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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Firstly, a supporting frame is produced, whose opening is spanned by an auxiliary layer flush on one side. Following the production of microstructures, flat parts or membranes on the common plane defined by the auxiliary layer and the supporting frame, the auxiliary layer is removed, preferably by etching. In a preferred application, the self-supporting microstructures produced in accordance with the method of the invention are used as electrically heatable resistance grids in a device for measuring weak gas flows.

Abstract: A media qualification device configured to sort media sheets according to one or more detected media characteristics. The media qualification device comprises a media sensor, an unusable media path and at least one usable media path. Qualified media sheets may be passed to a sheet-fed device for image processing. Qualified media sheets may be sorted among a plurality of usable media paths according to media grade. The media qualification device may further comprise an input/output device configured to select media grade parameters.

Abstract: An accelerated weathering apparatus includes a test chamber (30), a specimen supporting means (34), a light source (60) powered by a power source controlled by a ballast, at least one chamber air temperature sensor (26), a black panel temperature sensor (36), and a multiple blower system and control means (52). A first blower (12) draws and circulates outside or fresh air and as second blower (46) optionally draws recirculated air into an air mixing duct. The speeds of the fresh air and recirculated air are independently regulated and controlled by a blower controller based on the chamber air temperature and black panel temperature, respectively. In addition, a humidifier (18) and humidity controller (20) regulates humidity within the system as required.

Abstract: A optical system and method of measuring a strain on a surface of a band of a sheet of a material. A single line, or an area having a boundary line, is marked on the band before deformation. The line traverses a width of the band at angle. The band is deformed and an equivalent two-dimensional image of the line after deformation is obtained. The line before deformation is compared with the two-dimensional equivalent image of the line after deformation, and the strain on the surface of the band after deformation is determined.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for preparation of a no-jam vending machine card wherein the card is treated with a suitably adhering powder to have a residual powder layer on the card to reduce generation of an electrical static charge upon each card as the card is dispensed by the vending machine. The process comprises applying a suitable dusting powder and testing the dusted card for the necessary residual powder layer. The apparatus comprises a powder dusting device and a card powder layer testing device.

Abstract: A feature of paper used in the production of a cigarette and the effect of the feature on the finished cigarette is automatically measured at specific locations along the paper, and data related to the measurement is stored in a database file. Indicia including the stored data associated with a specific location on the paper is applied at the specific location on the paper, and finished cigarettes having the indicia are collected and evaluated in order to correlate the measured value with the performance of the finished cigarette.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring properties of a moving paper web. The arrangement comprises measuring means for measuring paper properties, in connection with which a plane-like support surface is arranged. The plane-like support surface supports the paper web and extends substantially over the whole width of the paper web in the cross-direction relative to the direction of travel of the paper web. An opening arrangement formed by at least one opening is arranged on the support surface for measuring properties of the paper web.

Abstract: In a paper machine which comprises process elements and a measuring beam, the measuring beam is arranged at least at one paper machine process element so that a measuring device for measuring quality properties of a paper web is arrangeable in the measuring beam. The paper machine process element is e.g. a blow box, which is arrangeable in a dryer unit of the paper machine between drying cylinders to blow air via at least one blow air channel provided in the blow box to guide the moving paper web and/or to assist drying.

Abstract: A metal measurement plate (5), having a size suitable for being placed between the set of upper rolls and the set of lower rolls of the leveler, has positioning means (60, 61, 62) for positioning it with respect to the rolls in the leveling direction, and strain gauges (51) for measuring elastic deformations of the plate during clamping on the leveler, said strain gauges being fastened to the plate so as to form several transverse rows of gauges (51 to 56) each located vertically in line with one of said rolls, on the opposite face of the plate with respect to said roll.

Abstract: A method of dynamically determining a modulus of elasticity of a moving web material using web tensions and web velocities. The tension and velocity of a moving web are determined in a first span. The tension and velocity of the moving web are also determined for the moving web in a second span. A value analogous to the modulus of elasticity of the moving web may then be determined according to the tension and velocity values for the moving web in the two spans.

