Patent Publication Number: US-9428860-B2

Title: Method of dewatering a forming fabric in a paper making machine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/577,293 filed Dec. 19, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a foil apparatus for a paper making machine and method of use of a foil apparatus. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a foil apparatus having a pulse generator for causing motion within the stock slurry of a paper making machine during a forming process and method of use of the foil apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
     Paper mill slurry stock supplied to the forming fabric of a paper machine is made up of fibers and solids in an aqueous solution containing generally from about 99 to about 99.9 percent water. The aim of a paper maker is to mix the slurry stock thoroughly in the head box of a paper making machine so that the fibers will be uniformly dispersed. Despite this attempt, the fibers often tend to agglomerate in the head box and emerge from the slice in clumps or flocs and the slurry stock is deposited on the forming fabric in this condition. If these flocs or fibers remain undispersed, the finished paper will not be of uniform density. 
     The forming fabric, as used on typical paper making machines, is an open mesh belt of woven cloth. The warp and weft strands of the cloth may be a metal, for example bronze or stainless steel or a plastic material, for instance polyester in multifilament or monofilament form. 
     Several devices have been used to redistribute fibers in the slurry stock after it has been transferred to the forming fabric during a dewatering process. U.S. Pat. No. 3,874,998 to Johnson discloses a series of replaceable blade elements or drainage foils disposed under the forming fabric to reduce flocculation. The foils disclosed by Johnson include machined grooves or channels in a surface of the foil to provide pressure pulses through the forming fabric which produces controlled agitation of the slurry stock. One drawback of the foil disclosed by Johnson is the channels formed in the foil blades have fixed dimensions, thus, even if a particular foil blade works well with one grade of paper and processing speed, the same blade might not have an appropriate channel for operation with another grade or paper or processing speed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,996 to Kallmes discloses a hydrofoil blade for use in a paper making machine wherein a plurality of variously angulated surfaces is provided for producing turbulence having controllable scale and intensity while independently controlling the rate of dewatering. The Kallmes foil includes a trailing edge of the foil designed to fall away from the forming fabric, thus the foil does not force the stock back through the forming fabric. Similar to the Johnson device, the Kallmes design has a fixed profile that may work well with one grade of paper and speed but not across all grades of paper and machines. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,500 to Mejdell teaches an adjustable angle foil for a paper making machine in which a rigid foil member is pivoted by a cam actuated adjustment mechanism to change the foil angle. Similar to the Kallmes foil, adjustment of the foil disclosed by Mejdell may cause a trailing edge to move away from a forming fabric which may reduce a volume of the stock being forced back through the forming fabric. 
     Each of the above-mentioned devices are used to reduce floccing in a paper making process however, none of the prior art devices are sufficiently adjustable to suit the changing variety of paper grades, weights and processing speeds currently delivered by a typical paper making machine. Accordingly, using the above-described foil blades, a paper maker is often tasked with continuously removing and replacing foil blades of varied specifications in an attempt to maintain high quality paper of various grades and made with differing processing speeds. 
     It is an object of the present teachings to provide an adjustable pulse generating foil apparatus for a papermaking machine that overcomes the shortcomings of prior art foil devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and does provide a comprehensive description or include scope or all the features of the subject matter disclosed. 
     According to one aspect, the present teachings provide a foil apparatus for a paper making machine including an elongated foil member defining a work surface postionable relative to the forming fabric of a paper making machine, and an elongated pulse generator coupled to the foil member along a length of the foil member. The pulse generator being mounted adjacent to the foil member for forming a nip between the work surface and the forming fabric, the nip for creating movement in a slurry stock of the paper making machine for reducing flocculation. 
     According to another aspect, the present teachings provide a method of dewatering a forming fabric in a paper making machine, the method including the steps of, moving a forming fabric carrying a slurry stock through a dewatering area of the paper making machine; positioning a foil apparatus for supporting the forming fabric, the foil apparatus comprising an elongated foil member defining a work surface postionable relative to the forming fabric, and an elongated pulse generator coupled to the foil member along a length of the foil member, the pulse generator being mounted adjacent the work surface; and forming a nip between the work surface and the forming fabric by positioning the pulse generator relative to the work surface, the nip for creating movement in a slurry stock of the paper making machine for reducing flocculation. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present teachings will become more fully understood from the detailed description, the appended claims and the following drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a foil apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is another partial perspective view of the foil apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a rear side elevation view of the foil apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an end view of the foil apparatus of  FIG. 1  with certain parts omitted for clarity. 
         FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of the foil apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing a threaded rod of an actuator with certain parts omitted for clarity. 
