Abstract: A process for increasing the surface area yield of a tanned hide while improving the surface characteristics of leather resulting from the hide, the invention includes the method steps of freezing the tanned hide or splits from the hide followed by mechanical compression of the hide or splits, such as by biaxial rolling or the like, to substantially increase the yield from a given hide. A hide may be frozen in a planar configuration before splitting, the present process contemplating splitting of the frozen hide prior to mechanical compression to increase useable yield. Alternatively, the hide can be conventionally split followed by optional shaving of the splits with the splits then being frozen and subsequently subjected to mechanical compression according to the invention. The present process also includes apparatus for practice of the process and methodology relating to preconditioning of a hide and to the drying of the compressed splits.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously forming a succession of individual, full width, weft yarns by means of a turret rotating in a horizontal plane on a vertical axis and carrying a plurality of weft yarn packages. The weft yarns are drawn off the packages to full width by two pairs of belts, carrying spaced pairs of pins, advancing along a generally horizontal path parallel to the plane of the turret and parallel to the plane in which the weft strands travel, then cut off at full width and spread out by clamp belts and cables to extend laterally and horizontally across the machine. A plurality of warp yarns, each carrying adhesive are laid on the weft yarns and the resulting skrim unitized on a heated drum with the assistance of heated air from a blower.

Abstract: A system for making self-supporting scrim is described. The apparatus includes a net forming means in which scrim yarns are arranged in overlapping pattern such as a criss-cross net; a net carrier and support for continuously advancing the criss-cross yarn net along a path; an adhesive supply means positioned along the path for applying an adhesive onto the advancing yarn net between the criss-cross yarns; and, an adhesive setting means positioned along the path for advancing the yarn net along the path while maintaining the individual yarns of the net substantially immoveable with respect to one another until the adhesive sets. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the adhesive setting means includes a pair of endless belts which engage surfaces on opposite sides of the yarn net so as to apply sandwiching pressure to the yarns and to advance the net.

Abstract: A permanently installed lubrication system supplies grease under constant pressure to bearings, or other mechanism at near or remote locations, by means of constant spring tension rather than conventional coil spring expansion on a piston, or plunger, head. Influent and effluent fluid conduit connections into the piston head cylinder permit absolute or differential pressures from about 26 to about 185 pounds per square inch. A pair of back to back constant pressure, coiled band springs exert constant tension and are supported between a pair of T-shaped plates affixed to one end of an elongated, hollow tubular housing.