Abstract: A papermaking belt for making a fibrous structure having: a framework having: a first layer and a second layer, each of the first and second layers having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and the first layer having a plurality of deflection conduits extending in the Z-direction between the top and bottom surfaces of the first layer and structured to receive therein fibers of the fibrous structure; the first layer comprising a substantially continuous, substantially discontinous or substantially semicontinuous patterned network; wherein the second layer comprises a plurality of discrete protuberances; and the top surface of the second layer forming the web-side of the framework; and a reinforcing element having: a paper facing side and a machine facing side opposite to the paper facing side; wherein the second layer at least partially penetrates the reinforcing element or the bottom surface of the second layer is coplanar with the bottom surface of the first layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a deep-nested embossed product including a first embossing member and a second embossing member. The first embossing member has a plurality of discrete embossing elements disposed in a first non-random pattern. The second embossing member has a plurality of second embossing elements including at least one linear embossing element. The second embossing elements are disposed in a second non-random pattern such the first non-random pattern and the second non-random pattern nest together to a depth of greater than about 0.01 mm.

Abstract: Forming fabrics for making tissue webs are provided with structural icons on the side of the fabric that does not contact the tissue web during formation. The resulting tissue web has good formation without pinholes, yet contains a watermark corresponding to the shape of the structural icon.

Abstract: An embossing system for embossing at least a portion of a web is provided comprising a first embossing roll having male embossing elements, a second embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the first and second embossing rolls define a first nip for receiving the web, and a third embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the second and third embossing rolls define a second nip for receiving the web, and wherein at least a substantial portion of the embossing elements of at least one of the first, second, and third embossing rolls are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a web substrate is disclosed. The apparatus has a pattern roll, at least two axially parallel juxtaposed rolls, a continuous belt disposed about the rolls, and a pressure assist device. The pattern roll has a circumference and an embossing pattern disposed upon a surface thereof. The continuous belt has first and second surfaces and circumferential axis and is disposed upon at least a portion of the circumference of the pattern roll forming a circumferentially elongate nip therebetween. The pressure assist device is disposed proximate to the second surface of the continuous belt and is adjustable relative to at least one of the second surface of the continuous belt and the surface of the pattern roll.

Abstract: An embossing system for embossing at least a portion of a web is provided comprising a first embossing roll having male embossing elements, a second embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the first and second embossing rolls define a first nip for receiving the web, and a third embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the second and third embossing rolls define a second nip for receiving the web, and wherein at least a substantial portion of the embossing elements of at least one of the first, second, and third embossing rolls are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cylindrical suction box assembly with a suction box having two or more suction chambers that operate at different suction pressures. A lower suction pressure suction chamber is configured to provide lower suction pressure suction and is used in conjunction with the texturing process. At least one higher suction pressure suction chamber is configured to provide higher suction pressure suction and is used in conjunction with the de-watering process of the present invention. Therefore, according to the present invention two processes that are traditionally performed on two different devices are performed on a single cylindrical suction box assembly.

Abstract: Device for treating paper webs or plies, comprising a couple of overlapped rolls (2,3) for compressing a paper web or ply passing between them. Each of said rolls (2,3) features a fixed central shaft (20,300) supported by a corresponding holder (10,83) at its ends, on which shaft a tubular jacket is fitted, with the interposition of low-friction connecting members (21,310) which are positioned on opposite sides with respect to the center line of the fixed central shaft axis, so that said tubular jacket, which is destined to come into contact with the paper webs or plies to be treated, is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A process for producing tissue webs is disclosed. The process includes the step of partially dewatering a tissue web and then subjecting the web to multiple deflections against fabrics prior to drying the tissue web. For instance, in one embodiment, the tissue web is deflected multiple times in between two opposing fabrics. The tissue web can be deflected against the fabrics under sufficient pressure to cause the tissue web to mold against the fabrics. By deflecting the tissue web multiple times, rearrangement of the papermaking fibers contained in the tissue web occurs increasing the bulk of the web.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to papermaking, and relates more specifically to fabrics employed in making press felts on a paper machine, pulp machine fiber cement belts, and corrugated paper board, or box-board. The invention also relates to the monofilament base of fabric optionally with a needled batt which can provide one or more of the following advantages: hydrolysis resistant materials, providing light weight high strength fabrics, having a high permeability, and soft surface with a high coefficient of friction. The present invention also relates to an integrated loop seam integrated with machine direction yarns of the monofilament base which can provide one or more of the following advantages: extremely stable and flexible corrugator fabric, and the ability to provide a non-marking loop seam.

