Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process and devices for producing beam-shaped moldings from fine plant parts mixed with binders in molding presses. Based on the discovery that the degree of compaction of the core of such moldings decreases with increasing cross section of the moldings, it is suggested in the present invention that the core zone of the molding be formed by an additional amount of fine parts moved there and compacted deliberately, which amount of material acts reactively as a compression zone to the moveable walls surrounding it during the compaction of the molding. Compaction of the molding over its entire cross section and at the same time particularly great compaction of the peripheral zones of the molding are thus achieved. The strength and the bending resistance of such moldings are particularly high, and such moldings are therefore also suitable for forming railroad ties.

Abstract: The compression molding of sections, bars, molded articles, or similar, consisting of vegetable particles mixed with binding media was uneconomical, because the relatively short molding time was overlapped by the disproportionate curing time. In order to considerably improve upon this deficiency, the inventor proposes to feed the molded section, or similar, along its longitudinal axis into a curing unit, while the sections between the molding jaws should remain in clamped position. The molding jaws, together with the cured section, are then returned through the press and the section is ejected after the unlocking of the molding jaws. Within the framework of the cyclic work, the individual operating processes can be adjusted to one another.

Abstract: The compression molding of sections (15), bars, molded articles, or similar, consisting of vegetable particles mixed with binding media was uneconomical, because the relatively short molding time was overlapped by the disproportionate curing time. In order to considerably improve upon this deficiency, the inventor proposes to feed the molded section (15), or similar, along its longitudinal axis into a curing unit, while the sections (15) between the molding jaws (3 through 6) should remain in clamped position. The molding jaws (3 through 6), together with the cured section (15), are then returned through the press and the section is ejected after the unlocking of the molding jaws (3 through 6). Within the framework of the cyclic work, the individual operating processes can be adjusted to one another.

Abstract: A structural member is press-molded from a mass of elongated cellulosic particles and a binder. The mass is randomly filled, that is with the particles not extending parallel to one another, into a horizontally elongated compartment defined between a pair of horizontally confronting side walls having central portions, a top wall, and a bottom wall confronting the top wall and extending generally parallel to the top and side walls. The top and bottom walls are then displaced vertically toward each other into predetermined intermediate positions without substantial movement of the side walls so as to vertically pre-compress the mass in the compartment. Thus the particles engaging the top and bottom walls are generally parallelized therewith.

Abstract: A pallet has at least one board secured to a plurality of like elongated parallel stiffening ribs having flat upper sides secured to the board and lower sides formed with downwardly projecting and longitudinally spaced bumps. These ribs are each formed by filling into an upwardly open elongated mold of generally regular cross section a mass of coarse and fine particles and a binder in such a manner that the fine particles are concentrated in the lower portion of the mass and the coarse particles are concentrated in the upper portion of the mass. The mass is then compressed downwardly in the mold to a relatively great extent at several longitudinally spaced-apart locations and to a lesser extent therebetween to form upwardly projecting bumps or feet between these locations. The thus compressed mass is cured into a stiffening rib which is inverted and has the board secured to its planar upper surface opposite its feet.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the cold extrusion of a mixture of plant particles and a binder, especially for the production of load-bearing beams and similar shaped bodies in which the plant particles are wood chips or the like, utilizes a plunger, ram or piston for displacement of the mixture into the extrusion passages (in which hardening can occur) under conditions such that the material flows during compaction and is compressed with a densification ratio of 2:1 to 4:1 (preferably 3:1), a plunger stroke of 400 to 800 mm (preferably 600 mm) and a velocity of the plunger between 0.04 and 1.5 meters per second (preferably 0.06 meters per second).