Abstract: An apparatus and method for expanding a box blank into a box, the apparatus comprising an arm assembly, a controller, a camera and a box blank conveyor. The arm assembly includes a folding arm having a position in a first direction and a rotational angle controlled by the controller based on a position of a feature of the box blank in the field of view of the camera. The camera captures images of the box blank which are used to position the arm assembly and to evaluate the need to reject a box blank.

Abstract: A packing method for a defective sheet based on branch-and-cut algorithm, including: acquiring sheet information, where the sheet information includes size information of the defect sheet, size information of a target block and position information of a defect; based on actual cutting requirements, establishing constraints; and establishing a primal problem model according to the constraints; converting the primal problem model into a relaxed problem model; checking and verifying the obtained solution by x-check method to determine whether the obtained solution meets the constraints of the primal problem model; outputting the optimal solution to obtain an optimal cutting plan that meets the actual cutting requirements; and cutting the defective sheet according to the optimal cutting plan. A system for implement the packing method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for expanding a box blank into a box, the apparatus comprising an arm assembly, a controller, a camera and a box blank conveyor. The arm assembly includes a folding arm having a position in a first direction and a rotational angle controlled by the controller based on a position of a feature of the box blank in the field of view of the camera. The camera captures images of the box blank which are used to position the arm assembly and to evaluate the need to reject a box blank.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating composite parts. One embodiment is a method of fabricating a composite part. The method includes providing a preform on a tool mandrel, positioning sensors around the preform according to a target shape of the composite part, and sealing the preform with a vacuum bag to form a chamber. The method also includes applying temperature and pressure to the chamber to infuse a resin into the preform to create a composite preform undergoing infusion, monitoring a thickness of the composite preform prior to completing cure, and adjusting at least one of the temperature and the pressure prior to completing cure based on the thickness.

Abstract: A method for monitoring equipment and gathering consumption and diagnostic information can comprise receiving, at a server, a corrugate usage indicator. The corrugate usage indicator can comprise information relating to an amount of corrugate used by a first packaging system. The method can also comprise creating a usage profile for the first packaging system. The usage profile can comprise a corrugate usage profile. The corrugate usage profile can comprise an association between the amount of corrugate used by the first packaging system and the specifications and number of boxes created. Additionally, the method can comprise automatically generating, based upon the corrugate usage profile, a predicted time when a stock of corrugate associated with the first packaging system will be depleted.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a sheet metal stamping simulation is provided. The method may include defining elements of a finite-element mesh representing a stamped panel, operating on the elements to simulate deformation of the panel during stamping to generate, for each of the elements, incremental differential major and minor plastic strain values, applying a weighting factor to temporally adjacent pairs of the values to generate smoothed values, deriving, from the smoothed values and for each of the elements, a plurality of plastic strain incremental ratios representing plastic flow direction of the elements during the deformation, and altering colors of a map based on the ratios to represent changes in severity of plastic deformation of the stamped panel.

Abstract: An augmented virtual model of a commercial structure, such as a processing plant and/or a manufacturing plant which includes a virtual design, as built data and experiential measurement data. A User may view the augmented model in a virtual reality setting based with the content presented to the user based upon a location of the user at the time of viewing. Aspects of the Augmented Virtual Model are updated over time and utilized to track performance.

Abstract: A machine learning apparatus includes a state observing unit and a learning unit. The state observation unit observes, during repeated processing operations, a state variable including a processing downtime and at least one of an actual one-cycle processing time of a processing machine and the temperature of a motor. The learning unit learns a value for selecting, based on the state variable and an overheat alarm level, the shortest processing downtime, which satisfies the fact that the temperature of the motor does not exceed the overheat alarm level when the repeated processing operations are performed.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes a feeding rotary member, a conveying rotary member pair, an output unit, a detection unit, and a control unit. The conveying rotary member pair includes first and second rotary members. The control unit stops a feeding operation when the detection unit does not detect the recording material by the time when a threshold time has elapsed after an operation of feeding a recording material is stated. The control unit determines that the recording material is stopped at a position on an upstream side relative to the nip portion in the feeding direction in a case where a rotation speed of the second rotary member, indicated by a state signal output from the output unit at least in a period of time from when the recording material reaches the nip portion to when the feeding operation is stopped, is faster than a threshold speed.

