Sheet, Woven Fabric Or Fiber Patents (Class 73/159)
  • Publication number: 20090183563
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing wrinkle resistance of a material, the apparatus including a base for receiving the material, the base coupled to a frame, at least one clamp for holding the material, the at least one clamp disposed upon the frame and movably fixed to an edge of the base and a loading mechanism for applying a desired load quantity on the material on the base. A method for testing wrinkle resistance of material, the method including providing a material on a base, the base coupled to a frame, providing at least one clamp for holding the material, the at least one clamp disposed upon the frame and movably fixed to an edge of the base and controlling a loading mechanism to apply a desired load quantity on the material on the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin Blase DeGrood
  • Publication number: 20090133488
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for testing the tendency of a paper to curl. The paper is cut from a paper making machine and rapidly humidified to standard TAPPI conditions, and is thereafter run through an apparatus having a substantially vertically oriented nip. The paper is measured for curl, all data are tabulated and fed back into a data acquisition or paper machine control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Kapil Mohan Singh, Williams Shields, Frederick Karsa
  • Publication number: 20090100916
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the softness of a hygienic paper or textile with at least one ply, wherein an element (106) is arranged relative to a positionally fixed sample (P), with at least one ply, of the hygienic paper or textile such that it can move and is designed such that it can be adjusted with respect to the sample (P) with a penetration force (F) acting on the sample (P) being specified, wherein in the region of the oscillations being produced between sample (P) and the element (106), an oscillation sensor (116) is arranged which registers the noises produced during the relative movement of the element (106) acting on the sample (P).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Giselher Gruener
  • Patent number: 7509874
    Abstract: The apparatus has an elongate and vertically running carrier (90) for pressure sensors (50), which precedes a group of levers (71 ). The cross section of this carrier (90) is arcuate, so that it has two flanks (93, 94 ). During the testing of a leg garment (80), this carrier (90) simulates the region of the shin. The apparatus has, furthermore, moldings or stays (88) which are carried by the levers and which simulate the rear face of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The width of these stays corresponds to the width of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The apparatus also comprises two longitudinally running groups (50) of pressure sensors, one of which is in each case assigned to outside of one of the flanks (93, 94) of the carrier (90). The leg garment (80) to be tested, in order to test it, is slipped over this apparatus in such a way that it lies on the outer faces both of the carrier (90) and of the stays and exerts pressure on the pressure sensors (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Salzmann AG
    Inventors: Daniel Kuenzli, Walter Braun, Muck Ruettiger
  • Publication number: 20090056435
    Abstract: An array of tissue products having: a. a first group comprising two or more tissue products, from at least two different product manufacturers, each product having an indicium representing an intensive property for softness; b. a second group comprising two or more tissue products, from at least two different product manufacturers, each product having an indicium representing the intensive property for strength or absorbency; and c. a third group of tissue products comprising two or more tissue products, from at least two different product manufacturers, each product having a lower price, to the consumer, per package of equivalent roll count than each product of the first group and the second group, of tissue products; wherein the Softness PSU of each product of the first group is greater than the Softness PSU of each product of the second group and each product of the third group; and the HFS value of each product of the second group is greater than about 65 g/sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Dean Larry DuVal, Kevin Mitchell Wiwi
  • Patent number: 7467537
    Abstract: There is provided a testing device for testing the seam of a garment that includes a mechanical abrader frame holding elongate members and a control unit. The mechanically oscillating elongate members are each connected to an actuator located within the frame. A test sample is placed on the elongate members of the mechanical abrader frame. Actuators are attached to the connection rods that extend through openings in the front wall of the frame and attach to each of the elongate members for imparting extending and retracting movement to the elongate member. Each of the actuators has an attachment member affixed to its rear end that permits a support rod to pass therethrough allowing for a degree of rotation about the support rod as the connection rod is extended and retracted. A control unit regulates movement of the elongate members and determines the number of revolutions of the elongate members. A method for testing the seam abrasion of a garment seam is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: BSN Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Serge Levine
  • Patent number: 7458170
