Abstract: In a method and apparatus for damping contact oscillations of rotating rolls in a paper machine, but notably in a coater, the rolls are held endways in bearings. At least two rolls form a nip with each other. The damping is carried out actively and the active stimulation (phase-shifted counteroscillation) acts from outside directly and/or indirectly on at least one bearing point of one of the rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning a fibrous material. The conditioning arrangement includes a moisturizing chamber having two series of opposed rollers arranged to accept a fiber batt into a pressing space therebetween. The pressing space tapers from a batt entrance toward a batt exit. This tapered configuration is affected for compressing a fiber batt as it is rolled therethrough. As illustrated, before entering the conditioner, the cotton batt has a greater thickness than after compaction and processing through the moisturizing chamber. A moisture infusion assembly is provided within the moisturizing chamber and has an air distributor configured to dispense moisture laden air adjacent to a fiber batt being processed through the pressing space. An air collector is configured to pull exhaust air away from the fiber batt being processed through the pressing space.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a continuous web having a first side and a second side includes a plurality of rollers are arranged for cooperative rotation. The plurality of rollers are positioned to define a corresponding plurality of nips. The continuous web is processed through at least two of the plurality of nips. At least a first roller of the plurality of rollers has at least one void formed in the cylindrical middle surface. First and second sealing panels engage first and second circular ends of each of the plurality of rollers and define a chamber. A first pressure source is fluidly coupled to the chamber to pressurize the chamber. A membrane is positioned adjacent the first side of the continuous web to separate the continuous web from direct communication with the chamber.

Abstract: A threading device and a method for threading a tail of a web, wherein, for guiding the path of a tail separated from a full-width web in a paper machine or a paper finishing device, the threading device comprises a suction channel, placed at least partly in a paper machine portion and provided with a reduced pressure for gripping the tail, and transfer means for transferring the suction channel in the portion of the paper machine and simultaneously for releasing the tail to the portion.

Abstract: A press device having an extended press nip for pressing a running paper or paperboard web, comprising a carrier supporting a press shoe via a plurality of loading cylinders, out of which at least a few comprise a first cylinder member having a first end attached to or integrated in the press shoe, and a second cylinder member having a second end attached to or integrated in the carrier. The first and the second cylinder members are slidably coupled to each other by a coupling member, wherein the coupling member and the first cylinder member are displaceable in relation to each other with a first length of stroke, while the coupling member and the second cylinder member are displaceable in relation to each other with a second length of stroke. The coupling member is designed so that the first length of stroke runs closer to the carrier than the second length of stroke.

Abstract: A paper processing roll for use in a calender of a paper-making machine which during operation can be exposed to increased temperatures is provided with a heat-treated surface which is produced by hot-grinding or hot-balancing or both.

Abstract: A shoe press unit comprises a support beam, a shoe element movably supported on the beam, a pressing unit arranged between the beam and the shoe element for urging the shoe element away from the beam and toward a counter element, and a flexible belt that is arranged to slide over the pressing surface of the shoe element. An oil evacuation arrangement is affixed to the shoe element proximate an upstream edge region thereof. The oil evacuation arrangement has an inlet opening located such that excess oil expelled from between the belt and the shoe element passes through the inlet opening. An evacuation duct is connected with the container for evacuating oil therefrom, and the duct is movably connected to an outlet pipe within the shoe press unit. In one embodiment, the duct is connected via a flexible bellows to a pipe fixed to the outlet pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for imprinting, drying, and reeling a fibrous web comprises a hot press including a pair of press members forming a nip therebetween for passage of the web therethrough and at least one clothing arranged to pass through the nip of the press with one side of the web in contact with a surface of the at least one clothing. The apparatus also includes a heat transfer device defining a heatable surface, the heat transfer device being arranged to pass through the nip of the press with the opposite side of the web in contact with the heatable surface, and a heating device operable to heat the heat transfer device such that the heat transfer device heats and dries the web during contact therewith. The apparatus further includes a reel-up including a rotatable reel spool onto which the web is reeled to form a finished roll of web material.

Abstract: Tissue products such as facial tissue, bath tissue, paper towels and the like are wet molded and dried using a through-air-drying fabric which has a three dimensional, sculptured, textured background accentuated with decorative signature patterns. The textured background is woven into the fabric. The decorative patterns are created by using a smooth polymeric substance or by yarn stitches. The decorative patterns on the through air drying fabric provide enhanced aesthetics, while the textured background provides improved properties such as absorbent capacity, absorbent rate, stretch, flexibility, drape, bulk, and hand feel when used in tissue making.

