Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-06-27)
Rejection types: Double Patenting

CLAIMS:
Listing of Claims:

Amendment dated November 30, 2023 Amendments to the Claims:

This listing of claims will replace all prior versions, and listings, of claims in the application:

1\. (Currently Amended) A method for manufacturing a substrate, the method comprising:providing a first supply of fibers;
providing a second supply of fibers;
providing a headbox, the headbox comprising:
a machine direction;
a cross\[\[-\]\] direction;
an inlet;
an outlet; and
a first cross-directional divider that separates a first zone of the headbox from a second zone of the headbox in a cross-directional manner, the first cross-directional divider including a length that is at least 50% of the length of the headbox;
transferring the first supply of fibers to the first zone of the headbox and transferring the second supply of fibers to the second zone of the headbox; and
transferring the first supply of fibers and the second supply of fibers through the headbox to the outlet to provide the substrate.

2\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 1, wherein the first supply of fibers is transferred to the first zone of the headbox at the inlet and the second supply of fibers is transferred to the second zone of the headbox at the inlet; and wherein transferring the first supply of fibers and the second supply of fibers through the headbox provides the substrate with a first zone comprising fibers from the first supply of fibers and a second zone comprising fibers from the second supply of fibers.

3\. (Original) The method of claim 1, wherein the headbox further comprises a z-directional divider comprising a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being opposite from the first surface, the z-directional divider providing a first z-directional layer in the headbox and a second z- directional layer in the headbox.

4\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 1, further comprising a second cross-directional divider that separates the second zone of the headbox from a third zone of the headbox in across-directional manner.

5\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 3, further comprising a second cross-directional divider that separates the second zone of the headbox from a third zone of the headbox in across-directional manner; wherein the first zone, the second zone, and the third zone each form part of the first z- directional layer of the headbox.

6\. (Original) The method of claim 5, wherein the first supply of fibers are transferred to the second zone of the headbox in the first z-directional layer of the headbox and the second supply of fibers are transferred to the second z-directional layer of the headbox; and wherein transferring the first supply of fibers and the second supply of fibers through the headbox provides the substrate with a first layer comprising fibers from the first supply of fibers and a second layer comprising fibers from the second supply of fibers.

7\. (Original) The method of claim 6, wherein the first supply of fibers comprise synthetic fibers and the second supply of fibers comprise absorbent fibers.

8\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 5, further comprising:providing a third supply of fibers;
transferring the third supply of fibers to the headbox at the inlet; and
transferring the third supply of fibers through the headbox to provide the substrate.

9\. (Original) The method of claim 8, wherein the first supply of fibers are transferred to the first zone and the third zone of the first z-directional layer of the headbox, the second supply of fibers are transferred to the second zone of the first z-directional layer of the headbox, and the third supply of fibers are transferred to the second z-directional layer of the headbox .

10\. (Original) The method of claim 9, wherein the first supply of fibers comprise at least one type of distribution fiber; the second supply of fibers comprise at least one type of intake fiber; and the third supply of fibers comprise absorbent fibers.

11\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 1, further comprising:providing a supply of particulates to the headbox at the inlet; and
transferring the supply of particulates through the headbox to provide the substrate.

12\. (Original) The method of claim 11, wherein the particulates comprise superabsorbent material.

13\. (Original) The method of claim 1, wherein the first supply of fibers are provided in a first foam slurry and the second supply of fibers are provided in a second foam slurry.

14\. (Currently Amended) A divider for a headbox including a cross direction and a machine direction, the divider comprising:a first surface;
a second surface, the second surface being opposite from the first surface;
a width defined in the cross direction that provides afirst z-directional layer of the headbox and a second z-directional layer of the headbox;
a length defined in the machine direction; and
a first cross-directional divider extending away from the first surface, the first cross-directional divider comprising a cross-directional thickness and a machine-directional length.

15\. (Original) The divider of claim 14, wherein the first cross-directional divider extends away from the first surface in a directional substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the first surface of the divider.

16\. (Original) The divider of claim 15, wherein the first cross-directional divider further comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein a height of the first cross-directional divider as measured at the proximal end of the first cross-directional divider is greater than a height of the first cross- directional divider as measured at the distal end of the first cross-directional divider.

17\. (Original) The divider of claim 14, further comprising a second cross-directional divider.

18\. (Original) The divider of claim 17, wherein the second cross-directional divider extends away from the first surface of the divider and is spaced apart from the first cross-directional divider in the cross direction.

19\. (Original) The divider of claim 17, wherein the second cross-directional divider extends away from the second surface of the divider.

