Abstract: A multilayer papermaking fabric having interwoven machine direction (MD) and cross-machine direction (CMD) yarns, the CMD yarns defining at least upper and lower CMD yarn subsets which are interwoven with the MD yarns in a repeat pattern such that the MD yarns have substantially more interweavings with the upper CMD yarn subset than with the lower CMD yarn subset. The lower subset CMD yarns define machine side floats under at least seven MD yarns and each MD yarn interweaves with only two lower subset CMD yarns in a given repeat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling yarn made of a thermally protected polyamide 66 multifilament for a tire cord fabric.

Abstract: A wear resistant dual layer papermaking fabric, of stable construction, having a fiber support surface and a machine contact surface. The fabric comprises first picks of weft yarn woven with warp yarns to form weft yarn floats of equal length arranged diagonally over the support surface in a twill pattern. Second picks of weft yarn are woven with the warp yarns to form weft yarns floats of equal length arranged diagonally across the contact surface in a twill pattern. The weave pattern provides that the warp yarns inter-engage with the first and second picks in a balanced weave pattern which maintains the floats parallel.

Abstract: A multi-layer papermaker's forming fabric has stitching yarns integrated into the papermaking surface. Each of a plurality of repeating units of the fabric comprises: a set of top machine direction yarns; a set of top cross-machine direction yarns interwoven with the top machine direction yarns; a set of bottom machine direction yarns; a set of bottom cross-machine direction yarns interwoven with the bottom machine direction yarns; and pairs of first and second stitching yarns. The stitching yarn pairs are positioned between pairs of top cross-machine direction yarns.

Abstract: A felt for use in a papermaking machine includes a woven base fabric and a batt layer for supporting the paper web. A flow control layer is interposed between the base fabric and the fibrous batt layer, to impede rewetting of the paper web as the paper web exits a press nip of the papermaking machine. The flow control layer is formed of a porous hydrophobic material. Pressure exerted by the press nip forces water from the paper web through the batt layer and the flow control layer into the base fabric. When the pressure is relieved, the hydrophobic properties of the flow control layer impede back-flow of water to the batt layer and thence to the paper web, thereby impeding rewetting of the web. The flow control layer is preferably formed of a spunbonded filamentary nylon material which is non-circular in cross-section, such as tri-lobed/triangular, and which may be treated with an hydrophobic chemical composition to enhance hydrophobic properties.

Abstract: Yarn that is a blend primarily of a fluoropolymer and, to a lesser extent, of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid polymer; also an industrial fabric, especially a papermaker's fabric.

Abstract: A hollow monofilament of a high temperature spinnable thermoplastic such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) which is substantially hollow by up to about 80% by volume and has an outer diameter in the range from about 0.07 to 0.80 mm. is used in the construction of braiding in substitution for solid monofilaments with the advantage of lower cost and increased abrasion resistance.

Abstract: Multi-layer papermaker's fabrics are provided which include in the bottom fabric layer pairs of cross machine direction yarns that are woven in the same shed so as to provide paired bottom fabric layer cross machine direction yarns. Typically, these paired yarns comprise two smaller yarns that replace what otherwise would have been a larger single yarn, thereby reducing the thickness, void volume and water carrying propensity of the fabric. These fabrics may include a relatively large number of cross machine direction yarns on the papermaking surface and/or a papermaking surface having single float machine direction knuckles, so as to provide a high level of fiber support and good papermaking qualities.

Abstract: A forming fabric has machine direction yarns and cross machine direction yarns interwoven in a repeating pattern of multiple repeating units. The repeating units of the pattern comprise: paper side cross-machine direction yarns forming the paper side of the fabric; machine side cross-machine direction yarns forming the machine side of the fabric; and machine direction yarns interwoven with both the paper side cross machine direction yarns and the machine side cross machine direction yarns. The machine direction yarns comprise first and second sets of machine direction yarns arranged in an alternating pattern. Each of the machine direction yarns of the first and second sets passes above four paper side cross machine direction yarns to form paper side knuckles separated from one another by at least two paper side cross machine direction yarns.

Abstract: A machine for the production of a single-face lined web of corrugated board comprises a pressing device for pressing a liner web on a paper web provided with a corrugation. This pressing device comprises a vapor permeable pressing belt which consists of a fabric of metal with warp threads and weft threads. The warp threads arc provided in groups of three warp threads at a time, the distance of two neighboring groups of warp threads being smaller than the width of each group of warp threads. Preferably, the material of the weft threads is softer than the material of the warp threads, the weft threads having notches, in each of which a warp thread is disposed.

