Abstract: A continuous high pressure press especially adapted for molding thermosetting or thermoplastic sheet material comprises two tracks each carrying a plurality of molds which converge at the press input where sheet material is fed in. Each track is engaged by two groups of presser rails which alternately move forward while applying molding pressure and move in reverse while retracted. The pressure is applied to each rail by a hydraulic actuator acting through a pinion which meshes with a rack formed in the rail. The pinion is rotated by another hydraulic actuator carried by the piston rod of the first actuator.

Abstract: A continuous press is disclosed for simultaneously pressing and conveying a workpiece, such as the laminations for making plywood, through the press in a continuous manner. The press comprises opposed sets of presser-conveyor rails which are spaced apart to receive a workpiece therebetween. The rails are mounted upon hydraulic actuators, one set of actuators for transverse motion of the rails and another set of actuators for longitudinal actuation of the rails. Each set of rails drives a separate caterpillar belt and the workpiece is interposed between the belts. The hydraulic actuators are energized in a sequence so that the rails maintain continuous pressing action through the belts and the belts maintain continuous conveyor action.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for making a laminated board of thermoplastic resin. The laminated board is formed of a pocketed core sheet having inverted and non-inverted pockets disposed between a pair of face sheets which are bonded to the extremities of the pockets. The core sheet is advanced directly from the extrusion die to a roll-forming means which deforms the core sheet to form the pockets in a continuous manner. The face sheets are advanced from the respective extrusion dies on opposite sides of the core sheet and are joined therewith at controlled temperatures so as to form a bond by fusion with the extremities of the pockets. The roll-forming means comprises a drum with multiple convex and concave forming elements with means for vacuum drawing the core sheet against the forming elements and means for forced air removal of the core sheet from the roll-forming means.