US2693739A

US2693739A - Papermaking machinery

Info

Publication number: US2693739A
Application number: US249022A
Authority: US
Inventors: Okawa Risaku; Okawa Riichiro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1951-10-01
Filing date: 1951-10-01
Publication date: 1954-11-09
Anticipated expiration: 1971-11-09

Description

Nov. 9, 1954 RlsAKU oKAwA ETAL v 2,693,739

PAPERMAKING MACHINERY Filed Oct. l 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 9, 1954 RlsAKU oKAwA E-AL 2,693,739

PAPERMAKING MACHINERY 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001'.. l 1951 ma. ef www M x WWOMM a 4 ai.

RISAKU oKAwA Erm. 2,693,739

Nov. A9, 1954 PAPERMAKING MACHINERY Filed oct. 1. 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 ,alfa/wey A United States Patent C) PAPERMAKING MACHHERY Risaku Okawa and Riichro Okawa, Miura-Gun, Kanagawa Ken, Japan Application October 1, 1951, Serial No. 249,022

2l) Claims. (Cl. 92-39) This invention relates to paper making machinery and it is a general object of the invention to provide an improved, simple and practical machine serving to manufacture paper, paper-like boards, or other like products.

it is a general object of this invention to provide a machine of the general character referred to having sheet forming rolls which are free of the so-called wires or screens that usually occur in such machines. The elimination of wires or screens simplifies the structure, reduces the initial cost of manufacture and simplies maintenance of the machine in ,operating condition. The simple construction that results from the invention is such that it can be used to advantage in the making o f heavy paper or pulp sheets from thick solutions and it makes practical the use of materials that are difficult or impractical to handle in machines of ordinary construction.

lt is another object of the invention to provide a machine of the general character referred to that is particularly practical for -use in the making of heavy paper boards or pulp sheets, and which will effectively .and practically handle materials other than are usually incorporated in ordinary paper. With the machine of the present invention, materials may be handled including, asbestos, various water resistant or iire resistant materials or compositions, paran, asphalt, various resins, etc.

It is a further object of the invention ,to provide a machine of the general character referred to wherein the sheet forming rolls are grooved providing for eifective drainage of excess liquid as the sheet is formed,

and cleaners are combined with the rolls and serve to maintain the rolls in clean eifective working condition at all times.

It is another object of this invention to provide a machine of the general character referred to wherein the rolls or sheet forming elements are maintained in eicient working condition without employing washing water, with the result that the drainage or back water is subject to being retrieved and recirculated without undesirable dilution or contamination With the machine of the present invention, materials can be efficiently han- .dled including compositions or chemicals which are costly, as there is no dilution of the drainage.

Another object .of the invention is to provide a machine of the general character referred to in which the sheet Vforming rolls uare .of practical economical form and may be such as ,to provide plain sheets or sheets of corrugated or other special configurations.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the general character referred to wherein the material in the form of a uid is effectively delivered to the sheet forming rolls by a nozzle where drainage .catchers are located establishing chambers that are maintained at reduced pressures :thereby inducing rapid drainage of liquid as the sheet is formed, and making possible high speed operation.

It is another object of the invention to provide a machine of the general character referred to which is of simple sturdy construction and entirely free 4of delicate or complicated elements or parts, with the result that the material in the liquid form can vbe safely delivered to the rolls at high pressure.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of Vthe general character referred to wherein 'a heating means serves to efficiently and uniformly main- .tain the lsheet `forming rolls at ya desired temperature with the result Vthat V,the `sheet delivered y.by .the rolls,

2,693,739 Patented Nov. 9, 1954 though wet, is not in the fully saturated eenditinn that ordinarily prevails in machines of this general character.

The machine embodying the invention ineludes, generally, a rigid frame having a rectangular base supported by legs and carrying standards. The frame has rails supported in parallel relationship and extending upwardly and rearwardly over the base at the ends of the frame. Horizontal sheet-forming rolls are located between the rails and extend lengthwise of the frame. The rolls are spaced apart so that the sheet is formed between them and they have sheet-forming faces that may be smooth, but which are interrupted by a multiplicity of drainage grooves spaced apart lengthwise of the rolls and extending continuously around the rolls.

The rolls are carried by the rails for adjustment relative to each other so that the sheet-forming opening between them can be varied, it being preferred to mount one roll by means of bearing blocks so that it is in a fixed position while the other roll is carried by bearing blocks adjustable along the rails. Adjusting means is provided for operating the last mentioned bearing blocks and a drive is'provided for operating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions.

