Abstract: [Object] An apparatus and a method for producing optical sheeting with which increased productivity can be achieved while maintaining the accuracy of produced optical sheeting.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pressing apparatus for fabricating a dense, rigid, durable panel from a molten composite material, such as a composite of wood fibers and thermoplastic. The apparatus features a first platen in spaced and angled relation to a second platen to define a gap between said platens. The gap decreases uniformly from first ends of the platens toward second ends of the platens, and conveyer belts, movably disposed along opposing surfaces of said platens, move molten composite material through the decreasing gap to compress the molten composite material between the platens, while substantially simultaneously the material undergoes first passive and then active cooling into a rigid sheet.

Abstract: The method comprises differentiated separation of the strips holding the silicone cores with respect to the honeycomb produced, by simply curving one of the strips corresponding to one of the faces of the honeycomb and by progressive action of pulsed magnetic fields in the other of the strips holding the silicone cores, progressively separating the honeycomb and preventing breakages in the walls of the same. In a device equipped with an alignment of electromagnets which act on the strip bearing the elastic cores to be separated and which exert an action of pulsed magnetic fields on the same, progressively separating the strip from the honeycomb.

Abstract: A continuous production system for fabricating composite articles from a moldable material includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a pair of opposed closed loop cleated belt conveyors spaced apart a predetermined distance. Each cleated belt includes a plurality of cleats, and each cleat includes a notch. The forming system also includes a pair of opposed endless profile mold belts positioned at least partially between the pair of cleated belts. The mold belts are located at least partially in the notches of the cleats.

Abstract: A structural cementitious panel, produced by a multi-layer process including providing a moving web; b. one of depositing a first layer of loose fibers upon the web and c. depositing a layer of settable slurry upon the web; d. depositing a second layer of loose fibers upon the slurry; e. embedding said second layer of fibers into the slurry; and f. repeating steps c. through e. until the desired number of layers of settable fiber-enhanced slurry in the panel is obtained. Also provided are an apparatus suitable for producing structural cementitious panels according to the present process, and a structural cementitious panel having multiple layers, each layer created by depositing a layer of settable slurry upon a moving web, depositing fibers upon the slurry and embedding the fibers into the slurry such that each layer is integrally formed with the adjacent layers.

Abstract: A system for flexing a web is disclosed. The web passes over two co-rotating members, such as rollers or belts, which are separated by a small adjustable gap. The web travels around the first rotating member, is peeled off in the vicinity of the gap, bent back on itself in a small radius and reattached on the second co-rotating member. The location of the small radius is fixed with a closed loop control system sensing the radius location and controlling the relative velocity of the two members. Strain in the web is adjusted with the size of the small radius, which is controlled by the adjustable gap and radius location.

Abstract: An apparatus for moulding and proving dough, including a pair of sheet rollers for providing a dough strip to a dough moulder, a means for engaging and disengaging a retractable dough divider, the retractable dough divider when engaged separates the dough into dough portions as its exits the dough moulder and a prover for recovering the dough portions. Also disclosed is a dough moulder for a strip of dough including a conveyor having a first run spaced below a curling mat to curl the dough strip; the curling mat resting on at least the first run of the conveyor, the curling mat having a raised section which does not contact the first run.

Abstract: A system includes a high speed reciprocating mold plate patty-forming machine and a downstream patty presser. The high speed patty forming machine provides patties at a high production speed onto an output conveyor portion. The patty presser includes an upper conveyor having an upper endless belt. The upper conveyor is located above the output conveyor, wherein facing belt surfaces of the upper and lower endless belts define a path between the upper and lower conveyors. The upper conveyor has a tilted section such that a first clearance at an input to the path is equal to or greater than a thickness of the patties and a second clearance at an outlet of the inlet length is less than a thickness of the patties at the input of the path. A shuttle conveyor is arranged at the output of the path and delivers patties to an indexing packaging machine.

