Method and device for making tissue

An apparatus for making tissue, said apparatus comprising:

• a Yankee dryer having a peripheral surface for supporting the tissue;
• a doctor cooperating with said peripheral surface for peeling the tissue away from said peripheral surface such that when the tissue is peeled from said peripheral surface, a series of microfolds are generated in the resultant tissue;
• adjusting means connected to said doctor for adjusting an angle defined between said doctor and said peripheral surface, the arrangement being such that when said angle is adjusted, the physical dimensions of said microfolds change;
• sensor means disposed downstream relative to said doctor for sensing said physical dimensions of said microfolds;
• control means electrically connected to said sensor means and responsive to said sensor means, said control means being electrically connected to said adjusting means for varying said angle of said doctor so that said physical dimensions of said microfolds are optimized;
• said doctor further including:
• a frame;
• a blade adjustably secured to said frame such that a distal end of said blade bears against said peripheral surface so that the tissue supported on said peripheral surface is peeled therefrom by said blade;
• and
• said adjusting means including:
• motor means for moving said blade relative to said frame and for moving said frame relative to said peripheral surface such that adjustment of said angle between said blade and a tangent of said peripheral surface at said distal end of said blade is permitted, the arrangement being such that said blade pivots about said distal end of said blade.