Amendment dated November 30, 2023

20\. (Currently Amended) A headbox for manufacturing a substrate, the headbox including a machine direction and a cross direction, the headbox comprising:an inlet;
an outlet;
an internal chamber; and
a divider at least partially within the internal chamber, the divider comprising:
a first surface;
a second surface, the second surface being opposite from the first surface;
a width defined in the cross direction that provides afirst z-directional layer of the headbox and a second z-directional layer of the headbox;
a length defined in the machine direction; and a first cross-directional divider extending away from the first surface of the divider, the first cross-directional divider comprising a cross-directional thickness and a machine- directional length;
  and
wherein the first cross-directional divider separates a first zone of the headbox from a second zone of the headbox in a cross-directional manner, the first zone and the second zone being in the first z-directional layer.

21\. (Original) The headbox of claim 20, wherein the divider further comprises a second cross-directional divider.

22\. -25 (Cancelled)2324

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA  as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1-21 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-25 of U.S. Patent No. 11,866,884 B2. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the scope of the claims overlaps and thus the claims of the US patent can be used to reject the claims of the current application. Note that limitation of the length of the dividers would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art and evidenced by claim 23 of the US Patent.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-21 would be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome the rejection(s) under Double Patenting, set forth in this Office action.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:  The prior art fails to teach or fairly suggest a headbox divider/vane as claimed, i.e., a divider having a first and second surfaces opposite to each other and having cross-machine direction divider extending from the first surface, as claimed. The headbox containing the divider is allowable because the sub- combination, the divider, is novel and non-obvious and the method of using the divider is also allowable since it has been held that the method of making or using a new and novel product is also novel and non-obvious. In re Ochiai, 71 F.3d 1565, 37 USPQ2d 1127 (Fed. Cir. 1995) and In re Brouwer, 71 F.3d 1565, 37 USPQ2d 1663 (Fed. Cir. 1996). See also applicants’ arguments filed on January 31, 2022 on the parent case, PCT/US21/25046.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure in the art of “Method And Apparatus For Producing A Zoned Substrate.”

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: Application No. 18/522,405 Response dated November 26, 2024 Reply to Office Action of June 27, 2024
REMARKS
I
ARGUMENTS
Claims 1-21 are presented for the Examiner's consideration. No claims are being amended in this Response. Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. 1.111, reconsideration of the present application in view of the following remarks is respectfully requested.
1.  Allowable Subject Matter
Applicant thanks the Examiner for indicating that claims 1-21 constitute allowable subject matter and would be allowable upon overcoming the Double Patenting rejection set forth in the Office Action mailed June 27, 2024. Applicant is filing a Terminal Disclaimer herein to place the application in condition for allowance.
II.  Claim Rejections
Double Patenting Rejections
Claims 1-21 stand rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-25 of U.S. Patent No. 11,866,884 B2. Applicant is filing an electronic Terminal Disclaimer via EFS- Web contemporaneously herewith rendering this rejection moot.
Ill.  Conclusions