A material feeding nozzle is related to the rolls and has an elongate chamber corresponding in width with the length of the rolls and having a tip fitting between the rolls so that uid material khandled by the nozzle is delivered at a suitable rate and under pressure to the opening that occurs between the rolls. A material supply means is provided delivering fluid to the nozzle and may include a preparing unit such as a beater supplied with water and with the material to be incorporated in the sheet. A pump delivers the material from the preparing unit to a reservoir and from there a pressure pump delivers the material to the nozzle.

Drainage or backwater catchers are located adjacent the nozzle and handle the drainage or excess liquid from the material fed to the rolls. A reduced pressure is maintained in the catchers and the retrieved liquid is drawn `from the catchers as it is caught and may be recirculated as by being introduced into the material preparing unit. A drainage catcher or basin is provided to retrieve :liquid that might otherwise drain or eseape in the course of operation of the machine and the liquid thus retrieved may be drained from the basin to the material preparing unit lfor recirculation. Cleaning means serve to maintain 4the faces of `the rolls clean and the grooves in the rolls open and unrestricted. A face cleaner in ,the form of a pivoted blade engages each roll and a comb-like scraper likewise engages each roll.

A heating means is lprovided preferably -in connection with each roll and may be maintained in operation so that the rolls are maintained at a desired temperature.

A sheet receiving plate is supported adjacent the rolls and is such as to receive the sheet formed by the machine as Iit issues from the opening that occurs between the rol s.

The various objects and features of our invention will Vbe fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is an end elevation of the principal elements of the machine showing a sheet in the course of being delivered. Fig. 2 is a l1011.itudinal vertical sectional view of the machine, being Va view taken `as indicated by line 2 2 on Fig. l. Fig. 3 is an enlarged detailed sectional View taken through a portion .of the machine shown in Figs. l and 2, showing the general relationship of the rolls, vthe nozzle, the `drainage Catchers and the roll cleaners. Fig. 4 is a view Asimilar to a ,portion of 'Fig. 3 showing a somewhat different form of nozzle. Fig. '5 is a perspective View of a portion of .the cleanerernpldyed in connection with 4a 1'roll to maintain the grooves thereof free of material. ,Fig, l,6 is ,a detailed sectional view tajken lengthwise at the -,end portion of a roll showing one vform Aof rolll construction that ,Cell be employed. Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are views ,similar to Fig. 6 illustrating other forms of roll construction- :Fg- 11.0 is .an enlarged .detailed sectional view of @a portion 4vQt .the structure shown in Fig. 3. illustrating the manner in which the tip o f the nozzle is lat the ends.

related to the rolls. Fig. 1l is a sectional view taken as indicated by line 11-11 on Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken as indicated by line 12-12 on Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a detailed sectional view taken at one end of a roll showing the manner in which the roll is supported and the manner in which a heating iiuid may be delivered into the roll, Fig. 14 is a plan section illustrating the mounting of a bearing block providing for adjustment of the roll carried by that block, and Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the various parts hereinabove mentioned as they are related to other elements of the machine, and illustrating the manner in which the retrieved liquids are recirculated in accordance with thc invention.

A typical machine embodying the invention includes, generally, a frame A, rollers B carried by the frame and serving to form the desired sheet S. Mounting means C support the rolls from the frame so the rolls are horizontal, parallel and spaced apart and are subject to adjustment to vary the spacing between them. An adjusting means D is provided for eifecting the desired shifting of the rolls, one relative to the other. A drive means E is provided whereby the rolls are operated synchronously and in opposite directions. A material handling nozzle F is related to the rolls to feed material thereto so that a sheet is formed between the rolls while excess liquids drain largely through grooves provided in the working faces of the rolls. A material supply means G is provided and serves to supply the nozzle with the desired material to be handled by the rolls. Drainage catchers H are provided preferably adjacent the nozzle at the tip end portion thereof and operate in connection with the rolls to be in communication with the grooves of the rolls through which drainage occurs as the sheet is formed. A means I is provided exhausting the drainage catchers so that liquid caught thereby is immediately vremoved therefrom and so that reduced pressures are maintained therein. A drainage catch basin K is provided preferably beneath the nozzle, rolls and other elements of the machine where liquid may drain as a result of the sheet being formed by the machine. A cleaning means L is provided in connection with each roll whereby the working faces and the grooves of the rolls are kept clean, and a heating means M is provided in connection with each roll.