         FIG. 5A  is a side elevational view of a bracket of the actuator of  FIG. 5  showing a detail of the angular slot therein. 
         FIG. 6A  is a side elevational view of a paper making machine according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a schematic drawing of a vacuum augmented paper making machine having a foil apparatus according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6C  is a side view of a twin wire forming paper machine including a plurality of foil apparatuses according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic drawing of a foil member and pulse generator according to one embodiment of the present invention shown with the pulse generator in a “full up” position relative to the foil member. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of the foil member and pulse generator of  FIG. 7  shown as used in a paper making machine. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic drawing of a foil member and pulse generator according to one embodiment of the present invention shown with the pulse generator in a “full down” position relative to the foil member. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram of a foil member and pulse generator of  FIG. 9  shown as used in a paper making machine. 
         FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a foil apparatus in accordance with the present invention including first and second pulse generators coupled to each of a leading and a trailing edge of the foil member, respectively. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic drawing of a foil member according to one embodiment of the present invention having first and second pulse generators shown with each of the pulse generators in a “full up” position relative to the foil member. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram of the foil apparatus of  FIG. 12  shown as used in a paper making machine. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic drawing of the foil apparatus of  FIG. 11  shown with the pulse generator coupled to the leading edge in a “full up” position relative to the foil member, and the pulse generator coupled to the trailing edge in a “full down” position relative to the foil member. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram of the foil apparatus of  FIG. 14  shown as used in a paper making machine. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic drawing of the foil apparatus of  FIG. 11  shown with the pulse generator coupled to the leading edge in a “full down” position relative to the foil member, and the pulse generator coupled to the trailing edge in a “full up” position relative to the foil member. 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram of the foil apparatus of  FIG. 16  shown as used in a paper making machine. 
         FIG. 18  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a foil apparatus in accordance with the present invention including a foil member having an adjustable work surface and a pulse generator coupled adjacent a trailing edge thereof. 
         FIG. 19  is a partial end view of the foil apparatus of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIGS. 20-27  are cross-sectional views of various pulse generators in accordance with the present invention taken at line D-D of  FIG. 3 ; each of the views showing a pulse generator defining a different shaped surface for engaging the forming fabric of a paper making machine. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Detailed illustrative descriptions of example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. The example embodiments may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “mated,” “attached,” or “fixed” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between”versus “directly between”, “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent”, etc.). 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the language explicitly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. 
       FIGS. 1-4  illustrate an example embodiment foil apparatus  10  according to the present invention. The foil apparatus  10  includes an elongated foil member  12  having a leading edge  14  and a trailing edge  16 . The foil member  12  defines a working surface  18  disposed between the leading edge  14  and trailing edge  16 . An elongated pulse generator  20  is coupled to a side of the foil member  12  for movement relative thereto.  FIGS. 1 and 2  include only a partial view of the foil apparatus  10  as denoted by the jagged line  19  shown in the figures; thus, an extended portion of the elongated foil member  12  and pulse generator  20  is omitted from  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The pulse generator  20  defines a shaped surface  22  extending throughout a length of the pulse generator and positioned adjacent the trailing edge  16  of the foil member  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 20-27 , the shaped surface  22  can define various contours such as those representative contours illustrated in the figures, for use in various applications of the foil apparatus  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the pulse generator  20  is coupled to a sidewall  26  of the foil member  12  via a plurality of bolts  28  and extends along substantially the entire length of the foil member  12 . In the  FIGS. 1-3  embodiments, a length of the pulse generator  20  is substantially equal to the length of the foil member  12 . The pulse generator  20  defines a plurality of slots  30  extending through a width A of the pulse generator, the bolts  28  pass through the slots  30  and threadably engage corresponding threaded holes defined by the foil member  12 . The pulse generator  20  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  defines a plurality of counter sink slots  32  extending parallel with and surrounding the through slots  30  for receiving a head  31  of the bolts  28 . As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3, 5 , the countersink slots  32  extend through only a portion of the width A of the pulse generator. The pulse generator  20  is coupled to the foil member  12  for slidable movement relative to the foil member via the bolts  28  and slots  30 . The bolts  28  may be shoulder bolts wherein the pulse generator is carried on a shoulder  29  (See  FIG. 7 ) of bolts  28 ; the shoulder being engaged with the slots  30  of the pulse generator for carrying the pulse generator along the length of, and relative to the foil member  12 , and during adjustment of the position of the pulse generator. The slots  30 ,  32  are disposed at an angle α relative to a length of the pulse generator  20 .  