Abstract: A method and apparatus for more effectively squeezing moisture from wood chips and/or other "green" biomass materials. A press comprising a generally closed chamber having a laterally movable base at the lower end thereof, and a piston or ram conforming in shape to the cross-section of the chamber is adapted to periodically receive a charge of biomass material to be dehydrated. The ram is forced against the biomass material with suffcient force to compress the biomass and to crush the matrix in which moisture is contained within the material with the face of the ram being configured to cause a preferential flow of moisture from the center of the mass outwardly to the grooved walls of the chamber. Thus, the moisture is effectively squeezed from the biomass and flows through the grooves formed in the walls of the chamber to a collecting receptacle and is not drawn back into the mass by capillary action when the force is removed from the ram.

Abstract: A compression shear test jig for determining the internal shear strength of the weakest plane of a wood fiber or particle panel product. The test jig comprises an upper and lower loading head adapted to be used in conjunction with a universal testing machine or press. The upper and lower loading heads are each provided with a sample engaging face disposed at substantially a 45.degree. angle. These faces are in parallel spaced apart relation. The bottom end of the lower face and top end of the upper face are each provided with a sample restraining element. The lower head body includes a base which rests upon a low friction surface permitting unrestrained lateral movement to occur as shear strain develops. Preferably the upper loading head includes a pivoted cap so that compressive force is applied uniformly. The sample engaging faces are preferably formed in separable face plates which are adjustable relative to the loading head bodies to compensate for samples of different thicknesses.