Abstract: Pressing section of paper machine including first and a second pressing stations, a common lower felt arranged to run through first and the second pressing stations, and an first upper felt and a second upper felt arranged to run through first and second pressing stations. Second pressing station includes shoe press roll located above a lower roll, and pressing plane of second pressing station is oriented essentially vertically or inclined at an angle &bgr;, which is a maximum of about 20° to vertical. The common lower felt is sufficiently dense to be essentially air impermeable even in its new state after moistening, and is sufficiently open to allow water through at pressures greater than about 5 bar. First and second upper felts are sufficiently open to allow air through in their moistened, uncompressed state, and pressing plane of first pressing station is oriented at an angle greater than angle &bgr;.

Abstract: A method of sealing the pressure chamber of a shoeless press comprising a roll and a concave counterpart provided with a nip pressure chamber and with a press belt by proportioning the edge radius of the pressure chamber and the radius of the path of the belt to the pressures acting under the belt. A pressure is generated under the press belt, outside the press chamber, with the aid of oil or gas, and a suitable lubrication leak is allowed from the pressure chamber by adjusting the pressure in the right proportion to the chamber pressure. The invention also includes an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An extended-nip press device comprises a press shoe extending in a cross-machine direction and a support for supporting the press shoe. Between the shoe and the support are arranged a plurality of loading cylinders for moving the shoe toward a backing member such as a counter roll to apply pressure to a fibrous web passing through the nip between the shoe and counter roll. Each loading cylinder comprises a first cylinder member fixed on the shoe and a second cylinder member fixed on the support, and a connecting member that slidably engages both cylinder members. The connecting member can slide relative to the first cylinder member with a first stroke length L1 that is smaller than the stroke length L2 between the connecting member and the second cylinder member. Accordingly, the connecting member can remain essentially aligned along the lengthening direction of the loading cylinder.

Abstract: A calender press for use in a paper-making machine includes a top roll positioned adjacent to a nip and rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof. The top roll has a length and circumferential perimeter. The length extends in the direction of and is longer than the width of the fiber web. The top roll is thermally compensated in a plurality of thermal zones which are adjacent to each other across the length of the top roll, whereby the perimeter of the top roll may be adjusted in a locally adjustable manner toward and away from the nip. A bottom roll is positioned adjacent to the top roll and defines the nip with the top roll. The bottom roll is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and has a length and circumferential perimeter. The length extends in the direction of and is longer than the width of the fiber web. The perimeter is smaller at each longitudinal end of the bottom roll and larger at approximately a midpoint between the longitudinal ends, thereby defining a crowned bottom roll.

Abstract: A shoe press unit comprises a support beam, a shoe element movably supported on the beam, a pressing unit arranged between the beam and the shoe element for urging the shoe element away from the beam and toward a counter element, and a flexible belt that is arranged to slide over the pressing surface of the shoe element. An oil evacuation arrangement formed separately from the shoe element is affixed to the shoe element proximate an upstream edge region thereof. The oil evacuation arrangement has an inlet opening located such that a major portion of the excess oil expelled from between the belt and the shoe element passes through the inlet opening with a kinetic energy that is substantially undiminished from the initial kinetic energy of the oil as it exits from between the belt and the pressing surface of the shoe element.

Abstract: An embossing belt for a paper machine, intended to run through a press section in the paper machine together with a fibrous web and produce an embossment thereof in the press section, and to transfer the embossed fibrous web from the press section directly to and through a transfer means in the dryer section of the paper machine. The embossing belt is essentially impermeable and comprises a rear layer (33) and a web-contacting layer (34), which has a large number of uniformly distributed depressions (35) and, positioned therebetween, surface portions (36) for forming a corresponding relief pattern in the fibrous web passing through the press section.

Abstract: A press for the dewatering of a fiber web, comprising a roll, a counterpart and and an endless press belt adapted to glide around the counterpart. Into the concave press zone region of the counterpart, a flexible press plate is adapted, anchored to the counterpart at the leading edge of the counterpart, relative to web motion. Beneath the press plate, hydrostatic pressure chambers are provided, separated from each other by means of flexible pressure lines. By individually controlling the pressures of the chambers, the leads and optionally the press plate edges, a desired pressure profile is obtained across the extended pressure zone.

