Patent Abstract:
A method for adjusting a papermaking process for producing rolls of convolutely wound web material having a machine direction (MD) and a cross-machine direction (CD) coplanar and orthogonal thereto is disclosed. The process improves the operating life of a papermaking belt used therefor.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to processes useful in making strong, soft, absorbent paper products. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to papermaking processes using belts formed from a resinous framework and a reinforcing structure having embedded sensors that provide process feedback that can provide a significant increase in the operating lifetime of the papermaking belt. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Processes for the manufacturing of paper products for use in tissue, toweling and sanitary products generally involve the preparation of an aqueous slurry of paper fibers and then subsequently removing the water from the slurry while contemporaneously rearranging the fibers in the slurry to form a paper web. Various types of machinery can be employed to assist in the dewatering process. 
     The processes to manufacture these paper products use a paper slurry that is fed onto the top surface of a traveling endless belt that serves as the initial papermaking surface of the machine. These papermaking belts or fabrics carry various names depending on their intended use. Fourdrinier wires, also known as Fourdrinier belts, forming wires, or forming fabrics are used in the initial forming zone of the papermaking machine. Dryer fabrics carry the paper web through the drying operation of the papermaking machine. 
     One particular papermaking belt utilizes a foraminous woven member surrounded by a hardened photosensitive resin framework. The resin framework has a plurality of discrete, isolated, channels known as “deflection conduits” disposed therein. The process to manufacture a paper product can involve the steps of associating an embryonic web of papermaking fibers with the top surface of the papermaking belt, deflecting the paper fibers into the deflection conduits, and applying a vacuum or other fluid pressure differential to the web from the backside (machine-contacting side) of the papermaking belt. This process made it finally possible to create paper having certain desired preselected characteristics. 
     Although the aforementioned process produces suitable papermaking belts and results in superior formed paper products, it has been found that the papermaking manufacturing environment severely limits the lifetime of these papermaking belts. This could be attributed to the inability to measure certain key physical parameters of the papermaking belt during use. By way of example, the equipment used in the manufacture of paper products subjects the papermaking belt to extreme temperatures, bending moments, tensions, stress, strain, pH, wear, and the like. Each of these factors has been found to severely limit the life of the papermaking belts by causing micro-fractures to occur in the hardened resins that form the surface of the papermaking belt as well as fractures due to oxidation and decay of the resin itself. Without desiring to be bound by theory, resin loss is believed to be the primary cause of belt failure. This is particularly true of papermaking systems that incorporate the use of high temperature pre-dryers and Yankee drying drums. Additionally, the high pressures experienced by the papermaking belt in process nips (formed between pressure rolls) and vacuum slots, as well as process abrasion points (e.g., while traversing vacuum boxes and the like) and stresses introduced by misaligned process equipment have been linked to premature papermaking belt failures. 
     The significance of the difficulties experienced by users of these papermaking belts is exacerbatingly increased by the relatively high cost of the papermaking belts themselves. For example, manufacturing a foraminous woven element that is incorporated into these belts requires expensive textile processing operations, including the use of large and costly looms. Also, substantial quantities of relatively expensive filaments are incorporated into these foraminous woven elements. The cost of these papermaking belts is further increased when filaments having high heat resistance properties are used. These special filaments are generally necessary for papermaking belts that pass through various high temperature drying operations. 
     In addition to the cost of the belt itself, the decay and/or failure of a papermaking belt can also have serious implications on the efficiency of the papermaking process and the paper products so produced. A high frequency of paper machine belt failures can substantially affect the economies of a paper manufacturing business due to the loss of the use of the expensive papermaking machinery (that is, the machine “downtime”) during the time a replacement belt is being fitted on the papermaking machine. 
     Therefore, a need exists for an improved papermaking belt, a method of making a papermaking belt, and an ability to monitor the physical condition of a papermaking belt during use in the production of paper products that can eliminate the foregoing problems. In short, the ability to measure the physical condition of the papermaking belt made by the prior processes during use can provide for real-time in situ feedback into the papermaking process that can stimulate process changes necessary to produce quality paper products and simultaneously increase papermaking belt life. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure provides for a process for adjusting a papermaking process for producing rolls of convolutely wound web material having a machine direction (MD) and a cross-machine direction (CD) coplanar and orthogonal thereto. The process improves the operating life of a papermaking belt used therefor. The process for adjusting the papermaking process comprising the steps of: providing a papermaking machine, said papermaking machine having at least one process set-point; providing a foraminous surface as a papermaking belt integral with said papermaking machine, said papermaking belt having a measuring device disposed integral thereto; depositing an aqueous dispersion of papermaking fibers upon a surface of said papermaking belt; dewatering said aqueous dispersion of papermaking fibers while disposed upon said surface of said papermaking belt; causing said papermaking belt to traverse past a receiver, said receiver being in wireless communicating engagement with said measuring device when said measuring device is proximate said receiver, said measuring device being capable of wirelessly transmitting information to said receiver, said information comprising data relating to a measurement of at least one in situ physical characteristic of said papermaking belt during said dewatering step; and, changing said process set-point according to said measurement of said physical characteristic of said papermaking belt. 
     The present disclosure also provides for adjusting a papermaking process for producing rolls of convolutely wound web material having a machine direction (MD) and a cross-machine direction (CD) coplanar and orthogonal thereto. The process improves the operating life of a papermaking belt used therefor. The process for adjusting the papermaking process comprising the steps of: providing a papermaking machine, said papermaking machine having at least one process set-point; providing a papermaking belt comprising a reinforcing structure, said reinforcing structure having at least one measuring device disposed integral thereto; providing said papermaking belt integral with said papermaking machine; depositing an aqueous dispersion of papermaking fibers upon a surface of said papermaking belt; dewatering said aqueous dispersion of papermaking fibers while disposed upon said surface of said papermaking belt; causing said papermaking belt to traverse past a receiver, said receiver being in wireless communicating engagement with said at least one measuring device when said measuring device is proximate said receiver, said at least one measuring device being capable of wirelessly transmitting information to said receiver, said information comprising data relating to a measurement of at least one in situ physical characteristic of said papermaking belt during said dewatering step; and, changing said process set-point according to said measurement of said physical characteristic of said papermaking belt. 
     The present disclosure further provides for a process for adjusting a papermaking process for producing rolls of convolutely wound web material having a machine direction (MD) and a cross-machine direction (CD) coplanar and orthogonal thereto. The process improves the operating life of a papermaking belt used therefor. The process for adjusting the papermaking process comprising the steps of: providing a papermaking machine, said papermaking machine having at least one process set-point; providing a papermaking belt comprising a reinforcing structure formed from a plurality of filaments, at least one of said filaments having at least one measuring device disposed therein; providing said papermaking belt integral with said papermaking machine; depositing an aqueous dispersion of papermaking fibers upon a surface of said papermaking belt; dewatering said aqueous dispersion of papermaking fibers while disposed upon said surface of said papermaking belt; causing said papermaking belt to traverse past a receiver, said receiver being in wireless communicating engagement with said at least one measuring device when said measuring device is proximate said receiver, said at least one measuring device being capable of wirelessly transmitting information to said receiver, said information comprising data relating to a measurement of at least one in situ physical characteristic of said papermaking belt during said dewatering step; and, changing said process set-point according to said measurement of said physical characteristic of said papermaking belt. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a continuous papermaking machine useful in carrying out the process of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a portion of an embodiment of the improved papermaking belt of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the improved papermaking belt shown in  FIG. 2  taken along line  3 - 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the improved papermaking belt shown in  FIG. 2  taken along line  4 - 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged plan view of a portion of an exemplary woven multi-layer reinforcing structure suitable for use with the improved papermaking belt; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic representation of the basic apparatus for making the papermaking belt of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the casting surface of a process for making the papermaking belt of the present disclosure showing the working surface, barrier film, reinforcing structure, resin, and mask. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In papermaking, the term “machine direction” (MD) refers to that direction which is parallel to the flow of the paper web through the equipment. The “cross-machine direction” (CD) is perpendicular to the machine direction. The “Z-direction” refers to that direction that is orthogonal to both the MD and CD. 