FIG. 1  shows the angle α measured between a lower edge  34  of the pulse generator and a side wall  36  of the countersink slot  32 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , an actuator, generally referred to by the reference numeral  40  is provided for adjusting the position of the pulse generator  20  relative to the foil member  12 . In one embodiment, the actuator  40  includes a threaded rod  42  having a length aligned with a length L of the pulse generator. In one embodiment, the threaded rod  42  is fixedly attached to the pulse generator via insertion and/or threading of a first end  43  of the rod  42  into an aperture  45  extending into an end  35  of the pulse generator  20 . The actuator  40  includes a bracket  47  attached to the foil member  12  via a pair of bolts  48 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the bracket  47  defines a slot  50  for receiving the second end  55  of the threaded rod  42  therethrough. A pair of jam nuts  51   a  and  51   b  are threaded onto the threaded rod on opposing sides of the bracket  47 . A knob  53  is coupled to a second end  55  of the threaded rod  42 . The jam nuts  51  and knob  53  are used to move the pulse generator  20  relative to the foil member  12 , by backing off one of the jam nuts  51   a ,  51   b  and turning the other of the jam nuts  51   a ,  51   b  against the bracket  47  (i.e., toward the bracket  47 ), so that the pulse generator  20  will move toward or away from the bracket  47 , the angled slots  30  causing the pulse generator  20  and shaped surface  22  thereof, to also move in a direction generally perpendicular to the length L of the pulse generator. The movement of the pulse generator  20  and the shaped surface  22  thereof, above an edge ( 14 ,  16 ) of the working surface  18  of the foil member  12  creates a space or nip  61  (See  FIG. 8 ) for reducing floccing in a paper making process as discussed further hereinbelow. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , in another preferred embodiment of the actuator  40 , the jam nuts  51   a  and  51   b  are threadably engaged with the threaded rod  42  on opposing sides of the bracket  47  to fix a position of the threaded rod relative to the bracket  47 . The knob  53  is threadably engaged with, and fixed to the second end  55  of the threaded rod  42 . A first end  43  of the threaded rod  42  is threadably engaged with the pulse generator  20  at the threaded aperture  45  which extends through the end  35  of the pulse generator and along the length L thereof as shown in  FIG. 3 . The position of the pulse generator  20  relative to the foil member  12  is adjustable by simply turning the knob  53  in one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction to raise or lower the position of the shaped surface  22  relative to the working surface  18  of the foil member, respectively. For example, as shown in the  FIG. 1 , clockwise rotation of the knob  53  moves the pulse generator  20  towards the bracket  47  thereby increasing the volume of the nip  61  (See  FIG. 8 ) due to the angular position of the slot  30 . Conversely, rotation of the knob  53  in a counterclockwise direction will move the threaded rod  42  out of the aperture  45  thereby pushing the pulse generator  20  away from the bracket  47  and lowering the shaped surface  22  of the pulse generator relative to the working surface  18 , which decreases a volume of the nip  61 . ( FIG. 8 ). 
     In one embodiment of the pulse generator  20 , the angle α of the slots  30  is in range of about zero degrees to about 90 degrees. In another embodiment of the pulse generator  20 , the angle α of the slots  30  is in a range of about zero degrees to about twenty degrees. 
     As will be obvious to one skilled in the art, a precision of the movement of the pulse generator  20  relative to the foil member  12  is determined in part by the angle α of the slots  30  and the thread pitch or thread count of the threaded rod  42  of actuator  40 . A threaded rod  42  having a larger thread pitch/thread count (finer thread) will move the pulse generator a shorter distance (lengthwise in the direction of the threaded rod  42  and the length L of the pulse generator) per each revolution of the jam nut  51  than a threaded rod  42  having a smaller thread pitch or thread count (coarser thread). Depending on the angle α of the slots  30 , rotation of one of the knob  53  will also move the pulse generator  20  in a direction perpendicular to the length L of the pulse generator as set forth above. In one embodiment the threaded rod has a thread count equal to approximately 20 threads per inch. Accordingly, for every 1 turn of one of the threaded rod  42 , the pulse generator  20  will move approximately 0.05″ toward or away from the bracket  47 . In other embodiments of the foil apparatus  10  the threaded rod  42  and corresponding aperture  45  may have different thread counts for adjusting the position of the pulse generator  20  relative to the foil member  12 . 
     The slot  50  defined by the bracket  47  allows for the movement of the pulse generator  20  and threaded rod  42  relative to the foil member  12  in a direction perpendicular to the length L of the pulse generator. As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 5   a , the slot  50  is disposed at an angle β relative to an axis B of the bracket  47  corresponding to a slope of the sidewall  26  of the foil member  12 . The angled slot  50  allows the threaded rod  42  to move with the pulse generator in a direction perpendicular to the length L of the pulse generator. Thus, the bracket  47  is configured with the slot  50  being disposed at an angle β corresponding to the slope of the sidewall of the foil member  12  to which the bracket is mounted. 