A frame A is preferably an elongate rigid unit having a base 10 rectangular in plan configuration and formed by ends 11, a front 12, and a back 13. Legs 14 support the base and are preferably located at the corners there- ,Y

of while standards project up from the base, preferably In the case illustrated, a front standard 15 supports the plate 16 that receives the sheet S and rear standards 17, of substantial height, project up from the base at the rear of the machine. Rails 20 are carried by the base 10 and the rear standards and, in the case illusvtrated, intermediate standards 21 project up from the base and aid in supporting the rails.

The rails 20 of the frame are parallel elongate elements that are preferably straight, and they are located at the ends of the frame and extend upward and rearward from the base at an angle of about 40 degrees. In the preferred construction the forward ends of the rails are joined to the ends 11 of the frame while the rear ends are joined to the upper ends of the standards 17.

The rollers B are elongate horizontally disposed elements preferably alike as to size and length, and they iit between the rails 20 of the frame A. In general, each roll B involves an elongate cylindrical body 25, end plates 26 at the ends of the body and trunnions 27 projecting outwardly from the end plates. Where the body 25 is separate from the end plates, the separable elements are maintained in a rigid assembly by a suitable means 28. In the construction illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7 and in Fig. 9, the end plates 26 of each roll are separate from the body of the roll and the ends of the body are seated in recesses 30 provided at the peripheral portions of the end plates.

The means 28 is shown as involving tie rods 31 extending between the end plates, the rods being tight so that the end plates hold the body tight between them. In the preferred construction the body of each roll is hol- -low or tubular in form. As shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 9, the

'body has openings 33 extending through it accommodating the tie rods.

The outer or working face 3S of each roller B is characterized by a plurality of drainage grooves 36. The drainage grooves 36 are formed in the body of the roll from its working face 35 and each groove is preferably annular in form and extends continuously around the body and is of simple configuration so that it has at parallel opposed side walls and a bottom located a suitable distance inward from the working face 35. In a typical construction, the several grooves 36 in the working face 35 are alike, that is, they are uniform as to size and shape, and furthermore they are uniformly spaced apart lengthwise of the roll. As an example of a typical working situation, the drainage grooves 36 in a roll B may be .8 millimeter wide, 6 millimeters deep, and about 5 to 6 millimeters apart lengthwise of the roll.

In carrying out the invention the drainage grooves may be confined to but one of the rolls, however, it is preferred that both rolls be grooved, and ordinarily it is preferred that the two rolls be grooved in like manner and that the grooves of the two rolls be in register or directly opposed as illustrated in Figs. l1 and 12 of the drawings.

It is generally preferred that the working faces 35 of the rolls B be simple, smooth cylindrical faces, however, it is contemplated that these faces may be Varied as to form or may be of special shapes or configurations if a sheet S is desired other than a flat plain sheet. An example of a form other than a plain cylindrical form is illustrated in Fig. 9 where the working face 35a of a roll is shown corrugated or undulating. When such a form is employed, it is to be understood that the other or cooperating roll is of a cooperating or complementary form.

The body construction of each roll may be simple as shown in Fig. 7, that is, it may be such that the body of the roll is a continuous or integral cylinder having the desired grooves formed in its working face 35. It is contemplated, however, that other forms of cylinder construction may be employed and certain forms can be employed to advantage.

In Fig. 6 thereis illustrated a cylinder body construction wherein there is a simple continuous cylindrical core 40 carrying a plurality of separate sleeves 41 which abut end to end. The outer working faces 35 of the sleeves 41 are machined or otherwise formed to have the desired grooves 36. With this construction, costly or high grade materials may be employed in the formation of the sleeves 41 and if variations or repairs are necessary the sleeves can be economically renewed or replaced.

In the form shown in Fig. 8, the body of the roll is of laminated construction and involves a plurality of simple, flat, annular plates 42 and 43. The plates are of different outside diameters and they are arranged adjacent each other in alternating relationship with the result that the assembly of plates results in a roll body having an outer cylindrical working face 35 with grooves 36.

