Machine for producing paper , paperboard, and other fibreboards, consisting of a moving endless belt of wire or plastic screen that receives a mixture of pulp and water and allows excess water to drain off, forming a continuous sheet for further drying by suction, pressure, and heat. Calendering smooths the paper or board and imparts gloss or other desired finish to the surface. The first machine to produce a continuous web (roll), the Fourdrinier machine was patented in France in 1799 by Louis Robert and later improved in England by Henry (1766–1854) and Sealy
died 1847
Fourdrinier.
With further improvements over the years, it is still in use today.