Abstract: A web making machine is monitored to identify at least one cross-machine direction (CD) actuator that is developing local mapping problems. The identified CD actuator and a segment of surrounding actuators are probed to determine a performance curve for the actuator. The center of an insensitivity region of the performance curve is selected as an optimal mapping alignment setting for the identified actuator with the setting for the actuator being updated. Global smoothing may also be accomplished by probing a global smoothness factor to generate a corresponding performance curve that is then similarly used to select an optimal value for the smoothness factor.

Abstract: Raw rolls and/or sheets of flat sheet stock are charted by a processing system that generates charting patterns using constraint logic programming, that matches the charting patterns and available raw rolls and/or sheets of flat sheet stock, and that selects the optimal patterns from those matching charting patterns and available raw rolls and/or sheets using mixed integer linear programming.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the causes of failures in industrial processes, in particular continuous processes with continuous webs, e.g. paper, textiles, plastic or metal films. Equipment and machines for industrial processes, in particular processes with continuous webs are frequently very complex combinations of drive components and automation components. As a result process failures are very difficult to detect and evaluate, among other reasons because they generally manifest themselves at different points in the equipment or machine. The present invention provides a monitoring system the monitors and measures output signals throughout the industrial process to determine if any failures will or may occur and provide data analysis to determine what caused the failure be means of the online monitoring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in the manufacture of a fiber-based web-like product for optimizing the operation of the process being used, in which method quality factors are defined for the product being manufactured control variables, which affect the state of the process, or quality factors of the finished product, are defined for at least part of the process. In addition, an operating model is created, which is used to depict the effect of each control variable on the quality factors, and a user interface is created, through which varying values for the control variables can be input to the operating model and the values of the quality factors can be depicted simultaneously, in such a way that the values of the control variables and the values of the quality factors can be viewed simultaneously.

Abstract: Fast cross direction caliper control recovery time in a sheet making machine during startup of the machine after a sheet break is achieved provided that a preselected time duration measured from the occurrence of the sheet break to the clearing of sheet break has elapsed. One or both of calender stack conditioning and conditioning of a measurement from a sensor for measuring caliper of the sheet, both with feedback CD control suspended, can be selectably performed. These operations can be performed concurrently if the selected time duration for both are identical. A closed loop change in a set of control tuning parameters of a PI controller providing feedback caliper control of actuators associated with the calender stack can be performed after either or both of the other operations are performed.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling short circulation in a paper machine, in which the control of at least one property of the diluted fiber-containing pulp conducted to the headbox is based on consistency measurement or determination in high-consistency fiber-containing pulp, diluted pulp and/or white water. The amount of fiber-based fines in high-consistency fiber-based pulp, diluted fiber-based pulp and/or white water is determined, and the result obtained is used for controlling at least one property of the fiber-containing pulp to be conveyed to the headbox.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling one or more properties of a sheet of material to be manufactured on a sheet-making machine is disclosed. Actuators to control the sheet properties are arrayed in the cross-direction of the machine. Properties data about one or more properties of the sheet of material are measured and both the magnitude of an actuator control action and the cross-direction shape of an actuator control action are controlled to minimize the variation of the measured properties data from a desired target for each of the one or more properties.

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 web is wound in a paper or board machine into machine reels, which are run on a slitter-winder to form customer rolls, whose desired diameter and width are determined according to customer need. A continuous-trimming running mode is used in which a desired amount of web is run into a machine reel and, when needed, splicing is performed on the slitter-winder to produce customer rolls with a desired diameter size. The machine reel diameter is determined based on restrictions set on the location of a splice in the customer roll and the amount of broke produced from the machine reel is optimized. Information about the customer rolls to be slit is obtained from a production control system for calculating/optimizing a machine reel diameter instruction for optimizing the diameter of the next machine reel, and the calculated/optimized machine reel diameter instruction is set in the control system of a reel-up.

Abstract: A method includes receiving measurement data from at least one sensor at a first controller. The measurement data is associated with a process. The method also includes receiving a first output signal at the first controller. The first output signal is generated by a second controller and affects the process. The method further includes determining how to control at least a portion of the process using the measurement data and the first output signal. In addition, the method includes providing a second output signal, where the second output signal is operable to control at least the portion of the process. The second controller may be operable to use the second output signal to generate the first output signal.

Abstract: A processing machine, such as a printing press, is supplied with materials, such as rolls of paper, under the control of a control system. The control system is of a higher order than either of the material supply system and the processing machine. It is connected to both the supply system and the processing machine for transmitting data using signals.

