Patent ID: 6039842
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: D21F,D21G

Abstract:
A sheet-making apparatus comprising an apparatus for stabilizing a low-strength sheet having a width and a top surface and moving in a first direction at a rate sufficient to induce a layer of entrained air adjacent to a surface of the sheet, which stabilizing apparatus comprises:an airfoil extending along the top surface of the sheet, the airfoil comprising:a bottom surface extending along a portion of the top surface of the sheet;a first surface extending a first distance from the bottom surface at a first juncture;a second surface extending a second distance from the bottom surface at a second juncture; anda top surface extending from the first surface at a third juncture to the second surface at a fourth juncture;in which:the first distance is less than the second distance;the apparatus is oriented in a manner such that the portion of the apparatus which first encounters the entrained air is the first surface of the airfoil; andthe first and bottom surfaces of the airfoil form an acute angle such that the first surface directs a substantial portion of the entrained air away from the sheet.