Abstract: A papermaking felt which offers excellent elasticity over a long duration comprises a base body (2) and batt layers (3), and a film layer (5) with elongate ridges (4) having their orientation in the CMD direction. The film is arranged in the base body, in the batt layers, or between the layers. The papermaking felt is capable of running flexibly and smoothly in a winding path of a papermaking machine, and is highly resistant to flattening through fatigue, even if subjected to repeated compression under the nip pressure.

Abstract: Machine for producing a fibrous material web and process for guiding the web through the machine. The machine includes a wire section, a drying section, arranged downstream of the wire section with regard to a web travel direction, having at least one free web draw, a first and second shoe press separated in the web travel direction, and an upper felt and a lower transfer belt arranged to guide the fibrous material web through the second shoe press. The lower transfer belt is structured and arranged to transfer the fibrous material web to the drying section, and the material web is guided in a closed draw from the wire section to a first free web draw, with regard to the web travel direction, in the drying section. At least one high-performance drying device is positioned before the first free web draw.

Abstract: Described is a machine for manufacturing a continuous web, in particular a paper or cardboard web, the machine having a number of rolls that may include press rolls, drying cylinders, suction rolls, or the like. At least one transport belt is guided with the web around the rolls and is characterized by the fact that a metallic screen is guided between the web and the respective roll surface. The metallic screen may be formed of metal, formed as a metallized drying screen, or formed from metal and synthetic threads.

Abstract: An on-machine-seamable papermaker's fabric has a base structure which is a flattened array of a spirally wound multicomponent yarn. The flattened array has two layers, two sides, a length, a width and two widthwise edges. In each turn of the spiral winding, the multicomponent yarn has a substantially lengthwise orientation and is joined side-by-side to those adjacent thereto by a fusible thermoplastic material in each of the two layers. The multicomponent yarn forms seaming loops along the two widthwise edges. At least one layer of staple fiber material is needled into one of the two sides of the base structure and through the two layers.

Abstract: A textile machine felt, which can be used, for example, as a compacting felt on machines for rendering textiles shrinkproof, consists of a ground textile (1) and a felt layer (2) which is stitched thereon and comprises at least in its surface region an elastic knit fabric (3), for example, a continuous warp knitted sleeve.

Abstract: An on-machine-seamable papermaker's fabric has a base structure which is a flattened array of a spirally wound multicomponent yarn. The flattened array has two layers, two sides, a length, a width and two widthwise edges. In each turn of the spiral winding, the multicomponent yarn has a substantially lengthwise orientation and is joined side-by-side to those adjacent thereto by a fusible thermoplastic material in each of the two layers. The multicomponent yarn forms seaming loops along the two widthwise edges. At least one layer of staple fiber material is needled into one of the two sides of the base structure and through the two layers.

Abstract: A leader used to pull a seamable papermaker's fabric onto a paper machine comprising at least one section of material comprising yarns which are so oriented so as to distribute the load evenly across and down the fabric.

Abstract: Papermachine clothing comprises a base fabric comprising at least two superimposed perforated non-woven membranes (11, 12), the upper or paper side one of which (11), has a lower maximum creep modulus and is less hard than the lower or machine side membrane (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a press felt, according to which method a press felt is manufactured which has a good initial density by means a water soluble material, such as polymer, preferably polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL), applied to the texture of the press felt. Furthermore, the invention relates to a press felt comprising a body (2) and a crill layer (1) arranged thereto. Furthermore, the press felt comprises a portion of a water soluble material, such as water soluble polymer, arranged to dissolve from the texture after the initial density obtained by means of it is no longer needed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dewatering belt (1, 13, 17, 25, 30), in particular as a drying screen for paper machines, which is assembled from a plurality of plate-shaped planar elements (2, 14, 18, 24, 26, 27, 31, 32, 40) that, in order to adjust the permeability, have passthrough openings (41) and/or leave gaps (19, 36) between them, the planar elements (2, 14, 18, 24, 26, 27, 31, 32, 40) being coupled to one another, by way of flexible connecting cords (9, 16, 22, 23, 28, 37) which pass through the planar elements (2, 14, 18, 24, 26, 27, 31,. 32, 40), in such a way that the longitudinal forces acting on the dewatering belt (1, 13, 17, 25, 30) during operation act on them. The dewatering belt (1) is characterized in that the connecting cords (9, 16, 22, 23, 28, 37) extend in the longitudinal direction of the dewatering belt (1, 13, 17, 25, 30) and are anchored at their ends in end pieces (5, 6, 20, 29, 38) which can be coupled to one another.

