Slice Patents (Class 162/344)
  • Patent number: 11932988
    Abstract: A system comprising a pulper configured to (i) accept surfactant, a liquid and fiber stock and (ii) generate a foam that suspends the fiber stock, wherein the foam has a half-life; a headbox configured to receive the foam-suspended fiber stock from the pulper and displace the foam-suspended fiber stock onto a forming wire, wherein a time it takes the foam-suspended fiber stock to move from the pulper to the headbox is less than the half-life; and a foam return device that removes at least some of the foam from the forming wire and returns the at least some of the foam to the pulper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin E. E. Swails, Vicky S. Polashock, Michael Payne, Joseph K. Baker, Charles W. Colman
  • Patent number: 11866884
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for producing a zoned and/or layered substrate are described. A method can include providing a first supply of fibers, providing a second supply of fibers, and providing a headbox. The headbox can include a machine direction, a cross-direction, and a first cross-directional divider that separates a first zone of the headbox from a second zone of the headbox in a cross-directional manner. The method can further include transferring the first supply of fibers and the second supply of fibers to the headbox. The method can also include transferring the first supply of fibers and the second supply of fibers through the headbox to provide the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventors: Jian Qin, Sridhar Ranganathan, Francis P. Abuto, Vikram Kaul
  • Patent number: 8529733
    Abstract: A forming section for a twin fabric papermaking machine, wherein after stock impingement, the two fabrics carry and sandwich the stock. A plurality of spaced apart drainage shoes, selectively provided to either or both of the fabrics, provides continuous support in the machine direction for the respective fabric in sliding contact, and each drainage shoe deflects the fabrics by a selected angle of wrap comprising an angular displacement between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the drainage shoe. At least one of the drainage shoes is secured to a drainage box and is provided with a plurality of drainage openings extending from the fabric contacting surface through to the machine side surface of the shoe. The arrangements of the invention provide improved drainage and formation of the paper web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: AstenJohnson, Inc.
    Inventors: Vaughn Wildfong, Jay Shands, James Ronning, Josh Price
  • Patent number: 8524041
    Abstract: Embodiments for methods and apparatuses for forming a nonwoven web are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more sources configured to dispense a first fluid flow stream comprising a fiber and a second fluid flow stream also comprising a fiber. The apparatus also includes a mixing partition downstream from the one or more sources, where the mixing partition is positioned between the first and second flow streams from the one or more sources. The mixing partition defines one or more openings that permit fluid communication between the two flow streams. The apparatus also includes a receiving region situated downstream from the one or more sources and designed to receive at least a combined flow stream and form a nonwoven web by collecting fiber from the combined flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Hemant Gupta, Brad E. Kahlbaugh
  • Patent number: 8267681
    Abstract: Embodiments for methods and apparatuses for forming a nonwoven web are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more sources configured to dispense a first fluid flow stream comprising a fiber and a second fluid flow stream also comprising a fiber. The apparatus also includes a mixing partition downstream from the one or more sources, where the mixing partition is positioned between the first and second flow streams from the one or more sources. The mixing partition defines one or more openings that permit fluid communication between the two flow streams. The apparatus also includes a receiving region situated downstream from the one or more sources and designed to receive at least a combined flow stream and form a nonwoven web by collecting fiber from the combined flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Hemant Gupta, Brad E. Kahlbaugh
  • Patent number: 8133355
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method in the wet end of a web forming process. In the method, at least one electrode pair (102, 103) is placed in the wet end. The electrode pair (102, 103) is supplied with a current/voltage from a power source (100), so that an electric field is set up between the electrode pair (102, 103), causing the material particles in the pulp suspension in the wet end to be electrically charged in a desired manner and to move in a desired manner in the pulp suspension in the wet end. The current/voltage of the power source (100) is controlled by means of a measuring and control unit (101) so as to cause the material particles in the pulp suspension to be electrically charged and to move in a desired manner, thus allowing the retention, formation and orientation of the material particles in the pulp suspension to be substantially improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Savcor Process Oy
    Inventors: Martti Pulliainen, Mikko Vepsalainen, Jukka Rautiainen, Matti Hakkinen, Pekka Kylliainen, Seppo Karine, Jari Rasanen, Kirsi Partti-Pellinen, Ari Johansson, Isto Heiskanen, Jyri Jarvi
  • Publication number: 20110290442
    Abstract: A forming section for a twin fabric papermaking machine, wherein after stock impingement, the two fabrics carry and sandwich the stock. A plurality of spaced apart drainage shoes, selectively provided to either or both of the fabrics, provides continuous support in the machine direction for the respective fabric in sliding contact, and each drainage shoe deflects the fabrics by a selected angle of wrap comprising an angular displacement between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the drainage shoe. At least one of the drainage shoes is secured to a drainage box and is provided with a plurality of drainage openings extending from the fabric contacting surface through to the machine side surface of the shoe. The arrangements of the invention provide improved drainage and formation of the paper web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: AstenJohnson, Inc.