Abstract: A method of dynamically controlling the tension of a moving web material. A web material is transported with an apparatus. A modulus-of-elasticity-analog value is determined for the web material. The modulus-of-elasticity-analog value is used to adjust an instantaneous gain of the web control system. The instantaneous gain is used in the control calculation of the control system. The control calculation is used to control the speed of a web handling drive. Controlling the speed of at least one appropriate web handling drive controls the tension of the web.

Abstract: A method and a device for tracking the position of the edge of a moving web (12), such as a fabric or a web of a paper machine, in which method a pressure-sensitive sensor element (14) is disposed in/onto the surface of the roll (10) guiding the web (12), which sensor element reacts to the pressure applied to it by the moving web (12) by producing an electric signal, on the basis of which it is possible to determine the exact position of the edge of the web (12) on the roll (10). The band-like sensor element (14) comprises one single sensor strip or several sensor strips (141 . . . 14n) disposed successively in the band.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of designing a suitable heat seal width which is more resistant to unsealing than conventional heat-sealing, which involves the steps of; (1) heat-sealing a test piece of a sheet to be heat-sealed at a temperature lower than the fusion temperature of a heat seal portion of the sheet, (2) heat-sealing another test piece of the sheet at a temperature at or higher than the fusion temperature, (3) pulling to peel a heat-sealed portion of each test piece, and measuring the pull strength variation with peel length, (4) calculating the peel energy in various peel length as of the test piece heat-sealed at a temperature lower than the fusion temperature of the heat seal portion of the sheet by integrating the pull strength variation, (5) calculating the peel energy of the test piece heat-sealed at the temperature at or higher than the fusion temperature by integrating the pull strength variation up to rupture at a heat-sealed portion, and (6) setting the heat seal width at a peel leng

Abstract: Device for detecting overlapping objects in a stream of transported flat objects in a transport path that comprises a measurement path, in which use is made of a braking roller in the measurement path. The device furthermore comprises a sensor for the passing speed of objects. If there are overlapping objects in the measurement path, the effect of a deceleration by the braking roller on the passing speed will be greater than if just one object is present in the measurement path, on account of the decelerated object lagging behind relative to the rest of the series of overlapping objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a material is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus is an adjustable artificial arm for transmitting fluid into the material. An artificial skin, for example, is removably attached to the artificial arm, and the material is placed over the artificial skin. The fluid is insulted into the material proximate the artificial skin. The artificial skin is evaluated for wetness or dryness to prescreen the material. In another aspect, an artificial torso is provided through which fluid is transmitted and insulted into the material for evaluation.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture or treatment of a material web, in particular of a paper or a cardboard web, while using a respective machine, in particular a paper machine, including the step of measuring the hardness and/or the compactness of at least one clothing, in particular of at least one felt, fabric, belt and/or the like, of the machine.

Abstract: In a measurement method in the manufacture of paper or paperboard, different forces prevailing in a nip between a roll and a counter roll of an apparatus conveying a paper or paperboard web are measured. In the method there are several measurement points implemented with one or more film sensors (3) placed in the roll (1) in the transverse direction of the paper or paperboard web. The measurement information obtained from the measurement points by means of the sensor or sensors (3) is utilized to determine the pressure distribution of the nip. The film sensor (3) is a piezo- and pyroluminescent sensor from which the measurement information can be received optically at least in the initial stage, or a sensor comprising an electromechanical film (EMFi). The sensors (3) placed in the calender roll (1) can be utilized to measure the pressure distribution of the calender nip (N).

Abstract: Laminates are tested for the presence of small holes. For example, when a laminate is moving through a processing machine in a direction along a length of the laminate, a vacuum is applied to a surface of the laminate and the surface of the laminate is inspected to detect liquid that has penetrated from another surface of the laminate through small holes to the inspected surface.