Abstract: Felt for use in a paper machine, with a textile backing element (20, 60) that comprises threads oriented transversely (30) and longitudinally (40) with respect to the direction of transport of the paper machine, and onto which fibres are needled to form a felt structure, wherein at least some of the transverse threads (30) exhibit a twisted structure (10).

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: A papermaking felt which offers excellent elasticity over a long duration comprises a base body (2) and batt layers (3), and a film layer (5) with elongate ridges (4) having their orientation in the CMD direction. The film is arranged in the base body, in the batt layers, or between the layers. The papermaking felt is capable of running flexibly and smoothly in a winding path of a papermaking machine, and is highly resistant to flattening through fatigue, even if subjected to repeated compression under the nip pressure.

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: A papermaking felt comprises a woven ground fabric layer and a fibrous web accumulated on one side or on both sides of the ground fabric layer. The ground fabric and the fibrous web are intertwined and made integral by needling. To maintain the three dimensional structure of the felt against the pressure to which the papermaking felt is continually subjected in a high speed papermaking machine, and thereby retain the felt's water-squeezing function over a long period of time, all yarns of the warp or weft, or a part of the distributed yarns of the warp or weft which composes the ground fabric layer, are replaced by straight yarns S so that the warp or weft themselves maintain the felt's dimensional stability. Alternatively, straight yarns may be additionally and evenly inserted along the warp or weft of the ground fabric layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and a device for the manufacture of dimensionally stable, liquid-impermeable, flexible, elastic pressbands, particularly for use with broad-nip shoepresses of paper making machines. The method comprising pouring a flowable mixture of a prepolymer onto a substrate moved by a distance maintaining device over a cylindrical mandrel and maintained during this movement in an adjustable distance from the surface of said mandrel, and being coated during this movement by a coating device with a flowable prepolymer, wherein during this coating of the substrate threads or wires are laid down onto the substrate in the direction of rotation of the mandrel and are coated with the polymer substance.

Abstract: The present invention is a papermaking belt comprising two primary elements: a reinforcing structure and pattern layer. The reinforcing structure comprises a web facing first surface of interwoven first machine direction yarns and cross-machine direction yarns, the first surface having an FSI of at least about 68. The reinforcing structure has a machine facing second surface which comprises second machine direction yarns binding only with the cross-machine direction yarns in a N-shed pattern, where N is greater than four, wherein the second machine direction yarns bind only one of the cross-machine direction yarns per repeat. The pattern layer extends outwardly from the first surface, wherein the pattern layer provides a web contacting surface facing outwardly from the first surface, the pattern layer extending at least partially to the second surface.

Abstract: A paper-making press felt (1) includes a base member (2) and at least one batt layer (3) laminated on the base member (2), and is characterized in that the base member (2) is made of a plurality of ground fabrics, and in that, of the plurality of ground fabrics, a second ground fabric (B) arranged next to a first ground fabric (A) arranged nearest to a surface (4) on which a wet paper sheet is placed has a structure whose density is higher than or whose air permeability is lower than that of the first ground fabric (A), and can regulate water from moving from the second ground fabric (B) to the first ground fabric (A) and hence can prevent a re-wetting phenomenon effectively.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a press fabric for a paper machine includes the attachment of a strip of top laminate layer material to a base fabric using a heat-activated adhesive film. The top laminate layer material may be a woven fabric, a nonwoven mesh, or a thermoplastic sheet material, and, in any case, has the heat-activated adhesive film bonded to one of its two sides. The strip of top laminate layer material and heat-activated adhesive film together form a multi-component strip, which is spiralled onto the outer surface of the base fabric, with the side of the strip of top laminate layer material having the heat-activated adhesive film against the outer surface, in a closed helix, and bonded thereto with heat and pressure. The portions of the multi-component strip overhanging the lateral edges of the base fabric are then trimmed, and a staple fiber batt is needled into and through the top laminate layer formed by the multi-component strip to firmly attach it to the base fabric.