Abstract: Dewatering system for dewatering a web. The system comprises a former, a belt press, and a structured fabric comprising a paper web facing side and being guided over a support surface and through the belt press. The structured fabric runs at a speed differential relative to a wire of the former. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A processing device and method applying the same for processing a coated or uncoated fibrous web is provided. The device comprises a belt configured to extend around a guiding element, at least one counter-element being disposed outside said belt to provide a contact area with the belt, such that the belt and the counter-element establish therebetween a web processing zone for passing a web to be processed therethrough. The processing zone length is defined by the disposition of the belt's guiding element and/or by the configuration of the counter-elements. The contact pressure applied to a web in the processing zone is within the range of between about 0.01 MPa and about 200 MPa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the combination of at least two plies (5, 6) based on tissue paper without glue and by pressure marking, characterized in that it involves embossing at least one first ply (5) according to an embossing design by passage between a first cylinder (2) and a cylinder (4) covered externally with a rubber blanket, then combining at least one second ply (6) with the said first ply (5) by causing the said plies (5, 6) to pass between a first engraved steel cylinder (2) of axis CC? and at least one first series of small externally smooth coaxial cylinders (1) of axis XX?, then between the said first cylinder (2) and a second series of small externally smooth coaxial cylinders (3) of axes YY?, the axes CC?, XX? and YY? being horizontal and parallel. The invention embraces, furthermore, the installation intended for carrying out the said method.

Abstract: A multi-ply tissue paper includes at least two plies of tissue paper, including a first ply (2) being provided with a first embossing pattern forming cushions (24), each cushion being shaped in the form of at least a part of a first motive (20); and a second ply (3) being provided with a second embossing pattern forming protrusions (32, 34), each protrusion forming at least a part of a second motive (30); and at least the first ply and the second ply are combined together such that the protrusions of the second ply are generally positioned inside the cushions of the first ply and the motives are aligned with one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a web of tissue paper, comprising the steps of: depositing a layer of an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers on at least one forming fabric; reducing the water content of said layer until the amount in weight of the fibers in said layer is brought up to a first value; wet-embossing said layer in a nip between a pair of embossing rollers; and drying said embossed layer using a drying system to form a web of tissue paper.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an embossed product including a first embossing member having a plurality of discrete embossing elements disposed in a first non-random pattern having at least one first single pattern unit. The total area of the distal ends of the discrete embossing elements in the first single pattern unit is less than about 5.0 cm2. The apparatus also includes a second embossing member having a plurality of linear embossing elements disposed in a second non-random pattern having at least one second single pattern unit. The total area of the second distal ends in the second single pattern unit is less than about 10 cm2. The second non-random pattern is coordinated with the first non-random pattern such that when engaged with each other the first single pattern unit and the second single pattern unit make up an embossing pattern single pattern unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a multi-ply embossed paper product having a first pressure roll; embossing roll with a plurality of embossing protrusions, each protrusion having a distal end; a second pressure roll; and a marrying roll. The first pressure roll and the embossing roll are juxtaposed in an axially parallel relationship to form a first nip therebetween. The first nip has a first nip width, and the first pressure roll and embossing rolls are adapted to receive a first paper web at the first nip. The second pressure roll and the embossing roll are juxtaposed in an axially parallel relationship to form a second nip therebetween. The second nip has a second nip width, and the second pressure roll and embossing rolls are adapted to receive the first paper web, after the first paper web has traversed the first nip, and a second paper web at the second nip. The marrying roll is juxtaposed in an axially parallel relationship with the embossing roll to form a third nip therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a multi-ply embossed paper product having a first pressure roll; an embossing roll with a plurality of embossing protrusions, each embossing protrusion comprises a distal end; an adhesive application roll; a marrying roll; and a second pressure roll. The first pressure roll and the embossing roll are juxtaposed in an axially parallel relationship to form a first nip therebetween. The first nip has a first nip width. The first pressure roll and the embossing roll are adapted to receive a first paper web at the first nip. The adhesive application roll and the embossing roll are juxtaposed in an axially parallel relationship to form a gap therebetween. The adhesive application roll and the embossing roll are adapted to receive the first paper web, after the first paper web has traversed the first nip, at the gap. The marrying roll is juxtaposed in an axially parallel relationship with the embossing roll to form a third nip therebetween.

