Flow Box, Slice, And/or Approach Flow Patents (Class 162/336)
  • Patent number: 6841040
    Abstract: In the short circulation of a paper machine, a chemicals flow (F1) is fed into a fibre suspension flow in connection with a pipe expansion comprising a first pipe (1) and a second pipe (2) having a larger diameter than the first pipe, which pipes are connected to each other by means of an expansion step (3) perpendicular to the direction of flow. The chemicals flow (F1) can be passed so as to be mixed with the fibre suspension flow either in the second pipe (2) in an ideal mixing zone situated after the expansion step (3) or in the first pipe (1) so close to the expansion step (3) that the chemicals which are added have no time to react with the fibre suspension before the flow enters the expansion step (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Hannu Lepomäki, Juhani Sams
  • Publication number: 20040238141
    Abstract: Methods for uniformly distributing a flowing medium to a surface such as that of a rotary liquid permeable roll are disclosed where the flowing medium is distributed by a number of distribution units, the method including distributing the flowing medium to each of the distribution units and separately controlling the flow of the flowing medium to each of the distribution units whereby a uniform flow and an equal amount of the flowing medium is obtained in each of the distribution units. Distribution devices for uniformly distributing a flowing medium to such a surface are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Magnus T Danielsson, Jorgen T. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 6821392
    Abstract: A pulp former's sealing blades extend between the headbox slice and twin forming wires and are bonded and/or pinned to blade supports which mount the blades to the slice. The blade supports have flat mounting surfaces which extend in the machine and cross machine directions and which overlie or underlie the blades supports. The blades may be affixed to the supports with an adhesive film. The supports are in turn mounted to the upper and lower sides of a pulp former headbox slice. After the adhesive bond is formed, holes are drilled through the flexible blades and into the blade supports. The holes are filled with pins which are mounted flush to the pulp side surfaces of the flexible blades. The holes through the flexible blades may be tapered, and the corresponding tapered portions of the pins may be used to clamp the flexible blades to the blade supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Filion
  • Publication number: 20040182535
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headbox of a paper machine or equivalent. The headbox comprises in its connection cleaning tubes (11a1, 11a2 . . . ), by means of which stock is separated into accept and reject, the accept being passed forward in the headbox and further onto a forming wire (H1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Matti Hietaniemi, Jouko Hautala
  • Publication number: 20040163788
    Abstract: A pulp former's sealing blades extend between the headbox slice and twin forming wires and are bonded and/or pinned to blade supports which mount the blades to the slice. The blade supports have flat mounting surfaces which extend in the machine and cross machine directions and which overlie or underlie the blades supports. The blades may be affixed to the supports with an adhesive film. The supports are in turn mounted to the upper and lower sides of a pulp former headbox slice. After the adhesive bond is formed, holes are drilled through the flexible blades and into the blade supports. The holes are filled with pins which are mounted flush to the pulp side surfaces of the flexible blades. The holes through the flexible blades may be tapered, and the corresponding tapered portions of the pins may be used to clamp the flexible blades to the blade supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel Filion
  • Patent number: 6761801
    Abstract: Lamella and headbox of a web production machine. The lamella is formed of at least one high-performance polymer. The at least one high-performance polymer includes high stability, high heat resistance, and good to very good resistance to at least one of alkaline solution and acid. The headbox includes the lamella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Hans Loser
  • Patent number: 6746572
    Abstract: Method for determining a characteristic value for a binding force potential of paper fibers in a fibrous suspension. The method includes measuring an air content of the fibrous suspension and deriving the characteristic value from the measuring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6740198
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of mixing pulp components in the manufacture of paper, in which method the pulp components to be mixed are led to a mixing point along tubes arranged inside each other. The pulp component flows are mixed by generating turbulence in them by means of the end of an inner tube, the cross-section of which end is wave-like. This turbulence is guided and its effect is intensified by means of form parts in connection with the mixing point, which form parts are arranged on the inner surface of the outer tube. Further, the invention relates to an arrangement implementing the mixing of pulp components in accordance with the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper Inc.