Abstract: A decorative outdoor fabric including a woven structure formed of acrylic warp yarns and at least some of the fill yarns comprising self-coating yarns formed of high melt and low melt yarn constituents. When the fabric is tentered, the low melt constituents melt and cross-flow to the other fibers in the fill and warp yarns. The warp yarns have deniers of at least 150 d and the fill yarns have deniers of at least 400 d. Because of the cross-flow of the low melt constituents, the resulting fabric achieves acceptable abrasion resistance, stability, and load recovery and hand without the need for a latex backing.

Abstract: A woven papermakers fabric having a first system of yarns interwoven with a second system of yarns. The second system of yarns having a repeat which defines three successive knuckles on the paper carrying side of the fabric while maintaining vertical alignment of the first system yarns in the respective first and second layers of the first system by defining a single knuckle on the machine side of the fabric in each repeat. Preferably, the first system yarns are cross machine direction (CMD) yarns which repeat with respect to eight pairs of stacked machine direction (MD) yarns.

Abstract: A process for forming paper using a papermaker's forming fabric comprising a fabric layer including cross machine direction fabric yarns and machine direction fabric yarns interwoven to form a papermaking surface with alternating single knuckles thereon. First additional cross machine direction yarns are positioned between adjacent cross machine direction fabric yarns on the papermaking surface of the fabric layer. Second additional cross machine direction yarns are positioned between the cross machine direction fabric yarns on the papermaking surface of the fabric layer. Each of the first and second additional cross machine direction yarns serve as fiber supporting yarns and as locator yarns for another of the first and second additional cross machine direction yarns. Each of the first and second additional cross machine direction yarns are interwoven with the fabric layer. Paper stock is deposited on the fabric to form a wet paper web, and moisture is removed from the wet paper web to form paper.

Abstract: Industrial fabrics which contain thermoplastic weft or filling filaments characterized by having at least one segment of the filament's cross sectional area consisting of a foamed polymer are described. The unfoamed segment or segments of the filament contribute axial strength while the foamed segment or segments of the filament contribute to radial compressibility. Industrial fabrics utilizing these filaments have reduced permeability, reduced weft denier, and improved fabric rigidity.

Abstract: A multi-layer fabric with paperside to lower surface weft ratios of greater than 1 in which all paperside weft yarns interlace with the warp yarns in an identical manner. The paperside weft yarns intermittently buttress against adjacent paperside weft yarns and possess an average lateral crimp ratio of greater than 1.62 giving a fabric having an air permeability of less than 275 c.f.m. at 1/2 inch water pressure.

Abstract: Woven industrial fabrics which have an air permeability of at least 200 cfm per square foot under a pressure differential of 0.5 inches of water are described. These fabrics contain finned weft fibers with a shape factor of 2.5 to 5.0 and a distortion index of less than 35. Improved fabric stability and a significant reduction in weft fiber denier are achieved.

Abstract: A forming fabric for use in papermaking machines having a paper support surface and a machine contact surface. The support surface comprises first weft yarns interwoven in a weaving pattern with warp yarns to form a weft dominated surface having alternating weft floats of first and second lengths. These floats are formed by the first weft yarns passing over different numbers of adjacent warp yarns in each pick of the weft across the weave pattern. The contact surface is woven with the second weft yarns weaving with the warp yarns in a weave pattern which also forms a weft dominated surface. The second weft yarns are passed under a greater number of adjacent warp yarns in each pick across the weave pattern than the first weft yarns are passed over forming the contact surface with very long weft floats.

Abstract: A process for forming paper using a papermaker's forming fabric comprising a fabric layer including cross machine direction fabric yarns and machine direction fabric yarns interwoven to form a papermaking surface with alternating single knuckles thereon. First additional cross machine direction yarns are positioned between adjacent cross machine direction fabric yarns on the papermaking surface of the fabric layer. Second additional cross machine direction yarns are positioned between the cross machine direction fabric yarns on the papermaking surface of the fabric layer. Each of the first and second additional cross machine direction yarns serve as fiber supporting yarns and as locator yarns for another of the first and second additional cross machine direction yarns. Each of the first and second additional cross machine direction yarns are interwoven with the fabric layer. Paper stock is deposited on the fabric to form a wet paper web, and moisture is removed from the wet paper web to form paper.