    Inventors: Vaughn Wildfong, Jay Shands, James Ronning, Josh Price
  • Patent number: 8025770
    Abstract: A used paper processing apparatus to be place in small shop or general household, capable of holding high secrecy, friendly to the environment, and low in running cost. In a furniture size apparatus case, a pulp manufacturing section for manufacturing used paper pulp by macerating and beating the used paper, a paper making section for manufacturing recycled paper by making the used paper pulp manufactured in the pulp manufacturing section, and a control section for driving and controlling by interlocking the pulp manufacturing section and paper making section are provided, being place in a room producing used paper, and by macerating and processing the used paper by the pulp manufacturing section, leak or disclosure of confidential information or private information written or printed on used paper can be prevented effectively, and further used paper pulp is processed by the paper making section, and recycled paper is manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Seed Company Limited
    Inventors: Shigeru Tamai, Yuji Koyama
  • Patent number: 7754052
    Abstract: A head-box for depositing slurry upon a moving web including a main metering roll, a companion roll disposed in closely spaced relation to the metering roll and a vibrating gate which forms a nip between the metering roller and the gate. The nip is arranged to retain a supply of the slurry, and the rolls are driven so slurry retained in the nip progresses over an upper outer peripheral surface of the metering roll to be deposited upon the web. Also, preferably included is a doctor blade disposed in operational relationship to the metering roll for directing the slurry downwardly from the outer metering roll surface to a point above the surface of a carrier for a fiberglass layer upon which the slurry layer is deposited. The vibrating gate and doctor blade may be pivotally mounted to either side of the surfaces of the head-box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: William A. Frank, Eugene Scott Stivender, Lloyd M George
  • Patent number: 7578906
    Abstract: A headbox including a stock dilution profiling arrangement and associated stock delivery systems are provided, which together deliver to the forming section of a papermaking machine a uniform stock flow with more consistent basis weight and fiber orientation profiles than has previously been possible. These improvements in basis weight uniformity and fiber orientation profile provide benefits in paper sheet formation and related paper properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: AstenJohnson, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay A. Shands, James A. Ronning, George C. Mendrala, Vaughn J. Wildfong, Douglas R. McPherson
  • Patent number: 7504003
    Abstract: An arrangement in the headbox of a paper or cardboard machine has a pulp suspension feed system distributing the suspension over the width of the headbox. At least one first flow resistance element, such as an aperture plate and/or tube system, is provided with flow apertures, from which headbox the pulp suspension is passed via at least one chamber, such as an equalizing chamber and/or the slice gap of a slice chamber, onto a forming wire or equivalent. The arrangement comprises at least one pulp flow guide plate, preferably arranged mainly in the transverse direction of the headbox, having at least one groove formed in its guide surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: VAAHTO Oy
    Inventor: Harri Kronholm
  • Patent number: 7485206
    Abstract: A headbox apparatus of a paper machine or equivalent has a body (11). Dilution water (arrow L2) is conducted through at least two rows of ducts (12a1, 12a2 . . . ) into each body mixing chambers (13a1, 13a2 . . . ). Each mixing chamber (13a1, 13a2 . . . ) is limited by vertical walls (T1), a bottom wall (T2) and a covering wall (T3), and a partition wall (16a1, 16a2 . . . ). The ducts (14a1.1, 14a1.2 . . . ) on the inlet side of the mixing chamber extend into the mixing chamber (13a1, 13a2 . . . ) at a distance (h1) from the ducts (15a1.1, 15a1.2 . . . , 15a2.2 . . . ) on the outlet side of the mixing chamber (13a1, 13a2 . . . ), whereby an annular gap (D1) is left between the aligned duct (14a1.1, 14a1.2 . . . 14a2.1, 14a2.2 . . . ) on the inlet side and the duct (15a1.1, 15a1.2 . . . , 15a2.1, 15a2.2 . . . ) on the outlet side. Each mixing chamber (13a1, 13a2 . . . ) is filled by dilution water which is conducted through the annular gap (D1) to join the stock (m1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarmo Kirvesmäki, Ilkka Kemiläinen, Hannu Turpeinen, Janne Lappi
  • Patent number: 7335280
    Abstract: A method in the measurement of the flatness of the flow surface of a headbox of a paper machine is disclosed. The flatness is determined by placing a measuring tool on the flat surface formed by the flow surface and measuring the position of the measuring tool at each point. A measuring sensor is arranged in the measuring tool, in order to determine the distance between the measuring tool and the flat surface. In addition, the dimensions provided by the measuring sensors are read and the position of the measuring tool and the dimensions from the measuring sensors are combined, in order to determine the values of the measured points. The invention also relates to equipment in the measurement of the flatness of the flow surface of the headbox of a paper machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Petri Lampi, Jukka Sallinen