     In other embodiments of the foil apparatus disclosed, the pulse generator  20  may be attached to the foil member  12  for movement relative thereto with a different configuration or different fasteners which will be apparent to one skilled in the art and within the scope of the disclosed invention. Also, the actuator  40  may be configured differently including for example, a rotatable cam engaged with the pulse generator, a lever coupled to the pulse generator. 
     In another embodiment (not shown) the actuator includes a stepper motor coupled to the threaded rod  42  and a controller for automated adjustment of the position of the pulse generator relative to the foil member  12 . At least one sensor for determining a position of the pulse generator relative to the foil member is connected to the controller for transmitting an output to the controller. 
     In one embodiment the slots  30  are configured to allow movement of the pulse generator  20  and the shaped surface  22  thereof to extend above the surface  18  of the foil member  12  in a range from about 0″ to about 0.75″; in another embodiment, the slots  30  are configured to allow the shaped surface  22  to extend from about 0.2″ below an edge ( 14 ,  16 ) to about 0.5″ above an edge ( 14 ,  16 ) of the working surface  18  of the foil member  12 . Thus, the configuration of the slots  30  and the threaded rod  42  allow an operator to move the pulse generator relative to the foil member  12  for controlling a dimension of the nip  61  formed between the working surface  18  of the foil member  12 , the forming fabric  63  and the shaped surface  22  of the pulse generator  20  as discussed further hereinbelow. (See  FIG. 7 ). In other embodiments of the foil apparatus  10 , the range of motion of the pulse generator relative to the working surface  18  in a direction generally perpendicular thereto, can be between about zero to about 1.0 inches. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , in another embodiment a pulse generator kit is provided for attaching a pulse generator  20  and actuator  40  to an existing foil member (e.g., foil member  12 ) of a paper making machine  60 . In one embodiment, the pulse generator kit includes a pulse generator  20  as set forth hereinabove, including a shaped surface  22  disposed along a length L thereof, and a plurality of slots  30  extending through a width of the pulse generator. The pulse generator  20  further comprises a threaded rod  42  extending outwardly from an end thereof, or the kit may include a threaded rod  42  attachable to an end of the pulse generator  20 . Further, the pulse generator kit may include a plurality of bolts  28  for attaching the pulse generator along the length of a foil member of a paper making machine. The pulse generator kit may include a bracket  47  for coupling the threaded rod to a foil member  12  and one or more bolts  48  for fixing the bracket  47  to the foil member. Additionally, the pulse generator kit may include a pair of jam nuts  51   a ,  51   b  and flat washers for adjustably fixing a position of the pulse generator  20  relative to a foil member  12  as set forth above. The pulse generator kit for modifying an existing foil member  12  for providing an adjustable foil member for use in creating movement in a slurry stock of a paper making machine for reducing flocculation in the slurry stock. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a paper making machine  60  having a plurality of the foil apparatus  10  mounted to a frame  62  of the paper making machine in accordance with the present invention. In the  FIG. 6A  embodiment, the foil members  12  of each of the foil apparatus  10  define a coupler member including a t-slot  64  for receiving a mating coupler member  66 . The t-slots  64  and coupler members  66  cooperate in a known arrangement to removably mount the foil apparatus  10  to the paper making machine  60  for use in dewatering a forming fabric in a paper making process. In other embodiments, the foil apparatus  10  may include various other means for coupling the foil member  12  to a paper making machine, e.g. in one embodiment the foil member  12  may define a coupler member having a dovetail configuration for mating with a complimentary coupler member attached to a frame or other support structure. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, foil apparatus  10  may include various other types of coupler members designed to mount the foil apparatus to a paper making machine, (e.g., other types of fasteners may also be used such as nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.). 
       FIG. 6B  is an illustration of a plurality of foil apparatus  10  in accordance with the present disclosure shown mounted to a paper making machine  60 B having a vacuum augmented dewatering system. As shown in  FIG. 6B , the system includes a vacuum source V for creating a negative pressure inside a structure of the machine for assisting in a dewatering process. The foil apparatuses  10  are configured and operate with the vacuum augmented machine  60 B in a similar way as that described above with respect to the gravity dewatering system of the paper making machine  60 . 