The mounting means C support the rolls B from the rails 20 through the trunnions 27 provided at the ends of the rolls. In the construction illustrated the trunnions 27 are integral with the end plates 26 and those of one rod are carried by bearing blocks 50 fixed on the rails 20 while those of the other roll are carried by bearing blocks 51 adjustable along the rails. The iixed bearing blocks 50 are shown carrying the lower and foremost roll X while the adjustable blocks carry the upper and rearmost roll Y. The blocks 50 may be secured to the rails by bolts 53 while the shiftable blocks 51 may be secured to the rails by bolts 54 that extend through slots 55 in anges 56 on these blocks. When the bolts 54 are tight the blocks 51 are set against movement, but when the bolts 54 are loosened slightly, the blocks 51 can be shifted lengthwise of the rails. The blocks 51 are normally positioned to support the upper rear roll Y in the desired spaced relation relative to the lower forward roll X so that it is in the desired sheet forming opening Z between the rolls.

Adjusting means D shifts the blocks 51 lengthwise of the rails 20 and in the form illustrated it involves a shaft 55 carried at the upper ends of the standards 17 to extend lengthwise of the .frame from one end to the other. Screws 56 are supported by bearings 57 so that they eX- tend parallel with the rails 20 and they are threaded into bosses 58 on the shiftable bearing blocks 51. Suitable drives arelprovided. between the shaft 55 and the screws 56 so that when the shaft is rotated the screws are operassenso ated simultaneously and in like manner. In the case illustrated, worm gears 59 are fixed on the shaft and mesh with worm wheels 60 fixed on the screws 56. A hand wheel 61 is provided on shaft 55 at one end of the ma chine.

The drive means E for the rolls B is such as to sirnultaneously operate the rolls in opposite directions. In the construction illustrated, a drive shaft 65 is supported by the frame, preferably at the upper end of one of the standards 17 and may be operated from any suitable source of power. A drive pulley 66 is shown on the shaft 65 operated by a belt 67. A countershaft 68 is supported in bearings 69 and extends parallel with the rails of the frame adjacent one of the rails. A drive is provided from the shaft 65 to the countershaft 68 and is shown as involving a worm gear 70 fixed on the shaft 65 and meshing with the worm gear 71 fixed on the countershaft 68. Like worm gears 72 are fixed on the countershaft 68 and mesh with and drive worm wheels 73 iixed on the trunnions of the two rolls B. The worm gears 72 are pitched oppositely so that when the countershaft 68 rotates the rolls B operate in opposite directions.

The material feeding nozzle F is related to the rolls B to feed fiuid material to the sheet-forming opening A that occurs between the rolls. The terms Huid or uid material are intended to refer to any mixture, composition or other mass subject to being flowed or handled by a nozzle and such as to be worked into a sheet. The iiuid may include fibrous matter, various resins, asphalt, paraffin, etc., and includes an excess of liquid such as water, and this may carry chemical matter making it important that excess or unused liquid be recovered and re-used.

The preferred nozzle F has an elongate closed chamber portion through which the material is flowed and it has a tip portion 81 that enters between the rolls.

The chamber portion 80 of the nozzle is a flat wide structure entering the machine from the rear and extending to the rolls. The chamber portion extends from one -end of the machine to the other to be substantially co- `extensive with the rolls. The particular chamber 80 illustrated has a top wall 83, a bottom wall 84 and end walls 85, and it is arcuate in cross-section as viewed from the end of the machine (see Fig. l of the drawings).

The tip portion 81 of the nozzle is at the forward yand upwardly facing end of the chamber portion 80 and involves upwardly and forwardly projecting extensions 88 of the side walls 85 of the chamber portion 80 which yextensions are thin, iiat, blade-like elements with convex edges 89. The extensions tit between the rolls B so that they are entered in opposing grooves 36 of the rolls at the ends of the rolls. In the preferred construction, the top and

bottom walls

83 and 84, respectively, of the chamber portion 80 extend to and have sliding engagement with the peripheral portions of the rolls from which points the extensions 88 project as clearly illustrated in Fig. 10 of the drawings.

The nozzle F is such that fluid received at its rear end is conducted forwardly in the machine and is delivered in a forward and upward direction into vthe sheet forming opening Z between the rolls with little or no escape of 'uid except out through the space or opening Z. The material handled by the nozzle is delivered in such quantity and under such pressure and, in practice, is maintained at such consistency that the material desired in the sheet S issues through the space Z between the rolls to form the desired sheet S while excess liquid is squeezed or freed as the sheet is formed and drains rearwardly or downwardly through the grooves in the rolls.

When it is desired to form a sheet S of uniform character or of one texture throughout, the nozzle may be of the simple construction shown in Fig. 3, whereas, -i-f it is desired that the sheet be formed of 'two different materials vor textures, for instance, so that it is of one character at one side and a different character at the other side, the nozzle may be equipped with a partition 90 dividing it into two separate passageways 91 and 92 which are maintained separate throughout the nozzle and into lthe tip portion `of the nozzle as is clearly :shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings.

