Abstract: A reinforced railroad crosstie formed by molding and bonding comminuted lignocellulosic material into a monolithic beam around a plurality of reinforcing rods, each of which has a plurality of spaced protrusions fixedly attached along its length at specific positions relative to the midpoint of the tie and the rails mounted thereon. The reinforcing rods are positioned within the crosstie proximate lines of maximum tensile stresses expected to be induced into the tie by different bending influences caused by passing trains and varying conditions of the underlying ballast. The protrusions are configured and spaced in pairs on either side of respective points of maximum expected stress to ensure maximum transfer of each stress from the lignocellulosic material to the rods. The rods are also positioned within the crosstie so as to avoid contact with the spikes employed to fasten the rail to the tie.

Abstract: A reinforced railroad crosstie formed by molding and bonding comminuted lignocellulosic material into a monolithic beam around a plurality of wooden reinforcing members which have relatively clear and straight grain, a high modulus of rupture and a high modulus of elasticity and are able to withstand a high amount of compression without crushing. The reinforcing members are positioned within the crosstie proximate lines of maximum tensile stresses expected to be induced in the tie by different bending influences caused by passing trains and varying conditions of the underlying ballast. The members are also positioned within the crosstie so as to avoid interference with the spikes employed to fasten the rail to the tie.

Abstract: A process for making a particle board of substantial continuous thickness utilizing any of a wide assortment of comminuted lignocellulosic materials. The particle board is prepared by mixing dried lignocellulosic particles with one or more thermosetting or thermoplastic adhesive binders in predetermined proportions, and placing a measured amount of the resultant mixture in an elongate mold where it is bonded together under the influence of pressure and heat. The mold includes a movable pressure plate forming the top of an enclosure within which the material is compressed to a predetermined thickness by pressure applied to the exterior of the plate. The thickness of the compressed mixture is substantial, so as to enable the production of particle board pieces having sufficient continuous solid thickness that they may be used for such applications as dimension lumber or railroad ties, or may be sawed into multiple thinner pieces for other applications such as siding.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a particle board product manufactured from the wood waste of sawmills, such waste preferably comprising cedar or redwood bark, sawdust and shavings. The product may also be made from certain non-wood fibrous vegetable materials, such as bagasse. The particle board is prepared by mixing dried sawmill waste or other fibrous material of substantially uniform particle size with phenolic resin and wax in predetermined proportions, and placing a measured amount of the resultant mixture in an elongate mold where it is bonded together under the influence of heat and pressure. The mold includes a moveable pressure plate forming the top of an enclosure within which the material is compressed to a predetermined thickness by pressure applied to the exterior of the plate. The thickness of the cmpressed mixture is substantial, so as to enable continuous solid pieces of the processed material later to be cut to standard dimension lumber sizes.