  • Publication number: 20080023167
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a headbox for a paper machine in which correction of the fiber orientation of paper is possible over the entire width of the C/D direction, regardless of the slice width, and in which the fiber orientation in the direction of paper thickness can be corrected over the entire thickness of the paper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: VOITH PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Takeo Nakazawa, Osamu Fujimura, Junichi Ito, Jun Murakawa
  • Patent number: 7090746
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing water from a mechanical pulp, chemical pulp or paper sheet, carried between top and bottom wires running through a dewatering machine having a first dewatering zone. The apparatus includes at least one suction box positioned downstream of the first dewatering zone. The process includes generating an air current in at least one of the wires downstream of the first dewatering zone with the suction box. The air current removes water from the wire and directs it into an inner chamber of the suction box. The invention also refers to a device for implementing the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Andritz AG
    Inventors: Franz Petschauer, Karl Hornhofer, Thomas Kefer, Dietmar Hausjell, Edgar Brogyanyi, Reinhard Diemat
  • Patent number: 6962647
    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 fiber suspension consistencies which are in a range of 2–5%. The headbox has a turbulence part (1), into which a fiber suspension flows from a tube bank (2), and a slice part (3) which is situated after the turbulence part and from which the fiber 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 fiber suspension towards the slice part (3). In that connection, the fiber suspension flow is first fluidized in a tortuous turbulence passage part (11) and, after that, it decelerates in another widening deceleration passage (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Markku Ronnila, Jaakko Jantunen, Erkki Ilmoniemi
  • Patent number: 6846386
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Metso Paper Karlstad AB
    Inventors: Jan Anders Erikson, Tord Gustav Gustavsson, Ingvar Berndt Erik Klerelid, Joakim Norrman
  • 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
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6521095
    Abstract: A bracket of graphite epoxy has a cylindrical portion which hingedly fits within a dovetail groove extending in the machine direction across the injection face of a papermaking headbox. The bracket has downstream portions defining a vane-receiving slot which receives a plastic sheet vane which is held by screws. The bracket is laid up of carbon fibers oriented so that the coefficient of thermal expansion matches the steel from which the headbox is manufactured. A two-part metal mold is used to define the underside and the bead portion of the bracket. A rubber gasket of Shore 70 material forms the center of the bead portion about which prepregs of graphite cloth are wrapped. A removable polytetrafluoroethylene insert defines the slot during molding. The assembly is placed under a vacuum bag and heated, causing the rubber gasket to expand and press the overlying graphite prepregs against the sides of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Bonander
  • Publication number: 20020195219
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved structure of a head box for a paper making machine. The sidewalls of a nozzle of a head box shall be movable with the rotation of a roll transporting a forming wire of the paper making machine. Thus, the homogeneity of produced paper can be improved and the production rate of paper increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: James G. Doyle, Gerhard Luettich
  • Patent number: 6491793
    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 coil spring construction arranged to lock onto the fastening retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Jarmo Kirvesmäki
  • Patent number: 6475345
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Wilhelm Mausser, Manfred Schmid, Walter Writzl, Rudolf Greimel, Harald Weigant
  • 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: 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: 6440272
    Abstract: Process and device for the mixing of suspensions with possibly different natures and/or compositions in the stable section of a paper machine. In the process, a suspension, particularly of the backwater of the paper machine, is piped in a mixing tube with the main flow direction in the longitudinal direction of the tube, and additional suspensions, with possibly different solid content, are injected. In the device, a mixing device and piping carry the suspension in the stable section of a paper or cardboard machine and blend suspensions with a higher solid content into a first suspension with little or no solid content. The mixing device and piping include a tube, at least one inlet for the first suspension, a plurality of feeds for the higher solid content suspensions to be admixed, and one outlet for the blended suspension, with a new solid content, arranged downstream from a bend in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Binder, Karl-Heinz Beuermann
