Abstract: Discrete elongated pieces of material are electrostatically oriented by cascading a multitude of such pieces through an orienting zone for deposit as a mat on an insulating belt or mat-support surface. An electrical current is passed through the mat to produce a directional electric field immediately above the mat parallel to the electric field of the orienting zone. Distortions in the electric field which result as the thickness of the mat increases or as the width of the orientation cell is reduced are avoided by varying the strength of the electric field along the length of the mat being formed to achieve a surface potential distribution (electric field) at the upper surface of the mat in the mat-forming zone which is essentially equal to the electric potential distribution between the vertically charged plates of the orienting zone.

Abstract: The apparatus described is designed to distribute particles of lignocellulosic material falling by gravity uniformly over the inlet area of an electrostatic orientation unit. The particles are metered onto a conveyor belt which discharges an even flow of particles between a pair of contrarotating squirrel-cage rolls whose direction of rotation is such that one part of the flow of particles passes between the rolls and two other parts of the flow are deflected outwardly from the contrarotating rolls. The three portions of the particle flow from the contrarotating rolls are directed respectively to larger squirrel-cage distribution rolls positioned within distribution chambers beneath the contrarotating rolls for even distribution. Various vanes and deflectors are provided to direct the flow of particles within the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for forming and electrostatically orienting a mat of discrete particles of lignocellulosic material on an electrically non-conductive transfer surface and then transferring the directionally oriented mat onto a grounded, moving, electrically conductive mat receiving surface under the continuing influence of an electrostatic field without loss of orientation of the particles of lignocellulosic material making up the mat.

Abstract: Methods are presented for continuous-line manufacture of composition board from furnish which is moved in a continuous-flow manner through a processing line and distributed for deposition at a uniform rate over a preselected area to continuously form a mat for compaction.Commercially economical production flow rates are achieved with a lightweight refined wood furnish to form fiberboard having directional properties without relying on pneumatic impulsion while uniformly distributed furnish is delivered substantially free of air turbulence effects enabling fiber orientation by means of an electrical field.Control of movement and accurate metering of furnish are facilitated by continuously over-feeding furnish into the processing line and returning excess furnish as part of an initial distribution of furnish over one dimension of the mat to be formed.

Abstract: A continuous method and apparatus are disclosed for forming and electrostatically orienting a mat of discrete particles of lignocellulosic material on an electrically nonconductive transfer surface and then transferring the directionally oriented mat onto a grounded, moving, electrically conductive mat receiving surface under the continuing influence of an electrostatic field without loss of orientation of the particles of lignocellulosic material making up the mat.

Abstract: Continuous-line methods and apparatus for orientation and uniform deposition of fibers to enhance directional properties in and production rates of fiberboard produced from lightweight fibrous furnish.A plurality of elongated rod electrodes are predeterminedly spaced over the area of fiber deposition to establish an electric field exerting a torque on discrete fibers tending to orient longitudinal axes of the fibers in the plane of the mat being formed and aligned with the machine forming direction for such mat. Placement of the rod electrodes and controlled rotation about their longitudinal axes yield a combination of electrical and mechanical forces to provide desired orientation and uniformity of deposition over the full area of deposition.Directional properties measured in the compacted and cured fiberboard establish that effective orientation ratios of longitudinal axes of fibers in the preferred direction of 1.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for continuous-line manufacture of composition board from furnish which is moved in a continuous-flow manner through a processing line and distributed for deposition at a uniform rate over a preselected area to continuously form a mat for compaction.Commercially economical production flow rates are achieved with a lightweight refined wood furnish to form fiberboard having directional properties without relying on pneumatic impulsion while uniformly distributed furnish is delivered substantially free of air turbulence effects enabling fiber orientation by means of an electrical field.Control of movement and accurate metering of furnish are facilitated by continuously over-feeding furnish into the processing line and returning excess furnish as part of an initial distribution of furnish over one dimension of the mat to be formed.