Process for softening webs
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Corporation
InventorsMark N. Parsons, Rodney L. Abba
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A microcreping process is improved by using a razor sharp retarder blade positioned such that its razor edge is overlapped by either the primary blade or a back-up blade, whichever extends the furthest downstream. Preferably, pressure is applied to the primary blade through one or more back-up blades arranged in a stepwise configuration.
Claims15
In a continuous process for softening a web wherein the web is supported on the surface of a rotating drum and lengthwise compressed in a treatment cavity defined by the surfaces of the rotating drum, a rigid primary blade which presses the web against the rotating drum, and an inclined rigid retarder blade having an operating face angle in the range of 5.degree. to 15.degree. and which is positioned on the side of the web not facing the primary blade and which retards the forward movement of the web and dislodges the web from the surface of the rotating drum, the improvement comprising dislodging the web from the rotating drum with a retarder blade having a razor edge wherein the edge of the retarder blade is directly below or overlapped by the end of the rigid primary blade and wherein the operating face of the retarder blade is an uninterrupted surface.
A continuous process for softening a web comprising:
- (a) supporting the web on the surface of a rotating drum;
- (b) lengthwise compressing the web in a treatment cavity defined by the surfaces of the rotating drum, a rigid primary blade which is backed by an overlapping back-up blade, and an inclined rigid retarder blade having a razor edge and an operating face positioned on the side of the web not facing the primary blade;
- and (c) dislodging the web from the surface of the rotating drum by contact with the operating face of the retarder blade, wherein the edge of the retarder blade is positioned below the portion of the back-up blade which overlaps the end of the primary blade.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.