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: the prior art fails to teach or fairly suggest a headbox divider/vane as claimed, i.e., a divider having a first and second surfaces opposite to each other and having cross-machine direction divider extending from the first surface, as claimed. The headbox containing the divider is allowable because the sub-combination, the divider, is novel and non-obvious and the method of using the divider is also allowable since it has been held that the method of making or using a new and novel product is also novel and non-obvious. In re Ochiai, 71 F.3d 1565, 37 USPQ2d 1127 (Fed. Cir. 1995) and In re Brouwer, 71 F.3d 1565, 37 USPQ2d 1663 (Fed. Cir. 1996). See also applicants’ arguments filed on January 31, 2022 on the parent case, PCT/US21/25046.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US9422665B2: Claims:
A headbox apparatus for a papermaking machine, said headbox apparatus defining a flow path for stock flowing between an upstream header and a downstream slice lip, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of blocks which are anchored within the flow path between the header and the slice lip; each block and an adjacent block of said plurality of blocks defining therebetween a flow tube for the flow therethrough of the stock; said flow tube having an upstream portion and a downstream portion that gradually widens in at least one step in a direction from the header to the slice lip; each block having an upstream and a downstream end, each block defining an elongate divider extending between said upstream and said downstream ends, such that said divider defines a first and a second side, said block defining a first surface disposed adjacent to said first side of said divider and a second surface disposed adjacent to said second side of said divider; an upstream ramp defined by said first surface for generating an upstream vortex adjacent to said first surface; a downstream ramp defined by said second surface for generating a downstream vortex adjacent to said second surface; each block defining a further elongate divider extending between said upstream and said downstream ends, such that said further divider defines a further first and a further second side, said block defining a further first surface disposed adjacent to said further first side of said further divider and a further second surface disposed adjacent to said further second side of said further divider; a further upstream ramp defined by said further second surface for generating a further upstream vortex adjacent to said further second surface; and a further downstream ramp defined by said further first surface for generating a further downstream vortex adjacent to said further first surface such that each of said blocks and said adjacent block of said plurality of blocks generate said upstream vortices which rotate in opposite directions relative to each other within said flow tube and generate said downstream vortices which rotate in opposite directions relative to each other within said flow tube so that impact of said upstream and downstream vortices on a flow consistency and a velocity uniformity of said stock is reduced.
a plurality of blocks which are anchored within the flow path between the header and the slice lip;
each block and an adjacent block of said plurality of blocks defining therebetween a flow tube for the flow therethrough of the stock;
said flow tube having an upstream portion and a downstream portion that gradually widens in at least one step in a direction from the header to the slice lip;
each block having an upstream and a downstream end, each block defining an elongate divider extending between said upstream and said downstream ends, such that said divider defines a first and a second side, said block defining a first surface disposed adjacent to said first side of said divider and a second surface disposed adjacent to said second side of said divider;
an upstream ramp defined by said first surface for generating an upstream vortex adjacent to said first surface;
a downstream ramp defined by said second surface for generating a downstream vortex adjacent to said second surface;
each block defining a further elongate divider extending between said upstream and said downstream ends, such that said further divider defines a further first and a further second side, said block defining a further first surface disposed adjacent to said further first side of said further divider and a further second surface disposed adjacent to said further second side of said further divider;
a further upstream ramp defined by said further second surface for generating a further upstream vortex adjacent to said further second surface; and
a further downstream ramp defined by said further first surface for generating a further downstream vortex adjacent to said further first surface such that each of said blocks and said adjacent block of said plurality of blocks generate said upstream vortices which rotate in opposite directions relative to each other within said flow tube and generate said downstream vortices which rotate in opposite directions relative to each other within said flow tube so that impact of said upstream and downstream vortices on a flow consistency and a velocity uniformity of said stock is reduced.
Ref US5849159A: Claims:
A multi-layer headbox forming a part of a machine for the production of a multi-layer fiber web, the machine having a machine width for producing a web of the machine width, the headbox comprising: at least two flow regions defining flow planes each conducting a fiber slurry, each flow plane having at least one feed device for the fiber slurry. a section in each flow plane for producing microturbulence in the fiber slurry; a nozzle coupled downstream to the sections for producing microturbulence; each section for producing microturbulence opening into the nozzle, the nozzle having an exit slot having a width comprising the machine width; at least one plate in the nozzle that keeps two adjacent streams of slurry separate from each other up to a region of the exit slot; the plate comprising a flexible plate extending from a region near the sections for producing microturbulence to a region of the exit slot, the plate having a base body of plastic and a downstream end of metal, the plastic and metal having a difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of <10 -7 1/K; and the downstream end of the plate having a thickness S of at most 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.
at least two flow regions defining flow planes each conducting a fiber slurry, each flow plane having at least one feed device for the fiber slurry.
a section in each flow plane for producing microturbulence in the fiber slurry;
a nozzle coupled downstream to the sections for producing microturbulence;
each section for producing microturbulence opening into the nozzle, the nozzle having an exit slot having a width comprising the machine width;
at least one plate in the nozzle that keeps two adjacent streams of slurry separate from each other up to a region of the exit slot;