    Inventors: Jussi Ahola, Elina Pohjala, Sakari Soini, Veli-Matti Rajala, Kati Lindroos, Petri Nyberg, Pentti Saarenrinne
  • Patent number: 6736937
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for controlling the operation of the short circulation of a paper, paper board or the like production machine. The method and apparatus according to the invention are especially preferably suitable for use in the approach system, i.e. so-called short circulation, of said production machines for regulating the headbox feed pressure. A characteristic feature of the method and apparatus according to the invention is that at a suitable location in the approach system of said production machine there is arranged a controllable parallel flow, by means of which at least one flow in the approach system is regulated so that the pressure in the headbox remains essentially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Andritz Oy
    Inventors: Lasse Björkstedt, Jouni Matula
  • Patent number: 6736938
    Abstract: A vane is mounted to a turbulence generator in a headbox by a mounting arrangement that includes an assembly bar that is rigidly connected to an anchoring element of the turbulence generator. The anchoring element has an engagement groove of dovetail shape that receives a similarly shaped protrusion on the assembly bar to rigidly mount the assembly bar to the anchoring element. The assembly bar also includes a continuous journaling groove configured to receive a pivot member of the vane to fix the vane to the assembly bar while leaving the vane free to pivot about a pivot axis that extends in the cross-machine direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper Karlstad AB
    Inventor: Ulf Haraldsson
  • Patent number: 6733631
    Abstract: A non-woven web of fibrous material is produced using a moving foraminous element in the practice of the foam process. A first foam slurry of air, water, fibers and a surfactant is generated and centrifugally pumped into contact with the moving foraminous element. Substantially fiber-free foam is withdrawn from the foraminous element while forming a non-woven web of fibrous material on the foraminous element, and at least a part of the substantially fiber-free foam is used in the generation of the first foam slurry. Recycling is also typically practiced using a centrifugal pump, and the centrifugal pumps are preferably degassing pumps which remove some of the gas from the foam. By practicing the invention it is possible to produce fibrous webs using the foam process that are more than two meters wide, and at a forming speed of more than about 100 m/min (e.g. about 200-500 m/min).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Glassfibre Oy
    Inventors: Jorma Elonen, Kay Rokman, Arto Koso, Juhani Jansson
  • Patent number: 6730193
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wire pit. A characteristic feature of the wire pit (50) according to the invention is that its wall/walls (52′, 52″, 54′, 62) converge downwards so that the average flow direction of the liquid along the most part of the wire pit's (50) height deviates from vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Andritz Oy
    Inventors: Jouni Matula, Riitta Rahkonen
  • Publication number: 20040055722
    Abstract: An inlet chamber is connected to a nozzle section by way of a plurality of tubes. Diluting liquid for mixing with paper stock flowing through one or each of said tubes is fed into the tube via annular inlet means. To ensure thorough mixing, channel means leading into the annular inlet means is configured to create turbulent flow of diluting liquid prior to its introduction into the tube, for example, by consisting of a helical or spiral duct, or by being provided internally with baffle means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Harry Bowler, John William Leach
  • Patent number: 6679974
    Abstract: In a paper machine headbox, a stock suspension flow passes through turbulence pipes (14an) and is distributed into superimposed layers. Stepped expansion spots (16) of the flow cross-section area of the turbulence pipes (14) or the positions of trailing elements starting from between the pipe rows (Rn) and extending to the slice duct (12) of the headbox control the onset and level of turbulence in each layer. Turbulence is generated in different phases of the flow in different layers by arranging the expansion spots (16) and/or the trailing elements in superimposed layers to be located at different distances from the slice opening (13) of the headbox, whereby a different turbulence prevails at the slice opening (13) in different layers of the stock suspension flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Sakari Soini
  • Publication number: 20030183352
    Abstract: Multi-layer headbox for a paper machine that includes a plurality of nozzle chambers having outlet gaps located at nozzle chamber ends. Each of the plurality of nozzle chambers are assigned to different layers, and at least one of the plurality of nozzle chambers has a length in a flow direction that is different from a length of at least one other of the plurality of nozzle chambers. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: VOITH PAPER PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Mathias Schwaner, Jurgen Proessl
  • Publication number: 20030178167
    Abstract: The invention provides tube bank structure and a method of manufacturing a flow tube, which can improve the stabilization of the flow of stock in the tube bank of the headbox of a papermaking machine and prevent the development of turbulence and uneven concentration of stock flow by a simple and inexpensive means, resulting in speedup of papermaking process. Said flow tubes has a smaller diameter pipe portion of a circular cross-section in the inlet side, a larger diameter pipe portion connected to said smaller diameter pipe portion, a tapered pipe portion, and a rectangular pipe portion, the cross-sectional configuration of said tapered pipe portion being changed smoothly from circular to rectangular configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Keiichi Fujiki, Tetsuo Makino, Akimine Izawa
