Abstract: A set of passive display cells are manufactured by providing two superimposed glass plates on which there has been deposited groups of conductive layers in a matrix configuration. A peripheral closed belt of thermoplastic material is provided between the two plates and a set of open belts of thermoplastic material having openings is provided surrounding the groups of conductive layers. The closed belt is sealed so as to realize a closed space between the two plates. In a vessel where there is a higher pressure, the softening of the closed and open belts is produced. The two plates are then brought closer to each other under the effect of the overpressure up to a distance determined by spacing elements contained in the material of the open belts which material then is hardened. A side of the outer belt is eliminated and the cells are filled with a liquid crystal under vacuum. The cells then are separated from each other still under vacuum, and the openings of the open belts are closed.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a fiber bed element made up of a roving of fibers axially packed in the annulus formed by a pair of concentric screens, wherein structure is provided for holding and rotating the screens in a concentric positioning on the lowermost of a pair of vertically aligned platforms. A roving of staple fibers is fed into the annulus through a tube supported by the upper platform and a packing mechanism mounted on the upper platform packs the roving as it is fed into the annulus. The lower platform is moved downward as the roving is fed into the annulus, in order to maintain a uniform packing force.Downward movement of the lower platform is controlled by a control system which senses packing force and moves the lower platform downward in response to this packing force to maintain a uniform packing density.