Abstract: Apparatus for directing air to media. The apparatus including an impinging plate having an array of orifices. The orifices are arranged in a plurality of rows oblique to the direction of motion of the media, and are also arranged to provide air to the media.

Abstract: A cellulose pulp drying box for drying a web of cellulose pulp having blow boxes that are operative for blowing gas towards the web of cellulose pulp for drying the pulp. At least 10% of the total number of blow boxes of the drying box are provided, in their respective face, with openings having a characteristic measure of 1.8 to 3. mm and constituting at least 20% of the total degree of perforation of the face of the respective blow box.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for reducing thermal stresses in a rotating, foraminous thin-shelled roll for drying permeable and semi-permeable webs by blocking axial flow of heated air through an axial channel formed between two corrugated layers in the shell. The axial channels extend between spaced-apart, parallel end members each having an inner face, and a plurality of alternating straight thin divider strips and bent thin strips extending axially between and evenly-spaced around the circumference of the inner faces of the end members to form an annular cylinder with radial channels therethrough. Affixing at least one impermeable insert into a radial channel so that it extends through the radial channel and across at least a portion of the faces of the two tiers of bent strips blocks the axial channel therebetween and prevents the passage of air therethrough to the end member.

Abstract: A web stabilizer adapted to stabilize a web moving across a span between two components of a web machine or machines, the stabilizer including: a surface facing and adjacent the moving web, and at least one transition in the surface of the stabilizer, wherein the transition is a protrusion or recess in the surface between a leading edge of the stabilizer facing a direction of web travel and a trailing edge of the stabilizer.

Abstract: Web stabilizer particularly for one-sided flotation of a running web. The device includes two discharge slots which allow for increased draw down force, which flattens machine direction wrinkles in a floating web. There is a primary discharge slot and a second discharge slot spaced from and stepped down from the primary discharge slot, a first web support surface between the primary discharge slot and the secondary discharge slot, and a second web support surface downstream of the secondary discharge slot in the direction of web travel. An integral blower provides a supply of air that is uniformly distributed to the primary and secondary slots. Air discharged from the primary slot is gathered into the air stream of the secondary slot and creates an increased air cushion to provide greater support to the web and thereby remove machine direction web wrinkles caused by higher tension in light weight webs.

Abstract: The present invention includes a nozzle insert for use in a drying machine of the type used in paper web drying. The nozzle insert of the present invention includes at least one intake having a central portion, wherein a pair of center vanes is disposed for directing airflow. The central portion is bounded by at least one turning vane adapted for directing airflow in a lateral direction. For each turning vane, there is at least one straightening vane adapted for curtailing swirling of the airflow. The vanes are oriented at optimal angles for directing the flow of the nozzle in a lateral direction, while permitting some air to penetrate the central portion through a series of ports. The intakes are bounded by a series of insulated bulkheads, which serve to direct airflow and contain heat-loss through thermal emission.

Abstract: A stage apparatus in which a rectangular substrate which is levitated over a stage is transferred such that a pair of sides of the rectangular substrate are substantially parallel to a transfer direction and the other pair of sides of the rectangular substrate are substantially perpendicular to the transfer direction. The stage includes a plurality of gas spray ports to spray a gas and a plurality of suction ports to attract the rectangular substrate by suction. The rectangular substrate is levitated at a predetermined height from the surface of the stage in a substantially horizontal posture by means of suction of a suction mechanism through the plurality of suction ports and gas spray of a gas spray mechanism through the plurality of gas spray ports.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing particleboard (PB), medium density fiberboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB) and board products and the like employ density control for producing a board product having a desired configuration.

Abstract: Step air foil particularly for one-sided flotation of a running web, and web dryer incorporating the same. The air foil includes two discharge slots which allow for increased draw down force, which flattens machine direction wrinkles in a floating web. The air foil includes a primary discharge slot and a second discharge slot spaced from and stepped down from the primary discharge slot, a first web support surface between the primary discharge slot and the secondary discharge slot, and a second web support surface downstream of the secondary discharge slot in the direction of web travel. The air foil is in communication with an air supply which provides a supply of air that is uniformly distributed to the primary and secondary slots. Air discharged from the primary slot is gathered into the air stream of the secondary slot and creates an increased air cushion to provide greater support to the moving web and thereby remove machine direction web wrinkles caused by higher tension in light weight webs.

