Patent ID: 6701637
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: D21F

Abstract:
An apparatus for making a foreshortened cellulosic web, in combination with a dryer fabric, the apparatus comprising:a) a first press belt having a first press surface, and a second press surface, the second press surface being substantially equidistantly spaced apart from the first press surface in a compression zone; b) a pressing means for pressing the first and second press surfaces towards each other in the compression zone to compress a cellulosic web residing on the dryer fabric, wherein the first press surface contacts the cellulosic web; c) a means for creating a temperature differential between the first press surface and the second press surface to move water from the cellulosic web into the dryer fabric; d) a transporting means for moving the cellulosic web in the machine direction at a first velocity; e) a foreshortening means for foreshortening the cellulosic web after the web has passed through the compression zone; f) sensor means for determining the cross-directional variability of a property of at least one of the cellulosic web, the first press belt, the first press surface, and the second press surface, wherein the sensor means generates an output signal based on the cross-directional variability of the property; and, g) control means for decreasing the cross-directional variability of the property responsive to the signal from the sensor means.