  • Publication number: 20030159791
    Abstract: A headbox, for example, in a pulp or board machine, is suitable for high basis weights which are over 400 g/m2 and for high fibre suspension consistencies which are in a range of 2-5%. The headbox has a turbulence part (1), into which a fibre suspension flows from a tube bank (2), and a slice part (3) which is situated after the turbulence part and from which the fibre suspension flows to a forming section of a fibrous web. The turbulence part (1) of the headbox has at least two passages (5, 6), which converge in the flow direction of the fibre suspension towards the slice part (3). In that connection, the fibre suspension flow is first fluidized in a tortuous turbulence passage part (11) and, after that, it decelerates in another widening deceleration passage (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Markkus Ronnila, Jaakko Jantunen, Erkki Ilmoniemi
  • Publication number: 20030159792
    Abstract: The invention concerns a headbox (10) of a paper machine or such. It includes a bypass manifold (J1), from which the pulp is conducted by way of pipes (11a1.1, 11a1.2, . . . ; 11a2.1, 11a2.2, . . . ) of pipe rows in a set of pipes (11) and an intermediate chamber (E) into a turbulence generator (12), or from the bypass manifold (J1) directly into the turbulence generator and by way of the pipes (12a1.1, 12a1.2, . . . ; 12a2.1, 12a2.2, . . . ) of the turbulence generator's (12) pipe rows into a lip cone (K) and further out from the headbox on to a formation wire. The turbulence generator (12) of the headbox includes a fluidisation element (14), wherein fluidisation is carried out in one stage only and in which structure as little disturbance as possible is then caused to the fluidised flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Hannu Lepomaki, Maarit Tukiainen, Jyrki Huovila
  • Publication number: 20030159790
    Abstract: Process for forming and a headbox for producing a fibrous material web from a pulp suspension to form one of a paper or cardboard web. The headbox includes a headbox nozzle and at least one lamella, and the process includes providing a structured surface with at least one structure one of in and on a surface of the at least one lamella, such that the structured surface is arranged to generate cross flows inside the pulp suspension, whereby the cross flows lead to shear flows in the suspension stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: VOITH PAPER PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Hans Loser
  • Patent number: 6610175
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to enhance paper and board forming qualities with insert tubes and/or a diffuser block in the paper forming machine headbox component which generates vorticity in the machine direction (MD) which is superimposed on the streamwise flow to generate a swirling or helical flow through the tubes of the diffuser block. Tubes of the diffuser block are designed such that the direction of the swirl or fluid rotation of the paper fiber stock may be controlled and the direction thereof is controlled in such a way to provide effective mixing, coalescence and merging of the jets of fluid emanating from the tubes into the converging section, i.e., nozzle chamber of the headbox. Also disclosed is the effective mixing of the jets generating cross-machine direction (CD) shear between the rows of jets that form at the outlet of the tubes inside the nozzle chamber of the headbox to align paper fibers in the cross-machine direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Cyrus K. Aidun
  • Patent number: 6605186
    Abstract: A headbox for use in a water felting process includes a housing and two rotating horizontal distribution rolls. The housing has curved sections shaped to conform to the outer cylindrical surface of the distribution rolls, wherein the curved section is closely spaced to a portion of the outer cylindrical surface of both distribution rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventor: David Paul Miller
  • Patent number: 6602388
    Abstract: Process of forming a headbox for a machine, which includes arranging a plurality of headbox channels into rows and columns, positioning a lamella between adjacent rows, fixing an end of the lamella at a fixing point, and arranging lamellar supports downstream of, relative to a headbox flow direction, the fixing point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Hans Loser, Thomas Dietz, Klaus Lehleiter, Konstantin Fenkl
  • Publication number: 20030131964
    Abstract: A method of ensuring the flatness of a vane that is mounted in a headbox by means of a mounting arrangement including engagement dowels for cooperation with a downstream support wall of a transverse groove, said vane being affected during operation by shearing forces from the stock and by retaining forces from the mounting arrangement. In accordance with the invention outer engagement dowels are mounted at the side edges of the vane to cooperate during a specific period of time, as the only engagement dowels with the downstream support wall in order to take up said shearing forces, whereby tensile stresses will arise in the downstream end portion of the vane in the cross machine direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Metso Paper Karlstad AB
    Inventors: Jan Anders Erikson, Tord Gustav Gustavsson, Ingvar Berndt Erik Klerelid, Joakim Norrman
  • Publication number: 20030089479