  • 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
  • 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: 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20010035274
    Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of a multi-layer fibrous web includes at least two fibrous web layers and at least two formers; the fibrous web layers each having a lower fines side with a lower fines content and a higher fines side with a higher fines content; and the formers include a first former and a second former, at least one of the two formers being a gap former, with the second former including a couch roll defining a couching zone whereat the lower fines side of the first fibrous web layer is brought into contact with the lower fines side of the second fibrous web layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Alexander Wassermann, Manfred Feichtinger, Thomas Nagler
  • Publication number: 20010027851
    Abstract: Control equipment for the headbox tip lath of a paper machine includes first actuators (12a1, 12a2 . . . ), which are located at different points along the headbox (100) width and connect functionally with a bendable intermediate part (14). At the different points along the headbox (100) width there are also second actuators (13a1, 13a2 . . . ) which are used in the tip lath control. These connect functionally with both the bendable intermediate part (14) and the tip lath (11). The first actuators (12a1, 12a2 . . . ) are used to perform rough control of the tip lath (11) whereas the second actuators (13a1, 13a2 . . . ) are used to perform fine control of the tip lath (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Juhana Lumiala, Jarmo Kirvesmaki, Kari Pitkajarvi, Tommi Korolainen, Ilkka Kemilainen
  • Patent number: 6261418
    Abstract: Headbox for a paper-making machine including a nozzle extending transversely to the machine running direction across the machine width. The nozzle has a lower and an upper continuous wall each extending across the machine width. The lower nozzle wall is supported by several separate supporting elements distributed across the machine width on a foundation. The supporting elements are non-rigid or flexible plates to permit bending in a direction transversely to the machine running direction. Alternatively or additionally, a swivelable or pivotable upper nozzle wall is connected by several separate supporting members distributed across the machine width to a transverse bar attached above a swivel axis. The supporting members are non-rigid or flexible plates to permit bending transversely to the machine running direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Wolf Gunter Stotz, Thomas Merath, Klaus Lehleiter, Christoph Link, Josef Frey, Eckart Krägeloch, Thomas Dietz, Simon Juhas, Jürgen Banning
  • Patent number: 6248214
    Abstract: Headbox for a paper machine having a feed part, a central part extending across the machine width, and a nozzle. The nozzle extends across the machine width and has at least one continuous wall that runs across the machine width transverse to the lengthwise flow. For absorbing and discharging nozzle expansion forces in a sectional manner, several separate individual support devices distributed across the machine width for influencing the nozzle aperture are attached to the at least one, preferably continuous wall. The resulting lines of force of each support device remain at least substantially in a plane lying perpendicular to the direction of the machine width and in the flow direction, and the corresponding supporting forces individually, at least substantially, are directed to and absorbed in the central part in the plane of the flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Wolf Gunter Stotz, Thomas Merath, Klans Lehletter, Christoph Link, Josef Frey
  • Patent number: 6203665
    Abstract: Process for setting a uniform characteristic cross-direction profile for a paper web with regard to at least formation, basis weight, and fiber orientation in a paper machine. The paper machine can include a headbox with an adjustable die exit opening and within which the consistency is sectionally adjustable. The process includes measuring and setting a desired basis weight cross-direction profile by adjusting the sectional consistency in the headbox, adjusting the formation cross-direction profile by adjusting a sectional, specific pulp slurry flow rate at the die exit opening, and one of enlarging the die exit opening at positions along a width of the paper machine in which a pulp slurry flow rate is higher than in other positions along the width of the paper machine and increasing the pulp slurry flow rate for positions along the width at which the die exit opening is larger than at other positions along the width. In this manner, a desired fiber orientation cross-direction profile is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Begemann