    Abstract: An apparatus that accurately measures rope, wire, tubing and other materials is herein disclosed. A variety of different-sized models would possess different sized openings. One model with a one-inch opening would be used to measure small wire and cable. Another model with approximately a 3-inch opening would be used for larger electrical cables, rope, tubing and the like. An even large model would be available for measuring ductwork, hoses, and other large diameter material. As the material is pulled through the opening, an optical sensor, similar to that used on an optical computer mouse, accurately measures the material to the fraction of an inch. A mechanical sensor, utilizing a guide wheel is also envisioned. The length is displayed on a digital readout on the perimeter of the invention that is provided with a power button, reset button and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Shane D. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7458576
    Abstract: A sheet material information detection device has an external force applicator that applies an external force to a sheet material, a drive unit that drives the external force applicator, and an external force detector that detects through the sheet material the external force applied by the external force applicator. The drive unit produces motion vectors in at least two directions including a direction perpendicular to a surface of the sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiko Kawasaki, Norio Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20080289409
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the quality of a fiberglass mat. The method includes the steps of dyeing a test specimen of the fiberglass mat, scanning the test specimen with an optical detector to collect color data and comparing the color data to a predetermined standard to determine if the fiberglass mat is within the desired product specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: John M. Calicott, Donald E. Wise, JR.
  • Patent number: 7451982
    Abstract: A motor rotates a cam, thereby pulling up an external force application member while compressing an application spring. After that, the motor releases the external force application member to impact a sheet material. An impact force caused at a time when an external force receiving member receives an external force application member through the sheet material is detected by a piezoelectric element. When an electric power supply to the motor is stopped, a retraction spring allows the motor to idle through a wheel and rotates the cam to allow the external force application member to retract to a highest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiko Kawasaki, Norio Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7451643
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for testing the tendency of a paper to curl. The paper is cut from a paper making machine and rapidly humidified to standard TAPPI conditions, and is thereafter run through an apparatus having a substantially vertically oriented nip. The paper is measured for curl, all data are tabulated and fed back into a data acquisition or paper machine control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: International Paper Co.
    Inventors: Kapil Mohan Singh, William Shields, Frederick Karsa
  • Patent number: 7444862
    Abstract: A method and a roll for measuring a tension profile is provided. The roll has planted on its surface a spirally helical pressure-sensitive film sensor, such as an EMFi pressure-sensitive film sensor, which makes contact with a web obliquely and which, co-directionally with the web, has a measuring range which is substantially equal to or shorter than a web overlap angle when the roll is used for measuring a lateral tension profile of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Matti Innala, Jorma Kinnunen, Jussi Koskelainen, Tatu Pitkänen, Petteri Lannes, Markus Nylund, Marko Tiilikainen, Jyrki Saloniemi, Reijo Huuskonen
  • Publication number: 20080236252
    Abstract: A method of determining a testing volume for a micronaire measurement by containing a fiber sample within a micronaire chamber having a length and at least one movable end wall. A flow is initiated along the length of the micronaire chamber. The fiber sample is compressed within the micronaire chamber by advancing the movable end wall, and the advancement of the movable end wall is stopped when at least one property of the flow attains a set point. The position of the movable end wall defines the testing volume. In this manner, there is provided a convenient method of setting a testing volume and acquiring the information needed to take a micronaire measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: James T. Wender, Preston S. Baxter, Hossein M. Ghorashi
  • Publication number: 20080209998
    Abstract: The device is used for the automatic determination of characteristics on textile test material such as yarns, rovings, and slivers. A path is provided for the test material, through which path the test material is moved in its longitudinal direction. At least one measuring element for measuring a parameter of the test material is arranged along the path. In order to reduce the depositing of loose fibres, dust, or dirt particles, a plurality of suction elements, which are arranged along the path and spaced apart from one another, are provided and generate a vacuum, by means of which the undesired particles are sucked from the path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jurg Schulthess
  • Patent number: 7415881
    Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of at least one edge of at least one web material traveling along a predetermined path. In one embodiment, the sensor system has at least one transmitter block having a plurality of transmitters capable of selectively transmitting ultrasonic signals and at least one receiver block having a plurality of receivers capable of generating receiver output signals in response to the receivers receiving at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the at least one transmitter block. The receiver block is spaced a distance from the transmitter block so as to define a sensor field of view therebetween whereby at least a portion of the at least one web material traveling along a predetermined travel path interferes with at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the at least one transmitter block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Fife Corporation
    Inventors: Md M. Haque, Jim Yates, Wolfram Ploetz, Darcy J. Winter, Dale Hueppelsheuser
  • Patent number: 7406876
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting characteristics of an elastic structure (13, 22, 23, 32, 33, 93, 1202, 1302, 1402), said structure being provided with at least one sensor (111, 112, 14, 211, 212, 311, 312, 911, 1211, 1311, 1411) and said system comprising at least one detector (16, 416, 516, 916, 1316, 1416). The sensor comprises a deformable member, which upon deformation generates a signal convertible to a signal representing said characteristic, said sensor further comprises a passive transmitter and said detector a receiver for receiving said signal representing said characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Vasensor AB
    Inventors: Anatol Krozer, Christer Johansson, Sofia Johnsson, Brodde Wetter, Henrik Danielsson, Gustav Perers
  • Patent number: 7390379
    Abstract: The lateral position of a web or fabric edge 11 in a paper machine is determined using an ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor has a detector head 42, with an air channel system which opens to the vicinity of the head for forming an air knife which prevents accumulation of dirt on the head. The protective cover 35 has an air guide 43 extending further than the detector head 42, with air flowing thereabove from inside the protective cover 35 through an opening 36. The end component is on top of the protective cover allowing air to flow from the opening between the air guide and the end component to a detent, which turns the direction of the air flow. This provides efficient cleaning without disturbing, however, the operation of the ultrasonic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Sami Makkonen
  • Patent number: 7384509
    Abstract: A method for controlling the moisture profile of a paper web or board web processed in a heated multi-roll calendar to optimize the qualities of the paper or board, especially gloss. The method is characterized in that the moisture measurement is carried out both on either surface of the web and as a through-measurement, and the measurement results thus obtained are specified by a thermodynamic model which calculates the moisture of the web in three layers, and that the results thus obtained are used for controlling the supply of moisture to the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Antti Heikkinen, Heikki Kettunen, Hannu Lätti
  • Patent number: 7383720
    Abstract: A method and a device for testing whether planar material, in particular films, are leakproof. The planar material is continuously conveyed in a continuous process through a test chamber which has a test gas chamber on one side of the planar material and a measuring chamber on the other side of the planar material. The test gas chamber side is subjected to a test gas with a predefinable test pressure, and the presence of test gas on the measuring chamber side is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Hardy Buerkle, Peter Haag, Claus Loercher, Ruediger Nebelsiek
  • Patent number: 7380451
    Abstract: A sheet information output apparatus comprising an application member for applying external force to a sheet, a receiving member in opposition to the application member for receiving the external force, and an output unit for outputting a signal corresponding to the application of the external force. The receiving member has a depressed portion having a support portion for aerially supporting the sheet, a slope face provided inside the support portion and a bottom face. The smallest length of the supported sheet W, a depth from the support portion to the bottom face d, and a length of the application member in a direction of the smallest length at height d when the application member is brought into contact with the bottom face s satisfy [(W?s)/2>5d].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiko Kawasaki, Norio Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7357027
    Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of at least one edge of at least one web material traveling along a predetermined path. In one embodiment, the sensor system has at least one transmitter block having a plurality of transmitters capable of selectively transmitting ultrasonic signals and at least one receiver block having a plurality of receivers capable of generating receiver output signals in response to the receivers receiving at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the at least one transmitter block. The receiver block is spaced a distance from the transmitter block so as to define a sensor field of view therebetween whereby at least a portion of the at least one web material traveling along a predetermined travel path interferes with at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the at least one transmitter block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Fife Corporation
    Inventors: Md M. Haque, Jim Yates, Wolfram Ploetz, Darcy J. Winter, Dale Hueppelsheuser