    Abstract: Device for controlling or regulating a basis weight of a web in a web manufacturing process of a web producing machine. The device includes a first control circuit, adapted to adjust the basis weight, that includes at least one adjustable device for influencing the basis weight and at least one basis weight sensor. A second control circuit having at least one sensor for detecting a concentration of incoming backwater is also provided. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Griech, Dirk Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030056924
    Abstract: A vane is mounted to a turbulence generator in a headbox by a mounting arrangement that includes an assembly bar that is rigidly connected to an anchoring element of the turbulence generator. The anchoring element has an engagement groove of dovetail shape that receives a similarly shaped protrusion on the assembly bar to rigidly mount the assembly bar to the anchoring element. The assembly bar also includes a continuous journaling groove configured to receive a pivot member of the vane to fix the vane to the assembly bar while leaving the vane free to pivot about a pivot axis that extends in the cross-machine direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Metso Paper Karlstad AB
    Inventor: Ulf Haraldsson
  • Publication number: 20030051844
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to enhance paper and board forming qualities with insert tubes and/or a diffuser block in the paper forming machine headbox component which generates vorticity in the machine direction (MD) which is superimposed on the streamwise flow to generate a swirling or helical flow through the tubes of the diffuser block. Tubes of the diffuser block are designed such that the direction of the swirl or fluid rotation of the paper fiber stock may be controlled and the direction thereof is controlled in such a way to provide effective mixing, coalescence and merging of the jets of fluid emanating from the tubes into the converging section, i.e., nozzle chamber of the headbox. Also disclosed is the effective mixing of the jets generating cross-machine direction (CD) shear between the rows of jets that form at the outlet of the tubes inside the nozzle chamber of the headbox to align paper fibers in the cross-machine direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Cyrus K. Aidun
  • Patent number: 6517685
    Abstract: The invention concerns the short circulation of a paper or board machine and in particular a simplified process arrangement for the short circulation, which arrangement comprises a metering system (20) for the stock (M) or stocks, pumps (110, 130, 170), a headbox (150), and a wire part (160) as well as a pipe system interconnecting the devices, with means of regulation, and in which arrangement a high-consistency stock (3) is fed into the headbox (150), and the white water (4) recovered from the wire part (160) is fed by means of a diluting pump (170) into the headbox (150) so that diluting of the stock suspension is carried out in the headbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Jyrki Huovila, Michael Odell
  • Patent number: 6503372
    Abstract: A non-woven web of cellulosic synthetic fibrous material is produced using a twin wire former. The former may have a closed first end and closed first and second sides, and a second end provided by first and second moving foraminous elements. An interior structure between the sides and second end may have at least first and second different length pluralities of conduits extending from the former first end toward the second end, and defining by themselves, or with wall elements, the interior volume into a first volume and a second volume on opposite sides thereof. A first fiber/foam slurry is introduced into the first volume and a second fiber/foam slurry in the second volume, and suction box assemblies are provided on the opposite sides of the foraminous elements from the interior volume for withdrawing foam from the slurries to forming a non-woven web on the foraminous elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Glassfibre Oy
    Inventors: Kay Rokman, Juhani Jansson, Eino Laine
  • Patent number: 6491792
    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: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Metsuo Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: John Francis Shakespeare, Juha Antero Kniivilä, Petri Nyberg
  • Publication number: 20020162636
    Abstract: Plies that are formed by respective formers are couched together in a sheet forming device, specifically a machine for the production of a multi-ply fiber web, particularly a paper or cardboard web, or a packaging paper web. At least one of the formers for forming a multi-ply web includes a multi-layer headbox, to which at least two different stocks, or stock partial streams of different composition for different plies are furnished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Gunter Halmschlager, Erich Brunnauer, Wilhelm Gansberger, Heinrich Lang
  • Patent number: 6471828
    Abstract: Headbox for a machine and process for forming the same. The headbox includes a plurality of channels arranged in rows that extend across a width of the machine and in columns substantially perpendicular to the rows, at least one lamella positioned between adjacent rows, a fixing point for the at least one lamella, and lamellar supports positioned after the fixing point, relative to a headbox flow. This includes arranging a plurality of headbox channels into rows and columns, positioning a lamella between adjacent rows, fixing an end of the lamella at a fixing point, and arranging lamellar supports downstream of, relative to a headbox flow direction, the fixing point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Hans Loser, Thomas Dietz, Klaus Lehleiter, Konstantin Fenkl