Abstract: A press section in a machine for manufacturing a web of fibrous material, comprising a shoe press with extended press nip, the shoe press having a counter roll with a cylindrical press body; a press shoe with a concave surface for cooperation with the press body; an impermeable belt running through the press nip in sliding contact with the press shoe; a clothing running in a loop around guide rolls and through the press nip in contact with the web, and being capable of receiving and carrying liquid along with it; a movable heat transfer means for continuous transfer of heat to the web in the extended press nip; and a heat source for heating the heat transfer means. According to the invention the counter roll comprises a sleeve that forms the heat transfer means and encloses the press body. The invention also relates to a shoe press, a press section with a roll press, and treatment sections with roll and shoe calendars with sleeves of the type described.

Abstract: A method of imparting bulk and/or visual aesthetics to a tissue basesheet involves pressing the basesheet with a felt having a raised pattern on it so that the pattern becomes inherent in the sheet. A pattern is stitched into a carrier layer which is joined to a substrate to form the felt. As the basesheet is pressed into the felt, the raised pattern displaces fibers in the sheet, effectively inducing the pattern in the basesheet. The novel felt with a raised patterned layer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Suction box in a paper machine including a vacuum chamber, a deck or a number of substantially U-section holders open toward a wire and ribs arranged in the deck or the holders so that they can be loaded against the wire. At least in a running situation, the deck of the suction box is curved or the ribs are arranged to provide a curve run of the wire so that the wire tension of the curved run over the deck or ribs serves to lower a normal force which is produced by the vacuum present in the suction box and which is effective between the wire and the deck or ribs.

Abstract: Drying end of a machine for the production of a material web such as paper or cardboard. The drying end includes at least one impact flow drier configured to bombard at least one surface of the material web with hot air or hot steam impact flow. Also provided is a method for drying a material web including bombarding the material web on at least one surface with hot air or hot steam impact flow, via at least one impact flow drier.

Abstract: The moisture application system of the present invention comprises in combination a first means for applying liquid to a paper web and a second means in contact with the web for scraping off excess liquid and spreading the liquid uniformly across the paper web. The moisture application system of the present invention is particularly useful when combined with a machine calender for finishing a paper web.

Abstract: An extended-nip press device comprises a press shoe extending in a cross-machine direction and a support for supporting the press shoe. Between the shoe and the support are arranged a plurality of loading cylinders for moving the shoe toward a backing member such as a counter roll to apply pressure to a fibrous web passing through the nip between the shoe and counter roll. Each loading cylinder comprises a first cylinder member fixed on the shoe and a second cylinder member fixed on the support, and a connecting member that slidably engages both cylinder members. The connecting member can slide relative to the first cylinder member with a first stroke length L1 that is smaller than the stroke length L2 between the connecting member and the second cylinder member. Accordingly, the connecting member can remain essentially aligned along the lengthening direction of the loading cylinder.

Abstract: A method for detecting contamination on or damage to a web-contacting face in a paper machine or a paper finishing machine, including the steps of detecting vibrations of the web-contacting face over a period of time by means of a plurality of detectors arranged in association with the machine and determining the location of the contamination on or damage to the web-contacting face based on the time the vibrations were detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a high solids coating to a surface of a base product is provided. The apparatus includes a rotatable coating roll that opposes a feeding roll. The rolls combine to define a nip portion through which a base product is passed. A cleaning blade is disposed in contact with the coating roll and a calendar box is disposed adjacent the surface of the coating roll.

Abstract: Machine and process for producing a fiber material web that includes at least one press device having a shoe press unit and a drying drum, such that the shoe press unit and the drying drum are positioned to form an elongated press nip. The machine also includes at least one belt that is water-permeable and water-absorbent and that is adapted to guide the fiber material web through the press nip, and at least one suction device located ahead of the elongated press nip, relative to a belt travel direction. The at least one belt is guided over the at least one suction device. The process includes guiding the at least one belt over the at least one suction device and suctioning the at least one belt, such that moisture is removed from the at least one belt, and guiding the fiber material web and the suctioned at least one belt through the extended press nip.