  • Patent number: 7357022
    Abstract: A method and a surface evenness measuring roller for determining surface evenness measurement errors in steel and metal band comprising at least one measuring head having part measuring heads which part measuring heads are integrated respectively offset by 180° into the roller mantel and supported on two force transmitters and are further separated from the roller mantle by means of a circumferential motion gap and are braced with respect to one another by means of at least one tie rod wherein in the course of a measurement of the band tensile stress distribution over the whole band width the band with band is subject to tension over its whole band width wraps around the surface evenness measuring roller with a predetermined arc of contact and thereby exerts pressing forces onto the surface evenness measuring roller from which pressing forces can be determined the band tension distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: BWG Bergwerk-und Walzwerk-Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Noe
  • Publication number: 20080043802
    Abstract: Shape-memory polymer is a new kind of material utilizing shape memorizing mechanism of elastomer of polyurethane family. These materials exhibit novel properties such as sensing (thermal), actuaton, high damping, adaptive responses, super-elasticity capability and air permeability. Recently, they are used and applied to finish textiles and garments. Although there are some characterization methods for shape memory polymers, there is currently no characterization method to evaluate the effects of shape memory fabrics. This invention provides a method to determine the shape memory coefficient of fabrics. The fabric is first deformed from the original state to a deformed state and then subjected to a switch temperature. Different parameters are measured at the original state before and after the fabric is subjected to the switch temperature to determine the shape memory coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Jinlian Hu, Siu Ping Jane Chung, Edward Newton, Yuen Kei Li
  • Publication number: 20080041150
    Abstract: A measuring device for detecting product strips on a fabric, e.g., a paper-including or textile-including fabric, includes a sensor, that records optical, magnetic or electrical properties of the fabric, which converts the recorded property to a measuring signal, a device for establishing a signal threshold value, and a signal device which emits an optical and/or an acoustical signal when a change in the measuring signal beyond the threshold value is taking place. Using this measuring device, strip positions and strip widths may be recorded of the strips applied to the fabric which are not visible to the human eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Kerstin Lohr, Bernhard Funger, Andreas Piechowiak
  • Patent number: 7323085
    Abstract: A method for determining the basis weight of a first ply of a fibrous web, which covers a second ply of the fibrous web including the steps of positioning an electromagnetic transmitter and an electromagnetic receiver, radiating the fibrous web, receiving a measuring signal and a reference signal, and determining the basis weight. The positioning an electromagnetic transmitter and an electromagnetic receiver step includes positioning them proximate to a side of the first ply. The radiating the fibrous web step is accomplished by the electromagnetic transmitter radiating the fibrous web with at least one measuring wavelength and at least one reference wavelength, the second ply having different optical characteristics at the measuring wavelength than at the reference wavelength. The receiver receives a measuring signal, which is returned at the measuring wavelength and the receiver receives a reference signal that is returned at the reference wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Ischdonat, Rudolf Muench
  • Publication number: 20070295077
    Abstract: A dual sided sheet surface property sensor has the capability to simultaneously measure both sides of a moving sheet at the same location of the sheet on the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet. The energy directed to each side of the sheet may include UV, visible light, infrared, radio frequency, microwave, broadband, or X-ray. The sensor has a source and associated detector on each side of the moving sheet and each source provides energy at a different modulation frequency and the associated detector is responsive only to that frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Ake Arvid Hellstrom
  • Patent number: 7305894
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system for determining characteristics of two rolls configured in a nip press includes a strip configured to be placed in the nip press. A plurality of sensors embedded in the strip is configured to generate signals representative of the pressure and/or the nip width between the two rolls. Interface circuitry facilitates addressing of individual ones of the plurality of sensors via a data processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Stowe Woodward, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert Hunter Moore, David Murphy
  • Patent number: 7272972
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a thickness of a film in motion. The apparatus comprises a roller for receiving and supporting the film in motion, the roller being adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation. The apparatus also comprises a position detector for detecting when the roller is in a specific angular position as the roller rotates about the axis of rotation. The apparatus further comprises a measurement unit aligned with a specific portion of the roller and coupled to the position detector. The measurement unit is responsive to a detection of the roller being in the specific angular position to measure the thickness of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Avestor Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Dave Lessard