Abstract: A method for creating a cutting plan for a strip-like material for maximizing a quality yield of the process is invented. In the method a cutting plan for a strip-like material is made based on end-product data, and the strip-like material is driven at a production speed in a manufacturing machine or in a finishing machine, and strip length data is recorded. A chart of the strip-like material characteristics is generated and stored in a memory. The recorded strip length data and the chart of the strip-like material characteristics is calibrated with calibration data in a winding process, and during a set change in the winding process the cutting plan for the strip-like material is optimized for maximizing a quality yield of the process based on the end-product data and the calibrated chart of the strip-like material characteristics, and a revised cutting plan is created from the optimization result.

Abstract: A method for operating a machine (10) in the graphics industry using a computer (4), at least one job, which is processed on the machine (10), being storable in the computer (4). The method is distinguished in that the computer (4) includes a control device which determines the properties of the stored job; the control device sets up the machine (10) in accordance with the ascertained properties; and, to process the job, the control device computes necessary further data from the existing data and subsequently processes the job. Also a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: In a method for the production of a fibrous web, especially a paper or cardboard web, an automatic ash control system and an automatic retention control system for the reduction or suppression of an interactive build-up of the two controls are linked via a model for the dependence between the filler addition and the retention agent consumption. A computer assisted quality control system is also cited.

Abstract: Method and system for controlling web formation in the forming section of a paper machine includes measuring the amount of white water occurring during drainage in at least one drainage region of the forming section; and carrying out the web formation control on the basis of the white water measurement.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for slicing a food product having a non-uniform cross-sectional area. A laser line scanner scans the cut face of the food product. A line scan camera receives light reflected from the cut face of the food product. The line scan camera is positioned such that the line field of view of the line scan camera intersects the scanning line of the laser line scanner at the cut face of the food product. A controller determines an area of the cut face of the food product using the light reflected from the cut face of the food product and advances the food product to be cut by the cutting device by an amount such that a next slice of the food product cut by the cutting device will have a thickness such that the next slice will be of the predetermined weight based upon the area of the cut face.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a printing correction and a device for this. A method for carrying out a printing correction is provided, a product being printed on during a processing procedure by a plurality of processing devices, positions of two printing marks A,B,C,D being recorded. The positions of the printing marks A,B,C,D are evaluated and an automated correction of the print is carried out in the light of the positions of the printing marks A,B,C,D, the correcting including a correcting of a printing length. Furthermore, an apparatus is provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a book binding apparatus, the image forming system includes: a first detection section which detects maximum and minimum book-body sheet length in the bundle of the book-body sheets; a second detection section which detects a thickness of the bundle of the book-body sheets; a third detection section which detects a cover sheet length; a selection section to select whether the cover sheet length is determined based on the maximum book-body sheet length or on the minimum book-body sheet length; a calculation section which calculates a cutting amount of the cover sheet according to the selection; a trimming section which cuts the cover sheet based on the calculated cutting amount; and a book binding section which encases the bundle of sheets of the book-body with the U-shaped cover sheet.

Abstract: Cutting and skiving patterns to be used in the production of product rolls from a master roll are selected so as to optimize trim efficiency. The product rolls have widths ordered by customers. In selecting these cutting and skiving patterns, cutting patterns that can be used to trim master rolls of the same or different dimensions in order to fill customer orders for the product rolls are generated, skiving patterns for skiving auxiliary rolls that result from trimming the master roll in order to produce the product rolls according to the customer orders are generated, and those of the generated skiving and cutting patterns that optimize trim efficiency for the production of the product rolls are selected.

Abstract: A web making machine is monitored to identify at least one cross-machine direction (CD) actuator that is developing local mapping problems. The identified CD actuator and a segment of surrounding actuators are probed to determine a performance curve for the actuator. The center of an insensitivity region of the performance curve is selected as an optimal mapping alignment setting for the identified actuator with the setting for the actuator being updated. Global smoothing may also be accomplished by probing a global smoothness factor to generate a corresponding performance curve that is then similarly used to select an optimal value for the smoothness factor.

Abstract: A three dimensional object creation system that prints objects layer by layer, the system including a plurality of printheads, the system printing at least part of each of multiple layers simultaneously, the system configured to enable at least one first printhead that is initially configured to print at least part of a first layer to be dynamically reconfigured to print at least part of a second layer, and wherein if at least one printhead initially configured to print the second layer fails whilst printing said second layer, said at least one first printhead is dynamically reconfigured to complete the printing of at least part of said second layer.