Abstract: A method for producing and testing a fiber bed, includes a housing, a main inlet passage and a main outlet passage, a cavity in the housing in fluid connection with the inlet and outlet passages, a body rotatably arranged in the cavity, the body being arranged with a through-going passage having first and a second opening, a screen arranged in the through-going passage, and elements for measuring properties of the fiber bed. The method includes positioning the body so that the first opening is connected to the main inlet and the second opening is connected to the main outlet, creating a first passage, leading a fiber suspension through the first passage in order to produce a fiber bed on the screen, measuring the properties of the bed, rotating the body such that the second opening is connected to the main inlet and the first opening is connected to the main outlet and creating a flow through the first passage for removing the fiber bed from the screen through the outlet.

Abstract: A method for screening fabric handle of an array of fabric samples (i.e., a plurality of fabric materials) comprising providing an array of at least two fabric samples, protruding the fabric samples through openings, and monitoring response of said fabric samples to the protrusions.

Abstract: In a paper or board machine, the cross-direction profile of a flow channel defined between a first dewatering element (52, 53) situated inside a first forming wire loop (50) and a second dewatering element (64, 65) situated inside a second forming wire loop (60) is measured, and the location and/or the position of the blade element (64, 65) is adjusted based on the measurement result in order to regulate the thickness profile of a stock flow. The measurement can be by passing an alternating current of low frequency to a current rail situated in the second dewatering element (64, 65) and by measuring the strength of the magnetic field created by it by at least two measuring devices which have been placed either in the first dewatering element (53) or, when the first dewatering element is a forming roll (52), in the same dewatering element (64) as the current rail.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of designing a suitable heat seal width resistant to unseal more than conventional heat-sealing, which comprises;

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically detecting an edge of a web, includes a ultrasonic-wave transmitter transmitting ultrasonic-wave pulse train, a ultrasonic-wave receiver receiving the ultrasonic-wave pulse train and converting the received ultrasonic-wave pulse train into electric signals, the web being fed between the ultrasonic-wave transmitter and receiver, a rectifying circuit for rectifying the electric signals, a low-pass filter circuit for smoothing output signals transmitted from the rectifying circuit, a first sample-holding circuit for sampling an output signal transmitted from the low-pass filter circuit, at first timing, a second sample-holding circuit for sampling an output signal transmitted from the low-pass filter circuit, at second timing later than the first timing, a third sample-holding circuit for sampling an output signal transmitted from the first sample-holding circuit, at the second timing, and a differentially amplifying circuit for calculating a difference between output signals trans

Abstract: A process for determining the tension in a moving web is provided. The process includes the step of providing a web that is moving at a determined speed. The speed has a determined basis weight. A wave is created in the moving web. The speed of the propagation of the wave is determined. Also, the tension on the moving web is determined through a mathematical relationship between the wave speed, the basis weight of the web, and the speed of the web. The instability index of the web is greater than or equal to 0.5.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing ultralow moisture permeation through a sample such as a thin barrier film by exposing one surface of a sample to be tested for moisture permeation to a predetermined humidity of HTO. The HTO permeating therethrough is collected in a stream of dry gas, preferably methane, at a known flow rate, and monitored for its radioactivity content. Monitoring over a period of time and appropriate conversion allows accurate assessment of even permeation rates measured as very low fractions of a gram of water per square meter per day.

Abstract: A method and sheet-like sensor for measuring stress distribution including a grid of members which change in resistance when subjected to strain, the members intersecting at internal nodes and intersecting at boundary nodes at the periphery of the grid defining a plurality of legs. An analyzer is electrically connected only to the boundary nodes and configured to calculate any change in resistance in all of the legs based solely on the measured resistance of the legs between the boundary nodes.

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.

Abstract: A print media sensor (10) according to the present invention determines a print medium type by utilizing an ultrasonic transducer (22) to vibrate a print medium (28) at a resonant frequency of the print medium (28). The print medium (28) is irradiated with light from an LED (20). Sensors (24, 26) measure the amount of light reflected from and transmitted through the print medium (28) while it is being vibrated at the resonant frequency. The ratio of the reflected to transmitted light is compared to a stored table of ratios that are associated with the resonant frequencies of specific print medium types and print medium ink volume and application rates. The results of these comparisons are used to determine the print medium type and the associated ink volume and application rate to be used for printing on the print medium (28).