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

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for damping contact oscillations of rotating rolls in a paper machine, but notably in a coater, the rolls are held endways in bearings. At least two rolls form a nip with each other. The damping is carried out actively and the active stimulation (phase-shifted counteroscillation) acts from outside directly and/or indirectly on at least one bearing point of one of the rolls.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for calendering a board web including a calender providing a hot and hard calendering nip formed by two calender rolls and through which the board web passes. At least one of the calender rolls is arranged to be heated to such a temperature that the surface layer of the board web placed at the side of this roll reaches its vitrification temperature in the calendering nip. A film press is arranged directly before the calendering nip in the direction of transfer of the board web and includes a film press nip through which the board web is passed. The film press nip is arranged to transfer a liquid layer onto the face of the board web so as to moisten the board web. The board web is transferred from the film press nip into the calendering nip while the surface layer of the web is at the moisture level determined by the film press in view of producing a controlled moisture gradient.

Abstract: Drying screen for a fibrous pulp web and process for using the same. The drying screen includes a support structure composed of one of a web or mesh, and an elastic coating having a shaped surface provided on a side of the support structure adapted to face the fibrous pulp web. The process of using the drying screen includes pressing the drying screen and the fibrous pulp web together, whereby the press device compresses the elastic layer of the drying screen, adhering the fibrous pulp web to the drying screen via suction after the pressing of the fibrous pulp web and drying screen, and guiding the fibrous pulp web on the drying screen.

Abstract: This invention relates to calendering systems. Such structures of this type, generally, employ the use of hard and soft nips to provide excellent smoothness without gloss mottle.

Abstract: A shoe press for a paper or board machine, comprising a press shoe and a counter roll, which between themselves form an extended nip for a paper or cardboard web and a circulated flexible belt, and a plurality of hydraulic loading cylinders which are arranged between a horizontal beam included in the frame system of the shoe press and the press shoe and adapted to press the press shoe against the counter roll, the pistons of the loading cylinders being fixedly connected to the horizontal beam. The working chambers of the loading cylinders are supplied with fluid by a common duct formed in an elongate duct member which is affixed to the beam. A vertical duct is formed in the piston of each loading cylinder and is connected to the common duct.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for damping contact oscillations of rotating rolls in a paper machine, but notably in a coater, the rolls being held endways in bearings and at least two rolls forming with each other a nip, the damping is carried out actively, the active stimulation (phase-shifted counteroscillation) acting from outside directly and/or indirectly on at least one bearing point of one of the rolls.

Abstract: A shoe press for a paper or board machine, comprising a press shoe, a counter roll and a circulated flexible belt. A plurality of hydraulic loading cylinders for pressing the press shoe against the counter roll are arranged between a horizontal frame beam and the press shoe. The pistons of the loading cylinders are connected to the horizontal beam. The shoe press may have first hydrostatic compartments in the surface of the press shoe facing the counter roll and second hydrostatic compartments arranged between the side of the press shoe facing the loading cylinders and the loading cylinders. For supplying the working chambers of the loading cylinders and/or the first and/or second hydrostatic compartments with hydraulic fluid, there is arranged a duct which extends in the longitudinal direction of the press shoe and is common to all working chambers and the first and second hydrostatic compartments, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pair of end dams for use on a waterbox on a papermaking machine. The end dam has a front curved foot-like structure having a mounting bracket on its back side for attachment to the backside of the waterbox while the curved end has a packing material on its underside which comes into contact with the steel roll of the papermaking machine. The packing material serves as an end dam communicating between the pond level control dam located on the forward shelf of the waterbox and the leading edge of the steel roll in such a way that the liquids are retained within the waterbox instead of being spilled onto the surrounding floor. The end dam of the present invention is secured to the waterbox with a screw-type clamp.

Abstract: A method of supporting a press shoe in a shoe press for a paper or board machine, said press shoe forming together with a counter roll an extended nip for a paper or cardboard web and for a flexible circulated belt. On the outside of the loading cylinder of the press shoe there is arranged a compartment, to which hydraulic fluid is supplied in such a manner that the hydraulic fluid in the compartment directly or indirectly exerts a force upon the press shoe in the direction opposite to that of the force exerted upon the press shoe by the loading cylinder. The cylinder part of the loading cylinder is movably arranged on the piston part. Said forces are dimensioned such that in operation they create a gap between the press shoe and the loading cylinder, or between the supporting beam of the press shoe and the loading cylinder, thereby allowing hydraulic fluid to flow out of the compartment.

Abstract: A shoe press for applying pressure to a moving web of paper or the like includes a press shoe extending along a full width of the web being carried through a nip defined between the shoe and a backing member, a support for the shoe, and a plurality of articulated hydraulic loading cylinders arranged between the support and the shoe for urging the shoe toward the backing member to apply pressure to the web. Each loading cylinder includes a single piston and first and second cylinders attached to the shoe and to the support, respectively. The opposite end portions of the piston are slidably received within the cylinders so as to define working chambers in the cylinders which are pressurizable by hydraulic fluid for urging the two cylinders away from each other.