Abstract: Displacement or a load is applied to an elastic-plastic material to deform the elastic-plastic material plastically to acquire experimental values of a stress-strain relation. With a kinematic-hardening incremental vector d?ij of a yield surface in an elastic-plastic constitutive model as a predetermined first equation, the elastic-plastic constitutive model being defined as a function of stress and back stress, a computer identifies material constants contained in the elastic-plastic constitutive model with the acquired experimental values. The computer identifies material constants contained in a predetermined second equation on the basis of the acquired experimental values and the predetermined first equation into which the identified material constants are substituted.

Abstract: A method of controlling a process for the manufacture of a multicomponent sheet material having a desired pre-determined parameter comprising applying electromagnetic energy to interact with the sheet material whereby the interaction modifies the applied energy, detecting the modified energy, comparing the modified energy or data derived from it with data relating to the pre-determined parameter and modifying at least one step of the process whereby the data relating to the modified energy is modified towards the data relating to the pre-determined parameter.

Abstract: Augmented reality techniques for monitoring and controlling continuous sheetmaking systems superimpose real-time sheet quality measurements onto images of the sheet and/or machine during production. A portable, hand-held computer device that is equipped with a camera, such as a tablet or smartphone, enables an operator to direct the device at the sheet along specific locations of the papermaking machine and view an indication of one or more quality measurements that are superimposed over the image of the paper. The operator can assess and resolve problems associated with the sheet being produced and/or machine.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes, a punch unit configured to perform punching processing on a sheet conveyed from one of a plurality of sheet storing units capable of storing a sheet or a pre-punched sheet, an input unit configured to input a number of holes punched in the pre-punched sheet stored in one of the sheet storing units, an acquisition unit configured to acquire a number of holes that can be punched by the punch unit, a determination unit configured to determine whether the input number of holes coincides with the acquired number of holes that can be punched, and a control unit configured to display a predetermined warning in a case where the determination unit determines that the input number of holes does not coincide with the acquired number of holes that can be punched.

Abstract: A sheet manufacturing apparatus is provided with a screen portion in which introduced material is passed through a plurality of openings; an information acquiring unit configured to acquire at least one of inflow information related to a flow rate of the material that flows into the screen portion and outflow information related to a flow rate of the material that passes through the screen portion; and a controller configured to make a determination that a clogging of the screen portion is generated when the flow rate is reduced based on at least one of the inflow information and the outflow information.

Abstract: A system for forming a building panel of a desired shape includes a shaping machine comprising multiple rollers, wherein the shaping machine is configured to provide a desired shape to a building panel, and wherein the building panel is made from sheet material. A drive system moves the building panel longitudinally along the shaping machine, and a power source provides power to the drive system. As the building panel is moved along the shaping machine, a load sensor detects a load placed on the power source, and an optional speed sensor detects a speed of the building panel. A control system controls the drive system in response to a signal from the load sensor so as to control the load on the power source as the building panel moves along the shaping machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of paper and board which comprises: (a) introducing one or more fillers, one or more anionic polysaccharides and one or more cationic agents into a mixing zone to form a filler composition; (b) introducing by means of a pump the filler composition into an aqueous suspension comprising cellulosic fibers; and (c) dewatering the obtained suspension. The present invention also relates to a process for the production of a filler composition which comprises: (a) introducing one or more fillers, one or more anionic polysaccharides and one or more cationic agents into a mixing zone to form a filler composition; (b) introducing by means of a pump the filler composition into a storage tank.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet processing system includes estimation means which, based on bundle information relating to a number of sheets by denomination of a plurality of the sheets included in a bundle, and weight information of the sheets by denomination, estimates a weight of the bundle, to output estimated weight information, measurement means for measuring a weight of the bundle, to output measured weight information; comparison means for comparing the estimated weight information and the measured weight information, and control means for controlling a processing of the bundle, based on a comparison result of the estimated weight information and the measured weight information.

Abstract: A method includes passing a web of material over a deflector having a backstep, where the backstep causes the web to deflect towards the deflector. The method also includes capturing measurements of one or more characteristics associated with the web at one or more locations downstream of the backstep. In addition, the method includes identifying a cross direction (CD) profile of machine direction (MD) tension on the web using the measurements. The method could further include generating a Coanda airflow between the web and the deflector. The measurements could include pressure measurements identifying air pressures in a space between the web and the deflector and/or deflection distance measurements identifying distances by which the web is deflected towards the deflector.