Abstract: Machine for carrying out quick tests of colour fastness on textile materials, comprising a plate (1) on which a sample of the material under test is to be located, and means (2; 7; 72) to compress the said sample and a multifibre witness or fabric standard (4) on said plate (1), characterized in that the said plate (1) comprises a plurality of through holes (12) associated with means (5) for injecting one or more liquids therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the radial modulus of elasticity of paper or a corresponding web-like material that is reeled or wound on a reel. In the method the connection between the force and deflection of a material arranged in layers is measured. The measurements necessary in the determination of the radial modulus of elasticity are conducted in a production machine for paper or a corresponding material.

Abstract: The method concerns a method for determination of roll density, wherein the density of the wound roll is determined in connection with the web reel. The method uses the known relation between the length (l), diameter (D), basis weight (b) and density (&rgr;) of the wound roll. formula (I). In the method, distortions caused in the measurement results by noise and other disturbances are eliminated by using a recursive time variant least squares method in the processing of the measurement results.

Abstract: A method for measuring substrate bending stiffness and thereby basis weight on a real time basis. Provided is a corrugator having a plurality of parallel ribs, with one or more sheets of the substrate provided below the corrugator wherein a predetermined gap exists between a topmost sheet of the sheets and the corrugator. A vacuum is applied between the corrugator and the topmost sheet, wherein the vacuum is sufficiently large to raise the topmost sheet, thereby deflecting and bending it into a profile corresponding to the arrangement and size of the corrugator ribs and bending stiffness of the substrate. One or more sensors are provided for measuring the deflection of the topmost sheet. The vacuum, an air knife output and/or a fluffer output are then adjusted according to predetermined rules and the measured deflection.

Abstract: A method and equipment for measuring the tension of a moving web. The tension of the moving web is measured by means of a measuring element provided with a guide surface which the moving web is guided to pass such that the web forms an air cushion of the air it carries between the web and the guide surface. Measuring devices are arranged at a distance from one another in connection with the measuring element in the cross direction of the web for measuring a variable representing the tension of the moving web. The measuring element is moved back and forth in the cross direction of the web such that the tension profile of the web is measured at least on a part of the web width by means of the measuring devices arranged in connection with the measuring element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying thickness modulations, in particular watermarks, in or on sheet material. To diminish the influence of disturbances from the surroundings and reduce the adjustment effort during production and maintenance of corresponding measuring systems, the sheet material is subjected to sound, in particular ultrasound, the sound transmitted through the sheet material and/or reflected on the sheet material is measured at a plurality of places on the sheet material, at least one value characteristic of the transmitted and/or reflected sound is generated for each of the places, and the thickness modulations are verified by comparing the values with predetermined reference values.

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.

Abstract: A web tension measurement device includes a roller for a web of material, the movable roller having an axis of rotation moveable in a first direction by the web; a counteracting device connected to the movable roller, the counteracting device for forcing the axis of the roller in a second direction opposite the first direction; and a controller connected to the counteracting device for measuring the web tension. Also included is a method for measuring tension in a web which comprises the steps of running a web over a roller, an axis of the roller being movable in a first direction, counteracting the movement of the roller in a second direction opposite the first direction, and measuring a counteracting force or a variable so as to be able to determine a web tension.

Abstract: A sheet separation and feeding system for measuring substrate bending stiffness and thereby basis weight on a real time basis. Provided is a corrugator having a plurality of parallel ribs, with one or more sheets of the substrate provided below the corrugator wherein a predetermined gap exists between a topmost sheet of the sheets and the corrugator. A vacuum is applied between the corrugator and the topmost sheet, wherein the vacuum is sufficiently large to raise the topmost sheet, thereby deflecting and bending it into a profile corresponding to the arrangement and size of the corrugator ribs and bending stiffness of the substrate. One or more sensors are provided for measuring the deflection of the topmost sheet. The vacuum, an air knife output and/or a fluffer output are then adjusted according to predetermined rules and the measured deflection.

