant GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Kayser
  • Patent number: 6153055
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for assisting in the release of a web from contact with the heated surface. The apparatus includes a material which is urged into contact with the heated surface upstream relative to the contact of the web to the heated surface. The material is devoid of metallic content and the arrangement is such that when the web contacts the heated surface downstream relative to the material, thermal energy is transferred from the surface to the web. The web is released from the heated surface subsequent to the transfer of the heat, such release being facilitated by the material being urged against the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jere W. Crouse
  • Patent number: 6136153
    Abstract: In an assembly and method for producing a non-woven web of fibrous material utilizing the foam process, an edge seal for the former is provided which can include the introduction of substantially free foam into the edge seal for providing lubrication and to prevent leakage of fiber-containing slurry from the former. Web formation is primarily due to a mechanical force provided by nip rolls, although suction tables and other suction devices are also provided to carry away foam removed by the nip rolls, or at other stages. The foam/fiber slurry may be formed by introducing the foam tangentially into a tank at a plurality of locations to establish a vortex, and by introducing fiber into the top of the tank, and pumping from the bottom of the tank. The foam/fiber slurry may be introduced using a structure that can be reciprocated toward and away from the inlet of the former, and which has a number of changes defined by pivoted or flexible plates to form distinct strata at least at the start of web formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Glassfibre Oy
    Inventors: Kay Rokman, Juhani Jansson, Eino Laine
  • Patent number: 6066390
    Abstract: An endless dryer fabric having a paper fiber support surface and a machine contact surface arranged about drying drums within a drying machine. The support surface is adopted to allow air to pass there through while carrying paper forming fibers through the drying machine during drying. The fabric consists of a plurality of elliptically shaped coil monofilaments arranged side by side in intermeshing relationship with elongated pintles extending through the intermeshed portions of the coils forming the fabric continuous. An elongated stuffer filament having a cross-section selected from a rhomboid parallelogram, a rhombus parallelogram and a pointed ellipse is positioned to extend diagonally through central portions of each of said coils leaving diagonally opposed equal sized open areas within each coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Wangner Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Quigley
  • Patent number: 5904809
    Abstract: In a foam laid process for producing a non-woven web of fibrous material (such as of synthetic or cellulose fibers) substantially fiber free foam is introduced at various locations in or adjacent to a headbox to get improved results. By introducing pure foam into the foam-fiber mixture near (e.g. just before) where the foam-fiber mixture is introduced into the headbox a more uniform basis weight profile of the non-woven web produced may be provided (e.g. a basis weight variation of about 0.5% or less). By introducing another stream of substantially fiber free foam into the headbox at a surface remote from the foraminous element, to flow along the surface (typically parallel to the flow of the foam fiber mixture), it is possible to minimize shear of fibers in the headbox so that the fibers do not become unidirectional, in the direction of movement of the foraminous element, and keep the surface clean. The surface is typically a roof surface of an inclined headbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Paper Group Oy
    Inventors: Kay Rokman, Juhani Jansson
  • Patent number: 5820735
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an under felt inclined flat former for making multilayer or monolayer sheets of paper comprising a plurality of forming units arranged along a production line. Each of the forming units is supported on corresponding rigid supports and is provided with a rolls system on which the forming unit rests when the support are removed, in such a manner that the selected forming unit can be removed from the production line for cleaning or maintenance purposes, without interrupting the operation of the former equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Smurfit Carton y Papel De Mexico
    Inventor: Luis Fernando Cabrera Y Lopez Caram
  • Patent number: 5766420