Abstract: Convertible embossing device comprising a structure (1) with two fixed sides (10) and two mobile sides (11) with respective external faces (EF, EM) and internal faces (IF, IM) and provided with, in correspondence of the respective internal faces (IF, IM), two upper recesses (12, 13) and two lower recesses (12?, 13?) with a circle-arc profile intended to support the end flanges (20, 30) of the two embossing rolls (2, 3) orthogonal to the sides (10, 11) of the same structure (1), wherein the mobile sides (11) are joined to the fixed sides (10) and the respective upper and lower recesses (12, 13, 12?, 13?) define, by cooperating with one another, two pairs of circular seats for the flanges (20, 30) of the rolls (2, 3), and in that, in a second operating position, the mobile sides (11) are distanced from the fixed sides (10) and the upper recesses (12, 13) of the sides (10) and (11) define, each one by cooperating with corresponding semi-circular closure flanges (15, 16), two pairs of circular seats for the flang

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a deep-nested embossed product including a first embossing member and a second embossing member. The first embossing member has a plurality of discrete embossing elements disposed in a first non-random pattern. The second embossing member has a plurality of second embossing elements including at least one linear embossing element. The second embossing elements are disposed in a second non-random pattern such the first non-random pattern and the second non-random pattern nest together to a depth of greater than about 0.01 mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a deep-nested embossed paper product comprising two embossing cylinders, each cylinder having a plurality of protrusions on its surface. The protrusions on each cylinder are disposed in a non-random pattern where the respective non-random patterns are coordinated to each other. The two embossing cylinders are aligned such that the respective coordinated non-random pattern of protrusions nest together such that the protrusions engage each other to a depth of greater than about 1.016 mm. The protrusions each comprise a top plane and sidewalls, with the top plane and sidewalls meeting at a protrusion corner. The protrusion corners of the protrusions of the embossing cylinders of the apparatus of the present invention have a radius of curvature ranging from about 0.076 mm to about 1.778 mm.

Abstract: A papermaking belt for making a fibrous structure product that has a machine direction, a cross machine direction orthogonal and co-planar with the machine direction, and a Z-direction mutually orthogonal to both the machine and cross machine directions. The papermaking belt also has a framework having a structure formed by a first layer wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of deflection conduits that correspond to a resultant image and extend in the Z-direction, where the resultant image being the product of at least one image modification algorithm. Further, at least one of the image modification algorithms is a beta image modification algorithm such that the beta image modification algorithm is a three dimensional image modification algorithm. The papermaking belt also has a reinforcing element.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus to encode substrates (e.g., paper, synthetics, etc.) with information. In one implementation a method is provided including: receiving data that corresponds to a two-dimensional signal that encodes plural bits of data; receiving data that corresponds to a frequency-domain signal, the data corresponding to a representation in a spatial domain through inverse transforming the frequency-domain signal; and defining characteristics for an element of a substrate-making process, the characteristics including at least a pattern representing the spatial domain representation and the two-dimensional signal.

