Abstract: A system is disclosed for attaching in a needling apparatus, such as a needle loom, tacker and the like, a plurality of needle boards to a plurality of needle beams in alignment therewith. A plurality of needle boards having upwardly extending attachment members are supported on a plurality of needle board carts which are movable into the needling apparatus to a position underling one of the needle beams for attachment thereto. The carts are supported by the stripper plate as they move through the needle zone. Each of the carts includes a locator member for alignment of the needle board therewith when supported on the cart. The carts and support needle boards are raised for engagement with the needle beam by operation of the stripper plate. The needle beams include a support plate having a plurality of openings for receiving therethrough the attachment members of a corresponding needle board, thereby aligning the needle board at a predetermined position to the needle beam.

Abstract: A tank with a generally flat, rectilinear bottom wall receives raw water for clarification by flotation. An array of lamellae define a set of generally vertically oriented channels. Flotation occurs in each channel. The channels are preferably inclined. A pair of endless chains or the like rotate alongside the tank to move a succession of mutually spaced, paddle-like lamellae through the tank. Sliding seals secured to the edge or edges of the lamellae isolate individual channels, or groups of channels, as they move through the tank. The channels lock and move a column of water through the tank with substantially no turbulence.

Abstract: A device for controlling the rotor in a paper stock refiner to locate the rotor in a neutral position in the stator during start-up and shut-down, at which time uneven stock flow and unequal hydraulic pressures may occur tending to move the rotor off floating center so that its refiner surfaces shift toward and possibly into damaging engagement with the stator refiner surfaces. During full operation the rotor shaft is released for normal self-centering or adjustment relative to the stator.

Abstract: A disk segment for use in a pulp refiner whereby a first portion of a side edge of the disk is offset relative to a second portion of the same side edge. The cooperating adjacent segment has substantially mating offset edges which cooperate with the adjacent segment in an overlapping and spaced apart relation.