Abstract: A continuous forming apparatus for molding foam material into foam products that includes a first endless belt and a second endless belt that cooperates with the first endless belt to mold the foam material. The continuous forming apparatus may also include a first plurality of cleats and a second plurality of cleats opposed to the first plurality of cleats that support the first endless belt and the second endless belt respectively. The first plurality of cleats may include a three-dimensional abutment surface that provides transverse and lateral support to the first endless belt. Additionally, the continuous forming apparatus may include a first frame disposed to support the first plurality of cleats, a second frame disposed to support the second plurality of cleats, and a drive mechanism for imparting motion to the first endless belt, the second endless belt, the first plurality of cleats, and the second plurality of cleats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for cooling material during continuous vacuum forming. The apparatus includes one or more cooling regions positioned adjacent one or more vacuum regions. A rotatable support belt including perforations therein supports a flexible patterned belt. The flexible patterned belt includes apertures spaced along the length and width thereof. The one or more cooling regions provide a cooling fluid to be drawn through the apertures in the flexible patterned belt to form an area of cooling fluid on the flexible patterned belt which contacts a bottom surface of a hot material received on the flexible patterned belt in order to cool the bottom surface of the material and the flexible patterned belt. The vacuum regions are in fluid flow communication with the perforations of the support belt and the apertures of the flexible patterned belt for drawing the material onto the flexible patterned belt.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a high-quality porous film. Here, while the porous film is being manufactured through forming micropores by stretching, a raw film is prevented from slipping on the surfaces of the respective rolls as much as possible even though the raw film includes oil or liquid paraffin as a solvent. The method is for manufacturing a porous film through forming micropores by successive biaxial stretching. A tensile force applied to the raw film F transferring from the longitudinal stretching machine (10) to the transverse stretching machine (50) is set not less than a stretching force necessary for the longitudinal stretching, and thus the raw film is prevented from slipping on a contact surface between the raw film and each roll of the longitudinal stretching machine (10).

Abstract: An imprint apparatus for forming fine structure lithography comprises: a belt-like mold having a fine structure for imprint lithography formed on a surface of the belt-like mold; a cylindrical pressurizing mechanism including a pair of opposed rolls for pressurizing the belt-like mold against the surface of the imprinting object; and a supporting member for supporting the imprinting object at a position between the rolls of the cylindrical pressurizing mechanism. The belt-like mold, the imprinting object and the supporting member are configured to move to the cylindrical pressurizing mechanism in a mutually non-contact state, and then at the position between the rolls, be pressurized by the cylindrical pressurizing mechanism in a state where the imprinting object is positioned between the belt-like mold and the supporting member.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a paper product, in which paper (M) in a particular form, and mixed with water, is subjected to pressure to form a compacted mass which involves, or includes, depositing the mix onto a first conveyor belt (10) and then progressively forming the conveyor belt into an upwardly open U-shape configuration and compressing the mix by means of a second conveyor belt (20) guided to progressively enter the first conveyor belt and progressively compact the mix.

Abstract: A press for flattening dough pieces comprising a frame supportable on a floor of a workplace, a moving conveyor belt connectable to said frame, a loading system for releasing the dough pieces loaded onto a moving upper surface of said conveyor belt, the dough pieces being released onto said upper surface essentially simultaneously as a matrix unit of multiple rows and multiple columns and at least one vertically and horizontally movable platen carried on said frame and positioned to compressingly engage the dough pieces.

Abstract: A system for providing shape and/or surface features to a moldable material includes, in an exemplary embodiment, at least two first opposed flat endless belts spaced apart a first distance, with each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The system also includes at least two second opposed flat endless belts disposed substantially orthogonal to the first two opposed endless belts and spaced apart a second distance. A mold cavity is defined at least in part by the inner surfaces of the at least two opposed flat endless belts. The system further includes a drive mechanism for imparting motion to at least two of the opposed flat endless belts.

