Abstract: A method is provided that includes receiving process-related information describing a process for production of a product, including a logical sequence of tasks to produce respective internal products of the process. The method also includes constructing a schedule for the process based on the process-related information, with the process schedule being for execution of at least some of the tasks each of which utilizes or requires inputs including temporally a last input. Construction of the process schedule includes separating each of at least some of the respective tasks into a closure portion that requires availability of the last input of its task before being initiated, and a distinct precursor portion capable of being initiated before the respective last input is available. The closure portions of the respective tasks may be temporally sequenced without intervening precursor portions, and the precursor portions may be prepended to respective, temporally-sequenced closure portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the manufacture of improved molded pulp products are disclosed wherein foraminous molds disposed over openings in a liquid impervious belt are moved beneath the surface of a flowing furnish and suction is applied to draw liquid through the molds and deposit a layer of pulp on each mold. Thereafter, the pulp deposit on each mold is simultaneously subjected to a generally uniform pressing with a second belt and suction which forms a smooth exposed surface on the pulp deposit and removes a portion of the liquid therein.

Abstract: An expandable chuck for rotatably supporting a longitudinal roll, such as a tissue supply roll for a folding machine, having a hollow cylindrical core. Pneumatically inflatable tube members are mounted on spaced wheel members, which are in turn mounted on a cylindrical sleeve rotatably mounted on a support shaft. The tube members are pneumatically interconnected and the chuck is fully controllable from either end for insertion in or removal from the core of a roll by valve and vent means adjacent each end of the chuck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for making a molded pulp product such as a plate or the like which has an upper liquid impervious layer integrally secured thereon. The pulp product is formed on a foraminous mold and, together with the mold, is heated to the softening temperature of a liquid impervious thermoplastic sheet material which is caused to be cut to size by engagement with a cutting edge on the mold whereafter the severed portion is drawn by suction and bonded to a selected surface area of the pulp product.