Abstract: The operation of a doctor assembly (16) in a paper machine is monitored. In case of a malfunction, the paper machine's (10) control devices (14-14?, 15) are used to carry out the necessary measures for eliminating the malfunction and carrying out repair and/or protective measures. In addition, detector devices (20) are arranged in connection with the doctor assembly (16), to detect a malfunction. The detector devices (20) are connected to the control devices (14, 14?, 15) of the paper machine (10), in order to carry out the said measures automatically. The invention also relates to doctor assemblies in a paper machine for implementing the method.

Abstract: A system that prints three dimensional products, the system including at least one printhead that prints electrical connections to at least one object incorporated in the products.

Abstract: A three dimensional object creation system that prints objects layer by layer, the system including a plurality of printheads, the system printing at least part of each of multiple layers simultaneously.

Abstract: A system for controlling a processor having at least one sampling port connected to a stage of the processor in order to sample a reactant product from the processor. The system includes a controller configured to control a processing parameter of the processor based on measurements of at least one property of the reactant product such that changes to the processing parameter maintain a target value for the at least one property of the reactant product. The system further includes a dead time compensator. The dead time compensator is configured, based upon a prescribed dead time related to a time before at least one effect of at least one change to the processing parameter is fully realized, to evaluate the reactant product to determine if the effect has been realized at a plurality of sequential times offset from the dead time.

Abstract: A transfer correcting method for a thin material transfer apparatus includes detecting a front end of a thin material by the sensor, and transferring the thin material from a position of the sensor, to a processing unit, and further a reference transfer range from the processing unit to produce a first processed thin material portion, and transferring the thin material the reference transfer range to produce a second processed thin material portion, calculating a first correction value based on the reference transfer range and a measured length of the second processed thin material portion and a second correction value based on measured lengths of the first and second processed thin material portions, and correcting the transfer from the sensor position to the processing unit position, and the transfer from the processing unit position based on based on the first and second correction values.

Abstract: A system for creating three dimensional products is provided. The system has a plurality of subsystems, with each subsystem configured to print one layer of N1 of a plurality of layers making up a three dimensional product, where N1 is greater than 1 and to change the layer being printed on receipt of a change instruction. In the event that one of the subsystems fails, the system configures at least one of the remaining subsystems to synchronously change to print the layer of the failed subsystem without requiring transfer of data relating the respective layer to the said at least one remaining subsystems. When a subsystem is changed to printing a different layer, the system is arranged to reconfigure the subsystem to be capable of printing N2 of the plurality of layers, where N1 and N2 are the same number of layers.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling one or more properties of a sheet of material to be manufactured on a sheet-making machine is disclosed. Actuators to control the sheet properties are arrayed in the cross-direction of the machine. Properties data about one or more properties of the sheet of material are measured and both the magnitude of an actuator control action and the cross-direction shape of an actuator control action are controlled to minimize the variation of the measured properties data from a desired target for each of the one or more properties.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for identifying mapping of a paper machine by means of a mapping test. The invention comprises forming a mapping model which takes the linear and non-linear shrinkage of a paper web into account. The mapping test result is analyzed to form a non-linear shrinkage profile and a linear mapping error from it. The linear error and the non-linear shrinkage profile thus obtained are used in the mapping model.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for monitoring dewatering in a wet end section of a web production machine. The process includes measuring water flowing into the wet end section, measuring water flowing out of the wet end section, measuring conductivity of the wet web entering the wet end section, measuring conductivity of the water flowing into wet end section, measuring conductivity of water flowing out of the wet end section, and determining a water balance from the measured quantities, which is indicative of dewatering in the wet end. The apparatus is arranged to perform the process.

Abstract: A system and process for measuring paper formation characteristics in real time is disclosed. The system comprises apparatus used in a papermaking process, and includes a rotating forming fabric having an upper and lower surface. A paper slurry is deposited upon the upper surface of the moving forming fabric to prepare a wet paper web. The wet paper web typically moves at a high rate of speed as it rides along upon the surface of the forming fabric. Light is transmitted from a light source to the surface of the wet paper web, and then reflected from the surface of the wet paper web to a camera. An image is formed corresponding to the pattern of the reflected light, and in some instances data generated from the reflected light may be compared to other values to provide a feedback loop to adjust the parameters of the papermaking process in real time.