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 multiaxial press fabric includes a base fabric and a plurality of layers of staple fiber material attached to the base fabric. The base fabric has at least one layer assembled by spirally winding a woven fabric strip, and takes the form of an endless loop. Because of the spiral winding, the yarns of the woven fabric strip lie in directions different from the machine- and cross-machine directions of the base fabric, giving the base fabric multiaxial characteristics. The woven fabric strip includes, in at least one of its lengthwise and crosswise directions, shaped yarns, which are either hollow yarns or yarns having a non-circular cross section.

Abstract: Wire screening fabric for a machine for the production and/or finishing of a pulp web, such as a paper, cardboard, or tissue web, comprising at least one layer each of lengthwise fibers, oriented in the direction of travel, and crosswise fibers, running at a transverse angle thereto, woven together. An improvement of the adhesion of the pulp web on the wire-screening fabric is accomplished in that at least some of the crosswise fibers have a roughly drop-shaped or substantially three-sided, acute-angled cross-section, whereby the pointed end is oriented roughly in the direction of travel of the wire-screening fabric.

Abstract: A press fabric for the press section of a paper machine has a base fabric which includes a nonwoven mesh fabric. The base fabric, or a layer thereof, is assembled in integral form using a strip or strips of the nonwoven mesh fabric. The assembly may be effected by spirally winding the nonwoven mesh fabric in a plurality of non-overlapping turns, by abutting each turn of the nonwoven mesh fabric against that previously wound, and by joining each turn of the nonwoven mesh fabric to that previously wound to form an endless loop. Alternatively, a plurality of endless loops of equivalent length are formed from separate strips of nonwoven mesh fabric, and arranged in a side-by-side abutting relationship. The endless loops are then joined, one to the next, to provide a base fabric, or component thereof, in the form of an endless loop.

Abstract: A papermaking belt and paper made thereon. The papermaking belt comprises a patterned framework and a reinforcing element. The papermaking belt may be used as a through air drying belt, a forming wire, a backing wire, a conventional press felt, etc. The papermaking belt has a reinforcing element and a framework extending from the reinforcing element. Intermediate various portions of the framework are deflection conduits. The framework is interrupted and subdivided by synclines. The framework, synclines and deflection conduits respectively impart first, second and third values of intensive properties to regions of the paper made on these portions of the belt. The value of the intensive property of the regions of the paper corresponding to the synclines is intermediate the value of the regions of the paper corresponding to the framework and deflection conduits.

Abstract: Hollow synthetic monofilament yarns are used in the construction of a base fabric for a papermakers wet felt. The synthetic hollow monofilament yarns have selected interior void, compressibility and resiliency characteristics and are interwoven with other yarns to form a woven base fabric with the hollow monofilament yarns predominating, on at least the paper carrying side of the base fabric. The weaving and finishing of the base fabric results in the hollow monofilament yarns retaining a substantially unflattened cross-section. Accordingly, substantially unflattened portions of the hollow monofilament yarns predominate the paper carrying side of the base fabric thereby providing a cushioning surface which is compressibly resilient to assist in the dewatering of the aqueous paper web as it is transported through a press nip during the manufacture of the paper.