the plate comprising a flexible plate extending from a region near the sections for producing microturbulence to a region of the exit slot, the plate having a base body of plastic and a downstream end of metal, the plastic and metal having a difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of <10 -7 1/K; and
the downstream end of the plate having a thickness S of at most 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.
The headbox according to claim 1, wherein each plate is mounted on an upstream end freely movably around a shaft which extends over the machine width transverse to the direction of flow.
The headbox according to claim 1, wherein the downstream end of the plate has a thickness S of at most 0.1 to 0.2 mm.
The headbox according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the sections for producing microturbulence comprises a plurality of channels extending in the direction of flow distributed over the machine width.
The headbox according to claim 1, wherein the region of the slot is free of baffle adjustment devices, and further comprising a sectioned pulp density control in at least one flow plane.
The headbox according to claim 5, further comprising means for controlling density of the pulp fed to at least one of the flow planes comprising: a plurality of pulp slurry feed lines for at least one flow plane distributed over the machine width; a mixer providing in each pulp slurry feed line, each mixture comprising: at least two inlets and an outlet; at least one of the inlets of each mixer having means for regulating the flow; and individual feeds to each mixer having different properties.
a plurality of pulp slurry feed lines for at least one flow plane distributed over the machine width;
a mixer providing in each pulp slurry feed line, each mixture comprising: at least two inlets and an outlet; at least one of the inlets of each mixer having means for regulating the flow; and individual feeds to each mixer having different properties.
at least two inlets and an outlet;
at least one of the inlets of each mixer having means for regulating the flow; and
individual feeds to each mixer having different properties.
The headbox according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of pulp slurry feed lines, distributed over the machine width feeding at least one flow plane which is free of pulp density control.
The headbox according to claim 1, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the plastic is less than 80,000 N/mm 2 .
The headbox according to claim 1, wherein the multilayer fiber web comprises a multilayer paper web.
A multi-layer headbox forming a part of a machine for the production of a multi-layer fiber web, the machine having a machine width for producing a web of the machine width, the headbox comprising: at least two flow regions defining flow planes each conducting a fiber slurry, each flow plane having at least one feed device for the fiber slurry; a section in each flow plane for producing microturbulence in the fiber slurry; a nozzle coupled downstream to the sections for producing microturbulence; each section for producing microturbulence opening into the nozzle, the nozzle having an exit slot having a width comprising the machine width; at least one plate in the nozzle that keeps two adjacent streams of slurry separate from each other up to a region of the exit slot; the plate being mounted for free movement at an upstream end around a shaft which extends over the machine width transverse to a direction of flow of the fiber slurry, the plate having a base body of plastic and a downstream end of metal, the elastic and metal having a difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of <10 -7 1/K; and the downstream end of the plate having a thickness S of at most 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.
at least two flow regions defining flow planes each conducting a fiber slurry, each flow plane having at least one feed device for the fiber slurry;
the plate being mounted for free movement at an upstream end around a shaft which extends over the machine width transverse to a direction of flow of the fiber slurry, the plate having a base body of plastic and a downstream end of metal, the elastic and metal having a difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of <10 -7 1/K; and
The headbox according to claim 10, wherein each plate comprises a flexible plate from a region of the sections for producing microturbulence to the region-of the exit slot.
The headbox according to claim 10, wherein the downstream end of the plate has a thickness S of at most 0.1 to 0.2 mm.
The headbox according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the sections for producing microturbulence comprises a plurality of channels extending in the direction of flow distributed over the machine width.
The headbox according to claim 10, wherein the region of the slot is free of baffle adjustment devices, and further comprising a sectioned pulp density control in at least one flow plane.
The headbox according to claim 14, further comprising means for controlling density of the pulp fed to at least one of the flow planes comprising: a plurality of pulp slurry feed lines for at least one flow plane distributed over the machine width; a mixer providing in each pulp slurry feed line, each mixture comprising: at least two inlets and an outlet; at least one of the inlets of each mixer having means for regulating the flow; and individual feeds to each mixer having different properties.
The headbox according to claim 15, further comprising a plurality of pulp slurry feed lines, distributed over the machine width feeding at least one flow plane which is free of pulp density control.
The headbox according to claim 10, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the plastic is less than 80,000 N/mm 2 .
The headbox according to claim 10, wherein the multilayer fiber web comprises multilayer paper web.
A multi-layer headbox forming a part of a machine for the production of a multi-layer fiber web, the machine having a machine width for producing a web of the machine width, the headbox comprising: at least two flow regions defining flow planes each conducting a fiber slurry, each flow plane having at least one feed device for the fiber slurry; a section in each flow plane for producing microturbulence in the fiber slurry; a nozzle coupled downstream to the sections for producing microturbulence; each section for producing microturbulence opening into the nozzle, the nozzle having an exit slot having a width comprising the machine width; at least one plate in the nozzle that keeps two adjacent streams of slurry separate from each other up to a region of the exit slot; the plate comprising a flexible plate extending from a region near the sections for producing microturbulence to a region of the exit slot, the plate being flexible to equalize pressures of the slurry streams on either side of the plate thereby to minimize eddy currents in the slurry streams at a downstream end of the plate and reduce oscillation of the plate, the plate having a base body of plastic and the downstream end of metal, the plastic and metal having a difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of <10 -7 1/K; and the downstream end of the plate having a thickness S of at most 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and being selected to minimize oscillation of the plate.
