Abstract: A method of preparing a cellulosic article includes a step of combining cellulosic material and binder resin to form treated cellulosic material. A mat is formed of a plurality of layers of the treated cellulosic material. The method also includes the steps of interfering with bonding of resin between two adjacent layers of the mat, and applying heat and pressure to the mat to form a cellulosic composite article having an internal blistered pattern. A consolidated cellulosic article includes a consolidated cellulosic mat and a layer of blisters disposed in the consolidated cellulosic mat.

Abstract: A fiberboard mat, whether made by a dry process, a wet process, or dry/wet combination thereof, can be consolidated against a fiber displacement die, contacting and penetrating into a back major surface of the fiberboard mat, to provide fiber-void regions, to achieve a lighter panel, while achieving fiber savings and while maintaining structural integrity and substantially uniform density in the fiber-containing regions. The fiber displacement die includes a plurality of pointed projections that serve to laterally displace fibers, during consolidation of the mat. The displaced fibers are held in their displaced position during the consolidation of the fiberboard mat to provide a consolidated panel having substantially uniform density, or at least a substantially more uniform density, that varies substantially in caliper due to the fiber-void regions.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the design of backing dies utilized with front, decorative embossing dies for the simultaneous production and embossing of wood composite panels. The methods apply where more than one decorative pattern is embossed onto the wood composite panels during a single press cycle. The cross-sectional area or volume of the panels impressed with each different decorative pattern forms the basis for the methods of the design. Included are methods of forming wood composite panels using dies made according to the disclosed die design methods.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the design of backing dies utilized with front, decorative embossing dies for the simultaneous production and embossing of wood composite panels. The methods apply where more than one decorative pattern is embossed onto the wood composite panels during a single press cycle. The cross-sectional area or volume of the panels impressed with each different decorative pattern forms the basis for the methods of the design. Included are methods of forming wood composite panels using dies made according to the disclosed die design methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping first and second separable components comprising a support member having an inclined surface fixed to the first component, a mounting stud fixed to the support member and extending therefrom, and a clamping member slidably mounted on the stud and movable between a clamping position and a detached position is provided. The clamping member is adapted to frictionally engage both the second component and the inclined surface of the support member when in a clamping position and to retain the first component adjacent to the second component during thermal expansion of the second component.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping first and second separable components comprising a support member having an inclined surface fixed to the first component, a mounting stud fixed to the support member and extending therefrom, and a clamping member slidably mounted on the stud and movable between a clamping position and a detached position is provided. The clamping member is adapted to frictionally engage both the second component and the inclined surface of the support member when in a clamping position and to retain the first component adjacent to the second component during thermal expansion of the second component.

Abstract: A mechanized tree pruner is mounted on the boom of a prime mover so the pruning head can be moved up and down a standing tree. The head is comprised of a main frame on which is mounted two delimbing stations each of which has a pair of movable delimbing knife chains mounted on grapple type arms. Below each station is a positioning means for orienting the head with respect to the standing tree. When the arms are closed causing the knife chains to encircle the tree, upward movement of the pruning head will then result in all limbs and branches being severed as they are impacted by the knife chains.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved debarking device of the flail type. A plurality of elongated chain sections are mounted on a rotatable drum is substantially uniform rows. At least some of the chain sections have a lateral vibratory length less than the remaining chain sections.

Abstract: An improvement in a remotely controlled hook assembly that has a body with an eye and a releasable latch arm together with a slidable pin for locking the latch arm includes a cam surface mounted on the latch arm. The cam is in line and engagable with the bottom end of the slidable pin such that when the pin is to be moved to its uppermost position and locked, the operator merely rotates the latch arm using it as a lever arm to move the pin upwardly until it is locked in place.

Abstract: In logging and other handling operations, a cable is often looped about the elongated object and cinched tight through a choker hook assembly in order to transport the objects. A remotely controlled hook assembly has a body, including an eye for the passage of the cable and a releasable latch arm for grasping the end of the cable. Encased within the body is a slidable pin that serves to lock the latch arm and therefore the end of the cable. A positioning device is also within the housing and serves to rotate a catch member allowing the slidable pin to move downwardly, thereby releasing the latch arm and cable. A pair of appropriately sized and located springs serve to both move the sliding pin downwardly and to bias the pin upwardly. A radio controlled servo may be used as the positioning device.

Abstract: A check valve is secured to the base of an air deployable ram-air inflata bag attached in the crown of a parachute or decelerator. Upon descent, air is forced through an orifice in the valve thereby opening a flapper and inflating the bag while decelerating the downward velocity of a sonobuoy attached to the decelerator. Upon water entry, water flows into the bag and expands a sponge positioned in the valve thereby forcing the flapper against the orifice and preventing the escape of trapped air from the bag during low frequency vertical oscillation in a static floating position.