    Abstract: An under felt inclined flat former for making multilayer or monolayer sheets of paper comprising a plurality of forming units arranged along a production line. Each of the forming units is supported on corresponding rigid supports and is provided with a roller system on which the forming unit or a portion thereof rests which when the supports are removed, the selected forming unit or portion thereof can be removed from the production line for cleaning or maintenance purposes, without interrupting the operation of the former equipment. Each forming unit including means to create activity in the stock in addition to causing liquid to be drained therefrom for sheet formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Smurfut Carton y Papel De Mexico
    Inventor: Luis Fernando Cabrera y Lopez Caram
  • Patent number: 5738760
    Abstract: To accomplish a web transfer, which in reliability is comparable to the one obtained with a closed draw, in any operating environment, but especially where it is desirable to transfer a fast running tissue web (4) from the drying section of a tissue machine, e.g., a Yankee dryer (2), to a reel-up (3), a web support device (10) extends across the width of the web (4) and along a predetermined run of the web (4) from the Yankee dryer (2) to the reel-up (3). The web support device has a support surface (11) formed by a series of plate member assemblies (23) having means for creating a flow of air in the direction of the web run. Between the web (4) and the support surface (11) the flow of air forms an air layer (15) of reduced static pressure, so as to stabilize the web (4) against flutter. The predetermined run may extend through a calender (7) and past scanner equipment (8). Pneumatic tail threading capabilities may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet-Karlstad AB
    Inventors: Tord O.S. Svanqvist, B. Lennart H. Ortemo
  • Patent number: 5730737
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing of an absorbent structure in an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, tampon, panty protector, incontinence guard, diaper, bed protector, wound or sore dressing, saliva absorbent and like articles is comprising the use of absorbent material in roll form directly in the product without first defibrating the material and then forming a mat. The material possesses good aquisition properties, which are meaningful to the function of the product. A high surface dryness is obtained, among other things. In addition to cellulose fibers, the absorbent structure may also include superabsorbent material and/or binding fibers, among other ingredients. The pulp mat is very thin, therewith obviating the need to compress the mat further in the product. In the case of certain product applications, the material is softened mechanically prior to its use as an absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Molnlycke AB
    Inventors: Urban Widlund, Eje Osterdahl, Roy Hansson, Milan Kolar
  • Patent number: 5728085
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an absorbent structure in an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, tampon, panty protector, incontinence guard, diaper, bed protector, wound or sore dressing, saliva absorbent and like articles is produced by using absorbent material in roll form directly in the product without first defibrating the material and then forming a mat. The material possesses good wicking properties and swelling properties, which are meaningful to the function of the product. A high surface dryness is obtained, among other things. In addition to cellulose fibres, the absorbent structure may also include superabsorbent material and/or binding fibres, among other ingredients, The pulp mat is very thin, therewith obviating the need to compress the mat further in the product. In the case of certain product applications, the material is softened mechanically prior to its use as an absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Molnlycke AB
    Inventors: Urban Widlund, Eje Osterdahl, Roy Hansson, Milan Kolar
  • Patent number: 5720852
    Abstract: A method and device for stabilizing the running of a paper web in a paper machine in connection with a paper guide roll, in particular between a press section and a dryer section. In the method, the paper web is passed over the paper guide roll onto a drying wire or equivalent and negative pressure (suction) in the opening nip of the paper guide roll is lowered until a transition is made to the side of positive pressure in order to press the paper web against the drying wire or equivalent. The device includes a nozzle beam and an air chamber which communicates with a blow air duct. The nozzle beam is placed at the side of the opening nip of the paper guide roll such that the blowing discharged out of a nozzle opening of the nozzle beam is directed at the opening nip in order to press the paper web against the drying wire or equivalent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery Inc.