AThe material supply means G may, in practice, vary widely. In Fig. l5 a simple and typical form of means G is illustrated and is shown as involving a material 'preparing unit which may be a `suitable beater 100. A

'pump v101 is shown handling material from the beater and delivering it to a reservoir or chest 102, and a pressure pump 103 is shown supplied with material from the chest and delivering it through a duct 104 to the nozzle F. Branches 104a of the duct 104 deliver material into various parts of the nozzle F at the receiving end of the nozzle so that there is a uniform ow of uid in the nozzle.

The beater or material preparing unit may be power driven and supplied with water or other suitable liquid through a supply line 105 and with sheet forming material through a hopper 106, or the like'. The discharge 107 of the beater 100 supplies the vpump 101 through which the fluid is delivered to the chest 103 through a line 110. A suitable valve 112 may be providedA in the liquid supply line 105 and a suitable control valve 114 may be provided in the line 110. Outlet 115 from the chest 102 supplies the pressure pump 103 and the duct 104 conducts iiuid from the pump 103 to the nozzle.

In the preferred arrangement, a liquid by-pass under control of a valve 121 connects the liquid supply line 105 and the duct 104 so that the consistency of the material delivered to the nozzle may be modified if desired or necessary. Further, a by-pass 122 connects the duct 104 and the chest 102 and is under control of a valve 123 so that material delivered by the pump 103- can be by-passed back to the chest if circumstances so require. Further, the bypass 102 may be under control of Ia suitable regulating means-v125 including a suitable pressure responsive device to the end that a constant and desired pressure is maintained on the fluid in the nozzle.

In the preferred construction there are two drainage catchers H arranged as shown in Fig. 3 and these are located -adjacent the discharge end of the nozzle F and are adjacent the rolls B at points where the nozzle enters between the rolls. The catchers H are provided to receive and handle the liquid drained from the material fed by the nozzle as the sheet S is formed, and they receive this liquid primarily through the drainage grooves provided in the working faces of the rolls.

One drainage catcher H occurs at the upper side of the nozzle or adjacent the top 83 cif the nozzle and involves a wall extending from the wall 83 of the nozzle 'to the periphery of the upper rear roll Y where a suitable soft sealing element 131 is carried by the wall 30 and maintains a seal with the periphery of that roll. End walls 132 of this catcher close the ends of the catcher with the result that the catcher establishes a closed chamber 133 in which a reduced pressure can be maintained. t

The lower or forward drainage catcher H is located adjacent the bottom Wall 84 of the nozzle and between that wall and the lower forward roll X and it carries a sealing element 131 which maintains sealing engagement with the working face of roll X. The wail 130 of this catcher establishes a chamber 133 similar to the one `above described.

The means J serves to handle liquid received by the catcher H and maintains a reduced pressure in the chamber 133. The means I is shown as includinga suction pump 1-40 and suction lines 141 connected to the chambers 133 through the walls 130 which lines 141 are preferably under ycontrol of valves 142. The pump is operated so that as liquid is caught by the catchers it is immediately exhausted therefrom and a reduced pressure is maintained in the chambers 133 serving to induce the ow of liquid liberated as the sheet is formed through the grooves in the rolls thus making it possible to operate the machine at speeds in excess of what would be possible if gravity-alone were relied upon.

The drainage catching basin K in effect supplements the action of the drainage catchers H and is preferably a general catch basin located in .the lower portion of the frame, as, for instance, beneath the base of the frame, and it serves to catch any liquid draining from the machine and which is not caught by the catchers H. The drain line from the basin K, like the discharge line 151 from pump I, or combined wit-h the discharge from pump J, may conduct the drainage or liquid retrieved to the unit 100 so that it is recirculated.

'The recirculation of recovered liquid is highly important when the material being handled involves fexpensive elements or chemicals which may be in solution vor carried vby the drainage that occurs as the sheet is lformed. Further, in 'this connection, it is highly significant .that the machine operates wholly without water' washing of the rolls, and, therefore, the retrieved drainage may be recirculated as just described and is not diluted or contaminated in any way. t

The cleaning means L related to the rolls' B serve to maintain the working faces as well as the grooves of the rolls clean for ecient and effective operation. In the preferred construction the means L for each `roll involves a scraper blade 160 with ascraping edge' 161 which engages the working face of the roll to Ascrape i 171 enter the drainage grooves of the rolll to scrape .j

material therefrom. The blade 170 is carried bypivot -172 and is so related to the roll as to be maintained by gravity in engagement with the roll. Blade 170 is shown located to clean the grooves after the face of the roll has been cleaned by the blade 160.