the plate comprising a flexible plate extending from a region near the sections for producing microturbulence to a region of the exit slot, the plate being flexible to equalize pressures of the slurry streams on either side of the plate thereby to minimize eddy currents in the slurry streams at a downstream end of the plate and reduce oscillation of the plate, the plate having a base body of plastic and the downstream end of metal, the plastic and metal having a difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of <10 -7 1/K; and
the downstream end of the plate having a thickness S of at most 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and being selected to minimize oscillation of the plate.
A multi-layer headbox forming a part of a machine for the production of a multi-layer fiber web, the machine having a machine width for producing a web of the machine width, the headbox comprising: at least two flow regions defining flow planes each conducting a fiber slurry, each flow plane having at least one feed device for the fiber slurry; a section in each flow plane for producing microturbulence in the fiber slurry; a nozzle coupled downstream to the sections for producing microturbulence; each section for producing microturbulence opening into the nozzle, the nozzle having an exit slot having a width comprising the machine width; at least one plate in the nozzle that keeps two adjacent streams of slurry separate from each other up to a region of the exit slot; the plate being mounted for free movement at an upstream end around a shaft which extends over the machine width transverse to a direction of flow of the fiber slurry, the plate being mounted for free movement to equalize pressures of the slurry streams on either side of the plate thereby to minimize eddy currents in the slurry streams at a downstream end of the plate and reduce oscillation of the plate, the plate having a base body of plastic and the downstream end of metal, the plastic and metal having a difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of <10 -7 1/K; and the downstream end of the plate having a thickness S of at most 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and being selected to minimize oscillation of the plate.
the plate being mounted for free movement at an upstream end around a shaft which extends over the machine width transverse to a direction of flow of the fiber slurry, the plate being mounted for free movement to equalize pressures of the slurry streams on either side of the plate thereby to minimize eddy currents in the slurry streams at a downstream end of the plate and reduce oscillation of the plate, the plate having a base body of plastic and the downstream end of metal, the plastic and metal having a difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of <10 -7 1/K; and
A multi-layer headbox forming a part of a machine for the production of a multi-layer fiber web, the machine having a machine width for producing a web of the machine width, the headbox comprising: at least two flow regions defining flow planes each conducting a fiber slurry, each flow plane having at least one feed device for the fiber slurry; a section in each flow plane for producing microturbulence in the fiber slurry; a nozzle coupled downstream to the sections for producing microturbulence; each section for producing microturbulence opening into the nozzle, the nozzle having an exit slot having a width comprising the machine width; at least one plate in the nozzle that keeps two adjacent streams of slurry separate from each other up to a region of the exit slot; the plate comprising a flexible plate extending from a region near the sections for producing microturbulence to a region of the exit slot, the plate having a base body of plastic and a downstream end of metal, the plastic and metal having a difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of <10 -7 1/K; and the downstream end of the plate having a thickness S of at most 0.1 mm to about 0.2 mm.
the downstream end of the plate having a thickness S of at most 0.1 mm to about 0.2 mm.
A multi-layer headbox forming a part of a machine for the production of a multi-layer fiber web, the machine having a machine width for producing a web of the machine width, the headbox comprising: at least two flow regions defining flow planes each conducting a fiber slurry, each flow plane having at least one feed device for the fiber slurry; a section in each flow plane for producing microturbulence in the fiber slurry; a nozzle coupled downstream to the sections for producing microturbulence; each section for producing microturbulence opening into the nozzle, the nozzle having an exit slot having a width comprising the machine width; a baffle disposed in the nozzle and adapted to operatively engage the fiber web but not compensate for a basis weight of the fiber web; at least one plate in the nozzle that keeps two adjacent streams of slurry separate from each other up to a region of the exit slot; the plate comprising a flexible plate extending from a region near the sections for producing microturbulence to a region of the exit slot, the plate having a base body of plastic and a downstream end of metal, the plastic and metal having a difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of <10 -7 1/K; the downstream end of the plate having a thickness S of at most about 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm; the headbox further comprising means for controlling density of the pulp fed to at least one of the flow planes comprising: a plurality of pulp slurry feed lines for at least one flow plane distributed over the machine width; a mixer provided in each pulp slurry feed line, each mixer comprising: at least two inlets and an outlet; at least one of the inlets of each mixer having means for regulating the flow; and individual feeds to each mixer having different properties.
a baffle disposed in the nozzle and adapted to operatively engage the fiber web but not compensate for a basis weight of the fiber web;
the plate comprising a flexible plate extending from a region near the sections for producing microturbulence to a region of the exit slot, the plate having a base body of plastic and a downstream end of metal, the plastic and metal having a difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of <10 -7 1/K;
the downstream end of the plate having a thickness S of at most about 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm;
the headbox further comprising means for controlling density of the pulp fed to at least one of the flow planes comprising:
a mixer provided in eac
[Truncated to input limit]