Abstract: A papermaker's fabric of a type for use in high temperature operations and including interwoven machine direction (MD) and cross-machine direction (CMD) yarns that define a base fabric and a paper support layer. The fabric is characterized by the paper support layer including high temperature MD yarns woven in a repeat pattern that includes a float over at least seven CMD yarns.

Abstract: A papermakers fabric, having top and bottom surfaces, woven from machine direction yarns and one layer of cross machine direction yarns. The cross machine direction yarns comprise relatively large and small yarns and the machine and cross machine direction yarns are arranged such that the machine direction yarns define floats on one of the surfaces of the fabric and knuckles below the one surface around small cross machine direction yarns. The parts of the machine direction yarns defining the knuckles below the one surface do not extend to the plane of the other surface of the fabric.

Abstract: A multi-layer papermaker's forming fabric has stitching yarns integrated into the papermaking surface. Each of a plurality of repeating units of the fabric comprises: a set of top machine direction yarns; a set of top cross-machine direction yarns interwoven with the top machine direction yarns; a set of bottom machine direction yarns; a set of bottom cross-machine direction yarns interwoven with the bottom machine direction yarns; and pairs of first and second stitching yarns. The stitching yarn pairs are positioned between pairs of top cross-machine direction yarns.

Abstract: A papermaking belt comprising a top (web facing) layer of interwoven top layer yarns, a bottom (machine facing) layer of interwoven bottom layer yarns, and a plurality of tie yarns. The top layer yarns comprise a plurality of top layer carrier yarns interwoven in a weave with a plurality of top layer cross-carrier yarns, the top layer carrier yarns being perpendicular to the top layer cross-carrier yarns. The bottom layer yarns comprise a plurality of bottom layer carrier yarns interwoven in a weave with a plurality of bottom layer cross-carrier yarns, the bottom layer carrier yarns being perpendicular to the bottom layer cross-carrier yarns. The top layer and the bottom layer are tied together in a parallel and interfacing relationship by a plurality of tie yarns having a general direction of the top layer carrier yarns and passing over the top layer cross-carrier yarns and under the bottom layer cross-carrier yarns in a repeating pattern.

Abstract: A paper-making fabric having two or three weft layers. The two layer fabric has in its upper layer paired weft threads lying against one another and interwoven with a warp binding in mutually parallel relationship. The three layer fabric also has the paired weft threads with the warp interweaving with all of the three weft layers.The papermaking fabric to Seabrook et al U.S. Pat. No. (5,826,627) is of general interest for its disclosure to paired weft threads in its upper layer. However, unlike the structure disclosed in the instant claims 4&5 said reference weft threads aren't disclosed to be in mutual parallel relationship lying against each other.

Abstract: A multi-layer papermaking fabric for use in a papermaking machine. The multi-layer fabric includes an upper fabric layer having a paper fiber support surface which is formed of first warp yarns interlaced with first weft yarns with at least one of these being knit yarns. Also, the lower fabric layer is formed of second warp yarns interlaced with second weft yarns. The construction of the knit yarns forms a series of loops which extend longitudinally and transversely of their longitudinal axis. These loops form the support surface with increased cover and provide for more uniform drainage of the paper forming fibers.

Abstract: A papermaker's fabric includes a base fabric structure that includes MD yarns and primary CMD yarns interlaced to form a papermaking surface. The papermaker's fabric further includes first and second auxiliary CMD yarns positioned between each pair of adjacent primary CMD yarns. Each first auxiliary CMD yarn has an interlacing pattern relative to the MD yarns that is identical to a first of the pair of adjacent primary CMD yarns, and each second auxiliary CMD yarn has an interlacing pattern relative to the MD yarns that is identical to a second of the pair of adjacent primary CMD yarns. The first auxiliary CMD yarn is positioned between the second primary and auxiliary CMD yarns.

Abstract: An on-machine-seamable multi-axial press fabric for the press section of a paper machine is made from a base fabric layer assembled by spirally winding a fabric strip in a plurality of contiguous turns, each of which abuts against and is attached to those adjacent thereto. The resulting endless base fabric layer is flattened to produce first and second fabric plies joined to one another at folds at their widthwise edges. Crosswise yarns are removed from each turn of the fabric strip at the folds at the widthwise edges to produce seaming loops. The first and second fabric plies are laminated to one another by needling staple fiber batt material therethrough. The press fabric is joined into endless form during installation on a paper machine by directing a pintle through the passage formed by the interdigitation of the seaming loops at the two widthwise edges.