Abstract: A method is described for testing thin material wherein the material is irradiated with ultrasonic waves at least in certain areas and transmission of the ultrasonic waves through the material is determined and evaluated. The transmission of ultrasonic waves of different frequencies is thereby determined. The differences of the transmission at the different frequencies are then used to determine a criterion for evaluating the quality, in particular the porosity, of the irradiated material. Furthermore, a corresponding test device is described.

Abstract: The measuring device comprises at least one measuring head having a reference part, which comprises a reference surface against which the moving web is supported. The reference surface comprises a measuring area in the inside of which the property of the web is measured. The reference part is arranged in connection with the measuring head in such a way that below the reference part, there is a substantially open air space. The measuring head comprises means for generating negative pressure in the air space below the reference part, and the reference part comprises holes formed through it, in such a way that the negative pressure generated in the air space affects through the reference part the space between the reference surface and the moving web in such a way that the web is supported against the reference surface substantially over the whole area of the measuring area.

Abstract: A library of materials is screened for mechanical properties such as strength, tack, frictional resistance or other properties. A library of materials is provided. A stimulus such as a stress or force is provided to each member of the library. A response (e.g., a strain) of each of the materials due to the stimulus is measured and the response, the stimulus or both are recorded and related to provide data. Thereafter, the data is analyzed to reach conclusions regarding properties of the material samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and a device for detecting the flatness of a metal band product at high temperature, using a measuring roll (1) having a cylindrical external face (13) comprising an angular contact sector with the band and a free sector. According to the invention, the roll (1) is cooled down forcibly by circulating a heat exchanging fluid along at least one portion of the free sector of the external face (13) of the roll (1) and one determines the parameters responsible for the cooling efficiency such as the opening angle (B) of cooling sector, the temperature and the circulation flow rate of the heat exchanging fluid, so that the external face (13) of the roll (1) is brought back, at each revolution, to a pre-set equilibrium temperature. The invention applies especially to the hot rolling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Abstract: In a measurement method in the manufacture of paper or paperboard, different forces prevailing in a nip between a roll and a counter roll of an apparatus conveying a paper or paperboard web are measured. In the method there are several measurement points implemented with one or more film sensors (3) placed in the roll (1) in the transverse direction of the paper or paperboard web. The measurement information obtained from the measurement points by means of the sensor or sensors (3) is utilized to determine the pressure distribution of the nip. The film sensor (3) is a piezo- and pyroluminescent sensor from which the measurement information can be received optically at least in the initial stage, or a sensor comprising an electromechanical film (EMFi). The sensors (3) placed in the calender roll (1) can be utilized to measure the pressure distribution of the calender nip (N).

Abstract: The object of the invention is a process for detecting latent flatness defects in a band product (2) applied under tensile load to an angular sector (A) of measuring roll (1) comprising a plurality of detection zones (4) spaced apart each comprising a transmission sensor (3), at each rotation, of a measurement signal having a value under load (i) which is compared, at each rotation, with a reference value, in order to assess, in each longitudinal zone of the band (2), information representative of the tensile load applied in this zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for performing a measurement of a continuous sheet. At least one measurement of the sheet is performed by at least one sensor, an estimate of the sampling function of the sensor being available. The solution comprises means for performing deconvolution using at least one iteration of an algorithm which corresponds to the deconvolution, and the means are arranged to perform the deconvolution of the at least one measurement with the estimate of sampling function. The solution can be applied in a CD-measurement of a continuous sheet. The solution can also be applied in controlling production of a continuous sheet.

Abstract: A method for the evaluation of signals of a sensor (3, 4), in particular of a microwave sensor, is proposed for the detection of the thickness, mass, density and/or moisture of at least one fiber sliver (2) moving relative to the sensor (3, 4) on drafting equipment (1), whereby a high-frequency unit (13) assigned to the sensor (3, 4) produces a number of first digital signals in digital form on the current state of the (at least one) fiber sliver (2). The method according to the invention is characterized in that a second digital signal, representing the current sliver thickness or the sliver mass of the (at least one) fiber sliver (2) and which is then used to control the drafting equipment (1) and/or to judge the fiber sliver quality, is formed according to an algorithm from the first digital signals made available. In addition a suitable device for the evaluation of the signals of a sensor (3, 4) is proposed.