Supporting mechanism for a papermaking machine dewatering blade

A forming section of a papermaking machine, comprising:

• at least two rolls;
• a forming fabric that is supported on the at least two rolls;
• and
• a pneumatically actuated moveable doctoring device, including
• a base member adapted to be supported by a papermaking machine structure;
• a blade support with a fabric contact element that extends in a cross direction across a width of the fabric;
• a single pneumatic air tube having first and second attachments on opposing sides of the pneumatic air tube, the first attachment engages the base member and the second attachment engages the blade support, the pneumatic air tube being configured for connection to a pressurized air source and a vacuum source to extend or retract the blade support relative to the base member into and out of contact with the forming fabric;
• and
• a linkage arrangement connected between the blade support and the base member, the linkage arrangement including at least first and second links located between the base member and the support member, the links each have a pivotal connection to the base member and provide for a fixed orientation of the blade support relative to the base member as the pneumatic air tube extends the blade support into contact with the forming fabric or retracts the blade support guided by the linkage arrangement.

A pneumatically actuated moveable doctoring device for a paper machine forming section, the device comprising:

• a base member adapted to be supported by a papermaking machine structure;
• a blade support with a fabric contact element;
• a pneumatic air tube having first and second attachments on opposing sides of the pneumatic air tube, the first attachment engages the base member and the second attachment engages the blade support, the pneumatic air tube being configured for connection to a pressurized air source and a vacuum source to extend or retract the blade support relative to the base member, the first and second attachments on the pneumatic air tube have an enlarged end section with a smaller base and are integrally formed on opposing surfaces of the pneumatic air tube, and the base member and the blade support each include a corresponding undercut receptacle for a positive fit connection to the pneumatic air tube;
• and
• a linkage arrangement connected between the blade support and the base member, the linkage arrangement including at least first and second links located between the base member and the blade support, the links each have a pivotal connection to the base member and provide for a fixed orientation of the blade support relative to the base member as the pneumatic air tube extends the blade support or retracts the blade support guided by the linkage arrangement.