Abstract: A press felt for use in the press section of a papermaking machine includes a base fabric and at least one layer of an assembly of fibers, preferably forming a carded web or batt, the assembly of fibers containing a plurality of fibers having a deep grooved configuration. The deep-grooved fibers of the press felt provide improved dewatering properties to the press felt as compared to conventional round monofilaments of the same denier currently employed as the batt in press felts used in the press sections of papermaking machines. A method for at least partially dewatering a sheet of paper fibers within the press section of a papermaking machine includes positioning the sheet of paper fibers on the press felt described herein, transporting the sheet of paper fibers through the press section, and pressing the sheet to at least partially remove the water therefrom.

Abstract: A papermaking belt and paper made thereon. The papermaking belt may be a through air drying belt having a plurality of deflection conduits therethrough. The deflection conduits are divided into subconduits by peninsular segments. Likewise, the paper made on the belt has an essentially continuous network and a plurality of domes. Each dome is divided into a plurality of subdomes by peninsular segments in the paper. The papermaking belt may, alternatively, be a forming wire. If so, the forming wire may have a plurality of discrete protuberances extending outwardly from the plane of the forming wire. Each protuberance has at least one slot therein. The slots extend into the discrete protuberance. Likewise, the paper made on this forming wire has a high basis weight essentially continuous network and discrete low basis weight regions corresponding to the discrete protuberances. Each low basis weight region has at least one high basis weight peninsular segment corresponding to the slot in the protuberance.

Abstract: A felt provides a uniform paper-supporting surface having good water storage and water release properties. These qualities are effected by a bat including one or more layers of fine fibers being needled onto a base containing perforations and cavities. The free surfaces of the bat fibers needled into the cavities are reduced in a special production step following the needling operation.

Abstract: A felt for use in a papermaking machine includes a woven base fabric and a batt layer for supporting the paper web. A flow control layer is interposed between the base fabric and the fibrous batt layer, to impede rewetting of the paper web as the paper web exits a press nip of the papermaking machine. The flow control layer is formed of a porous hydrophobic material. Pressure exerted by the press nip forces water from the paper web through the batt layer and the flow control layer into the base fabric. When the pressure is relieved, the hydrophobic properties of the flow control layer impede back-flow of water to the batt layer and thence to the paper web, thereby impeding rewetting of the web. The flow control layer is preferably formed of a spunbonded filamentary nylon material which is non-circular in cross-section, such as tri-lobed/triangular, and which may be treated with an hydrophobic chemical composition to enhance hydrophobic properties.

Abstract: An on-machine-seamable multi-axial press fabric for the press section of a paper machine is made from a base fabric layer assembled by spirally winding a fabric strip in a plurality of contiguous turns, each of which abuts against and is attached to those adjacent thereto. The resulting endless base fabric layer is flattened to produce first and second fabric plies joined to one another at folds at their widthwise edges. Crosswise yarns are removed from each turn of the fabric strip at the folds at the widthwise edges to produce unbound sections of lengthwise yarns. An on-machine-seamable base fabric, having seaming loops along its widthwise edges, is disposed between the first and second fabric plies of the flattened base fabric layer. The seaming loops extend outwardly between the unbound sections of the lengthwise yarns from between the first and second fabric plies.

Abstract: A machine is provided for producing a continuous material web. In particular, a paper web or a cardboard web can be produced by the machine. The machine has a number of rolls, around which the material web is guided by the use of at least one belt. The belt has at least two zones. The zones have different properties with at least one of the zones being designed to transmit a drive force to the rolls of the machine.

Abstract: A polymeric-resin-coated papermaking-processing belt, which may be used as a sheet-transfer, long nip press (LNP) or calender belt, includes a reinforcing base having the form of an endless loop with a face side and a back side, these being the outside and inside of the endless loop, respectively. The face side of the reinforcing base is coated with a polymeric resin material, while the back side has a staple fiber batt attached thereto. The staple fiber batt has a smooth, fused surface free of protruding fiber ends. This surface is kept clean more easily than that of a typical staple fiber batt. Methods for manufacturing the polymeric-resin-coated papermaking-processing belt, including several ways for providing the staple fiber batt with the smooth, fused surface, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayer porous fabric which comprises a porous core fabric provided with hook means, and at least one layer of pre-needled nonwoven fibrous batt attached by entanglement onto the hook means by pressing the core fabric and batt together. The entanglement is sufficient to anchor the batt reliably to the core fabric, so that the multilayer fabric is ready for use without further processing. The porous core fabric may be formed by weaving or as an extruded sheet, with a plurality of suitably located hook means structures on at least one of its surfaces. The hook structures engage with and entangle sufficient fibers from the pre-needled nonwoven batt to provide adequate attachment preventing the batt from separating from the core fabric enabling the multilayer fabric to be handled before use, for example for installation in a papermaking machine press section. The batt is pre-needled to a desired density before attachment to the core fabric.