     The Improved Papermaking Belt 
     In the representative papermaking machine illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the papermaking belt  10  (or belt  10 ) of the present disclosure can take the form of an endless belt. In  FIG. 1 , the papermaking belt  10  carries a paper web (“fiber web” or the like) in various stages of its formation and travels in the direction indicated by directional arrow B around the papermaking belt return rolls  19   a ,  19   b , impression nip roll  20 , papermaking belt return rolls  19   c ,  19   d ,  19   e  and  19   f , and emulsion distributing roll  21 . The loop the papermaking belt  10  travels around includes a means for applying a fluid pressure differential to the paper web, such as vacuum pickup shoe  24   a  and multi-slot vacuum box  24 . In  FIG. 1 , the papermaking belt can also travel around a pre-dryer such as blow-through dryer  26 , and pass between a nip formed by the impression nip roll  20  and a Yankee dryer drum  28 . Although an embodiment of the present disclosure is in the form of an endless belt, the present disclosure can be incorporated into numerous other forms. 
     The overall characteristics of the papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure are shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . The papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure is generally comprised of two primary elements: a framework  32  and a reinforcing structure  33 . In one non-limiting example, framework  32  can be a hardened polymeric photosensitive resin. In one embodiment, the papermaking belt  10  is provided as an endless belt having two opposed surfaces which are referred to herein as the paper-contacting side  11  and a textured backside or simply, backside  12 . The backside  12  of the papermaking belt  10  contacts the machinery employed in the papermaking operation, such as vacuum pickup shoe  24   a  and multi-slot vacuum box  24 . The framework  32  has a first surface  34 , a second surface  35  opposite the first surface  34 , and conduits  36  extending between the first surface  34  and the second surface  35 . The first surface  34  of the framework  32  contacts the fiber webs to be dewatered, and defines the paper-contacting side  11  of the belt. The conduits  36  extending between the first surface  34  and the second surface  35  channel water from the fiber web that rests on the first surface  34  to the second surface  35  and provides areas into which the fibers of the fiber web can be deflected into and rearranged.  FIG. 2  shows that the network  32   a  can comprise the solid portion of the framework  32  that surrounds the conduits  36  to define a net-like pattern. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the openings  42  of the conduits  36  can be arranged in a preselected pattern in the network  32   a .  FIG. 2  shows that the first surface  34  of the framework  32  has a paper side network  34   a  formed therein which surrounds and defines the openings  42  of the conduits  36  in the first surface  34  of the framework  32 . The second surface  35  of the framework  32  has a backside network  35   a  that surrounds and defines the openings  43  of the conduits  36  in the second surface  35  of the framework  32 .  FIGS. 3-4  provide that the reinforcing structure  33  of the papermaking belt  10  is at least partially surrounded by, enveloped, embedded, and/or encased within the framework  32 . More specifically, the reinforcing structure  33  is positioned between the first surface  34  of the framework  32  and at least a portion of the second surface  35  of the framework  32 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  also show that the reinforcing structure  33  has a paper-facing side  51  and a machine-facing side  52  opposed thereto. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the reinforcing structure  33  has interstices  39  and a reinforcing component  40 . The reinforcing component  40  comprises the portions of the reinforcing structure exclusive of the interstices  39  (that is, the solid portion of the reinforcing structure  33 ). A plurality of measurement device(s)  50  (also referred to herein as measuring device(s)  50 ) can be disposed within the framework  32  and can be incorporated into or upon the reinforcing structure  33 . Measurement devices  50 , their incorporation into a papermaking belt, and their usefulness will be discussed infra. 
     The reinforcing component  40  is generally comprised of a plurality of structural components  40   a .  FIGS. 3-4  show that the second surface  35  of the framework  32  has a backside network  35   a  with a plurality of passageways  37 . The passageways  37  allow air to enter between the backside surface  12  of the papermaking belt  10  and the surfaces of the vacuum dewatering equipment employed n the papermaking process (such as vacuum pickup shoe  24   a  and vacuum box  24 ) when a vacuum is applied by the dewatering equipment to the backside  12  of the belt to deflect the fibers into the conduits  36  of the belt  10 . 
     The paper-contacting side  11  of the belt  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-4  is the surface of the papermaking belt  10  which contacts the paper web which is to be dewatered and rearranged into the finished product. The paper-contacting side  11  of the belt  10  may also be referred to as the “embryonic web-contacting surface” of the belt  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the paper-contacting side  11  of the belt  10  is generally formed entirely by the first surface  34  of the framework  32 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the backside  32  is the surface which travels over and is generally in contact with the papermaking machinery employed in the papermaking process. 
     The reinforcing structure  33  is shown in  FIGS. 2-4  and in isolation in  FIG. 5 . The reinforcing structure  33  strengthens the resin framework  32  and has suitable projected open area to allow the vacuum dewatering machinery employed in the papermaking process to adequately perform its function of removing water from partially-formed webs of paper and to permit water removed from the paper web to pass through the papermaking belt  10 . The reinforcing structure  33  can comprise a woven element (also sometimes referred to herein as a woven “fabric”), a nonwoven element, a screen, a net (for instance, thermoplastic netting), a scrim, or a band or plate (made of metal or plastic or other suitable material) with a plurality of holes punched or drilled in it provided the reinforcing structure  33  adequately reinforces the framework  32  and has sufficient projected open area. Preferably, the reinforcing structure  33  comprises a foraminous woven element. 
     Generally, as shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the reinforcing structure  33  comprises a reinforcing component  40  and a plurality of interstices  39 . The reinforcing component  40  is the portion of the reinforcing structure  33  exclusive of the interstices  39 . In other words, the reinforcing component  40  is the solid portion of the reinforcing structure  33 . The reinforcing component  40  is comprised of one or more structural components  40   a . “Structural components” refers to the individual structural elements that comprise the reinforcing structure  33 . 
     The interstices  39  allow fluids (e.g., water removed from the paper web) to pass through the belt  10 . The interstices  39  may form any pattern in the reinforcing structure  33 . The pattern formed by the interstices  39  should be contrasted with the preselected pattern formed by the conduit openings. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the reinforcing structure  33  has two sides. These are the paper-facing side (or “paper support side”)  51  that faces the fiber webs to be dewatered, and the machine-facing side (or “roller contact side”) generally designated  52  opposing the paper-facing side. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the reinforcing structure  33  is positioned between the first surface  34  of the framework  32  and at least a portion of the second surface  35  of the framework  32 . 