Abstract: A method for can drying wet webs for tissue products to preserve web bulk includes, in one embodiment, restraining a partially dewatered wet web between a pair of sheet molding fabrics. The restrained wet web is processed over a plurality of can dryers to dry the wet web, for example from a consistency of at least about 40 percent to a consistency of at least about 70 percent. The sheet molding fabrics in this embodiment protect the wet web from direct contact with the can dryers and impart an impression in the web. A can drying assembly and tissue machine for accomplishing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extended nip press apparatus is disclosed for pressing a web of paper. The apparatus includes a press which defines a concave surface. A backing roll cooperates with the concave surface for defining therebetween an extended nip pressing section. A looped bearing blanket slidably cooperates with the concave surface, the blanket being disposed between the press shoe and the backing roll for supporting guiding the web through the pressing section. An electromagnetic unit drivingly cooperates with the shoe, the arrangement being such that when the electromagnetic is energized, the shoe is electromagnetically urged near the backing roll for pressing the web. The electromagnetic includes plurality of electromagnetic units disposed in a cross-machine direction so that each unit when energized exerts a force on the shoe for urging the shoe towards the backing roll. A control arrangement controls the force exerted by each unit.

Abstract: A shoe press for paper or board machines comprises a press shoe; a counter roll; the press shoe and the counter roll forming between themselves an extended nip for a paper or cardboard web and a circulated flexible belt; and at least one hydraulic loading cylinder for pressing the press shoe against the counter roll. Hydrostatic pockets are arranged in the side of the press shoe facing the counter roll and hydrostatic compartments are formed between the opposite side of the press shoe and the loading cylinders, the pockets and compartment being adapted to be supplied with hydraulic fluid. At least one pipe for supplying hydraulic fluid to the compartments and/or pockets is releasably attached to one side of the press shoe in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the pipe has through holes in its wall, which holes each communicate with a duct at one end thereof, the ducts being formed in the press shoe.

Abstract: A paper machine roll, in particular a roll for a supercalender, which includes a frame and a polymer coating on the frame. The deformability of the polymer coating on the roll increases within a certain axial distance from the middle area of the roll toward the ends of the roll in order to compensate for the deformation state of the end areas of the roll frame, which deformation state is uneven when the roll is loaded.

Abstract: Shoe press unit and method for treatment of a fibrous pulp web. The shoe press unit includes at least one press shoe, an opposing surface, a flexible press belt guided over the press shoe, and at least one force element composed of a cylinder/piston unit supported on a carrier. The at least one force element presses the press belt against the opposing surface to form a press zone elongated in a web run direction, and the cylinder/piston unit include a pressure chamber having at least one pair of cylinder/piston subunits successively positioned in the web run direction. Pressure fluid lines are coupled to respective ones of the at least one pair of cylinder/piston subunits to separately supply pressure fluid to each cylinder/pressure subunit to impart a tilting moment long a tilt axis substantially perpendicular to the web run direction.

Abstract: Press arrangement for a machine for treating a fibrous pulp sheet. The press arrangement may include a shoe press roll having a flexible press sleeve, a mating roll having a mating roll axis, and a press nip extended in a run direction of the fibrous pulp sheet and formed between the shoe press roll and the mating roll. The press arrangement may also include a non-rotating carrier substantially extending across a machine width inside the flexible press sleeve, a press unit including at least one press shoe supported on the non-rotating carrier via at least one associated force element. The press unit exerts a force against the flexible press roll sleeve. The flexible press sleeve may be arranged to circulate around the non-rotating carrier and to be guided around the at least one press shoe in a press nip area. A portion of the flexible press sleeve, located outside of the press nip area, may circulate in a substantially circular-cylindrical path around a sleeve axis.

Abstract: A calender for a sheet material, e.g., paper, having at least two treatment stations through which the sheet material passes in succession. To regulate a desired parameter of the sheet material, each treatment station may include a plurality of adjacently arranged adjustment zones positioned in a row extending across a width of the sheet material. The adjustment zones of one of the treatment stations are positioned to be offset relative to the adjustment zones of the other treatment station by a fraction of a width of the adjustment zones, e.g., one-half the width. The particular arrangement enabling improved correction potential without increasing structural expenditure.