Abstract: A calender belt for the compliant calendering of a paper web includes an endless base substrate, a staple fiber batt attached to at least the outside of the endless base substrate, and a polymeric resin material totally impregnating the fiber/base composite structure comprising the endless base substrate and the staple fiber batt to a substantially uniform depth. That depth may be such that the polymeric resin material does not reach the base substrate, or partly or completely impregnates the base substrate. A layer of polymeric resin material is built up upon the staple fiber material to a predetermined thickness. Once the polymeric resin material is cured, it is ground to a desired smoothness without exposing any fiber on the ground surface.

Abstract: A multi-layer papermaking fabric for use in a papermaking machine. The multi-layer fabric includes an upper fabric layer having a paper fiber support surface which is formed of first warp yarns interlaced with first weft yarns with at least one of these being knit yarns. Also, the lower fabric layer is formed of second warp yarns interlaced with second weft yarns. The construction of the knit yarns forms a series of loops which extend longitudinally and transversely of their longitudinal axis. These loops form the support surface with increased cover and provide for more uniform drainage of the paper forming fibers.

Abstract: An on-machine-seamable multi-axial press fabric for the press section of a paper machine is made from a base fabric layer assembled by spirally winding a fabric strip in a plurality of contiguous turns, each of which abuts against and is attached to those adjacent thereto. The resulting endless base fabric layer is flattened to produce first and second fabric plies joined to one another at folds at their widthwise edges. Crosswise yarns are removed from each turn of the fabric strip at the folds at the widthwise edges to produce seaming loops. The first and second fabric plies are laminated to one another by needling staple fiber batt material therethrough. The press fabric is joined into endless form during installation on a paper machine by directing a pintle through the passage formed by the interdigitation of the seaming loops at the two widthwise edges.

Abstract: A papermaking fabric primarily for use as a press felt comprises basalt fibers.

Abstract: An on-machine-seamable multi-axial press fabric for the press section of a paper machine is made from a base fabric layer assembled by spirally winding a fabric strip in a plurality of contiguous turns, each of which abuts against and is attached to those adjacent thereto. The resulting endless base fabric layer is flattened to produce first and second fabric plies joined to one another at folds at their widthwise edges. Crosswise yarns are removed from each turn of the fabric strip at the folds at the widthwise edges to produce unbound sections of lengthwise yarns. A seaming element, having seaming loops along one of its widthwise edges, is disposed between the first and second fabric plies at each of the folds at the two widthwise edges of the flattened base fabric layer. The seaming loops extend outwardly between the unbound sections of the lengthwise yarns from between the first and second fabric plies.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for use in making a web of papermaking fibers. The apparatus comprising: a dewatering felt layer having a first web facing felt surface at a first elevation and a second oppositely facing felt surface, and a web patterning layer comprising a photosensitive resin. The patterning layer penetrates the first felt surface, and extends from the first felt surface to form a web contacting top surface at a second elevation different from the first elevation. The invention also comprises a method of forming a web support apparatus having a felt layer and a web patterning layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to melt-spun monofilaments of polyamide, polyester or polypropylene as filament-forming polymers with improved abrasion resistance and their use for producing technical materials or use as wire.