Abstract: The present invention includes a nozzle insert for use in a drying machine of the type used in paper web drying. The nozzle insert of the present invention includes at least one intake having a central portion, wherein a pair of center vanes is disposed for directing airflow. The central portion is bounded by at least one turning vane adapted for directing airflow in a lateral direction. For each turning vane, there is at least one straightening vane adapted for curtailing swirling of the airflow. The vanes are oriented at optimal angles for directing the flow of the nozzle in a lateral direction, while permitting some air to penetrate the central portion through a series of ports. The intakes are bounded by a series of insulated bulkheads, which serve to direct airflow and contain heat-loss through thermal emission.

Abstract: A throughflow cylinder made at least partly of fiber-reinforced plastic including glass fibers, aramide fibers, carbon fibers, and/or carbon-reinforced plastic (CRP). The matrix material of the fiber-reinforced plastic includes a material heat resistant at least up to 300° C. such as a resin. At least one fiber layer is provided such that the coefficient of thermal expansion ? of the fiber-reinforced plastic is lower than that of steel at approximately 300° C. and preferably lies in a region of 0??<9·10?6·1/Kelvin. The manufacture of the fiber-reinforced plastic, for example carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, is such that more than approximately 30%, in particular more than approximately 50% and preferably more than approximately 70% of the fibers are oriented at least substantially in the peripheral direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a dryer for a printer such as a print on demand wallpaper printer. The dryer has a compartment with an opening across the top. The opening is in a path of a moving media web which is printed on by the printer. The opening is optionally covered by a door. A source of heated air is located above the opening and blows heated air downwardly onto the door, or the opening if the door is open. In general, the door covers the opening and acts to support the web when the door is closed. When the door is open, the moving web can enter the compartment.

Abstract: A dryer has a blower and means for dividing an airflow into two separate chambers. A drying channel is defined between the two chambers and material to be dried passes along the channel. The walls between the chambers and the channel are apertured to allow air to flow into the channel. The channel increases in cross-sectional area along the length thereof such that air flowing along the channel is subject to a pressure drop. The air thus flows substantially in one direction along the channel.

Abstract: Known devices for contactlessly guiding or treating continuous lines of material (1) have one chamber (2). A supply device (3) for a gaseous fluid is connected to said chamber (2), which has a gas-permeable wall (4). The outer surface (5) of said wall (4) is embodied as a guide surface for the line (1). According to the invention, the gas-permeable wall (4) is produced from a porous, metal-containing material with open pores which have an average diameter of less than 500 &mgr;m, preferably less than 100 &mgr;m, especially less than 20 &mgr;m. The porous material used for the guiding surface enables the line (1) to glide on a fluid pad of less than 1 mm. The losses of fluid on the surfaces not covered by the line (1) are very low.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for impingement of fluid onto a moving surface. The apparatus includes an asymmetric slot nozzle having an opening formed between an upstream wall and a downstream wall. The nozzle is disposed generally adjacent the surface onto which the fluid is to be impinged forming an impingement distance between each of the walls of the nozzle and the surface. The impingement distance of the upstream wall is greater than the impingement distance of the downstream wall such that at least a portion of the fluid is delivered through the nozzle in a direction that is counter to the machine direction.

Abstract: An adjustable deckel profiler is disclosed, for use in apparatus for drying a moving paper web. The profiler is a slidable member which interacts with impingement air to control and adjust the air against the moving web. Means are provided for adjusting and setting the profiler relative to cross machine drying air profiling.

Abstract: An air bar for steering a web of material has a hollow interior subjected to an air bar supply pressure. At least one air jet exit is connected to the hollow interior of the air bar. A metering device is assigned to the hollow interior of the air bar for varying the air pressured formed below the web of material for moving the web of material in a lateral direction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drying a coated paper web (W) or the like web. The apparatus (10) comprises sequentially in the running direction of the web—a turning device (16) arranged on the first side of the web and provided with blow nozzles (20), with which the running direction of the web to be dried is turned in a non-contacting way, and web drying devices (30, 30′) arranged on the first and the second sides of the web, in which the web is dried in a non-contacting manner. The apparatus further comprises a counterpart (18) provided with overpressure nozzles (24), arranged on the second side of the web at the point of the turning device (16), for stabilizing the web run by means of blows generating a local overpressure between the web (W) and the carrier surfaces of the overpressure nozzles (24).

Abstract: A method and flotation dryer unit effects drying of a web such as a coated paper web. The flotation dryer unit advantageously includes several nozzle boxes extending across the web for feeding drying air toward the web to be dried, a distribution chamber for drying air for leading the dry air into the nozzle boxes, and a suction chamber for gathering the drying air led toward the web from the web area and for directing it to the side of the web. The suction chamber is divided into an equalizing space and an air transport chamber by a perforated plate for equalizing the return air flow occurring from the web area.