The heating means M is provided so that `if desired the 4rolls can be heated making it possible to handle materials that could not be worked at normal temperatures. It is to be understood that the heating means need not be employed in each application and it will be understood that the degree of heat applied to the rolls will, in practice, vary depending upon the material handled or the condition desired in the delivered sheet S.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. l to 3 of the drawings, an electrical heating means is provided in connection with each roll. Each roll in this case has tubular trunnions 27 and a line carrier 180 extends into or through the roll and through the trunnions of the roll and is supported by the brackets 181 at the ends of the machine. Power lines 182 enter the carrier 180 and supply energy to heating units 183 that project from the carrier. In the case illustrated a heat conducting medium in the form of liquid 184 is carried in the roll and the heating elements 183 project or depend from the carrier into the liquid. As the roll operates, the heated liquid washes around within the roll and effectively distributes the heat thereto.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 13, a duct 190 is provided to supply a heating medium such as a hot liquid or steam to the interior of the roll to be heated. In this case, the duct 190 is supplied through a line 191 and a suitable packing gland 192 packs between the duct 190 and the spindle through which the duct enters the roll. When this form of heating is employed, the spindle at the opposite end of the roll may be employed as an outlet through which the heating medium can be exhausted.

Having described only typical preferred forms vand applications of our invention, we do not wish tov be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled inthe art and fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described our invention, we claim: f

l. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle. a fluid containing liquid and including, a frame with a Ysheet receiving plate at its front, two like elongated irnperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallelA with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces,

one roll being carried by the frame above and rearward of the other roll, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so theirvopposed parts move upwardly and forwardly, and a nozzle extending upward and forward discharging luid between the opposed parts of the rolls, the rolls having aV p lurality of longitudinally spaced, parallel, annular liquid draining grooves in the sheet forming faces,` and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a pointvabove the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the iluid delivered to the rolls may ow downward of the exteriors of-the rolls through the grooves in the rolls to points on the rolls at the exterior of the nozzle. -V f 2. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid containing liquid and including, alframefwith'a front vsheet receiving plate, two likev elongateimperforate.rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming outer peripheral faces, one roll being carried by the frame above and rearward of the other roll, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts move upwardly, and a nozzle extending upward and forward and discharging uid between the opposed parts of the rolls, the rolls having unobstructed annular and axially spaced liquid draining grooves in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the uid delivered to the rolls may ow downward at the exteriors of the rolls through the grooves in the rolls to points on the rolls at the exterior of the nozzle, each roll including, a unitary cylindrical body with the parallel, axially spaced annular drainage grooves of the roll in the exterior thereof, end lplates engaging the ends of the body and carrying supporting elements, and means rigidly securing the body 4and end plates together.

3. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two like elongated rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming outer peripheral faces, one roll being carried by the frame above and rearward of the other roll, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts move upwardly and forwardly, and a nozzle extending upward and forward and discharging uid between the rolls, the rolls having a plurality of outwardly opening annular liquid draining grooves in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof wherebyliquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls may flow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle, each roll including, a body having a tubular imperforate core and a plurality of elongate sleeves with outwardly opening annular grooves and arranged end to end on the exterior of the core, end plates engaging the ends of the core and confining the sleeves in engaged relation, and means rigidly receiving the core, the engaged sleeves and the end plates together.

4. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two like elongated rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, one roll being carried by the frame above and rearward of the other roll, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so the opposed parts of the rolls move,upwardly and forwardly, and a nozzle extending upward and forward and adapted to discharge fluid between the rolls, the rolls having a plurality of axially yspaced outwardly opening liquid draining grooves in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of ,theI rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls may ow downward through the grooves in each roll to a point onthe roll at the exterior thereof and at the exterior of the nozzle, each roll including, a plurality of annular plates arranged one against the other in tight sealing engagement, there being plates having peripheries forming the face of the rolll and other plates smaller in diameter than those first-mentioned and spacing the first-mentioned plates apart whereby the grooves of the roll occur between them, and means securing the plates in rigid assembled relationship.