     The structural components  40   a  of a woven reinforcing structure can comprise yarns, strands, filaments, or threads. It is also to be understood that the above terms (yarns, strands, etc.) could comprise not only monofilament elements, but also multifilament and/or multi-component (e.g., bi-component) elements. Many types of woven elements are suitable for use as a reinforcing structure  33  in the papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure. Suitable woven elements include foraminous monolayer woven elements (having a single set of strands running in each direction and a plurality of openings therebetween) such as the reinforcing structure  33  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     The papermaking belt  10  comes under considerable stress in the machine direction due to the repeated travel of the belt  10  over the papermaking machinery in the machine direction and also due to the heat transferred to the belt by the drying mechanisms employed in the papermaking process. Such heat and stress can cause the papermaking belt to stretch. If the papermaking belt  10  stretches significantly, its ability to serve its intended function of carrying a paper web through the papermaking process can become diminished to the point of uselessness. If significant tension is applied to the papermaking belt  10  during manufacture of the papermaking belt  10  itself or during use of the papermaking belt  10  on a paper machine, mechanical failure can occur (i.e., the belt can rip or can be caused to sufficiently narrow (Poisson effect)). 
     To be suitable for use as a reinforcing structure, a multilayer woven element preferably has some type of structure that provides for reinforcement of the machine direction yarns  53 . In other words, the multilayer fabric should have increased fabric stability in the machine-direction. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , a preferred reinforcing structure  33  is a multilayer woven element that has a single layer yarn system with yarns which extend in a first direction and a multiple layer yarn system with yarns which extend in a second direction normal to the first direction. In the preferred reinforcing structure  33 , the first direction is the cross-machine direction. The yarns that extend in the first direction comprise the weft yarns  54 . The multiple layer yarn system extends in the machine direction. Fabrics having multiple machine direction warp yarns are preferred, however, because the additional strands run in the direction which is generally subject to the greatest stresses. 
     While the specific materials of construction of the warp yarns and weft yarns can vary, the material comprising the yarns should be such that the yarns will be capable of reinforcing the resinous framework and sustaining stresses as well as repeated heating and cooling without excessive stretching. Suitable materials from which the yarns can be constructed include polyesters, polyamides, high heat resistant materials such as KEVLAR™, NOMEX™, combinations thereof, and any other materials which are known for use in papermaking fabrics. 
     Any convenient cross-sectional dimensions (or size) of the yarns can be used as long as the flow of air and water through the conduits  36  is not significantly hampered during the paper web processing and as long as the integrity of the papermaking belt  10  maintained. The cross-sectional shapes of the yarns in the different layers and yarn systems can also vary between the layers and yarn systems. 
     The reinforcing structure  30  can have a first portion P 01  of the reinforcing component  40  that has a first opacity  0   1 , and a second portion P 02  of the reinforcing component  40  that has a second opacity  0   2 . The two opacities  0   1  and  0   2  can be related such that the second opacity  0   2  is less (that is, relatively less opaque) than the first opacity  0   1 . The first opacity  0   1  should be sufficient to substantially prevent the curing of a photosensitive resinous material, if such a material is used to form the framework  32 , when that photosensitive resinous material is in its uncured state and the first portion P 01  is positioned between the photosensitive resinous material and a source of actinic radiation. 
     The framework  32  can be formed by manipulating a mass of material, generally in liquid form, so that the material, when in solid form, at least partially surrounds the reinforcing structure  33  so that the reinforcing structure  33  is positioned between the first surface  34  and at least a portion of the second surface  35  of the framework  32 . The material can be manipulated so that the framework  32  has a plurality of conduits  36  or channels that extend between the first surface  34  and the second surface  35  of the framework  32 . The material can also be manipulated so that the first surface has a paper side network  34   a  formed therein which surrounds and defines the openings of the conduits  36  in the first surface  34  of the framework  12 . In addition, the material can be manipulated so that the second surface  35  of the framework  32  has a backside network  35   a  with passageways  37 , distinct from the conduits  36 . 
     The mass of material which is manipulated to form the framework  32  can be any suitable material, including thermoplastic resins and photosensitive resins, but the preferred material for use in forming the framework  32  of the present disclosure is a liquid photosensitive polymeric resin. Likewise, the material chosen can be manipulated in a wide variety of ways to form the desired framework  32 , including mechanical punching or drilling, curing the material by exposing it to various temperatures or energy sources, or by using a laser to cut conduits. The method of manipulating the material which will form the framework  32 , of course, can depend on the material chosen and the characteristics of the framework  32  desired to be formed from the mass of material. Preferably, the photosensitive resin is manipulated by controlling the exposure of the liquid photosensitive resin to light of an activating wavelength. 
     Since the reinforcing structure  33  is positioned between the first surface  34  and at least a portion of the second surface  35  of the framework  32 , the second surface  35  of the framework  32  can either, completely cover the reinforcing structure  33 , cover only a portion of the reinforcing structure  33  or, cover no portions of the reinforcing structure  33  and lie entirely within the interstices  39  of the reinforcing structure  33 . 
     The conduits  36  have a channel portion  41  which lies between the conduit openings  42  and  43 . These channel portions  41  are defined by the walls  44  of the conduits  36 .  FIGS. 2-4  show that the holes or channels  41  formed by the conduits  36  extend through the entire thickness of the papermaking belt  10 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the conduits  36  are generally discrete. By “discrete”, it is meant that the conduits  36  form separate channels, which are separated from each other by the framework  32 . The conduits  36  are described as being “generally” discrete, however, because the conduits  36  may not be completely separated from each other along the second surface  35  of the framework  32  when passageways  37  are present in the backside network  35   a.    
     It is preferred that the passageways  37  and the irregularities  38  are distinct from the conduits  36  which pass through the framework  32 . By “distinct” from the conduits, it is meant that the passageways  37  and the irregularities  38  which comprise departures from the otherwise smooth and continuous backside network  35   a  of the framework  32  are to be distinguished from the holes  41  formed by the conduits  36 . In other words, the holes  41  formed by the conduits  36  are not intended to be classified as passageways or surface texture irregularities. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , belt  10  carries an embryonic web  18  on the first surface. As shown, a portion of belt  10  passes over a single slot  24   d  of a vacuum box  24 . In operation, a vacuum is applied from a vacuum source (not shown), which exerts pressure on the belts and the embryonic webs  18  in the direction of the arrows shown. The vacuum removes some of the water from the embryonic web  18  and deflects and rearranges the fibers of the embryonic web into the conduits  36  of the framework  32 . 
     The measurement devices  50  and an associated reading device  60  (also referred to herein as receiver  60 ) (the receiver  60  being efficaciously disposed about the papermaking process) are preferably configured to measure or monitor any physical characteristics of the papermaking belt  10  during the manufacture of paper products. The measurement devices  50  may also be configured to measure and monitor physical characteristics for controlling and monitoring the papermaking process. The characteristics that can be measured can include, e.g. belt temperature, belt deformation (e.g., tension, compression, bending moment, stress, and/or strain), belt and/or process pressure, belt acceleration (vibration), moisture, speed, pH, and the like. The measurement devices  50  may transmit measurement data when proximate to the receiver  60 , which may further communicate any measurement data to a control unit and/or a data acquisition system capable of processing and/or storing such measurement data. The measurement devices  50  may comprise a transmitter or a transceiver for communicating the measurement data wirelessly to a receiver  60 . The measurement devices  50  may be remotely-read untouchably by receiver  60  by means of electromagnetic radiation. Depending on the wavelength, the electromagnetic radiation used can include: radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, light, ultraviolet radiation, X-ray radiation, gamma radiation, and the like. Exemplary and suitable measurement devices can include those developed by the Wireless Identification and Sensing Platform of the University of Washington. Suitable reading devices  60  are the model S9028PCL UHF receiver manufactured by Laird Technologies. 