  • Publication number: 20020153113
    Abstract: Lamella of a headbox through which at least one fibrous suspension flows. The headbox has a machine-width headbox nozzle with a nozzle length and an exit opening, and the headbox nozzle is delimited by an upper nozzle wall and a lower nozzle wall. The lamella, which is structured and arranged to be mounted within the headbox nozzle, includes a lamella body having a downstream Lamella end structured and arranged to be positioned downstream, relative to a suspension flow direction, of an opposite end of the lamella body, and the downstream lamella end includes a first surface, a portion coupled to an sloped relative to the first surface, and a second surface, located opposite the first surface, provided with a structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: VOITH PAPER PATENT GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Konstantin Fenkl, Hans Loser
  • Publication number: 20020148585
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to enhance paper and board forming qualities with insert tubes and/or a diffuser block in the paper forming machine headbox component which generates vorticity in the machine direction (MD) which is superimposed on the streamwise flow to generate a swirling or helical flow through the tubes of the diffuser block. Tubes of the diffuser block are designed such that the direction of the swirl or fluid rotation of the paper fiber stock may be controlled and the direction thereof is controlled in such a way to provide effective mixing, coalescence and merging of the jets of fluid emanating from the tubes into the converging section, i.e., nozzle chamber of the headbox. Also disclosed is the effective mixing of the jets generating cross-machine direction (CD) shear between the rows of jets that form at the outlet of the tubes inside the nozzle chamber of the headbox to align paper fibers in the cross-machine direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Cyrus K. Aidun
  • Publication number: 20020148587
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for controlling the basis weight cross-profile, the formation, the fiber direction and other quality parameters of a pulp sheet after the headbox in a dewatering plant. The apparatus including at least one suspension feed, at least one distribution device and at least one drainage device for excess suspension from the distribution device, where the distribution device has a distribution chamber and a turbulence-generating chamber made up of a number of pipes adjacent to one another. It is mainly characterized by the two peripheral zones of the headbox, comprising distribution chamber and turbulence-generating chamber, each having a discharge device in the sheet running direction for a partial suspension stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Gerald Schadler, Wilhelm Mausser
  • Publication number: 20020121354
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to condition the paper fiber stock of a wet paper web for enhanced dewatering and formation with an acoustic foil assembly used for removing water and redistributing fibers. A plane ultrasonic wave field is employed for interacting with water suspended pulp and paper fiber stock using acoustic techniques to subject particulate suspensions. The continuous process employees a piezoelectric ceramic transducer to selectively deflect flowing paper fiber stock as they penetrate the ultrasonic field. Depending upon the amount of dissolved gas in water, conditioning is obtained using a traveling wave field to improve paper properties for increased productivity and formation quality with headbox components having hydrodynamic optimization for paper and board forming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Cyrus K. Aidun
  • Patent number: 6444088
    Abstract: A nonwoven web of fibrous material is made by the foam process using a manifold of a particular construction. The manifold has a casing with first and second opposite ends including an inlet for a foam-fiber-surfactant slurry at the first end, and optionally a valved outlet at the second end. A center section of the manifold casing has a (e.g. rectangular) cross-section that becomes smaller moving from an inlet toward the outlet. First and second substantially closed side walls, a porous front wall having an effective length, and a back wall opposite the front wall, are provided for the center section, the walls planar or curved. Any suitable structures are provided for introducing a second (e.g. substantially fiber-free, or a fiber-foam slurry) foam into the center section through the back wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Glassfibre Oy
    Inventors: Kay Rökman, Juhani Jansson
  • Publication number: 20020117285
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to enhance paper and board forming qualities with insert tubes and/or a diffuser block in the paper forming machine headbox component which generates vorticity in the machine direction (MD) which is superimposed on the streamwise flow to generate a swirling or helical flow through the tubes of the diffuser block. Tubes of the diffuser block are designed such that the direction of the swirl or fluid rotation of the paper fiber stock may be controlled and the direction thereof is controlled in such a way to provide effective mixing, coalescence and merging of the jets of fluid emanating from the tubes into the converging section, i.e., nozzle chamber of the headbox. A specific flow inside the headbox distributes the fibers in an isotropic form, i.e., uniform in all directions, in the sheet substantially eliminating the MD preferential fiber orientation to produce an isotropic and uniform sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Institute of Paper Science and Technology , Inc.