- 5. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid vcontaining liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces varying from straight cylindrical form whereby a sheet .formed between them is other than plain smooth surfaced, one roll being carried by the frame above and rearward of Athe other roll, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions so the opposed portions of the rolls move upward and forward, and a nozzle` extending upward and forward to the rolls and adapted to discharge uid between the rolls, the rolls having longitudinally spaced unobstructed exterior liquid draining grooves extending around them in the sheet lfori-ning,faces,an c l the nozzle adjoining each of theprolls at-a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the uid delivered to the rolls may ilow downward at the exterior of the roll through the grooves in the roll to a point on the exterior of the roll and at the exterior of the nozzle.

6. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two like elongated irnperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions with the opposed parts of the rolls moving upwardly and forwardly, a nozzle extending upward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging uid between the rolls, the rolls having outwardly opening liquid draining grooves in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls may flow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points at the exterior of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle, and roll cleaners engaging the rolls at the said faces and in the grooves to remove material therefrom as the faces advance between the sheet forming and liquid receiving positions.

7. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiving portion, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and with their opposed parts moving upwardly and forwardly, a nozzle extending upward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging lluid between the rolls, the rolls having longitudinally spaced parallel outwardly opening liquid draining grooves in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the uid delivered to the rolls may ow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls at the exterior of the nozzle, and roll cleaners engaging the rolls at the said faces and in the grooves to remove material therefrom as the faces advance between the sheet forming and liquid receiving positions, there being a scraper engaging the face of each roll and a toothed blade engaging each roll and having its teeth in the grooves of the roll.

8. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiving portion, two like elongate irnperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, one roll being carried by tbe frame above and rearward of the other roll, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and with their opposed parts moving upwardly and forwardly, and a nozzle extending upward and forward and discharging fluid between the rolls, the rolls having a plurality of axially spaced parallel annular liquid draining grooves in the outer sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls may llow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle, the nozzle having a partition therein extending to a point where fluid is delivered to the rolls and dividing the nozzle jillnt'od separate passageways adapted to handle different ur s.

9. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, one roll being carried by the frame above and rearward of the other roll, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts move upwardly and forwardly, a nozzle extending upward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging uid between the rolls, the rolls having unobstructed annular liquid draining grooves spaced longitudinally in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls may ow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle, and

drainage catchers defining closed chambers at the nozzle and adjacent the rolls whereby liquid draining to the exterior of the nozzle is caught in the chambers.

10. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiver at which a sheet is delivered, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts move upwardly, a nozzle extending upward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging fluid between the rolls, the rolls having annular open liquid draining grooves in spaced parallel relationship in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls will flow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle, drainage catchers defining closed chambers at the nozzle and adjacent the rolls whereby liquid draining to the exterior of the nozzle is caught in the chambers, and means conducting liquid from said chambers and maintaining a reduced pressure in each of the chambers.

ll. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiver at which a sheet is delivered, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts move upwardly, a nozzle extending upward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging fluid between the rolls, the rolls having a plurality of annular outwardly opening liquid draining grooves in spaced parallel relationship in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the iluid delivered to the rolls may flow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle, drainage catchers defining closed chambers at the nozzle and adjacent the rolls whereby liquid draining to the exterior of the nozzle is caught in the chambers, and roll cleaners engaging the rolls at the said faces and in the grooves to remove material therefrom as the faces advance between the sheet forming and liquid receiving positions, the nozzle having a partition therein extending to a point where iluid is delivered to the rolls and dividing the nozzle into separate passageways handling different uids.

12. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiver plate at which a sheet is delivered, two like elongate irnperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts move upwardly, a nozzle extending upward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging fluid between the rolls, fluid supply means delivering` fluid to the nozzle and including a uid preparing unit receiving liquid and material for forming a sheet, the rolls having outwardly opening annular liquid draining grooves arranged in parallel longitudinal spaced relationship in the sheet forming faces and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the uid delivered to the rolls may flow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle, drainage catchers defining closed chambers at the nozzle and adjacent the rolls whereby liquid draining to the exterior of the nozzle is caught in the chambers, and means conducting liquid from the chambers and delivering it to said unit.

13. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiver plate at which a sheet is delivered, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by -the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts move upwardly, a nozzle extending upward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging iluid between the rolls, fluid supply means including, a unit preparing fluid from liquid and sheet forming material, and a pump delivering the fluid under pressure to the nozzle, the rolls having outwardly opening annular liquid draining grooves in parallel spaced relationship along the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the iiuid delivered to the rolls may iiow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle, drainage catchers deiining closed chambers at the nozzle and adjacent the rolls whereby liquid draining to the exterior of the nozzle is caught in the chambers, and means receiving liquid from said chambers and delivering it to said unit.

14. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a iluid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiving portion at which a sheet is delivered, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, one roll being carried by the frame above and rearward of the other roll, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so their opposing parts move upwardly and forwardly, a nozzle extending upward and forward and discharging uid between the rolls, fluid supply means including, a unit preparing fluid from liquid and sheet forming material, and a pump delivering the liuid under pressure to the nozzle, the rolls having outwardly opening annular liquid draining grooves arranged in spaced parallel relationship along the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls may ow downward through the grooves in the rolls at the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle, drainage catchers defining closed chambers at the nozzle and adjacent the rolls whereby liquid draining to the exterior of the nozzle is caught in the chambers, and exhaust means receiving liquid from said chambers and to deliver it to said unit and including a pump maintaining the chambers at reduced pressures.

l5. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a tiuid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front plate at which a sheet is delivered, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, one roll being shiftably carried by the frame the other roll being carried by the frame in fixed position relative thereto, means operable to shift the rearmost roll laterally and relative to said other roll, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions so opposed parts of the rolls move upwardly, and a nozzle extending upward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging fluid between the rolls, the rolls having outwardly opening annular liquid draining grooves arranged in longitudinal parallel spaced relationship in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls may ow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle.

16. An elongate sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid containing liquid and including, a frame with a sheet receiving plate at the front end thereof, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, one roll being shiftably carried by the frame the other roll being carried by the frame in fixed position relative thereto, means operable to shift the rearmost roll laterally and relative to said other roll including a rotatable shaft, like screws related to the said rearmost roll at the ends thereof, and like gear drives from the shaft to the screws, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts move upwardly, and a nozzle extending upward byv the frame parallel with each other to have spaced between the lower portions of the rolls and adapted to discharge iluid between the rolls, the rolls having un obstructed annular liquid draining grooves arranged in parallel spaced relationship in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the uid delivered to the rolls may flow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle.

17. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid opposed sheet forming faces, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so thelr opposed parts move upwardly and including a power driven shaft, oppositely pitched worm gears on the shaft and worm wheels on the rolls and engaged by the gears, and a nozzle extending upward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging fluid between the rolls, the rolls having annular unobstructed liquid draining grooves arranged along the rolls in spaced parallel relationship and in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the iiuid delivered to the rolls will flow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle.

18. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a uid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front receiving plate, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each. other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, meansA whereby the rolls are heated, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts move upwardly, and a nozzle extending upward between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging fluid between the rolls, the rolls having annular outwardly opening liquid draining grooves in longitudinal spaced relationship in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the fluid delivered to the rolls may iiow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle.

19. A sheet forming machine adapted to handle a fluid containing liquid and including, ya frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces,

means whereby the rolls are heated including electrical' heating elements in the rolls, drive means rotating the rolls vsynchronously in opposite directions and so their opposed parts move upwardly, and a nozzle extendmg upward and' between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging fluid between the rolls, the rolls having longitudinally spaced parallel annular liquid draining grooves around the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each of the rolls at a point above the bottom thereof whereby liquid from the iiuid delivered to the rolls may iiow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle.'

20. A sheet forming machine adapted tohandle a uid containing liquid and including, a frame with a front sheet receiving plate, two like elongate imperforate rolls supported horizontally by the frame parallel with each other to have spaced opposed sheet forming faces, means whereby the rolls are heated including ducts 1n communication with the rolls and supplying heating fluid thereto, drive means rotating the rolls synchronously in opposite directions so opposed parts of the rolls move upwardly, and a nozzle extending upward and between the lower portions of the rolls and discharging fluid between the rolls, the rolls having outwardly opening longitudlnally spaced annular liquid draining grooves in the sheet forming faces, and the nozzle adjoining each'of the 'rolls at a point above the bottom' thereof whereby l1qu1d from the fluid delivered to the rolls may flow downward through the grooves in the rolls to points on the exteriors of the rolls and at the exterior of the nozzle.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name 958,068 Arbuckle Maylel9l0 1,449,774 Najarian Mar. 27 1923 1,642,008 Beebe Sept. 13' 1927 1,782,215 Sheperd Nov. 18 1930 1,782,307 Sheperd Nov. 181/1930 2,230,307 Muneh Feb.4, 1941