     Additionally, measurement devices  50  can be provided as microelectromechanical (MEMS), nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) systems, combinations thereof, and the like. Both MEMS and NEMS can be formed from graphene, at least in part, although other materials may be used alternatively as would be understood by those of skill in the art. As would be understood by one of skill in the art, graphene is a single atomic layer of carbon and is the strongest material known to man (where strength is not to be confused with hardness). It also has electrical properties superior to the silicon used to make the chips found in modern electronics. The combination of these properties can make graphene an ideal material for nanoelectromechanical systems, which are scaled-down versions of microelectromechanical systems used for sensing any physical characteristics and any physical phenomena including but not limited to temperature, vibration, and acceleration experienced by papermaking belt  10  during use. 
     Due to the continuous shrinking of electrical circuits, particularly those involved in creating and processing radio-frequency signals, they are harder to miniaturize. These ‘off-chip’ components can take up a lot of space and electrical power in comparison to the overall size of ultra-small systems. In addition, most of these radio wave-related components cannot be easily tuned in frequency, requiring multiple copies to ensure the range of frequencies used for wireless communication is covered. Graphene NEMS can address both problems in that they are compact and easily integrated with other types of electronics. Further, their frequency can be tuned over a wide range of frequencies because of the tremendous mechanical strength of graphene. 
     The measurement devices  50  may also comprise identification information, such as a code, an ID number, or the like. In addition to identification information, measurement devices  50  may comprise at least one other piece of information, which can include papermaking belt type number, manufacturer information, order information, date, order number or any other information that can be utilized during the installation, use, maintenance, manufacture, or quality control of the papermaking belt  10  or for ordering new papermaking belts  10 . The measurement devices  50  may comprise at least one memory wherein, in addition to the identification information, at least one piece of additional information (such as any physical characteristics of papermaking belt  10  measured during use) may be stored. The information stored in the memory can be changed during the process, during repair or washing of the belt  10 , as well as during storage thereof. 
     The data obtained from the measurement devices  50  may be utilized in controlling the papermaking process, choosing an appropriate belt for a papermaking process, clearing failures during the manufacture of products, as well as in choosing papermaking process operating parameters. Such an enhanced data acquisition system may thus significantly improve the efficiency and efficacy of the papermaking process as well as the papermaking belt  10  itself. Collected data can be forwarded from the data acquisition system for managing the production of, the use of, and/or the storage of the belts  10  as well as monitoring any necessary papermaking process conditions during the production of paper products that use papermaking belt  10 . 
     The measurement device  50  may comprise a tag responding to radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation. Identification distances and wave transmittivity, for instance, may be influenced by using different radio frequencies. The data acquisition system may further utilize tags responding to different frequencies of different sensors that can be used for measurement devices  50  (e.g., temperature, belt deformation, belt and/or process pressure, and the like). Additionally, the measurement devices  50  may comprise a tag, a transponder containing an antenna for receiving radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation as well as a microchip wherein the identification information is stored. Further, the measurement devices  50  may comprise a so-called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The tag can be extremely small thereby making it easier to position within or upon the belt  10 . Such RFID tags are inexpensive, reliable, and highly available. 
     Measurement device  50  can be a passive RFID tag which comprises no power source of its own but the extremely low electric current required by its operation is induced by radio-frequency scanning received by the antenna contained within measurement device  50  and transmitted by the receiver  60 . By means of this induced current, the tag is able to transmit a response to an inquiry sent by the reading device. In other words, the reading device searches through (e.g., scans) the environment for a tag, and the tag transmits, for example, a measured physical characteristic of papermaking belt  10 , any ID code, and/or any other relevant and/or necessary information stored in the microchip (response) after the scanning has induced thereto the electric current necessary for the transmission. The RFID tag may be read at a radio frequency without visual communication and it may be read even through obstacles. In addition, exemplary RFID readers can read a plurality of measurement devices  50 , such as RFID tags, simultaneously. 
     The measurement devices  50  may comprise one or more portable electronic terminal devices suitable as a reading device  60 . The reading device  60  may be a data acquisition device, portable computer, palmtop computer, mobile telephone or another electronic device provided with the necessary means for remote-reading a tag. The reading device  60  may comprise a control unit included in the monitoring system. 
     By way of non-limiting example, measurement devices  50  can comprise thermocouples for measuring the temperature of the papermaking belt  10 . Alternatively, the measurement device  50  could comprise a strain gauge sensor that would be suitable for measuring the bending moment, tension, stress, and/or strain present within papermaking belt  10 . Yet still, measurement device  50  could be provided as a pressure sensor, a pH sensor, or even a wear (i.e., erosion) gauge. 
     If measurement device  50  is provided as a thermocouple, a thermocouple suitable for use as a measurement device  50  could be woven into the reinforcing structure  33 . Alternatively, the measurement device  50  could be disposed upon the reinforcing structure  33  and/or affixed to the reinforcing structure  33  by needlework or by way of adhesive. Further, measurement device  50  could be printed onto the reinforcing structure  33  using 3D-printing technology, for example. In any regard, it is preferred that measuring device  50  not have any adverse impact on the overall permeability of the papermaking belt  10 . 
     It is also believed that the measurement device  50  can be woven into the portion of the papermaking belt that is overlapped and re-woven to form a seam that makes papermaking belt  10  an endless loop. If it is chosen to apply the measurement device  50  only at this location on the papermaking belt  10 , one of skill in the art will understand that during use of the papermaking belt  10 , the result will be suitable measurements taken in a highly periodic fashion. For example, if a papermaking belt is 200 feet in overall length, and during manufacturing is operated at a linear speed of 2,000 feet/minute, the seam portion of papermaking belt  10  having measurement devices  50  disposed therein/thereon, can provide a measurement at any given point in the manufacturing process every 10 seconds. 
     Alternatively, it is believed that measurement device  50  can be provided as a portion of a bi-component filament material utilized to form reinforcing structure  33 . In other words, the measurement device  50  can be arranged as a filament that includes the measurement device  50  (and any associated electronics) as either the inner or outer portion of a coaxially formed bi-component filament or any other type of high performance cable. In this manner, one of skill in the art will recognize that any number of measurement devices  50  can be woven into and incorporated as part of reinforcing structure  33  at any location, or in any number of locations, within the confines of reinforcing structure  33 . 