Abstract: A blowbox for use in a plant for drying a material web includes an essentially horizontal box wall having formed therein circular orifices and eyelid perforations each of which includes a slit extending in parallel with the center line of the upper box wall. A depression is formed m the upper box wall adjacent one side of the slit. The eyelid perforations are arranged in two rows and parallel with the center line and together they form a zigzag pattern about the center line that intersects the depressions of the eyelid perforations in both rows. The orifices are disposed in a first and second pair of rows with both rows in each pair positioned on either side of and spaced equally from the center line. The upper box wall has a shallow continuous arcuate shape across its entire width.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) assisted flotation air bar dryer apparatus and method for drying and/or curing a traveling web includes RF generating means for delivering RF through field and RF stray field to the web to heat the web, air bars to direct air flow to the web for cooling to facilitate emission of moisture therefrom and to avoid blistering due to overheating, an RF field reflector to reflect RF energy to the web, and a control system to monitor and to control air temperature and/or flow, RF field strength, and/or web temperature to maintain a balance between heating and cooling to obtain efficient high speed drying while avoid damage to the web.

Abstract: A method and device for drying a coating on a paper web or equivalent in which the direction of running of the paper web is turned, free of contact, by blowings produced by a turning device and the coating on the paper web is dried free of contact by blowings of drying devices placed at both sides of the paper web. The direction of running of the paper web is turned by drying blowings. The exhaust air of the turning device and drying device, which is placed at the side of the turning device, is removed from direct vicinity of the paper web or equivalent by a common exhaust device. The turning device and drying device are placed under and within a common box construction so that access of the exhaust air into the surrounding space is prevented. The device includes a turning device for turning the running direction of the paper web free of contact and a drying device for contact-free drying of the coating on the paper web.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an endless textile web by passing it in a direction along an endless path and contacting it with a treatment fluid has a conveying nozzle provided with a housing traversed by the path and having a lateral inlet, an upstream tube and downstream tube longitudinally traversed by the path. The upstream tube has an upstream portion of a cross section decreasing in the direction and a downstream portion of substantially constant cross section and having a downstream end. The downstream tube has an upstream portion of a cross section decreasing in the direction and having an upstream end in the housing upstream of the downstream end of the upstream tube, spaced laterally outward from the downstream portion of the upstream tube, and forming with the downstream portion of the upstream tube a gap open into the housing and a downstream portion of cross section increasing in the direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for blowing air at a spread-out length of textile fabric being transported onward can be reduced in its dimensions and at the same time made more favorable from an energy standpoint during operation if the blow-out nozzles are embodied as injector nozzles. The injector nozzles can be flexibly adapted, in terms of their distribution in three dimensions, to the width of the length of fabric.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for the non-contact drying of a web of material. The apparatus includes air flotation nozzles for floating the web, and direct air impingement nozzles for enhanced drying of the web. A plurality of air flotation nozzles or air bars are mounted in one or more sections of a dryer enclosure in air-receiving communication with headers, preferably both above and below the web for the contactless convection drying of the web. In conjunction with these air flotation nozzles, one or more sections of the dryer also includes direct impingement nozzles such as hole-array bars or slot bars. The drying surface of the web is thus heated by both air issuing from the air flotation nozzles and from the direct impingement nozzles. As a result, the dryer has a high rate of drying in a small, enclosed space while maintaining a comfortable working environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drier for printed strips, comprising a housing through which the printed strips are carried, means for supporting the strip, a feed means for feeding heated gas to the housing, a discharge means for discharging gas from the housing, and a recirculation device for recirculating the gas present in the housing during standstill of the strip, wherein the recirculation device has been adapted for maintaining recirculation parallel to the direction of movement of the strip. As a consequence of these features the temperature prevailing in the space in the housing is kept substantially uniform during standstill of the strip. By maintaining the operating temperature there is hardly any need for temperature increase to take place during the start-up procedure, so that this procedure will proceed quickly.

Abstract: An air tube for use in a drying apparatus includes a tapered main tube body comprising an open air inlet end and a closed end opposite the open air inlet end, an air discharge port including an air exhaust slot, and an air diffuser located between the main tube body and the air discharge port, wherein the air diffuser includes a plurality of air flow apertures that are located at a position offset from the air exhaust slot of the air discharge port. The air tube is readily incorporated into a film processing system that includes a plurality of processing tanks, a film drying apparatus including a plurality of the air tubes, and a mechanism for transporting a photosensitive film through the processing tanks and into the film drying apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for eliminating the danger of inadvertent failure of a weight-bearing retraction system, such as a dryer hood retraction system. A load lifted using a fluid cylinder can be easily locked in place against gravity by using a double rod ended cylinder, where the rod end not exerting the force is permitted to move through a clearance hole while the load is being lifted, and is then blocked to prevent the return motion until the load is to be released.