  • Patent number: 6200417
    Abstract: Process and device for the mixing of suspensions with possibly different natures and/or compositions in the stable section of a paper machine. In the process, a suspension, particularly of the backwater of the paper machine, is piped in a mixing tube with the main flow direction in the longitudinal direction of the tube, and additional suspensions, with possibly different solid content, are injected. In the device, a mixing device and piping carry the suspension in the stable section of a paper or cardboard machine and blend suspensions with a higher solid content into a first suspension with little or no solid content. The mixing device and piping include a tube, at least one inlet for the first suspension, a plurality of feeds for the higher solid content suspensions to be admixed, and one outlet for the blended suspension, with a new solid content, arranged downstream from a bend in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Binder, Karl-Heinz Beuermann
  • Patent number: 6197161
    Abstract: A headbox for a paper-making machine includes a plurality of side walls and an apron. A nozzle blade is connected to one of the side walls. The nozzle blade and the apron define a discharge nozzle therebetween. A profile bar is rigidly connected to an end of the nozzle blade. A slice lip is rigidly and removably attached to the profile bar and/or nozzle blade. The slice lip and the apron define a discharge outlet therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin X. Graf, Dale A. Haltinner, James A. Eng, Frank Stilen
  • Patent number: 6174413
    Abstract: Process and a device for detecting a change in the fiber orientation cross-direction profile of a paper or cardboard web in the manufacturing process on a paper or cardboard machine. It is recognized that a change in the fiber orientation cross-direction profile in the web is inferred or determined by way of a characteristic change in the basis weight cross-direction profile or at least one measurement quantity that correlates to it, and/or by way of a characteristic change in the basis weight in the travel direction of the web or at least one measurement quantity that correlates to it. The device includes an arrangement for detecting a change in the basis weight cross-direction profile and/or a characteristic chronological course of the change in the basis weight, which is characteristic for a change in the fiber orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Hans Loser, Ulrich Begemann, Klaus Lehleiter
  • Patent number: 6165324
    Abstract: A headbox for discharging a jet consisting of one or more stock layers to a forming zone in a former comprising at least one separator vane separating two stock channels in order to keep the stocks on each side of the separator vane separated from each other and having engagement dowels arranged in a row for detachable mounting on a turbulence channel group via an engagement part with a through-running groove to receive the upstream end portion of the separator vane and its engagement dowels to secure the separator vane in machine direction, said groove having two longitudinally extending recesses with support and guide walls facing the free engagement end portions of the engagement dowels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Valmet Karlstad AB
    Inventor: Anders Linden
  • Patent number: 6146501
    Abstract: Improvements in the internal dividers of a papermaking headbox are provided by stiffening the dividers only in the cross-machine direction. These cross-machine stiffened dividers provide for a smooth and thin divider that is flexible in the machine direction and yet is strong and resists distortion, buckling or bending in the cross-machine direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide
    Inventor: Paul D. Beuther
  • Patent number: 6139690
    Abstract: A former with a sieve, preferably with a cylinder mold, is provided with an adjustable discharge aperture for a fibrous material suspension exiting from a chamber that is formed between the sieve and an upper lip formed by a flow guide plate. The upper lip has a first end facing away from the chamber and is guided in a floating manner by a pressure medium in a direction toward the sieve, as well as in the opposite direction. The upper lip is supported in a floating manner also by a pressure medium at its second end facing toward the chamber. In this way, deflections of the upper lip in the region of the inlet aperture can be largely avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Halmschlager, Herbert Haunlieb
  • Patent number: 6117271
    Abstract: A slice lip apparatus is disclosed for guiding a flow of stock from a headbox so that the stock flows between a first and a second wire of a former. The apparatus includes a lip which is disposed adjacent to the first wire. A movable lip is spaced relative to the lip so that the lips defined therebetween a slice for the passage therethrough of the flow of stock. An adjustable guide shoe is disposed adjacent to the movable lip for guiding the second wire. A linkage extends between the movable lip and the adjustable guide shoe. The arrangement is such that when the movable lip is selectively moved relative to the lip, such selective movement generates a corresponding movement of the adjustable guide shoe relative to the first wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Page