     Yet still, if measurement device  50  is provided as a MEMS or NEMS (discussed supra), it is believed that one of skill in the art could incorporate such a MEMS or NEMS sensor(s) into the resin used to form the framework  32 . In this way a significant number of measurement devices  50  can be incorporated across the papermaking belt  10  in the CD, over its length in the MD, and combinations thereof. Measurement devices  50  can be disposed collinearly, sinusoidally, randomly, or in any fashion across the CD, MD, and combinations thereof. The use of such MEMS and/or NEMS sensors can significantly reduce any effects and/or impact of disposing a measurement device  50  into a papermaking belt  10  by reducing the amount of physical effort necessary to incorporate a measurement device  50  into the reinforcing structure  33  or the framework  32  as well as reduce the impact to the permeability of the papermaking belt  10  due to any portions of the measurement device  10  that may be disposed within a given conduit  36 . 
     Process for Making a Papermaking Belt 
     As indicated above, the papermaking belt  10  can take a variety of forms. While the method of construction of the papermaking belt  10  is immaterial so long as it has the characteristics required to manufacture paper products, certain methods have been discovered to be useful. One exemplary and non-limiting process for making the improved papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure is described infra. 
     A preferred embodiment of an apparatus which can be used to construct a papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure in the form of an endless belt is shown in schematic outline in  FIG. 6 . In order to show an overall view of the entire apparatus for constructing a papermaking belt in accordance with the present disclosure,  FIG. 6  was simplified to a certain extent with respect to some of the details of the process. The details of this apparatus, and particularly the manner in which the passageways  37  and the surface texture irregularities  38  are imparted to the backside network  35   a  of the second surface  35  of the framework  32  are shown in the figures which follow. It should be noted at this point that the scale of certain elements shown may be somewhat exaggerated in the following drawing figures. 
     The overall process for making the improved papermaking belt  10  generally involves coating a reinforcing structure  33  having measurement devices  50  disposed therein or thereupon with a liquid photosensitive polymeric resin  70  when the reinforcing structure  33  is traveling over a forming unit or table  71  (or “casting surface”)  72 . Alternatively, a measurement device  50  provided as a MEMS or NEMS could be dispersed within the resin used to coat the reinforcing structure  33 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the resin, or “the coating”  70  (with or without MEMS and/or NEMS) is applied to at least one (and preferably both) sides(s) of the reinforcing structure  33  (with or without a measuring device  50  disposed therein or thereupon) so the coating  70  substantially fills the void areas of the reinforcing structure  33  and forms a first surface  34 ′ and a second surface  35 ′. The coating  70  is distributed so that at least a portion of the second surface  35 ′ of the coating is positioned adjacent the casting surface  72  of the forming unit  71 . The coating  70  is also distributed so that the paper-facing side  51  of the reinforcing structure  33  is positioned between the first and second surfaces  34 ′ and  35 ′ of the coating  70 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the coating  70  is distributed so portions of the second surface  35 ′ of the coating are positioned between the opaque first portion P 01  of the reinforcing component  40  and the working surface  72  of the forming unit  71 . The portion of the coating which is positioned between the first surface  34 ′ of the coating and the paper-facing side  51  of the reinforcing structure  33  forms a resinous overburden t 0 ′. The thickness of the overburden t 0 ′ can be controlled to a preselected value. 
     The liquid photosensitive resin  70  is then exposed to a light having an activating wavelength (light which will cure the photosensitive liquid resin) from a light source  73  through a mask  74  which has opaque regions  74   a  and transparent regions  74   b  and through the reinforcing structure  33 . The portions of the resin which have been shielded or protected from light by the opaque regions  74   a  of the mask  74  and by the first portion P 01  of the reinforcing structure  33  are not cured by the exposure to the light. The remaining portions of the resin (the unshielded portions, and those portions that the second portion P 02  of the reinforcing structure  33  permits the curing of) are cured. The uncured resin is then removed to leave conduits  36  which pass through the cured resin framework  32 . 
     For convenience, the stages in the overall process are broken down into a series of steps and examined in greater detail in the discussion which follows. It is to be understood, however, that the steps described below are intended only to provide an exemplary embodiment and to assist the reader in understanding a method of making the papermaking belt of the present disclosure. 
     First Step 
     The first step of the process of the present disclosure is providing a forming unit  71  with a working surface  72 . The forming unit  71  has working surface which is designated  72 . Preferably, the forming unit  71  is covered by a barrier film  76  which prevents the working surface  72  from being contaminated with resin. The barrier film  76  also facilitates the removal of the partially completed papermaking belt  10 ′ from the forming unit  71 . Generally, the barrier film  76  can be any flexible, smooth, planar material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester sheeting. Preferably, the barrier film  76  also either absorbs light of the activating wavelength, or is sufficiently transparent to transmit such light to the working surface  72  of the forming unit  71 , and the working surface  72  absorbs the light. 
     The barrier film  76  contacts the working surface  72  of forming unit  71  and is temporarily constrained against the working surface  72 . The barrier film  76  travels with the forming unit  71  as the forming unit  71  rotates. The barrier film  76  is eventually separated from the working surface  72  of the forming unit  71 . Preferably, the forming unit  71  is also provided with a means for insuring that barrier film  76  is maintained in close contact with its working surface  72 . Preferably, the barrier film  76  is held against the working surface  72 . 
     Second Step 
     The second step of the process of the present disclosure is providing a reinforcing structure  33 , for incorporation into the papermaking belt.  FIG. 7  shows that the reinforcing structure  33  has a paper-facing side  51 , a machine-facing side  52  opposite the paper-facing side  51 , interstices  39 , and a reinforcing component  40  comprised of a plurality of structural components  40   a . A first portion P 01  of the reinforcing component  40  can have a first opacity  0   1  and a second portion P 02  of the reinforcing component  40  can have a second opacity  0   2  less than the first opacity  0   1 . The first opacity  0   1  is preferably sufficient to substantially prevent curing of the photosensitive resinous material when the photosensitive resinous material is in its uncured state and the first portion is positioned between the photosensitive resinous material and an actinic light source  73 . The second opacity  0   2  is preferably sufficient to permit curing of the photosensitive resinous material. Preferably, the reinforcing structure  33  is a woven, multilayer fabric. 
     If a measurement device  50  is provided, it could be woven into the reinforcing structure  33 . Alternatively, the measurement device  50  could be disposed upon the reinforcing structure  33  and/or affixed to the reinforcing structure  33  by needlework or by way of adhesive. Further, measurement device  50  could be printed onto the reinforcing structure  33  using 3D-printing technology, for example. 
     It is also believed that the measurement device  50  can be woven into the portion of the papermaking belt that is overlapped and re-woven to form a seam that makes papermaking belt  10  an endless loop. Alternatively, it is believed that measurement device  50  can be provided as a portion of a bi-component filament material utilized to form reinforcing structure  33 . In other words, the measurement device  50  can be arranged as a filament that includes the measurement device  50  (and any associated electronics) as either the inner or outer portion of a coaxially formed bi-component filament or any other type of high performance cable. In this manner, one of skill in the art will recognize that any number of measurement devices  50  can be woven into and incorporated as part of reinforcing structure  33  at any location, or in any number of locations, within the confines of reinforcing structure  33 . 
     Since the preferred papermaking belt  10  is in the form of an endless belt, the reinforcing structure  33  should also be an endless belt since the papermaking belt  10  is constructed around the reinforcing structure  33 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the reinforcing structure  33  which has been provided is arranged so that it travels in the direction indicated by directional arrow D 1 . It is to be understood that in the apparatus used to make the papermaking belt of the present disclosure, there are conventional guide rolls, return rolls, drive means, support rolls and the like which are not shown or identified with specificity in  FIG. 6 . 