Abstract: A method of controlling tension in a material handling process. An error signal of the process is determined. The velocity analog value of the material is determined and an instantaneous integral gain is then determined according to the velocity analog value. A proportional gain is determined. A first material parameter threshold value is determined. A first material parameter analog value is measured. The output of a controller is then adjusted according to the error signal, the instantaneous integral gain, and the proportional gain. The adjustment of a process output according to the instantaneous integral gain is controlled according to the relative values of the first material parameter threshold value and the first material parameter analog value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the degree of engagement of a tool (6, 7) disposed on the outer radius of at least one associated rotating roll (4, 5) with a web of material (1) running past it. The aim of the invention is to improve the method so that the degree of engagement of the tool can be adjusted without loss of time and without producing any scraps. To this end, for adjusting the degree of engagement of the tool (6, 7) with the web of material (1), first several different degrees of engagement are electronically defined by means of different peripheral speeds of the tool (6, 7) so as to be retrievable. Once an adjuster (13) is activated, the change to another defined degree of engagement takes place during operation precisely when the tool (6, 7) engages with the web so that the new degree of engagement is carried out when the tool (6, 7) engages with the web of material (1) for the next time.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a process output in a material handling process. The velocity analog value of the material is determined and an instantaneous integral gain is then determined according to the velocity analog value. The output of a controller is then adjusted according to the instantaneous integral gain.

Abstract: A system that executes a process, the system including a plurality of subsystems, each of which performs a stage of the process, each of the subsystems configured to perform one of a first subset of N1 of the stages, where N1 is greater than 1 and to change the stage of the subset being performed on receipt of a change instruction; wherein, in the event that one of the subsystems fails, at least one of the remaining subsystems synchronously changes to performing the respective stage of the failed subsystem without requiring transfer of data relating the respective stage to the said at least one remaining subsystems, and when a subsystem changes to performing a different stage, the system reconfigures the subsystem to be capable of performing a second subset N2 of the stages where N1 and N2 have the same number of stages.

Abstract: Paper quality is controlled in the production of a paper web, where paper stock is fed from the headbox of the paper machine onto the wire section, whereby the paper stock is formed into a paper web. The headbox flow rate and consistency are measured from the paper stock fed into the headbox, and the water quantities removed on the wire section during the formation of the paper web are measured on the wire section. In the method, a filler distribution model is established, into which data on the wire section geometry, measured headbox flow rate and consistency and on the water quantities removed on the wire section are entered, and the model is used for establishing an estimate of the filler distribution, and the running values of the paper machine are adjusted on the basis of the estimated filler distribution.

Abstract: In a method for the production and converting of paper, paper-specific information determined during paper production is transmitted to and considered during the respective converting process to thereby optimize at least one converting process.

Abstract: The present invention solves the quality control problems that exist in manufacturing equipment for sheet form products, that is, although the position correspondence between actuators and measuring points has been measured and switched for every raw material recipe, it takes a lot of time and effort and if the position correspondence shifts during machine operation, the position correspondence must be measured again by measuring step responses. According to the present invention, the position correspondence, interference width, and process gain of a process model are modified so that the deviation between the process model and the measured profile is minimized by inputting the manipulated variable of the actuators to the process model. This position correspondence is also set to a cross direction controller that outputs the manipulated variable.

Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to accumulating limited lengths of such continuous webs and to controlling tension in such continuous webs during the processing operation. Both tension control and limited accumulations are achieved in festoon systems by connecting corresponding movably mounted festoon rolls to an actuator, sensing parameters such as position, tension, velocity, and acceleration related to the web and the festoon, and providing active force commands, in response to the sensed variables, to cause translational movement, generally including a target acceleration, in the movably mounted festoon rolls to control tension in the web while providing limited accumulation of a length of the web. The festoon control system can be used to attenuate tension disturbances, in the alternative to create controlled tension disturbances.