Abstract: An embossing device having a first embossing unit for satin finishing a strip of packing material, and a second embossing unit for impressing graphics on the strip of packing material; the second embossing unit has two embossing rollers, at least one of which only has embossing pins in areas for impressing the graphics.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a hygiene paper product includes: providing a continuous paper web, moving the continuous web in the direction of its longitudinal extension, applying a repetitive creative structure relative to the longitudinal extension of the web as a first pattern to the web with a first roll, applying a repetitive functional structure relative to the longitudinal extension of the web as a second pattern to the web with a second roll, while enabling the first pattern to be in register with the second pattern by concurrently controlling the repetitive surface speed of continuous web and the phasing between the first roll and the second roll.

Abstract: A device for drying a paper web includes a structured fabric for carrying the paper web rests during the drying process. A single roll unit includes a suction roll for dewatering the paper web and a press roll for securing the paper web to the structured fabric. The paper web is dried by hot air while on a drying drum.

Abstract: An embossing system is provided for embossing a web having a first embossing roll having embossing elements and a second embossing roll having embossing elements, wherein at least a portion of the embossing elements of the first and second embossing rolls are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction. The embossing roll may be crowned, may have alignment means, and may be provided with precision gearing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and a papermaker's or industrial fabric, which includes the application of a polymeric resin material onto preselected discrete locations on a base substrate in a controlled manner in droplets having an average diameter of 10? (10 microns) to point bond yarns, bond spiral wound strips together or to bond layers of a fabric together.

Abstract: An embossing system for embossing at least a portion of a web is provided comprising a first embossing roll having male embossing elements, a second embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the first and second embossing rolls define a first nip for receiving the web, and a third embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the second and third embossing rolls define a second nip for receiving the web, and wherein at least a substantial portion of the embossing elements of at least one of the first, second, and third embossing rolls are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an endless non-woven tissue making fabric having a three-dimensional texture suitable for use as a fabric for producing three-dimensional fibrous webs. The endless non-woven tissue making fabric comprises a plurality of substantially parallel adjoining sections of non-woven material. Each section of non-woven material has a width substantially less than the width of the non-woven tissue making fabric. Each section of non-woven material may be joined to at least one other adjoining section of non-woven material. The non-woven tissue making fabric has a machine direction, a cross-machine direction, a tissue contacting surface and a tissue machine contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface comprises solid matter at a plurality of heights such that the tissue contacting surface of the non-woven tissue making fabric has an Overall Surface Depth of at least 0.2 mm in regions of solid matter on the tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: A papermaking belt for dewatering and imprinting a paper web. The belt comprises two laminae joined together in a face to face relationship to form a unitary laminate. The first lamina comprises a foraminous imprinting member which may serve as a reinforcing structure for a patterned framework. The second lamina comprises a secondary base and a batting which is joined to the secondary base to form a dewatering felt. The two lamina are juxtaposed and attached such that batting from the second lamina extends through the foraminous imprinting member of the first lamina providing a hydraulic connection therebetween.

Abstract: An embossing system for embossing and perforating at least a portion of a web is provided comprising a first embossing roll having embossing elements and at least a second embossing roll having embossing elements, wherein the elements of the first and second embossing rolls define perforate nips for embossing and perforating the web and wherein at least a predominate number of the perforate nips are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction. Moreover, substantially all of the nips defined by the embossing elements of the first and second embossing rolls can be substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction. Further, the cross-machine embossing elements are at an angle of about 85° to 95° from the machine direction.