     Third Step 
     The third step in the process of the present disclosure is bringing at least a portion of the machine-facing side  52  of the reinforcing structure  33  into contact with the working surface  72  of the forming unit  71  (or more particularly in the case of the embodiment illustrated, traveling the reinforcing structure  33  over the working surface  72  of the forming unit  71 ). At least a portion of the machine-facing side  52  of the reinforcing structure  33  is brought into contact with the barrier film  76  so that the barrier film  76  is interposed between the reinforcing structure  33  and the forming unit  72 . 
     Fourth Step 
     The fourth step in the process is applying a coating of liquid photosensitive resin  70  to at least one side of the reinforcing structure  33  having the measurement devices  50  incorporated therein or disposed thereupon. Generally, the coating  70  is applied so that the coating  70  substantially fills the void areas  39   a  of the reinforcing structure  33  (the void areas are defined below). The coating  70  is also applied so that it forms a first surface  34 ′ and a second surface  35 ′. The coating  70  is distributed so that at least a portion of the second surface  35 ′ of the coating  70  is positioned adjacent the working surface  72  of the forming unit  71 . The coating  70  is distributed so that the paper-facing side  51  of the reinforcing structure  33  is positioned between the first and second surfaces  34 ′ and  35 ′ of the coating  70 . The portion of the coating which is positioned between the first surface  34 ′ of the coating and the paper-facing side  51  of the reinforcing structure  33  forms a resinous overburden t 0 ′. The coating  70  is also distributed so that portions of the second surface  35 ′ of the coating  70  are positioned between the first portion P 01  of the reinforcing component  40  and the working surface  72  of the forming unit  71 . 
     Suitable photosensitive resins can be readily selected from the many available commercially. Resins which can be used are materials, usually polymers, which cure or cross-link under the influence of actinic radiation, usually ultraviolet (UV) light. Such a resin can be provided with measurement devices  50  provided as NEMS contained therein. 
     The application of resin  70  by the extrusion header  79  is employed in conjunction with the application of a second coating of liquid photosensitive resin  70  at a second stage by a nozzle  80  located adjacent to the place where the mask  74  is introduced into the system. The nozzle  80  applies the second coating of liquid photosensitive resin  70  to the paper-facing side  51  of the reinforcing structure  33 . It is necessary that liquid photosensitive resin  70  be evenly applied across the width of reinforcing structure  33  and that the requisite quantity of material be worked through interstices  39  to substantially fill the void areas  39   a  of the reinforcing structure  33 . 
     It is also believed that the measurement device  50  can be placed into a portion of the resin that has been applied to the papermaking belt  10 . In other words, the measurement device  50  can be pushed into the resin forming the papermaking belt so that the resin can envelop the measurement device  50  prior to any curing process. In this way, the measurement device  50  (and any associated electronics) can be incorporated at any location, or in any number of locations, within the confines of papermaking belt  10 . 
     Fifth Step 
     The fifth step involves control of the thickness of the overburden t 0 ′ of the resin coating  70  to a preselected value. In the preferred embodiment of the belt making apparatus shown in the drawings, this step takes place at approximately the same time, i.e., simultaneously, with the second stage of applying a coating of liquid photosensitive resin to the reinforcing structure  33 . The preselected value of the thickness of the overburden corresponds to the thickness desired for the papermaking belt  10  and follows from the expected use of the papermaking belt  10 . 
     Sixth Step 
     The sixth step in the process of this disclosure can be considered as either a single step or as two separate steps which comprise: (1) providing a mask  74  having opaque  74   a  and transparent regions  74   b  in which the opaque regions  74   a  together with the transparent regions  74   b  define a preselected pattern in the mask; and (2) positioning the mask  74  between the coating of liquid photosensitive resin  70  and an actinic light source  73  so that the mask  74  is in contacting relation with the first surface  34 ′ of the coating of liquid photosensitive resin  70 . The purpose of the mask  74  is to protect or shield certain areas of the liquid photosensitive resin  70  from exposure to light from the actinic light source. It follows that if certain areas are shielded, it follows that any liquid photosensitive resin  70  in those areas that are not shielded will be exposed later to activating light and will be cured. 
     The mask  74  can be made from any suitable material which can be provided with opaque regions  74   a  and transparent regions  74   b . A material in the nature of a flexible photographic film is suitable for use as a mask  74 . The flexible film can be polyester, polyethylene, or cellulosic or any other suitable material. The opaque regions  74   a  should be opaque to light which will cure the photosensitive liquid resin. The opaque regions  74   a  can be applied to mask  74  by any convenient means such as by a blue printing (or ozalid processes), or by photographic or gravure processes, flexographic processes, or rotary screen printing processes. 
     It should be understood that if one of skill in the art provides the measurement devices  50  as MEMS and/or NEMS, one could incorporate the measurement devices  50  into the treatments and/or solutions used to create the mask  74 . This could allow for the measurement devices  50  to be effectively transferred to the surface of the resulting papermaking belt  10 . In this case it would be preferred that such a measurement device  50  be transparent to the actinic radiation used in the curing process so not to interfere with the resin curing process. 
     Seventh Step 
     The seventh step of the process of this disclosure comprises curing the unshielded portions of liquid photosensitive resin in those regions left unprotected by the transparent regions  74   b  of the mask  74  and curing those portions of the coating  70  that the second portion P 02  of the reinforcing structure  33  permits the curing of, and leaving the shielded portions and those portions of the coating positioned between the first portion P 01  of the reinforcing structure  33  and the working surface  72  of the forming unit  71  uncured by exposing the coating of liquid photosensitive resin  70  to light of an activating wavelength from the light source  73  through the mask  74 . When the barrier film  76  and the reinforcing structure  33  are still adjacent the forming unit  71 , the liquid photosensitive resin  70  is exposed to light of an activating wavelength which is supplied by an exposure lamp  73 . 
     The exposure lamp  73 , in general, is selected to provide illumination primarily within the wavelength which causes curing of the liquid photosensitive resin  70 . That wavelength is a characteristic of the liquid photosensitive resin  70 . Any suitable source of illumination, such as mercury arc, pulsed xenon, electrode-less, and fluorescent lamps, can be used. As described above, when the liquid photosensitive resin  70  is exposed to light of the appropriate wavelength, curing is induced in the exposed portions of the resin  70 . Curing is generally manifested by a solidification of the resin in the exposed areas. Conversely, the unexposed regions remain fluid. The intensity of the illumination and its duration depend upon the degree of curing required in the exposed areas. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the angle of incidence of the light is collimated to better cure the photosensitive resin in the desired areas, and to obtain the desired angle of taper in the walls  44  of the finished papermaking belt  10 . Other means of controlling the direction and intensity of the curing radiation, include means which employ refractive devices (i.e., lenses), and reflective devices (i.e., mirrors). The preferred embodiment of the present disclosure employs a subtractive collimator (i.e., an angular distribution filter or a collimator which filters or blocks UV light rays in directions other than those desired). Any suitable device can be used as a subtractive collimator. A dark colored, preferably black, metal device formed in the shape of a series of channels through which light directed in the desired direction may pass is preferred. In the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the collimator is of such dimensions that it transmits light so the resin network, when cured, has a projected surface area of about 20-50% on the topside of the papermaking belt  10  and about 50-80% on the backside. 
