Apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web to a drying section

Claim 1

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; and a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited.

Claim 2

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; and a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited.

Claim 6

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited; and said first transfer box further including: a first wall disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first wall diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from the lead-in roll towards said intermediate roll such that during transfer of the web from the lead-in roll towards said intermediate roll, a partial vacuum is generated between said first wall and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 7

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited; and said first transfer box further including: a first wall disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first wall diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from the lead-in roll towards said intermediate roll such that during transfer of the web from the lead-in roll towards said intermediate roll, a partial vacuum is generated between said first wall and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 8

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited and; said first transfer box further including: a second wall defining a first outlet means disposed adjacent to said intermediate roll, said first transfer box being connected to a source of pressurized air such that air flows from said first transfer box through said first outlet means for doctoring a boundary layer of air away from said intermediate roll during rotation of said intermediate roll.

Claim 9

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited and; said first transfer box further including: a second wall defining a first outlet means disposed adjacent to said intermediate roll, said first transfer box being connected to a source of pressurized air such that air flows from said first transfer box through said first outlet means for doctoring a boundary layer of air away from said intermediate roll during rotation of said intermediate roll.

Claim 11

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited and; said first transfer box shielding the web between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll from disturbing air currents that would otherwise tend to detach the web from the transfer felt, said first box having a wedge-shaped configuration for generating an under-pressure between said first box and the transfer felt, said under-pressure assuring that the web remains in close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 12

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited and; said first transfer box shielding the web between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll from disturbing air currents that would otherwise tend to detach the web from the transfer felt, said first box having a wedge-shaped configuration for generating an under-pressure between said first box and the transfer felt, said under-pressure assuring that the web remains in close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 15

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited and; said second transfer box further including: a first side disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first side diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer such that during transfer of the web from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer, a partial vacuum is generated between said first side and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 16

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited and; said second transfer box further including: a first side disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first side diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer such that during transfer of the web from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer, a partial vacuum is generated between said first side and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 20

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited and; a plurality of air jets disposed adjacent to said intermediate roll such that the web and transfer felt are disposed between said plurality of jets and said intermediate roll, said plurality of jets supporting the web in the cross-machine direction, said plurality of jets directing a flow of air against the web for supporting the web against the transfer felt particularly when the tail of the web is being transferred between the pressing section and the drying section.

Claim 21

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited and; a plurality of air jets disposed adjacent to said intermediate roll such that the web and transfer felt are disposed between said plurality of jets and said intermediate roll, said plurality of jets supporting the web in the cross-machine direction, said plurality of jets directing a flow of air against the web for supporting the web against the transfer felt particularly when the tail of the web is being transferred between the pressing section and the drying section.

Claim 24

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer or a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited; said second transfer box further including: a first side disposed adjacent to the transfer felt such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first side, said first side defining a first and a second edge orifice means such that when said second transfer box is connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows from said second transfer box through, respectively, said first and second edge orifice means for drawing the respective side edges of the web into close conformity with the transfer felt; and said first and second edge orifice means utilizing the Coanda Principle to direct a first and second curtain of air away from each other in the cross-machine direction for maintaining the respective edges of the web in close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 25

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer or a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited; said second transfer box further including: a first side disposed adjacent to the transfer felt such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first side, said first side defining a first and a second edge orifice means such that when said second transfer box is connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows from said second transfer box through, respectively, said first and second edge orifice means for drawing the respective side edges of the web into close conformity with the transfer felt; and said first and second edge orifice means utilizing the Coanda Principle to direct a first and second curtain of air away from each other in the cross-machine direction for maintaining the respective edges of the web in close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 28

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; said first transfer box further including: a first wall disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first wall diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from the lead-in roll towards said intermediate roll such that during transfer of the web from the lead-in roll toward said intermediate roll a partial vacuum is generated between said first wall and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited; and said second transfer box further including: a first side disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first side diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer such that during transfer of the web from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer, a partial vacuum is generated between said first side and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 29

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; said first transfer box further including: a first wall disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first wall diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from the lead-in roll towards said intermediate roll such that during transfer of the web from the lead-in roll toward said intermediate roll a partial vacuum is generated between said first wall and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited; and said second transfer box further including: a first side disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first side diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer such that during transfer of the web from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer, a partial vacuum is generated between said first side and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 30

A method for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, the method comprising the steps of: guiding the web from the press section towards the lead-in roll such that the web is disposed in close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer; supplying pressurized air to a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and an intermediate roll such that air flows from the first transfer box through a first outlet disposed adjacent to the intermediate roll such that the flow of air through the first outlet augments an under-pressure generated between the first transfer box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt; and supplying pressurized air to a second transfer box disposed between the intermediate roll and the first dryer such that air flows from the second transfer box through a second outlet disposed adjacent to the nip defined by the transfer felt and the first dryer such that an under-pressure is generated in the vicinity of this nip thereby inhibiting any tendency of the web to detach from the transfer felt in the vicinity of this nip.

Claim 31

A method for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, the method comprising the steps of: guiding the web from the press section towards the lead-in roll such that the web is disposed in close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer; supplying pressurized air to a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and an intermediate roll such that air flows from the first transfer box through a first outlet disposed adjacent to the intermediate roll such that the flow of air through the first outlet augments an under-pressure generated between the first transfer box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt; and supplying pressurized air to a second transfer box disposed between the intermediate roll and the first dryer such that air flows from the second transfer box through a second outlet disposed adjacent to the nip defined by the transfer felt and the first dryer such that an under-pressure is generated in the vicinity of this nip thereby inhibiting any tendency of the web to detach from the transfer felt in the vicinity of this nip.