Abstract: A method of controlling a process for the manufacture of a multicomponent sheet material having a desired pre-determined parameter comprising applying an acoustic or an electromagnetic signal to interact with the sheet material whereby the interaction modifies the applied signal, detecting the modified signal, comparing the modified signal or data derived from it with data relating to the pre-determined parameter and modifying at least one step of the process whereby the data relating to the modified signal is modified towards the data relating to the pre-determined parameter.

Abstract: In order to achieve an improved or optimized operation mode of an “expanded drying section” of a paper machine—having the “actual” drying section, separated, if applicable, into pre-drying and post-drying sections with a size press located therebetween, a steam and condensate system, an exhaust air heat recovery system, a wet press and the white water—a model that includes the above system components is proposed, with which mass and energy balances for the system components as well as the specific energy consumption of the drying section are calculated, based on values for parameters relevant for the drying process.

Abstract: A method may include determining a shape of a structural document, determining a plurality of dimensions of the structural document, receiving information associated with one or more content items, receiving contact information to include on the structural document, receiving an indication of a location on the structural document where the contact information is to be displayed, and causing a graphical representation of the structural document to be displayed at a computing device. A shape and dimensions of the graphical representation may correspond to the determined shape and dimensions, the contact information may be displayed on the graphical representation at the location, and the graphical representation may include at least a portion of the received content items. The method may include receiving an indication that a user is finished creating the structural document, generating a print document including an encoded data mark, and providing the print document to print-related devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held apparatus for controlling the condition of a circulating band in a papermaking machine; the apparatus comprises a hand-held body which carries: a moisture measuring device, equipped with at least one microwave sensor; a permeability measuring device, comprising at least one water delivery nozzle and a flowmeter associated with the nozzle; and a control unit connected to the measuring devices for processing signals coming therefrom; the body is equipped with at least one handle portion to be grasped by an operator for manually moving and maneuvering the apparatus.

Abstract: An initial setpoint determiner that determines an initial setpoint for controlling a web forming process based on a sensed signal indicative of a characteristic of an output generated by the web forming process, a setpoint adjuster that periodically determines an adjustment signal based on local regional error characteristics of the output generated by the web forming process, and a final setpoint determiner that determines a final setpoint signal that controls the web forming process based on the initial setpoint and the adjustment signal.

Abstract: A cross-direction feedback controller, profiler system and actuator setpoint controller are provided in communication with a plurality of actuators in a machine of a web-forming process, and with a local region detector that determines an actual profile response of a product of the web-forming process in response to consecutively bumping each of the actuators. A relationship between generated profile response data and an actuator setpoint change in the generated profile response data is represent by a profile-to-actuator general interaction matrix, which is expanded into linear equations that describe impacts of bumped actuators on different profile points of generated profile response data. The linear equations are rearranged into a bump-magnitude matrix as a function of a desired response model vector. A least-square solution is found for the bump-magnitude matrix, convolved with a window function and then optimized to minimize error between an actual and a modeled profile response.

Abstract: Normalized values are determined from variance partition analysis data boxes acquired for a reel of paper. The value include an average value of variability of machine direction long-term scan energy over a time period; an average value of variability of cross direction profile scan energy observed in a spatial domain over a second time period; an average value of variability of energy of a remainder of data points that are averaged out from a total of machine direction long-term scan average energy variability and cross direction profile scan average energy variability during a third time period; and a total variability value as a function of the machine direction long-term scan average energy variability, the cross direction profile scan average energy variability and the data points remainder average energy variability. An automated diagnosis and analysis function is performed that is specific to one of the values exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for optimizing a quality parameter in a process that is not directly measurable online using conventional measurement devices. The technique includes the use of a first inferential model to predict a value for the parameter based upon other process variables. A second inferential model predicts a residual component of the process parameter based off non-controllable residual variables of the process. The inferential model outputs are combined to produce a composite predicted value which may be further adjusted by an actual prediction error determined via comparison with an offline measurement. The adjusted predicted value is provided to a dynamic predictive model which may be adapted to implement control actions to drive or maintain the quality parameter at a target set point.

Abstract: When discretizing an analysis target part into plural elements and performing analysis, sheet thickness reduction rate or maximum principal strain at an equivalent position including a same element is compared by either a manner of combining two adjacent elements after the analysis or a manner of changing an element discretization size with two types and performing the analysis, and the element where the difference is large is extracted as a fracture risk portion. With this structure, a fracture risk portion can be extracted reliably when a fracture is predicted by a finite element method.