Abstract: A paper making felt for use in hot press or press drying paper making processes comprising a base cloth layer and batt fiber layers, with at least the paper-contacting surface layer of the batt fiber layers composed principally of poly(paraphenylene benzoxazole) fiber. The felt exhibits a high degree of resistance to flattening, and consequently its effectiveness in removing water from the paper and its useful life for that purpose are enhanced.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for use in making a web of papermaking fibers. The apparatus comprising: a dewatering felt layer having a first web facing felt surface at a first elevation and a second oppositely facing felt surface, and a web patterning layer comprising a photosensitive resin. The patterning layer penetrates the first felt surface, and extends from the first felt surface to form a web contacting top surface at a second elevation different from the first elevation. The invention also comprises an method of forming a web support apparatus having a felt layer and a web patterning layer.

Abstract: An industrial conveying fabric having a laminated multilayer construction. The laminated fabric includes a first fabric having a tubular configuration that is flattened and a second open flat fabric disposed within the first tubular fabric. The opposed ends of the second fabric project through the first fabric and are joined together to seam the laminated fabric. Preferably, the laminated fabric is used as a base fabric for a papermakers wet press felt and has fibrous batting material needled thereto.

Abstract: A multilayer papermaker's press felt fabric comprising in combination a woven first fabric layer, typically a double layer fabric, has a cross machine direction pin seam. A second fabric layer is located on the paper side face of the first fabric layer, and a layer of needled batt is applied to the paper side face of the second layer binding the layers together. A flap comprising a short length of the second fabric layer with attached batt overlays the pin seam area in the first layer. The second layer comprises a plurality of relatively narrow strips, which are located with a lateral edge at a first cant angle of from more than 1.degree. to less than 20.degree. to the machine direction. A third layer, similar to the second layer, can be included on the machine side of the first layer; the strip widths, the cant angles, and the direction of the cant angle relative to the machine direction for each of the two strips need not be the same. The fabric is assembled using a spiral winding technique.

Abstract: The invention relates to postcondensed paper machine felts comprising a polyamide base fabric and a polyamide coating needled thereon, the paper machine felts having a relative solution viscosity in sulfuric acid in accordance with the DIN 53,727 standard of 5 or more.The invention further relates to a method of increasing the molecular weight of paper machine felts which comprises impregnating the paper machine felts with a solution of postcondensation catalysts, followed by drying and thermally postcondensing the felts below the melting point of the polyamide in a solid phase by the exclusion of oxygen.

Abstract: Continuous belts used on paper making machines are made of alternating aliphatic polyketones. The belts have excellent dimensional stability, are hydrolytically stable, and have good resistance to abrasive wear.

Abstract: A paper structure having at least three regions is disclosed. The paper structure has a first region, a patterned second region, and a third transition region connecting the first and second regions. The first and second regions are disposed at different elevations, and can each have a thickness less than a thickness of the transition region. An apparatus and process for making such a paper structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dryer fabric for use with drying drums in a dryer section of a paper forming machine wherein a plurality of transversely extending filament yarns interconnect a plurality of transversely extending filament yarns to form the dryer fabric as a continuous loop. The dryer fabric is formed with a plurality of silicone strips along its edge portions to prevent wear due to abrasion and heat, the silicone rubber encapsulates end portions and edge ones of the yarns forming beads along the outer surfaces of the dryer fabric which separate the yarns from direct contact with the drums. The dryer fabric is capable of operating at temperatures of between 350.degree. to 500.degree. F. in a paper forming machine without accelerated degradation.

Abstract: A belt, for a press section, which includes a body portion which is permeable to pressurized gas provided in a press nip and which is substantially impermeable to liquid during passage through the press nip. A press section and method which includes such belt are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for making paper. The apparatus comprises a felt and a pattern layer joined to the felt. The felt has a relatively high UV absorbance. Such a high UV absorbance prevents the actinic radiation applied to cure the pattern layer from scattering when the radiation penetrates the surface of the pattern layer. By limiting the scattering of radiation beneath the surface of the pattern layer, extraneous cured pattern layer material is minimized in the regions of the felt where it is desired not to have pattern layer material.