Abstract: An embossing station for an embossing apparatus is provided for transferring a transfer layer of an embossing film on to an element to be embossed upon, in particular a flat element to be embossed upon which is stable in respect of shape. The embossing station has two support rollers which are spaced from each other and which are in mutually axis-parallel relationship and at least one deflection roller which is spaced from the support rollers and which is in axis-parallel relationship with the support rollers. An embossing belt is deflected around the support rollers and the at least one deflection roller. Provided between the two support rollers is a support body which supports the embossing belt and which has a sliding surface which is in the tangential plane connecting the two support rollers together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming laminate composite structures. At least two laminae, each containing electrically conductive reinforcing fibers, are placed upon each other in contacting relationship to form a generally layered structure. The layered structure may be subjected to heat to conductively transfer heat through the layered structure and thereby improve the surface contact between the two laminae. The layered structure is volumetrically heated by inductively transferring energy to the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. The heated, layered structure is consolidated, such as by applying pressure and reducing the temperature of the layered structure. The consolidated structure is then quenched by rapidly cooling the consolidated structure in a directionally controlled manner about a midplane thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flexing a web is disclosed. The web passes over two co-rotating members, such as rollers or belts, which are separated by a small adjustable gap. The web travels around the first rotating member, is peeled off in the vicinity of the gap, bent back on itself in a small radius and reattached on the second co-rotating member. The location of the small radius is fixed with a closed loop control system sensing the radius location and controlling the relative velocity of the two members. Strain in the web is adjusted with the size of the small radius, which is controlled by the adjustable gap and radius location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flexing a web is disclosed. The web passes over two co-rotating members, such as rollers or belts, which are separated by a small adjustable gap. The web travels around the first rotating member, is peeled off in the vicinity of the gap, bent back on itself in a small radius and reattached on the second co-rotating member. The location of the small radius is fixed with a closed loop control system sensing the radius location and controlling the relative velocity of the two members. Strain in the web is adjusted with the size of the small radius, which is controlled by the adjustable gap and radius location.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a unit for manufacturing felts (6) which are formed from crosslinked mineral fibers, comprising at least one pair of conveyors formed by a lower conveyor (11) and an upper conveyor (12) which are placed opposite each other and intended to compress said felt (6) in at least one direction, a means (13) for heat treating the felt (6) after it has passed through the conveyors (11, 12) comprising at least one means (14) placed between the conveyors (11, 12) and the heat treatment means (13), intended to prevent decompression of the felt (6) in this region, said means comprising at least one cam (14) having a profile suitable for keeping a constant and minimum distance between the conveyors (11, 12) and the heat treatment means (13), and in that at least one of the conveyors is rigidly connected to one element of the heat treatment means (13).

Abstract: A pressing apparatus for continuous pressing of panels, which apparatus consists of two pressure chambers juxtaposed with a vertical clearance. Each of the chambers occupying a platen in a sealed sliding contact to the vertical inner side walls of the chamber. The mutual distance of the platens define the clearance. A transport band is in sliding contact to the platen of each chamber. The chambers are pressurized. The platen edges in contact with the band are provided with a seal having a protrusion directed towards the middle area of the platen, and means are provided to exert and maintain a pressure in the volume defined by the platen, the band and the seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for cooling material during continuous vacuum forming. The apparatus includes one or more cooling regions positioned adjacent one or more vacuum regions. A rotatable support belt including perforations therein supports a flexible patterned belt. The flexible patterned belt includes apertures spaced along the length and width thereof. The one or more cooling regions provide a cooling fluid to be drawn through the apertures in the flexible patterned belt to form an area of cooling fluid on the flexible patterned belt which contacts a bottom surface of a hot material received on the flexible patterned belt in order to cool the bottom surface of the material and the flexible patterned belt. The vacuum regions are in fluid flow communication with the perforations of the support belt and the apertures of the flexible patterned belt for drawing the material onto the flexible patterned belt.

Abstract: A continuous forming apparatus for molding foam material into foam products that includes a first endless belt and a second endless belt that cooperates with the first endless belt to mold the foam material. The continuous forming apparatus may also include a first plurality of cleats and a second plurality of cleats opposed to the first plurality of cleats that support the first endless belt and the second endless belt respectively. The first plurality of cleats may include a three-dimensional abutment surface that provides transverse and lateral support to the first endless belt. Additionally, the continuous forming apparatus may include a first frame disposed to support the first plurality of cleats, a second frame disposed to support the second plurality of cleats, and a drive mechanism for imparting motion to the first endless belt, the second endless belt, the first plurality of cleats, and the second plurality of cleats.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for processing food products and utilizes a series of guides for moving platens through several operative zones to press a food product intermediate. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming generally flat dough products such as tortillas, taco shells, snacks and the like by gradually pressing a dough intermediate between movable platens that are disposed on concentric, endless belts.