Abstract: A method and system for stabilizing dry-based density of wood chips from several sources feeding a chip processing stage upstream of a chip refining process, perform on-line estimation of a set of wood chip properties characterizing the wood chips, including light reflection-related property, moisture content and dry-based density, which are used by a reference model capable of comparing the estimated dry-based density with a predetermined target to produce error data, and selectively modifying discharge rate set points of one or more of the wood chip sources to minimize the error data within fluctuation limits around the target. The discharge rate of the wood chip sources is controlled in accordance with the set points to substantially stabilize the dry-based density of the wood chips.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for asymmetrically controlling a process parameter based upon the direction of a prediction error between a predicted value determined using an inferential model and a laboratory measurement of the parameter. The present technique provides for the adaptive biasing of the predicted value based upon the direction of the prediction error. In one embodiment, a biasing factor may be determined by filtering the prediction error, such that the prediction error is emphasized more heavily in the biasing factor if the prediction error is in a less tolerable direction and emphasized less heavily if the prediction error is in the opposite direction. The biasing factor may further be determined as a function of a previous biasing factor computed during the process. Asymmetric control of the process parameter may be performed by controlling the parameter using model predictive control techniques based on the biased predicted values of the parameter.

Abstract: A method for tuning operation of servo motors includes selecting a plurality of discrete positions in a guillotine blade cycle for which to determine tuning coefficients, determining tuning coefficients at the discrete positions, interpolating tuning coefficients for positions between the discrete positions, and applying the determined and the interpolated tuning coefficients to the servo motor. The servo motors may be used in connection with a guillotine cutter for separating individual sheets from a continuous web. The guillotine cutter blade may be driven by a servo motor to cyclically lower and raise to transversely cut the web transported below the cutter blade.

Abstract: A converting line comprises a first unit at a first region of the converting line and a second unit at a second region of the converting line. The first unit is positioned in series with the second unit. The converting line further comprises a third unit at a third region of the converting line and a fourth unit at a fourth region of the converting line. The first, second, third, and fourth units are configured to each perform at least one function. The third unit is positioned in parallel with the first unit, the second unit, or the fourth unit. The converting line further comprises a controller configured to activate at least one of the units based a received product order. The converting line is configured to produce a first product different from a second product during a single run of the converting line.

Abstract: Alignment is a critical component for modeling a cross-directional (CD) papermaking process. It specifies the spatial relationship between individual CD actuators to paper quality measurements. Misalignment can occur unexpectedly due to sheet wander or CD shrinkage variation. In certain applications and circumstances, a misalignment of one third (?) actuator zone width can result in significant paper quality degradation. Detecting a misalignment and identifying CD alignment in closed loop are highly demanded in paper mills but these are nontrivial problems. A technique for maintaining proper CD alignment in sheetmaking systems entails monitoring the alignment online, triggering closed loop identification if misalignment is detected, and then deploying the new alignment. No personnel intervention is required.

Abstract: A method includes steps of: expressing changes of velocity components of a paper material at an exit of a slice lip by using a mathematical model, wherein the changes of velocity components are caused by manipulating an edge flow adjustment means (or a side bleed adjustment means) of a headbox when supplying the paper material on a wire; without changing a velocity component of a flow of the paper material in the mathematical model, setting the mathematical model based on an assumption in which a velocity component orthogonally crossing a flow direction of the paper material is proportionally changed by changes of an edge flow (or a side bleed) of a certain response width from the exit of the slice lip; and conducting a forecasting calculation of changes of a fiber orientation profile in a cross direction by using the mathematical model.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling the manufacturing or finishing process of a fiber web at a transition stage of the process. In the method a corrected error profile (PD?k) is formed using an error profile (PD). Using the corrected error profile (PD?k) at least one control signal (CAk) is determined for the actuators (6) of the manufacturing or finishing process of a fiber web.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a self healing andon system. One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a system comprising at least one server. The system further includes logic executed on the at least one server that retrieves a defect history associated with a vendor and at least one product from an inbound shipment from a memory. The at least one product is stocked in a materials handling facility, and the defect history is associated with a specified time period. The at least one server extracts at least one inventory defect from the defect history in a computer system and calculates an inventory defect rate. The at least one server imposes remedial measures if the inventory defect rate exceeds a specified threshold of the inventory defect rate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing or treating a fibrous web, in particular a paper web or paperboard web, with which at least one property of the fibrous web, in particular a CD (cross direction) profile, such as the moisture CD profile, is established such that a preselected quality range is adhered to or a predefined quality value is undershot by no more than a predefined deviation, wherein the power consumption of the method, in particular the heat energy input, is reduced therewith by establishing at least one property such that the lowest permissible value of the quality range or the maximum permissible deviation is reached at least approximately on a straight line.