  • 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: 6068736
    Abstract: A headbox for a paper-making machine includes an inlet for receiving a fiber suspension. An apron and an upper wall converge relative to each other and define a machine wide discharge nozzle and an outlet therebetween. The discharge nozzle terminates at the outlet. A slice lip is carried by the upper wall. The slice lip is positioned at the outlet and includes a working edge defining an outlet gap with the apron. The slice lip is slidably movable a travel distance in directions toward and away from the outlet gap. A slice lip clamp assembly is connected to the upper wall. The slice lip clamp assembly engages the slice lip and biases the slice lip against the upper wall. The slice lip clamp assembly includes at least one clamping plate having at least one opening with an inside diameter, at least one fastener having an outside diameter and at least one keeper device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Patent number: 6017421
    Abstract: A headbox of a paper machine for distributing stock suspension over the machine width of the paper machine onto a forming or wire section includes a headbox nozzle that extends over the machine width and that has spaced apart top and bottom lips that gradually converge from the stock nozzle inlet toward the nozzle outlet. At least one baffle that extends over the machine width is located in the nozzle between the lips and spaced therefrom. The length of the baffle in the flow direction of the stock suspension is less than twice the maximum spacing or height between the top and bottom lips of the headbox nozzle, which is the spacing between them at the tallest space, typically at the upstream entrance end of the nozzle. In addition, the length of the baffle is at most less than 50% the length of the nozzle. The baffle tapers narrower in height in the flow direction, and the angle of divergence of the top and bottom surfaces of the baffle is less than 5.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Begemann
  • Patent number: 5863387
    Abstract: A paper-making machine for making a paper web from a fiber suspension includes a headbox having a plurality of walls defining a chamber, and an inlet connected to at least one of the walls and disposed in fluid communication with the chamber. The inlet is configured to receive the fiber suspension. The headbox also has a discharge nozzle disposed in fluid communication with the chamber. The discharge nozzle defines an outlet from which the fiber suspension is discharged. The headbox also includes a sonic transducer, associated with the discharge nozzle, for transmitting sonic energy into the fiber suspension within the discharge nozzle and thereby substantially deflocculating the fiber suspension within the discharge nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Technology North America, Inc
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Patent number: 5853546
    Abstract: A headbox for a paper-making machine includes an inlet for receiving a fiber suspension and an outlet for discharging the fiber suspension. The headbox has a plurality of walls including an apron and a pair of side plates. The side plates are disposed at opposite ends of the headbox. The apron is comprised of steel. A beam extends between the side plates and includes opposite ends. Each end is disposed a predetermined distance from a respective side plate when at an ambient temperature (approximately 70.degree. F.). The beam is comprised of steel. A slice lip is carried by the beam. The slice lip is positioned at the outlet and includes a working edge defining an outlet gap with the apron. The slice lip has a pair of longitudinal ends, with each longitudinal end being disposed a predetermined distance from a respective side plate when at the ambient temperature. Each longitudinal end includes a slot extending from and substantially orthogonal to the edge. The slice lip consists essentially of titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Patent number: 5843281
    Abstract: A headbox of a paper machine which is provided with a dilution profiling system which uses a feedback-connected regulation system to control the cross-direction basis weight profile of the paper web produced by the paper machine. The dilution profiling system includes a feed header for a dilution liquid or for a stock suspension of a consistency lower than the consistency in the headbox, feed ducts fill idly coupled to the dilution header and regulation valves associated with the feed ducts for the dilution liquid, whereby the dilution liquid is passed to an area between a front wall of the inlet header of the headbox and a slice duct of the headbox. In the dilution profiling system, edge feed arrangements are integrated in both lateral areas of the headbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Jyrki Huovila
  • 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