Abstract: Foam sheets are continuously produced by metering foam particles, which are free of any added binder or adhesive, from a storage location onto a moving conveyor at a controlled volumetric rate so as to continuously form a layer of the particles on the conveyor, heating the layer of particles to a temperature sufficient to render the particles tacky such that the particles adhere to one another so as to form a substantially integral sheet, compressing the sheet with a compression device that applies pressure on the advancing sheet so as to compress the sheet to a smaller thickness and enhance the integrity of the sheet; and cooling the compressed sheet.

Abstract: Method for forming large-dimension ceramic tiles comprising the following operative stages: feeding a determined quantity of powders into the mould cavity of a first pressing station; pressing said quantity of powders to obtain a slab of congruent material the thickness of which is reduced by a quantity between 20 and 40%; feeding said slab to at least one decorating station which deposits in a controlled manner at least a second layer of powders; feeding said decorated slab to a second pressing station; pressing the decorated slab.

Abstract: A method for the production of a wood composite board is provided that comprises the steps of: providing a quantity of wood in the form of strands; coating the wood strands with a binder composition to from coated strands; forming a mat from the coated strands; exposing said mat to steam; ventilating steam; and pressing the mat, at a high temperature, to form the wood composite board having a final thickness.

Abstract: The apparatus for forming large dimension ceramic tiles includes at least one first pressing unit (2) connected to at least one second pressing unit (4) by a conveying system (3) with which there may be associated at least one decorating unit for surface-finishing the blank formed by the at least one first forming unit, the at least one second pressing unit including two mutually movable superposed dies (7, 6), the lower of which is fixed and is positioned at the level of the conveying system, and the upper of which is movable in level between a raised position in which it awaits the arrival of the blank, and a lowered position in which it compacts the blank.

Abstract: A system for providing shape and/or surface features to a moldable material includes, in an exemplary embodiment, at least two first opposed flat endless belts spaced apart a first distance, with each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The system also includes at least two second opposed flat endless belts disposed substantially orthogonal to the first two opposed endless belts and spaced apart a second distance. A mold cavity is defined at least in part by the inner surfaces of the at least two opposed flat endless belts. The system further includes a drive mechanism for imparting motion to at least two of the opposed flat endless belts.

Abstract: Installation to produce reinforced concrete parts, including a first conveyor (1) on which the model of the parts to be produced is carried out, a second conveyor (2) for the part drying and an outlet (3) to withdraw the formed parts, being formed the first conveyor (1) of a metal sheet band, on which a marking pencil (12) carries out the drawing to determine the forms of the parts, forming the cases of the mentioned forms respect to some continuous side bands (11) which are situated on the metal belt (1) in combined movement with it.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for continuously producing an artificial marble plate capable of simultaneously and uniformly hardening a raw material compound for an artificial marble plate, preventing the warpage of the artificial marble plate, and improving heat transmission efficiency and productivity. The apparatus includes upper and lower carrier films facing each other and receiving a raw material compound for the artificial marble plate into a gap therebetween; upper and lower horizontal heating plates receiving the upper and lower carrier films into a gap therebetween, each including temperature controller and heater for heating upper and lower surfaces of the raw material compound at the same temperature by the same heat transmission manner to harden the raw material compound; and a pair of gaskets disposed at horizontal edges of the upper and lower carrier films for regulating thickness and width of the artificial marble plate obtained by hardening the raw material compound.