    Inventor: Cyrus K. Aidun
  • Patent number: 6425984
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to enhance paper and board forming qualities with insert tubes and/or a diffuser block in the paper forming machine headbox component which generates vorticity in the machine direction (MD) which is superimposed on the streamwise flow to generate a swirling or helical flow through the tubes of the diffuser block. Tubes of the diffuser block are designed such that the direction of the swirl or fluid rotation of the paper fiber stock may be controlled and the direction thereof is controlled in such a way to provide effective mixing, coalescence and merging of the jets of fluid emanating from the tubes into the converging section, i.e., nozzle chamber of the headbox. Also disclosed is the effective mixing of the jets generating cross-machine direction (CD) shear between the rows of jets that form at the outlet of the tubes inside the nozzle chamber of the headbox to align paper fibers in the cross-machine direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Cyrus K. Aidun
  • Patent number: 6413376
    Abstract: A headbox for use in a water felting process includes a housing and two rotating horizontal distribution rolls. The housing has curved sections shaped to conform to the outer cylindrical surface of the distribution rolls, wherein the curved section is closely spaced to a portion of the outer cylindrical surface of both distribution rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventor: David Paul Miller
  • Patent number: 6406595
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to enhance paper and board forming qualities with insert tubes and/or a diffuser block in the paper forming machine headbox component which generates vorticity in the machine direction (MD) which is superimposed on the streamwise flow to generate a swirling or helical flow through the tubes of the diffuser block. Tubes of the diffuser block are designed such that the direction of the swirl or fluid rotation of the paper fiber stock may be controlled and the direction thereof is controlled in such a way to provide effective mixing, coalescence and merging of the jets of fluid emanating from the tubes into the converging section, i.e., nozzle chamber of the headbox. Also disclosed is the effective mixing of the jets generating cross-machine direction (CD) shear between the rows of jets that form at the outlet of the tubes inside the nozzle chamber of the headbox to align paper fibers in the cross-machine direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Cyrus K. Aidun
  • Publication number: 20020062939
    Abstract: An arrangement for fastening a turbulence vane to headbox where in the headbox, a groove running parallel to the width of the headbox is formed in a plate delimiting a slice chamber, in order to fasten the turbulence vane to the plate. A fastener is fitted to the rear edge of the turbulence vane, which is placed in a groove. In the turbulence vane a fastening retainer is formed, to which the fastener is fitted. In the fastener there is a construction arranged to lock onto the fastening retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Jarmo Kirvesmaki
  • Publication number: 20020060038
    Abstract: A device for feeding a pulp suspension to a tissue machine includes a headbox having top and bottom lips defining a slice gap forming a free flow jet of the pulp suspension. The device also includes at least one eccentric shaft for setting the slice gap between a minimum and a maximum height. Each eccentric shaft is supported at several points over the machine width and is driven directly by a gear motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Wilhelm Mausser, Manfred Schmid, Walter Writzl, Rudolf Greimel, Harald Weigant
  • Publication number: 20020043355
    Abstract: Lamella and headbox of a web production machine. The lamella is formed of at least one high-performance polymer. The at least one high-performance polymer includes high stability, high heat resistance, and good to very good resistance to at least one of alkaline solution and acid. The headbox includes the lamella.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: VOITH PAPER PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Hans Loser
  • Patent number: 6372092
    Abstract: Headbox of a paper machine and a process of supplying a material suspension, The headbox includes at least one material suspension supplying system, and a headbox nozzle that includes a first dividing wall having a machine width and a second dividing wall having a machine width. The first and second dividing walls are arranged to form a first path in which a total nozzle cross-section steadily and continually decreases in a material flow direction and to form a second path, arranged to follow the first path, in which a total nozzle cross-section continually increases in the material flow direction. The process includes includes accelerating the material suspension along a first path having a total nozzle cross-section that steadily and continually decreases in a material flow direction, and decelerating the material suspension along a second path having a total nozzle cross-section that continually increases in the material flow direction. The second path is arranged to follow the first path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Bubik, Joachim Henssler, Jürgen Prössl, Karl Müller, Walter Holzer, Mathias Schwaner
