Randall Lee Bone

US Patent:

48971596, Jan 30, 1990

Filed:

Mar 7, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/165001

Inventors:

Randall L. Bone - Pisgah Forest NC
Albert P. Kriek - Asheville NC
Eric D. Myracle - Brevard NC
Don B. Rogers - Brevard NC

Assignee:

P. H. Glatfelter Company - Spring Grove PA

International Classification:

D21F 700
D21G 900

US Classification:

162260

Abstract:

Apparatus and method for automatically detecting and removing contaminant particles from a moving pulp mat are provided, detection of the particles being accomplished using a light source for transmitting light to the pulp mat, a light detecting means for detecting decreases in the intensity of light across the pulp mat corresponding to positions or locations of contaminant particles in the mat, and a control package for generating signals corresponding to the detected positions to be used in the contaminant removal proceses, removal of the particles being accomplished by cutting a rectangular section containing the particle from the mat using a bank of fluid jet nozzles which produce longitudinal slits and transverse cuts in the pulp mat as the mat travels past the nozzle bank. The removal section also has a catch trough disposed at the side of the mat opposite the nozzles for receiving the fluid sprayed from the nozzles through the mat and also for receiving the rectangular sections cut from the mat, the catch trough being further equipped with flush water and effluent pipe connections to facilitate disposal of the removed sections of the mat.