  • Patent number: 7255000
    Abstract: In paper and board machines the position of a rolling device relative to another rolling device and/or the force exerted by the rolling device on the other rolling device or any variable acting on these is measured, and the value of the measured variable is compared with the set value of said variable in order to obtain the difference value of the variable, and the position of the rolling device and/or the force it exerts on the other rolling device is controlled on the basis of the difference value. The fluid pressure of the hydraulic means (5) and/or the flow velocity of the fluid to the hydraulic means is changed in order to alter the difference value of the variable by opening and/or closing at least one digital valve in a digital valve pack (7) functionally connected to the hydraulic means (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatu Pitkänen, Petteri Lannes, Marko Tiilikainen
  • Patent number: 7246527
    Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for testing a curved panel assembly, which simulates a segment of an aircraft fuselage barrel section, subjected to combined loading. The device includes an axial load head assembly attached to the test panel assembly via one axial load fitting and configured to apply an axial load to the test panel assembly, and an axial-torsion reaction box connected to the axial load head assembly via linear journal bearing assemblies, where the axial-torsion reaction box is configured to be rotated by a pair of torsional loading systems to apply a torsional load to the test panel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Ostgaard, Ramanlal A. Patel, Lee A. McNeil
  • Patent number: 7234237
    Abstract: In a method for producing a protective cover for a device formed in a substrate, at first a sacrificial structure is produced on the substrate, wherein the sacrificial structure comprises a first portion covering a first area of the substrate including the device and a second portion extending from the first portion into a second area of the substrate including no device. Then a first cover layer is deposited that encloses the sacrificial structure such that the second portion of the sacrificial structure is at least partially exposed. Then the sacrificial structure is removed, and the structure formed by the removal of the sacrificial structure is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Martin Franosch, Andreas Meckes, Klaus-Günter Oppermann
  • Patent number: 7222548
    Abstract: A black panel assembly for use in an accelerated weathering test device having a specimen table includes a platform disposed on the specimen table, the platform including a plurality of standoffs and a mounting surface, wherein the plurality of standoffs elevate the mounting surface relative to the specimen table. The black panel assembly additionally includes a black panel having an exposure side and a mounting side, wherein the black panel is mounted on the platform from the mounting side. The black panel assembly further includes a temperature sensor connected to the exposure side of the black panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Atlas Material Testing Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Chris Wass, Richard Schultz, Mikhail Rokhlenko
  • Patent number: 7219556
    Abstract: A process for measuring snarling properties of a yarn is provided. Firstly a first and a second point of the yarn are held in close proximity, and a portion of the yarn between the two points is of a predetermined length. A predetermined tension force is temporarily exerted to the portion of the yarn, and simultaneously the portion of the yarn is temporarily restricted from twisting when the tension force is exerted. Then the portion of the yarn is released from the tension force such that the portion of the yarn is able to twist freely so as to form snarls thereon. Thereafter, the snarling properties of the yarn are measured by detecting an amount of the snarls thereby formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Charlotte Murrells, Ka-Kee Wong, Xiaoming Tao, Bingang Xu
  • Patent number: 7219542
    Abstract: A test medium and the use of a corresponding test material are provided for detecting the mechanical load in different assemblies, such as, for example, washing, cleaning and drying machines. A substrate is used, which under mechanical stress loses part of its volume, its weight, or its area, the loss then related to the treatment or processing in the assemblies. The test medium is preferably formed by a fabric composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: EMPA Testmaterialien AG
    Inventors: Daniel Fäh, Felix Frey
  • Patent number: 7204137
    Abstract: A thread breakage detection apparatus comprises a light source operable to generate a light beam, an emitter in communication with the light source, the emitter operable to emit the light beam, and a receiver in communication with and disposed in facing opposition to the emitter, the receiver operable to receive the light beam emitted from the emitter and to communicate the light beam to a sensor. The emitter comprises an emitter lens and a first fiber optic cable comprising proximate and distal ends. The proximate end of the first cable in communication with the light source and the distal end of the first cable in communication with the emitter lens. The receiver comprises a receiving lens and a second fiber optic cable comprising proximate and distal ends, the proximate end of the second cable in communication with the receiving lens and the distal end of the second cable in communication with the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Essex, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Skalchunes