Abstract: Endless steel band for belt presses, especially double belt presses, with a thickness between 2 mm to 4 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, which is turned around on drums of the belt press, and whose surface has a maximum medium roughness up to RZ 50.5 ?m, in which a plurality of depressions are provided starting from the surface of the steel strip and extending into the steel strip, the depressions being substantially evenly distributed and reaching from the surface of the steel strip 200 ?m to 600 ?m deep into the steel band. Such steel band can be used for the production of plates, preferably wood-based plates, especially chipboards, with elevations.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a dough strand from a preferably large-volume dough mixture (28) has a receptacle (2) for holding this dough mixture, which is provided at the bottom with a discharge opening (4) for the dough. Connected to this discharge opening are two shafts (6) arranged so as to be parallel to one another and driven in opposite directions in order to effect a downward movement of the dough. The shafts (6) are provided with profiles acting on the dough which are formed by star arms (5). The shafts (6) are arranged so as to be fixed and are driven in a timed manner for the rotary movement. The star arms (5), of which there is an even number for each shaft (6), in the position directed towards one another block the downward flow of dough therethrough over the major part of the axial length of the shaft (6).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a densified surface layer on a thermoplastic blanket. The apparatus includes first and second continuous belts, a treatment zone defined between those belts, first and second heating and densifying units and a cooler downstream from the heating and densifying units. The method includes the steps of continuously forming a densified surface layer on a face of a thermoplastic blanket and making the thermoplastic blanket with the densified surface layer to a desired thickness within strict dimensional tolerances. A densified thermoplastic blanket product is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a microwave preheat press. The microwave preheat press includes a first and a second press section which define a press passage therebetween. A compression belt movable along the press passage is contiguous with one of the press sections. The press passage is configured such that it has an initial press section leading into a final press section. A microwave generator is in communication with a microwave waveguide applicator structure assembly such that microwave energy is created and transmitted through the microwave waveguide assembly into the initial compression section.

Abstract: The present invention is a microwave preheat press. The microwave preheat press includes a first and a second press section which define a press passage therebetween. A compression belt movable along the press passage is contiguous with one of the press sections. The press passage is configured such that it has an initial press section leading into a final press section. A microwave generator is in communication with a microwave waveguide applicator structure assembly such that microwave energy is created and transmitted through the microwave waveguide assembly into the initial compression section.

Abstract: A flexible graphite sheet exhibiting enhanced isotropy is provided. In addition, an apparatus, system and method for continuously producing a resin-impregnated flexible graphite sheet is also provided.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for embossing thermoplastic products having precise microstructured surfaces including using a continuous press having upper and lower belts with the embossing pattern(s); feeding thermoplastic material through the press where heat and pressure are applied to form the embossed pressure microstructure, and cooling the embossed material, all while maintaining pressure. A continuous embossing tool is provided by welding segments together, the welds including interface material at the weld joint which is of a different material than the segment material to increase the tensile strength.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for curing fibrous insulation material includes an oven, and a lower conveyor mounted to travel through the oven. The lower conveyor includes a plurality of flights having a support surface for supporting fibrous insulation material. An upper conveyor is mounted to travel through the oven and has a plurality of flights opposite the flights of the lower conveyor. Each flight of the upper conveyor includes a support surface. The upper and lower conveyors are arranged to press the fibrous insulation material between the respective support surfaces as the conveyors carry the fibrous insulation material through the oven. A plurality of molding members are configured to mold a shape into a surface of the fibrous insulation material, and are releasably retained on the flights by a plurality of retaining members. The retaining members are automatically releasable when the flights are moving, such that the releasing of the retaining members unlocks the molding members from the flights.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a densified surface layer on a thermoplastic blanket. The apparatus includes first and second continuous belts, a treatment zone defined between those belts, first and second heating and densifying units and a cooler downstream from the heating and densifying units. The method includes the steps of continuously forming a densified surface layer on a face of a thermoplastic blanket and making the thermoplastic blanket with the densified surface layer to a desired thickness within strict dimensional tolerances. A densified thermoplastic blanket product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous belt press has upper and lower platens defining a horizontal gap. Upper and lower upstream drums and downstream are rotatable on the frame about respective horizontal drum axes at the upstream and downstream ends of the gap. Upper and lower endless steel belts spanned over the respective upper and lower drums each have a working stretch supported by respective upper and lower sets of rollers on the respective platens. Each belt has a pair of edges projecting transversely past the respective rollers and at least one of the drums of each of the belts has a substantially cylindrical central region of a predetermined central diameter bearing through the respective rollers on the working stretch of the respective belt and a pair of edge formations of smaller diameter than the central-region diameter lying outside the central region and in engagement with the edges of the respective belt.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a windable carbonaceous material sheet, which is obtained by continuously curing a long uncured fiber sheet which is obtained by using short fibers to make paper and which contains uncured resin to produce a resin-impregnated cured sheet, and then continuously carbonizing it, and its production process.