     In other embodiments, the foil apparatus  10  as disclosed herein can be used on a support structure of a paper making machine in combination with other types of foils, and/or related elements, including fixed foils, fixed stepped blades, adjustable angle or stepped blades and with elements of various widths. For example, in one embodiment, a plurality of foil apparatus  10  pulse generators  20  as disclosed herein can be positioned alternatingly amongst a plurality of standard fixed foils coupled to a paper making machine. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate the advantages of the present invention foil apparatus  10  in that the adjustability of the pulse generator  20  allows an operator to configure a paper making machine including one or more foil apparatus  10  either alone or in combination with various other types of foil elements to provide a paper making machine with flexibility to form papers of various quality and grades from a single machine without requiring continuous changing of foils having fixed specifications or limited adjustability. Thus, due to the numerous variations of possible configurations of one or more pulse generators  20  and positions thereof relative to the foil member  12 , the foil apparatus  10  of the present invention provides an adjustable foil apparatus that is greatly improved and surpasses prior art adjustable foils. 
       FIG. 6C  is an illustration of a plurality of foil apparatus  10  in accordance with the present disclosure shown mounted to a twin wire forming paper making machine  60 C. As shown in  FIG. 6C , the paper making machine  60 C includes lower and upper frames  62 A,  62 B respectively. The lower frame  62 A is configured to carry an inner forming fabric  63 A and the upper frame carries an outer forming fabric  63 B; both of the inner and outer forming fabrics  63 A,  63 B configured for movement in the forming direction F relative to the frames  62 A,  62 B. A stock slurry  65  is delivered to and carried between the inner and outer forming fabrics  63 A,  63 B. The foil apparatuses  10  are configured and operate with respect to the associated forming fabric  63 A,  63 B in a similar way as that described above with respect to the gravity dewatering system of the paper making machine  60 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a foil apparatus  10  is shown with the pulse generator  20  in a “full up” position wherein the shaped surface  22  of the pulse generator is moved to a maximum height relative to the working surface  18  of the foil member. In one embodiment, the pulse generator  20  is movable relative to the foil member  12  so that the shaped surface  22  moves between about −0.125″ below an edge ( 14 ,  16 ) of the foil member to about 0.5″ above the edge of the foil member. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a typical overall width C of the foil member  12  with the pulse generator  20  attached thereto is in a range of about 2 inches to about 10 inches. A slope of the work surface  18  is identified as angle γ measured from a horizontal line perpendicular to a height of the foil member  12 . The slope γ of the work surface  18  of the foil member is typically in a range of about zero degrees to about ten degrees measured from a horizontal line as shown in  FIG. 7 . The foil member  12  also includes an angular leading side  27  joining the working surface  18  at leading edge  14 . Also shown in  FIG. 7  is an angle of the leading side of the foil member  12  relative to a line perpendicular to the generally horizontal plane of the forming fabric  63  marked with the reference letter δ which is typically in a range of about zero degrees to about ninety degrees. 
       FIG. 8  diagrams one embodiment of the foil apparatus  10  in operation as used in a paper making machine  60 . Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the pulse generator  20  is positioned adjacent an edge ( 14 ,  16 ) of the work surface  18  of the foil member  12  for movement relative to the foil member  12  as described herein for the purpose of creating an adjustable nip  61  or space between the working surface  18  of the foil member  12 , the shaped surface  22  of the pulse generator and a lower surface of the forming fabric  63 . Thus, adjusting the position of the pulse generator  20  relative to the foil member  12  as set forth above, allows an operator to adjust a volume of the nip  61  by adjusting a dimension of the shaped surface  22  that engages the slurry stock  65  below the forming fabric  63  and identified as “E” on  FIG. 8 . Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 9 , the pulse generator  20  is movable relative to the foil member  12  between a “full up” position ( FIG. 7 ) and a “full down” position ( FIG. 9 ). As shown in  FIG. 8 , in a full up position, the shaped surface  22  of the pulse generator  20  engages a lower surface of the forming fabric  63 , in part forming the nip  61  which causes water to drain from the slurry stock through the forming fabric and into the nip  61  and then to be forced back through the forming fabric at the obstructing shaped surface  22  of the pulse generator, which causes turbulence in the slurry stock  65  and mixing of the slurry stock which reduces flocculation. Adjustment of the position of the shaped surface  22  relative to the foil member  12  between the full up and full down positions is carried out by an operator for reducing flocculation in the slurry stock. Depending on various factors including, e.g., the quality and grade of the paper being made, a content and/or consistency of the slurry stock, and a process speed of the paper making machine  60 , the pulse generator  20  is adjusted to increase or decrease the volume of the nip  61  for increasing or decreasing turbulence in the slurry stock above the forming fabric  63 . In one embodiment of the pulse generator  20 , the distance E between a full up and full down position is in a range of between about 0 inches and about 1.0 inches. In another embodiment, the range of movement E of the pulse generator  20  relative to the working surface  18  of the foil member  12  is about 0.5 inches. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 8 , the leading edge  14  of the foil member  12  and the angle δ thereof, diverts water  67  approaching the leading edge and below the forming fabric  63  away from the forming fabric and below the foil apparatus  10 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the foil apparatus includes a scale  54  attached to the working surface  18  of the foil member  12 . A corresponding indicator  56  is coupled to the pulse generator  20 . The scale  54  and indicator  56  cooperate to identify a position of the pulse generator  20  relative to the foil member  12 . Although not shown, the scale  54  may include a “0” mark to identify a position wherein a high point of the shaped surface  22  of the pulse generator is flush with the working surface  18  of the foil member  12  such that the pulse generator is in a neutral position relative to the working surface  18 . 