Abstract: A method of controlling tension in a material handling process. An error signal of the process is determined. The velocity analog value of the material is determined and an instantaneous integral gain is then determined according to the velocity analog value. A proportional gain is determined. The output of a controller is then adjusted according to the error signal, the instantaneous integral gain, and the proportional gain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and assembly for opening the nips (9,10) of a calendar comprising at least two elements (1, 2; 3, 4) brought to a nip contact with each other, especially for performing the nip opening at a break or damage occurring in the web (5) being calendered. The tension of the web (5) being calendered is measured at multiple points over the cross-machine width of the web (5) and the calender nips (9,10) are opened when the measured web tension at a preset number of points over the cross-machine width of the web (5) has fallen to a limit value that by a decision-making algorithm monitoring the tension profile of the web (5) is interpreted to indicate a web break situation or other damage on the web (5) requiring opening the nips (9,10).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adjusting a chemical dosage of a pulp processing stage. The method comprises measuring a change in a variable in dependence on the chemical dosage and the chemical dosage to be added, and determining a model describing the change in the variable as a function of the chemical dosage. A performance index is determined for the new model to be compared with the performance index of certain previously determined models. The model that produced the best performance index is put to use.

Abstract: The present invention solves the quality control problems that exist in manufacturing equipment for sheet form products, that is, although the position correspondence between actuators and measuring points has been measured and switched for every raw material recipe, it takes a lot of time and effort and if the position correspondence shifts during machine operation, the position correspondence must be measured again by measuring step responses.

Abstract: A system (30) and method for determining stock consistency and for using consistency as a process variable to control some aspect of operation of a refiner (32) used to refine stock. The system includes at least one sensor (70 or 180) from which some refiner characteristic is obtained that is used by a processor (38) in determining consistency. The method uses the characteristic, such as temperature or pressure inside the refiner or in a refining zone (304) of the refiner, along with at least one other refiner parameter in determining consistency. A controller (274) uses the consistency determined in controlling some aspect of refiner operation. In one preferred controller, consistency is compared with a consistency setpoint and adjustments are made to try to converge consistency with the setpoint. The controller can be paused to accommodate other changes made to refiner operation and released when steady state refiner operation is achieved.

Abstract: A pattern solution set for paper roll trimming to fulfill orders is generated using constraint programming and a heuristic. For every pattern generated, an objective function is evaluated based on the sum of waste factor and the variance of the quantity ordered for all widths in that pattern. The pattern that has the least objective function is chosen with the maximum number of sets possible. Orders are updated with the quantities left over and then the process continues, forming a solution tree, which serves as an initial solution set. The initial solution set is checked individually against the average loss of the solution set. Nodes in the solution tree having trim loss greater than the average loss are identified. Branches of the tree emanating from its parent are explored for better patterns. The process continues until all patterns are below the initial average loss.

Abstract: A control system is provided for controlling a process for making paper or paper pulp. The process has a process product output at an end of the process. The controls include a process variable sensor input configured to receive a process variable related to the process. The controller is configured to provide a control signal to control the process. A process model has a model product output which is a model representation of the process product output. The model process output is a function of the sensed process variable and a product output setpoint representative of a desired process product output. The control signal is a function of the product output setpoint and the modeled product output.

Abstract: A fully-integrated computer-aided method for sizing and building paper reels from which a plurality of smaller rolls of paper are created.

Abstract: Computer instructions that operate to project a first three dimensional geometry piece of a mechanical design onto a two dimensional plane forming a projected geometry piece, build a two dimensional feature on the projected geometry piece are disclosed, and build a relationship between the two dimensional feature and the projected geometry piece. Once the relationship is built, the instructions operate to convert the two dimensional feature into a three dimensional feature and incorporate the three dimensional feature including the relationship with the first three dimensional geometry piece to form a second three dimensional geometry piece with the incorporated feature. In one embodiment, the computer instructions are part of a mechanical design software application. In one embodiment, the mechanical software application including the computer instructions are embodied in distribution storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an algorithm used in a method and apparatus for controlling a paper machine, in order to automatically tune parameters used to calculate the initial value of web moisture percentage at a dryer part inlet after grade change and parameters used to calculate the dry-bulb temperature of air within a hood.

Abstract: Headbox transient responses for sheet weight and moisture are modeled as a combination of two sets of time constants and dead time delays. One set represents a shorter delay with faster response dynamics, the fast mode weight and moisture responses, and the other models the longer delay with slower dynamics, the slow mode weight and moisture responses. A weight and/or moisture transient model is then formed for headbox changes by combining the fast mode weight and moisture responses and the slow mode weight and moisture responses. Stock weight and moisture dynamic and delay time models are determined for operation of stock flow of the paper making machine and the stock flow is controlled in accordance with the stock weight and/or moisture models and the headbox weight transient and/or moisture transient model to compensate for weight and moisture changes in a web of paper being manufacture which weight and moisture changes result from headbox changes.