Abstract: Method for forming an air laid fibrous web, wherein an air born fiber stream is laid on a web shaped forming member, such as a wire, and the air laid fibrous web is bonded together. The air laid fibrous web is fed between two web-shaped forming members and bonding of the fibrous web takes place either when this is located between the two web-shaped forming members or immediately after one forming member has left the fibrous web.

Abstract: An improved conveyor belt laminator for making foam core panels has an internal floating drive mechanism (2, 3), a sliding deckle system (52), a hinged plate front end section (69) to control the rolling bank of foam, hydraulic controls, and is manufacturable from readily available, standard, structural steel components.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for curing fibrous insulation material includes an oven, and a lower conveyor mounted to travel through the oven. The lower conveyor includes a plurality of flights having a support surface for supporting fibrous insulation material. An upper conveyor is mounted to travel through the oven and has a plurality of flights opposite the flights of the lower conveyor. Each flight of the upper conveyor includes a support surface. The upper and lower conveyors are arranged to press the fibrous insulation material between the respective support surfaces as the conveyors carry the fibrous insulation material through the oven. A plurality of molding members are configured to mold a shape into a surface of the fibrous insulation material, and are releasably retained on the flights by a plurality of retaining members. The retaining members are automatically releasable when the flights are moving, such that the releasing of the retaining members unlocks the molding members from the flights.

Abstract: Continuous molding process and apparatus forms a hot melt of thermoplastic material against a mandrel disposed between revolving belt molds to make hollow product having surface patterns and textures of a variable configuration. The hot melt is delivered to the nip region of the revolving belt molds. The mandrel extends downstream of the nip region and provides resistance to the molding pressure to prevent the collapse of the hot molded product and to define the size and shape of the hollow in the formed product until it cools and sets.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a unit for manufacturing felts (6) which are formed from crosslinked mineral fibers, comprising at least one pair of conveyors formed by a lower conveyor (11) and an upper conveyor (12) which are placed opposite each other and intended to compress said felt (6) in at least one direction, a means (13) for heat treating the felt (6) after it has passed through the conveyors (11, 12) comprising at least one means (14) placed between the conveyors (11, 12) and the heat treatment means (13), intended to prevent decompression of the felt (6) in this region, said means comprising at least one cam (14) having a profile suitable for keeping a constant and minimum distance between the conveyors (11, 12) and the heat treatment means (13), and in that at least one of the conveyors is rigidly connected to one element of the heat treatment means (13).

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing cement fiber sheets by supplying slurry primarily including fibers and cement as main material components onto a permeable sheet, and suctioning and dewatering the slurry. The method includes a foreign matter removing operation for removing foreign matter in the slurry material before supplying it to the permeable sheet, a thickness control operation for bringing the slurry to a specified thickness after the foreign matter removing process, and a leveling operation for smoothing the slurry surface after the thickness control process. Thus, treatment for foreign matter contained in slurry as well as thickness control, is throughly carried out, so that the product surface quality is ensured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing hopper for producing wood material panels with a feed device (2), which distributes the supplied material flow of glued wood particles continuously over the width of the hopper (1). The dosing hopper is characterized in that it is provided for elongated flat wood strands (strands) for producing oriented structural chip boards or panels (OSB, LSL). In this regard, the feed device (2) is embodied so that it includes a weighing device (23), with the aid of which the wood strands (strands) are distributable over the entire hopper width in a weight-dosed and oriented manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing hopper for producing panels with oriented chips (OSB, LSL), which is arranged above a spreading head and includes an apparatus for the pre-orientation (7) of the elongated flat wood strands (strands). This dosing hopper is characterized in that an oscillating conveyor or a parallel conveyor is provided below the pre-orientation apparatus (7), which conveyor distributes the pre-oriented wood strands in their pre-oriented position continuously over the entire hopper width.