       FIG. 9  shows the foil apparatus  10  configured in a “full down” or neutral position wherein the shaped surface  22  of the pulse generator  20  is moved to a lowest position relative to the working surface  18  of the foil member  12 . In some embodiments the full down position of the pulse generator  20  relative to the foil member  12  may include the shaped surface  22  being below an edge ( 14 ,  16 ) of the working surface  18  of the foil member  12  with respect to the forming fabric  63 . 
       FIG. 10  provides an illustration of the foil apparatus  10  as configured in  FIG. 9  in use in a paper making machine  60 . As shown, the pulse generator  20  is positioned in a full down position relative to the foil member  12  such that water drained from the slurry stock through the forming fabric  63  and passing over the working surface  18  of the foil member  12  is not obstructed by the pulse generator and allowed to remain suspended below the forming fabric  63 . Thus, in the full down position of the pulse generator  20  relative to the foil member  12 , the pulse generator does not impede the flow of water below the forming fabric  63 . Further, in the full down position, the pulse generator is effectively in a neutral position and therefore has little effect on a degree of turbulence or agitation in the slurry stock above the forming fabric  63 . 
       FIG. 11  shows another embodiment of a foil apparatus  10 A in accordance with the present invention. The foil apparatus  10 A is similar to the exemplary foil apparatus  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and includes both first and second pulse generators  20  and  20 A coupled adjacent to each of the trailing edge  16  and leading edge  14  of the foil member  12 , respectively. The second pulse generator  20 A is substantially a mirror image of the pulse generator  20  described above, yet coupled adjacent the leading edge  14 A of the foil member  12 A. The pulse generator  20 A is coupled for movement relative to the foil member  12  via actuator  40 A and threaded rod  42 A in a similar manner as set forth above with respect to the arrangement of pulse generator  20  shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and described hereinabove. Bracket  47 A is similar to bracket  47  described above, and includes all of the features thereof as well as a second slot  50 A (not shown) to receive and support the second threaded rod  42 A associated with the second pulse generator  20 A in an arrangement similar to that described above with respect to bracket  47 . 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic illustration of the foil apparatus  10 A of  FIG. 11  configured with both of the first pulse generator  20  and the second pulse generator  20 A in full up positions relative to the foil member  12 A disposed therebetween. The dimensional and functional relationships of component parts of the foil apparatus  10 A are similar to those discussed above with respect to the foil apparatus  10  and therefore are not discussed further herein. 
       FIG. 13  provides an illustration of the foil apparatus  10 A as configured in  FIG. 12  in use in a paper making machine  60 . As shown, the first pulse generator  20  is positioned in a full up position relative to the foil member  12  and the second pulse generator  20 A is positioned in a full up position relative to the foil member  12 . Accordingly, a nip  61 A is provided between the first and second pulse generators  20 ,  20 A respectively, the working surface  18 A of the foil member  12 A and the forming fabric  63 . Due to the full up position of the second pulse generator  20 A, and engagement of both the first and second pulse generators  20 ,  20 A with the forming fabric  63 , the nip  61 A extends across the entire width of the working surface  18 A, thus the nip  61 A is larger than that provided by the foil apparatus  10  described hereinabove. As set forth above with respect to the foil apparatus  10 , water is allowed to drain via gravity or otherwise from the slurry stock  65  through the forming fabric  63  and into the nip  61 A and then forced back through the forming fabric at the obstructing shaped surface  22  of the first pulse generator  20 , which causes turbulence in the slurry stock  65  and mixing of the slurry stock which reduces flocculation. Adjustment of the positions of the shaped surfaces  22 ,  22 A relative to the foil member  12 A between the full up and full down positions is carried out by an operator for reducing flocculation in the slurry stock as discussed hereinabove with respect to foil apparatus  10 . Depending on various factors including, e.g., the quality and grade of the paper being made, a content and/or consistency of the slurry stock, and a process speed of the paper making machine  60 , the pulse generators  20  and  20 A are adjusted to increase or decrease the volume of the nip  61 A for increasing or decreasing turbulence in the slurry stock  65  above the forming fabric  63 . The additional pulse generator  20 A provides the foil apparatus  10 A with the adjustability of both the first and second pulse generators  20 ,  20 A throughout a full range of motion between the full down and full up positions of each and in combination one with the other. The various combinations of relative positions of the first and second pulse generators  20 ,  20 A provides increased flexibility in the volume and geometry of the nip  61 A when compared with prior art foil apparatus as well as the foil apparatus  10  disclosed herein. The adjustability of the pulse generator  20  relative to the foil member  12  will allow the operator of a paper making machine to generate high quality paper products of various grades while reducing a number of times a conventional foil member is removed and replaced with a foil member of a different specification as required using prior art foil members as described hereinabove. 