Abstract: A process for forming paper using a papermaker's forming fabric comprising a fabric layer including cross machine direction fabric yarns and machine direction fabric yarns interwoven to form a papermaking surface with alternating single knuckles thereon. First additional cross machine direction yarns are positioned between adjacent cross machine direction fabric yarns on the papermaking surface of the fabric layer. Second additional cross machine direction yarns are positioned between the cross machine direction fabric yarns on the papermaking surface of the fabric layer. Each of the first and second additional cross machine direction yarns serve as fiber supporting yarns and as locator yarns for another of the first and second additional cross machine direction yarns. Each of the first and second additional cross machine direction yarns are interwoven with the fabric layer. Paper stock is deposited on the fabric to form a wet paper web, and moisture is removed from the wet paper web to form paper.

Abstract: A process for forming paper using papermaker's forming fabric comprising a fabric layer including cross machine direction fabric yarns and machine direction fabric yarns interwoven to form a papermaking surface with alternating single knuckles thereon. First additional cross machine direction yarns are positioned between adjacent cross machine direction fabric yarns on the papermaking surface of the fabric layer. Second additional cross machine direction yarns are positioned between the cross machine direction fabric yarns on the papermaking surface of the fabric layer. Each of the first and second additional cross machine direction yarns serve as fiber supporting yarns and as locator yarns for another of the first and second additional cross machine direction yarns. Each of the first and second additional cross machine direction yarns are interwoven with the fabric layer to float over odd numbers of adjacent fabric layer machine direction yarns.

Abstract: A woven papermakers fabric having a first system of yarns interwoven with a second system of yarns. The second system of yarns define a five float repeat on the paper carrying side of the fabric while maintaining vertical alignment of the first system yarns in the respective first and second layers of the first system. Preferably, the first system yarns are cross machine direction (CMD) yarns which repeat with respect to eight pairs of stacked machine direction (MD) yarns.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards paper machine clothings comprised of interconnected bicomponent fibers. In one embodiment of the invention, the paper machine clothing is comprised entirely of bicomponent fibers in both the machine and cross machine direction. Advantage is taken of the unique bicomponent fiber structure, which permits selection of different materials for the sheath and core components. For instance, the sheath material may have a melting point lower than the melting point of the core material. Accordingly, a fused, bonded structure of bicomponent fibers can be formed where the sheath component has a melting point lower than the core component. By heating a fabric constructed of bicomponent fibers to a temperature greater than the melting point of the sheath component and lower than the melting point of the core component, with subsequent cooling of the fabric to below melt temperature of the sheath component, a fused, bonded structure will result.

Abstract: A multi-layer papermaker's forming fabric utilizes stitching yarns in the papermaking surface and is formed of repeating units, each of which comprises: a set of top machine direction yarns; a set of bottom machine direction yarns; a set of bottom cross-machine direction yarns interwoven with the set of bottom machine direction yarns; and pairs of first and second stitching yarns extending in the cross machine direction. The first and second stitching yarns of each pair are interwoven with the top and bottom machine direction yarns such that, as a fiber support portion of the first stitching yarn is interweaving with the top machine direction yarns, a binding portion of the second stitching yarn is positioned below the top machine direction yarns, and such that as a fiber support portion of the second stitching yarn is interweaving with the top machine direction yarns, a binding portion of the first binding yarn is positioned below the top machine direction yarns.

Abstract: A felt, especially for the press part of a papermaking machine, comprises at least one support belt and at least one fiber belt deposited on and affixed to it. In order to impart to such a felt improved operational properties while retaining adequate transverse stability and in order to manufacture it at substantially lower cost, the support belt(s) 45, 50, 57, 58, 64, 71, 72 each are composed of at least one support-belt strip 46, 51, 52, 59, 60, 65, 66, 73, 74, 75 with a width less than that of the support belt(s) 45, 50, 57, 58, 64, 71, 72 , said strip(s) being continuously wound essentially in the direction of advance of the felt 42, 47, 53, 61, 67 and also spirally transverse to it.

Abstract: A double layer papermaking fabric having first and second layers of cross machine direction (CMD) yarns interwoven with a system of machine direction (MD) yarns. The MD repeat pattern is characterized by a portion that weaves exclusively with the first CMD layer, a portion that transitions between the layers, a portion that weaves exclusively with the second CMD layer and a portion that transitions between the layers.