    Inventors: Raimo Virta, Vesa Vuorinen
  • Patent number: 5720851
    Abstract: Method of producing a foam-formed fibre or paper web, whereby a foamed fibre dispersion is formed by dispersing natural and/or synthetic fibres in a foamable liquid comprising water and a tenside in a dispersion vessel (111) and by conveying the foamed fibre dispersion to a wire (118) on a paper machine. The foamed liquid which is removed through the wire (118) is conveyed to a closed foam tank (128) in which a draining of the liquid to the bottom of the tank occurs, whilst the lighter foam is collected in the top of the foam tank. Liquid from the bottom of the foam tank is led to the dispersion vessel (111) via a first pipeline (129), whilst foam passes to the dispersion vessel via a second pipeline (130) in the top of the foam tank where the fibres are added and dispersed in the foamable liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Paper AB
    Inventor: Lennart Reiner
  • Patent number: 5456802
    Abstract: A vacuum/blowing sheave on the end of the lower calender roll of a papermaking machine threads a tissue web tail from a Yankee dryer to a take-up reel through the calender. The sheave is positioned adjacent to the outlet of the threader tube from the Yankee dryer, where the vacuum portion of the sheave picks up the tail and transports it towards the take-up reel. Upon transiting the closed nip of the calender, the tail is blown by a short blowing section on the sheave into the tube threader which leads to the take-up reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Worcester
  • Patent number: 5327661
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for drying a web of paper utilizing impulse drying techniques to provide a unique paper product having a predetermined pattern of delaminated paper fibers. In the method of the invention for drying a paper web, the paper web is transported through a pair of rolls wherein at least one of the rolls has been heated to an elevated temperature. The heated roll is provided with a planar surface having a predetermined pattern formed on the surface of a material having a low K value of less than about 3000 w.sqroot.s/m.sup.2 c and having a relatively low porosity. The material forming the predetermined pattern of the roll surface is preferably selected from the group consisting of ceramics, polymers, glass, inorganic plastics, composite materials and cermets. The remainder of the roll surface has a high K value of greater than about 3000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David I. Orloff
  • Patent number: 4867847
    Abstract: Expanding body which is essentially designed as a hollow beam and, viewed in the cross-section, composed of several flexible walls. At least one of these walls has a higher expandability than the other walls. The internal chamber of the expanding body can be pressurized by a variable fluid pressure. On the use of such an expanding body in a paper machine headbox a wall with a relatively low expandability forms the downstream end piece of a flow guide wall. Its position, which determines the clear width of the discharge opening, is alterable by varying the internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: J.M. Voith GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Kade
  • Patent number: 4849054
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: James River-Norwalk, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard G. Klowak
  • Patent number: 4834838
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: James River Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard G. Klowak
  • Patent number: 4692215
    Abstract: Apparatus for conveying a web lead-in strip in a paper machine in a controlled manner includes a conveyor belt arranged in a loop around one or more reversing rolls, the conveyor belt being formed of an air-pervious fabric. Devices are arranged within the loop of the conveyor belt for creating a dynamic vacuum on the belt run on which the lead-in strip is conveyed to cause the lead-in strip to adhere to that belt run. The devices comprise guide plates associated with respective air distributing headers which direct air jets over the guide plates. The guide plates are arranged substantially parallel to the plane of the conveying run of the belt in a manner such that a dynamic vacuum is created which acts on the conveying run to cause the lead-in strip of the web to adhere to the conveying run of the conveyor belt. The apparatus is lightweight and compact in construction and permits the lead-in procedure to be automated to such an extent that no manual operations are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Valmet Oy
    Inventor: Reima Kerttula
  • Patent number: 4543156
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for the manufacture of a non-woven fibrous web such as paper from a dispersion of fibers in a foamed liquid in which fiber furnished in a foamed liquid comprising a solution of surfactant in water is discharged from a headbox into the nip of a twin forming wire prior to its passage over a forming roll. The water-surfactant solution is drained from the web and recycled as a foamed liquid containing about 65% air in the form of bubbles of from about 20 to about 200 microns in diameter. The foamed liquid is directed into a mix tank wherein a slurry containing fiber at 20% to 55% solids is added and mixed. The mixture is pumped to the headbox and into the nip of the forming wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: James River-Norwalk, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Cheshire, Douglas L. Lindgren, Robert J. Marinack, Bruce W. Janda, Robert S. Thut, John T. Larkey, Ray E. Jostad