  • Patent number: 7201056
    Abstract: Provided is a device for measuring at least one parameter of an extruded flat conductor cable in a water bath that follows the extruder. The device distinguishes itself in that the flat conductor cable is guided with one of its flat sides essentially perpendicular across an ultrasonic head arranged in a water bath and that the ultrasonic head is a displaceable ultrasonic head that can be displaced crosswise to the longitudinal direction, or the ultrasonic head is a stationary ultrasonic element row that extends crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the flat conductor cable. This device allows measuring the total width of the flat conductor cable, such that different parameters can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Zumbach Electronic AG
    Inventors: Erhard Bracher, Frédéric Guerne
  • Patent number: 7191655
    Abstract: A structure including an ultrasonic transducer, a material database, and a material determination section. The ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasound signals of a plurality of frequencies toward a printing paper over a frequency band covering 40 kHz to 100 kHz or more, and receives reflection signals. The material database stores information representing a reception signal on a material basis. The material determination section makes a material determination for the printing paper based on the information stored in the material database, and the signal (signal derived by amplifying a signal) received by the ultrasonic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kinya Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 7191657
    Abstract: A currency handling system has a limpness detector. The limpness detector has a single driven crackle roller with an elongated central bulge and two outer bulges, wherein the central bulge is in conforming relation to a flexible belt. Sheet metal guides further facilitate note deformation and sound production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Ken Maier, Marek Baranowski, Charles Cummings, John Mikkelsen, Brian Muszynski, Bo Xu
  • Patent number: 7185537
    Abstract: A nip characterization system which has as inputs the pressure applied to the nip by the hydraulic loading devices, and loads applied at the end bearings and/or the loads applied to the roll support beam, and in addition directly measures nip load, has more than sufficient information to completely characterize the nip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Byron G. Muhs
  • Patent number: 7178393
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus including a fixed stator, a rotor to rotate in the state of being disposed outside the center of rotation of the stator, a retaining mechanism for retaining a thin board on the rotor, and a measuring section to measure physical properties of the thin board. This construction makes it possible to avoid wind generated by rotation of the rotor in the vicinity of the thin board, and to suppress vibration of the thin board. Further, since a portion exposed to the thin board can be minimized, safe measurement can be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keishi Kubo, Masateru Doi, Naofumi Hino, Hiroyuki Mochizuki, Syojiro Satake
  • Patent number: 7174770
    Abstract: A method and device for using a permeameter comprising a measuring head (2) opposite which the sheet or strip (1) is displaced step by step. The method and device can comprise a registration including the determination of the permeability profile of the strip (1) over a period T including two different successive permeability ranges, determination of a sinusoid from said profile, the of two extremes of said sinusoid, centering the measuring head (2) on the second extreme, and moving the strip step by step by T/2 and, at each step, performing a permeability measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Exploitation Industrielle des Tabacs et Allumettes
    Inventor: Georges Cholet
  • Patent number: 7162932
    Abstract: In a method for determining the radial modulus of elasticity of paper or a corresponding web-like material that can be reeled or wound on a reel, the connection between the force and deflection of a material arranged in layers is measured. The measurements of force and deflection necessary for calculating the radial modulus of elasticity are performed on a reel of paper or corresponding material outside the reeling or winding position by loading the reel with a press member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Marko Jorkama
  • Patent number: 7151715
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus (1) are used to detect the position of the edge (2) of a moving product web (3). The apparatus (1) has piezoelectric elements (5), which firstly output ultrasonic pulses (10) and secondly pick them up and convert them into an electrical signal. The product web (3) is arranged between the piezoelectric elements (5) and a reflector (11) for this purpose. If the product web (3) is located in the measurement range of the piezoelectric element (5), it attenuates the ultrasonic pulses as a result of reflection or absorption during the double passage of the latter. The position of the product web edge (2) is calculated from this attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Erhardt & Leimer GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Eisen, Wolfgang Krauth, Hang Seibold