Abstract: An air stabilization system employing two substantially parallel, codirectional Coanda nozzles, that are positioned adjacent a flexible moving web, with each nozzle exhausting gas at the same downstream machine direction, subjects the moving web to shear forces effective to stabilize the web. Each nozzle includes an elongated slot that is substantially perpendicular to the path of the moving web and a backstep located downstream of the direction of airflow extending from the Coanda slot. The two Coanda nozzles serve as separate points along the machine direction for controlling the height of the moving web. By modulating the velocities or other parameters of gases exiting the Coanda nozzles, the shape of the moving web between the nozzles can be manipulated to present a planar contour for measurements. The air stabilization system can be incorporated into a scanner head to measure the caliper of paper, plastic, and other flexible web products.

Abstract: An air stabilization system employing two parallel, opposite facing Coanda nozzles, that are positioned adjacent a flexible moving web, with each nozzle exhausting gas at opposite directions, subjects the moving web to opposing forces effective to stabilize the web. Each nozzle includes an elongated slot that is parallel to the path of the moving web. The two Coanda nozzles serve as separate points along the machine direction for controlling the height of the moving web. By modulating the flow, pressure and other parameters of gases exiting the Coanda nozzles, the shape of the moving web between the nozzles can be manipulated to present a planar contour for measurements. The air stabilization system can be incorporated into a scanner head to measure the caliper of paper, plastic, and other flexible web products.

Abstract: An air stabilization system employing two parallel, opposite-facing Coanda nozzles, with each nozzle exhausting gas at opposite directions, subjects a moving flexible web to opposing forces effective to create local tension within the web. Each nozzle includes an elongated slot that is perpendicular to the path of the moving web. The nozzles serve as separate points along the machine direction for controlling the height of the web. The operative surface with the nozzles can exhibit a flush surface. The nozzles can be formed on elevated structures on the operative surface. The operative surface can be covered with a transparent substrate to minimize shape distortions on the moving web and to prevent debris from collecting around the sensor. An internal baffle is employed to channel air flow within each nozzle. The baffle equalizes the gas pressure across the nozzle and directs air flow towards it.

Abstract: There is described a method and apparatus for tracking the location of web features through a converting process, one application of which can involve tracking paper defects from a paper machine as detected by a camera system, to a winder where the sheet is wound to rolls so that the web defects can be repaired in the winder before making the rolls. The method to track web features is based on pattern identification of inherent sheet variability or defects. The apparatus involves two or more sheet property or defect monitoring web sensors arranged at the same cross directional location at different stages of the converting operation, augmented by tachometers and/or roll diameter sensors. A full automation system for drive control on the winder based on this information is preferably added to make maximum advantage of this information.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for asymmetrically controlling a process parameter based upon the direction of a prediction error between a predicted value determined using an inferential model and a laboratory measurement of the parameter. The present technique provides for the adaptive biasing of the predicted value based upon the direction of the prediction error. In one embodiment, a biasing factor may be determined by filtering the prediction error, such that the prediction error is emphasized more heavily in the biasing factor if the prediction error is in a less tolerable direction and emphasized less heavily if the prediction error is in the opposite direction. The biasing factor may further be determined as a function of a previous biasing factor computed during the process. Asymmetric control of the process parameter may be performed by controlling the parameter using model predictive control techniques based on the biased predicted values of the parameter.

Abstract: A volume element (voxel) printing system for printing a three-dimensional object includes a first printhead group having a plurality of first printheads configured to print a first voxel layer on a substrate; at least one second printhead group having a plurality of second printheads downstream from the first group, the second printhead group configured to print a subsequent voxel layer on at least part of the first layer, said second printheads being reconfigurable as backup printheads for the first printheads in case of failure; a conveyor configured to convey the substrate past the printhead groups; and a control system configured to control and monitor the printhead groups, the object insertion device, and the conveyor, and dynamically to reconfigure the second printheads upon detection of failure of a first printhead. The at least one second printhead group is vertically spaced from the substrate by a greater distance than the first printhead group.