     Eighth Step 
     The eighth step in the process in the present disclosure is removing substantially all of the uncured liquid photosensitive resin from the partially-formed composite belt  10 ′ to leave hardened resin framework  32  around at least a portion of the reinforcing structure  33 . In this step, the resin which has been shielded from exposure to light is removed from the partially-formed composite belt  10 ′ to provide the framework  32  with a plurality of conduits  36  in those regions which were shielded from the light rays by the opaque regions  74   a  of the mask  74  and passageways  37  that provide surface texture irregularities  38  in the backside network  35   b  of the framework  32 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 25 , at a point in the vicinity of the mask guide roll  82 , the mask  74  and the barrier film  76  are physically separated from the partially-formed composite belt  10 ′. The composite of the reinforcing structure  33  and the partly cured resin  70  travels to the vicinity of the first resin removal shoe  83   a  where a vacuum is to remove a substantial quantity of the uncured liquid photosensitive resin from the composite belt  10 ′. 
     As the composite belt  10 ′ travels farther, it is brought into the vicinity of resin wash shower  84  and resin wash station drain  85  at which point the composite belt  10 ′ is thoroughly washed with water or other suitable liquid to remove essentially all of the remaining uncured liquid photosensitive resin which is discharged from the system through resin wash station drain  85 . 
     The composite belt  10 ′ is then subjected to a second exposure of light of the activating wavelength by post cure UV light source  73   a . This second exposure, however, takes place when the composite belt  10 ′ is submerged in a bath  88 . The process continues until such time as the entire length of reinforcing structure  33  has been treated and converted into the papermaking belt  10 . At the second resin removal shoe  83   b , any residual wash liquid and uncured liquid resin is removed from the composite belt  10 ′ by the application of vacuum. 
     It is also believed that the measurement device  50  can be placed into any portion of the cured resin remaining on the papermaking belt  10 . In other words, a recess can be formed within the confines of the papermaking belt  10  and the measurement device  50  disposed therein. By way of non-limiting example only, a slot can be excised into the surface of the papermaking belt  10  and a measurement device  50  placed within the geometry of the slot so that the measurement device  50  (and any associated electronics) remains disposed below the surface of the papermaking belt  10 . Resin can then be applied and cured into the slot so formed thereby covering the measurement devices  50 . 
     The Papermaking Process 
     The papermaking process which utilizes the improved papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure is described below, although it is contemplated that other processes may also be used to make the paper products described herein. Returning again to  FIG. 1 , a simplified, schematic representation of one embodiment of a continuous papermaking machine useful in the practice of the papermaking process of the present disclosure is shown. 
     First Step 
     The first step in the practice of the papermaking process of the present disclosure is the providing of an aqueous dispersion of papermaking fibers  14 . The aqueous dispersion of papermaking fibers  14  is provided to a head box  13 . The aqueous dispersion of papermaking fibers  14  supplied by the head box  13  is delivered to a forming belt, such as the Fourdrinier wire  15  for carrying out the second step of the papermaking process. The Fourdrinier wire  15  is propelled in the direction indicated by directional arrow A by a conventional drive means which is not shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Second Step 
     The second step in the papermaking process is forming an embryonic web  18  of papermaking fibers on a foraminous surface from the aqueous dispersion  14  supplied in the first step. After the embryonic web  18  is formed, it travels with Fourdrinier wire  15  and is brought into the proximity of a second papermaking belt, the papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure. 
     Third Step 
     The third step in the papermaking process is contacting (or associating) the embryonic web  18  with the paper-contacting side  11  of the papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure. The purpose of this third step is to bring the embryonic web  18  into contact with the paper-contacting side of the papermaking belt  10  on which the embryonic web  18 , and the individual fibers therein, will be subsequently deflected, rearranged, and further dewatered. The Fourdrinier wire  15  brings the embryonic web  18  into contact with, and transfers the embryonic web  18  to the papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure in the vicinity of vacuum pickup shoe  24   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure travels in the direction indicated by directional arrow B. The papermaking belt  10  passes around return rolls  19   a  and  19   b , impression nip roll  20 , return rolls  19   c ,  19   d ,  19   e  and  19   f , and emulsion distributing roll  21 . 
     It can be preferred that receivers  60  be staged around that portion of the papermaking process where the papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure is used. In particular it could be advantageous to position the receiver(s) at locations that follow a heating process. For example, it may be advantageous to position receivers  60  after pre-dryer  26 . In this manner, the temperature of the papermaking belt  10  having measurement devices  50  disposed therein or thereupon in the form of thermocouples, can provide in situ feed-back of actual, real-time temperatures experienced by the papermaking belt  10 . By way of non-limiting example only, if a papermaking belt  10 , having thermocouples disposed therein, experiences a papermaking process temperature that is higher than required or allowed upon exiting pre-dryer  26 , the temperature of the pre-dryer  26  can be accordingly adjusted in order to reduce energy costs, produce paper products within specification, and preserve papermaking belt  10  life by reducing or even preventing the occurrence of micro-fractures or oxidation of the resin forming the papermaking belt  10  that causes the papermaking belt  10  to become brittle. All of these beneficial end results can result in lower manufacturing costs for paper products. 
     Fourth Step 
     The fourth step in the papermaking process involves applying a fluid pressure differential of a suitable fluid to the embryonic web  18  with a vacuum source to deflect at least a portion of the papermaking fibers in the embryonic web  18  into the conduits  36  of the papermaking belt  10  and to remove water from the embryonic web  18  through the conduits  36  to form an intermediate web  25  of papermaking fibers. The deflection also serves to rearrange the fibers in the embryonic web  18  into the desired structure. 
     Either at the time the fibers are deflected into the conduits  36  or after such deflection occurs, water is removed from the embryonic web  18  through the conduits  36 . Water removal occurs under the action of the fluid pressure differential. It is important, however, that there be essentially no water removal from the embryonic web  18  prior to the deflection of the fibers into the conduits  36 . As an aid in achieving this condition, at least those portions of the conduits  36  surrounded by the paper side network  34   a , are generally isolated from one another. This isolation, or compartmentalization, of conduits  36  is of importance to insure that the force causing the deflection, such as an applied vacuum, is applied relatively suddenly and in a sufficient amount to cause deflection of the fibers. This is to be contrasted with the situation in which the conduits  36  are not isolated. In this latter situation, vacuum will encroach from adjacent conduits  36  which will result in a gradual application of the vacuum and the removal of water without the accompanying deflection of the fibers. 
     Fifth Step 
     The fifth step is traveling the papermaking belt  10  and the embryonic web  18  over the vacuum source described in the fourth step. The belt  10  carries the embryonic web  18  on its paper-contacting side  11  over the vacuum source. At least a portion of the textured backside  12  of the belt  10  is generally in contact with the surface of the vacuum source as the belt  10  travels over the vacuum source. Following the application of the vacuum pressure and the traveling of the papermaking belt  10  and the embryonic web  18  over the vacuum source, the embryonic web  18  is in a state in which it has been subjected to a fluid pressure differential and deflected but not fully dewatered, thus it is now referred to as intermediate web  25 . 