Abstract: A shoe press for a paper or board machine comprises a press shoe and a counter roll forming an extended nip for a paper or cardboard web and for a circulated flexible belt. At least one hydraulic loading cylinder is arranged between a horizontal supporting beam included in the frame system of the shoe press and the counter roll for pressing the press shoe against the counter roll, the piston of the loading cylinder being fixed to the supporting beam. A hydrostatic compartment is arranged between the surface of the press shoe facing the loading cylinder and the opposing surface of the loading cylinder and adapted to be supplied with hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid source, the hydraulic fluid chamber communicating with the working chamber of the loading cylinder. A duct formed in the press shoe, or in a pipe attached to the press shoe, opens into the hydrostatic compartment and is connectible to the hydraulic fluid source.

Abstract: A press arrangement of a paper or cardboard machine for the treatment of a fibrous pulp sheet in a press opening that is extended in the run direction of the fibrous pulp sheet. The press opening is defined by two press surfaces, at least one of which is constructed of a flexible press sleeve that is guided over at least one press shoe. The flexible press sleeve is further able to press against the opposing press surface with the aid of the press shoe due to the creation of a fluid cushion between the press shoe and the press sleeve. The press shoe is thus able to be tensioned such that a resulting main press force is exerted in a direction that runs substantially perpendicular to the fibrous pulp sheet being guided through the press opening. A lever is designed to load the press shoe with an positive or negative force that acts on the press shoe substantially perpendicular to the resulting main press force.

Abstract: A shoe press for a paper or board machine, comprising a press shoe and a counter roll which between themselves form an extended nip for a paper or cardboard web and a circulated flexible belt, and at least one loading cylinder which is arranged between a supporting beam included in the frame system of the shoe press and the press shoe and adapted to press the press shoe against the counter roll. The press shoe is arranged on top of the loading cylinder and there is a device for releasably securing the loading cylinder on the supporting beam. With the aid of eccentric means arranged on upstream and downstream sides of the loading cylinder or cylinders, each loading cylinder is positionable in multiple locations in the machine direction for regulating the pressure profile of the shoe press.

Abstract: A press of the Beloit Extended Nip.RTM. type has a nip defined between a backing roll and an elongate shoe. A paper web travels on a dryer felt through the nip and is supported over the shoe by a bearing blanket. The shoe has a rigid concave core to which is fixed a layer of compliant material which defines a concave surface. Lubricant is introduced between the compliant material and the bearing blanket to form a hydrodynamic fluid film. Preferably the rigidity of the compliant material is of the same or lesser order of magnitude than the rigidity of the fluid film at the center of the shoe in the machine direction, such that the fluid film at the nip causes a depression in the compliant material which is filled with lubricant. The thickness of the lubricant is thus greater at the center of the shoe than at regions outward from the shoe center and the escape of lubricant from the shoe is retarded. The compliant material comprises an elastomer with a low coefficient of friction and high abrasion resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying an embryonic web. The apparatus comprises a micropore medium having pores therethrough. The pores are the limiting orifice in the air flow used in the drying process. The micropore medium has a surface oriented towards and preferably contacting the web to be dried. This surface has a relatively low surface energy, and preferably a surface energy of less than 46 dynes per centimeter.

Abstract: A calender is provided for calendering a fibrous web wherein the moisture profile of the web can be controlled. The calender includes a plurality of rolls wherein at least one of the rolls comprises a profiling roll. The profiling roll has a plurality of profiling zones extending in a cross-machine direction to define a profiling nip. The roll is independently expandable in each of the zones, such as by an internal pressurized shoe arrangement, so that the pressure in the profiling nip can be varied in the cross-machine direction. A waterbox is positioned adjacent to the profiling nip and water is carried directly into the profiling nip where at least a portion of the water is transferred to the web such that the moisture profile of the web can be varied in the cross-machine direction by varying the nip pressure in the respective profiling zones.

Abstract: A paper machine roll, in particular for a soft calender or supercalender, which includes a metal frame, roll ends, and shafts. The frame is coated with a polymer coating over at least a middle area or central region thereof while lateral regions may optionally remain uncoated. In order to equalize a difference in temperature between the roll ends and the optionally non-coated lateral regions of the metal frame, on one hand, and the coated central region area of the roll, on the other hand, an arrangement for equalizing the difference in temperature is provided by heating the roll ends and the optionally non-coated lateral regions of the metal frame.