  • Patent number: 6368462
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headbox (10) for a paper/boardmaking machine. The headbox (10) including a stock flow header (11) and, following the stock flow header, a piping system such as an inlet pipe manifold, and/or a turbulence generator (14) and a tapered slice (15), wherefrom the stock is passed onto the forming wire (H1). The construction of said headbox further includes a flow header (J) for a dilution liquid the flow header having connected thereto an inlet channel (S1), a return pipe (S2) and outlet channels (D1, D2, D3, . . . ) that are distributed over the full length of said flow channel for passing the dilution water to control valves (V1, V2, . . . ) and, therefrom, further to different points along the cross-machine width of the headbox so as to mix with the stock delivered from the stock flow header (11) in order to control the consistency of the stock to a desired value, thus accomplishing the control of the web basis weight profile in cross-machine direction over the headbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Juhana Lumiala, Antti Poikolainen
  • Patent number: 6368460
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to enhance paper and board forming qualities with insert tubes and/or a diffuser block in the paper forming machine headbox component which generates vorticity in the machine direction (MD) which is super imposed on the streamwise flow to generate a swirling or helical flow through the tubes of the diffuser block. Tubes of the diffuser block are designed such that the direction of the swirl or fluid rotation of the paper fiber stock may be controlled and the direction thereof is controlled in such a way to provide effective mixing, coalescence and merging of the jets of fluid emanating from the tubes into the converging section, i.e., nozzle chamber of the headbox. A specific flow inside the headbox distributes the fibers in an isotropic form, i.e., uniform in all directions, in the sheet substantially eliminating the MD preferential fiber orientation to produce an isotropic and uniform sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Cyrus K. Aidun
  • Patent number: 6368464
    Abstract: The invention refers to a device for feeding a pulp suspension to a dewatering installation, particularly for a tissue machine. It is mainly characterized by one or several one-piece, wedge-shaped, steel lamella tip(s) being provided to separate the individual sectors in a two-layer or multi-layer headbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentvenwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Wilhelm Mausser, Manfred Schmid, Walter Writzl, Rudolf Greimel, Harald Weigant
  • Patent number: 6352616
    Abstract: Headbox that includes a turbulence generator including a plurality of essentially parallel rows of pipes and a jet including of an upper lip and a lower lip arranged to form a jet space and a jet outlet slit. A plurality of lamellae are arranged to subdivide the jet space, and the plurality of lamellae include end sections and lamella sections. The end sections are mounted between the plurality of essentially parallel rows of pipes, and at least some of the lamella sections are arranged to converge over a bend point in a direction of the jet outlet slit and, thereby, are angled toward a longitudinal axis of the turbulence generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Dietz, Konstantin Fenkl
  • Patent number: 6319363
    Abstract: A sheet forming system of a paper or cardboard machine. A headbox includes a headbox nozzle with to laterally extending side panels and first and second nozzle walls extending along a width of the machine. First and second screens converge in a region adjacent the headbox nozzle. At least two guide mechanisms, each having a guide surface, guide the first and second screens in the region. At least one support mechanism supports at least a portion of one of the first and second nozzle walls against said guide surface of at least one of said at least two guide mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Peter Mirsberger, Holger Humberg
  • Patent number: 6303004
    Abstract: Stock inlet of a paper machine that includes at least one stock suspension supply, a diffusor block having a plurality of tubular elements, dividing elements which extend across a width of the machine, and a stock inlet aperture having a top wall and a bottom wall. The dividing elements are located between the top wall and the bottom wall, so that a plurality of suspension conduits are formed, which extend across the width of the machine. Further, the stock inlet aperture is positioned one of adjacent one wire and between two wires. The suspension conduits include a first region and a second region disposed downstream of the first region, with respect to a stock flow direction. The first region is formed by flat boundary surfaces which extend across the width of the machine and converge in the stock flow direction, and each of the dividing elements has a sharper convergence of surfaces in the second region than in the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Walter Holzer