     It could be advantageous to position the receiver(s)  60  at locations that follow such a vacuum process. For example, it may be advantageous to position receivers  60  after the vacuum source described supra. In this manner, the temperature of the papermaking belt  10  having measurement devices  50  disposed therein or thereupon in the form of a strain gauge can provide in situ feed-back of actual, real-time bending moment, stress, strain, erosion, and or combinations thereof experienced by the papermaking belt  10 . By way of non-limiting example only, if a papermaking belt  10 , having a strain gauge disposed therein, experiences a papermaking stress and/or strain that is higher than required or allowed upon exiting the vacuum source, the vacuum pressure applied by the vacuum source can be accordingly adjusted in order to reduce energy costs, produce paper products within specification, and preserve papermaking belt  10  life by reducing or even preventing the occurrence of micro-fractures or oxidation of the resin forming the papermaking belt  10  that causes the papermaking belt  10  to become brittle. All of these beneficial end results can result in lower manufacturing costs for paper products. 
     Sixth Step 
     The sixth step in the papermaking process is an optional step which comprises drying the intermediate web  25  to form a pre-dried web of papermaking fibers. Any convenient means conventionally known in the papermaking art can be used to dry the intermediate web  25 . For example, flow-through dryers, non-thermal, capillary dewatering devices, and Yankee dryers, alone and in combination, are satisfactory. 
     After leaving the vicinity of vacuum box  24 , the intermediate web  25 , which is associated with the papermaking belt  10 , passes around the return roll  19   a  and travels in the direction indicated by directional arrow B. The intermediate web  25  then passes through optional pre-dryer  26 . This pre-dryer  26  can be a conventional flow-through dryer (hot air dryer) well known to those skilled in the art. 
     Receivers  60  can be staged around that portion of the papermaking process immediately after optional pre-dryer  26 . This can provide for in situ feed-back of actual, real-time temperatures experienced by the papermaking belt  10  during exposure to pre-dryer  26  by measurement devices  50  disposed therein or thereupon. If a papermaking belt  10  having, for example, thermocouples disposed therein, experiences a pre-dryer  26  process temperature that is higher than required or allowed, the temperature of the pre-dryer  26  can be accordingly adjusted in order to reduce or even prevent the occurrence of micro-fractures or oxidation of the resin forming the papermaking belt  10  that causes the papermaking belt  10  to become brittle. 
     Seventh Step 
     The seventh step in the papermaking process provides for impressing the paper side network  34   a  of the papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure into the pre-dried web by interposing the pre-dried web  27  between the papermaking belt  10  and an impression surface to form an imprinted web of papermaking fibers. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1  when the pre-dried web  27  then passes through the nip formed between the impression nip roll  20  and the Yankee drier drum  28 . As the pre-dried web  27  passes through this nip, the network pattern formed by the paper side network  34   a  on the paper-contacting side  11  of the papermaking belt  10  is impressed into pre-dried web  27  to form imprinted web  29 . 
     By way of non-limiting example, receivers  60  can preferably be staged around and/or proximate to those portions of the papermaking process where the papermaking belt  10  is subjected to a compressionary process. For example, a receiver could be staged at that portion of the papermaking process that follows contact of the papermaking belt  10  in the nip formed between impression nip roll  20  and the Yankee drier drum  28 . By way of example only, if a papermaking belt  10 , having pressure sensors disposed therein, experiences a higher or lower pressure than what is required, allowed, or the most efficacious to effect transfer of the paper web from one portion of the process to another, the appropriate nip pressure can be accordingly adjusted. Additionally, other critical parameters can be observed and understood in this nip. This can include the nip gap profile uniformity, nip loading profile uniformity, PLI loading uniformity, nip width/belt age profiles, and nip pressure uniformity. 
     Additionally, receivers  60  can also preferably be staged around those portions of the papermaking process where the papermaking belt  10  is subjected to other process forces. By way of non-limiting example, it can be seen in real-time if the papermaking belt  10  is experiencing any Poisson contraction effects resulting from thermal or mechanical induced over-stretching of the papermaking belt  10 . Additionally, equipment misalignments can be detected by monitoring the pressures observed by the papermaking belt  10 . Other critical parameters can be observed and understood. This can include the nip gap profile uniformity, nip loading profile uniformity, PLI loading uniformity, nip width/belt age profiles, and nip pressure uniformity. And measurement device  10  could be a chemical sensor to monitor water quality or running pH conditions in the papermaking process. Process anomalies can be detected by providing a measurement device  10  in the form of a plurality of strain gauges disposed within the papermaking belt  10  across the CD (e.g., the center and edges of papermaking belt  10 ) in order to understand, observe, and control the bending moment (i.e., bow deflection and/or skew) experienced by the papermaking belt  10  in process equipment (e.g., a Mt. Hope roll). Additionally, providing measurement device  10  as an accelerometer would be a unique method to understand, observe, and control speed changes between driven rolls of process equipment as well as adjust speeds for drive tuning. 
     These examples of the usefulness of the unique papermaking belt  10  can result in a reduction in energy costs, increase papermaking belt  10  life as well as increase the life of the contacted components by reducing wear on the contacting surfaces. It is reasonably believed, without being drawn to any particular theory, that papermaking belt  10  life can be at least doubled by reducing the detrimental effects experienced by the resin. All of these end results can result in lower manufacturing costs for paper products. 
     In any regard, the data measured by the measuring device  50  can be incorporated into a database that can be used to establish a papermaking belt  10  profile or a papermaking process profile. The collected data can be compared to an idealized or modeled set-point profile. Additionally, the data, and/or the profile can be looped back into the papermaking process. This can allow the adjustment of process temperatures, nip pressures, and the like in situ. Alternatively, the data and/or profile can be used to provide a historical perspective on papermaking belt  10  performance benchmarking over time as well as expected papermaking belt  10  life. Further, the data and/or profile can be used to manage process spikes such as web breakages, e-stops, and power outages that can cause manufacturing equipment to stop but not significantly reduce operating temperatures instantaneously. 
     Eighth Step 
     The eighth step in the papermaking process is drying the imprinted web  29 . The imprinted web  29  separates from the papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure after the paper side network  34   a  is impressed into the web to from imprinted web  29 . As the imprinted web  29  separates from the papermaking belt  10  of the present disclosure, it is adhered to the surface of Yankee dryer drum  28  where it is dried. 
     Ninth Step 
     The ninth step in the papermaking process is the foreshortening of the dried web (imprinted web  29 ). This ninth step is an optional, but highly preferred, step. Foreshortening refers to the reduction in length of a dry paper web which occurs when energy is applied to the dry web in such a way that the length of the web is reduced and the fibers in the web are rearranged with an accompanying disruption of fiber-fiber bonds. Foreshortening can be accomplished in any of several well-known ways. The most common, and preferred, method is creping. 
     In the creping operation, the dried web  29  is adhered to a surface and then removed from that surface with a doctor blade  30 . The surface to which the web is usually adhered also functions as a drying surface. Typically, this surface is the surface of a Yankee dryer drum  28 . The paper web  31  is then ready for use. 
     All publications, patent applications, and issued patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. Citation of any reference is not an admission regarding any determination as to its availability as prior art to the claimed invention. 
     The dimensions and/or values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension and/or value is intended to mean both the recited dimension and/or value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that dimension and/or value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”. 
     Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3