       FIG. 14  shows the foil apparatus  10 A configured with the first pulse generator  20  in a full down position relative to the foil member  12 A and the second pulse generator  20 A in a full up position relative to the foil member  12 A. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates the foil apparatus  10 A as configured in  FIG. 14  in use in a paper making machine  60 . As shown, the first pulse generator  20  is positioned in a full down position relative to the foil member  12  and the second pulse generator  20 A positioned in a full up position relative to the foil member  12 A. In the  FIG. 15  configuration, the shaped surface  22 A engages the underside of the forming fabric  63  causing water suspended under the forming fabric to collide with a forward facing surface  23  of the second pulse generator  20 A which directs the water away from the forming fabric and below the foil apparatus  10 A. As also shown in  FIG. 15 , the slurry stock  65  carried on the forming fabric  63  over the foil apparatus  10 A drains water  69  from the slurry stock through the forming fabric and into the nip  61 A. The water  69  drained from the slurry stock  65  through the forming fabric  63  and passing over the working surface  18  of the foil member  12  is not obstructed by the first pulse generator  20 A (configured in a full down position) and allowed to remain suspended below the forming fabric  63 . Thus, in the full down position relative to the foil member  12 , the first pulse generator  20 A does not impede the flow of water  69  below the forming fabric  63 . Further, in the full down position, the first pulse generator  20 A is effectively in a neutral position and therefore has little effect on a degree of turbulence or agitation in the slurry stock above the forming fabric  63 . Adjustment of the second pulse generator  20 A to a position between full up and full down reduces the volume of the nip  61  between the forming fabric and working surface  18 A of the foil member  12 A thereby allowing less water  69  to drain from the slurry stock  65  and into the nip  61 A. Adjusting the first pulse generator  20  towards the forming fabric  63 , will cause some of the water  69  to flow back through the forming fabric for agitating the stock slurry  63 . Thus, the relative positions of the first and second pulse generators  20 ,  20 A and the foil member  12  can be adjusted in various combinations to achieve a desired amount of agitation in the slurry stock  63 . 
       FIG. 16  shows the foil apparatus  10 A configured with the first pulse generator  20  in a full up position relative to the foil member  12 A and the second pulse generator  20 A in a full down position relative to the foil member  12 A. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates the foil apparatus  10 A as configured in  FIG. 16  in use in a paper making machine  60 . As shown, the first pulse generator  20  is positioned in a full up position relative to the foil member  12  and the second pulse generator  20 A positioned in a full down position relative to the foil member  12 A. As configured, the shaped surface  22 A is spaced apart from the underside of the forming fabric  63  causing water suspended under the forming fabric to pass over the working surface  18 A of the foil apparatus  12 A. As also shown in  FIG. 17 , the slurry stock  65  carried on the forming fabric  63  over the second pulse generator  20 A and the foil member  12  drains water  69  from the slurry stock through the forming fabric and into the nip  61 A. The water  69  drained from the slurry stock  65  through the forming fabric  63  and passing over the working surface  18  of the foil member  12  is then obstructed by the shaped surface  22  of the first pulse generator  20  and forced back through the forming fabric  63 . Still referring to  FIG. 17 , in a full up position, the shaped surface  22  of the first pulse generator  20  engages a lower surface of the forming fabric  63 , in part forming the nip  61 A which in part, allows the water  69  to drain from the slurry stock  65  through the forming fabric and into the nip  61 A. The water  69  is then forced back through the forming fabric at the obstructing shaped surface  22  of the first pulse generator  20 , which causes turbulence in the slurry stock  65  and mixing of the slurry stock which reduces flocculation therein. Adjustment of the positions of the shaped surfaces  22 ,  22 A relative to the foil member  12 A between the full up and full down positions is carried out by an operator for reducing flocculation in the slurry stock. Depending on various factors including, e.g., the quality and grade of the paper being made, a content and/or consistency of the slurry stock, and a process speed of the paper making machine  60 , the pulse generators  20 ,  20 A are adjusted to increase or decrease the volume of the nip  61 A for increasing or decreasing turbulence in the slurry stock  65  above the forming fabric  63 . 