Abstract: Endless steel band for belt presses, especially double belt presses, with a thickness between 2 mm to 4 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, which is turned around on drums of the belt press, and whose surface has a maximum medium roughness up to RZ 50.5 ?m, in which a plurality of depressions are provided starting from the surface of the steel strip and extending into the steel strip, the depressions being substantially evenly distributed and reaching from the surface of the steel strip 200 ?m to 600 ?m deep into the steel band. Such steel band can be used for the production of plates, preferably wood-based plates, especially chipboards, with elevations.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and a papermaker's or industrial fabric, which includes the application of a polymeric resin material onto preselected discrete locations on a base substrate in a controlled manner in droplets having an average diameter of 10? (10 microns) to point bond yarns, bond spiral wound strips together or to bond layers of a fabric together.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a belt and a belt for use in the production of bulk tissue and towel, and of nonwoven articles and fabrics, requires the application of a sacrificial material onto a base substrate in a predetermined pattern which is to be imparted onto products manufactured with the belt. The sacrificial material is deposited in droplets in a controlled manner so as to control the x, y, z dimension of the material deposited and preferably has having an average diameter of 10? (10 microns) or more. A polymeric resin material is then deposited on the base substrate in all areas except those on which the sacrificial material has previously been applied. The polymeric resin material is then set by means appropriate to its composition, and the sacrificial material removed. Optionally, the polymeric resin material may then be abraded to provide the belt with a uniform thickness, and a smooth, macroscopically monoplanar surface.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a belt and a belt for use in the production of bulk tissue and towel, and of nonwoven articles and fabrics, a polymeric resin material is applied onto the surface of a base substrate in a precise predetermined pattern which is to be imparted onto products manufactured with the belt. The polymeric resin material is deposited in droplets having an average diameter of 10? (10 microns) or more. The polymeric resin material is then set by means appropriate to its composition, and, optionally, may be abraded to provide the belt with a uniform thickness, and a smooth, macroscopically monoplanar surface.

Abstract: Toilet paper, paper towel and facial tissue products (10) are presented. Information may be placed, through printing or embossing, on the toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissues. The information (62) may comprise advertisements, coupons, prizes (such as stickers and crossword puzzles), games or other promotional materials. In addition, information (62) may be placed on a sheet separate from the toilet paper and/or paper towels and/or facial tissues. The information sheet may be then be placed in conjunction with the toilet paper, paper towel or facial tissue by rolling or by interleaving (16) the information sheet with the toilet paper, paper towel or facial tissue. In another aspect, different information may be place on two or more sheets to convey a story (39) or other information. The information (72) may, for example, be used to help potty train children, or to teach children numbers or the alphabet.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an endless non-woven tissue making fabric having a three-dimensional texture suitable for use as a fabric for producing three-dimensional fibrous webs. The endless non-woven tissue making fabric comprises a plurality of substantially parallel adjoining sections of non-woven material. Each section of non-woven material has a width substantially less than the width of the non-woven tissue making fabric. Each section of non-woven material may be joined to at least one other adjoining section of non-woven material. The non-woven tissue making fabric has a machine direction, a cross-machine direction, a tissue contacting surface and a tissue machine contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface comprises solid matter at a plurality of heights such that the tissue contacting surface of the non-woven tissue making fabric has an Overall Surface Depth of at least 0.2 mm in regions of solid matter on the tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an endless non-woven tissue making fabric. The endless non-woven tissue making fabric has a machine direction, cross-machine direction, a tissue machine contacting surface, a tissue contacting surface, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The non-woven tissue making fabric comprises a fabric strip of non-woven material comprising at least one layer of non-woven material. The fabric strip has a first edge, an opposing second edge, a machine direction, and a cross-machine direction. The fabric strip may be spirally wound in a plurality of contiguous turns wherein the first edge in a turn of the fabric strip extends beyond the second edge of an adjacent turn of the fabric strip, thereby forming a spirally continuous seam with adjacent turns of the fabric strip.

Abstract: Disclosed is an embossing method and material made by the method, including at least a pair of embossing rolls having unmatched embossing patterns engraved independently from each other, and having enlarged sidewall clearances between adjacent, inter-engaged protrusions and recessions of the embossing patterns. The sidewall clearances can range from about 0.002? (about 0.050 mm) to about 0.050? (about 1.27 mm). The width of the protrusions can be greater than about 0.002? or about 0.050 mm. The peripheral surface of at least one of the embossing rolls can comprise a metal, a plastic, a ceramic, or a rubber. Also disclosed is an embossed web material capable of being used as a wrap material for food products, made by the above process.