  • Patent number: 7143642
    Abstract: A fiber testing station. Electrically conductive first fiber retaining means engage first ends of fibers, where the fibers extend in substantially one direction from the first fiber retaining means to distal second ends of the retained fibers. The first fiber retaining means are electrically isolated from the fiber testing station. First length measurement means measure first relaxed lengths of the retained fibers between the first fiber retaining means and the second ends of the retained fibers. Electrically conductive second fiber retaining means engage the second ends of the retained fibers. The second fiber retaining means are electrically isolated from the fiber testing station. Moisture measurement means take electrical measurements along the retained fibers between the first fiber retaining means and the second fiber retaining means, and thereby determine a moisture content of the retained fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Uster Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Preston S. Baxter, James T. Wender, Muhammad Imran Sharafat, Youe T. Chu, Joe H. Mansfield, Michael E. Galyon, Hossein M. Ghorashi
  • Patent number: 7128808
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Metso Automation Oy
    Inventors: Tapio Metsälä, John Shakespeare
  • Patent number: 7114377
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a printing device comprises a printer configured to print upon paper, a surface-engaging member associated with the printer and configured to physically engage a paper surface, the surface-engaging member comprising a flexure material body that is supported in a cantilevered disposition proximate a piece of paper to be printed upon by the printer, a reflective member joined with the surface-engaging member, one or more light sources in operable proximity to the reflective member and configured to project light energy toward the reflective member, and a position detector mounted in operable proximity to the reflective member and configured to receive light energy that is reflected from the reflective member, the surface-engaging member being configured for displacement by the paper's surface in accordance with variations in the roughness of the surface sufficiently so that light that is reflected by the reflective member and received by the position detector can be utilized to ascertain a me
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Darin D. Lindig
  • Patent number: 7096743
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the flexural rigidity in the longitudinal direction of flat items of mail transported one after another on a conveying path includes a control device, a sensor for detecting the edges of the items of mail and signaling the control device when a mail item reaches a selected bearing point, a deflection apparatus that moves into the conveying path under the control of the control device to bend individual mail items and means for determining one or both of the magnitude of the deflection of the items of mail and the magnitude of the deflection force, the control device progressing signals from one or both of the sensor and measuring means to determine the flexural rigidity of the mail item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Vogel, Erich Groegor, Armin Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7082832
    Abstract: A sheet material identifying device for identifying the kind of sheet material by applying vibration on the sheet material. The identifying device has a vibrator for applying vibration on the sheet material, a vibration sensor for detecting, via the sheet material, vibration applied by the vibrator, a device for changing a vibrating state between the vibrator and the vibration sensor, and an identifying section for identifying the kind of sheet material based on a detection result of the vibration sensor. Also, an image forming apparatus making use of the sheet material identifying device and a method of identifying the kind of sheet material are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisato Yabuta, Norio Kaneko, Takehiko Kawasaki, Ayanori Endo
  • Patent number: 7071480
    Abstract: A material web attribute detection system with the material web having a first side and a second side. The system includes a radiation source located proximate to the first side of the material web and emitting radiation toward the material web, and a radiation detection array located proximate to the second side of the material web and producing a plurality of signals based on the radiation detected from the radiation source. A processor is included which utilizes the plurality of signals to determine a lateral offset and a gap size of the radiation detection array relative to the radiation source. The processor can then compensate for the radiation detection array and radiation source relative misalignment using the plurality of signals, the lateral offset and the gap size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Pekka Typpo
  • Patent number: 7062961
    Abstract: A state information system for acquiring measured values of chemical and/or physical variables during the production, processing or finishing of a material, in particular in the case of a printing material web in a web-fed press, includes at least one sensor for recording the chemical and/or physical variables, the state information system being provided on or in the material such that the operating process carried out with the material remains unaffected by it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Johann Königer, Werner Scherer, Andreas Birkenfeld