Abstract: Woven or laid structures comprising at least two systems of parallel threads, at least one of these thread systems having more than 10 threads per centimeter and comprising at least 10%, based on the thread system, of hybrid yarns comprising reinforcing filaments and lower melting matrix filaments composed of thermoplastic polymers. In such woven or laid structures, the matrix component can be melted to form textile sheet materials of adjustable gas and/or liquid permeability, which are especially useful for manufacturing airbags.

Abstract: A papermaking fabric for use with papermaker machines having a system of shaped monofilament machine direction, yarns hereinafter MD yarns, which are woven in stacked, vertical alignment throughout the body of the fabric. Preferably, each upper MD yarn defines floats on the upper surface of the fabric and is vertically stacked with respect to the lower MD yarns. The upper and lower MD yarns may be of the same type and size or they may differ in size, shape, and composition.

Abstract: The forming fabric has a top machine side and an opposing bottom paper side and comprises machine direction (MD) yarns and cross machine direction (CMD) yarns interwoven in a repeating pattern of multiple repeating units. The repeating unit of the pattern comprises: paper side CMD yarns forming the paper side of the fabric; half as many machine side CMD yarns forming the machine side of the fabric; and MD yarns interwoven with both the paper side CMD yarns and the machine side CMD yarns. Within the repeating unit, each of the MD yarns passes beneath at least two paper side CMD yarns to form first and second paper side knuckles. Each of the MD yarns also passes above two machine side CMD yarns to form first and second machine side knuckles, which are separated from one another by at least two machine side CMD yarns.

Abstract: A papermaking fabric for increasing bulk in the paper sheet during forming and/or through air drying which is comprised of a system of MD filaments selectively interwoven with a system of CD filaments having at least smaller and larger filament subsets.

Abstract: A papermaking belt, comprising either a forming wire or a through-air-drying belt. The papermaking belt comprises a reinforcing structure having two layers tied together and a resinous framework. The yarns of the first layer are interwoven so that, except for the tie yarns, each yarn remains within 1.5 yarn diameters of the top plane defined by the knuckles of the first layer. The belt has a thickness of at least 2.5 times the yarn diameter for rigidity.

Abstract: A papermaking fabric, particularly useful as a throughdrying fabric, which has shute and warp threads woven together to define a top surface plane on the sheet side containing only a number of relatively long warp knuckles at locations where one of the warp threads crosses over at least four of the shute threads. The long warp knuckles are positioned in a shed pattern to form (a) a first axis of bulky ridges that are defined by long warp knuckles positioned next to each other on adjacent warp threads, the first axis being disposed at a first angle with respect to the cross-direction of the drying fabric that is substantially between 68 and 90 degrees; and (b) a second axis formed by each of the long warp knuckles with other, overlapping long warp knuckles on nearby, but not immediately adjacent, warp threads, the second axis forming a second angle with respect to the cross-direction of the drying fabric of less than about 28 degrees.

Abstract: A dryer fabric for use in a dryer section having a closed transfer in a papermaking machine. The dryer fabric has a structure of woven threads with one side, called the paper side, being adapted to support and abut against a paper web in the dryer section. At least some of the threads contacting against the paper web are hydrophilic, thereby providing for adhesion between the dryer fabric and the paper web.

Abstract: A two-layer woven fabric for paper-making where a paper-making side woven fabric and a running side woven fabric are combined together by pairs of auxiliary wefts which are placed adjacent to each of wefts of both fabrics. When one of a pair of the auxiliary wefts is placed over a paper-making side warp filling a concave portion formed by the warp, the other auxiliary weft is placed under a running side warp thereby connecting both the paper-making side and the running side fabrics together.

Abstract: A composite forming fabric in which the woven paper and machine side layers are interconnected by pairs of intrinsic weft binder yarns which interweave with the paper side layer to occupy an unbroken weft path. Each member interweaves sequentially with the warps of the paper side layer and with at least one warp of the machine side layer. Each part of the unbroken weft path is separated from adjacent parts by at least one paper side layer warp yarn. The unbroken weft path is the same, or different, to the weft path of the immediately adjacent paper side layer weft yarns. This arrangement overcomes the paper side layer surface imperfections, which cause an unacceptable level of marking, hitherto associated with the use of intrinsic weft binder yarns in composite fabrics.