Abstract: Flotation drying apparatus for the staged (indirect) heating of solvent laden air recirculating within a drying enclosure, and a method of optimally controlling and directing solvent laden recirculation air such that condensation and sapping of solvent and various solvent-based by-products may be effectively reduced or eliminated. In addition to the reduction of condensate, a greater and more uniform mixing of the atmosphere within the drying enclosure is achieved, thereby enhancing safety and the drying process as pockets of high concentration solvent vapors are reduced. Air from outside the dryer enclosure is heated within the dryer enclosure, and is mixed with solvent-laden air. The mixed air is recirculated to the first drying zone of the dryer.

Abstract: A device for drying printed webs or sheets in a printing press utilizes a blower box having a lower wall that is provided with an array of blower nozzles. Each nozzle is formed by a blower opening which is placed in a surface of the depression. The blower openings are oriented in a pattern that promotes complete and efficient paper web or sheet drying and tensioning.

Abstract: A device for drying strips of printed material includes a drying chamber through which the strips of printed material are carried, the drying chamber being divided into at least two sections by walls and being as gas-tight as possible in relation to the environment, at least one burner connected to the drying chamber by an outlet duct for discharging at least a portion of combustion gases and connected to the drying chamber by a feed duct for feeding to the burner gases saturated with solvents and structure for feeding fresh air to a first of the at least two sections being located at a first outer end of the drying chamber. The feed duct is connected to a second of the at least two sections.

Abstract: An air tube for use in a drying apparatus includes a tapered main tube body comprising an open air inlet end and a closed end opposite the open air inlet end, an air discharge port including an air exhaust slot, and an air diffuser located between the main tube body and the air discharge port, wherein the air diffuser includes a plurality of air flow apertures that are located at a position offset from the air exhaust slot of the air discharge port. The air tube is readily incorporated into a film processing system that includes a plurality of processing tanks, a film drying apparatus including a plurality of the air tubes, and a mechanism for transporting a photosensitive film through the processing tanks and into the film drying apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for air-drying material webs, in particular material webs of relatively high grammage such as pulp webs. The invention also relates to a nozzle-blow-box and a pulp dryer that make use of the method. Air blowings in a direction substantially perpendicular to the web and air blowings in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the web are applied to the web to be dried from underneath the web. By means of these blowings, both heat is transferred to the web and the web is supported by the air free of contact, and the run of the web through the dryer is stabilized. In order to improve the transfer of heat in comparison with a planar carrier face, the air flow velocity parallel to the plane of the web is initially kept substantially invariable. The air flow velocity is lowered in the lateral areas of the carrier face by employing lateral areas of the nozzle-carrier face that become rampwise and/or stepwise lower in the air-flow direction.

Abstract: A calender for treating a material web, particularly a paper web, with at least two rolls forming with each other a roll gap for passage of the web, with a heating system and with a removable cover system. The cover system comprises a foil which is tightened at least around part of the circumference of at least one of the rolls while forming a machine-wide gap between itself and the shell surface of the respective roll, and extending in planes situated parallel to the roll axes.

Abstract: Apparatus including a single sided airfoil floater conveyor for floatingly conveying a running web of indeterminate length. The apparatus has a series of longitudinal air bars arranged in parallelism and spaced along the path of web movement. The bars have a rear edge and a perforated foil extends along and from the bar rear edge and terminates in a trailing edge. A tail plate extends along the foil trailing edge and away therefrom in a direction of web movement, and forms an air outlet opening with the next adjacent air bar for the exit of spent air. The tail plates act to maintain velocity of the air passing thereover and thereby results in a decrease of air pressure on the web and consequently tends to pull the web down. This inhibits the web from excessive floating and prevents uncontrolled instability and excessive fluttering of the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing contaminants from the surface of a web moving in a processing direction within a web processing system, the web processing system including a web processing structure, the apparatus including a chill roll air bar disposed proximate to a surface of the web, for separating the contaminated air from the surface of the web before that surface of the web engages the processing structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the dry treatment of a fabric in which an open width fabric is caused to move alternately between an inlet pile and an outlet pile through a duct in which there are currents of air of an appropriate temperature causing the said alternate movements. The fabric is supplied gradually to the inlet pile and is gradually withdrawn from the outlet pile. The apparatus comprises chambers for the said piles and blower and heating means for the air currents.