John LaFond

Title: Innovations by John LaFond in Papermaking Fabrics

Introduction

John LaFond is an accomplished inventor based in Appleton, WI (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of papermaking through his innovative designs. With a total of 2 patents, LaFond has focused on enhancing the efficiency and functionality of papermaker's fabrics.

Latest Patents

LaFond's latest patents include a fabric with three vertically stacked wefts with twinned forming wefts. This papermaker's fabric is designed for use in the forming section of a paper machine. It features three layers of cross-machine-direction (CD) wefts, with the forming layer wefts grouped into pairs. The twinning of the top-layer wefts results in non-equal spacing, which imparts a desired non-uniformity in the web-supporting surface, thereby reducing the fabric diagonal problem. Additionally, one of the top-layer wefts in each pair is vertically stacked with the middle and wear side layer wefts, while the other top-layer wefts are unstacked. This alignment enhances the drainage properties of the fabric, with the middle layer wefts providing extra stability in the CD.

Another notable patent by LaFond is the forming fabric with twinned top wefts and an extra layer of middle wefts. This design also features three layers of cross-machine-direction (CD) wefts. The forming layer wefts are grouped into pairs, and the twinning results in non-equal spacing in the forming layer. This configuration reduces the diagonal fabric pattern and lowers the void volume, while the middle layer wefts contribute additional stability in the CD.

Career Highlights

LaFond is currently employed at Albany International Corporation, where he continues to innovate in the field of papermaking. His work has been instrumental in developing advanced fabrics that improve the efficiency of paper production processes.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, LaFond has collaborated with notable colleagues, including David S Rougvie and Jeffrey Joseph Collegnon. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that encourages the development of cutting-edge technologies in the industry.

Conclusion

John LaFond's contributions to papermaking fabrics demonstrate his commitment to innovation and excellence. His patents reflect a deep understanding of the complexities involved in fabric design, ultimately leading to improved performance in paper manufacturing.