Claim 32

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; said first transfer box further including: a first wall disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first wall diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from the lead-in roll towards said intermediate roll such that during transfer of the web from the lead-in roll toward said intermediate roll, a partial vacuum is generated between said first wall and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt, said first wall defining first and second side orifice means; said first and second side orifice means being disposed such that when said first transfer box is connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows from said first transfer box through respectively, said first and second side orifice means for drawing the respective side edges of the web into close conformity with the transfer felt; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited; and said second transfer box further including: a first side disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first side diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer such that during transfer of the web from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer, a partial vacuum is generated between said first side and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 33

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; said first transfer box further including: a first wall disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first wall diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from the lead-in roll towards said intermediate roll such that during transfer of the web from the lead-in roll toward said intermediate roll, a partial vacuum is generated between said first wall and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt, said first wall defining first and second side orifice means; said first and second side orifice means being disposed such that when said first transfer box is connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows from said first transfer box through respectively, said first and second side orifice means for drawing the respective side edges of the web into close conformity with the transfer felt; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited; and said second transfer box further including: a first side disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first side diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer such that during transfer of the web from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer, a partial vacuum is generated between said first side and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 34

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; said first transfer box further including: a first wall disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first wall diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from the lead-in roll towards said intermediate roll such that during transfer of the web from the lead-in roll toward said intermediate roll a partial vacuum is generated between said first wall and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt, said first wall defining first and second side orifice means; said first and second side orifice means being disposed such that when said first transfer box is connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows from said first transfer box through respectively, said first and second side orifice means for drawing the respective side edges of the web into close conformity with the transfer felt; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited; said second transfer box further including: a first side disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first side diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer such that during transfer of the web from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer, a partial vacuum is generated between said first side and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt, said first side defining first and second edge orifice means; said first and second edge orifice means being disposed such that when said second transfer box is connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows from said second transfer box through respectively said first and second edge orifice means for drawing the respective side edges of the web into close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 35

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: an intermediate support roll disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said intermediate roll; a first transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said first transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said first box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and said intermediate roll; said first transfer box further including: a first wall disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first wall diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from the lead-in roll towards said intermediate roll such that during transfer of the web from the lead-in roll toward said intermediate roll a partial vacuum is generated between said first wall and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt, said first wall defining first and second side orifice means; said first and second side orifice means being disposed such that when said first transfer box is connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows from said first transfer box through respectively, said first and second side orifice means for drawing the respective side edges of the web into close conformity with the transfer felt; a second transfer box disposed between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said second box, said second box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between the transfer felt and said second box for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between said intermediate roll and the first dryer such that any tendency of the web to droop relative to the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer is inhibited; said second transfer box further including: a first side disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said first side diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer such that during transfer of the web from said intermediate roll towards the first dryer, a partial vacuum is generated between said first side and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt, said first side defining first and second edge orifice means; said first and second edge orifice means being disposed such that when said second transfer box is connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows from said second transfer box through respectively said first and second edge orifice means for drawing the respective side edges of the web into close conformity with the transfer felt.

Claim 37

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: a transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer; said transfer box further including: a side disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said side diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from the lead-in roll towards the first dryer such that during transfer of the web from the lead-in roll towards the first dryer, a partial vacuum is generated between said side and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt, said side defining a first and second edge orifice means; said first and second edge orifice means being disposed such that when said transfer box is connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows from said transfer box through respectively said first and second edge orifice means for drawing the respective side edges of the web into close conformity with the transfer felt; and said side also defining an outlet means disposed adjacent to the first dryer such that when said transfer box is connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows from within said transfer box through said outlet means perpendicularly relative to the direction of movement of the transfer felt and thereafter tangentially relative to the first dryer so that an under-pressure is generated in the vicinity of the ingoing nip defined by the transfer felt and the first dryer, said under-pressure tending to inhibit detachment of the web from the transfer felt in the vicinity of said nip.

Claim 38

An apparatus for assisting the transfer of a web disposed contiguous relative to a transfer felt such that the web is transferred from a lead-in roll disposed adjacent to a press section to a first dryer of a papermaking machine dryer section, said apparatus comprising: a transfer box disposed between the lead-in roll and the first dryer such that the transfer felt is disposed between the web and said first box, said transfer box being oriented relative to the transfer felt such that a partial vacuum is generated between said box and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt between the lead-in roll and the first dryer; said transfer box further including: a side disposed adjacent to the transfer felt, said side diverging relative to the transfer felt in a direction from the lead-in roll towards the first dryer such that during transfer of the web from the lead-in roll towards the first dryer, a partial vacuum is generated between said side and the transfer felt for drawing the web into close conformity with the transfer felt, said side defining a first and second edge orifice means; said first and second edge orifice means being disposed such that when said transfer box is connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows from said transfer box through respectively said first and second edge orifice means for drawing the respective side edges of the web into close conformity with the transfer felt; and said side also defining an outlet means disposed adjacent to the first dryer such that when said transfer box is connected to a source of pressurized air, air flows from within said transfer box through said outlet means perpendicularly relative to the direction of movement of the transfer felt and thereafter tangentially relative to the first dryer so that an under-pressure is generated in the vicinity of the ingoing nip defined by the transfer felt and the first dryer, said under-pressure tending to inhibit detachment of the web from the transfer felt in the vicinity of said nip.