Abstract: The present invention is a woven sculpted fabric for the manufacture of a tissue web having a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface of the woven sculpted fabric includes at least a first group of strands and a second group of strands wherein the first group of strands extend in the cross-machine direction of the woven sculpted fabric and the second group of strands extend in the machine direction of the woven sculpted fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is a sculpted fabric for the manufacture of a tissue web, having a tissue machine contacting side and a tissue contacting side. The tissue contacting side includes an upper porous member comprising a base with nonwoven elevated regions thereon. The nonwoven elevated regions comprise a first group of nonwoven raised elements and a second group of nonwoven raised elements, both raised relative to the base. The first group of nonwoven raised elements extends in at least a first direction and the second group of nonwoven raised elements extends in at least a second direction.

Abstract: An embossing device for embossing a single-ply or multi-ply web of tissue paper includes a first steel roll with embossing protuberances on its peripheral surface and a second roll with a yielding layer on its peripheral surface. The second roll cooperates with the steel roll so as to form an embossing nip therewith. The steel roll and the second roll run in synchronization. The second roll has individual zones on its peripheral surface with a higher overall thickness and/or different material characteristics of the yielding layer compared to that of the remaining peripheral surface. These individual zones are opposed in the embossing nip to embossing protuberances of the steel roll.

Abstract: The present invention is a woven sculpted fabric for the manufacture of a tissue web having a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface of the woven sculpted fabric includes at least a first group of strands and a second group of strands wherein the first group of strands extend in a first direction and the second group of strands extend in a second direction.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a multilayer paperboard product, as well as an assembly suited for implementing the method and a paperboard manufactured according to the method, whereby the paperboard is made from at least two, advantageously three layers (4, 5, 6) bonded to each other by gluing, and the material of the middle layer (5) is subjected to mechanical working in a dry state (8) so as to deform the material prior to gluing through pressing thereon desired pattern that is raised from the surface of the material (5). The layers (4, 5, 6) are bonded to each other in a single step (7). The method is capable of providing a strong paperboard that uses less fiber than prior-art paperboards of equal thickness and strength.

Abstract: Device for producing a paper having a three dimensional pattern which has been given the paper web in connection with drying the paper web. The device comprises at least one press nip (12) comprising a rotatable heated roll (13) and a counter means (11,14), at which either the heated roll (13) along its periphery alternatively a member surrounding the roll or a patterned wire, band or belt is provided with said three dimensional pattern, and wherein the wet paper web (10) is intended to pass through said press nip (12) and is given said pattern A detaching roll (16) is arranged at a certain distance from the press nip (12) for taking off the paper web from the heated roll (13), and creping means (17) are arranged for creping the paper from said detaching roll (16).

Abstract: A method for directly forming and finishing a web product is provided. The method includes forming a web on a forming apparatus, continuously transferring the formed web to a conveyor, performing a converting step on the web as the web is continuously supported and advanced on the conveyor, and finishing the web into a product substantially ready for packaging. A system for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: An embossing and laminating device which includes a pair of embossing cylinders having tips arranged symmetrically on the two cylinders; a pair of pressure rollers, each of which works in conjunction with one of the embossing cylinders; a glue applicator associated with one of the two embossing cylinders; and a laminating roller positioned downstream of the nip between the embossing cylinders and working in conjunction with the embossing cylinder which is associated with the glue applicator. The embossing cylinder associated with the laminating roller has a diameter greater than that of the other embossing cylinder.

Abstract: A process for producing paper webs having a pattern formed into the web is disclosed. The pattern is formed during formation of the web and is made by varying the basis weight of the web. The paper web is produced by depositing an aqueous suspension of fibers between two forming surfaces. One or both of the forming surfaces include lower permeability areas that create lower basis weight areas in the web. The lower permeability areas are contained in the forming surface according to a particular pattern. For instance, the lower permeability areas can be formed into a drainage roll sleeve contained on a drainage roll which contacts a forming surface. The drainage roll can be a forming roll or a breast roll.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing a fibrous web in an apparatus that includes at least one nip formed between a smooth roll and at least one opposing element, a felt and an embossing belt. The process includes guiding the fibrous web and the felt through the at least one press nip formed between the smooth roll and the at least one opposing element, and passing the fiber web, in an unsupported manner, over a free draw from the smooth roll onto an embossing belt. 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.