Abstract: A filter press and method for separating solids from a slurry. The filter press includes a plurality of plates which are held in a sealed and contacting relationship with one another to form a plate stack. The plate stack includes alternating diaphragm-type squeeze plates and cloth-type chamber plates whereby two adjacent plates form a filter chamber therebetween for filtering the slurry. The diaphragm-type squeeze plates include a thin liquid impermeable diaphragm or membrane having a uniform thickness for greater flexibility and heat transfer.

Abstract: An air flow sensor and method for filling a filter press which detects slowing and/or intermittent stoppage of the feed pump and signals a controller associated with a pressure regulator to increase the pressure of the air supplied to the feed pump. The air flow sensor includes a spring-biased piston slidably movable within a housing, which piston defines a flow passage therein and carries a magnet thereon. A switching device is mounted on the housing and detects the position of the piston magnet, and when the piston approaches the closed position, the switching device transmits a signal to step-up the air pressure to the feed pump.

Abstract: A geometrically integrated microcircuit comprises a plurality of isosceles or equilateral truncated triangular (e.g., trapezoidal or hexagonal) integrated circuit chips or circuit boards arranged along the internal planes of a geometrical solid, such as a cube or cuboctahedron, to form a crystallike cell. The chips have beveled interfacing edge faces which include metal dowels, such as frozen mercury, providing both mechanical and electrical interconnections between the chips. The chips have opposed truncated edge faces including optical transceivers for transmitting and receiving signals along a line of sight between remote, coplanar chips across a central opening in each cell. Multiple such cells can be stacked in a regular three-dimensional array with the edge faces of the chips in adjoining cells aligned and interconnected along their length. Additional transceivers in other truncated edges of the chips are connected via optical fibers to external input/output devices or to other cells.

Abstract: A bagging machine for automatically covering a loaded pallet with a bag formed from a tubing of material such as heat-shrink film. The tubing is fed by drive rollers to a pair of inclined vacuum belt units which open the tubing and pass it downward to gathering arm assemblies. The tubing is collected on the gathering arm assemblies until the appropriate length of bag has been fed by the driver rollers. A cut-and-seal mechanism then cuts the tubing and seals the end of the bag. The belt units complete the feeding of the bag onto the gathering arm assemblies and the assemblies are lowered over the loaded pallet. The bagging machine also includes means for automatically centering the loaded pallet under the belt units.

Abstract: A bagging machine for automatically covering a loaded pallet with a bag formed from a tubing of resilient film. The tubing is fed by drive rollers down into the machine where vacuum heads grasp the sides of the tubing and spread it open. Fingers are then inserted and when an appropriate length of tubing is fed onto the fingers, a cut-and-seal mechanism cuts the tubing and seals the end of the bag. The fingers retract to further open and stretch the bag. The carriage in which the fingers are mounted is then lowered and the bag is fed onto the load.

Abstract: In a bagging machine for covering a loaded pallet with a bag formed from a tubing of material such as heat-shrink film, a centering device for centering the pallet within the bagging machine. A trolley is mounted for movement across the face of the pallet and is used to place the load within the bagging machine. Means is provided for moving the trolley across the face of the load. Further, means is provided for sensing the side of the load when the trolley is centered with the load, with the sensing means being coupled to the trolley for movement therewith.