Abstract: A flat woven, pin seamed, papermakers' fabric, comprising primary warp monofilament yarns, primary weft monofilament yarns and secondary weft monofilament yarns located between and adjacent to the primary weft yarns. The secondary weft yarns are located beneath, and in contact with, the primary warp. The thickness and width of the secondary weft yarns are chosen at the weaving stage so as to control finished fabric air permeability and increase the paper side surface contact area. The fabrics are of a lower caliper, and provide increased cross direction stiffness at lower yarn counts. Formation of the pintle receiving loop yarns in a low marking woven back pin seam, or of a streamline seam, is also facilitated, without compromising fabric properties, by selection of the appropriate dimensions of the secondary weft yarns.

Abstract: A papermaking forming fabric having a single layer of machine direction filaments interwoven with smaller and larger diameter cross direction filaments, the larger diameter filaments forming a wear surface on the machine side of the fabric.

Abstract: A single layer papermaking machine forming fabric which is woven from a single layer of warps interlaced with primary wefts, secondary wefts, and, if desired, tertiary wefts. The secondary and tertiary wefts are located between the primary wefts. The fabric is woven in a first pattern which repeats once in N sheds, and N is at least 10. The primary, secondary, and, if present, tertiary weft are woven to second, third, and, if present, fourth patterns in a lower number of sheds and which repeat at least twice within the first pattern. This weave provides a forming fabric having good first pass retention, good drainage properties, reduced wire mark, good fabric height and good release characteristics. In certain pattern combinations a forming fabric can be woven exhibiting a level of visual discontinuity or randomness in the paper side face.

Abstract: An industrial conveying fabric having a laminated multilayer construction. The laminated fabric includes a first fabric having a tubular configuration that is flattened and a second open flat fabric disposed within the first tubular fabric. The opposed ends of the second fabric project through the first fabric and are joined together to seam the laminated fabric. Preferably, the laminated fabric is used as a base fabric for a papermakers wet press felt and has fibrous batting material needled thereto.

Abstract: A laminated integrally woven on-machine-seamable papermaker's fabric includes two single-layer woven fabric plies sharing a common machine-direction (MD) yarn. The common MD yarn, which is the weft yarn on the loom during the weaving of the fabric by a modified endless weaving technique, forms seaming loops which join the plies to one another at the ends thereof. The fabric may be needled with a batt of staple fiber material. During the weaving of the press fabric, solvent-removable binder yarns join the two plies, which are accordingly integrally woven. When the weaving is completed, the solvent-removable binder yarns are removed through dissolution with an appropriate solvent, yielding the laminated structure. A batt of staple fiber material may be needled into and through the laminated structure. The papermaker's fabric may be used as a forming, press or dryer fabric, or as a base for a polymer-coated, paper industry process belt, such as a long nip press, sheet-transfer or calender belt.

Abstract: An imprinting through air multi-layer drying fabric for use with a papermaking machine comprising a plurality of MD (machine direction) yarns forming a continuous loop and a plurality of CMD (cross machine direction yarns) interlacing with said MD yarns and extending in the width direction. The fabric is formed to have a support surface and a machine surface with the machine surface comprising a plurality of load bearing MD yarns arranged side-by-side across the width of the fabric, and interlaced in a first pattern with the CMD yarns to provide an even knuckle distribution over the first layer. The support surface is formed of second plurality of non-load bearing MD yarns arranged side-by-side interlaced with the CMD yarns in s second pattern producing raised MD yarn floats arranged in a staggered arrangement in the MD direction to produce a desired pattern.

Abstract: A papermakers fabric having a system of flat monofilament machine direction yarns (hereinafter MD yarns) which are stacked to control the permeability of the fabric. The system of MD yarns comprises at least upper and lower layers of yarns. Preferably, each upper MD yarn is paired in a vertically stacked orientation with a lower MD yarn. Preferably, multiple layers of stacked CMD yarns are provided which are maintained in the stacked relationship by the flat stacked MD yarns to provide suitable void volume within the fabric. In a low permeability embodiment, at least the upper MD yarns are flat monofilament yarns woven contiguous with each other.

Abstract: A multi-layer self-stitched papermakers' fabric including a top fabric layer of relatively fine machine direction and cross machine direction yarns and a bottom fabric layer of relatively coarse machine direction and cross machine direction yarns, interwoven to produce seating and self-stitching conditions for optimal drainage. In a preferred embodiment, the top fabric layer has a right to left twill on its upper papermaking surface and the bottom fabric layer has a left to right twill on its upper interlacing surface.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/003,352, filed Mar. 7, 1994, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e).