Abstract: A book product apparatus includes a gathering line and a plurality of feeding devices adapted to dispense at least one signature onto the gathering line. The apparatus further includes a controller operatively connected to the plurality of feeding devices for controlling the operation of the feeding devices, wherein a comparison of two customer data sources generates instructions for the feeding devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and a method for optimization of the process performance of a web-processing machine, in particular a machine for the production or further processing of paper, paperboard or tissue, including the following steps: storage of specific data of a component on a data storage unit fitted to the component; and/or measurement of relevant properties of the component by way of a sensor unit fitted to the component; sending of the specific data and/or the measured relevant properties to an open-loop control unit and/or a closed-loop control unit; and optimization of the process performance by way of the open-loop control unit and/or the closed-loop control unit using specific data and/or the measured properties of the component.

Abstract: Respective coordinators are spawned or activated to coordinate activities with regard to respective tasks. Where the respective tasks require cooperative efforts of a plurality of controllers, the respective coordinators ensure cooperative efforts by generating and communicating cooperative commands to the plurality of controllers. The coordinators may act as clearinghouses for system data, selectively requesting and relaying system information to appropriate controllers. For example, a document processing system activates respective coordinators for respective sheets of print media. The respective coordinators orchestrate the transportation of the sheets by sequentially orchestrating the activities of sequentially selected pluralities of transportation actuator controllers. Selected sheet position information from sensors and/or from models maintained by the actuator controllers may be relayed by the coordinators to selected actuator controllers as appropriate to the sheet transportation tasks.

Abstract: A paper machine includes equipment for processing or producing a product in a continuous manner, such as a paper sheet. A grade change occurs when the equipment transitions from producing or processing a product having a first grade to producing or processing a product having a second grade. To support the grade change, a target for at least one controlled variable and a target for at least one manipulated variable are identified. The at least one manipulated variable and the at least one controlled variable are associated with the production of the product. A trajectory for the at least one manipulated variable and a corresponding trajectory for the at least one controlled variable are identified using the targets. The grade change is implemented using the trajectories so as to transition from production of the product having the first grade to production of the product having the second grade.

Abstract: A method for analyzing technical processes is disclosed, which is characterized in that measuring data of the technical process is generated by at least one decentralized measuring unit, image data associated with a mechanical course of the technical process is produced by at least one decentralized image detection unit, the measuring data stored in the at least one decentralized measuring unit and the image data stored in the at least one image detection unit is provided with a time stamp available to all systems, the measuring and image data are transmitted to a central detection unit where said data is displayed and/or processed in a time-synchronous manner using the time stamp function. Since time stamping is carried out directly in situ, i.e.

Abstract: A machine for creping sheet material such as paper, textiles, metal foils, or plastic, comprises a driving drum, and a pressing plate for pressing a length of sheet material against the drum to drive the material lengthwise in the machine direction, and a retarding member arranged to contact the lengthwise-driven sheet material to cause it to crepe. The pressing plate has a plurality of pressure application points or areas distributed across the width of the sheet material on the drum, the pressure application points or areas being associated with pneumatic cylinders for applying different pressures to different parts of the material across its width according to a given pressure profile. The pneumatic cylinders can be arranged in groups to provide an adjustable pressure profile across the material wherein the pressures applied at the opposite edges of the material and at intermediate parts of the material are adjustable independently of one another.

Abstract: To prevent incorrect recognition of marks on a web, and to lighten a load to memory and arithmetic systems associated with mark recognition, a control apparatus for a printing machine includes a positional relationship acquisition means for previously obtaining a positional relationship between a position in a web traveling direction of each of the marks and a target cutting-off position of the web, and a detection timing control means for controlling mark detection timing so that the detection of each of the marks by a mark detector is performed during a specified period based on the positional relationship.

Abstract: An image-based measurement technique that directly measures the orientation of fibers in a moving web that comprises nonwoven material measures the orientation angles of the individual fibers so that a more robust estimate of the statistical distribution of fibers is obtained. The technique includes the steps of: (a) illuminating an area on at least one side of the web with radiation; (b) obtaining at least one digital image of the illuminated area; and (c) calculating the fiber orientation of the web by processing the at least one digital image with a gradient operator thereby analyzing the distribution of observed fiber orientation angles within the image. The gradient operator is preferably of a non-integer order between ? and ? and particularly between ¼ and ¾. The use of fractional-gradient operators yields more reliable results than when integer order gradients are employed.