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  show another embodiment of a foil apparatus  10 C according to the present invention including a pulse generator  20 A coupled to a foil member  12 B having an adjustable angle working surface  18 C. The foil apparatus  10 C is similar in operation to the foil apparatus  10  and  10 A described herein above. An intermediate member  33  may be included between an edge  14 A and the pulse generator  20 A to facilitate coupling the pulse generator to the adjustable body of the foil apparatus  10 C. The operation and function of the pulse generator  20 A and foil apparatus  10 C are similar to that discussed hereinabove with respect to foil apparatus  10  and  10 A. The angular adjustability of the working surface  18 C which is known, in combination with the adjustable pulse generator  20 A, provides yet another embodiment of the disclosed foil apparatus. In another embodiment (not shown) first and second pulse generators  20 ,  20 A are coupled to the trailing and leading edges of the adjustable angle working surface  18 C. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the adjustable working surface  18 C in combination with one or more pulse generators ( 20 ,  20 A) each being movable relative to the working surface  18 C between full up and full down positions as described hereinabove, provides a foil apparatus  10 C capable of providing variable configurations and degrees thereof for mixing the slurry stock of a paper making machine in a selectable manner. For example, the angular adjustability of the working surface  18 C in combination with one or more adjustable pulse generators  20 ,  20 A coupled to the foil member  12 C provides numerous possibilities for configuring a nip  61  for carrying water  69  below the forming fabric  63  in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIGS. 20-27  show the cross sections of various pulse generators ( 20 ,  20 A) in accordance with the present invention foil apparatus  10 . The shaped surfaces  22  of varied pulse generators illustrated in  FIGS. 20-27  provide examples of various surfaces suitable for engagement with the slurry stock  65  and/or water  69  for creating turbulence and/or reducing flocculation in the slurry stock as mentioned herein. The various shaped surfaces  22  shown in  FIGS. 20-27  are designed for the varied stocks and forming fabrics used in the paper making industries. 
     Typically the materials used for the pulse generators  20  and working surfaces  18  of the disclosed foil apparatus  10 ,  10 A,  10 C include one or more of plastic, polymers, ceramic, fiberglass, stainless steel and other types of wearable or wear resistant materials which are known to those skilled in the art. 
     Also provided is a method of dewatering a forming fabric in a paper making machine, the method including the steps of: moving a forming fabric carrying a slurry stock through a dewatering area of the paper making machine; positioning a foil apparatus relative to a frame for supporting the forming fabric, the foil apparatus comprising an elongated foil member defining a work surface postionable relative to the forming fabric, and an elongated pulse generator coupled to the foil member along a length of the foil member, the pulse generator being mounted adjacent the work surface; forming a nip between the work surface and the forming fabric by positioning the puke generator relative to the work surface, the nip for creating movement in a slurry stock of the paper making machine for reducing flocculation in the slurry stock. 
     The method further including a step of adjusting a volume of the nip by moving the pulse generator relative to the work surface. 
     The method further including coupling the pulse generator to the foil member via a shoulder bolt extending through a slot defined by the pulse generator and secured to the foil member. 
     The method further including operating an actuator for moving the pulse generator relative to the work surface. 
     The method further including a step of coupling a first pulse generator adjacent to a trailing edge of the working surface of the foil member and coupling a second pulse generator adjacent a leading edge of the working surface of the foil member. 
     The method further including a step of moving one or both of the first and second pulse generators relative to the foil member and creating a nip between the forming fabric and the work surface of the foil apparatus for reducing flocculation in the slurry stock. 
     The method further including adjusting an angle of the working surface relative to a plane or the forming fabric. 
     Example embodiments and methods thus being described, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that example embodiments and example methods may be varied through routine experimentation and without further inventive activity. For example, while the disclosure describes foil apparatus useable with a paper making machine, internal spacing elements or other intermediate elements and/or variations of the disclosed embodiments may be used in connection with the foil apparatus described herein and achieve the same functions as disclosed herein. Variations are not to be regarded as departure from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.