  • Patent number: 4443299
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for the manufacture of a non-woven fibrous web, such as paper, from a dispersion of fibers in a foamed liquid. In a preferred embodiment, a solution of surfactant in water is initially discharged from a headbox into the nip of a twin forming wire prior to its passage over a curvilinear path defined by a forming roll. The water-surfactant solution is caused repeatedly to pass through the outer one of the twin forming wires until there is created, and stored in a silo, a foamed liquid containing about 65% air in the form of bubbles of from about 20 to about 200 microns in diameter. The foamed liquid is directed from the silo into a mix tank wherein a slurry containing fibers at 20% to 55% solids is added and mixed. The mixture is pumped to the headbox and into the nip of the forming wires. The outer wire retains the fibers while passing and again foaming the liquid for return to the silo and the mix tank for addition of fibers and return to the headbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: James River-Dixie/Northern, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Cheshire, Douglas L. Lindgren, Robert J. Marinack, Bruce W. Janda, Robert S. Thut, John T. Larkey, Ray E. Jostad
  • Patent number: 4342156
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drying a web of material running between a drying cylinder and a traveling covering cloth avoid the formation of air boundary layers which would impede heat exchange with respect to, and humidity removal from, the traveling web. In particular, these methods and apparatus avoid excessive wear of the covering cloth by locating a baffleplate at a distance from the covering cloth within a domain of the boundary layer, and promote a heat exchange and humidity removal through turbulence by impacting air from the boundary layer against a front surface of the baffleplate at a distance from the covering cloth, causing an exchange of air in the boundary layer and in meshes of the covering cloth. Effects of non-uniform humidity profiles are avoided by providing the front surface of the baffleplate with a varying configuration across the covering cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1982
    Inventor: Wilhelm Wanke
  • Patent number: 4050982
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for continuously shrinking a fibrous sheet containing heat-shrinkable fibers by means of a hot liquid wherein a sheet is driven by a continuous, stable film formed on the emerged surface of a series of aligned cylinders with parallel axes rotated in the direction of the advance of the sheet and partially immersed in a hot liquid without the sheet being in contact with the cylinders. The invention makes it possible to shrink uniformly and at a high speed heat-shrinkable fibers obtained from an aqueous dispersion thereof by a paper-making method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc-Textile
    Inventors: Robert Bolliand, Claude Saligny
  • Patent number: 4022366
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a sheet of a flexible material between a first and a second position. The apparatus includes an elongated frame and an air-pervious endless belt movably mounted on first and second pulleys positioned at each end of the frame. The belt has its upper rung travelling from the first pulley, adjacent the first position, to the second pulley, adjacent the second position, and is arranged to receive a lead strip of the sheet from the first position. A vacuum chest having a perforated top extends longitudinally of and below the upper rung of the belt. There are means for evacuating air from the chest in order to apply a vacuum at the undersurface of the belt and thereby cause the lead strip to cling to the belt. The apparatus has means defining an opening where the sheet leaves the belt and an air jet means able to direct air through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1977
    Assignee: Durad Machine Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Sidney C. Rooney
  • Patent number: 4014740
    Abstract: A structure for bringing about transfer of a paper web from the press section to the drying section of a paper machine during travel of an initial portion of a web from the press section to the drying section as well as subsequently when the travel of the web between these sections has become stabilized. A pair of rolls are situated between the last roll of the press section and the first roll of the drying section to support and guide the web during travel thereof between the press section and drying section. In addition, a weighting roll is provided to cooperate with that one of the above pair of rolls which is nearer to the drying section to define with the latter roll a nip through which an initial portion of the web travels until the operating conditions have become stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1977
    Assignee: Valmet Oy
    Inventors: Martti Koponen, Lassi Veijonen
  • Patent number: 3948722
    Abstract: A dimensionally stable warp knitted paper maker's felt includes a plurality of interlocked yarns having a weight per unit length equivalent to at least 500 denier. Laid-in yarns and/or resin may be used to impart the desired stability to the felt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1976
    Assignee: Scapa-Porritt Limited
    Inventors: John Brian Wheeldon, David Gill