Cross directional gloss controller
AssigneeMeasurex Corporation
InventorMathew G. Boissevain
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device for controlling the cross-directional gloss profile on the surface of a calenderable material by selectively directing jets of steam against sections of the material across its width. Built-in steam flow control valves are provided to control the amount of steam applied to each section. Suction means may also be provided to remove excess steam and thus prevent undesirable condensation on adjacent structures. The gloss finish may be monitored and compared to a desired gloss finish and the valves are activated accordingly.
Claims22
A gloss control system for controlling the formation of a gloss finish on a surface of a calenderable material, comprising:
- a sheet of calenderable material having first and second opposing surfaces;
- discharge means for discharging working fluid against a plurality of sections of the first surface of the material;
- suction means disposed adjacent to said first surface for removing excess working fluid emitted by said discharge means and not absorbed by the first surface;
- a calender roll having a smooth, hard, cylindrical surface;
- and
- means for pressing the first surface of said calenderable material against the smooth surface after the first surface has been contacted by the working fluid.
A gloss control system for controlling the formation of a gloss finish on a surface of a calenderable material, comprising:
- a first calender roll having a hard, polished surface;
- a second calender roll adjacent to the first calender roll and having a resilient surface and an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the first calender roll;
- calenderable material having first and second opposing surfaces, said material being pressed between the first and second calender rolls such that the first surface contacts the first calender roll and the second surface contacts the second calender roll;
- discharge means for discharging working fluid against different sections of the first surface before the material is pressed between the first and second rolls;
- control means for individually varying the amount of working fluid discharged by the discharge means against the different sections of the first surface;
- and
- suction means for removing, from the first surface, excess fluid discharged by the discharge means.
A method of controlling the formation of a gloss finish on a first surface of a calenderable material, comprising the steps of:
- directing a working fluid at a plurality of different sections of the first surface;
- individually controlling the amount of working fluid directed at each section of the first surface of the material;
- removing, with suction, excess working fluid from the first surface, which fluid is not absorbed by the material;
- and
- pressing the first surface of the material against a hard, polished surface.
A fluid control system, comprising:
- a moving web having a first major surface;
- a member having a surface spaced from and adjacent to the first surface of the moving web, the surface of the member extending both in the direction of movement of the web and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the web;
- supply means for directing a supply of fluid between the first surface of the web and the surface of the member;
- and
- suction means disposed adjacent to the first surface and spaced from the supply means along the direction of movement of the web, for removing fluid from between the first surface of the web and the surface of the member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.